One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 40 20171006 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA Antique Manager Totei Villavert engages the pupils to a discussion on the benefits of the country's membership to ASEAN during the school forum at Anini-y Central School Anini-y, Antique. The PIA's info campaign on ASEAN is ongoing to raise public awareness on the Philippines' hosting of ASEAN Summit this year which is also the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN.

Oct. 2 - 8, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 40

DFA Cebu to increase online appointment slots PIA 7 CEBU CITY, Sept. 27(PIA) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) here is set to increase the number of passport appointments slots for Cebu to cater to the high volume of passport applications and renewal for the remaining months of this year.

DFA Cebu Executive Assistant Wendell Canque said at Kapihan sa PIA Cebu that there is already a request to increase the number of daily passport appointments for the months of October and November.

Ninety (90) slots were earlier added for September for DFA Cebu, said Canque.

He disclosed that the DFA Regional Consular Office in Mandaue City caters to 420 to 600 appointments daily. ―We cannot also raise it to a level which is beyond the processing capacity of the office,‖ Canque said.

First time applicants and those applying to renew their passports must all go through the online appointment system (OAS) at https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment to schedule an appointment.

All fields in the OAS form must be filled out properly or else it becomes invalid.

Canque advised first time passport applicants to bring with

them all the required documents when they show up for their appointment, which include the birth certificate, marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and valid government ID cards.

For renewal of passports, applicants only need to bring a valid ID and their old passport for e-passports or passports issued after 2010.

To those with passports issued before 2010, Canque said they will need to verify the applicant‘s identities again, as part of their security measures against fake or dual identities.

The OAS was implemented for the convenience of the applicants.

Priority lanes are available for pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and minors aged seven years old and below.

The fee for regular processing (20 working days) is P950, while expedited processing (10 working days) will cost P1,200.

If the applicant opts to have the passport delivered via courier, an additional P150 will be charged. (fcc/ PIA7-Cebu)

PRRD joins 116th Balangiga Encounter Day More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Association of Government Information Officers - Philippine Information Agency in Central Visayas (AGIO-PIA 7) Forum with the @Philippine Statistics Authority in Central Visayas (PSA-7).

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Consuelo B. Alarcon BALANGIGA E, Samar, Oct. 1 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte visited the municipality of Balangiga, Eastern Samar last September 28 to join the 116th commemoration of the Balangiga Encounter Day. Upon arrival, the chief executive was immediately accorded Foyer Honors by the military led by 8th Infantry Division Commander Major General Raul M. Farnacio. Thereafter, the President and Major General Farnacio proceeded towards the dais of the Balangiga Encounter Monument where the wreath laying ceremony was held in honor of the gallantry of those who fought against the American soldiers in an attack on September 28, 1901.

In his speech, the President expressed optimism that the Balangiga bells will be returned soonest as he paid homage to the Balangigan-ons who showed bravery, heroism and fearlessness against the American soldiers. ―I hope that Congress of America will give President Donald Trump prompt authority to return the bells,‖ Duterte said.

Reportedly, the government of the United States of America is looking for ways to resolve the issues surrounding the appeal for the return of the Balangiga bells.

The commemoration serves as a re-enactment of the gallantry of our forefathers who bravely fought against the American soldiers, the Company C of the 9th United States (US) Infantry Regiment, during the attack.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 2017, the President called on the US government to return the

Balangiga bells. However, in his message in Balangiga, he told the locals to give the Americans enough time for it may take a longer process.

Historically, several attempts to return the bells have been unsuccessful since 1957. One of these attempts was in 1997, when US President Bill Clinton agreed with former President Fidel Ramos to return the bells to the Philippines but it was opposed for it represented a significant part of the Wyoming‘s military heritage even if no one from Wyoming served in Balangiga, Eastern Samar. (ajc/cba/PIA8)

His Excellency President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the 116th commemoration of the Balangiga Encounter Day in Balangiga, Eastern Samar. (Screengrab from RTVM)

DA distributes P6.9 fisheries projects L. M. Lamasan

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 4 (PIA6) - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol led the conduct of ‗Biyaheng Bukid‘ fora and distribution of P6.9-million worth of fisheries livelihood projects in his recent visit to Negros Occidental.

Among of the facilities included in the fisheries livelihood ASEAN board in Borongan starts to projects are post-harvest kits, marine engines, fishing gears like crab draw crowds at the Borongan City pots and fish gill nets, fiberglass reinforced plastic boats and fish Transport Terminal, October 5, snack carts.

Another P1-million worth of market development assistance 2017. #PartneringforChangeEngagingtheWorld was also turned over to the Municipality of Pontevedra for the upgrading of its fish market section, a press release from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

In a multi-sectoral forum held in the Municipality of Ilog, Piñol vowed to provide P30-million credit facility to marginal and small farmers and fishers through the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program.

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

The program helps finance the production of crops, livestock, poultry and the requirements in fishing. Borrowers will repay only Also CLICK Here... six percent interest per year without collateral.

Some 50 units of fiberglass boats with engine and complete

accessories will be distributed to every coastal municipalities of the province, Piñol added.

Tilapia fingerlings, on the other hand, will be provided to Isabela town.

The DA chief likewise met with the sugar cane farmers and stakeholders to discuss their issues and concerns about the local sugar cane industry.

Meanwhile, according to Piñol, the appointment of Engr.

Hermenegildo Serafica as the new chairman for Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) would mean no abolition of SRA. ―The abolition of the SRA will really shake the industry. Please be comfortable. The SRA will be here to stay,‖ he assured.

Piñol assured that another Biyaheng Bukid forum will be held in the province to discuss matters in pursuit of the farmers and fisher folks welfare. He also hoped to see positive change among beneficiaries of various livelihood projects. ―This is not the first, I shall return. Do not waste what the government has given to you. I want to see changes in your lives after 2-3 years. And today is the start of that change in Region 6 area‖, he said. *(JCM/LML-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Yuppies suggest ways to keep ASEAN spirit alive By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 3 (PIA6) — The celebration of the 50th year of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Philippines‘ hosting of it, may soon be over but the spirit should remain alive among Filipinos, according to a group of young professionals.

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live Ledesma, senior information officer of the Metro Iloilo Water District said, a law should institutionalize the observance of ASEAN Day (August 8) or ASEAN Month in August for Filipinos to get updates on the ASEAN. Jezza Nepomoceno, Executive Assistant. Office of the Governor, Iloilo Province, said increasing the presence of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in social networking sites and applications can sustain the ASEAN spirit.

For May Castillo, regional information officer of the DSWD, continuing the IEC campaign, the forums, the information kiosks, will help the public embrace the ASEAN spirit. ―I like the initiatives spearheaded by the

PIA, and I hope the singing of the ASEAN hymn by government agencies should be continued,‖ Castillo said.

These suggestions were gathered during a focus group discussion facilitated by the PIA among selected professionals in Iloilo City recently.

The FGDs are strategies used by the PIA in generating and disseminating information on the ASEAN, where the Iloilo Infocen has already conducted one with village officials, another for student paper writers and the latest with the professionals.

Maureen Antonette Ledesma, guidance services director of St. Paul University-Iloilo, said FGDs and talks on ASEAN can sustain awareness.

On the other hand, Ray Adrian Macalalag, a young civil engineer and former editor of the Augustinian Publications cited PIA‘s inclusion of the ASEAN in its Basic Journalism seminar workshops this year. ―This provided information to student writers and gave them tips on how to access ASEAN stories, ―Macalalag said.

Meanwhile, the FGD participants had also seen significant benefits of the ASEAN, with most of them mentioning about career and professional advancement and growth for them and other young people, through training more opportunities in education, trade, market ventures and product development, and the tourism industry. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

Six Antique towns to share best practices

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 29 (PIA6) -- Six towns in the province are ready to share their best practices with other local government units through the ―Local Government Innovative Solutions Bank‖ (LGSIB) a project of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

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ILG urges local government units to innovate and share their best practices nationwide through the LGISB. This undertaking hopes to document the best practices of LGUs and store in a databank, making it available for other LGUs for replication, Information Officer Judy Mae Magdato said.

Training on proper documentation of best practices was recently conducted by DILG to the Information Officers/pool of writers both of DILG and LGUs. Six (6) LGUs from the Province of Antique were invited to attend the writeshop namely Sebaste, Libertad, Culasi, San Jose de Buenavista, Bugasong and Tobias Fornier.

Bugasong hopes to share their best practice in solid waste management titled

GUGMA BASURA: Bugasongnons‘ Alternative Solutions and Upscaled Recycling Activities while Culasi documented THE SEAWALL which is a protective measure and became a tourist attraction.

Libertad‘s public-private partnership on Telephone and Cable Network with Kalibo provided telephone and internet services to their constituents and at the same time making profit out of it while Sebaste‘s Integrated Health Care Delivery System greatly reduced maternal and child mortality in Sebaste.

Tobias Fornier‘s Hog Fattening Project: Introducing the Deep Bedding System to the Daonhon promotes ―Babuyang walang Amoy‖ and on the other hand San Jose documented their best practice on environmental management dubbed as

San Jose Palangga Ko (Brigada Banwa: The Clean and Green Project).

Information officers from LGUs and DILG‘s pool of writers attended the activity and were given a holistic approach on the process of documenting a best practice including creating catchy titles, basic writing and documentation, lay-outing and basics of photography.

The identification of best practices were based on compliance with national laws, provided solutions to challenges encountered by the LGU, established sustainability and innovativeness and has potential for replication.

This project is conceptualized because there are local innovations that are worth replicating and it also encouraged LGUs to become partners for change. (DILG/JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

Applications for YSEALI academic fellows now open By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 3 (PIA6) --- Youth leaders in Western Visayas who are interested to expand their knowledge and skills in the fields of civic engagement, environmental issues, or social entrepreneurship may now apply to the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program.

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he YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is an intensive five-week exchange program to the United States (US), consisting of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures.

The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community.

The Fellowship will focus on one of three themes: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, and Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.

The program will conclude in Washington,

D.C., to allow for engagement with policymakers, governmental representatives, businesses, and think tanks. The Fellowship funds travel, accommodations and basic living expenses for selected participants.

Eligible to apply are young leaders aged 18-25, from all 10 ASEAN member-countries that are current undergraduate or graduate students or recently graduated.

The Spring 2018 YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program will take place starting in January 2018, and will run through April 2018.

Deadline of submission of application is on

October 22, 2017.

Application forms and additional information can be found on the YSEALI page of the US Embassy Manila website (https://ph.usembassy.gov).

Launched in 2013, YSEALI is a U.S. government‘s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia.

Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the US and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Jingle Writing Contest up in WV BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH ILOILO CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA6) - - The Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) and the Regional Inter-Agency Committee against Trafficking, Child Pornography and Violence against Women and Children (RCAT-CP-VAWC) in Western Visayas organized a region wide Jingle Writing Contest.

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he contest is open to students and Villanueva. amateur composers aged 12 to 18 years The jingle must have a maximum length of 60 from the different provinces and cities of the seconds in English, Tagalog or mixed. Lyrics shall region. reflect any of the issues that protect women from Anna Karla Villanueva, Secretariat of the RCAT trafficking, child pornography or violence against -CP-VAWC said the Jingle Writing Contest was women and children. launched by the committee to strengthen public‘s It must be also an original composition and be awareness on the social issues that exploit many of credited solely as the work of the creator listed in our women and children. the entry form. ―The contest also intends to promote Each entry submitted on or before October 30, awareness to fight human trafficking, including 2017 at 12 MN online at rs.fo6@iacacp.gov.ph. must drug abuse, child pornography and violence against include the lyrics with duly filled up forms saved in women and children and its impact to society‖, said pdf format with a recorded video of the song in mp3

file format.

The contest proper will be on November 24 and the grand winner will be invited to perform the winning entry during the Regional Children‘s Talent Competition on November 29, 2017.

The top winner will receive P6,000 cash prize, the second place will get P4,000 and the third place, P3,000. All the winners will receive a certificate of recognition.

Interested parties may contact the RCAT-CP-VAWC Secretariat at DSWD 6 at telephone numbers (033) 3376221 or 09088179381.

(JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

CERT bats for 3rd consecutive Kalasag national award Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, 28 Sept. (PIA6) -- A simulation exercise to save five passengers of a capsized banca in the seawaters of Baybay Beach here, Sept. 26, highlighted the evaluation of Capiz Emergency Response Team (CERT) for the 2017 Kalasag Awards for Best Government Emergency Management Service – Basic Search and Rescue category.

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he drill was preceded by a display of various heavy equipment like a rescue and dump truck units, rescue boats, ambulances, chainsaws, generator sets, radio communication set up and many other life saving gears, among others, at the Villareal Stadium here.

Both presentations, were witnessed by the 2017 Gawad Kalasag National Selection Committee (NSC) members who conducted the evaluation and validation of CERT. A program was also set up by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office among the evaluators to regale the provincial

government, various partner agencies and local DRRM officers support as well the beneficiaries appreciation to the 24/7 operation of the medical and search and rescue teams that compose the 6 – year old CERT. It was attended by Office of the Civil Defense – 6 director Rosario Cabrera, Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action Center (CASAC) director Rev. Fr. Mark Granflor and Community Affairs Officer Jose Fulgencio Del Rosario, who ably represented Capiz Gov. Antonio Del Rosario, among others. ―Gawad Kalasag aims to recognize best

practices in DRRM delivered to the public thru various stakeholders thus improving and professionalizing DRRM in the country,‖ NSC team leader Zyrus Reniel Reyes said.

The team, reorganized by Del Rosario in 2016, has been a 2nd placer of the national Gawad Kalasag (GEMS)-Basic Search and Rescue category for the years 2015 and 2016. ―I‘m overwhelmed to note that CERT has gone this far and I am happy that our partners are still with us in our aim to build safer, adaptive and disaster – resilient Capiceños,‖ said PDRRM Officer Esperedion C. Pelaez. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Agri stakeholders gather in Aklan for 5th organic agri congress By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 29 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan hosted the Western Visayas‘ 5th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) from September 27 – 29 here.

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ain venue of the congress was the Provincial Trade Hall, Aklan Capitol Grounds, which served as the display area of the region‘s organically grown agriculture products as well as other food items which are attractions in themselves, showcased by the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras and Aklan.

With the theme ―Organikong Produkto: Para sa Ikaayong Lawas Kag Pagtib-ong Sang Turismo‖, Salome David, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist here, said the activity aimed at gathering various stakeholders of Organic Agriculture Program into a venue of knowledge sharing, skills enhancement and market opportunities; and to give due recognition to program implementers with outstanding performance in the production and marketing of organic vegetables, livestock, poultry

and fisheries.

In his message at the opening program, Aklan Vice Governor Reynaldo M. Quimpo, who represented Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, said the province is greatly honored to host the congress which could promote stakeholders‘ interest in organic farming.

Vice Governor Quimpo said with close to 2 million tourist arrivals in Boracay Island as of this period, there is a high demand in organic agricultural products in Aklan but supply is insufficient to cater to their needs.

With this scenario, he called on participating provinces to further venture into organic farming to supply the needs of the tourists. ―There are many restaurants in Boracay Island who need you‖, Vice Governor Quimpo said.

Aside from the showcase of various products from the various provinces like organic rice, fruits,

vegetables, vinegar, delicacies and many others, the venue also served as the lecture area on various agriculture-related topics like updates on National Organic Agri Program, Organic Farming Technologies, Marketing of Organic Products, Organic Livestock Production and Management, Farm Tourism and Healthy Lifestyle, and a lot more.

The congress also featured Poster Making and Photo Contest, Composo Contest and Slow Food Cookfest.

On the last day of the congress, participants from the various provinces had expository trips to organic farms in Aklan, with the group from Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo visiting Farmer‘s Hand Garden, a vegetable organic farm, and Meliton Garden, an integrated farm in Banga, Aklan. The group from Antique and Aklan visited Maxselma Farm in Cajilo, Makato, and Juan Organic Farm in Albasan, Numancia, Aklan. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Sec. Dino vows help for Siquijor tourism PIA 7 SIQUIJOR, Sept. 27 (PIA) – Recognizing Siquijor Island as one of the preferred tourist destinations in Visayas, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Sec. Michael Dino promised the provincial government of his full support for Siquijor's tourism development.

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ino recently visited Siquijor to is in line with the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte‘s give the keynote message during the commitment to provide a comfortable life for all.

46th Araw ng Lalawigan ng Siquijor celebration with ―The President mandated the government to the theme: ―PadayonPag-uswag Siquijor.‖ listen to the Filipino people and provide them their ―It‘s about time that Siquijor shines. It‘s needs. He wants bureaucracy to be more responsive about time for Siquijor to stand up and be to the needs of the people and this is the reason why noticed,‖ Dino said as he promised the he wants to implement the Philippine Development provincial governor and the mayors that his Plan, ― he said. office will help fund the tourism master plan of the He cited the government‘s infrastructure province through the Tourism Infrastructure and development and productivity program called Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). #BuildBuildBuild as the foundation for a more Dino said he was impressed by the island‘s comfortable life for all. beauty and pristine white sand beaches, and the Under the proposed budget next year, Dino province‘s brand of tourism which is focused on said Siquijor will have a bigger share of the program, healing. to include the following: 103 more classrooms; 162 He said that the mandate of the Office new teachers for elementary, high and senior school; of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) 924 computer units; P26M for the Siquijor State

College (SSC) maritime building; and P10M for SSC‘s criminology building.

Dino shared how OPAV successfully lobbied for the construction of the P50 billion expressway in Cebu, the only big-ticket infrastructure project in Cebu in 19 years, and the $50 million investment for socialized housing for the Visayas.

He told Siquijor officials to look for a property with an area of 2.5 hectares where the socialized housing for government workers, military and police, as well as the informal settlers can be built. ―If you need socialized housing, please write us your proposals,‖ he said. ―We need to ensure the delivery of basic services reaches the poorest of the poor, the underprivileged and the marginalized sector,‖ he added. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

Dumaguete official proposes crisis center for ‗abused‘ boys PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 27 (PIA) – Councilor Lilani Ramon is pushing for the establishment of a crisis center that will serve as a shelter for boys who are victims of abuse.

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n a Kapihan sa PIA forum, Ramon cited the need for a crisis center for young boys in the city.

She noted that Casa Esperanza, a temporary crisis shelter, caters to women and female children who are in crisis situations.

The Dumagete Youth Home in Brgy. Talay, on the other hand, serves as a home for male children who are in conflict with the law. ―That is the reason why we are working on the crisis center of the City of Dumaguete. We are aiming for the building of the Cooperative Development Authority.

I have already presented this to the city mayor,‖ Ramon said. The building for the proposed crisis center for young boys is near the Youth Home

and is owned by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Ramon said she still has to present the proposal to CDA. The councilor, who also heads the Committee on Women, Children, and Family, also disclosed that the city government has institutionalized the Violence against Women (VAW) Desk Officers in all barangays in the city. In the 30 barangays nato sa Dumaguete naa ni siya giappoint na barangay official to serve as VAW Desk Officers because of the mandatory directive of the DILG. Gi-seminar pod ni sila unsa ilang buhaton ug naa pod sila penalty just in case mobalibad sila. (This means that there is a barangay official appointed to serve as VAW Desk Officer in each of the

30 barangays in Dumaguete because of the directive from the DILG. ―They attended a seminar on their role and there is a corresponding penalty in case they won‘t perform their functions‖Ramon said. She added that the VAW Desk Officers are the frontl liners in the barangay and will act in support of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the local police station.

Once the VAW Desk Officer receives a report on an alleged abuse, the officer will forward the report to WCPD, which will then coordinate with other concerned agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ad dress the case. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

New medical clinic opens; offers free consultations PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) - A medical clinic that will offer free diagnostic consultations for low-income families without health insurance recently opened its doors in the city.

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asic medical needs especially for the underprivileged Dumaguetenos will be served by the newly inaugurated Edgar PasimioMemorial public clinic at Foundation University (FU).

Non-surgical orthopedic doctor from the United States, Dr. Edmund Pasimio, built the clinic in memory of his father, philanthropist Edgar Pasimio.

Dr. Pasimio said FU hosted the medical building to cater to the general public and the university‘s community.

It is equipped with facilities including four

examination rooms, laboratory room, pharmacy, staff office, and support spaces.

The clinic‘s mission is to offer state-of-the-art facilities and equal access to healthcare, which also provides an alternative option to quality healthcare by expanding outpatient healthcare within the university campus.

FU President Dean Sinco said that with the establishment of the medical clinic in the campus, it will serve more than 3,000 students who need medical or health services.

Sinco said the facility will be fully operational as soon as the necessary medical permit requirements

are completed within six months.

The clinic will assist walk-in patients and appointments for outpatient care while the pharmacy will be open during regular business hours with off-street dispensary window for customer convenience.

Aside from the medical services provided in the campus, Sinco said the university intends to conduct medical missions in other areas of the province.

The clinic is also seen to decongest patient load of the nearby hospitals. (jct/PIA7 -Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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NegOr tourist arrivals grew in past 3 years PIA 7 NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 29 (PIA) -- The Province of Negros Oriental has registered a steady increase in tourist arrivals over the past three years.

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rovincial Senior Tourism Operations Officer Myla Mae Abellana disclosed this during the recent Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO-7) Convention held in Dumaguete City.

Abellana showed a comparative data of tourist arrivals that plot the increase from 2014 to 2016: 519,429 in 2014; 625,295 in 2015; and 696,403 in 2016.

However, in terms of annual comparative growth percentage, the data registered between 2014 versus 2015 (20.23 percent) is higher than the 2016 versus 2015 rate (11.37 percent).

Domestic tourists recorded the highest number of arrivals over the past three years: 444,317 in 2014; 517,016 in 2015; and 554,550 in 2016.

Foreign tourist arrivals in the province also continued to surge over the same period with 140,329 recorded in 2016.

Chinese tourists continue to top the list of 10 Foreign Markets of Negros Oriental.

Between 2003 to 2014, American visitors topped the list of foreign tourists in the province, said Abellana. ―We were surprised that the Chinese overtook the Americans but we learned that sometime in

November 2014 a Chinese blogger came to the province. He went around the province and when he went back to China, he blogged about his trip and that‘s when it started. By January, Chinese tourists started arriving here on their own,‖ Abellana disclosed.

Based on their data, the number of Chinese tourists grew from 3,196 in 2012 to 57,419 in 2016.

She said the influx of Chinese tourists in Negros Oriental can still increase over the coming years. She shared that within this year, three Chinese tour operators came to her office to inquire how to go about having chartered flights from China to Dumaguete City.

Aside from this, she also received feedback from a tour operator during the recent Philippine Travel Mart that Chinese tourists are interested to visit Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental. ―We really have to prepare for their influx in Dumaguete,‖ Abellana added.

In view of this, the Provincial Tourism Office requested the Department of Tourism (DOT) to conduct a basic training on the Chinese language for tour guides so they can engage better with the Chinese tourists.

After China and the USA, the other foreign

tourists ranked in the Top 10 Foreign Markets for Negros Oriental Tourism are Korea, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

Based the 2016 visitor‘s attraction report of Negros Oriental‘s top tourist spots, the province‘s capital, Dumaguete City, continues to be on top of the most visited sites with three attractions, namely: Rizal Boulevard, Silliman Hall, Campanario De Dumaguete, and the Dumaguete Cathedral.

The other most visited tourist attractions are Dolphin Watching in Bais City, Twin Lakes in Sibulan town, Mabinay Caves inMabinay town, A po I sla n d i n Dau in , Ba lan an La k e in Siaton, Casaroro Falls in Valencia, and White Sandbar in Manjuyod.

Tied at 8th place are Dreamland Adventure Park in Amlan and Mt. Kanlaon in Canlaon City.

Abellana noted, however, that Alert Level 1 is still hoisted over Mt. Kanlaon and trips to the area are currently on hold.

With most tourist attractions in the province focused on nature and adventure, the provincial government is gearing to transform the province into an eco-tourism hub. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Key role of gov‘t communicators highlighted PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 29 (PIA) — ―No matter how good the intention of the government is, if it is not properly communicated to the public… then the efforts of the government will be derailed or delayed.‖

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his was emphasized by Mayor Felipe Remollo in his message to the members of the Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO-7) during their recent convention here.

Remollo said the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte needs the support of PIOs in communicating to the public the goals of this government.

He also underscored the importance of delivering accurate information to the public especially in this time when the spread of fake news is prevalent.

The mayor welcomed the participants of the convention composed of Public Information Officers (PIOs) from national government agencies and

local government units in the provinces of Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor and also the tourism officers from the provinces.

The 23rd RADIO-7 Convention attended by nearly 100 participants was held from September 18 to 21 with the theme ―Synergy: Communicating Responsible Information Towards Sustainable Development.‖ Some of the topics discussed include the ASEAN Economic Community by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Oriental Director Javier Fortunato Jr., Ambisyon Natin by NEDA-7 Chief for Development Research Division Ruth Cruz, Countering Fake News and Responsible Sharing of Information by PIA

Director General Harold Clavite, Crisis Communication Management by broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, and Communicating Renewable Energy Advocacy by Energy Development Corporation (EDC) Vice President for Corporate Communications Ricky Carandang.

Aside from the learning sessions, the participants also had a tour at EDC Geothermal Plant in Valencia town.

Another highlight of the convention was a ceremony to honor the past presidents of RADIO-7, presidents of the PIO networks in the region, and also former regional directors and provincial information center managers of PIA. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Preparations for 2018 NDPR convention underway PIA 7 NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 27 (PIA) — The Provincial Social welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental is now preparing for the hosting of the 2018 National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Convention.

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enemerita Badon of PSWDO revealed during a provincial symposium of Persons with Disability (PWDs) that the convention would carry the theme: ―PWD Got Talent.‖ Badon encouraged respective municipal social welfare officers to start preparing and choosing their representative to participate in the

provincial contest.

The observance of 2018 NDPR celebration will run from July 1 to 20, 2018 and culminate on July 23, 2018.

The convention will feature contests on singing, dancing, painting, and other talents of PWDs. Winners from the different local

government units (LGUs) will compete at the provincial level on July 23 at the Robinsons Mall in DumagueteCity.

Badon also urged PWDs to register online with the Department of Health (DOH) through the assistance of their respective municipal social welfare officer and join the convention next year. (lpp/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

Facts, figures key Ambisyon Natin 2040

to

decisions

on

Leonilo D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 3 (PIA) – As the nation celebrates the 28th National Statistics Month (NSM) this October, Eastern Visayas has something to be proud of in terms of facts and figures which are necessary in decision making and in achieving Ambisyon Natin 2040.

D

uring Monday‘s launching of this year‘s NSM celebration in the region, Regional Director Bonifacio Uy of the National Economic and Development Authority 8 (NEDA-8) revealed some facts and figures for Eastern Visayas saying that for the first time in a long time, the numbers have given us something to be proud of.

With the theme, ―Facts and Figures for the Future: Statistics for Evidence-Based Decision Towards Ambisyon Natin 2040,‖ Director Uy said that this year‘s NSM celebration is definitely a different one as he cited the following facts and figures: Facts and Figures No. 1: In 2016, Eastern Visayas recorded its first double-digit economic growth of 12.4 percent from 4.6 percent in 2015, making Eastern Visayas‘ economy the fastest growing in the country. This was also the first time in eight years where the region led in terms of economic expansion across all regions.

Facts and Figures No. 2: Last year, the region held another record when it posted the lowest inflation rate of 1.3 percent in the last two decades.

This was below the target inflation rate of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Facts and Figures No. 3: As recently published in a national newspaper on the preliminary results of the Philippine Statistics Authority‘s 2nd Quarter Commodity Flow, Eastern Visayas topped seven other regions that recorded positive trade balances, which means that the region sold more than what it bought from other regions.

Facts and Figures No. 4: The region had a decade-low poverty incidence at 38.7 percent in 2015, another first record for the region, attributed to the low and stable inflation and post-disaster reconstruction efforts.

Uy said that the family income increased in the same year, narrowing the gap from the poverty threshold and subsequently improving income distribution, however, the proportion of the poor remains high among farmers and fisherfolks attributed largely to the persistent problem on underemployment.

Facts and Figures No. 5: Facts and Figures No. 5 is not so promising as the region‘s underemployment remains high, affecting one-third of the working population.

Uy added that while the economy has prospered, we have to face Facts and Figures No. 6,

which means that we have to increase individual and family income to further reduce poverty, especially in the Samar Island provinces where poverty is worse than the regional average.

Facts and Figures No. 6: Poverty incidence achieved by Eastern Samar was reduced to a double digit percentage points of 18 percent, a huge poverty reduction achievement in merely three years, from 2012 to 2015.

With the above-mentioned facts and figures, Uy emphasized that because of statistics, we are able to make informative results, which are crucial in decision making. ―We have a long way to go to achieve our Ambisyon of Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay,‖ Uy said.

NEDA is the number one advocate of the government‘s Ambisyon Natin 2040, the Filipino‘s long-term vision which details the aspirations of Filipinos for themselves and for the country for which, by 2040, the Philippines shall be prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor; our people shall have long and healthy lives, be smart and innovative, and shall live in a high-trust society. (ajc/ldl/PIA-8)

Maasin City celebrates World Rabies Day

By Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 2 (PIA) - A total of 34 dogs was vaccinated with rabies vaccine during the World Rabies Day celebration last September 28 at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza.

M

aasin City Veterinarian Dr. Rey Alinsub in a short talk disclosed that a free dog castration and a film showing were among the activities conducted during the day. ―A total of 13 dogs were castrated during the activity,‖ Alinsub informed.

The World Rabies Day, celebrated every 28th of September is aimed in raising awareness and to promote prevention activities especially in at-risk communities.

This year‘s theme is ―Rabies: Zero by 30‖ – which sets the goal of reaching zero human deaths from canine rabies by the year 2030.

It was learned that Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, caused by rabies virus. Domestic dogs are the most common reservoir of the said virus, added the source.

Southern Leyte has six (6) Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) where two of are in

Maasin City, Health personnel Jhoewil Napuli said. ―ABTC are government-run centers, while Animal Bite Clinics are run by private animal clinics,‖ he said In Maasin City, the ABTC is in the City Health Unit III and at the Salvacion Oppus Yňiguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH). ―It is up for us to make elimination a reality.

World Rabies Day is an opportunity to play part and bring an end to the suffering caused by rabies.‖ (ajc/ rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Brgy Hingatungan Lupon vies for LTIA 2017 nat‘l competition Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Oct.2 (PIA) - Three-time national awardee Barangay Hingatungan Lupong Tagapamayapa now qualifies to compete in the national competition again this year.

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he Hingatungan Lupong Tagapamayapa based in the municipality of Silago, is the regional champion for the 4th-6th class municipalities category in the recent Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA) 2017 regional results, DILG Southern Leyte provincial director Jesus P. Naquila reported.

He disclosed that with the presence of the National Validating Team this week in Silago to

confirm the outstanding performance of Barangay Hingatungan as a local body administering its barangay justice system.

Naquila reported during the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Addiction Council (PADAC) meeting held recently at the Provincial Governor‘s Office that Barangay Hingatungan has been a national champion in 2014, 2015 and 2016 in LTIA awards.

He further disclosed that should Barangay Hingatungan wins this year, this will be its last opportunity to compete and will qualify to join in the Hall of Fame category.

Lupong Tagapamayapa greatly contributes to the decongestion of cases to be filed in courts with the effective implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay, he further said. (ajc/esg/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Names of employees for random drug test picked thru e-raffle By: Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC CITY, Leyte, October 2 (PIA) – The City Government of Ormoc selected the first batch of its 974 regular and casual employees for mandatory random drug test with the use of computer-based electronic raffle.

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he computer-based electronic raffle was conducted after the flag raising ceremony, Monday, October 2, 2017 at the New Ormoc City Hall Lobby.

The selection at random using a computer-based system was provided under item III.a.i of Executive Order No. 41 series of 2017 entitled ―An Executive Order Instituting Mechanics for the Conduct of Mandatory Random Drug Testing for Officials and Employees of the City Government‖ approved by Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez on September 22, 2017.

The issuance of the executive order is in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 13, series of 2017 dated April 19, 2017, and Dangerous Drug Board Regulation No. 2, series of 2004.

The objective of the executive order is to ensure that the City Government of Ormoc remains drug-free by subjecting its officials and employees to random mandatory drug test as a condition for continuous employment.

Another objective of the executive order is to promote a safe, healthy and drug-free

environment, to prevent drug use among its officials and employees, and to achieve a continued effective and efficient delivery of services to all Ormocanons free from hazards of drug use.

According to Adelaida H. Biacolo, head, Ormoc City Government Human Resources Division, names of the 15 officials and employees will be selected through the computer-based electronic raffle for mandatory random drug test every Monday, right after the flag ceremony until the random drug test of the 974 officials and employees will be done. (ajc/rsv/PIA8-Ormoc Desk)

9 fishermen receive fiber glass boats Mary Lailani P. Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Nine fisher received fiber glass boats from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 157th Pueblo Day celebration of the municipality of Naval on September 26, 2017.

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he initial release is part of the 105 fiber glass boats allocated for the municipality of Naval under AKBay Pinoy program funded by the Japanese government through the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The current release of boats through the AKBay Pinoy program Phase II is under the Yolanda Rehabilitation program.

In this phase, farmer-beneficiaries also receive P15,000 worth of farm implements such as bolo, sprayer, vegetable seeds, sprinklers, big water con-

tainers, and other farm equipment.

Fishermen in this phase received fiber glass boats each worth P15, 000 plus diesel engine.

The agriculture department prohibits the beneficiaries of the fiber glass boats to sell their boats; use them in illegal activities such as illegal fishing and in transporting illegal logs, and other illegal activities.

M o r e o v e r , t h e DA a d v i s e d t h e fisher folk-beneficiarieses to take care of their boats,

during the

use them in legitimate livelihood, and have them insured with the Philippine Crop Insurance Incorportated (PCIC).

Biliran governor Gerardo Espina, Jr., Naval Mayor Gerard Roger Espina and Nascencia Abad, Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) of Naval, led in the distribution of the initial fiber glass boats as the town celebrated its 157th Pueblo Day on September 26, 2017 with the theme "Naval Geared Towards Excellence". (ajc/FJ/mlt/ PIA8 Biliran)

LGU-Barugo hosts nationwide simultaneous quake drill

By Michelle Anne L. Avorque BARUGO, Leyte, September 28 (PIA) – The Local Government Unit of Barugo, Leyte joined the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill as the pilot area or the Regional Ceremonial Venue on September 27, 2017.

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his event was spearheaded by the regional Office of Civil Defense (OCD)and in partnership with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and the local government of Barugo in Leyte.

The identified ground zero for the simulation is the Municipal Compound, Barugo Central II Elem.

School, St. Peter Elementary School and St. Joseph Academy of Barugo Inc. This is to assess disaster preparedness of the LGU and the response teams in anticipation for the ―Big One‖ that may happen anytime. It also involves

orderly evacuations and search and retrieval operations.

The drill started at 2 o‘clock in the afternoon for the simulation initial assessment identified as to how the LGU implemented the Incident Command System (ICS), Staging Areas and Triage wherein victims are tagged according to the severity of their injuries.

After the activity, municipal mayor Macel Rosario Avestruz expressed her gratitude by thanking OCD for the invitation and opportunity and acknowledged each participant for their efforts.

Director Edgar Posadas of OCD recognized the Mayor for participating in the event with the message to ―always exercise preparedness in every situation as a daily habit.‖ Though there were some areas of opportunities identified like the lack of communication plan, overall the activity was a success as it was participated by most response teams including the Army, PNP, BFP and the PCG. As the theme of this activity goes ―Bida Ang Handa‖ it really pays to be prepared. (ajc/ mala/PIA8)

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

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

Ms. 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