One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 36 20170908 r6

Vol 7

Issue 36

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA-6 Operations Head Jaime Cabag, Jr. delivers his message during the ASEAN Multi-sectoral Forum organized by the Province of Negros Occidental and PIA Negros Occ InfoCen with topics on ASEAN, Freedom of Information, AmBisyon Natin 2040, Real Numbers held on September 5 in Bacolod City. (PIA NegOcc)

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

September 4 - 10, 2017

PA: anti-insurgency campaign needs community support By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA6) --- The Philippine Army said that community involvement is vital in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

In a press conference held recently, Captain Eduard Precioso Jr., public information officer of the Army‟s 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz appealed for public cooperation to address the continuing threat of terrorism and insurgency amid ongoing recruitment activities of the New People's Army (NPA) in Western Visayas.

"Hindi naman natin kailangang makipaglaban sa government to resolve our issues. Why not give peaceful resolution a chance doon sa problema ng insurgency," he said.

He said the NPA recruitment process involves the emphasis of negative issues about the government particularly the supposed failure to reduce poverty.

"Yung mga information na problema natin sa government, ipaabot natin sa tamang ahensya para

masolusyunan ng ating mga ahensya," he said.

He said that they are further strengthening their communication lines with the community to help resolve the insurgency problem. (JCM/LTPI/PIA6 Iloilo)

Philippine Army 301st Brigade deputy commander Col. Leonardo Peña answers mediamen‟s queries during the press conference held Sept. 5 in Iloilo City. (PIA6)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID) and the Philippine Infromation Agency (PIA) conducted a Basic Communication Training Batch III for Barangay Secretaries of Maria and Lazi, Siquijor held Siquijor, recently. (PIA Siquijor)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

PCO Net launched in Dumaguete City Roi Anthoni Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) recently launched the Provincial Communication Officers Network (PCO Net) in Dumaguete City.

PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar led the launch of PCO Net at the City Session Hall together with PCOO officials, Usec. Marvin Gatpayat and Asec. Ana Maria Banaag. They were joined by Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo.

The launch was highlighted by a conference between Sec. Andanar and the members of the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO), an aggrupation of public information officers (PIOs) from the local government units in Negros Oriental and national government agencies in the city, academe, and electric cooperatives.

Sec. Andanar said the aim of PCO Net is to open the information gates of Malacañang to PIOs through the PCOO to ensure that the policies and plans of the Duterte administration are communicated to every Filipino.

“Our job in PCOO is to be able to communicate the policies of the government to the people. It is next to impossible to communicate these programs if we will not tap our PIOs,” Sec. Andanar told the ANOPIO members.

Sec. Andanar underscored the important role of PIOs

in cascading information to the grassroots and deepening public‟s understanding on the thrusts of the current administration like Federalism and Tax Reform and also in countering fake news.

In relation to the issue on fake news, Asec. Banaag also pointed out that through PCO Net, PIOs can ask PCOO to verify documents, such as those pertaining to terrorism or declaration of holidays.

Furthermore, Sec. Andanar also noted that a strong communication network will also entail efficient disaster response in times of calamities.

PCO Net not only assures a two-way communication between PIO networks and the PCOO but also provides LGUs with access to PCOO communication services and trainings for its members.

The idea of organizing a national network of PIOs is not new, said Sec. Andanar, adding that during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, there was a Philippine Communicators Network (PhilComNet) established and managed by PIA. The PCOO secretary said the move to form a PCO Net also aims to revive this former PIO network.

Aside from Dumaguete City, PCOO has already launched the PCO Net in Surigao Del Norte, Agusan Del Norte, General Santos, Saranggani, Pangasinan, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Siquijor. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

New EVisayas PNP chief sets priorities Consuelo B. Alarcon CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Sept 6 (PIA) – The Biliran Lone District Representative Rogelio J. Espina (with mic), graces the celebration of the new regional chief of the Philippine National Police in 69th Almeria Charter Day held on Eastern Visayas met the local media for the first time after September 1, 2 0 1 7 . ( r v i c t o r i a / P I A he assumed office a few weeks ago.

Biliran) #PartnerForChange #Almeria Police Chief Superintendent Gilberto DC Cruz

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

was introduced to the media Tuesday by PNP8 spokesperson police chief inspector Ma. Bella Rentuaya in a short press conference held at the conference room of the PNP regional command 8.

In his message, General Cruz set his priorities in accordance with the mandate of the national headquarters to include monitoring of drug surrenderers, visitation of police stations especially in far-flung areas,

internal cleansing, crime prevention, and maintenance of peace and order.

When asked by a reporter on his plan regarding the private armed groups allegedly maintained by some politicians in Samar, Cruz said he “plans to ask them to surrender their firearms and remove the PAGS within their custody, otherwise they will be arrested”.

Cruz, a proud member of the PNPA class 1986, has been awarded as a two-time Ten Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines, 2007 Country‟s Outstanding Policemen in the Service, 1993 Presidential Dangal ng Bayan Awardee, PNPA Lakan Hall of Fame and PNP Best Cop.(ajc/cba/PIA8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

DPWH-DTI roads for Aklan industries and trade up By: Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 7 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here recently updated the local media on the status of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and DTI Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program in the province of Aklan.

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he ROLL-IT program aims to construct or agency's monthly press conference dubbed "DTI improve access roads leading to trade, Meets the Media." industries and economic zones, including Both projects, set to be constructed in tourism.

2018, have a budget of P80 million, according to Two of the identified projects include the Iturralde.

Numancia-Lezo provincial road and the The Numancia-Lezo road is seen to benefit Poblacion Batan-Mandong-Napti-Camanci-Sapian, the pottery industry in Lezo, while the Poblacion Capiz boundary, according to DTI-Aklan OIC Batan to Capiz Boundary road project will be in Provincial Director Ma. Carmen Iturralde, support of the coconut processing facility in Batan who shared this information to the media during the town.

The DTI said the DPWH will be implementing the project.

For its part, DTI-Aklan visited the the pottery-making area in Lezo, and the road project beneficiary-barangays in Batan.

Besides its pottery industry, Lezo is also known for its food delicacies like ampaw or rice crispies, cassava pudding and many more, while Batan, as a coastal municipality, has a thriving seafood industry. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan).

TESDA: Competency assessment for workers is free

By Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 7 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is ready to assist industry workers and teachers to have national certificates (NC) II.

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apiz TESDA Director Dina Esmas disclosed that the NC II will be granted to those who have passed the Competency Assessment and Certificates for Workers (CACW).

In Capiz, there are 470 candidates for the CACW, who were scheduled for assessment since August until November this year.

Esmas said that included in the qualification

for assessment and certification are on driving, electronics products assembly and servicing, masonry, automotive servicing, computer systems servicing, hairdressing, beauty care services and housekeeping.

She added that bread and pastry production, gas tungsten arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, health care services, agriculture crops production and Hillot (wellness massage) workers can also avail of said assessment.

Esmas said this assessment is free of charge and w they are doing this to help the workers and teachers to acquire the NC II. According to her, for workers and teachers to avail of the free assessment and certification program, they have to present proof or evidence that the applicant is a bonafide worker.

She also advised interested ones to come to their office to check on the designated competency testing center. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Antique gears up for ‗Ambisyon Natin 2040‘ By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 5 (PIA6) - - Preparations of the Province of Antique are underway for Ambisyon Natin 2040 with the Provincial Strategic Direction Setting Conference Workshop conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government recently.

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he workshop hopes to harmonize local development plans and cascade the strategic directions of the province from the national thrust to the local development councils, said Information Officer Judy Mae Magdato of DILG. Municipal Development Council Executive Committees composed of Municipal Mayors, Sangguniang Bayan Chair committee on appropriations, President of the Liga ng mga Barangay, Municipal Planning and Development Co ordina tor (MP DC), Muni cipal Lo ca l Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), and CSO representatives as well as the local functionaries of the Provincial Government of Antique attended the said workshop.

Of the 18 municipalities only 10 mayors attended the workshop from Barbaza, Belison, Bugasong, Caluya, Culasi, Laua-an, San Jose, Sebaste,

Tobias Fornier and Valderrama.

Mayor Elmer Untaran of San Jose in his opening remarks underscored the importance of engagement of LGUs with national government agencies to fast track the implementation of programs and services for the fulfillment of dreams and aspiration of the people.

National development priorities and global commitments focusing on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), National Security Policy and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management were discussed by representatives from National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Bureau of Local Government Finance

(BLGF) explained the Public Financial Management (PFM) Processes and Tools while the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Juliana Cepe discussed the linking of national to local priorities. DILG presented the guidelines for strengthening linkage of national/regional/provincial development strategies, plans, programs and activities with the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP).

Workshops were conducted for participants to have a firsthand learning on the alignment process.

They were tasked to review their Local Development Investment Program (LDIP) for alignment with national and local priorities, formulate an action plan for the conduct of the municipal strategic direction setting and provide list of aligned programs, projects and activities (PPAs) for provincial funding support. (JCM/DILG/PSM/ PIA6Antique)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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‗GEOP‘ to empower electric consumers Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., Sept. 6 (PIA6 ) — The Department of Energy is pushing for the implementation of Green Energy Option Program, (GEOP), that will give an option to consumers to choose the power source going to their homes.

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ational Renewable Energy Board it will not be an issue anymore. chair and Lawyer Jose Layug said He said the end-user of the GEOP are in a media interview that our consumers captive customers like the residential homes have the right to choose their clean source and individual consumers that use less than one of power. megawatt.

Layug said the reliability of the renewable Layug expressed confidence the people will energy (RE) supply is being addressed by choose clean energy. the DOE and with the advancement of technology, “There is no problem if only a few will choose

RE because at the end of the day, we choose for mother earth to sustain it.”

Investments will also be bullish especially with the new rules DOE plans to issue.

“Remember we are now already exiting the era of feed in tariff. We are now entering the era of RE portfolio standard and giving consumers the power of choice.” Layug said. (JCM/Lljr-PIA6)

10 WV schools to implement EcoSavers Program Leonardo T. Pineda I

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 4 (PIA6) --- A total of 10 schools in Western Visayas will implement the National Ecosavers Program (NEP) which aims to teach waste segregation to children in public and private schools in the whole country.

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abbie Chris Carvajal, Chief of the Environmental Education and Information Unit (EEIU) of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-6, said that the NEP aims to establish an ecological solid waste recovery system in schools by encouraging students to bring recyclable materials in exchange for school supplies or cash.

He said the following schools were selected to implement the program: Tagbac Elementary School in Oton, Iloilo; Napnapan Elementary School in Tigbauan, Iloilo; Donato Pison Memorial Elementary School in Mandurriao, Iloilo City; Esteban Juntado Sr. Memorial Elementary School in

Iloilo City; Supang Elementary School in Guimaras province; Santa Barbara Central Elementary School in Santa Barbara, Iloilo; Nabitasan Elementary School in Iloilo City; Alejandro Firmeza Memorial National High School in Miagao, Iloilo; West Visayas State University Elementary Department in Iloilo City; and Tubungan National High School in Tubungan, Iloilo.

Carvajal added that each of these schools will be provided funding worth P25,000 to be utilized in their operations for the NEP. The NEP is part of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003), which established the legal and technical framework for a

systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program.

Under the NEP, a storage and transaction area for recyclables will be set up in schools and an incentive system for students to exchange recyclable wastes will be established.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the EMB, is the lead agency in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the program and provide technical and funding support to Department of Education to enable the schools and the local government units to effectively implement the program. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo)

WV RICE winners head to nat‘l contest BY: Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA6) - - Four entries in the 2017 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) were declared regional winners and will now advance as finalists in the national contest during the National Science and Technology Week next year.

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t will be recalled that this year, the Department of Science and Technology 6 (DOST 6) received 96 entries for the four out of the six categories of the contest which was later trimmed to 28 regional finalists and were exhibited and judged on August 29 to 31 at SM City Iloilo.

In the Outstanding Utility Model Category, Armando Reosura‟s entry “Electronic Junction Box” was declared regional winner. Reosura‟s other entry “A Pen-holding Training Apparatus” was also adjudged first-runner while Ronnie Iwayan‟s entry “Mixing and Extruding Apparatus was second-runner – up. Reosura and Iwayan are both from Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

For the Likha Award (Creative Research), the entry of Noel Nacisvalencia of Guimbal, Iloilo was chosen as the regional winner. Adjudged first and second runners-up were the entries of Jimbo

Garsula of Bacolod City entitled “Grass Cutter Cum Agri-Transformers” and “Drum Furnace Multi-Commodity Tunnel – Type Dryer”.

The team from Central Philippines University won the SIBOL Award (Student Creative Research for College) with their entry “Integrated Fall Detector Device and System”. First runner-up was the team from Iloilo Science and Technology University- Dumangas with their entry “Bangus Pie”.

On the other hand, the team from the Iloilo National High School – SSC was named regional winner for SIBOL Award (Student Creative Research for High School). The title of their entry was “Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Tea from Garcinia”.

Following them were the teams from Negros Occidental National Science High School, first runner -up and Iloilo National High School – SSC, second runner –up.

RICE is a nationwide biennial activity conducted

in different regions including ARMM to recognize the hardwork and efforts of the inventors, researchers and students for showcasing their ingenuity and creativity.

“Through the RICE we recognize the inventor‟s invention and innovative capability, most especially of our students because they are the future innovators and inventors of our country,” said Engr. Edgar Garcia, Director of the DOST – Technology Assistance and Promotion Institute.

In his message, Garcia emphasized the importance of inventions and innovations as one of the pillars in measuring the competitiveness of the country.

All the regional winners received certificates of recognition and cash prizes of P25,000 for Utility Model and P20,000 for Likha Award and Student Creative Research (College and High School) categories. (JCM/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PCOO eyes media medical fund Roi Anthoni Lomotan

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar disclosed in a press conference here recently PCOO's plans to establish a medical fund for journalists.

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he PCOO official said this initiative was inspired by Ramon Dacawi, a journalist in Baguio City, who undergoes dialysis twice a week due to kidney failure.

Sec. Andanar said that he already had talks with the MVP Group of Companies of business tycoon Manuel Pangilinan and presented his proposal to establish a media medical fund that will benefit journalists especially those in the provinces.

He said the MVP Group of Companies has 17 hospitals throughout the whole country.

Sec. Andanar said he also hopes to engage with the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce of Industry (NOCCI) in this endeavor.

“I wanted to talk to Ed Du because they are building a hospital here.

Basin makatabang pod sila in this area, sa media ug immediate family (Maybe they can help in this plan, for the media men in

this area and also for their immediate families),” he said.

Ed Du is the president of NOCCI. “We are looking for a partner hospital here. If duna kinahanglan na medical assistance, duol ramo sa PCOO and we will endorse you, tagaan mo ug assistance (If you need medical assistance, approach PCOO and we will endorse you and give you assistance),” the PCOO chief said. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Livestock, poultry stakeholders‘ help sought vs. bird flu Rizalie Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The office of the provincial veterinarian here has called on all local livestock and poultry stakeholders to help the provincial government strengthen measures to stop the Avian Influenza (AI) or bird flu from entering the province.

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his as the agriculture department has lifted restrictions it imposed in three areas in Central Luzon as a result of an avian flu infestation.

This was supported with a Memorandum Order issued by Provincial Gov. Zaldy Villa for all livestock and poultry shippers, meat shop owners, ship and pumpboat operators, hotels and beach resort owners, Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority temporarily banning the "movement of live domestic wild birds and their products including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs, semen, manure from Luzon to Siquijor province."

The order was made following reports of bird flu outbreak in the country last month.

All incoming shipment for such items into the province should be accompanied by a shipping permit and will be inspected by the veterinary quarantine inspectors in the local port of entry.

Forwarders carrying poultry and its by-products shall give a list of these items to the veterinary quarantine inspectors upon arrival in Siquijor province for ocular inspection, according to the order.

During the recent orientation-briefing,

Provincial Veterinarian Bernardita Tabada said stricter measures should be observed to free the province from the effects of the outbreak especially its impact on the local economy.

One fighting cock breeder said the provincial government through the veterinary office should impose stricter measures particularly the in and out shipment of livestock, poultry, and poultry products.

Tabada also said these measures are crucial especially that the island is very small.

Latest reports, however, said that two weeks after the outbreak of bird flu in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is upbeat that the case in Nueva Ecija will be the last one and will no longer spread to nearby provinces. Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol, in the report, said that as a result of recommendations from biosecurity experts, he signed a memorandum lifting the seven-kilometre radius quarantine restriction in the poultry-raising municipalities of San Luis in Pampanga province and Jaen and San Isidro towns in Nueva Ecija.

“The biggest crisis thus far to hit the agriculture sector under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the avian influenza outbreak in three towns

in Central Luzon, is now officially over,” said Pinol in a Facebook post on Sunday.

DA has contained the virus and expects that no new case will be reported, said Arlene Vytiaco, head of the Animal Disease and Control Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), in the report.

“We were able to contain it that‟s why we also decided to lift the shipment ban. We need to meet halfway, enabling trade but but at the same time we do not put at risk other areas particularly Visayas and Mindanao,” Vytiaco said.

Meanwhile, Sec. Piñol announced in a Facebook post that stakeholders of the poultry industry and DA officials will meet anytime next week for a post-crisis analysis to determine what lessons were learned in the country's first Bird Flu Outbreak. “The one-day assessment hopes to draw more realistic and effective plans of action to tighten biosecurity measures to prevent the outbreak of poultry diseases in the country,” he said.

“While we have effectively contained the first case of Bird Flu in the country, there is a need to learn lessons from it so that in the future, the situation could be handled more efficiently," he said. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

Phil. Army initiates briefing on countering violent extremism Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) – The 31st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in cooperation with Bantay Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan and the Dumaguete City government recently gathered the Muslim leaders and local officials for a briefing about countering violent extremism.

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aj. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of 3ID, explained that due to the Marawi skirmishes and its impact in the Visayas, the briefing-dialogue is one of the steps to achieve peace and security resiliency.

“This is to develop understanding and foster unity among the Christian and Muslim communities to prevent violent and extremist views that destroy the harmonious co-existence of both," he said.

Aying also cited the need to unite the

Muslims and Christians at social, economic, and political levels and set aside the tribal and religious differences to understand each other‟s culture, practices, values, and beliefs towards attaining lasting peace and development in the country.

Meanwhile, Aying warned the participants to be vigilant as the influx of evacuees to the Visayas will continue due to the Marawi crisis and the Martial Law in Mindanao, and local terrorists might blend with evacuees to spread pockets of

terrorism.

He said that retaliation by Sulu-based Abu Sayaff Group against targets in the Visayas is expected after their failed mission in Bohol.

However, he assured that at present, there is no imminent threat of terrorism in the Visayas.

Aying said that an action plan to conduct a series of awareness campaigns with Muslim and Christian communities will be carried out. (jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DOH holds HIV, AIDS awareness forum at Cebu Normal University Ayin Visitacion

CEBU CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) --- The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) under the Department of Health (DOH) held an HIV and AIDs awareness forum dubbed ―Hi,V! Mag-ilhanay Ta: A Forum on HIV/AIDS Awareness and the Youth for Region VII‖ at the Cebu Normal University (CNU) recently.

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i, V! is a part of Rated+ (Rated Plus), an awareness caravan by DOH-RITM that aims to promote a safe and open discourse on HIV/AIDs among the youth.

The forum began with a film showing of “Bakit Ako?”, the winning piece by De La Salle, Dasmarinas from last year‟s Strain Film Exposition organized by DOH‟s AIDS Research Group (ARG).

It was followed by an open forum tackling HIV myths and facts, stigma, treatment, and a testimonial from an HIV positive person.

There was also free HIV testing for the attendees and students.

“We want to tap those who are at risk. Your group of millennials are at risk,” Dr. Mark Kristoffer Pasayan, an Infectious Disease Specialist of RITM, told the participants as he explained why they are bringing the awareness fora to universities.

He revealed that there have been 30 new HIV cases reported in a day for this year, a big jump from

the data in 2008 when one case was reported per day.

According to the HIV and Aids Registry of the Philippines (HARP) report, HIV reached the highest number of cases in May 2017 with 1,098 since 1984.

Out of total, one fourth are from the 15 to 24 age group, said Dr. Pasayan.

“As the years go by, as the numbers continue to increase, the people who get infected and diagnosed with HIV are getting younger and younger.

[We] reach out to the college students to help them and bring awareness to this age group,” he stressed.

Among the regions, Central Visayas ranks third with the highest number of HIV/AIDs cases.

The National Capital Region (NCR) ranks first followed by Region 4A. Another panelist, Cebu Plus Association Program Manager Jhay Encabo, said Cebu has the highest prevalence on HIV especially on cases of men having sex with men (MSM).

However, the numbers only reflect those who voluntarily submitted themselves for testing.

Encabo explained the concept of „outer circle‟ or when the youth see themselves as invincible and that HIV will hit others but not themselves, is what usually prevents them from getting tested.

Dr. Pasayan stressed that early detection is key to treating HIV. “If you know your status early, we can diagnose early and help you early. Don‟t put yourself in a situation that your doctors can no longer help you,” he said.

“Life doesn‟t end after diagnosis. We have seen those infected became much closer to their parents and social circles,” Encabo assured.

Dr. Pasayan explained that HIV or the human immunodeficiency virus is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, shared needles, mother to child via breastfeeding, and blood transfusion. (asv/ PIA-7-Cebu)

GSP prepares for 35th cadet encampment Jennifer C. Tilos

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 6 (PIA) – About 3,000 Girl Scouts from the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor are expected to participate in the 35th Council Junior, Senior, Cadet Encampment on September 21 to 24 at Camp Lily Gamo, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

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he Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental and Siquijor Council sets the theme for this year‟s cadet encampment as: “GSP: Grow. Lead. Take Action.”

The campers from the two provinces will be divided into Junior or Elementary level, Senior or High School, and Cadet or the College category for the four-day encampment.

Activities lined up during the event include adventure games, disaster preparedness, first aid, earthquake drill, waste segregation, and tree planting.

Videos on the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will also be shown during the encampment as the Philippines is this year‟s host of ASEAN Summit, which coincides with its

50th Founding Anniversary.

Preparations have been set by different committees on physical arrangements, health and sanitation, security and safety, transportation, and publicity and promotions led by over-all chairperson and GSP Negros Oriental–Siquijor Council President, Provincial Board Member Mariant Villegas. (jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

NOHS students asked to learn more about ASEAN Roi Anthoni Lomotan

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- Students of Negros Oriental High School (NOHS) are encouraged to learn more about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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lose to 1,000 senior high school (SHS) students of NOHS participated in the 1st ASEAN Campus Forum and Trivia Games event in this city which was recently held in their campus.

The activity is part of Philippine Information Agency‟s strategies in raising public awareness especially among the youth on the benefits, significance, and relevance of the Philippines‟ chairmanship of ASEAN this year.

PIA-7 OIC-Regional Director Fayette Riñen delivered a lecture on “Understanding ASEAN” where she discussed history of this regional bloc and also the core message of the Philippines‟ chairmanship of ASEAN anchored on the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the

World.”

“The Philippines, as the chair of ASEAN 2017, champions positive change in the community that produces a global voice and delivers a unified goal,” Riñen said.

Part of its objectives is to encourage and inspire participation from Filipinos on ASEAN‟s prospects of growth and change.

Riñen also cited that the Philippines‟ chairmanship of ASEAN is momentous since it coincides with the 50th founding of the regional association and part of its core message is to communicate to every Filipino that ASEAN is a community of opportunities.

Some of the opportunities identified within the ASEAN Community include the ease of travel within

the region, to earn more, study and teach in other countries in the region, and to work in any country within the region.

Apart from the lecture on ASEAN delivered by Riñen, the students learned about the key concepts of the ASEAN Economic Community Pillar from Jose Julio Somido of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Pillar from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) Information Officer Leah Quintana.

After the sessions, the students participated in trivia games where they answered questions related to the Philippines‟ chairmanship of ASEAN. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Red Cross-Southern Leyte organizes 4th Million Volunteer Run Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 6 (PIA) - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)–Southern Leyte Chapter announces the Million Volunteer Run 4 – a fund raising program organized to sustain the operations in times of emergencies.

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NRC Chapter Administrator Jonas P. Maco encourages everyone to support the fun run which will be held on October 21, this year at Maasin City plaza and will run from 4:00 to 8:00 in the morning, with 3K and 5K categories.

He said that MVR4 also aims to reinforce Red Cross 143 which is a community-based volunteering program of the Philippine Red Cross. “Red Cross 143 is where on e lea d er an d a min imum of 43

member-volunteers form part of an active corps of capable, caring and committed individuals,” Maco bared.

The RC 143 also promotes a culture of self-help in communities by developing a formidable network of Red Cross volunteers who will predict potential risk, plan, prepare and practice for effective prevention and response in the community in time of disasters and emergencies, Maco stated.

The fun run will have a registration fee of P500.00 inclusive of MVR singlet and one year Membership Accident Insurance coverage (24/7), Maco disclosed further. “ Yo ur sup po r t to th e fu n run is not just running for fun but you run to save the lives of others,” he said, adding that “every supporter makes a difference. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLEyte)

DSWD implements ‗Malawakang Kumustahan‘ among beneficiaries Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 6 (PIA) - In a meeting with the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee (PIAC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) Program Development Officer Abelardo Bibat announced the implementation of project ―Malawakang Kumustahan‖, a 9-month project that started April this year.

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he said project is aimed to see how the 4Ps (Pantawaid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) beneficiaries have been doing since they were enrolled in the program.

The 9 months implementation will last until December 2017, Bibat told. “We will do the profiling, accounting and validation of beneficiaries whether they are still qualified to avail with the 4Ps program,” he said during his report to the member-agencies of the PIAC held at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office here, Thursday.

The “Kumustahan” is a special program of the administration designed for the house-to-house

interview of beneficiaries.

“We will be checking how they are doing, whether the program was of help or whether they need another service from the government, specifically from the DSWD. There are more than 4 million households enrolled under the said program, nationwide.

Southern Leyte has a total of 18,813 active households and a total of 112,695 individualenrolees, Bibat reported.

During the convergence meeting participated by member-agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways,

Department of Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, PhilHealth, the Philippine Information Agency, Bibat also presented other programs and projects of the agency like the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Kalahi-CIDSS, the Rice subsidy program, Bottom-Up Budgeting, among the few.

The day activity was also graced by Vice Governor Christopherson Yap, Provincial Administrator Jason Calva, DSWD Assistant Regional Director Marilyn Cajano, Provincial Link/Provincial Action Team Leader Gina Omillo, among other provincial officials and concerned. (ajc/rgc/PIA8 -SoLeyte)

Biliran dad gifts Almerianhons with major infras on 69th Charter Day Rodrigo S. Victoria

ALMERIA, Biliran, September 5 (PIA) – It‘s the start of ―Ber‖ months and no less than the provincial dad in Biliran gifted the Almerianhons with early Christmas presents on their 69th Charter Day on September 1.

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I will allocate P8 million for the reclamation of space which will be used for the extension of the town‟s plaza,” said Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr., the guest speaker of the 69th Almeria Charter Day celebration, who played Santa Claus in front of the thousand residents witnessing the celebration.

The local chief executive of the island province of Biliran continued the long list of infra projects mentioning the funding of P3M to finish the town‟s new rural health unit office which will be complemented with the implementation of P1.5M worth road improvement project to give the residents an easy and comfortable access to the

health facility.

The amount of the infra project for Almeria went higher with the announcement of the P46M worth access road project going to Bagongbong Falls and another P48M access road project going to another tourist destination, the Ulan -Ulan Falls.

“These access road projects to the two falls will surely help boost the tourism industry in Almeria,” Governor Espina said in a later talk.

Another big project he announced in his 69th Charter Day message was the on-going construction of the P60M farm-to-market road project going to Palayan, a sitio of Barangay Caucab which is a home

to indigenous group, the Mamanwa.

“I have still various barangay infra projects for implementation,” he said referring to construction of seawalls and other barangay infra projects.

The governor also announced the provision of fund for the improvement of the town‟s water system specifically to address the water supply problem of the northern barangays of the town.

Biliran Congressman Rogelio J. Espina, who also graced the 69th Charter Day celebration of Almeria, vowed to allocate part of his congressional fund for the implementation of more infra projects which will help improve the town‟s major thrust which is tourism development. (ajc/rsv/PIA8-Biliran)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Evacuation center is for disaster and happier times, says donor BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 1 (PIA) - The donor of the Borongan Community Evacuation Center encourages Boronganons to make use of the place even in happier times.

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n Thursday, Borongan received a P28 M modern evacuation center which can withstand category 5 typhoon and a magnitude 8 earthquake, and can house 350 people safely.

The center aptly called Arayupan han Borongan (Refuge for Borongan) is a two-storey modern dome shaped structure at the heart of the city.

In her message at the hand-over ceremony, Unicef‟s Representative to the Philippines, Lotta Sylwander said that the place is a safe space for children and their families and that Boronganons should use them in happier times, like celebrating

birthdays and other events like training, seminars and meetings.

"The center is also created to serve as a safe space and hub to create youth engagement and solidarity," added Sylwander.

The center boosts of a playground where children can play safely.

She urged the leaders to draw inspiration and great ideas about resiliency from children.

Sylwander said that since Borongan is in the typhoon path, prone to landslide and floods, children of Borongan are most vulnerable and therefore need a safe haven-thus the construction of

a much improved center from that of Guiuan turned over in April, this year.

The Unicef lady executive inspired Borongan Mayor Fe Abunda to invest more in disaster preparedness so that the children would know what to do.

Let the children‟s voice be heard, their ideas can be rich sources of knowledge for elders in disaster resiliency, said Sylwander.

"We hope this structure can be used most often, not only during disaster or calamities but more so during happier times." (nbq/PIA 8-E Samar)

300-meter runway extension of Borongan airport underway BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 4 (PIA) – Commercial planes may soon be landing anew in the Borongan airport with some P50 M fund for improvement.

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AAP with its P30 will be enough to Runway.

Representative Ben district of Eastern Samar

M and DOTr with P20M fund construction of some 300 meters runway extend Borongan Airport extension.

The lawmaker told the media that P. Evardone, of the lone airline companies need the 300 meters runway said that the amount can extension.

He added that he talked with the Philippine Airlines (PAL) President Jimmy Bautista and assured him of the availability of commercial flights, once the specs are met. (PIA 8-E Samar with Mel R. Caspe)

‗Arayupan‘ one big step to disaster-resiliency — Mayor Abunda BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 4 (PIA) - Borongan City officials vowed to invest more in disaster-resilient programs as they received the brand new and disaster-resilient Arayupan ha Borongan, a community evacuation center today in the heart of the city.

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n an emotional speech, Mayor Fe Abunda talked of her commitment to advance the cause of disaster resiliency with her constituents.

She recalled how her heart was broken with the sight of internally displaced families trooping to the city hall to take refuge as TS Ruby battered their homes and their farms in the year 2014.

This day however, the tides have turned in their favor with the evacuation center in their midst.

The architect of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) explained that the structure can withstand category 5 typhoon, can withstand magnitude 8 quake.

Its design conjures all natural elements like big windows where light and the soft breeze can easily get in without the need for air conditioning or lights during the day.

There are no blind curves where gender-based violence may occur, she said.

Comfort rooms for boys and girls are separated to discourage sexual advances that take place in crowded evacuation centers.

Ramps and handrails were also provided to ensure accessibility of the elderly and PWDs. All materials, she added are separately tested for endurance and durability and that she said, "I can stand in front of you and say, this is a life saving shelter."

"This is also where most vulnerable families can

have access to the basic services until a durable solution to their needs are provided."

There also lies a storage room where food and non-food items essential to evacuation centers are stored.

In his speech, Regional Director Restituto Macuto promised Abunda that he can pre-position food and non food relief items in case of a natural disaster.

In her message, Abunda profusely thanked the donors IOM and Unicef, saying, "Borongan is so blessed to be one of your beneficiaries."

City Councilor Victor Franco in his welcome message could not control himself when he said, "Thank you is not enough, I love you." (nbq/PIA 8-E Samar)

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

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

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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