One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 27 20170707 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

BFAR 6 Director Remia Aparri shares some of the mechanisms to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the country such as the amended Philippine Fisheries Code in a press conference on July 6 that culminated the three-day 3rd Coral Triangle Fishers Forum and Tuna Governance Workshop held at the Iloilo Convention Center.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

July 3 - 9, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 27

Palace happy over SC‘s Martial Law uphold Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. & Jemin B. Guillermo BACOLOD CITY/ROXAS CITY, July 6 (PIA6)— Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Chief Sec. Martin Andanar said Malacanang is happy that the Supreme Court has upheld the declaration of Martial in Mindanao.

In a radio interview over a local station, he said the court‘s decision legitimizes martial law by 100 percent giving it a chance to be implemented correctly in the clearing and building-up of Marawi City.

He said martial law will appropriately deal with extremism that has no place in Philippine society.

Andanar explained that martial law was declared so that violence caused by dissidents will not reach the entire country and even into other Asean countries.

The citizens were urged by the PCOO secretary to be wary, alert and aware of what is happening and to report suspicious looking men doing strange activities that could lead to terrorism.

In a separate interview with a Capiz local radio station, Andanar said Malacañan Palace is preparing for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte since the Chief Executive wants his SONA to be simple in terms of aesthetics. ―He does not want a fashion show or even a red carpet,‖ said Andanar in a radio interview in a local radio station here.

The decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the declaration of Martial Law gives more strength to the military and police who are facing the war in Mindanao, he said. ―The government was also able to generate about US $ 35 to 46-billion as aid, grant, soft loan or investment out of the President‘s ASEAN trips in the Middle East, South America,

China and Japan,‖ he said, adding that more than 24-hectares of land were so far distributed to small farmers.

He stressed that 700 hectares of land from the Hacienda Luisita were also distributed to the farmer-beneficiaries as a start of the distribution process of said land.

Andanar also revealed that the Department of Agriculture has set aside more than P50-billion as support fund to the farmer beneficiaries under the Department of Agrarian Reform‘s program.

He also highlighted the President‘s determined political will and signed the Executive Orders such as the Freedom of Information as part of the government‘s anti-corruption drive, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to protect the journalists, and other orders that are for the development of the country. (JCM/Lljr/JBG-PIA6)

PCOO Secretary Martin Andar. (PIA-6 File Photo)

NIA irrigation infra to grow economies - Evasco Some 48 local government units in Negros Island Region of which 28 from Negros Occidental & 20 from Oriental Negros are conferred the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance by DSWD-NIR in an awarding ceremony today in Dumaguete City. The event is giving recognition to the municipalities and cities in promoting & protecting children's rights through its programs & initiatives.

(PIA7-NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY (PIA) -- Putting up irrigation facilities is not just about responding to the needs of the people but also about putting up opportunities to grow economies.

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco issued the statement during the recent ground breaking of the P620 million Bonot-bonot Small Reservoir Impounding Project (SRIP) in barangay Rufo Hill, Buenavista town.

Speaking before farmer beneficiaries and residents of the largely agricultural and rice producing barangays of Bonot-bonot, Cangawa, Bato, Sweetland, Lapacan Norte and Buga-ong of Buenavista town, Evasco said the potential for the water impounding in Buenavista could go beyond the 550 hectares and 220 farmer and families beneficiaries of the multi-million project.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has eyed Bohol to stand up for the region‘s rice supply deficiency requirement considering Cebu‘s few farms and Siquijor‘s small land area.

In the farmlands of the seven barangays near Bonotbonot, Evasco who admitted growing up as a farmer and has kept a demo farm to prove it, said the average production here is 4.55 tons per hectare.

The irrigation facility, which construction rolls by next

month, would increase to about 600 kilos more of per hectare production, Evasco stated.

Stressing the key support government should give to rice sufficiency, Evasco pointed out that irrigation is the key element of attaining rice sufficiency.

The Duterte Administration did not have second thoughts about supporting the farmers on food security, Evasco said adding that the move for free irrigation service fee has since started in January.

The move, Evasco said hopes to free farmer families from the bonds of debt and increase family income.

He also sadly pointed out that changes in administration priorities have put the fight against poverty in the backseat.

The provision of agricultural infrastructure like irrigation facilities should finally break the cycle of depravity, Evasco hinted.

In the same light, local irrigators association president and Buenavista Councilor Martin Nunez said they have requested the government through the NIA to allow them to use the water for local waterworks to households, as well as for power generation to run the motors to distribute the water to reservoirs and enough to deliver it to the town‘s farthest household taps. (fcr/rahc/pia7/bohol)

Alvarez: Tax reforms to benefit social services DTI-Northern Samar Director Stanley Tabiando shares information on the programs and services of the government accessible to the public thru the Department of Trade and Industry in his topic, "Rich and Economically-Driven Communities."

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 5 (PIA) - Revenues generated out of reforms in the country‘s tax system would be used by the government to fund basic social and health services, among others.

This was emphasized by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in an impromptu chat with local media at the provincial coliseum here Sunday.

Alvarez, who was in the city as the belated guest for the province‘s 57th founding anniversary, said the tax reform measure was already passed at the House of Representatives and currently being deliberated at the Senate.

During his visit Alvarez also administered the oath to new members of the political party PDP-Laban. He was met at

the Panan-awan airport by provincial leaders led by Cong.

Roger Mercado and Gov. Damian Mercado.

In a related development, an economic expert allayed fears the new tax reform program would adversely affect low-income earners, saying that there are safety nets provided in the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN).

Former economic planning secretary Felipe Medalla said in a report that the safety nets included personal income tax exemptions for those earning P 250,000 and below, unconditional cash transfers, and subsidies for public utility jeepney operators and drivers. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Duterte gov‘t to work for resilient PH Jaime S. Cabag, Jr. ILOILO CITY, July 4 (PIA6) – The government with President Rodrigo Duterte at its helm will continue working in disaster risk reduction and management and will be committed to this responsibility, according to Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Demosthenes Santillan, Office of Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations.

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s part of the effort, the President moved to step up the level of DRRM in the country by renaming the National Disaster Consciousness Month, which is observed throughout July into the National Disaster Resilience Month, by virtue of Executive Order No. 29 he issued on June 28.

This is to highlight the progression of the national effort from simple awareness building to the promotion of national resilience against disasters, said Santillan during the kick-off activities held today at the Iloilo Esplanade here for the month-long observance in Western Visayas.

He called on the people of Western Visayas to continue supporting our national program to

build preparedness and resilience and to further popularize the concepts of DRRM into a way of life.

Likewise, he pointed out that this year‘s theme, ―4Ks: Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan‖ highlights the core intention of the observance to make our people own DRRM as a personal responsibility, and that surviving the ravages of any hazard and making communities resilient is a duty of every Filipino.

With Santillan were OCD-6 Director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair Rosario Cabrera, Dominador Co, Executive Assistant to Iloilo City Jed Patrick Mabilog, heads and representatives of government agencies

that sit as council vice-chairs, and other regional officials.

The kick-off activities consisted of a Holy Mass, opening program, fluvial parade, and viewing of the DRRM gallery at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University participated in by delegations from RDRRMC member-agencies and other partners and stakeholders.

Other activities lined up for Region 6 are poster-making contest for elementary and essay writing contest for secondary level on July 8, gallery exhibit of winners on July 12-18, fun run for disaster resiliency on July 15, and thematic information booth/exhibit of DRRM accomplishments on July 21-31. (JSC/PIA6)

Almost 1M tourists visit Boracay Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan (PIA6) – Tourism in the island of Boracay remains at its peak as it continues to receive more tourists in the first five months of this year, hitting to almost one million.

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ata from the Economic Enterprise Development Department, a Provincial Tourism Extension Office in Caticlan, showed that from January to May 2017, tourist arrivals in Boracay reached 947,459.

The figure showed a 12.48 percent increase in tourist arrivals as compared to last year of the same period, where the island welcomed 842,330 visitors.

Foreign tourists that visited the island from

January to May this year listed at 430,785; while local or domestic tourists were 493,159; and the Overseas Filipino Workers were 23,515.

The month of April was recorded with the most number of tourists received with 233,233; followed by May with 202,755; February with 174,183; January 169,843; and March with 167,445.

Meanwhile, Aklan Jetty Port Administrator

Niven Maquirang recently lobbied with the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan for a new port in Boracay to accommodate the increasing number of tourists, as well as to ensure safety and security in the island.

According to Maquirang, the proposed Yapak Port will help decongest passenger traffic at Cagban port in Barangay Manocmanoc, which is the main entry and exit port of the island. (JCM/SQP/PIA Aklan)

19 ASEAN kiosks set up in WV Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 6 (PIA6) – Nineteen week-long displays of information kiosk about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other government programs and services have been put up by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from January to June in various parts of the region.

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ased on records, the ASEAN information – related showcase were put up in malls, schools, provincial capitol buildings, airports as well as ferry terminals and Boracay Island to heighten public awareness about the regional integration. ―The kiosk is unique and distinctive of PIA services,‖ said a mall-goer who obtained information from a kiosk in Iloilo City.

Another recipient of the ASEAN showcase

said that the initiative must continue and ―the staff attending the kiosk are more accommodating.‖ ―We need to do more so the public will know about ASEAN and its many opportunities for Filipinos,‖ said PIA – 6 director lawyer Ma. Janet C. Mesa during a mid-year meeting of PIA employees in the region last June 29 in Bacolod City.

The kiosk, which also exhibits contributed

information materials by other government agencies and local government units, features video presentations about ASEAN and a standee of Pres.

Rodrigo R. Duterte which has always become a favorite photo shoot buddy.

The ASEAN awareness in the region is also being leveled up by PIA thru the conduct of school, barangay and multi-secotral fora, briefings, focus group discussions and production of IEC materials, among others. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Tigbauan farmers, fishermen get easy loan access Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, July 7 (PIA6) — They will not go to private money lenders and pay high interest anymore because of the easy loan access provided these farmers, fisher folk and animal raisers in the town of Tigbauan.

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he Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) said it is providing practical solution to the financial needs of farmers through the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) credit program,.

According to DA Undersecretary for Agribusiness and Rural Credit Evelyn Laviña PLEA is a non-collateral lending program of the government through the ACPC. ―Farmers who avail of the loan are automatically covered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation,‖ said Laviña.

Under the PLEA a farmer can loan up to P50,000, with six per cent per annum interest.

DA-6 said that 200 farmers and fisherfolk from five qualified farmers associations in Tigbauan were privileged to access the P5 million credit assistance through the Kooperatiba Naton

Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KNMPC) as the lending conduit.

The municipality of Tigbauan is not among the 10 pilot sites for the PLEA implementation, but during the Biyaheng Bukid of Secretary Piñol in Iloilo last March, he learned of the farmers‘ poor access to agricultural credit.

After validation, KNMPC Manager Georgina Basco said the amount of P800,000 loan were already distributed to 37 farmers and fisherfolk who initially completed the minimal requirements. ―Farmers can get P30,000 loan per hectare, while farmers who plant rice, vegetables, raise hogs, and fisher folk and vendors can avail of loan services,‖ Basco said. ―We have identified 40 eligible borrowers from each farmers‘ association,‖ she added.

The cooperative started in 2004 with P7,000 capital and 12 members, and to date it has a total of 600 members with P35 millions in assets.

Tigbauan Mayor Suzette Alquisada told the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and helping in the long run make the town a first class municipality with the DA assistance.

On the other hand, DA Regional Technical Director Peter Sobrevega also reminded the farmers to exercise discipline in paying the loan to make the PLEA sustainable.

For her part, ACPC Executive Director Jocelyn Badiola said access to this kind of credit is a privilege. ―We want this credit program to be successful, so we can replicate it in other towns of the province,‖ Badiola said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

DTI cites stakeholders practicing Fair Trade Laws Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, July 5 (PIA6) - - The Department of Trade and Industry recognized the vital role of various stakeholders in the carrying the Fair trade Laws particularly with the project "Provision of Support Mechanisms for San Jose Tradetown Operations.‘‘

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ngr. Lynna Joy Cardinal Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI Antique said that the citations were handed over to partner agencies, Tradetown vendors association, consumers groups for actively participating the project which was launched in April this year.

The Municipal Government of San Jose through the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office were actively involved in setting up of Price Monitoring Boards at the entrance of San Jose tradetown containing information on the prevailing prices of selected basic and prime commodities for guidance of the

consumers.

Another component of the project is the campaign for the use of price tags or price lists based on the provisions of the Price Tag Law which the vendors/retailers have complied, said Cardinal.

Manager Frisco Canoy of the National Food Authority also led the compliance of grains retailers on the use of color-coded price tags for grains based on Grains Standardization Law. DTI also commended the compliance of the market vendors by using properly calibrated weighing scales in selling salt, muscovado sugar and legumes in compliance to the Law on Weights ad Measures

which requires the use of metric system.

The signage for market stalls and tables were the initiative of the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office of LGU - San Jose. Sellers can be easily identified with the presence of signage bearing the name of the businesses.

DTI will likewise organize group of students, senior citizens and members of cooperatives to compose the volunteers who will help monitor the compliance to vendors to Fair Trade laws as an offshoot of the project.

Cardinal also mentioned of the support of the Antique Association of Information Officers and the local media practitioners. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

SSS takes part in ‗10M in 10 Movement‘ Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 6 (PIA6) – The Social Security System (SSS) Visayas West 1 Division has inked a commitment with the ―10 Million Trees in 10 years for a Greener Negros Movement.‖

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ith the partnership, SSS is committed to be involved in the program as it aims to raise awareness in the information activities among its employees, a release from the agency said.

One of the recent activities by SSS was the tree-planting in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City. SSS is committed to plant seedlings for the next

10 years.

Lilani Benedian, SSS OIC Vice-President of Visayas West 1 Division said during the commitment signing that this commitment will create a widespread positive impact in terms of environmental and socio-economic benefits to communities.

The ‗10M in 10 Movement‘ is a massive forest

restoration project in Negros Island and it makes use of social media to monitor trees planted by its partners.

The island-wide movement aims to re-green the mountains and landscapes of the both Negros provinces by planting 10 million trees in 10 years. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros Occidental)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA Siquijor launches 2nd info kiosk on ASEAN, gov‘t programs Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, July 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) recently launched another Information Kiosk, the second in the province and 10th in Central Visayas Region at the Old Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) in the seaport of Larena, Siquijor.

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hrough the kiosk, the public will have access to information on the benefits and advantages of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other programs and services of the government.

PIA-7 officer-in-charge Fayette Riñen said seaports are one of the strategic locations to put up the kiosk because of the passenger traffic.

The Kiosk features information, education and communication (IEC) racks that contained brochures, flyers and other reading materials on ASEAN and other government programs, drop down banner that contains basic facts about ASEAN and a standee of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Riñen urged the public to take time to visit the kiosk and read the available materials in order for them to appreciate ASEAN and understand its impact in our lives.

The Kiosk, she said, is one platform for PIA to fulfill its mandate of providing timely, accurate and relevant information to the public.

Provincial Governor Zaldy S. Villa in his

message during the launching said the setting up of kiosks in the province is very timely especially that Siquijor is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world.

Since Philippines is one of the member states of the ASEAN, it is important that we are well informed of what is going around our neighboring countries and the benefits we can get from the integration, he said. Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Acting Division Manager Mary Louise Macalino also supported that the kiosk desires to educate the people on the vision and goals of the ASEAN Summit.

Also during the launching, Larena Vice-Mayor Cyrus Vincent Calibo lauded the PIA as it sees the need for every Filipino to be informed on vital information that can improve the quality of lives of every Filipino which is reflected on the initiative of putting up the info kiosk. ―The kiosk is part of the strategies in delivering developmental information to the grassroots, to present the policy directives and significant thrust of the current administration that keynotes on the

Philippine chairmanship of the 2017 ASEAN,‖ he said.

He stressed that the kiosk is timely because of the notable influx of tourists in the province. He said it serves as the tour guide and defines its location at the seaports as perfect for both locals and tourists.

Meanwhile, PIA-Siquijor information center manager Rizalie A. Calibo said Siquijor province has now two information kiosks, one at the PTB at the seaport of Siquijor that was launched in April this year, and the other at the Old PTB in the seaport of Larena as the main gateways to the island.

This is to spread information as the goal of the PIA, so that the people may be enlightened on how they can contribute to nation-building, she said.

The launching was made in cooperation with the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID).

To know more about what the PIA is doing to strengthen government efforts to communicate with every Filipino, follow them on twitter and FaceBook.

You can also visit their website at www.pia.gov.ph. (fcr/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

Mothers urged to prepare healthy meals for children Leandria P. Pagunsan DUMAGUETE CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- At the recent kick-off ceremony of Nutrition Month 2017, Dr. Michelle Naranjo, head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of Siliman University in Negros Oriental urged mothers to prepare healthy foods for their children.

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others should educate their children on the importance of eating healthy foods and how it will benefit their body and mind, said Naranjo.

Naranjo emphasized the importance of a balance diet that consists of a variety of healthy foods and eating in moderation too. "Putting color to our children's plate with different vegetables and fruits will make them healthy and strong," said Naranjo.

The kick off celebration started with a flag-raising ceremony attended by provincial governor Roel Degamo, heads of offices, provincial and national government employees at the ground floor of Mariano Perdices Memorial Coliseum.

The governor also urged his employees to maintain a healthy diet so they can be effective in

their respective work places and free from unhealthy lifestyle diseases.

A healthy diet according to Dr. Henrissa Calumpang, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO), based on the World Health Organization (WHO) is the regular intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, root crops, low fat milk, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts.

Dr. Calumpang pointed out that unhealthy diet high in cholesterol, sugar, saturated fats and sodium can cause cardiovascular diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer, said Calumpang.

Intake of more than one teaspoon of salt a day is already high sodium, which can cause high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, said Calumpang.

Moreover, Calumpang said the WHO

recommends 400 grams of fruits and vegetables intake daily.

Another study also revealed that there is a 13 percent decrease in the monthly grocery spending of Filipinos that corresponds to a 25 percent increase of eating out in fast foods and restaurants.

Furthermore, Calumpang said several studies revealed that consumption of sweetened beverages particularly sodas are consistently consumed by Filipino children aged six to 12 years old.

She then reported that malnutrition rate in Negros Oriental had a slight decrease from 6.4 percent in 2015 to 6.1 percent last year.

She also urged mothers to breastfeed their children exclusively for six months, giving only mother‘s milk without water and solid foods. (fcr/ lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)

Community involvement critical in disaster preparedness Roi Lomotan SIBULAN, Negros Oriental, July 4(PIA) -- The executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) cited the critical importance of community involvement in disaster preparedness.

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DRRMC Executive Officer Adrian Sedillo delivered a brief lecture on disaster preparedness to members of the farmer and fisherfolk associations, barangay captains and other local officials of this town during the Ugnayan: A Dialogue for Progress Multi-Sectoral Forum held recently at the Municipal Multi-Purpose Hall. Sedillo stressed that there should be community involvement from the identification of hazards up to identification of actions in response to any calamities or disasters. ―You need to understand your hazards so you can plan your actions,‖ Sedillo said. Sedillo also

briefly discussed the four thematic areas of disaster management under RA 10121 which are prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation. The law, Sedillo said, serves as the bible of disaster management of the government while the E.O 66 prescribes rules on canceling or suspending classes or work during typhoons and other calamities, and the usage of DRRM fund.

The PDRRMC official reiterated the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee is under the Barangay Development Council which under the law shall take the lead in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from

the effects of any disaster if their barangay is affected by a calamity. Sedillo said the city or municipal government takes over when two or more barangays are affected by a disaster while the province takes the lead if two or more cities are torn by disaster.

Meanwhile, the participants of the forum included members of the farmer and fisherfolks association, women‘s group, barangay captains and other local officials in Sibulan town. This was the second time the PIA conducted an Ugnayan Forum in Negros Oriental. The first was done in April at the Silliman University in Dumaguete City. (fcr/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Basic training held to check violations of broadcasters Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Broadcasters on air should now be more careful as some 28 people have already been trained on how to spot any of the violations these broadcasters commit, based on the Broadcast Code of the Philippines.

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he Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Region 7 in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO) in Bohol brought the Basic Broadcaster's Training to young broadcasters from DyJR (Janseen Radio) of the Holy Name University, DyTR and Magic FM, the Association of Writers and Radio Announcers (AWRA) and information officers from government agencies and local government units on June 21-24 at the ATI Regional training Complex in Cabawan District, this city.

The broadcasting training came in the trail of criticisms listeners aired over media reports which they presumed are in line with the broadcast protocols and media ethics. By law, broadcasters across the country are governed by the Broadcast

Code of the Philippines.

The Broadcast Code of the Philippines lays out the standards broadcasters do in radio programs and policies in handling them. For broadcasters under the national association of broadcasters, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas is the governing body and lays out its broadcast principles.

The training exposed the participants to the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) broadcast principles, the Broadcast Code of the Philippines, laws on slander and libel, defense of libel and news writing for broadcast also included interviewing skills refresher, radio broadcasting practicum and radio scripts. No less than veteran news writers Jessa Khrishna Agua-Ylanan, Judge Joy Santos-Doctor, development communicator Merrian Soliva and the PIA took the participants to the details

of broadcast protocols, ethics and principles, news gathering techniques, writing for broadcast and scripting as well as a studio visit to allow participants the feel of broadcast duty. The training is also designed to allow government information officers the skill to do broadcast tasks while allowing them a peek at the protocols, standards and policies in reporting crimes, sensitive information and handling delicate topics, according to the PIA. On the other hand, ATI-7 Dr. Carolyn Mae Daquio said the training would also be used by government broadcasters to disseminate agricultural technologies which would be crucial in helping farmers obtain relevant information. Participants also intended to finish the training with broadcaster's accreditation by the KBP, a next step that would be attained in the next months. (fcr/rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

DSWD‘s livelihood program benefits over 3k indigents Jennifer C. Tilos SIBULAN, Negros Oriental, July 4 (PIA) -- The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) has benefitted 3,867 indigent-beneficiaries in Negros Island Region (NIR) for the first quarter of this year alone.

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SWD-NIR Assistant Provincial Coordinator Glenuel Joyce Nuñez said that of the total number of beneficiaries, about 2,159 indigents come from Negros Occidental and 1,708 in Negros Oriental.

Nuñez talked about their agency‘s SLP during the recent Ugnayan Multi-Sectoral Forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the town of Sibulan attended by over 60 representatives from the municipal government, barangay, farmers and fisherfolk associations, regional line agencies and media among others.

Nuñez urged the farmers and fisherfolks to avail of the multi-stakeholder program to uplift them out of poverty as the SLP‘s main purpose is to serve and help indigent-beneficiaries increase their

economic or livelihood opportunities.

Nuñez said the program is designed to improve the standard of living of poor households by providing them two intervention tracks to help them set up a business. The interventions included a Micro -enterprise Development (MD) and Employment Facilitation (EF) which capacitates the poor households to develop a livelihood of their own through the Community-Driven Enterprise Development Approach.

These types of assistance are in the form of technical-vocational skills training, financial assistance to secure pre-employment requirements, short-term employment to help them earn money to develop or rebuild livelihood projects, and capital fund for managing an enterprise, bared Nuñez.

The DSWD officer said target beneficiaries also include the vulnerable sector such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, part of the ‗Listahan‘ or data base of poor households and Pantawid Pamilya members may enroll in the program.

The DSWD, as part of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community responsible for the socio-cultural aspect, ensures that the welfare of the people is a priority building a socially responsible and caring community and making certain the lives of every citizen is progressive.

The conduct of the ‗Ugnayan: A Dialogue for Progress‘ is held as part of PIA‘s communication strategies to bring the government‘s presence and services to the grassroots and to interact with the public on the ground. (fcr/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOT7 gathers tourism stakeholders for crisis mgt forum Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, July 4 (PIA) -- About 100 tourism stakeholders in Negros Oriental recently gathered for a forum on Crisis Management initiated by the Department of Tourism-7 (DOT7) to prepare and anticipate on how to deal with the threat of terrorism in Central Visayas.

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IC Regional Director Judy Gabato of DOT7 said the tourism industry in the region is susceptible to such negative occurrence amid the ongoing conflict in Marawi City and the military clashes with the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Bohol last April putting the sector under threat of a crisis. Safety and security is the new order of tourism destinations as Gabato said ―this is the way to assist tourism businesses in dealing with crisis by reducing the vulnerability and it is an important challenge that tourism industry is facing.‖ John Ray Saavedra, communications officer of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) who represented Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino read the latter‘s message. Dino cited two important advocacy initiatives which are on the proposed creation of the Visayan Sea Inter-Agency Task Force and One Visayas Corridor of Development of Change (One VisDAC). PA Dino expressed to institutionalize the inter-agency task force that intends to safeguard the seas and coastlines in the Visayas against immersion of

terrorists and lawless elements.

In his statement, a memo of understanding would be signed for the stakeholders or law enforcement agencies which serve as a framework that will prevent terrorists and other illegal activities from navigating the region‘s seas and coastal areas. ―It will be a strict implementation of the maritime safety laws, rules and regulations. Policy needs to implement the registration of sea vessels below three gross tonnage or utilize for fishing in the municipal office or the city hall to prevent smaller sea crafts being utilize by terrorists,‖ sated PA Dino.

The Purok system will be activated or ‗neighborhood watch‘ for barangay residents to be vigilant and report to the authorities on any suspicious looking people new to their neighborhood, Dino said.

PA Dino also pointed out the ‗One BIsDAC‘ which seeks to harmonize Visayas-wide development prospective, coordinates and integrates Visayas agenda, initiative programs, projects and activities.

PA Dino illustrated the need to bond together as ‗Visayas‘ in order to have a common voice when it comes to budget, infrastructure projects, peace and order programs, agriculture, socio-economic and investment plans and tourism industry. ―Let me take tourism as one component of this corridor of development as we start the campaign ‗Visayans, Visits the Visayas,‘ that we Visayans should patronize our own tourist destinations first before other places to boost the tourism industry in the Visayas and foster unity among us; and use the social media in promoting our own tourist destinations here,‖ Dino urged. The Tourism Stakeholders Forum on Crisis Management is designed by DOT in cooperation with the provincial government of Negros Oriental to provide guidelines and accurate process to all private stakeholders and local government units in dealing with crisis situations which may threaten tourists and interfere with the tourism growth in the province. (fcr/ jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

BFAR turns over 24 patrol boats to LGUs Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 6 (PIA) - In line with the mandate of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to eradicate Illegal Fishing, a P2.17 Million fund from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Central Office, Manila thru the initiative of Senator Loren Legarda turned over 24 fiber glass patrol boats to 22 municipalities, one City and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar under the Fiber Glass Boat (FGB) Pagbabago on July 5, 2017 at the Provincial Gymnasium, this City.

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) and BFAR turned-over fiber glass patrol boats to 13 Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and representatives of 23 Local Government Units (LGUs) including the provincial government of Eastern Samar.

Present during the turn-over rite were: BFAR-Central Office Technical Staff Sarah Jane M. Gadon, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Deogracias Paano, Provincial Fishery Officer Jaime Salazar and

LMP-Eastern Samar Chapter President Atty. Allan Contado led the turn-over of 24, 30-foot long patrol boats worth P2.17 Million.

The patrol boats with 16 horsepower engines were provided by the BFAR Central O f f i ce in coo r di na ti on wi th S en a tor Loren Legarda. The LGUs will shoulder the outriggers and maintenance of the fishing vessel.

Fishery Law Enforcers from LGUs were

trained months ago for the needed skills and empowerment.

The Fiberglass Patrol Boats distribution is part of the national government program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under Fiberglass Boat or ― F/B Pagbabago Program‖ that aims to address poverty in the fisheries sector. (ajc/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

DOH-8 allays fears on meningo cases Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 5 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas enjoined the public not to panic since meningococcemia is not highly contagious and advised people to increase resistance by having healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest and sleep.

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uring the DOH PIA ON AIR Program aired live over DYVL Aksyon Radyo, Boyd Roderick Cerro, DOH-8 nurse epedimiologist, also told people to avoid crowded places, maintain clean environment, avoid sharing utensil that has been in the mouth of an infected person, wash hands frequently with soap and water and avoid close contacts with meningococcemia patients.

The DOH made the statement following confirmation on Thursday six cases of meningococcemia in the region this year that claimed the lives of three children.

The cases came from Leyte and Samar provinces and all were referred to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC).

Two came from Macarthur; one from Abuyog, one from Carigara, one from Tacloban City, all in Leyte, and one from Calbayog, City in Samar.

Ages of children who died due to meningococcemia were 11 years old, four years old and the youngest was an 11 months old baby.

Health authorities said that an early recognition of meningococcal infection and prompt treatment greatly improve chances of survival.

Cerro said those who came in contact with the victims were all given medications as a precaution and so far, no symptoms have surfaced after the incubation period.

Meningococcemia is an acute and potentially life -threatening bacterial infection of the bloodstream

caused by neisseria meningitides bacteria.

This bacteria frequently live in a person‘s upper respiratory tract without causing visible signs of illness. It can be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing foods, drinks and utensils.

Signs and symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, other respiratory symptoms, pinpoint rashes which become wider and appear like bruises starting from the legs and arms (large maplike bruise-like patches), severe skin lesions which may lead to gangrene, unstable vital signs, may or may not have signs of meningitis such as stiff neck, convulsion (in some cases), delirium, altered mental status and vomiting. (ajc/cba/PIA8)

Samar holds ASEAN integration forum Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar (PIA) — Samar launched two PIA ASEAN Information Kiosks in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan this week.

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n Calbayog City, after the launch of the Information Kiosk at the City Hall, a small forum composed of farmers and fisher folks, women‘s organization, youth in the academe, PWDs, business communities and government officials will take place at the City Convention Center.

Speakers from the Department of Trade and Industry were intended to help attendees determine the kind of participation they can as DTI Meilou Macabare is expected to reveal information on Rich and Economically Driven Asean

Community.

Department of Social Welfare and Development also talked of ASEAN for the Vulnerable where the department‘s programs on PWDs, women the youth and other marginalized groups will unfold.

The ASEAN forum is being done around the country to share information to the public how best they can participate in the government‘s effort to include each and every Juan in ASEAN integration where plenty of opportunities in jobs, education, business, health, travel, investments, response to

emergencies and easier conflict resolutions.

The events also aims to secure the commitment of its leading partners, Mayor Ronald P Aquino of Calbayog City and Catbalogan Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan to the ASEAN –Information drive of the Philippine Information Agency.

The Philippines is the chairman of ASEAN 2017 in time for its 50th founding anniversary come August 8, since it started with five founding member -countries in 1967.

This year's ASEAN theme is : Partnering for Change, Engaging the World. (nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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New Buraburon Festival declared grand champ Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 30 (PIA) – The Buraburon Festival of Burauen Leyte won Php1.1 million total prize being a grand winner of the 2017 Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals held Tuesday at Leyte Sports Development Center, this city.

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s grand champion Buraburon Festival The Buyugan Festival of Abuyog Leyte, which got P750, 000 and a trophy while has performed several times abroad and a its choreographer got Php25, 000 and a multi-winner won as first-runner up and romped trophy. away with P500, 000 plus trophy, while the SangguAside from being the grand winner, Buraburon tan Festival of Barugo landed as 2nd runner-up and also won three special awards such as Best won P250, 000 and a trophy.

Performance in Dance Parade with Php100, 000 Non-winners also got P50, 000 each and a prize and a trophy, Best in Festival Costume with trophy.

Php100, 000 prize and a trophy and Best in Festival Meanwhile, for the Pintados category; the Tribu Music with Php150, 000 prize and a trophy.

Mangrisda of Tanauan Leyte won first place in Best in Buraburon festival is a new festival and first Pintados Tatoo Design, Best in Pintados Street time ever to join in the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival Dance Parade and Best in 2017 Pintados Festival of Festivals.

Music with a total prize of P150, 000.

Despite the heat of the sun and heightened security measures implemented by police authorities in the city, hundreds of Leytenos and visitors gathered at LSDC to see the ten competing festivals performed.

Others waited at main streets of the city to witness the colorful parade of the contingents.

As expected the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals brought delight, fun, excitement and happiness to hundreds of spectators and visitors who just came to Tacloban to join the fiesta celebration of Senior Sto. de Leyte on June 30, 2017.(ajc/cba/ PIA8)

DCWs participate in creative teaching, storytelling summit Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) – Sixty-eight Day Care Workers in Maasin City participated the Creative Teaching and Storytelling Summit initiated by the Tulay Bahaghari Incorporated, City Social Welfare staff Fe Nida Sy informed.

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he recent two-day workshop summit involved lectures and hands-on training that provided the day care worker -participants the practical knowledge and skills in order for them to become efficient educators, Sy said.

The said summit taught the DCWs effective

storytelling techniques; a workshop on making creative crafts, such as rag doll making, face painting, animal brooch, mask makng, funny face party paper bags, balloon arts, to name a few; workshop on creative teaching techniques; and creating an environment for pre-school children. Sy said that the Tulay Bahaghari have seen

the rapid changing society wherein valuable set of skills are needed by Day Care Workers to have a competitive edge with the present society.

She said that facilitators of the said training were graduates of the University of the Philippines, in Diliman, Quezon City. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

Feature: Lulugayan Falls experience brings people to nature Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar (PIA) - The experience of some media people with the nature exposure trip to Lulugayan Falls in Calbiga town brought the urban media into an extraordinary communion with nature.

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oel Amazona CNN Philippines reporter was completely awed with his experience despite the 700 meters of trek to the site.

To help spread the word, DENR 8 ferried more than 30 media practitioners in the region to Lulugayan Falls, some 14 kilometers east of Calbiga town. Lulugayan Falls, considered as most majestic and panoramic is in Barangay Literon.

A p pr o xi ma te l y f i f ty m e te rs w i d e , Lulugayan Falls has been dubbed by tourists as a Mini Niagara.

In its surroundings, there still exists lush flora and fauna where nature lovers can trek and enjoy the sights.

Lea Rafales, the LGUs Tourism Officer briefed the press that tourists are advised to drop by the

municipal hall for registration and the barangay desk so that tourist guides can be provided.

It is necessary to go there with tourist guides to make sure that tourists are safely escorted.

Evelyn Cabornay, a kagawad said that some tourists venture into the danger zones of the Lulugayan Falls, tourist guides know which are the danger zones, so that they should be escorted. She added that foreigners and locals alike come during summer months.

Lulugayan Falls come from Kalidongan lake some kilometers upstream, the waterfalls cascade towards Calbiga River where some more waterfalls abound.

As the nation celebrates Environment Month this June, the leading steward of environment protection, DENR urges all people to connect with

nature.

This year‘s theme ―Connecting People to Nature,‖ urges all people to go outside, to the countryside and reconnect with nature as most of them are in urban areas devoid of natural surroundings.

This special communion with nature, says Jocelyn Gacoscosim of PENRO Samar will also lead to an understanding of a deeper sense of commitment to protect nature.

Maita Reina Sucgang, chief, DENR‘s public affairs office, said this month‘s celebration is aimed at adding consciousness to the relationship of people with nature which underscores the dependency of human on nature in many ways. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-Samar with Sol Alarcon)

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