One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 50 20171222 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

GSIS Iloilo Branch Manager Eleanor D. Gregorio gives updates on Policies and Programs of GSIS and lectures on Retirement Laws and Benefits to PIA-6 staff during the PIA-6 General Assembly and Year-End Assessment held in Iloilo City, December 19. (PIA-6/EJB)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Dec. 11 - 24, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 50

Bohol guv highlights PIO role, inducts AUDIO officers Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- Gov. Edgar Chatto highlighted the roles played by government information officers in bringing out Bohol's development direction to allow its communities to take part in, which according to the governor, led to its present success.

During the induction of the 2017 new set of officers for the Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO) in Bohol, the governor took the liberty to induct the new officers.

Without the right information, he admitted that it would be difficult to bring everyone under one boat.

Pointing out the necessity of making sure the people know where they are going when they paddle, he cited the roles that information officers play as crucial to let people have a better idea of where to go.

He also noted that the information has started the involvement of communities which has made people well informed.

"The participation of all sectors relate to good communication," he said, even as he emphasized that information is the backbone of government development.

"How well our programs is understood by our people is proof that AUDIO have done quite well," the governor assented.

"When we are recognized in any recognizing body,

all these boil down to one thing: I think we are in the right direction that we are working together as the government is always an interaction of peoples," he pointed out to members of the AUDIO in their yearly program assessment and evaluation at the MetroCenter.

Gov. Chatto swore in the AUDIO new set of officers, namely: President Nicolas Sendrijas (LGU Calape), Vice President (LGU): Jojeline Ruiz (LGU Trinidad), V-Pres.(NGA): Bruce Zabala (BJMP), Secretary: Marichu Cua (TESDA) Asst.

Secretary: Elvie Bongosia (PIA), Treasurer: Hermilina Bulasa (BoTR), Asst. Treasurer: Jessica Wise (LGU Tubigon) and Auditor: Charluth Garcia (LGU San Miguel). Press Relations Officers are First District: Fiel Angeli A. Gabin (Tagbilaran City), 2nd Dist.: Larry Evangelista (LGU Ubay) and 3rd Dist.: Charlie Bonifacio (LGU Anda).

AUDIO is under the supervision of the PIA and their advisory group: Augustus Escobia, Ric Obedencio, and Fiel Angeli A. Gabin.

After the induction and oath taking ceremony, the governor challenged the information officers from local government units and the government agencies.

"Move towards new directions as well, think outside the box, do not be comfortable with where you are, get outside the box," he urged. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOE will go on looking for sources of clean energy By: Marcelo M. Pedalino

Some 500 Day Care Workers in Negros Oriental are oriented on Freedom of Information (#FOI) during its 10th Day Care Workers Convention on 'Child Development Program Promotion thru Mainstream & Social Media' in Dumaguete City. (PIA7-NEGOR) FOI Philippines

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here...

EASTERN VISAYAS

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) – Now that hybrid cars – vehicles that run on electricity and gasoline – have gained some following, the search for alternative sources of clean energy continues.

This was the futuristic view revealed to PIA by Joey Domingo, a specialist at the Department of Energy (DOE) on fuels and energy technology.

Domingo, together with other DOE officials, was at Camp Ruperto Kangleon headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here recently to supervise the handing out of proper documents for the 45 units Toyota hybrid patrol cars.

The property transfer report papers and acknowledgment receipts were received by individual police officers who were assigned as drivers of the Japanese donated cars.

In August this year the DOE turned over those units in fitting ceremonies, as well as about a dozen others for other national line agencies.

Shortly before giving the papers, Domingo held a pep talk with the police drivers, soliciting their feedback and concerns in the past couple of months they had been driving the vehicles, like its high end technology, technical performance on speed, engine, among others.

Asked what would be in store for 2018, he said DOE will be constantly monitoring on the issued hybrid vehicles. Likewise, the DOE will continue to offer alternative energy especially for public transportation, although the decision will depend on the owners, or the private sector, Domingo stressed.

“We will explore other alternative sources of energy,” he added. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Information officers are influencers in the community Liezel M. Lamasan

Michelle C. Sylvia (right), documents and management officer, PhilHealth-Naval Health Insurance Office, presents various PhilHealth updates in her radio guesting at Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong Ng Bayan at Radyo Natin-Naval hosted by Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz (left) of PIA-Biliran, recently. (rvictoria/PIA Biliran)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, December 13 (PIA6) -- A top-ranking government official regards information officers as influencers in the community during the recently held 2017 Information Officers Conference (ICON).

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite noted that the knowledge shared by these information officers using various communication platforms have become of great value to the organization.

“The desire, passion and intent to share information is seemingly inherent in the Filipino psyche,” Clavite said.

Information Officers have acted as support groups in communicating government programs, policies and services that benefit the Filipinos.

In terms of responsible sharing of information, Clavite added that information officers and the PIA have crucial roles to play.

“We are the authorized agency when it comes to public information, hence, it is right that we should initiate talks about this. We are in authority to educate the public concerning the pros and cons on using social media and the internet. That‟s why responsible sharing of information has become an important advocacy for me, and of course our agency, ” Clavite expressed in Filipino.

Describing „fake news‟ as “challenge of our times”, Clavite reminded that the share button mirrors people‟s online

behavior.

DG Clavite, for his part, hopes that communication specialists such as information officers will be empowered in ensuring that the information created and disseminated will improve the quality of lives of the Filipinos. (JCM/LML-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Director-General Harold Clavite to the PIA‟s Information Officers: Share information responsibly. (PIA-6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

OPG to WV folks: Be more involved in governance Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA6) -- The Office of Participatory Governance, under the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, urged citizens in Western Visayas to be more active in governance for faster implementation of government programs.

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n the regional launching of “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” program held Dec. 17 at Guimaras State College Gym in Buenavista, Guimaras, Undersecretary Joselito “Penpen” Libres of the OPG said that the public should be more involved and collaborate with national government agencies and local government units to ensure faster facilitation of government programs.

“Sa konsepto ng participatory governance, dapat pag nandoon ang ating gobyerno, nandoon din ang malaking bahagi ng mga mamamayan. Ang mamamayan ay mayroong karapatan sa pakikilahok sa pamamahala sa gobyerno,” he said.

He said that the “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” is an initiative in response to President Rodrigo Duterte‟s call to create a better and more developed country for all Filipinos.

“Ang kahirapan ay gusto nating masolusyunan sa

pamamagitan ng „Biyaya‟,” he said.

The program particularly seeks to achieve three key objectives: for government services to become “more responsive, adequate, timely and effectively delivered to those that need them the most;” for citizens to be more proactive and communities more empowered in “participatory governance and in inclusive economic development"; and for a “whole of government,” sector and area-focused poverty alleviation strategy to be fully operationalized.

“Ang sinasabi nating biyaya ay makakamit yan, masisiguro nating makukuha kung tayong mamamayan ay kikilos. Hindi pwedeng maghintay lang na mahulog sa langit ang mga biyaya at baka somewhere hindi natin makamit,” he said.

The venture is also in line with the administration‟s promise to empower Filipino

families and, subsequently, to meet the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) ‎2017-2022 target of reducing poverty from 21.6 percent to 14 percent by the end of the President‟s term.

Participating agencies for the “Biyaya ng Pagbabago” include the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC); National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC); National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF); National Food Authority (NFA); National Youth Commission (NYC); Presidential Action Center (PACE); Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA); Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP); and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (JSC/ LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)

BSP ups coin recirculation program Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr. NEGROS OCC., Dec. 19 ( PIA6) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is urging the public to exchange their coins into paper bills.

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ur ing th e r e cen t m ee ting of Information Officers here, Senior Research Specialist Randy Bolves said this is part the office' coin recirculation program.

"The BSP Bacolod through its Economics and Financial Learning Center Division can exchange your loose coins or small denomination in value into paper banknotes," Bolves told PIA.

The program also encourages the public to save whether in bottle cans and coin banks and be aware of its advocacy, thus, taking part in the coin recirculation activity, he added.

To intensify their campaign, he said the local BSP office conducts lectures on basic savings, coin recirculation, clean note policy and basic security features of banknotes.

Their recent campaign was with the Boy Scout Jamboree at Fr. Gratian Murry School while coin exchange was done in Brgys. Handumanan and Villamonte.

Meanwhile, the BSP is reminding the public that the exchange of old design banknotes released in 1985 will only be accepted until 2pm of December 29, this year. (Lljr-PIA6)

10th Negosyo Center in Aklan up By: Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 9 (PIA6) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is set to launch its 10th Negosyo Center in the municipality of Buruanga.

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he launching will be held December 11 at the covered court of Poblacion, Buruanga, according to DTI-Aklan OIC Provincial Director Ma. Carmen Iturralde.

The establishment of the Negosyo Center in Buruanga which is a partnership between DTI and the local government unit of Buruanga aims to assist the municipality‟s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance, improve or develop their local products to be competitive in the market through trainings, business counseling, and referrals for other assistance.

Moreover, Negosyo Centers are convergence points for the DTI, LGUs, and private sectors to

promote ease of doing business and ensure access to services for MSMEs within its jurisdiction.

To strengthen the partnership between the DTI and the LGU in sustaining and institutionalizing the project, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing will be highlighting the activity.

The LGU will be represented by Buruanga mayor Concepcion Labindao, who, prior to the MOA signing, will give a welcome message, while OIC PD Iturralde will give the overview of the Negosyo Center. John Guidon dela Cruz, Co-Chair of the Aklan Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) will deliver his expression of support.

Also invited to grace the launching and deliver their respective messages are Rebecca M. Rascon, DTI 6 OIC Regional Director; Aklan Vice Governor Reynaldo M. Quimpo, Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, and Rep. for the Lone District of Aklan Carlito Marquez.

The MOA Signing will be followed by a Group Consultation/Talk on P3 or Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso by the Lezo and IBON Multi-Purpose Cooperatives.

To make the launching more significant, Iturralde said the PMSEDC will hold its council meeting in Buruanga in the morning of the same day. (JSC/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Iloilo City seeks wider recognition for Ilonggo hero By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA6) — Ilonggo hero Graciano Lopez Jaena should be honored and his birth anniversary every year should be observed nationwide.

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loilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said that above all other Filipino heroes, Lopez Jaena was ahead in launching the revolutionary movement against Spain while the rest of the patriots just joined him in the call to end „Spanish rule in the Philippines then.

Lopez Jaena founded the newspaper La Solidaridad and wrote literary pieces including “Fray Butod,” which challenged the status quo.

Espinosa also lamented the fact that Lopez Jaena is the only national hero whose remains are not in his homeland.

“I pity this national hero who until now is not

at rest in his hometown, because his remains cannot be located in a foreign land,” Espinosa said during the program at the Lopez Jaena shrine at Jaro Plaza, marking the hero‟s 161st birth anniversary.

He added that the celebration should not only be in Iloilo because he is a national hero, equal to Jose Rizal.

On the other hand, Mr. Demetrio Sonza, president of the Graciano Lopez Jaena Foundation, lauded the city government for leading this year‟s celebration, recognizing the fact that Lopez Jaena belongs to the city.

Sonza said that with this, he was certain the city

government would help finish the Graciano Lopez Jaena building erected in the street where the hero lived.

On the part of the city, Mayor Espinosa said he has put up a Graciano Lopez Jaena Hall at the Iloilo City Hall where he welcomes his guests.

“This is one way of recognizing our hero.”

Espinosa said.

He added that he intended to create an office for Shrines and Monuments to inventory existing ones, to make Ilonggos proud, and make the younger generations realize that in their veins runs the blood of heroes. (JSC/ESS/PIA6 Iloilo)

DTI taps consumer volunteers as monitors Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 18 (PIA6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry organized the group of consumers to act as volunteers in monitoring the compliance with Fair Trade Laws.

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ngr. Lynna Joy Cardinal, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, in an interview said that the group of volunteers is composed of at least 25 members from various sectors.

The volunteers are from Advance Central College, Senior Citizens of San Jose, San Jose Multi-Purpose Cooperative and San Pedro National High School.

The volunteers will undertake monitoring of business establishments at San Jose Trade Town

Center as to their compliance to various Fair Trade Laws such as Business Name Registration, Price Tag Law among others.

Monitoring of weighing scales will also be done to ensure traders/retailers are using properly calibrated weighing scales, said Cardinal.

Manufactured items such as canned goods, milk, noodles among others will also be checked if they comply with suggested retail prices.

The result of the monitoring will be discussed with the officers of San Jose Trade Town Vendors Association so they could craft necessary measures to promote fair trade practices that will benefit both the consumers and the business establishments, said Cardinal.

On the other hand, DTI is also monitoring the prices of goods in demand this Christmas Season such as ham, noodles, sauces, cheese among other noche buena items to ensure stores adhere to suggested retail prices. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

PNP hopes for stray bullet-free Holidays Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 18 (PIA6) -- Cops and civilians were one in the drive for a stray bullet-free celebration of the holiday season.

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ecently, a fun shoot was organized by Capiz Police Provincial Director Samuel Nacion.

It aimed to promote a zero stray bullet incident in the province this Christmas and New Year celebration.

“Provincial Director Nacion is urging the police and the civilians not to use their guns during this kind of event where everybody is celebrating an

important occasion,” said Capiz PPO Information Officer Donna Asmod.

Asmod also added that bullets know no person, hence proper handling and responsible gun ownership is a must.

Among those who participated in the fun shoot are the chiefs of police from different city and municipal police stations, company commander of the Capiz Provincial Mobile Force

Company, mediamen and several civilian gun enthusiasts.

Prior to the shoot proper, the participants were oriented on gun safety handling and responsible gun ownership.

The fun shoot held December 16 had a theme “Let‟s Shoot at the Range, Not At the Sky” is a unique promotion by the Capiz PNP of a peaceful Yuletide celebration. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Bohol VAW cases decrease Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- Bohol Police Provincial Office reported a 52% dip in cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) from January to November in 2017.

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he downtrend is already considered a huge accomplishment, and records would also show that in 2016, VAWC cases reached 165 cases, according to Police Senior Inspector Nida Perocho.

Perocho, who came to the Kapihan sa PIA bringing a summative report on the VAWC cases in Bohol, also clarified that the cases in their records at Camp Dagohoy reflect only those getting into town blotters that prospered into legal suits.

As to the development, authorities continue to urge women and girls who might be victims of physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological or economic abuse to come out where help is available.

It would only be when they come out from hiding that they can be helped, said Inspector Perocho.

One thing good about reporting these cases of abuse is that the perpetrators would have something to think about before committing another atrocity as it can lead to jail time, added social worker Desiree

Faith Lingo during the radio forum.

By reporting and filing suits, however, many women and girls fear they have nowhere to go.

A facility called Bohol Crisis Intervention Center (BCIC) here responds to cases like that, said BCIC's Donna Belle Mante.

BCIC is designed as a temporary shelter and safe house for women and children who are victims of violence, where victims get to a support group, avail of stress debriefing, medical, legal, and other services from the government while their cases are considered in court.

Among the advocacies adopted for the national observance of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women set on November 28-December 12 is the Kapihan sa PIA in Bohol.

Topping crimes which were elevated to the courts were physical abuse which reached 20 cases, psychological abuse at 14, economic abuse at 14, and rape at 5.

Acts of lasciviousness cases reached 4, sexual harassment and incestuous rape each had

2 cases, while a single case of bigamy and violation of personal protection order reached Camp Dagohoy.

A high case count of rape in the cases filed was affected by a case where there were 19 counts of rape filed to a perpetrator of a single victim, Insp.

Perocho said.

As to the decrease, BCIC, a temporary shelter for women and children operated by the Provincial Government, said that it entails two considerations.

An increase in cases may mean more and more people know that they can report these to authorities, while a decrease can really mean a dip in the cases, according to Mante.

Mante, who sits among the key authorities at the BCIC, said that since their establishment in 2002, their occupancy rate has been averaging at 30 sheltered victims.

BCIC has now been tagged as a safe house for women and girl victims of gender-based abuses, Mante said. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

NegOr’s Sidlakan Star search on Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Dec. 6 (PIA) – The Negros Oriental Tourism Unit has announced the start of its 7th Sidlakan Star season for the search of aspiring rising star talents.

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his year‟s Sidlakan Star auditions will start on December 26 at 7:00pm at Freedom Park stage, Dumaguete City.

Provincial Tourism Unit Head Myla Abellana has encouraged talented Negrenses to try out and share their skills in singing, dancing, acting, among others.

The Sidlakan Star competition is comprised of four categories which include amateur children solo singing aged 14 years old and below; unique amateur talents category; junior group performing arts; and senior group performing arts.

Abellana said the competition will run in three eliminations before the grand finals on December 30 at the Freedom Park.

Grand winners for children solo singing competition will receive P12,000 for 1st place; P8,000, 2nd place; P6,000, 3rd place; and three consolation prizes at P3,000.

For unique Negorense competition, first prize winner will take P12,000; second, P8,000; third, P6,000; and five consolation prizes at P3,000.

Prizes for Junior Group Performing Arts Category (Amateur Level) are: P15,000 for 1st place; P10,000

for 2nd place; P8,000 for 3rd place; and four consolation prizes at P5,000 each.

Senior Group Performing Arts winners will receive P30,000 for 1st place; P20,000 for 2nd place; P15,000 for 3rd place; and two consolation prizes at P10,000 each.

Interested individuals and group of talents may visit the Provincial Tourism Unit at Sidlakang Negros Village to register and look for Ruvilu V. Lumacao or contact 225-1825 and 422- 0675. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Volunteer tutors attend workshop for free tutorial program Ayin Visitacion CEBU CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) --- To help students stay in school and address dropout rates, 26 volunteer tutors for the KA•T•ON Barangay Junior Public High School Tutorial Program with Entrepreneurship Exposure went through a whole day of equipping and enabling workshop.

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he 9th Impact Volunteer Tutor Certification Workshop by Barangay Impact Management and Support Services prepared 17 new volunteers and nine returning volunteers in creating a positive learning environment for their tutees.

These volunteers will teach Math and English to students from KA•T•ON‟s partner barangays - Brgy.

Luz and Cogon - Ramos of Cebu City and Brgy.

Centro - Mandaue of Mandaue City for ten weeks or for one grading period.

Most volunteers are English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors, English teachers, Math teachers, engineers, and education students such as the likes of Juliena Diaz, a university Math teacher and 2017 Coalition for Better Education Medal of Excellence Awardee.

KA•T•ON is still looking for more volunteer tutors for two other barangays, Guadalupe and Apas.

KA•T•ON Barangay Junior Public High School Tutorial Program with Entrepreneurship Exposure is a free tutorial program that engages with 40 junior public high school students per cycle.

It aims to motivate students in stay in school and decrease dropout rates. (asv/PIA-7-Cebu)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Boholanos waste P1,200 worth of rice every year Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) — At the current price, an average Boholano wastes P1,200 every year for over-cooking, over-serving, and unconsumed leftovers.

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ost Boholanos would shy away from picking up the last share of rice on the platter for the wrong reason: leaving something as a sign of “good manners” or etiquette.

This, however, turns out to be a bane, as about every Boholano “wastes” 9 grams of food every day due to this and for over-cooking and over-serving.

According to Bohol Seed Coordinator at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Lorebien Lagapa, "at the current rate that we are wasting rice, we could have fed more people."

The data Lagapa shared comes from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Based on the same data, the PSA, which conducts regular consumption surveys, said an average Boholano

consumes about 109 kilos of rice every year, eating square meals plus an occasional serving of late lunch-early dinner which they call as “pamahaw-bahaw”.

Within that, around nine grams of rice cooked for every Boholano goes to waste every day, or around three grams per meal.

This waste amounts to two to three spoonfuls of boiled rice a meal, Lagapa added.

Overall, the nine grams of wastage bloats to 2.7 kilos a month and 32.4 kilos a year, explained Lagapa, who came to the radio forum in time for the Rice Awareness month.

Former Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared November as the Rice Awareness Month.

As part of its local campaign, Bohol adopted the

theme: “Sa kada madaginot nga lugas bugas, adunay kinabuhing maluwas.”

Governor Edgar Chatto, in fact, lends the sound byte to the localized campaign which appealed to Boholanos to be circumspect enough in the rice consumption amidst production issues in the country.

The governor, in Bohol‟s Be Riceponsible campaign, also calls for Boholanos to take a second look at “sinaksakan,” a rice cooking method that puts in carbohydrate extenders especially root crops.

Boholanos who have issues of insufficient rice to cook prudently adds cassava, sweet yam, ube, bananas, or breadfruit to the boiled rice. (rahc/PIA-7/ Bohol)

Bohol PHO: No anti-dengue shots via public schools Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- According to Bohol Provincial Health Officer (PHO), the trials for the anti-dengue vaccine did not reach Bohol, at least in the issue on anti-dengue vaccines accessed via public health.

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he Department of Education (DepEd) through Superintendent Wilfreda Bongalos also assented to the PHO's statement knowing that there have been no school-based anti-dengue vaccines.

According to PHO Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot, in the past two years, just as the cases of dengue alarmed medical practitioners across the globe, pharmaceutical companies raced to come up with an anti-dengue vaccine.

They intend to come up with a vaccine effective enough to stop the spread of the virus, which has claimed countless lives especially in populated areas where mosquitoes thrive.

This is parallel to the efforts of government and communities to institute clean-up habits to drain stagnant water which the mosquitoes used as their breeding areas and clean up area where the carriers can thrive, according to Department of Health and DepED authorities.

A French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi Pasteur presented an anti-dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia, as the world's first vaccine against the dengue virus.

By December of 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine for use after the distributors obtained the license for the

vaccine for people aged 9 to 45 and those living in areas where the virus have become endemic in the country.

The virus was set to be implemented in three doses, injected subcutaneously in the underarm six months apart, DOH said.

International trials were accordingly done in several countries with substantial cases of dengue, some of the Philippine provinces included, Dr. Cabagnot said.

Philippine field trials in the development of the vaccines include some 30,000 kids, including Cebu and Metro Manila areas, former health secretary Janet Garin revealed in earlier reports.

But unlike Cebu which had substantial dengue cases then, Bohol was not among the trial sites of the Dengvaxia vaccines, Dr. Cabagnot assured.

With the recent Dengvaxia controversy, Bohol PHO also emphasized that as far as the public accessed dengue vaccines, there have been no test trials done in Bohol and no public school kids have been given the vaccine via the PHO. Dr. Cabagnot, however, did not discount the fact that there might have been some private practitioners who could have implemented the anti-dengue vaccines which was available in the open

markets.

In a radio interview, a private medical practitioner admitted that she has administered Dengvaxia to her patients, following the cue from the national government.

While this information unsettles the public who may have been served with their health needs by the private medical professionals, the PHO revealed that they intend to communicate with the president of the Bohol Medical Society (BMS).

He said the government health practitioners need information about the patients who may have been inoculated so they can properly act and help monitor these patients.

Government medical authorities request the BMS full cooperation and full disclosure on the patients who may have been inoculated by the virus in Bohol, Dr Cabagnot said.

Such would allow the PHO and its Rural Health Units all over the province to help manage and monitor the possible cases among those who may have been injected with the Dengvaxia.

This is also for general public information especially those who may have been injected, Dr. Cabagnot said. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

Larena LGU marks Anti-Smoking campaign's 1st year anniversary Rizalie Calibo SIQUIJOR, Dec. 8 (PIA) – The local government unit (LGU) of Larena recently celebrated its first year anniversary of the Anti-Smoking Campaign after its launching on November 8 last year.

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unicipal Mayor Dean S. Villa said the LGU, through the municipal health office, has been proactive in conducting Anti-Smoking advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote health among its people and the environment.

The celebration started with a motorcade and a

program with Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Ulysses Andora as the Guest Speaker.

An Extemporaneous Speech contest followed where eight contestants coming from the private and public high schools in Larena tackled smoking and its harmful effects.

Angela Marie G. Kitong of the Siuqijor State

College (SSC) won first place with a prize of P3,000; Jovy Pantullana of the Saint Vincent Academy (SVA), second place with P2,000; and Camille C. Duhaylungsod of Bsac National High School for the third place with P1,000 as cash prize. Provincial Prosecutor Fiscal Ulysses Andora was the guest speaker in the celebration. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Info officers gather to support ASEAN integration Nimfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- In an effort to gather more information multipliers to advocate ASEAN integration, PIA Eastern Samar gathered Information Officers from local government units and national government agencies.

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ith the 40 invites, 36 came with the commitment.

In her project brief, PIA 8 Officer -in-Charge Alicia Nicart said that the gathering is an initial move for the full implementation of ASEAN Integration these coming years.

Nicart warmly received the IOs saying that their presence in the event shows their commitment to become “partners for change.”

PIA also invited former PIA 8 Regional Director Dr. Aileen V. Candido to lecture on news writing to refresh the information and communication officers on their acquired news writing skills.

In the same event, Acting Gov. Marcelo

Ferdinand Picardal sent Eric Aseo, Information and Communication Specialist, to inform about the province‟s “priority development agenda”.

He underscored the significant role the information officers play to realize the “poverty alleviation” projects of the local government.

Likewise, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Deogracias Paano talked about how the province can compete with the different products coming in due to the integration. He admitted though that a lot of work is still needed to achieve the level on Agri Competitiveness.

Paano expressed enthusiasm that with the deluge of opportunities from the national

government and the local government, the province can. He took special mention of the Cacao production that the province pursues.

Mary Gwyndele Ponferrada of DTI also enumerated the different opportunities that the public can take advantage especially in support to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs), livelihood and financial program opportunities towards a rich and economically driven ASEAN Community.

The CDIO/IO ASEAN Training and Conference was held at the Rawis Resort , Borongan City on December 1, 2017. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-E Samar with Pen Pomida-Radyo Pilipinas)

Maasin City PWDs showcase talents in sports, arts Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Around 150 persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) participated in the Sports Festival and Cultural Show held in Maasin City, from December 5 to 6, 2017, city Social Welfare and Development Services Office Focal Person Salvador Valdez reported.

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he two-day activity, according to Valdez was based on the theme, “Karapatan at Pribilihiyong may Kapansanan, Isakatuparan at Ipaglaban.”

The participants were distributed into three teams, namely, Progresibo (Progressive), Positibo (Positive) and Agresibo, (Agressive). Each team competed in athletic sports and cultural/literary/

musical show, Valdez said.

The athletics include discuss throw, shot put, javelin throw, long and high jump, wheel chair race and chess and swimming.

The cultural/musical/literary shows were composed of modern dance, folk dance, balak, drawing, solo and duet singing contest and slogan competitions.

Valdez informed that the awarding of cash incentives and trophy, among others were given immediately after the afternoon activities, December 6.

“This will prepare the winner-participants for the regional competition to be held early next year, Valdez told. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Infra projects to tourist sites in ESamar completed By: Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 7 (PIA) - Eastern Samar completes three infrastructure projects namely an access road, a bridge and a wharf leading to different tourist destinations.

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he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently turned over to Balangkayan town the completed access road leading to Minasangay Ecological Park recently.

The project which costs P 11 M is expected to spur tourism and increase commerce through economic development and tourist activity.

It will also provide safe and convenient access and a better recreational experience for travellers.

Minasangay has been attracting tourists because of its relaxing natural ambience and its clear green waters perfect for swimming.

In San Gabriel, Maydolong town, DPWH

also inaugurated recently the San Gabriel Bridge 11 leading to the Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy area.

The project worth P44 M will provide tourists access to the breathtaking attraction of the virgin forest lurking in the Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy Forest Area.

The bridge is part of the multi-year program of the access road to Borongan-Llorente Closed Canopy Forest Area which is another tourist site, said Engr Jayson Espejo of DPWH-Eastern Samar. He added that the bridge will also connect hard to reach areas to the growth centers.

Meanwhile, the jump-off point to tourist sites in Sulat town has also been turned over recently. The

completed wharf in Barangay San Isidro, Sulat town promises convenience and safety to would-be tourists to the islets of Makati, San Vicente and Makalayo.

Sulat Mayor Virginia Macate who was present during the turn-over said that the project has a direct impact to the residents of San Vicente who can easily cross the island during low tide as the embankment has been extended.

Apart from the islanders of Barangay San Vicente, tourism and hospitality workers will also enjoy better access as they provide services to the increasing number of tourists who have just discovered Eastern Samar. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-ESamar with DPWH-E Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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PDEA-8: Tacloban is first drug-free HUC in the Visayas By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 7 (PIA) - It’s official. Tacloban City in Leyte is now drug-free.

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his, after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officially declared Tacloban as the first highly urbanized city in the Visayas as drug-cleared.

In a press conference held at the new PDEA-8 Tacloban Office in December 6, Monday, PDEA-8 regional director Edgar T. Jubay said the declaration was made after the regional oversight committee on barangay drug clearing operations validated the status of the city after the 138 barangays met the 14 parameters pursuant to the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

The 14 parameters include the non-availability of drug supply, absence of drug transhipment

activity, absence of clandestine drug laboratory, absence of clandestine drug warehouse, absence of clandestine chemical warehouse, absence of marijuana cultivation site, absence of drug den or resort, absence of drug pusher, absence of drug user/dependent, absence of protector, coddler and financier, active movement of barangay officials in anti-drug activities, active involvement of SK to help maintain the drug-liberated status of the barangay, existence of drug awareness, prevention, education, information and other drug related programs and existence of voluntary drug treatment and rehabilitation processing desk.

In her speech, Tacloban City Mayor Cristina G.

Romualdez expressed her thanks to the concerted efforts of various law enforcement agencies, the barangay officials, the New Beginnings Rehabilitation Program of the city and the public that paved the way for the declaration of the city as drug-cleared.

She likewise called on Taclobanons to help keep the city as drug-free in order to maintain the status of all barangays.

A drug cleared city is classified as previously drug affected and subjected to drug clearing operation and declared free from any illegal drug activities pursuant to the parameters set forth by DDB regulation no. 3 series of 2017.(ajc/cba/PIA8)

Filipina chosen one of 12 int’l Climate Heroines By: Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 7 (PIA) - Ms. Jazmin A. Jerusalem, LCDe Leyte Center for Development Executive Director/ CDRN Citizens Disaster Response Chairperson, has been chosen as one of 12 Climate Heroines in a Photo Exhibit/Press Conference which featured women leaders from all over the world. The Climate Heroines each had a story to tell of how she led her organization in facing the challenges brought about by climate change and its effects.

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erusalem represented the Philippines in this momentous event.

The activity was spearheaded by CARE-Germany, which is an International NGO Non Government Organization granting projects world-wide to fight poverty and restore human dignity.

The Climate Heroine Photo exhibit was attended by German government officials like the Minister of Environment, parliamentarians, Mayor of Bonn as well as top officers of CARE International.

Furthermore, Ms. Jerusalem was asked to speak in forum during the United Nations Conference on Climate Change or COP23 also in Bonn, Germany. She spoke on Women‟s Role and the Challenges of Climate Change.

In attendance were government and NGO representatives from different countries united in a common cause…that of combating climate change through pressuring governments to reduce their carbon emissions.

Jerusalem has this to say on the events “It is such an honor to have been chosen as Philippine

Climate Heroine in the prestigious photo exhibit by CARE-Germany.

The event gave me a chance to speak about the conditions of our people especially after Typhoon Yolanda hit us four years ago. It also opened opportunities of partnership with various organizations in Germany and Belgium.

Most importantly, I was able to share how LCDe made a difference in its emergency response and rehabilitation after the strongest storm ever recorded in the world affected thousands in Eastern Visayas.” (Leyte Center for Development/PIA8)

OCD urges LGUs to evacuate mountain slope residents By: Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Dec. 21 (PIA) - The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas strongly advised all local government units (LGUs) in Biliran province to evacuate all residents in their area who are living in mountain slope including those residing near one.

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CD 8 Regional Director Edgar Posadas told the advisory group on Thursday in a meeting with the members of the Biliran PDRRMC in its Operations Center (OpCen).

"We have to evacuate them," said Posadas, “to avoid further loss of lives.”

Data from the PDRRMO as of Thursday, December 21, showed 40 fatalities where 22 of it came from the landslide area in Barangay Lucsoon,

this town.

The OCD 8 chief categorically instructed to evacuate the residents living in mountain slopes as another weather disturbance is expected to hit some of the Eastern Visayas area on December 24 or 25.

He further said that under a state of calamity, the government can use police power to forcibly evacuate the people living in dangerous and

hazardous areas.

"If they will not evacuate, let them sign a waiver, " Posadas further instructed to LGUs so that nobody will be blamed if in case something will happen.

We wanted to have a merry and safe Christmas as we celebrate it on December 24 and 25, the expected dates for Typhoon Vinta to hit Eastern Visayas region. (ajc/rsv/PIA8-Biliran)

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

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

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

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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