One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 38 20170922 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue

September 18 - 24, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 38

1st Futsal Kontra Droga Cup draws youth to sports Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 20 (PIA) – To veer The prevailing culture of illegal drug involvement especially away the Eastern Samar youth from illegal drugs, the police in the with the young generation is alarming, he said. province organized the First Futsal Kontra Droga Cup in the capital "Ito'y malaking hamon sa aking pamuno-an lalo na sa city. ating mga kapulisan na mahikayat ang mga kabataan ngayon na On Sunday, September 17, Police Senior Supt. Tranquilino A. itu-on na nila ang pansin sa sports imbis na droga, Dito Araral, PNP Eastern Samar Provincial Director personally attended malaki ang potential ng kabataan na mahubog sila at ma the sports event involving different ball games. discover ang galing para maging mahusay na manlalaro o atleta," said "Kailangan maituon natin ang attention ng mga kabaatan Araral. ngayon sa Sports at hinde ang kani-kanilang mga personal na bisyo The police officer said that this time, only Borongan, Taft, at mai-ahon sila lalo na sa Droga," said Araral.

Maydolong towns and the Eastern Samar State University have The police officer added that sports really help young people joined the sports event, but they will eventually involve other stay away from illegal drugs. municipalities with the help of their police offices.

This is why they organized the sports event sponsored by The winning players were given cash prizes. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-E. Dr. Maja Leah V. Ravago of the UP School of Samar with Mel R. Caspe) Economics answers questions on her keynote Borongan City Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda. presentation on Carbon Footprint, Inclusive Growth and the Fuel Mix Debate in the Philippines during the PES regional conference at UPV, Sept. 22. (PIA6) DENR-6 eyes ‗Dalaw-Turo‘ program in Iloilo

WESTERN VISAYAS

By: Leonard T. Pineda I More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA DG Harold Clavite as one of the Resource Speakers during the seminar on Social Media Management of DAR Information Officers held at the El Dorado Beach Resort, Dauin, Negros Oriental, September 21, 2017.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

The soldiers assigned with 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade and 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion participated in the 32nd International Coastal Clean-up drive at Ormoc Sea Wall held recently. Said coastal clean-up was also participated in by the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Philippine National Police-Ormoc, Philippine Coast Guard Ormoc Station, Western Leyte College, Saint Peter College and Philippine Ports Authority. (Photo by Vicente Lukban)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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ILOILO CITY, Sept. 19 (PIA6) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-6 targets to replicate the massive and intensified ecological solid waste management (ESWM) campaign in Iloilo after its successful conduct in the island of Boracay.

Dubbed as “Dalaw-Turo” program, this collaborative information, education and communication (IEC) campaign aims to educate the residents on proper solid waste management and importance of segregation and practicing the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle).

DENR-6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna said the activity is in line with the department‟s mission in the pursuit of sustainable development enabling stakeholders‟ participation in the protection of the environment.

“Segregating at source is the best way to clean our environment,” he said.

In the “Dalaw-Turo” Program, teams are formed from the different offices and the local government unit and deployed to the different barangays.

The teams will conduct house-to-house IEC on proper solid waste management and will assess the residents‟ awareness of municipal ordinances and policies on waste segregation.

Posters on the types of wastes will also be handed out for

posting on the walls outside their homes to serve as a guide when segregating their wastes.

The teams will also interview the residents on issues and their problems pertaining waste.

Data that can be gathered from the program will be used to determine the status of waste generation, identify key areas of improvement as well as its effectiveness. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

DENR-6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna. (PIA-6 File Photo)

NegOr PNP director mulls 'Bohol Model' for NegOr PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- The newly installed provincial director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental, Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento, hopes that the “Bohol Model” of cooperation between the community and law enforcement agencies can be emulated in the province.

“I will be very happy kung makokopya natin iyong Bohol model. The people cooperated very well with the police and the AFP, so in a short period of time nawala iyong problema nila noong nagpunta roon, naligaw doon ang Abu Sayyaf. (I will be very happy if we can adopt the Bohol model. The people cooperated very well with the police and the AFP, so in a short period of time, their problem with the Abu Sayyaf was addressed),” said Portento during the Kapihan sa PIA forum today.

“I believe we can also emulate that model. We should have a good cooperation between the community and the law enforcement services like PNP, AFP and NBI so we can make a good stride towards attaining peace,” he added.

The Kapihan focused the discussion on the topic “Crime Prevention Towards Peace” as the new provincial police director of the province underscored the importance of partnership and cooperation among all sectors of the society and the government in order to address peace and order problems.

Portento disclosed that he already paid a courtesy call on various sectors of the local community to seek support to PNP‟s peace and order campaign.

Meanwhile, SPO2 Edilberto Euraoba III, information officer of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOrPPO), also reported in the same forum that the province registered a crime volume of 4, 889 for the month of January to August this year.

The volume of index crimes in the province, which is composed of crimes against persons and crimes against property, is at 1,206 while the volume of the non-index crimes for the said

period is at 3,693.

Euraoba said the highest among the non-index crimes are traffic-related incidents with 1, 914 or 39 percent, followed by crimes involving special laws with 1, 325 or 27 percent , and then other non-index crimes with 454 or 9 percent.

The highest crime category for index crimes is theft with 475 crime volume, followed by physical injuries with 307, murder with 117, and robbery with 115. Rape cases, which are also included in this category, has a total volume of 91.

Compared to the index crimes reported last year, theft remains to be the highest with a total of 736 cases in 2016 and 475 in 2017.

Cases of physical injuries showed a decrease based on the comparative table of PNP, from 403 cases in 2016 to 307 in 2017.

Overall, the index crimes for 2016 are higher compared in 2017 during the said period.

A comparative breakdown of non-index crimes from the provincial police also showed a decline in traffic-related incidents from 2,476 for 2016 to 1,914 in 2017.

Euroaba also gave a report on the crime clearance efficiency and crime solution efficiency of NOrPPO. He explained that crime clearance means the suspect is at large but a charge has been laid against the suspect while crime solution means the charge has been filed against a suspect and said suspect is apprehended or detained.

“The crime clearance efficiency for 2017 has 73.99 percent and 71.81 percent for calendar year 2016 or an improvement of 3.4 percent as compared to last year. In crime solution efficiency, we had an increase of 3.88 percent compared from last year,” Euraoba said.

The crime solution efficiency rate of NOrPPO in 2016 is 67.47 percent while the 2017 rate is 70.09 percent. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PhilHealth accepts accreditation

MDP

Providers

BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 18 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Regional Office 6 (PhilHealth 6) is now accepting accreditation applications for providers for its Medical Detoxification Package (MDP).

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ll PhilHealth accredited Levels 1, 2, and 3 government hospitals and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers that are licensed or certified by the Department of Health may file applications for accreditation.

PhilHealth 6 Information Officer Lizette Gelvezon-Lira said there is no accreditation fee to become an accredited MDP provider.

The MDP worth P10,000 is available to PhilHealth members to ensure the provision of the minimum standards of medical interventions to

manage safely the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with substance abuse and addiction.

It can be availed of by PhilHealth members with acute physical symptoms of use of amphetamine -type stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy or a combination of these.

The package which was developed by the Corporation in support of the government‟s campaign to fight drug addiction in the country is a one-time benefit package to PhilHealth members and

dependents.

However, Lira said the “No Balance Billing” policy is applied to indigent, sponsored, kasambahay, lifetime and senior citizen members who are admitted in ward accommodation in accredited government Health Care Institutions (HCIs).

She said there is also a corresponding case rate if there is a documented indication to treat a common co-morbidity associated with withdrawal symptoms arising from the substance. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

Capiz tourism month adopts UN theme Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 20 (PIA) – A month-long series of activities has been lined up in view of the celebration of the provincial tourism month this September.

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apiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Alphonsus Tesoro disclosed that this year‟s celebration has adopted the United Nations World Tourism Organization‟s theme “Sustainable Tourism – A Tool for Development”.

Tesoro said that Capiz has been doing its effort to contribute to a sustainable tourism industry in the country by underscoring the significant role of human resource in tourism development.

Included in the tourism month activities here are the participation to the 28th Philippine Travel Mart, training on the revival of

“birang” (Abaca) weaving livelihood training on abaca balls and scrunch making for Panay Bukidnon communities, Tourism and cultural awareness forum in some towns and enhancement training on handicraft production.

Tesoro said that other activities include the conduct of seminar on effective customer, seafood expo, orientation on basic guiding techniques, coastal cleanup, seminar/workshop on the basics of art exhibition design and production, photo exhibit of ASEAN traditional costumes and forum and tree growing activity.

“All these activities highlight the rich tourism

and cultural assets of the province, boost economic activity through tourism and investments, and encourage private and community participation to various tourism initiatives,” he stressed.

He added that the United Nations recognizes the important role of sustainable tourism as a positive instrument towards the eradication of poverty, protection of the environment, improvement of quality of life and economic empowerment of women and youth and its contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development, especially in developing countries. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

2017 MassKara theme underscores ASEAN integration Liez‘l M. Lamasan NEGROS OCC., Sept. 19 (PIA6) – This year‘s MassKara Festival which is themed, ―Bacolod: City of Southeast Asia‖, echoes the vital role of the city in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community.

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ccording to Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the theme highlights the city‟s bullish prospects with the ASEAN integration.

“The integration of our country with nine other nations will mean that our horizons will widen, the playing field will be expanded, and we will have a new political and economic order,” Leonardia emphasized.

“It is time to think ASEAN when we plan for development,” Leonarida added.

Meanwhile, festival director Eli F. J. Tajanlangit cited that the MassKara theme is relevant to the city‟s participation to the Philippine hosting of the 50th ASEAN founding anniversary.

To note, Bacolod City played host to these ASEAN-related events: 15th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Information and ASEAN Landmark Lighting Ceremonies.

Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) was also one of the 50 ASEAN landmarks lighted simultaneously along with other landmarks in the country.

A release from the festival committee stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recognizes Bacolod as the first local government to pursue initiatives geared toward awareness and implementation of the ASEAN integration. (JSC/LML/ PIA6 Neg. Occ.)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Crop insurance brings positive impact to WV farmers – study By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA6) — Crop insurance, however limited, helps farmers especially those with small farmlands in Western Visayas, according to a study of professors from the University of the Philippines -Visayas.

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n a report of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) published in the last quarter of 2016, Dr. Gay Defiesta and Mr. Henry John Mediodia, were cited for their study which focused on the efficacy of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

The result of their study which was conducted from 2014 to 2015, just right after Super Typhoon Yolanda, showed that in situations of calamities, crop insurance can make all the difference.

Defiesta and Mediodia said that among farmers surveyed, crop insurance made a difference in many ways.

“Those who had availed, had better access to formal and low-cost credit,” the researchers said, adding that those with insurance records in their financial history, were able to easily borrow money from banks.

In Western Visayas, the PCIC carried out its insurance program to help reduce the susceptibility of rice farmers to extreme climatic and weather conditions and their destructive effects.

Defiesta and Mediodia further said that farmers are most likely to avail of insurance when they are affected by calamities and are better able to cope financially with climate-related disaster by

adopting a change in lifestyle.

The indemnity payments under their insurance coverage are used to finance some social needs, like schooling of children, medicines for illnesses and to finance the next planting season.

Otherwise, the authors said, without crop insurance, the farmers resort to borrowing money from informal unstable sources.

On the other hand, the authors also observed that while crop insurance has positive impacts, the program has been underused and underfunded, and many of those who have not availed said they did not have information on the options available. (JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

Aklan to showcase green products Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 20 (PIA6) -- Aklan‘s green products will take centerstage with the conduct from September 25 to October 1 this year of the Aklan Green Product Expo 17 at the Event Center of SM City in Iloilo.

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he showcase will be staged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Aklan with the theme “Go Green! Go Natural!” highlighting craftsmanship and green innovative designs of Aklanon entrepreneurs.

DTI-Aklan OIC Provincial Director Ma. Carmen Iturralde said some 31 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) together with partner LGUs in Aklan will join the 7-day expo.

It will feature festive season decorative, naturally-dyed wearables, trendy fashion accessories, home and office items using indigenous fibers and reprocessed wood, and Aklan‟s well-known meat and bakery products.

The expo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be an opening program on September 25 at 2:00 p.m. with Aklan‟s top officials, DTI officers, Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC), and local exhibitors expected to grace it.

The yearly marketing event is organized by DTI -Aklan with Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., and the Provincial Government of Aklan in partnership with the PMSMEDC. Iturralde said this year‟s expo targets to earn P7 million.

Some 60 new products and product designs will be introduced to target buyers.

Last year, the same marketing event, also held in the venue, earned P6.8 million. (JSC/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

Mango farmers receive assistance to improve productivity

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 15 (PIA6) - - A technical briefing on good agricultural practices in mango production was conducted recently by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for farmers from seven municipalities of the province.

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The DA through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist facilitated the activity in step with the DA‟s thrust to help farmers expand their investments in high value crops,” Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Concepcion Cepe said during PIA interview.

The technical briefing was also intended to help farmers realize that through good agricultural practices, they can improve

their productivity and chances of selling their produce to other parts of the country, the Assistant Provincial Agriculturist said as she noted that the province has a productivity output of 8.69 metric tons as of June 2017.

During the activity, around 50 bags of calcium nitrate were distributed to the farmers of Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, San Remigio, Sibalom, Anini-y, San Jose, and Patnongon as

government‟s commitment to provide needed support and help to ensure high-value and marketable produce.

Per record of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, around 58,835 mango trees were listed to be growing throughout the province. Of this number, 25,455 are fruit-bearing trees. The province also has recorded some 831 farmers engaging in mango production. (JSC/VWV/PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PPOC sets National Peace Consciousness Month activities PIA 7 NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here together with the Bantay Bayanihan Para sa Kapayapaan lined up several activities for the celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month this September. ―Puso Para sa Kapayapaan, Magkaisa Para sa Bayan‖ is the theme this year.

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antay Bayanihan - Negros Oriental Lead Convener Marietta Jambora during the recent PPOC meeting said the local observation kicked off with a “Support Our Troops” 5-kilometer Fun Run on September 9.

The fun run started at the Provincial Capitol Grounds and was participated in by 364 runners and officers from the local police force and the Philippine Army.

A P100 registration fee was collected from the runners.

Part of the funds raised will be given to the conflicted-affected communities in Marawi City, said Jambora.

On September 22 and 23, a “Support our Troops” Tent City was set to be put up at the Freedom Park, Capitol Area, Dumaguete City.

The tent city aims to foster peace and friendship among the participants through different group activities and learning sessions focused on the “Support our Troops” advocacy.

Also on September 23 is a „Paddle for Peace Dragon Boat‟ event that will take place at Rizal Boulevard The Lawn Tennis for Peace sports event was conducted on Sept. 9, while the Badminton for Peace is scheduled on Sept. 16 at the main atrium of Robinsons Place Dumaguete to be attended by members of Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The local celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month will culminate on September 29 with a cultural show and awarding ceremony at

5:00 p.m. at the Freedom Park.

The event also features performances from Kahayag Dance Company, Lipay ang Kalibutan, children from Marawi families who evacuated to Dumaguete City, among others.

First Lt. Ronnie Sarmiento of the Philippine Army said that security is a shared responsibility.

“Our National Peace Consciousness Month 2017 activities are our way of supporting and saying thank you to our soldiers and policemen who are in the frontline against terrorism. It is our little way of showing how we care for our brethren in Marawi City.

Finally, it is our way of accepting the responsibility and sharing the advocacy for the sake of peace and unity,” Sarmiento said. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Public cautioned vs using LPG anti-leakage device PIA 7

CEBU CITY, Sept. 12 (PIA) --- The Department of Energy (DOE) has warned household consumers to be wary of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) anti-leakage devices that are being sold house-to-house.

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esides the lack of proof that anti-leakage devices actually prevent LPG leaks, using this device in households may encourage consumers to disregard basic safety practices, said DOE – Visayas Lighting and Appliance Testing Division Officer-in-Charge Engr. Jose Rey Maleza during a breakout session of the Energy Investment Forum and Stakeholders Conference in Cebu City recently.

Maleza explained that the anti-leak device is a mechanically operated gadget technically termed as “excess flow limiter.”

A steel ball automatically blocks off the passage of gas by 40 percent to 50 percent of the normal

flow when there is a sudden surge through the regulator.

However, this does not work when there are pinholes and small cracks on the LPG hose, warned Maleza.

Meanwhile, DOE also warned the public against using LPG-refilled butane canisters.

The disposable canisters are made for one-time use only and are not intended to be refilled, said Maleza.

LPG varies from butane in terms of pressure, and butane canisters refilled with LPG have higher chances of leaking and exploding.

According to DOE, at least six fire incidents caused by explosions of LPG-refilled canisters have been reported in the Visayas and Mindanao since 2015.

The only containers allowed to hold LPG are the Transportable and Refillable Welded Steel Cylinders for LPG (PNS 03:2014) and the Refillable Composite Gas Cylinders and Tubes (PNS ISO 11119-3:2014).

The E-Power Mo Energy Investment Forum and Stakeholders Conference highlighted the department‟s energy programs, opportunities, development plans and policies, financing, and best practices. (asv/PIA7-Cebu)

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

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

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

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

“Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

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

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

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

Some of the opportunities identified within the

ASEAN Community include the ease of travel within the region, to earn more, study and teach in other countries in the region, and to work in any country within the region.

Apart from the lecture on ASEAN delivered by Riñen, the students learned about the key concepts of the ASEAN Economic Community Pillar from Jose Julio Somido of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Pillar from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) Information Officer Leah Quintana. After the sessions, the students participated in trivia games where they answered questions related to the Philippines‟ chairmanship of ASEAN. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Siquijor‘s public information gets push from PCOO chief PIA 7 SIQUIJOR, Sept. 11 (PIA) — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured that he will help promote and strengthen government communications in Siquijor province during his visit here recently for the launching of the Provincial Communication Officers Network (PCO Net).

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ec. Andanar led the launch in Siquijor town together with other PCOO officials, Usec. Marvin Gatpayat and Asec. Ana Maria Banaag, and Provincial Vice-Governor Mei Ling Quezon and the municipal mayors and vice mayors and the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID).

PCO Net is a network of city, provincial, and municipal public information officers throughout the country.

Andanar said PCO Net is part of the administration‟s institutional reforms to strengthen communication and message delivery from Malacañang down to the grassroots level.

Hinged on the existing organizations of

information officers and communicators organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the provinces, it is envisioned to become a key communication arm of the government that will have direct access to the Office of the President through the PCOO. Andanar said the PCOO will tap the information officers to help deliver “clear and right” information from the national government down to the municipalities, barangays, and puroks.

Reiterating the vital role of information officers nationwide, the PCOO chief commended the active members of the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID) organized by the provincial office of the PIA here.

“By strengthening the network of information officers in the province, it would be easier for Malacañang to cascade programs and policy updates and other vital information,” Andanar said.

He also assured that PCOO will look into getting a franchise from the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) for the establishment of a local radio station in the province and eventually set up a local television network for Siquijor Island.

With the local radio and TV networks in place, Andanar said the province‟s promotion of local tourism and economy, best practices, and other key information will be delivered more effectively in the local communities. (rac/ PIA7-Siquijor)

PIA trains brgy secretaries on basic communications PIA 7 SIQUIJOR, Sept. 11 (PIA) — More than a hundred barangay secretaries in the province participated in a training-workshop on basic communication held by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Siquijor Information Center and the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID).

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he training was held to capacitate the barangay secretaries with the basic communication skills needed in preparing ordinances, resolutions, and other forms of communication, according to SAID President Lydith Tan. Of the total 134 barangay secretaries province wide, 117 participated and completed the two-day training.

The topics were on basic guidelines on making resolutions and ordinances, business letter writing, writing resolutions and ordinances, effective emceeing, responsible social

media, cyber laws and online media, and basic photography.

There was also a discussion on the Philippines' chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017.

Resource speakers were SAID president Lydith Tan, PIA-Siqujor Infocen Manager Rizalie Calibo, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Kenneth Kilat, Siquijor State College Professor Dave Mamhot, and Deputy Director for Operations Police Supt.

Enrique Belcina of the Siquijor Provincial Police

Office (SPPO).

Alice Calimpon, a secretary from Barangay Lilo-an, Maria, Siquijor, said that the training equipped her with skills that will be of use to her.

"There is still a lot more to know and this two-day training filled me with skills and knowledge that are important in my line of work as a barangay secretary,” Calimpon said.

The training held at the GAD Building in Siquijor, Siquijor was carried out in three batches for three clustered municipalities. (rac/PIA-7Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

CV gov‘t info, tourism officers hold 23rd convention PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA) – Over 120 public information and tourism officers from Central Visayas gathered in Dumaguete City for the 23rd Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO-7) Convention, September 18 to 21.

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his year‟s convention carries the th e m e “ S yn e r g y: Co m m u n i ca ti n g Responsible Information” which aims to engage the participants in discussions on the role of responsible information for national and sustainable development, branding and marketing, public information, and crisis communications.

Gov. Degamo has been advocating for various tourist groups to come to Negros Oriental

to spur socio-economic activities that will trickle down as business and income opportunities for various tourism stakeholders in the province.

Negros Oriental has earlier been identified by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the second most sought after tourist destination in the region.

This year‟s convention is hosted by the Association of the Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO).

RADIO-7 is the umbrella organization of the federation of local and national government information officers in towns, cities, and provinces of Central Visayas.

The government information associations organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the provinces take turns hosting the annual regional convention. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from Oliver Lemence, PTU)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Canhugas nature park gets fresh funding Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 20 (PIA) - Canhugas Nature Park located in Hernani, Eastern Samar some 65 kilometers south of Borongan City will get fresh funding for more accessibility.

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n the recent visit of Vice President Leni Robredo, she and Rep. Ben Evardone committed to help this new tourist-drawing nature park in terms of accessibility.

The nature park now becoming a crowd drawer all over Eastern Visayas, has an existing access road but with only one lane.

Evardone said that the tourism department has allotted some P 50 M for 2018 for the improvement of the road access.

He just reminded the Canhugas Nature Park handlers to ensure that the natural beauty of the place is preserved despite the many guests pouring steadily.

Vice President Robredo on the other hand offered to provide training for those involved in the value chain like tryke drivers, store owners and

those that would offer home stay accommodations as there are no hotels in the area yet.

The lady Vice–President could not help but notice the unique rock formation in the area and commented that this is her come-on, “if you don‟t preserve it, you wont be any different from other tourist spots which are nearer, she offered.”

She then said that her team will organize a technical working group that will study and prepare a tourism master plan for Canhugas Nature Park.

The area located in the Pacific Ocean rim has layered rock formation where big waves splashed on the more adventurous brood.

Canhugas folks though caution the tourists not to stay too close to the waves as they can be dragged in the process.

The promising new tourist destination is found in Poblacion 2 in Hernani, Eastern Samar.

From the capital city of Borongan it can be reached within an hour and from the highway, some 200 meters to the site, where the ride itself is an adventure.

Canhugas is steadily attracting crowds and has recored more that 10,000 visitors, said Carlo Yabora, the town‟s tourism officer.

It has also been featured on national television, he added.

The Vice President said that livelihood opportunities are aplenty for Hernani folks with the development of this tourist spot.

But the challenge remains in the preservation of its natural beauty while welcoming many tourists. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-E.Samar)

NDP keeps track of couples with unmet family planning needs Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, So. Leyte, Sept. 20 (PIA) - The Nurses Deployment Program (NDP) of the Department of Health (DOH) has been instrumental in finding married couples who long to avail of ways to delay the next child birth but lack access to do so.

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n this city alone composed of 70 barangays, some 4,222 couples have been listed as just that, couples in reproductive ages seeking guidance to keep away from the delivery room, at least until they see the need to get there at the proper moment.

According to Asucena Garcia, the DOH-city link at Rural Health Unit (RHU) 3, nursing or expectant mothers going to her clinic have expressed openness on spacing childbirth using

methods of their own choosing, in their own free will.

In any opportunity where she can talk on responsible parenthood and reproductive health (RPRH), she will always stay focused on maternal care and the joys of caring and rearing a baby, not on birth control, Garcia said at the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA cable TV program last week.

Meanwhile, Vanessa Arbiol, a nurse employed under the DOH‟s NDP, said the nationwide deployment of nurses started last

year shortly after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.

There are 300 nurses spread across the province under NDP, but so far, they were able to get the figure for couples with unmet birth spacing needs only in this city, Arbiol said.

The orientation for this data gathering was completed for the 18 towns of the province only last month, but Arbiol was hopeful they will get the numbers for the other towns sooner so these will serve as basis for the needed interventions. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Provincial Inter-Agency Committee convenes, discusses program updates and services Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sep. 20 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development declared that the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee (PIAC) will converge in order to discuss matters and concerns that need attention.

“

This gathering will tackle issues that cropped up in the process of delivering our respective programs and services to the identified constituents of the province,” Asst. Regional Director Marilyn Cajano said in her inspirational message during the gathering of member -agencies of PIAC such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government family, TESDA, PhilHealth, the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Education, PIA and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The presence of PIAC is an indication of each agency‟s commitment to be a partner which serves as an avenue where each one has the opportunity to share his or her part in connection with what we have done and what needs to be done for the welfare of the Filipino people as a whole, Cajano disclosed.

She said that DSWD cannot do this alone, convergence of services and resources is important in order to satisfy its customers.

“I ask each of you to continue to join hands and work together for the interest of the people concerned because we vowed to serve and provide a

comprehensive, and quality services to our people who needs us,” Cajano added.

Reporting and presentation of program updates and services from each member-agency was also conducted.

The set PIAC gathering is a quarterly meeting held at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Services Office attended by Provincial Administrator Jason Calva, then Vice Governor and now the present Governor of Southern Leyte, Christopherson Yap, among other provincial officials and staff. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

300 volunteers join International Clean – Up Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 20 (PIA) – Some 300 volunteers from various government agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector in Eastern Visayas joined the clean-up activity in different areas last September 16 in observance of this year‘s International Coastal Clean-Up Day.

T

he Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its field offices together with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) spearheaded the activity to ensure a safe and sound environment beneficial to the health and well-being of the community.

DENR assistant regional director for Management Services Arturo N. Salazar enjoined the

active participation of the public in cleaning up the waterways.

“Let us join millions of people around the globe in rehabilitating and cleaning our coastal areas, seas, rivers and waterways from marine debris that harm our marine life and ecosystems this international coastal cleanup (ICC) day,” Salazar said.

According to Maita Reina G. Sucgang, DENR‟s

public affairs office chief, the recycled wastes collected from the clean-up will be sold to junk shops wherein proceeds will be donated to Tahanang Walang Hagdan, a non-government organization.

In Tacloban, the clean-up activity was conducted along the coast of Panalaron bay, Cancabato Bay, San Pedro Bay and Mangonbangon River. (ajc/cba/PIA8)

HS students in Balangkayan town get free ride to school PIA 8

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 20 (PIA) - Balangkayan (E. Samar) high school students from remote barangays are now assured of free ride from the multi-cab donated to this town recently.

I

t was no less than Vice President Leni Robredo under the Angat Buhay program who delivered one multi-cab from the promised three to Mayor Allan Contado.

Contado in an interview said that the vehicle will augment the LGU funded school service for students in the carline barangays.

The one given by Maam Leni will service those from the hard to reach areas, he added.

When asked if all his 15 barangays are now accessible by road, he replied that only Brgy. Gen. Malvar is left with no access road yet, but that certain adjustments are made for the students to get the needed ride to

school.

The mayor offered his big thanks to the Vice President adding that the provision of rides to the local high school will ensure that students are inspired to go to school with less worries on transportation. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-E Samar)

Feature: Maritime week celebration - A week to watch Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Sept. 20 (PIA) – The maritime week celebration in the city of Ormoc to be held on September 24-28 will not only beholden the eyes or will make one clap among the observers and spectators with its fun-filled, community-driven and development-oriented activities.

N

o less than the regional director of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in Region 8, Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, assured during the final inter-agency meeting relative to the event on September 14 that it would be a “week to watch” in Ormoc City.

Consider this event to watch: shipping companies and operators will be parading their beauties or the muses in the motorcade along the main thoroughfares of the city on a Monday morning of September 25.

Not only the shipping companies and operators will join the parade of beauties that day, but will be joined by the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Philippine Ports Authority in Western Leyte and Biliran province to include the Ormoc City Institute of Technology (OCIT) along with its beautiful cadettes..

Bands from OCIT and from Ormoc City government added by colourful balloons from MARINA will add more attraction in the motorcade.

The day will be started with the dressing of ships and blowing of ship horns in the port of Ormoc at 6:00 o‟clock in the morning and it will be followed by a thanksgiving mass at Saint Peter and Paul Parish Church in Ormoc City.

What adds more delight to the day will be the presence of Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez of the 4th District of Leyte and husband Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez who will grace and will give their messages in the Monday morning program to be held at the Ormoc City Plaza Stage.

Members of the Ormoc City media will also have their day to ask queries on anything about the shipping industry on heads of MARINA, PCG, PPA and other participating industry stakeholders in a press conference in the afternoon at Pongos Hotel.

Well, September 24, a Sunday, will no longer have the same spectacular “sights and sounds” compared with the next day activities but just the same, it will provide the signal of the succeeding days‟ activities as streamers bearing the week-long celebration and the theme will be hang in the premises of participating offices and agencies and in some strategic places in the city.

September 26, a Tuesday, will be opened with a symposium on current trends, issues and concerns and other relevant things in the maritime industry will be held at OCIT from 8:30 in the morning until 12:00 noon.

The day won‟t end as the Search for Best Cadet and Cadette will be held at OCIT at 6:00 until 9:00 in the evening with fabulous prizes to await the winners such as roundtrip tickets for 2 for the first, second and third place winners plus trophies and cash prizes.

An open ship and maritime standards verification will also be conducted by concerned agencies to ensure if shipping operators religiously followed to standards which will ensure the safety and security of shipping passengers that day and the next day, September 27.

The officials and employees of MARINA, PPA, PCG, PCGA, OCIT officials, employees and students and from the different shipping companies and operators in Ormoc City will join in a coastal clean-up in the areas along the shorelines near the Ormoc City port which

will open up the day at 6:00 o‟clock in the morning of September 27..

What will make the day relevant will be the visit of a shipyard in Albuera, Leyte which according to Director Carpio of MARINA 8 would be a big factor in the development of shipping industry in this part of the country. “We will no longer be buying ship from other countries since it can be bought already in Albuera,” Carpio said.

The last day which is September 28, a Thursday, will be capped by a fun run with prizes of round trip tickets for 2 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd finishers plus trophies and cash prizes.

The day will also be the holding of the basketball friendship games at identified covered courts of the city to be participated by teams from PPA, PCG, MARINA, OCIT, and the different shipping companies and operators.

The last day of the maritime week celebration in Ormoc City will be ended by a fellowship night at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the New Ormoc City Hall Building where the awarding of prizes, giving of certificate of appreciation to participating agencies, offices, and shipping companies and operators will be held.

Whew! What an exciting maritime week celebration it will be in Ormoc City. Despite the tired muscles and weary brains behind the organizers of the different activities of the maritime week celebration, one thing will be sure, it will not only provide fun but also useful and beneficial things for the people in the community. (ajc/rsv/Ormoc City)

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