One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 6 20170213 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

GAD Meeting: Members of the Provincial Inter -Agency Committee on Gender and Development discuss plans for the upcoming Women's month celebration March 2017.

Among the activities tackled are Women's Forum, Focused Group discussion, Radio Program, GAD empower session in Barangay and Schools.The meeting was facilitated by Rhoda Pon-an Co-Chair (GAD-IAC) (2nd from right lower photo). (PSM/PIA6Antique)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office Head JOE CHIU (2nd from left)has alerted all barangays by VHF radio thru Olympus (DCPS) to be EXTRA VIGILANT against flashflood. Rescue 348 teams are also conducting roving patrols around brgys to be on alert. (PIA-7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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Feb. 6 - 12, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 6

EV’s private sector workers get salary increase Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 8(PIA) – Workers in the private sector in Eastern Visayas will finally get their wage hike beginning February 13 this year or 15 days after the new wage hike was published in a local newspaper last January 29, 2017.

This, after the National Wages and Productivity Commission granted the increase of the basic wage of private sector workers on January 20, 2017 ranging from P10 to P25 depending on sectoral or industrial classifications.

Regional Director Elias A. Cayanong of the Department of Labor and Employment in the region announced that with the new wage order, workers in the non-agricultural sector shall receive a basic pay of P278.00 plus P7.00 Cost of living allowance (COLA).

“After a careful review of the socio-economic and other statistical data, and the results of the consultations

and public hearing, we really have seen the need to increase the minimum wage in the region, so we have the new wage in the region, so we have the new order which although a bit late, but this as our valentines gift to our workers in the region,” Cayanong said.

According to Virgilio A. Doroja Jr., DOLE administrative officer said that in pursuant to wage order no. 19 issued by the regional tripartite wages and productivity board in Region 8 last December 19, 2016 that was affirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission, the increase in the basic pay shall be P25.00 for non-agriculture workers, P23.00 for sugar mills, P15.00 for cottage/handicraft, P10.00 for retail/service employing 10 workers and below; P15.00 for retail/service employing 11 up to 30 workers, P10.00 for agri non-sugar workers and P10.00 for agriculture sugar farm workers.

(DOLE8/PIA8/ajc/cba)

WV Tourist receipts up by 9.25% Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, February 8 (PIA) --- The tourism sector in Western Visayas earned some P111.6 billion from local and foreign tourists in 2016.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 showed that this figure represented a significant 9.25 percent gain from 2015.

The region also welcomed a total of 5,060,650 tourists, surpassing the 4,632,331 arrivals recorded in 2015 by 8.4 percent, as based from the agency’s partial tourist arrivals.

According to DOT-6, a total of 1,027,460 foreign tourists visited the region last year. Domestic tourists also reached 3,998,064.

A total of 45,126 overseas Filipinos were recorded to have visited the different tourist destinations in Western Visayas.

By regional grouping, countries from East Asia contributed the biggest arrivals in 2016 registering 719,745 tourists.

Koreans remain the biggest source market with total inbound visitors of 357,036; followed

by the Chinese with 280,885 tourist arrivals; and third is Taiwan with 56,850 recorded visitors. (LTP/PIA -Iloilo)

DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas provides updates on the thrusts and projects of the agency for 2017 during a press conference held Feb. 7, 2017 at the DOT Regional Office-6.

EASTERN VISAYAS

DENR conducts habitat assessment at Mt. Bandilaan Rizalie Anding Calibo

MS. DEPED EASTERN VISAYAS 2017. These five girls land in the top 5 among the 13 girls representing the 13 divisions in the search for Ms. DepEd Eastern Visayas 2017 held at NSU Gymnasium in Naval, Biliran on February 6, 2017.(left to right) Alyza Cairo-Biliran (4th runner-up), Aubrey Larrazabal-Ormoc City (1st runner-up), Flerzia Robin-Eastern Samar (Ms. DepEd Eastern Visayas 2017), Kimberly Morales -Samar (2nd runner-up) , and Kim Christine Boja-Leyte (3rd runner-up).(rvictoria/PIA Biliran)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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SIQUIJOR, Feb 3 (PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is taking steps to ensure conservation and protection of significant endemic flora and fauna that thrive in Mount Bandilaan.

In an Infosharing with the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID), DENR Information Officer Karen Vano shared that among these initiatives are DENR’s strict and close monitoring of the area and the conduct of critical habitat assessment, one vital prerequisite for the establishment of Critical Habitat (CH) in Mount Bandilaan.

Critical Habitat, she said, are areas outside protected areas (PA) under Republic Act No. 7586 that are known habitats of threatened species and designated as such based on scientific data taking into consideration species endemicity and/or richness, presence of man-made pressure/threats to the survival of wildlife living in the area, among others.

(DENR) DAO 2007-02 specifies the procedures in

Critical Habitat Establishment, which include identification and validation of threatened species, population estimate and rapid habitat assessment, community consultation, review and recommendation by DENR, declaration of areas as CH by DENR and/or local government units (LGU) and ground truthing.

At present, Vano said DENR is working to comply with all the necessary documents and procedures needed for the approval of CH establishment.

Meanwhile, DENR and the provincial government are collaborating for the construction of six log cabins, trails and pathways in order to augment funds in ensuring the monitoring and guarding of the place. Estimated cost of the said project is three million.

Mount Bandilaan, the highest peak of Siquijor Island, stands 1,394 feet and rises 557 feet above sea level.

It is home to thousands of endemic flora and fauna and is considered one of the treasures of the island. (rmn/ rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from I.A.Abatayo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

RDC meeting highlights NIR’s accomplishments Carlson B. Alelis NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 10 (PIA6) – The Negros Island Regional Development Council (NIRDC) recently held a special meeting to consolidate the accomplishments of various national government agencies (NGAs) in the region.

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he meeting aims to strengthen the retention of NIR, after it was announced last year that there are plans to abolish it.

Frank Carbon, NIRDC Infra Committee head, presided over the meeting, where NGA’s showcased their noteworthy accomplishments since their operations started under NIR. The regional directors and heads of their respective offices presented their

budget complement and achievements, a release from the Provincial Information Office said.

All of these despite working on limited budget and resources under Regions 6 and 7, where Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, respectively, came from.

The inputs during the meeting will be presented and submitted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Office

during the Participatory Governance Cluster.

The said activity will take place on the last week of February and on the first week of March in Manila during the cabinet meeting.

Earlier in the year, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) here submitted its paper to DILG, which contains the benefits of retaining the island region. (JCM/CBA/ PIA6-Negros Occidental)

Turn-over of multi-million evac centers up Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 10 (PIA) – Three multi-million evacuation centers for residents of coastal barangays in Capiz are ready for turn-over in March.

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isaster Risk Reduction Program Manager Francisco Megoc of HEKS Swiss Church Aid disclosed that the one storey evacuation center in Barangay Manapao, Pontevedra, Capiz is expected to be turned over to the residents in March.

The turnover by HEKS of the two other two-storey evacuation centers, particularly in Bantigue, Panay town and in Binaobawan, Pilar town will be in April, he said.

Megoc said that each of the evacuation center known as “Safe Haven”

costs approximately P10-million.

The three areas that were identified as site for the project are coastal villages in the province.

HEKS Swiss Church Aid is one of the international organizations that had been helping the people of Capiz after supertyphoon Yolanda.

Series of training are conducted for the residents and barangay officials of the different recipient areas including the faculty and staff of the schools where said evacuation buildings were constructed to enhance their capability in the

management, maintenance and operation for the sustainability of the said evacuation facility.

For Pilar mayor Gideon Ike Patricio, the project in their area is a big help to their residents since it will be their temporary shelter especially in times of disaster.

Patricio likewise conveyed his appreciation to the people of Switzerland for choosing their area as one of the recipients of said multi -million project. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

8 young Aklanons hurdle DOST-PSHS competitive exam Venus G. Villanueva Kalibo, Aklan, 10 February (PIA6) -- Eight graduating elementary school pupils from various public and private schools here successfully passed the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Science High School (DOST-PSHS) National Competitive Examination given October 22, 2016.

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he competitive examination was held at the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) in Kalibo, Aklan.

Of the passers, four (4) are from Aklan Learning Center (ALC) and one each from New Washington Elementary School, Infant Jesus Academy, Echelon Development School, and Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center. From ALC, passers include Jeriah Borreros, Clark Andino

Magada, Eunice Anne Maravilla, andJillian Pastrana.

Other passers are Princess Jasmine Agustino of New Washington Elementary School; Rysa Antonette Ang of Infant Jesus School; Jashley Kate Paloma of Echelon Development School, and Rein Margarette Sarmiento of the Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center (KISEC).

As scholars, these young Aklanons’ privileges include free tuition

fee, free loan of textbooks, monthly stipend and uniform, transportation and living allowance for low-income groups. The PSHS system is an attached agency of the DOST. The PSHS is the country’s leading science high school that prepares its scholars to become world-class Filipino scientists dedicated to nation-building, according to the DOST. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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PHO: leprosy now a curable disease Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique Feb.3 (PIA) - - Leprosy is now curable said the Infectious Disease Cluster Head of the Provincial Health Office but the disease can still infect anyone.

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Leprosy has been eliminated as a health problem but we should not hold our guards down because anyone can still get infected with the disease” Aben Cardenal, cluster head of the infectious disease said during the PIA Radio program.

Cardenal who was with Nessa Angela Barrientos also of PHO said that the disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and it is transmitted via droplets,

from the nose and mouth during close contacts with untreated cases.

The symptoms include pale or reddish skin patches that are neither itchy nor painful.

There are some six leprosy cases reported in Antique but they no longer need to go to sanitarium because they can be treated as out-patient.

Leprosy as eliminated by multidrug

therapy according to Cardenal.

The drug is free and available at the nearest health center.

The infectious disease cluster head urged the people in the community who suspect they may have been infected with the disease to immediately consult with the nearest health facility because there is a need for early detection in order to cure it before it becomes serious. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

PESO: Jobs await Negrense Applicants Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. NEG. OCC. Feb.9 (PIA6) -- The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Negros Occidental will be conducting recruitment activities on February 10 at Ayala District Mall in Talisay City dubbed as Trabaho Patrol, and on February 13 at the PESO Office located at 2nd Floor, Sweet City Captel, Gatuslao St., Bacolod City.

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number of local companies and POEA-licensed agencies will be hiring skilled workers, construction workers, office staff, sales and marketing staff, customer service representatives, medical staff, engineers, among others, for local and overseas

employment on February 10.

Meanwhile, Orange International Recruitment Services, Inc. will be hiring nurses to work at United Kingdom on February 13 at the said venue.

Interested applicants are advised to bring Resume/Bio-data,

employment certificates, transcript of records or diploma, and other credentials.

For more information, contact the PESO Coordinator at (034) 476-7189 or 0998-1781582./Capitol News. (Capitol News-Lljr-PIA6)

P160-M agri-tourism road begins construction Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 9 Feb (PIA) — Construction of an agri-tourism road and bridge project worth P160 million connecting two barangays in Leon and the Seven Cities in Alimodian, Iloilo is set to begin.

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ccording to the Department of Agriculture-6, the project will complete the 58 -kilometer circumferential road connecting Bobon and Bulwang, two farthest barangays in Leon.

“The circumferential road also connects these barangays to the seven remotest barangays in Alimodian,” said a press release from the DA Information Section. Bucari in Leon, 50 kilometers from Iloilo City is known as the “Little Baguio” of Iloilo, and is being gradually developed to be the “Summer Capital” of the province.

It has uniquely grown pine trees and cool climate, along with various agricultural and horticultural products endemic in the area.

Meanwhile, the seven barangays in Alimodian, are noted for their cool climate, lush vegetation, timberland and assorted wildlife and plants. Caves, waterfalls and rice terraces. It has also tourist attractions like the Tinagong Danao, Agua Colonia, Umingan Plateau, Iwagat Spring, Farm Terraces, Maslog Falls and more.

Aside from the tourism potentials, the DA said, are the best high value commercial crops like carrots, baguio beans, sayote and cauliflower, making Alimodian the “salad bowl” of Iloilo province.

The completion of the circumferential road, these remote barangays will be made more accessible to everybody, besides the businessmen and tourists.

Agriculture Asst. Secretary for the Visayas Hansel Didulo, during his recent visit to the areas, said that the local chief executives there are assured of his support and assistance.

President Duterte has supported a proposed bigger funding for DA for 2018, hence, farm mechanization and post-harvest facilities and completion of farm-to-market roads including irrigation projects will be fully realized.

With these developments, Alimodian Mayor Geefre Alonsabe and Leon Mayor Rolito Cajilig had proposed for the construction of cold-storage facilities as well as abattoirs for their towns considering that they have Bagsakan Centers and dynamic livestock markets. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Minglanilla Business Chamber organized Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, February 6 (PIA) — Minglanilla town finally composed its own Minglanilla Cebu Business Chamber (MCBC).

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ccording to Eric Pagar, Minglanilla Municipal Public Information Officer, some 20 top businesses of the town had several meetings for the past months for the organization of the business chamber.

They were guided by president of Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Glenn Soco.

The group conducted its first election with construction businesswoman Filomena Selma Canedo of Canedo Equity Ventures as its first MCDC president.

Soco reminded the group that business chambers will work as partners with the government but must remain apolitical at all times.

Minglanilla Mayor Eleanito Pena said it is high time for the businesses to organize considering that a lot of major economic developments are already calendared for implementation in the next years.

“It’s the right time for Minglanilla's business sector be organized so that it will be an effective partner of the LGU in implementing programs beneficial to the people of this municipality,” Pena

said.

The town is set to have major infrastructure projects including the Reclamation Project; ongoing International Port; the 30 meter-wide By-Pass Road and the downtown Minglanilla financial district which are expected to bring more progress and job opportunities for the residents.

The town is located in between the cities of Talisay and Naga of the first district of Cebu. (rmn/ fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

Bohol PTC to blacklist drivers, tour services involved in illegal drugs Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, February 6 (PIA) -- In the wake of tourist transport vehicle drivers getting implicated or nabbed for illegal drug use or pushing, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has resolved to impose stricter policies on its industry workers, especially those in the frontline services.

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POC has asked the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) to blacklist not just tourist service drivers but tourist transport companies as well, the moment they or their drivers or workers are implicated in drugs.

At this, PPOC Chairman Governor Edgar Chatto urged Boholanos to continue the fight against drugs.

Over 30,000 Boholanos surrendered to authorities after admitting they are into drugs.

In December, police operatives and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) apprehended a van driver serving tourists and recovered from his possession illegal drugs he was pushing.

Weeks ago, two more tourist van drivers fell into the hands of authorities, both of them into drugs and caught in buy-bust operations.

The capture of tourist frontliners has alarmed

tourism stakeholders who connect drugs with accidents waiting to happen.

But the Philippines, through Senator Tito Sotto, approved “Republic Act 10586 which expressly repealed the requirement of drug testing for applicants or renewals of driver’s license imposed under Section 36 (a) of RA 9165.

Sotto reasoned out that drug testing to get a license to drive or renew one's permits is a costly and worthless requirement.

And while the country lifted the requirement of negative drug traces from drivers before they are goven their licenses, Central Visayas still implements drug clearances for drivers.

An injunction has been issued against the permanent abolition of drug testing for drivers here, said Land Transportation Office Chief Erwin Patalinghug.

As drivers tend to take drugs to keep them

awake in long trips, many have assumed that drugs can also be the cause of accidents in over-speeding, delayed responses and hampered spur of the moment driving decisions.

While the transportation office could not forcefully enforce the mandatory drug testing anymore, the PPOC thinks policing the tourism industry workers should be for sustainable tourism.

Last week, narcotics agents and the National Bureau of Investigation apprehended two more van drivers for involvement in drug trade.

And to mainstream the policies for cleaning up the front-liners who would be the tourists first impression for Bohol, the PPOC would be looking over the shoulders of the PTC in making sure there is sustainability in Bohol's vision to become the prime eco-cultural tourism destination in the country. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

PDA: Avoid dental problems thru proper brushing Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, February 2 (PIA) — Tooth decay can be so complicated that people with this problem spend fortunes to deal with it, but a simple prevention is nothing fancier than having a good brushing.

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Tooth decay and dental caries can be prevented, and all it takes is a good training on proper tooth brushing and discipline,” said Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Bohol Chapter President Dr. Ruthie Villas-Lapay and past president Dr. Felino Columnas.

Both dentists explained that good training and proper brushing mean a good tooth brush with a soft bristle, gentle up and down brushing movement the toothbrush angled 45 degrees and reaching the farthest back of molars, gums, palate and even the tongue.

And as to how oftentimes does one brush teeth, dentists recommend three times: after every meal, or as often as when one introduces food in the mouth.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA to commemorate February as National Dental Month, both Villas-Lapay and Columnas admit that over 90 percent of Boholano kids have dental problems.

A problem than can start as soon as an infant shows first teeth, dentists said even mother’s milk,

which has sugar in it, can cause teeth to rot among babies.

From simply using a soft gauze to swap the baby’s palate to a specialized tooth brush will greatly do to start a habit, Dr. Lapay suggested.

Brushing could be taught and built as a habit, they shared.

In their sorties to schools and towns, Dr. Villas said most kids admit to one or two brushing per day.

Without proper brushing, any food sediment that gets stuck in the teeth attract bacteria, which can destroy gums, cause infection, and then cause the teeth to rot, the lady dentist explained.

Even more complicated is when the infection gets into the gums, collects pus and the more serious the infection, the bigger is that chance the gums break sending the pus to the whole system by swallowing.

This, according to Dr Columnas, can get to the heart and cause even more serious issues.

Other than improper brushing, both dentists

agree that another problem kids of today are hounded is the progression of a malpractice of giving pacifiers and thumb-sucking.

When parents starts the habit of giving infant pacifiers, the kids pick the habit to thumb suck as soon as the pacifiers are withdrawn.

And as to how this affects, Columnas said the gums, which are very sensitive moves when you have objects in the mouth.

Eventually, it pushes the palate muscles to act differently causing teeth occlusion leading to jaw deformities.

Uncorrected when young, the corrective action could be expensive retraining and putting up of restrainers or braces, which can be prevented, hand the kid been trained to properly take care of their teeth.

Build the habit, Columnas urged parents during the radio forum.

By taking care of one’s teeth, the family can have a few savings for dental services, which could be allotted to other priorities. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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DENR Siquijor intensifies land titling Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Feb 3 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here has intensified land titling in the province through massive information education communication (IEC) sessions and distribution of flyers on land titling in the barangays province wide.

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ENR has also availed of the local radio station for the announcement of schedule and its lineup of barangays to be visited to give time for the barangays to prepare for the visit. As of this writing, DENR has already issued a total of 560 land titles, 339 of which are agricultural lands and 221 are residential.

According to Karen Vano, Information Officer of DENR, the conduct of land titling is under the DENR Administrative Order No. 2011-06 entitled “Prescribing the guidelines for the implementation of public land titling in partnership with local government units” where all the regional executive directors (REDs) of DENR are authorized to deputize permanent LGU officials that may be assigned to the titling program as Deputy Public Land

Inspectors(DPLI).

Vano said that the order also provides the following procedures in the deputation of DPLIs: Submission of list of nominees and their corresponding qualifications by the LGU to the RED through the community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) and provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO).

The CENRO and the PENRO to conduct their respective review of the list of nominees and then submit their respective recommendations within 15 days. Upon submission of the list and recommendations to the RED, the RED in turn will authorize the conduct of necessary training related to DPLIs’ functions, mandates, authorities, duties and responsibilities.

The DENR shall land management officers (LMOs) from the CENROs, PENROs or DENR regional office concerned to the LGU initiated titling program and the titling office created.

It provides all the necessary and pertinent land records, surveys maps and other pertinent data; provide technical assistance in the conduct of surveys, land adjudication, training and capacity building on public land administration and management.

It also provides general control and supervision over the LGU titling program where the DENR field offices shall maintain approval and signing authorities in all phases of the patent application and adjudication process, Vano shared. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from I.A.Abatayo)

Siquijor ports readied for tourist, cargo influx Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Feb 3 (PIA) – Three sea ports in the province have ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization of facilities, according to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Siquijor Acting Division Manager Mary Louise Macalino in an info sharing with the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID).

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hese improvements, Macalino said, are measures to ready the ports for the increase of cargo and tourist influx in the province.

She cited the presence of the Prince Warehouse in the province that contributes to the increase in the number and frequency of cargoes going in and out in the province.

Macalino also predicted that with the opening of the new International Aiport in Bohol, tourist

influx is also expected to grow.

To date, the new Passenger Terminal Bulding (PTB) in Siquijor port is already operational.

But the CCTV cameras, aircon, hand dryers being installed are not yet functional due to electricity problem.

The PPA has allocated P2-million for the installation of separate line transformer to resolve the problem in electricity supply.

Baggage X-ray machine is now available and ready for delivery, she said.

She said improvement of the Siquijor port’s covered pathway, parking area, widening of roads, additional cargo docking area are underway.

Th e o n g o i n g e x p a n s i o n worth P157,022,007 and improvement for the port of Larena are expected to finish in March 2017. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor/w/ reports from I.A.Abatayo)

NORECO-I encourages members to vote for new BODs Roi Lomotan NEGROS ORIENTAL, Feb. 6 (PIA) – The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO) – I is encouraging its member-consumers in Bindoy, Jimalalud, Ayungon and Guihulngan City to participate in the upcoming district elections for the next members of the cooperative’s board of directors.

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ORECO-I one will once again hold resolve by implementing measures and through elections for its next board continuous discussions with the board. of directors representing said towns in Aside from this, government programs on March. electrification like the Sitio Electrification The schedule for the elections is March 4 for Program and the National Intensification of Guihulngan City, March 11 for Jimalalud, March 18 Household Electrification are also implemented in for Ayungon and March 25 for Bindoy. coordination with the members of the board of In a series of Kapihan Sa PIA forums directors. conducted by PIA in cooperation with NORECO-I Meanwhile, NORECO-I Officer in Charge recently, NORECO-I General Manager Jose for Institutional Services Jonah Maxino reminds Juvileo Acabal stressed the role of board member-consumers that the electric cooperative will of directors in the operations of power distribution implement the “No I.D., No vote” policy on Election firm.

Day. “Please vote so that your voices will be heard Maxino explained that this is a way for through your representatives (in the board). They the electric cooperative to verify the existence of have fresh mandate from the people and they will be voters and avoid “ghost” voters on the day of their voice in the board when they discuss things for elections. the development of member-consumers,” Acabal Maxino said registered voters can bring any said. valid I.D. on Election Day or they can apply for the Acabal shared that one of the concerns of new NORECO-I I.D. issued at the main office in the electric cooperative is the high systems loss Bindoy. rate which something the management is trying to Member-consumers are advised to pay P100

for the new ID. On the other hand, NORECO – I is now ready to accept applications for individuals who want to vie as candidate for the positions in the electric cooperative’s board of directors.

Som e major qualifi cations in clud e being a Filipino citizen, at least 21 years old to 70 years old, a graduate of any four-year course, a resident of the district the person wants to be a candidate and a member of the cooperative with good standing and has attended at least two Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) in the last five years.

For more details, interested individuals may inquire at the NORECO-I main office in Bindoy.

Deadline for application is on Feb. 22 for Guihulngan City, Mar. 1 for Jimalalud, Mar. 8 for Ayungon and Mar. 15 for Bindoy. (rmn/ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PSA8 celebrates civil registration month Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 7(PIA) - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Eastern Visayas has lined up various activities in celebration of this year’s Civil Registation Month anchored on the theme ―Pilipinong Registrado, Matatag na Kinabukasan ay Sigurado.‖

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he objective aims to promote awareness on the importance of of civil registration of every Filipino.

Wilma A. Perante, PSA regional director said the civil registration month in the region kicked off with a caravan followed by a mass, motorcade and a short program.

Other highlights of the celebration are the symposia, data dissemination seminars, trainings, exhibits, slogan, poster making contests, tree planting, information and education campaign through media interviews, press conferences, hanging of streamers and tarpaulins regarding registration.

Other activities initiated by various local civil

registry offices are the mass weddings, mobile registration and free issuance of certificates.

On January 28, 1991, then President Corazon C. Aquino signed Proclamation no. 682 which paved the way for the annual celebration of the civil registration month every February. (PSA8/PIA8/ajc/ cba)

NEA’s Sitio Electrification Program 2017 to benefit 109 sitios in SoLeyte Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 8 (PIA) – The National Electrification Program (NEA) has already evaluated another first batch of Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) 2017 in Southern Leyte which will benefit 109 unit sitios for the entire province.

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EA together with Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative Inc. (SOLECO), the implementing arm of NEA’s SEP 2017 has already submitted the result of the evaluation for endorsement to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for budget allocation, SOLECO reported. It was learned that the said project has a total evaluated cost of P39,125,081.75.

In Southern Leyte, the unlit sitios include 13 sitios for Maasin City; 6 – Macrohon; 9 – Malitbog; 5 – Tomas Oppus; 24 – Bontoc; 12 – Sogod; 2 – Libagon; 1 – Liloan; 1 – San Juan; 3 – Pintuyan; 1 – San Ricardo; 3 – St. Bernard; 3 – San Juan; 6 – Anahawan; 3 – Hinundayan; 10 – Hinunangan; and 7 sitios in the municipality of Silago.

The overall electrification target is to attain

90% electrification of households by 2017 which is anchored on the Household Electrification Plan of the Department of Energy (DOE).

The electric cooperatives (ECs) are the main implementers of the programs with DOE and NEA as the supervising agencies. The ECs will be assisted in program implementation, it was learned. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

Biliran’s natural wonders, a boost to tourism Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, February 8 (PIA) - ―The first word that came out from my mouth was, Wow!‖ A wonderful and great remark for a first time visitor upon seeing the natural wonders of an island province like Biliran.

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ndeed, it was for Atty. Tonisito Machiavelli Umali, DepEd assistant secretary for external linkages and partnership, when he first set foot in Biliran province for an official speaking engagement as keynote speaker in the opening of the 2017 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet 2017 from February 5-10, 2017.

According to him, Biliran the natural beauty of the province is one big thing that will surely boost the developing tourism industry of Biliran province.

Quitaleg tsaid she was really mesmerized by the majestic Tinago Falls and she plunged into its water despite wearing sports attire when they visited the place.

mini-zoo located inside the Espina residence in Barangay Caray-Caray in Naval town then to Canaan Hills and Tinago Falls in Caibiran town and the Bethany Hills in Caucab, Almeria.

This is not a challenge, but an opportunity for the province to open and show through the EVRAA the beauty of the province of Biliran, Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. said in his message during the grand opening ceremonies of the 2017 EVRAA.

If we are already home, let us be proud in telling the experiences we see in the succeeding days that we are here including the beautiful places in Biliran. Umali told to almost 10,000 crowd braving the drizzles and cold atmosphere brought about by Tropical Depression Bising threatening the spectacular grand opening ceremonies held at the refurbished Biliran provincial sports center.

On January 30-31 this year, the Biliran provincial tourism and information office headed by Dionisio B. Oliva, Jr in coordination with the regional office of the Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas with Regional Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes taking the lead with Two Eco Consultancy, Incorporated facilitating the two-day stakeholders consultation-workshop in the crafting of the Biliran Tourism Master Development Plan in Tacloban City.

A promising tourism industry in Biliran province is in sight with the crafting of the master tourism plan.

Governor Espina admitted the big challenges posed with the hosting of the province of the 2017 EVRAA because of financial constraints but he accepted it since he realized that it will help promote the tourism industry in the province.

He informed that there were 23,000 tourists who visited the province in 2015 but the figure on The Biliran tourism roadmap which is anchored the tourist arrivals in the province significantly on Republic Act 10409 or An Act Declaring the increased to more than 110, 000 last year. province of Biliran as a Tourism Development Area sponsored by Biliran Congressman Rogelio J Espina He appealed to the people attending the of the lone district of Biliran and the stakeholders opening ceremonies to help the province in its consultation-workshop is one big step included in the target to double or even triple the figures of tourist major activities in the law. arrivals as he further appealed to them to promote the beauty of Biliran province to their friends, The hosting of this year’s EVRAA is a big relatives and loved ones when they go back to their catalyst to the tourism industry and the impressions places. of top DepEd officials and some of the delegates who devoured with their eyes and mesmerized The provincial government through the with their senses on the beauty of nature in the provincial tourism and information office also province is a vital jump-off point to a big WOW for offered a five-day period promotional free tour to the province' tourism in the days ahead. (ajc/FJ/ the delegates of the 2017 EVRAA to the Biliran rvictoria/PIA Biliran)

“Oh my God! Another word he uttered upon reaching the breath-taking scenery below while in Bethany Hills in Brgy. Caucab in the municipality of Almeria, a mountain resort that serves visitors with organically produced farm vegetables.

Umali who visited first Tinago Falls, a majestic falls located in Barangay Cabibihan in Caibiran town, admitted that if he was not prevented by Dr. Thelma Quitaleg, Tacloban City Divison schools division superintendent, he would have taken a dip into the water coming from the falls that lured him to take a splash.

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

FEATURE: Up close and personal with an HIV positive person Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- His name is ―Boy,‖ but that is not his real name. Obviously, he possessed feminine characteristics, yet it did not deter him to be strong, to stand against the world, a world sometimes indifferent to people like him.

“

I want to educate families -- every member of a family -- all about Human Immunodeficiency Virus,” he said, his words sounding with built-in power, in an interview at a posh resort a couple of months back.

He knew what he was saying -- he himself has HIV in his system, one person among the more than 38,000 in the Philppines that contacted the ailment.

It started in the year 2000 when he was about to go back to his work abroad, as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), but was denied for having tested positive. The revelation resulted in days and nights of seemingly endless tears; somehow he was able to carry on, to go back to his senses, and managed over time to face the community.

A year earlier, in 1999, he got married, a union that bore a son, and this status doubled the anxiety: will the son be infected? By 2003 he and his wife parted ways. His break came in 2006 when he got connected with a non-government organization

whose main task was to provide an atmosphere of care and understanding to people like Boy. He was sent to a conference abroad to represent the Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI). He did not return as expected, for he made use of the opportunity to scout for livelihood.

His efforts produced envy-inducing best results.

Multi-tasking was not a common term then, but he did just that, juggling three jobs -- at a bakery, laundry, and one other task -- in a day just to have a stable source of income.

When he finally decided to return in 2014, he devoted his life full time at joining PAFPI, a payback, sort of; it is in this group that he was instrumental in spreading hope and cheer to fellow individuals, inspiring them to come out for voluntary testing.

Boy was ninth in a brood of 12, and despite his condition he was able to deliver the promise of a decent living to his family in his nine years of toil in foreign land.

Now, aged 42, he declared he had been a person living with HIV for 16 years and counting, and he is still active, but that was because he had pledged early on to change his ways for the better, to have a healthy lifestyle, and he had never strayed on this vow.

His son is now 19, healthy as a bull, and luckily the infection was not transmitted.

Boy would not delve in detail on how he got the HIV, saying only that it probably happened during his first foray outside the country, the years prior to 1999, when he was still single.

This week, the Department of Health (DOH) disclosed in a nationwide primetime TV report that last year some 550 bags of donated blood were found infected, but these were thrown away immediately upon discovery, and were not used in blood transfusion.

Boy certainly did not get it that way. (ajc/mmp/ PIA8-Southern Leyte)

DepEd8 chief prioritizes safety in 2017 EVRAA Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, February 6 (PIA) – ―Winning a trophy or taking awards for this year’s EVRAA is secondary to safety, the primary standard of the EVRAA Meet,‖ Dr. Ramir B. Uytico, regional director of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas told the officiating officials and coaches in a solidarity conference a day before the opening of the annual regional athletic competition.

T

he 2017 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet, anchored on the theme “Bracing Sports, Breaking Barriers, and Braving to LEAD” is hosted by the province of Biliran and has officially started with a grand opening ceremony in the afternoon of February 5, 2017 at the Biliran provincial sports complex located in Barangay Larrazabal this town.

Dr. Uytico emphasized the safety of all the athletes, officiating officials and coaches of the 13 participating athletic delegations in Eastern Visayas in his message during the solidarity conference held at the Naval Gymnasium on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

Earlier, the Biliran provincial police office issued security prohibitions during the week-long holding of the 2017 EVRAA within the Biliran Sports Complex

especially during the grand opening, such as : no deadly weapons like firearms and bladed weapons; no back pack; no umbrella; no liquors and drugs inside the billeting and playing venues; curfew hours in billeting areas at 10 in the evening; and only transparent raincoat is allowed inside the sports complex.

“I don’t care whoever will be the champion as long as our athletes, officiating officials and coaches are safety,” Uytico said.

“What is the use of our trophy if here, our athlete is disabled/” Dr. Uytico reminded the participants of the solidarity conference.

He also reminded the group to cooperate with the host and to understand what is lacking such that if the Biliran division could not provide, then he

urged them to fill the gap.

He likewise reminded not to post on social media or report to private media any irregularities encountered for the duration of EVRAA Meet as these are tests of “solidarity” of the DepEd family in the region.

“Please report it to the proper authority,” he said since the complaint will likely land and be solved solely by the respective heads of delegations.

The youthful-looking DepEd 8 chief likewise told the officiating officials to maintain honesty and fairness as this will define the character and competence of the people of DepEd 8 with the holding of the 2017 EVRAA. (ajc/FJ/rvictoria/ PIA8-Biliran)

DepEd Asec, delegation officials, all praises for Biliran Mary Lailani P. Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, February 8 (PIA) - Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina was elated over the commendation and praises visitors and delegation officials to the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) 2017 extended to the host officials and community for their accommodation, hospitality, nice preparations for the hosting of the yearly activity, and the beautiful tourist destinations of the island.

A

tty. Tonisito Umali, Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary, who sat foot in the island for the first time to witness the formal opening of the EVRAA games on February 5, 2017, congratulated Biliran officials for the Palarong Pambansa-like preparation and hosting.

ASEC Umali expressed his admiration to the beautiful scenery of Biliran mountains overlooking the sea as well as the numerous falls the island has. He said, he will never hesitate to tell others to come and visit Biliran.

Meanwhile, during the 10:00 o’clock in the morning press conference before the formal opening of EVRAA 2017 Meet, Dr. Ronelo Al Firmo, schools division superintendent of Leyte division, expressed gratitude to their host school – the Naval School of Fisheries – as well as the host community for their agreeable and friendly accommodation.

Same expression was extended by the schools division superintendent of Northern Samar, Dr. Manuel Albaño, whose delegation is at Calumpang

Elementary School in Naval.

Meanwhile, Tacloban City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Thelma Quitalig was more amazed with the tourist destinations she visited in Biliran. She encouraged other delegations to go on a tour for added experience and knowledge while in the island.

With all praises and commendations heard, Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina hopes for more tourist arrivals after the EVRAA 2017 Meet. (ajc/mlt-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.

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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