One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 44 20171103 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Dr. Renilyn Reyes, Health Research Coordinator, DOH-6, encourages stakeholders from the academe and organizations to conduct studies that will help policy makers to determine more relevant and responsive programs. pia#PartnerForChange

Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 44

Palompon opens skybike, zipline rides Rodrigo S. Victoria Palompon inaugurated its Skybike and Zipline Rides on Thursday, October 26, 2017 located at the town‟s Terrestrial Eco-Adventure Park Pavillion in Barangay Liberty.

“We put to use the area where the Skybike and Zipline Rides are located,” said Ramon C. Oňate, Palompon municipal mayor in his message during the grand opening of the two rides.

Oňate informed, the place was a mining area before and later was declared as a watershed area by former President Corazon C. Aquino.

“Establishing these rides is part of the town‟s tourism development plan to regulate the number of tourists that can be accommodated in a tourist destination like Palompon and continuing rehabilitation of the area,” he said.

He likewise expects that the opening of the rides will further augment local income and will entice more tourists both domestic and foreign, aside from the majestic Kalanggaman Island.

The total project cost for the construction of the rides is P6,247,243. 13. The source of fund comes from LGU-Palompon and from the national government allocated to the office of Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez of the Fourth Congressional District of Leyte.

The two rides are now open for free to the public until October 31.

The rate for both rides is P100 based on Municipal Ordinance Number 411-0602217, approved on February 6, 2017. (ajc/rvictoria/PIA8-Ormoc Desk)

Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres Gomez of the 4th District of Leyte and Leyte Vice-Governor Carlo P. Loreto (4th from left), lead the ribbon cutting ceremony of the grand opening of Palompon Skybike and Zipline Rides, Palompon Terrestrial Eco-Adventure Park Pavillion in Barangay Liberty, Palompon, Leyte, October 26, 2017. Also in photo are (L-R): Leyte 4th District Board Member Mesias Arevalo, Father Anwar Mari L. Adona, Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez, Leyte 4th District Board Member Matt Torres, Palompon Mayor Ramon C.Oňate, and Palompon Vice-Mayor Myra Georgina Arevalo. (standing first from right) (rvictoria/PIA Ormoc Desk)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PSA unveils products, services innovations By: Lilibeth A. French

DAR-7 Regional Director Alejandro Otacan called for support from the sectors involved in land conversion for the stronger implementation of agricultural laws to secure lands for farmers during the Kilos Sambayan forum held recently at Cebu Normal University, Cebu City. (Ver Verzonilla/PIA Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday unveiled innovations intended to provide access to data products and improve the services of the agency.

Jenelyn Banares, Statistical Specialist II of the Statistical Standards Division of PSA Central Office presented the three innovations during the Regional Dissemination Forum on the Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of the 2015 Census of Population held here.

The innovations which are featured in the agency‟s website www.psa.gov.ph. include PSA Data Archives (PSADA), Inventory of Statistical Standards in the Philippines (ISSiP) and e-Classification Mobile Application.

PSADA is a systematic repository of data collection activities of the PSA. It serves as a gateway to microdata and documents of the agency‟s surveys, censuses and administrative-based statistics. It hopes that all collected microdata are proficiently documented, widely disseminated and properly preserved. Likewise, it aims to promote the rational use and appropriate interpretation of statistics generated by the PSA. As of June 2017, Banares said there are already 70 PSA surveys downloaded in the PSADA and updating is ongoing.

On the other hand, ISSiP is a compilation of statistical standards used by various agencies in the Philippine Statistical

System.

Banares said statistical standards include statistical concepts, definition, methodologies and procedures and classifications for official statistics.

E-Classification Mobile App is a user friendly android mobile search engine application that can be easily accessed by the public and private sectors for searching codes or descriptions about the various Philippine standard classification systems used in categorizing economic activities, products and services, geographic codes, among others.

Also launched during the forum was the PSA 6 regional website and the provincial landing pages.

PSA 6 Statistical Operations and Coordination Division Chief Marlene Aviar said the regional website which is still a work in progress is a part of their initial efforts to adopt appropriate technology in the development of their products and services.

The one-day Regional Dissemination Forum on the Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of the 2015 POPCEN was attended by representatives from the national government agencies, local government units, private institutions and media, and PSA Statistics Officers from the different provinces in the region as part of the activities for the 28th National Statistics Month celebration in Western Visayas this October. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

EASTERN VISAYAS

Global Shapers Cebu hosts Shape Asia Pacific 2017

By Rachelle M. Nessia

MARINA 8 GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY. Administrator Marcial Quirico C. Amaro,III, PhD.(3rd from left) of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) lowers the time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed office building of MARINA in region 8 on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Government Center in Candahug Palo, Leyte.

He is assisted by (L-R) Engr Emmanuel B. Carpio, MARINA 8 regional director; Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla; Atty.

Primo Siosana, CPA; and Lt Johanson Fabilania of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). (fj/PIA8 Biliran)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

CEBU CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- More than 100 international youth leaders from 36 Global Shapers Community hubs coming from 23 countries converged in Cebu City on October 12 to 14, 2017, to discuss shared sentiments on the preservation, promotion, and maximization, of culture and heritage as a tool for sustainable development.

The event dubbed “Shape Asia Pacific 2017: Embracing the Past to Shape Up the Future" was hosted by the Global Shapers Cebu hub.

It focused on the host hub‟s support for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO‟s efforts to highlight UN‟s subtarget 11.4, which aims to “strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world‟s cultural and natural heritage.”

The Cebu Hub featured five local initiatives as concrete examples of how the city is using various aspects of its culture and heritage as tools for sustainable development in light of its hub pillars C.E.B.U. - C for Citizen Engagement, E for Environmental Conservation, B for Business Development and U for Universal Education.

The Citizen Engagement pillar took the participants to Qube Gallery to learn about Kadasig, a crowdfunding effort that aims to sustain and empower local songwriters to continue producing songs in their native language, Bisaya.

The Environmental Conservation pillar led participants to the exhibit of Nature‟s Legacy at Montebello Garden Hotel‟s glass house, where the company featured their material innovation, Naturecast, a patented material by inventor and speaker, Peter Delantar, that utilizes agroforestry scrap for decor, furniture, jewelry, and construction materials.

There were two speakers featured for the Business

Development pillar, namely multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue and Raquel Choa, also known as the Philippine‟s first natural chocolate sommelier.

The last stop was the Universal Education pillar at the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Office. The foundation hosted a mini-Gabii sa Kabilin, allowing the participants to walk through Fort San Pedro and Casa Gorordo, ending their tour with a tartanilla ride at Parian's Heritage Monument.

The second day of the event ended at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Banquet Hall with dinner and cultural presentations hosted by Vice-Governor Agnes Magpale, Provincial Board Member heading Culture and Heritage, Jerome Christian Librando, with the help of Protocol and Events Management Head, Grace Paulino.

A welcome address by Governor Hilario Davide III was also read during the start of the program.

On its last day, October 14, the Shaper participants from different hubs became speakers and moderators to a series of conferences and synthesis session that tackled different issues on culture and heritage particularly those that deal with tangible and intangible heritage, cultural heritage in urbanization, and cultural heritage in the midst of migration.

Global Shapers Cebu won the bid to host Shape Asia Pacific 2017 last November 2016, following the footsteps of HongKong and Hiroshima hubs which hosted the 2016 and 2015 events consecutively.

The Cebu hub is composed of 16 young, empowered individuals from different fields that have come together to improve the state of their city. The Global Shapers Community is the youth arm of the World Economic Forum. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

PSA-Aklan conducts 2017 SOF By: Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 30 (PIA6) – The Philippine Statistics Authority - Aklan is conducting this year’s Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF) in selected barangays in the province.

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n a press release, Provincial Statistics Officer Antonet Catubuan of PSA-Aklan said that 26 barangays in Aklan are chosen as samples in the survey, which aims to obtain the national estimates on the number of overseas Filipinos including overseas workers.

The 2017 SOF is a rider survey to the quarterly Labor Force Survey, which is conducted to determine the nation‟s employment rate.

Respondents for this year‟s survey are family members who had travelled abroad from October

2012 to September 2017.

Information such as the demographic and economic characteristics of OFWs and their sent remittances are to be collected for the survey.

Catubuan added that other data to be included in the SOF are the place of destination, duration of stay outside the Philippines, type of work abroad, date of departure and return of the overseas Filipinos. She urged respondents to give correct and accurate information to data gatherers. She likewise assured that all information

will be strictly treated with confidentially and cannot be used for taxation, investigation, or law enforcement purposes.

Meanwhile, in the latest 2016 SOF released by PSA, the number of OFWs who worked abroad from the period April to September 2016 was estimated at 2.2 million; of which 97.5 percent were classified as Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) or those with existing work contract, while the 2.5 percent had worked overseas without contract.

(JCM/SQP/PIA Aklan)

17 DOST scholars now mechanical engineers

By Liez’l M. Lamasan Negros Occidental, Oct. 30 (PIA6) - - A total of 17 Department of Science and Technology (DOST VI) scholars from the Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas (TUP-V) passed the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination held September 2017.

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release from DOST VI said that Science and Technology (S&T) scholarship programs are dedicated to accelerating the development of science and technology for socio-economic development.

Among these undergraduate scholarship programs are Republic Act 7687 Scholarship, DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) Merit Scholarship Program, and Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS). The Republic Act 7687 Scholarship Program is awarded to poor, talented and deserving students who belong to families whose socio-

economic status do not exceed the set values of certain indicators.

Meanwhile, the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and are willing to pursue careers in the fields of science and technology.

The JLSS scholarship is anchored on Republic Act 10612 otherwise known as the “Fast-tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013”. This scholarship grant finances the education of talented and deserving on-going third year college students

pursuing priority S&T courses while aiming to strengthen the country‟s science and technology education by fast-tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout the country.

DOST scholars enjoy privileges such as tuition and school fees, book allowance, group insurance, transportation allowance for those studying outside of home province, monthly living allowance and post-graduation clothing allowance. (JCM/LML-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

DOST urges HEIs to create TLO By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA6) --- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) urged higher education institutions (HEIs) here to establish their own Technology Licensing Office (TLO) in order to develop a vibrant ecosystem for the transfer and adoption of Filipino technologies into the mainstream market.

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n a press conference held recently at the Iloilo Convention Center, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said they have a campaign for HEIs to set-up their own TLOs because it is provided for in the Republic Act 10055, otherwise known as the Technology Transfer Act of 2009.

The Technology Transfer Act is a landmark law that would pave the way for the growth of the country's innovation potential through efficient transfer of technologies, specifically those funded by public funds.

“HEIs or those institutions carrying out research or those using government funds have to set up a TLO within their organization particularly to transfer technologies,” he said.

He said that if an institution is not big enough to set-up its own TLO, they can cluster together to form a common TLO. Meanwhile, Rowena Cristina Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, said they have a TLO project that moves around the country to provide trainings to potential TLOs in each of the university.

“Our goal is getting the industry to partner with the academe,” she said.

She shared that one of their recently approved project is the implementation of a hybrid trimaran fast craft project.

“This project is a partnership between the Metallica Shipyard in New Washington, Aklan and the Aklan State University,” she said.

She added that the P62-million worth project would involve the building of a ship that will utilize renewable energy from the ocean to fuel the boat.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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Agri chief pledges programs, funds to Dingle farmers By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 30 (PIA6) -- Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol met some 900 farmers in the town of Dingle, where he disclosed programs to liberate farmers from the control of middlemen and traders.

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iñol said in a press release from the Department of Agriculture (DA), that the programs are meant to capacitate farmers from plowing and planting and harvesting, drying, milling and marketing of their produce.

“Farmers should gain fairly from his labor and sacrifices,” Piñol said.

The secretary committed a total of P100 million to enhance and upgrade agriculture in the town where his grandfather Jose Piñol was born.

He pledged to provide P40 million loan fund to

rice farmers for the next planting season, where qualified farmers can get a P15,000 loan per hectare after he finished an orientation and get a Juan Magsasaka Card from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

The Municipal Agriculture Office said that Dingle has an average production of 4.9 metric tons per hectare across ecosystems.

“Increase your yield up to 10 metric tons per hectare by using high performing hybrid rice varieties,” Piñol told the farmers.

The lending conduits for the program

implementation are the Dingle Multi-purpose Cooperative and the Dingle Government Workers Development Cooperatives.

On the other hand, Piñol committed P60 million Equipment Loan with only two percent interest per year, for the Federation of Farmers Association to procure high quality machinery and equipment.

Meanwhile, Piñol turned over a cheque worth P1.8 million to the Iloilo State College of Fisheries-Dingle Campus, for the establishment of a goat and cattle multiplier farm. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

DTI starts Christmas lights 'watch' in Capiz Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 3 (PIA6) – An inspection of stores selling Christmas lights and other electrical - related decorations is underway to ensure that Capiceños will have a hazard – free holiday season.

“

We want to ensure that quality and safe Christmas lights are being sold in the market,” said DTI Provincial Office Public Information Officer Merian Asas, adding that sub-standard products could cause damage to lives and properties.

She also reminds shoppers to check the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker when buying

lights.

The sticker signifies the safety of the items sold.

Asas added that the inspection will be complemented with the posting and dissemination of Christmas lights brands that passed DTI‟s mandatory safety tests.

“If there are concerns or complaints, consumers may go to the establishment‟s

Consumer Welfare Desk or directly to DTI Provincial Office for proper and appropriate actions,” she stressed.

Retailers found selling substandard Christmas lights will be accountable and can be fined under specific provisions of Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines. (JSC/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Vice-guv commends Anini-y for stone marker Carlson B. Alelis SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 3 (PIA6) – Vice-Governor Edgar Denosta commended Anini-y town for receiving the Commemorative Stone Marker from the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), during the flag raising ceremony outside the Capitol on October 30.

“

My warmest congratulations to the local government unit of Anini-y for a remarkable accomplishment by reducing its poverty incidence,” Denosta said during the program at the EBJ Freedom Park attended by employees of the provincial government and of various national government agencies here.

The Commemorative Stone Marker was unveiled on October 23 for the drop in Anini-y‟s poverty incidence from 40 percent in 2009 to 18 percent in 2012.

Anini-y is the only municipal LGU in the country that received the prestigious recognition this year, said Denosta, who attended the unveiling together with Governor Rhodora Cadiao and other key personnel from different government offices.

“So, it simply means that if this could happen to the municipality of Anini-y, this could also happen to our province as well… and to our municipal LGUs,” Denosta further said.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that NAPC

chief Liza Maza urged the people of Anini-y to value citizen participation to further eliminate poverty in the area.

“We should value the participation of citizens in the planning and monitoring of government programs that support their needs,” Maza told PIA in an interview over the radio.

A lot of work still needs to be done when it comes to overcoming poverty, but the giving of the commemorative stone is a unique experience, Maza said. (JSC/CBA/PIA6 Antique

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DAR cites need to secure agri lands to address food security

By Ayin S. Visitacion CEBU CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) --- The Department of Agrarian Reform here (DAR-7) emphasized the need to secure agricultural lands to ensure food security in the country.

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uring the Kilos Sambayan forum held recently in Cebu City, DAR-7 Regional Director Alejandro Otacan called for support from the sectors involved in land conversion for the stronger implementation of agricultural laws to secure lands for farmers.

“Ang pagusab sa yuta, gikan sa agricultural lands sa laing paggamit, mugamay gyud atong tamnan, diba? Ang atong yuta na available agricultural lands para tamnan, para maabot nato sa food security, mumenos gyud na siya kung mausab to (“In converting lands from agricultural lands to other uses, that would mean we will have little areas to plant on, right? Our lands available for agricultural use such as for planting will lessen and this will affect our food security),” Otacan

said.

Otacan urged farmers not to sell or lease their lands to those who will use them for non-agricultural development.

“Wala na gihatag aron inyo lang ibalhin or inyo pud iprenda ipagamit. Hinaot unta na dili kay sayang kining mga tumong na sakto gihimo sa gobyerno (The lands were not turned over to you for you to transfer or pawn or sell it to others. The government's efforts will go to waste if this is the case)," said Otacan.

DAR has proposed a two-year moratorium on Land Use Conservation (LUC) which will cover 4.7 million hectares of agricultural lands given to agrarian reform beneficiaries, landholdings under premature or illegal conversion, and landholdings without

conversion order issued by DAR. The proposed moratorium covers awarded lands under RA 6657 as amended, PD 27 and other agrarian reform laws, agricultural lands with Notice of Coverage (NOC), irrigated and irrigable lands, prime agricultural lands, retention areas of landowners which are tenanted or occupied by tenant-farmers, and agricultural lands with presence of agricultural activities and cultivated by farmers individually or collectively.

DAR also continues to lead the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to address the „concentration of land ownership in only a few people‟, increase the income among farmers, and achieve food security. (asv/PIA7 Cebu)

Dgte. journalists reoriented on disaster preparedness

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) -- Local journalists here took part in a reorientation on basic disaster preparedness during the “Media Tropang Ready” Caravan held recently by SMART Communications.

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he event aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness skills of the members of the local press.

Smart Communications Public Affairs Head for Visayas-Mindanao Atty. Jane Paredes emphasized the critical role of media in disseminating relevant information related to disaster preparedness to the public.

“You are in a critical position to disseminate information not only to your families but to your audience as well,” Atty. Paredes said. “If there‟s a channel that we need to orient, it should be the media - radio, TV, newspapers and the social media platforms.”

Paredes noted that the timing of the event is significant since Dumaguete City experienced severe flooding recently due to incessant rains brought by typhoon Paolo that damaged infrastructure, especially the dikes and spillways near the river.

On the other hand, SMART Communications Senior Manager for Disaster Preparedness Nova

Concepcion explained that the event takes off from the “Tropang Ready” program, which is an information caravan on disaster preparedness that they hold in schools.

“It aims to integrate disaster risk management into the school curricula but the unique way of doing this is via infotainment,” Concepcion said.

Emergency Management Center Director Louie Domingo delivered a lecture on disaster preparedness where he shared tips on how to pack an emergency kit as well as communication and what to do during calamities and disasters.

After the lecture, local journalists engaged in a group challenge organized by Mystery Manila where they have to apply the lessons they learned from Domingo‟s lecture.

Concepcion disclosed that the “Tropang Ready” caravan is part of SMART Communication‟s integrated campaign on disaster preparedness called SafePH. She also introduced the company‟s “Emergency Cell Broadcast System” which is a platform for

mobile disaster alerts.

“We‟re using that together with the Office of the Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to send out free alerts to Filipinos,” Concepcion said.

“It‟s not your usual SMS. It‟s a cell broadcast technology. We call it like skyway of messaging because unlike SMS which can take minutes, hours for you to send alerts, this one you will get the alert in a matter of seconds,” Concepcion explained.

The Emergency Cell Broadcast System is available for Android and IOs for Smart, Talk N Text (TNT), and Sun Cellular subscribers.

For now, subscribers must manually turn it on in their cell phones via the message setting and look for the emergency cell broadcast system.

Concepcion added that their company is working with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to require handset manufacturers to turn on the cell broadcast system when they get the phones from abroad. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOE pushes for renewable energy to lessen climate change, step up GEMP in NegOr

By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 27 (PIA) – The Department of Energy (DOE) early this week called on government offices, the academe and local government units in the province to adopt energy efficiency concepts and implement conservation measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

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egional Director Antonio Labios of DOE-Visayas Field Office enjoined government offices to efficiently conserve energy especially in the procurement services, such as buying light-emitting diode (LED) or energy efficiency lighting and designing of structure or building to meet with Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).

Labios said DOE‟s continuing efforts to increase public access to clean and sustainable energy are to ensure or increase energy independence and develop more indigenous energy resources.

The DOE official noted that in the Visayas, the

use of renewable energy resources especially in the electricity production is about 70 percent, of which 40 percent to 50 percent come from geothermal resources.

“Negros is fortunate to host one of the biggest geothermal plants in the Visayas and the other one is in Tongonan, Leyte,” said Labios.

Under GEMP, government offices would undergo spot checking conducted by DOE and evaluated whether or not an office is adopting energy efficiency and conservation practices.

Among the energy conservation tips include operating time of air condition unit from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., setting room temperature at 25 degree

Celsius, and monitoring and using fluorescent or LED lights.

“The tips would not only help in minimizing energy consumption in the government but also in mitigating the effects of climate change in our environment,” Labios said.

Visayas also hosts wind farms with 30 percent renewable energy resources in Guimaras and Aklan, Iloilo along with Negros Island which has the biggest capacity of solar energy.

Labios said renewable energy is a potent source in the energy development and power generation in the Visayas. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOE presents govt’s Program to Boholanos

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Alternative

Fuels

By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) presented the government’s Alternative Fuels Program to Boholanos.

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hree senior science research specialists from DOE discussed the said program to members of the associations of public utility operators and drivers and representatives from local government units, academe, students and the media during a forum at Kew Hotel on October 24.

DOE aims to “evaluate the commercial viability, technical requirements, market demand, impact of incentives and public acceptance” of the Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Program.

PIA-7 Officer-in-Charge Fayette Riñen explained that several rounds of information education campaign (IEC) have also been conducted in other regions by DOE. “The direction of the current administration now is to use cleaner, alternative energy fuels like the auto LPG, natural gas, and e-vehicles for the transport sector,” according to Riñen.

Riñen said they are also tasked to let the people understand that the government is “working towards clean energy to mitigate the impact of climate change.”

She said they are seeking partnership with concerned sectors in multiplying the information

dissemination efforts here in Bohol.

She emphasized the significance of having well-informed residents to establish partnership in undertaking government programs such as the Alternative Fuels Program.

The DOE experts discussed the Alternative Fuels Vehicle and Technology, the Auto-LPG Program, and the Electronic Vehicles Program for market transformation.

Christie Bauzon, senior science research specialist of DOE, explained that the challenges confronting the energy sector include increasing energy demand, high and volatile petroleum prices, and deteriorating air quality.

Engr. Loreto Mancada of DOE presented the alternative transport fuels and technologies roadmap for the The AutoLPG Program, wherein it is projected that within 2017 to 2019, DOE shall start with the identification of alternative fuels and technologies (AFTs) for application.

In ‎2020-2025, DOE will then embark on the preparation of the regulatory and infrastructure requirements of the identified AFTs and by ‎2026-2030, DOE targets that AF vehicles will already be mainstream in the transport sector.

Engr. Jorge Vincent Bitoon of DOE said the Alternative Fuels Program is designed to achieve energy security and fuel diversification while meeting environmental challenges through the utilization of alternative fuels.

Currently, there are around 8,000 electric vehicles (EVs) nationwide: Davao City, Makati City, Boracay, Taguig City, Cavite, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and Mandaluyong City under the Electric Vehicles Program.

An e-trike costs P200,000 to P490,000 while an e-jeep costs P700,000 to P1 million.

An e-bus is estimated to cost from P8 million to P10 million, while an e-bike is priced between P10,000 to P20,000.

The environmental benefits of EVs include the absence of tail pipe emission and having less noise and vibration which enhances comfort.

It is also beneficial technology-wise as it has few moving parts and charging can be done overnight when electricity demand is low, according to Bitoon. This information campaign hopes to tap partnerships with the different sectors in Bohol to spread the initiatives of the government to pursue clean energy. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

MGB-7: Mining companies in CV compliant with post-mining rehab efforts

By Ayin S. Visitacion CEBU CITY, October 25 (PIA) -- The mining companie’s in Central Visayas are compliant with the Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan, according to the Mines and Geosciences Burea (MGB) in Region 7.

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GB-7 reported that all 15 mining companies in Central Visayas have been compliant with the said plan.

In the case of Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) in Toledo City, MGB-7 Chief of Mining Environment and Safety Division Ramcie Brillante said that CCC already deposited P49 million for their Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Fund.

They are expected to give a total of P73 million before their mining operations end.

The money collected will be used for post-mining land use by restoring and rehabilitating

the area of operation.

“Ang mining man gud is a temporary land use. Kung temporary land use, mahuman lang gyud siya kanang operasyon dinha. Masabutan na siya sa company ug communities kung unsa ilang ganahan mahitabo dinha after the mining (Mining is a temporary land use. Since it's temporary land use, it will come to an end. The company and communities can plan on what they can do with the land after mining)," said MGB-7 Information Officer Marian Christie Codilla during a recent Kapihan sa PIA Cebu forum.

Brillante shared that Apo Land and Cement

Quarry in Naga City recently rehabilitated a mining area, covering up their deep excavation behind a school and planting 1,500 trees on it.

He added that they also monitor the mining companies.

Failure to comply with their responsibilities can be a ground to stop their operations, he said.

The budget for post-mining land use is determined by the mining company depending on the area that is being mined. The plan is then submitted to MGB-7‟s Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) committee for evaluation with the approved amount paid in installments annually. (asv/PIA-7 Cebu)

DTI-NegOr implements price freeze in Dumaguete City

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Negros Oriental has implemented a price freeze in the city following the City Government’s declaration of state of calamity.

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ccording to an advisory from DTI Provincial Director Javier Fortunato, based on Section 6 of R.A. 7581, prices in an area proclaimed or declared a disaster area, under a state of calamity, or under an emergency shall be automatically frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control.

The basic necessities covered by the price

freeze include sardines in tomato sauce, condensed milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, refill coffee, bottled water, instant noodles, detergent soaps, and bottled water.

Fortunato said any retailer found selling more than the prescribed prevailing price shall be imposed with an administrative fine of up to P1 million and/or a maximum of 10-year imprisonment.

The DTI official also encouraged consumers to

report retailers that sell basic commodities more than the price specified by the department.

Consumers may report them through their hotline 422-5509.

The City Government of Dumaguete placed the city under a state of calamity due to the severe flooding caused by incessant rains brought by Typhoon Pablo last week. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Leyte posts 4.2% inflation rate in August Erna S. Gorne TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 3 (PIA)- Inflation rate in Leyte continuously increases at slower rate since the start of the year.

It stands at 4.2 percent in August 2017, representing an increase of 0.3 percentage point compared to the 3.9 percent inflation rate in the previous month.

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he region‟s inflation rate also increased from 3.9 percent in July to 4.0 percent during the reference month, however, Leyte posted a higher average inflation rate in the reference month at 4.2 percent compared to regional average at 4.0 percent. This was the second month in a row, July and August 2017, which Leyte registered higher inflation rates after lagging behind the region in the first six months of 2017.

Most of the commodity groups contributed to the 4.2 percent overall inflation rate which include Education (10.4 percent); Food and non-alcoholic beverages (5.3 percent); Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (5.2 percent); Health (4.1 percent); Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (2.6 percent); and Restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services (2.0 percent) and Clothing and Footwear (1..7). The rest of the commodity groups registered an inflation rate ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 percent.

Six (6) major commodity groups reflected higher inflation rate in August as compared to July.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages posted the biggest increase by 1.1 percentage point, from 4.2 percent in July 2017 to 5.3 percent.

The rest of the commodity groups reported decreases which includes Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (2.0 percentage point) and Restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services (0.2 percentage point).

Previous month‟s inflation rate for Communication, Recreation and Culture and Education were maintained during the month-in -review.

Inflation rate is the general rise of prices over a period. It indicates how fast or how slow changes over two time periods. Contrary to common knowledge, low inflation does not necessarily connote that prices are falling, rather, it

means that prices continue to increase at a slower rate. It is a derived indicator of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The CPI is a measure of change in the average retail prices of goods and services commonly purchased by a particular group of people in a particular area. The overall CPI in Leyte for August 2017 was recorded at 161.1.

This means that the average retails prices of goods and services in Leyte is 61.1 percent higher than the average retail prices in 2006 (base year).

Meanwhile, Purchasing Power of the Peso in Leyte for August 2017 was maintained at 62 centavos, while the PPP for Region 8 weakened at 62 centavos during the reference month.

This purchasing power of the peso indicates that the same basket of goods and services worth 62 pesos in 2006 (base year) is now worth 100 pesos during the reference period. (PSA-Leyte)

Red Cross-So. Leyte draws over five hundred runners Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 30 (PIA) - The young ones and the young once enjoyed the cloudy Saturday morning here over the weekend, joining actively in the Million Volunteer Run 4 (MVR4) of the Philippine Red Cross.

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onas Maco, Southern Leyte Red Cross Administrator, said in the opening ceremony before the run‟s start that he was at a loss for words on the number of turn-out of runners participating for the run, even as he thanked those who actually responded and the many sponsors of the event.

Maco told PIA the number of runners who had registered was over four hundred, and the registration was still ongoing while the warm-up exercises was also underway.

The day before, the weather seemed to spoil the MVR4, which was simultaneously held across the

country, as a tropical storm and a low pressure a re a emb e d d ed in th e i n ter - trop i ca l convergence zone poured intermittent heavy rains until evening.

Still, many running enthusiasts showed up, apparently accepting the challenge posed by the inclement weather.

The rains did not push through, luckily. The sweat-drenched 3k and 5k marathoners, numbering 585 for the official, registered count, successfully reached the finish line not wet or soaked by the threatening rain.

Lone District Representative Roger Mercado,

one of the 5k participants, exhorted the Red Cross to conduct a similar activity at least twice a year, saying the physical exercise will be for one‟s own benefit.

The P 500.00 donation to join the run will go a long way to finance the many services of the local Red Cross, Cong. Mercado added.

Other heads of national line agencies who participated included Genis Murallos, Southern Leyte DepEd Schools Division Superintendent, Rose Seno of the National Tellecommunications Commission, and Rodrigo Lacaba of Tesda. (ajc/ mmp/PIA8-So. Leyte)

Prov’l Health Summit recognizes health achievers in So. Leyte By: Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 3 (PIA) – Deserving city and municipal mayors, non-government organizations and individuals receive their achiever’s award in the promotion of health programs in the province.

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uring the Provincial Health Summit held at Kuting Reef, Macrohon recently, DOH Regional Director Dr. Minerva Molon together with Governor Christopherson Yap, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edmundo Villa and Provincial DOH Head Dr. Verna Fernandez recognized the health achievers, who worked hard to ensure that the people in their respective towns stay healthy and protected with the passionate promotion of health programs.

One of the awardees, Asucena Garcia, a nurse based at the City Health Unit III in Maasin City, was

recognized for her efforts in coaching and mentoring a total of 25 Family Planning providers, who now become eligible for DOH certification and PHIC accreditation.

Another award was given to Saint Bernard Municipal Mayor Manuel O. Calapre for ensuring systematic approach to the filing and tracking of PHIC claims and an equitable fee sharing scheme.

Limasawa LGU got a recognition award for achieving a zero – open defecation in all of its six barangays, while Mayor Rustico Estrella of Pintuyan municipality also received an award for achieving the

most number of barangays, 14 out of 21 barangays in the zero – open defecation compliance.

For actively implementing the no smoking campaign, the municipalities of Limasawa and Padre Burgos were recognized though they earlier have received their Red Orchid award in Manila.

There are already six municipalities, namely; San Juan, Hinunangan, Libagon, Pintuyan, Anahawan, Maasin City and Maasin City Jail, which all received their Red Orchid Hall of Fame awards in Manila. (ajc/ esg/PIA8- SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Palompon dev’t. projects inaugurated Rodrigo S. Victoria ORMOC, Leyte, Oct. 30 (PIA) – Five projects on infrastructure, education and tourism were inaugurated in Palompon, one of the six towns in the Fourth District of Leyte.

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he projects inaugurated in the morning of October 26, 2017 include the Skybike and Zipline Rides in Barangay Liberty, and the new 39 classrooms in four separate school buildings of the Palompon Nationa High School.

The project cost of the Skybike and Zipline Rides is P6,247,243. 13.

The cost of the 39 classrooms in four separate school buildings is composed of a 3-storey, 9- classroom school building costing P15, 172, 000; 3-storey , 9-classroom school building - P15, 122, 000; 15 3-storey, 15-classroom school building-P 20, 258, 550.49, and 2-storey, 6- classroom school building costing P8, 296, 000.

The inauguration of the Palompon Civic Center worth P58,033,283.73 was held in the afternoon.

Barangays Rizal-Tambis-Cambacbac and Cantuhaon road concreting projects were also inaugurated in the presence of the barangay officials, teaching personnel, and the constituents.

Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez of the 4th Congressional District of Leyte hailed Palompon own for implementing big impact projects in education, tourism and infrastructure in her message during the short program after the ribbon cutting ceremony in one of the projects.

She said she is happy working with leaders like

Mayor Ramon C. Oňate, who has big dreams for what is good and beneficial for his constituents.

The lady legislator even promised of giving more funds for the town next year citing the efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of government funded big impact projects.

Present during the inauguration of the five projects in Palompon were Leyte Vice-Governor Carlo Loreto; Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez; 4thDistrict Board Members Matt Torres and Mesias Arevalo; Palompon Mayor Ramon C. Oňate and Vice-Mayor Myra Georgina Arevalo and the town councilors including the 50 barangay captains. (ajc/rvictoria/PIA Ormoc Desk)

Activities for 4th Yolanda commemoration in place By: Consuelo B. Alarcon PALO, Leyte, Nov. 3 (PIA) – Families and survivors of super typhoon Yolanda will commemorate the 4th year anniversary on November 8, 2017 that left thousands of people dead and many others are still missing after four years.

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he city government of Tacloban in partnership with IDEALS, Inc., a non-profit, non stock non-government organization that helps address the legal and technical needs of vulnerable groups particularly those affected by disasters will organize a commemoration rite for missing Yolanda victims on November 7, 2017 at barangay Anibong, this city.

This is to help the surviving families of missing Yolanda victims find closure and start anew despite the loss of loved ones four years ago.

Meanwhile, as early as tomorrow November 4 until November 8, a daily holy mass will be offered to Yolanda victims by the barangay officials and residents in Brgy. 76 and 77, Fatima Village, this city, a village that was heavily affected by the killer

typhoon.

There will be a blessing of the memorial facility at the Sto. Nino Parish Church followed by a candlelight ceremony in the streets of the city.

Relative to this, the local government unit of Palo will also commemorate the 4th Yolanda anniversary with the theme “Pagdumdum, Paghalad Ug Pag-ampo,” from November 7 until November 8, 2017.

Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla will lead the commemorative prayer followed by a program on November 7, 2017 at Palo Pag-Ibig Plaza.

Various songs, poetry and dance as a tribute to those departed Yolanda victims will be featured during the program by the Leyte Normal University (LNU) faculty singers, local siday artists, Palo

selected hip-hop kids, Department of Education (DepEd)-Palo, UP Balangaw, STEFTI Harmonic, Lock N‟Load, and Enchanting Palo Brass Band.

The commemorative activity on that day will end with the candle lighting and offering of flowers and community singing.

On November 8, 2017, a holy mass at Palo Metropolitan Cathedral will be held officiated by the main celebrant Most Rev. Msgr. Rex C. Ramirez.

After the holy mass there will be a blessing at Palo Memorial Mass Grave and offering of candles and flowers to all departed souls followed by a release of white doves.

Families and relatives of Yolanda victims are invited to attend the commemorative activities. (ajc/ cba/PIA8)

Application for DFA Foreign Service Officer exam on Teresita B. Cardenas CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 30 (PIA) – The Department of Foreign Affairs is now accepting applications for Foreign Service Officer Examination (FSOE) until December 8, 2017. This was learned from North Samar Provincial Director Ms. Pharida Q. Aurelia.

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he said the qualifying test set on January 8 next year, is the first part of the five-part FSOE administered by DFA to recruit candidates for the Foreign Service Officer, Class IV position. The remaining parts of the FSOE include; Preliminary Interview, Written Test, Psychological Test, and Oral Test.

Qualification requirements are the following: he/she must be a Filipino citizen and concurrently permanent residents of the Philippines; at least Bachelor‟s degree graduate on the date of filing of application; with at least two-year work experience of further studies or a combination of both after college graduation; knowledgeable

on the Philippine economic, political, and social conditions; willing to accept assignment to any foreign service post; has oral and written communications facility; and possesses personality traits need to perform as foreign service officer, she added.

Applications should be submitted personally at DFA Regional Consular Office, or Philippine embassies and consulates abroad not later than Dec. 1, 2017; or at the DFA Board of Foreign Service Examinations, Pasay City, not later than December 8, 2017 with an admission fee of P500.00.

Further she said FSOE‟s qualifying test also

serves as an eligibility examination titled Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO).

This means that, apart from qualifying to proceed to the next level of examination, passers will also be conferred with the Career Foreign Service Officer Eligibility by the CSC. This eligibility is appropriate for the first level (clerical) and second level (technical) positions in the government that do not involve practice profession and are not covered by special laws, except the Foreign Service Officer IV position which requires passing all five stages of the DFA‟s FSOE, she concluded. (ajc/tbc/pia8-northsamar)

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