One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 43 20171027 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PRESIDENTIAL Assistant for Visayas Michael Llyod Dino provides updates on the various projects of his office including the “Malasakit Desk”, an inter-agency initiative which aims to simplify the process of getting assistance in public hospitals, during a press conference held October 23 in Iloilo City. With him in the picture are Philippine Reclamation Authority General Manager and CEO Atty. Janilo Rubiato, Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Jane Javellana and PIA 6 Director Janet Mesa who moderated the press conference. (laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Kapihan sa PIA over DYTR-AM with DOE-CO officers tackles on cleaner alternative energy fuels and energy technologies for the transport sector such as natural gas, auto-LPG and the E-trikes, October 25. (PIA-Bohol)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

Oct. 23 - 29, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 43

Bohol bags Most Business-Friendly Province award

By Elvie C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Oct. 20 (PIA) -- The Province of Bohol bagged the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit of the Philippines from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The award was handed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to Gov. Edgar Chatto during the 43rd Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Expo at the Manila Hotel on October 19, 2017.

Also present during the awarding were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sec. Ramon Lopez and Bohol Acting Vice Gov. Venzencio Arcamo.

It can be recalled that Bohol landed among the 14 finalists in the search for the Most Business-Friendly Province in the country conducted by PCCI. The PCCI annually awards local government units, including cities and municipalities, which have demonstrated outstanding efforts in instituting good governance reforms.

These reforms must have promoted trade and

investment, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivering business services to fuel inclusive growth in the locality.

The other finalist provinces are Aklan, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Davao del Norte, Isabela, La Union, Negros Occidental, Pangasinan, South Cotabato and Tarlac.

Cebu is a past winner while Bulacan aimed for their third straight title for the Hall of Fame.

During the final judging on October 11 in Metro Manila, Chatto presented Bohol’s initiatives and accomplishments under the five criteria of the prestigious award.

The criteria were based on trade, investments, and tourism promotions; public-private partnership; micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development; quality management system, innovations, and human resource development; and inter-local government relation. (ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

Foreign diplomats, Leyteños commemorate Leyte landing Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 23 (PIA) -- Diplomatic representatives from four allied countries joined Leyteños in the commemoration in October 20 on the 73rd anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Candahug, Palo, Leyte.

Members of the diplomatic corps who joined the commemoration were Deputy Chief of Mission Mathieson Kimberly of the Embassy of Australia in the Philippines, Minister Takehiro Kano, Deputy Chief of Mission, Head of Political Section Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; Deputy Chief of Mission Michael S. Klecheski of the Embassy of the United States of America in the Philippines and His Excellency Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines John T. Holmes.

The diplomats shared their common purpose in joining the commemoration which was to pay tribute to the war veterans who fought and sacrificed their lives to achieve democracy and peace.

In their solidarity greetings, all of the diplomatic representatives vowed to continue to work together with the allies in order to maintain partnership and friendship with the Philippines and the people of Leyte to build a strong, resilient and vibrant nation in the name of those who lost their lives.

Meanwhile, in his anniversary message, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla underscored that the 73rd Leyte Gulf Landings marks the beginning of our history towards achieving lasting peace for generations to come.

“If it were not for these Filipino veterans’ brave deeds, then perhaps the world would still be a catastrophic playfield endowed with the ravages of war. Their valour is a reason we are here today. In the midst of all our struggles and pursuits in our daily lives, it is important to take this moment, this very day in our lives, to appreciate the veterans who sacrificed their living in the past to fight the second world war and ensure that you and I live in a peaceful world today. We should keep their courage and bravery in our hearts and in our minds,” Petilla said.

He likewise urged everyone to take the veterans’ valor and bravery as an inspiration to work for a more lasting peace and sustainable peace for the people of Leyte and the rest of the country.

Also in attendance to the commemoration were: retired justice Manuel R. Pamaran, Board of Trustee, World War II Veterans; retired Col. Bonifacio G. De Gracia, national president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; retired major general Alfredo S. Cayton, chief, Veterans Affairs Management Division, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO); Brig. Gen. Joel Joseph A. Cabides, regional vice-president of the Veterans Federation of the President; Lt. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao who represented Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana; the local officials of Leyte, as well as the heads of government agencies; and the veterans themselves and their sons and daughters.(ajc/cba/PIA8)

PRRD : MassKara Festival icon of resilience Liez’l M. Lamasan

FRIENDSHIP IN GOOD TIMES AND IN BAD. Mr. Mathieson Kimberly, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Australia in the Philippines delivering his message of “commemoration is about friendship in good times and in bad”. Mr. Kimberly represented his country in the 73rd Leyte Gulf Landings remembrance rites on October 20, 2017 at Candahug, Palo, Leyte. (r.tiozon/pia8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oct. 22 (PIA6) --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hailed Bacolodnons for initiating the MassKara Festival to inspire optimism from the adversity brought by the ill-fated M/V Don Juan tragedy and economic dislodgment.

“Born from the unified efforts of locals to uplift the people’s morale from the hardship that hit the city of Bacolod and the island of Negros, the festival became a symbol of its people’s happy disposition and resilience during difficult times,” President Duterte underscored.

Duterte mentioned that through hard work and perseverance the Filipinos can rise up and surmount any crisis.

“Let us show the rest of the world that behind every friendly smile, there is an iron clad with a triumph of all the struggles that come our way, ” Duterte added.

The President also lauded the endeavors of the public and private partnership in making the festival a success.

According to Duterte, the festivity continues to give the guests a remarkable experience, as such, it is the most anticipated event in the region.

Duterte capped his message reminding everyone that “more than merry-making, MassKara Festival is a continuing

testament that no amount of hardship could dampen the Filipino spirit.”

President Duterte graced the MassKara Festival for two consecutive years now since 2016. (JCM/LML-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

MassKara Festival 2017. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte takes a light moment with Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, First Lady Elsa Leonardia, and the MassKara dancers. (LML-pia6)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Forest protection officers told to arrest violators By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILOCITY, Oct. 25 (PIA6) — The Forest Protection Officers, including the 412 newly hired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-6 (DENR) were directed to strictly enforce environmental laws.

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They can arrest poachers and confiscate illegally transported forest products,” Jim Sampulna, DENR regional director said during the orientation conducted for them.

Sampulna also told the forest protection officers that they are no longer just civilians.

“You can now apprehend illegal cutters in your

areas of responsibility,” Sampulna said, adding that the officers must also love their country and work with integrity.

He assured the forest protection officers that the department is ready to give assistance should the former will not be able to apprehend because the violators are armed.

At present the DENR-6 has a ratio of one

forest ranger patrolling an area of 1,000 hectares, but with the 412 added, forest protection in the region will be intensified, according to Director Sampulna.

“We look forward to the stricter implementation of our environmental laws to protect our natural resources” Sampulna said. (JCM/ ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Anini-y town sets trend in poverty eradication

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 23 (PIA6) --- The Secretary of the National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC) along with the provincial and municipal officials unveiled the commemorative stone marker in the municipality of Anini-y for its collective effort in addressing the problem of poverty.

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ov. Rhodora Cadiao said that Anini-y is setting a trend for government and community collaboration to eradicate if not minimize the poverty situation in the province.

“This is a challenge to all local government officials in the province to work further to mobilize the community and make development efforts or projects sustainable in order to erase Antique in the list of the poorest province in the country,” the Governor said.

NAPC Secretary Liza L. Maza said that the town's poverty incidence rate dropped significantly by more or less 18 percent in the year 2012 from its 40 percent level in year 2009, per

record of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

With the town’s abundant natural resources, the NAPC secretary noted that the people in the community are really participative, and several government programs and projects were implemented.

There is also a need however to improve the local economy in order to generate more job opportunities through further strengthening the fishing industry, tourism and agriculture.

Mayor Maxfil Pollicar for his part was happy for the NAPC recognition and in the improved standard of living of the town through people’s strong collaboration.

The Municipality of Anini-y is the only recipient of the Commemorative Stone Marker for this year.

During the program, the event also highlighted the testimonies of KALAHI Best Performing Barangay through Punong Barangay Espectacion Eiman of Barangay Igpalge; Farmr Domingo C. Moquerio; Fisherfolk Alejandro Requina; 4Ps Exemplary Child Dayna Arcelie D. Pacete of Barangay Mabuyong; and Community Volunteer Geronima E. Ayson, the “Bayani ka Awards KALAHI-Regional and National Awardee. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Aklan schools, farmers get free patents

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 25 (PIA6) -- Eleven public schools and 1,090 Aklan farmers welcomed with open arms the free patents bestowed them recently by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here.

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ll municipalities of Aklan had beneficiaries for the agricultural patents from the DENR, while the public schools gifted by the special patents came from 7 municipalities.

Jim Sampulna, DENR 6 Regional Director led the awarding of the free patents to the beneficiaries, together with Rep. Carlito Marquez of the lone district of Aklan, Provincial Environement and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Ivene

Reyes, and Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Jose Miguel Miraflores.

The 11 recipient schools included Bay-ang Elementary School in Bay-ang, Batan, Aklan; Bubog Elementary School in Bubog, Numancia; Dumaguit Elementary School, Dumaguit, New Washington; Estancia Elementary School in Estancia, Kalibo; Linayasan National High School in Linayasan, Altavas; Madalag Elementary School in Poblacion,

Madalag; Numancia National School of Fisheries in Albasan, Numancia; Polo Elementary School in Polo, New Washington, Aklan; Union Elementary School and Union National High School, and Laserna Elementary School, all from Nabas, Aklan.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office at BLISS Site, Bakhaw Sur in Kalibo was also a recipient of a special patent. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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OPAV: ‗Malasakit Desk‘ in Iloilo soon By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA6) --- The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) plans to set up a ―Malasakit Desk‖ in Iloilo this December in partnership with various government agencies here.

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n a press conference held October 23, 2017 at Hotel Del Rio here, OPAV Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino said this "Malasakit Desk" is an inter-agency initiative that will help simplify the process of getting assistance from the government agencies.

“Ang binabantayan kasi natin is the poorest of the poor. Yan ang gusto nating alagaan for now.

This is a one-stop shop especially for our less

fortunate brothers and sisters,” he said.

With OPAV at the helm, the initiative will be a collaboration among the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

He said the four agencies will be sending representatives to the hospital who will then provide

the necessary assistance to people who need medical help. He said the initiative will be able to provide patients and their families with a one-stop desk where they can process documents and financial aid necessary for immediate admission, continuing care, or for discharge.

He added that this initiative will be piloted in four hospitals in Cebu and two hospitals in Bohol.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

S&T Digital Library reaches ‗Yolanda‘-stricken schools LILIBETH A. FRENCH

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA6) - - Pupils and teachers of five typhoon Yolanda-stricken public elementary schools in Northern Iloilo have now access to relevant and timely Science and Technology ( S&T) information.

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TARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosks and Software are now installed in these schools containing thousands of digitized S & T resources in various formats and set in a user friendly interface.

Recipient schools are Lawis Elementary School and Kinalkalan Elementary School in Balasan town; Lumbia Elementary School in Estancia; Madanlog Primary School in San Dionisio; and Alapasco Primary School in Batad.

Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII)

developed STARBOOKS, the first science digital library in the country. It tapped non-government organizations to support the implementation of this project to be able to reach more beneficiaries especially those in the countryside who are in need of S&T information.

The availability of the STARBOOKS in Northern Iloilo public schools was made possible by the Children’s Hour Philippine Foundations Inc. in partnership with Sun Life Foundation.

DOST 6 reported that teachers and students were grateful and appreciative of the establishments of STARBOOKS in their respective schools.

Mr. Renato Alvaren, Head Teacher of Lawis Elementary School, is hoping that the apparatus will serve as an instrument that will encourage their learners especially the out-of-school youths and the community to develop their competencies so that they can use in the near future to affect progress not only for themselves but for their respective families and communities.

To date, DOST 6 has already established 115 STARBOOKS in Western Visayas of which 41 are in Iloilo, 18 in Aklan, 15 in Antique, 34 in Capiz, 5 in Guimaras and 2 in Negros Occidental. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

Indigenous people showcase dances, chants Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 25 (PIA6) – Traditional dances and chants of the indigenous people highlighted a cultural exchange held Oct. 26 at the Dumarao Sports Complex in Dumarao town in view of the 2017 Indigenous People‘s (IP) Month celebration.

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he activity featured the Pandang Pandang of an Ati community in Dumarao, Binanog of Panay Bukidnon from Tapaz and Jamindan towns, Inagong Dance of Akeanon Bukidnon from Aklan province and Singkil of the Maranao tribe from Mindanao.

The performances were complemented by the Hugyaw Dance Company of Cuartero National High School from the municipality of Cuartero which staged the “Kiriwkiw and Pitik Mingaw” dances.

The cultural exchange was also set to be conducted by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural

Affairs Office (PTCAO) on Oct. 27 at the civic center of Pres. Roxas town.

Based on PTCAO schedule, the Ati community members from the nine barangays of Dumarao will converge for the Ati Cultural Festival on Oct. 30 at the Dumarao Sports Complex.

The Ati gathering will also feature p er fo rma n ce s, co o ki ng and h an di craf t demonstrations aside from the tourism and cultural awareness forum.

Tapaz and Jamindan will conduct IP Day on Oct. 30.

Other activities for the month-long celebration include the IP dialogue with the visual artists and campus tour last Oct. 20 at Hercor College and Inzo Arnaldo Village Integrated School, all in Roxas City, to showcase the traditional and unique cultural practices of the indigenous people’s communities of the province to the students.

Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 declares the month of October of every year as National Indigenous Peoples Month to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities. (JCM/ AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

Dumaguete City‘s crime incidents drop

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) – The Dumaguete City Police Office has reported that total crime volume from January to September this year dropped to 465 incidents from 777 crimes recorded in the same period in 2016.

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umaguete City Chief of Police Supt.

Jovito Atanacio said that part of their strategies to reduce crime involved the deployment of personnel to crime-prone areas, conduct of checkpoints and barangay visitations, mobilization of intelligence volunteers, case build up and monitoring, strong coordination with prosecutors, and involvement of the community in the anti-crime drive.

Of the 465 crime incidents (for the period January to September 2017), 209 cases were solved by the police registering 44.9% crime

solution efficiency, an improvement compared to 40.5% for the same period (Jan to Sept.

2016) in which 315 of the 777 crime incidents were solved.

In the same period this year, 145 persons with warrants of arrest were taken into custody.

The comparative index crime volume distribution are as follows: theft, 425 cases in 2016 down to 242 in 2017; physical injuries, 154 in 2016 down to 105 in 2017; robbery, 119 in 2016 to 66 in 2017; motornapping, 47 cases in 2016 down to 25 in 2017; rape, 18 cases in 2016 to 10 in 2017; murder,

12 incidents in 2016 up to 16 in 2017; carnapping, 1 incident each in 2016 and 2017; and homicide, 1 in 2016, none in 2017.

Atanacio recommended that in order to sustain the campaign against crime, both the PNP and the city leadership must lobby for additional personnel, create a SWAT team, build more substations, implement the ordinance for the installation of high definition CCTVs in private establishments and public areas, logistical support for capability enhancement of personnel, and increased allowance for policemen. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOE holds alternative fuels energy gab in Bohol

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) conducted this week a seminar on the ―Promotion of Energy Sector Innovation through the Use of Alternative Fuels and Energy Technologies‖ from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at the KEW Hotel, Tagbilaran City.

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he advocacy intends to create greater awareness and appreciation of the importance of cleaner alternative energy fuels and energy technologies and efficient utilization of energy, said PIA Central Visayas Assistant Regional Director Fayette Riñen.

Among the projects that the DOE presenting on Tuesday would be a known alternative fuel source such as the liquefied petroleum gas for automobiles (Auto-LPG) Program which aims to arrest air pollution by vehicular emission.

Invited during the seminar are drivers, auto mechanics, engineers and industry workers, academe, government information officers, student group representatives, and commuters who may have questions about LPG leaks in taxis and their effects when improperly installed.

Also be discussed were Natural Gas for Vehicles Program for Public Transport.

The Philippines is now using compressed natural gas (CNG) from its Malampaya natural gas fields and is now set up in a CNG plant in southern Luzon.

Moreover, DOE also brings to Bohol

discussions on the use of e-jeepneys and e-trikes which are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

President Rodrigo Duterte intends to make a transport system revamp by phasing out the older jeepneys for the more environment-friendly electric vehicles and the electric tram system.

For the Bohol seminar, top DOE officials are the resource speakers as the information campaign hopes to tap partnerships with the different sectors in Bohol to spread the initiatives of government to pursue clean energy, Rinen added. (rahc/PIA-7/ Bohol)

Dumaguete‘s teen pregnancy, youth offender cases dip

By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA) – The Dumaguete City government has reported that incidents of teenage pregnancy and children in conflict with the law have significantly decreased in the city.

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ccording to City Public Information Officer of teenage pregnancy are Bagacay with 31 cases; Dems Demecillo, this is attributed to the Banilad, 24; Candau-ay, 23; Cadawinonan, 21; and consistent intervention of professionals Daro, 20. tasked in inculcating values and discipline among the Barangays with no cases are Poblacion 5, youth.

Poblacion 6, and Poblacion 7.

Demecillo said that in 2016, there were 318 There were 32 minors involved in drug cases, cases of teenage pregnancy but it dropped to 269 of which 29 are males and 3 are females. this year.

The number of minors in conflict with the law However, based on the records of the City is less in 2017 with 24 cases, compared to 2016 with Population Office, the top five barangays with cases 66 children.

Meanwhile, there are 83 high school dropouts for the school year 2015-2016, a significant increase compared to 26 for SY 2014-2015.

Enrollment in for 2014-2015 was higher at 5, 832 compared to 5,741 for SY 2015-2016.

Cases of Sexually Transmitted Infection affected 12 male youth in the last two years. The youth, aged 10 to 24 years old, constitute 31.2% or 43,680 of the total city population of 141,000. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Sibulan, Mabinay grab ‗Buglasan Lutong Garbo 2017‘ first prize

By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 23 (PIA) – The Rolled Taro dessert course of Sibulan town and Mabinay‘s Passsion Fruit plus Drinks both won first place in this year‘s ‗Buglasan Festival Lutong Garbo‘ competition that featured healthy desserts and drinks recently at Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Dumaguete City.

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or the dessert category, Sta. Catalina’s Sweetened Ala-Halaya got second place and Canistel Pop’s Skillet of the municipality of Bacong landed the third spot.

For drinks, Bacong’s Passion Drinks in Lemon Scent and Pineapple-Ampalaya Cooler of Pamplona placed second and third winners, respectively.

The culinary competition among local government units used locally grown ingredients and prepared with a variation which focuses on healthy desserts and drinks.

Madonna Gay Licerio, first prize winner, presented her dessert with a tasty sweet and creative way of cooking with mix pound taro or gabi, margarine, coconut milk, caramelized coco, and

peanuts.

Licerio received a cash prize of P6,000 and a trophy from Lutong Garbo Committee led by Chairperson Sylvia Uy. Lilibeth Cabalida of Sta. Catalina and Ervin Sargento of Bacong also received trophies and cash prizes worth P4,000 and P3,000 , respectively.

According to Uy, the competition is designed to preserve the local culinary culture while addressing the nutritional needs of the Negrenses.

The winners for drinks are Mabinay as 1st prize winner with P4,000 ; Ervin Sargento of Bacong as 2nd placer with P3,000 ; and Carlito Calda, 3rd placer, with P2,500.

The annual Lutong Garbo food contest had produced more than a hundred different recipes which are economically and nutritionally prepared, said Uy. The Lutong Garbo banners the theme “Discovering, Developing and Promoting Negros Oriental Culinary Heritage."

The food competition winners were proclaimed by the board of judges composed of local culinary experts Ariel Ronato of Teamskills Schools for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Inc.; Wilfreda Villalon, Home Economics Instructor and Teacher III; Pepita Villacora, accredited cookery NCII of RESDA, and retired School Principal of Tanjay City DepEd Division. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

EDC‘s video production contest winners promote renewable energy

By Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 23 (PIA) – The young winners of the video production contest of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) dubbed ‗Sa Geothermal May Forever‘ held recently focused on the importance of renewable energy in fighting climate change.

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egros Island Geothermal Business Unit (NIGBU) Head James Soriano of EDC said the competition has mutual benefit between EDC’s effort to promote sustainable energy or the use of geothermal energy 24/7 while helping the millennials who are interested in film production.

Of the five finalists, Travel Goals bagged the Best Film with the score of 80.91 percent and received the grand prize of P20,000.

First runner up is Power with 74.18 percent with a cash prize of P10,000; and Thesis Pa More film with 70.05 percent as the 2nd runner up winner with

P5,000 cash prize.

Soriano said the good component of this effort is not only getting the message out but encouraging and helping young talents in the film industry with this medium that EDC is trying to promote.

The best picture, Travel Goals, is a story of a young adventurous aspiring environmental activist lady who meets a boy during a road trip and how their lives cross paths and their “forever”. The organizer together with the judges also awarded the Best Screenplay which went to Power film; Best Actor, Geo TV; Best Actress, The-

sis Pa More; and People’s Choice Award went to Travel Goals with 2,400 reactions and 59,000 views at Positive Energy Negros Facebook page.

“Beyond the cash prizes, the support we’re giving is the recognition of the filmmakers as we’re looking out for the youth in Negros Island EDC to support their growth in the field of interest that they may have."

Soriano considered replicating the event in other geothermal sites in the country for other local young filmmakers and artists will also be given an opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Dumaguete City allocates P20.5-M for sanitary landfill PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- The Dumaguete City Council allocated P20.5 million for the construction of a sanitary landfill project that is a top priority of the city.

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ayor Felipe Remollo and the Technical Working Group (TWG) have been scouting for lots in Valencia, Sibulan, Bacong, Dauin, and Zamboanguita to serve as the site of the landfill.

According to Information Officer Dems Demecillo, should the sites outside of Dumaguete fail to secure the support of the local officials and population, the TWG will have to pursue its plan to

utilize a lot in the Candau-ay-Camanjac area, which is smaller in size but for the exclusive use of the city.

The newly-approved allocation is considered an initial investment for the construction of the landfill once the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) decides which of the available sites would pass the standards of the agency. Members of the Executive Committee of the City Development Council Liga ng mga Barangay

President Lionel Banogon, Federation of Senior Citizens Association President George Villamor and Councilor Lilani Ramon, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Appropriation and Ways and Means, shared the concern of Mayor Remollo that the budget is needed to properly manage the city's garbage disposal system pursuant to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

PDEA certifies 2 SoLeyte towns cleared

as drug

Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 24 (PIA) - In less than one month, the second drug cleared village in Libagon, Southern Leyte, was certified by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

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ccording to Governor Christopherson Yap in an interview with PIA, the town of Libagon which has 14 barangays, was declared a drug cleared municipality last October 16, 2017.

Earlier, the island municipality of Limasawa was certified by PDEA as the first drug cleared municipality in the province on September 28, 2017.

Gov. Yap disclosed further that more than half of the total 500 barangays in Southern Leyte were already certified by the PDEA office as drug cleared barangays despite the lean PDEA provincial staff.

There are only four PDEA personnel who

will work hard to validate all of the mentioned barangays.

Gov. Yap is hopeful that the entire province will be drug cleared before the end of this year.

After a barangay has been approved as drug cleared through the auspices of the Barangay Anti Drug Addiction Council (BADAC) and the local PNP, PDEA will then validate the documents presented, interview the drug surrenderers, physically search if there are no presence of any drug laboratory, no more drug pushing and drug using reports, among others. When these are found out favorable, it is only then that PDEA will

certify a certain barangay as drug cleared, it was learned.

Yap further disclosed that about 90% of the total barangays were drug cleared already but it will take some time to declare the whole municipality as there are still at least three barangays in a municipality that are not yet drug cleared.

When the last drug group operating in Sogod was disbanded by the local police last month, it was observed that the supply of drugs dropped (esg/ PIA8 So.Leyte)

SoLeyte to have 27 disaster resilient school bldgs.

Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 19 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) field office here will soon start the construction of 27 disaster-resilient school buildings under the 2017 Basic Educational Facilities Fund.

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ccording to DPWH Southern Leyte district engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia, their office will bid out the P84.55 million projects on Oct. 18 to 20, this year. Construction in 13 towns of the province will proceed within the year, she added.

Junia said the new school buildings will have an average of two classrooms each with upgraded designs, enough to withstand strong winds and earthquakes.

Junia disclosed that for the past years, the country has experienced series of strong typhoons and lately series of ground tremors, specifically areas here in Eastern Visayas, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) and DPWH to upgrade its

standard classroom design.

The structural component of the buildings such as footing, columns, and beams will be expanded for safer and more conducive learning space for students.

It was learned that of the total 27 buildings, four will rise in Hinundayan town; three each in Sogod, St. Bernard, Bontoc, and Padre Burgos; two each in Limasawa, Silago, and San Francisco; and one each in Liloan, Pintuyan, Malitbog, Macrohon, and Tomas Oppus towns.

Junia added that these new school buildings is only part of its massive DepEd projects under the 2017 fund, that is why the engineering district is working double time for its prompt

implementation.

Bidding was not pushed through early this year, according to Junia since it takes time to complete the soil test, which serves as the basis in coming up with final design of a school building project.

Overall, the school building projects for Southern Leyte will cost P1.21 billion designed to curb classroom shortage in public elementary and high schools in the province.

Based on DepEd Southern Leyte division listings, there are 61 sites for one-story school buildings and 55 for multi-storey buildings, however, some are still under validation for final listing and release of fund. (with reports from DPWH/ ajc/rgc/ PIA8-sl)

Borongan centenarian still reads broadsheets NinfaIluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 19 (PIA) - Lolo Rosedo Tejero is 101 who, despite his age, still reads copies of the Philippine Daily Inquirer supplied by grandson Fiscal Robert John Tejero.

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ejero though wheelchair bound does not look old and withered and could even pass up as an octogenarian but his documents revealed that he was born on April 2, 1916.

He still could eat on his own, he relishes on the thoughts of eating “puruton� (edible sea-shells) that abound in the rocky beaches of Borongan. He jested that eating them may have also prolonged his life.

The Borongan centenarian shared that he has rules to abide by, like praying to God, eating a

balanced diet, exercising and avoiding sex.

His caretaker said that Tejero never missed Sunday mass in his home in Barangay Lalawigan where he resides.

He is updated with current events, says daughter Brenda. Tejero was a former Math teacher but recalls that he never gave a failing grade. Rey Dorado, the city administrator, who happens to be a former student, recalls how patient the centenarian was with his Algebra classmates.

In one instance, Tejero asked Dorado if he was ever mean to the class, ever solicitous of what his

former students know of him. Dorado assured him that he was a good teacher and very patient.

When asked about his social life, Tejero said he attends senior citizens meetings and some family get together.

The Borongan centenarian has three children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

I t w as DS WD r e gi on al d ir e cto r Restituto Macuto of the DSWD who personally delivered his P100K cash. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-E Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

NSU-OIC prexy‘s address banners accomplishments Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, October 19 (PIA) – Dr. Victor C. Canezo, OIC President of the Naval State University (NSU) here, bannered his accomplishments in his first State Of the University Address (SOUA).

H

e delivered his first SOUA during the faculty, administrative staff and students’ night on October 13, 2017 with Congresswoman Victoria Isabel Noel of the An Waray Partylist and Dr. Ellen Christoforatou, Executive Director for Teacher Education of the University of Kassel, Germany together with Congressman Rogelio Espina of the lone district of Biliran, Governor Gerardo Espina, Jr and some heads of national government agencies and other guests in attendance.

Canezo put more emphasis in his more than four months old accomplishments on “NSU is YOU,” his administration’s development blueprint of the lone tertiary school in Biliran province.

He mentioned among others on institutional development like the activation of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Office to fully capacitate all the activities geared towards achieving quality assurance; submission of the nine bachelors degree program for certificate of program compliance (COPCs), the first university among the state universities and colleges in Region 8 to have the most number of COPCs; and passing the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) periodic audit management system certification.

Among the pro-student programs he cited in his SUA was the four-day class scheme; the installation of free public Wi-fi with the approval of the Local Area Network (LAN) worth P5,179,240 for greater internet accessibility and for the implementation of e-processing of the major university transactions; providing funds for students in the attendance to trainings, seminars, competitions, and free board examinations review; and the immediate adoption of the free tuition fee policy based on Republic Act No. 10931 plus subsidy on miscellaneous fees coming from local and national funds.

The youngest NSU caretaker at age 36, also reported the on-going construction of Phase I of the University Dormitory worth P18, 816, 039.74; reopening of the University Museum; establishment of the University Media and Information Office installation of eight closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs); and equipping classrooms of the Maritime department with four Smart televisions and airconditioning units as part of the Outcome-Based Education. Canezo gave importance to the university’s human resources by hiring 59 new instructor-I positions and making 30 of it into regular items for both the NSU Main and Biliran campuses;

increased the daily rate of the university’s utility personnel from P300 to P350 effective June 1, 2017 and approved the release of mid-year bonus of the 49 casual employees in the amount of P489, 069; and sent 237 faculty to trainings and seminars in four months time.

The OIC university president also mentioned the decentralized system of leadership to strengthen accountability, transparency, and integrity in the organization; and the record income of the income generating project which reached up to P3, 655, 182.75 in three-months time; and the six voluminous documents submitted to CHED for the reopening of the two BS maritime programs.

Canezo acknowledged the personnel of the university behind all of the accomplishments as he emphasized in the early part of his message that “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.”

He challenged the whole university organization to maintain and surpass the accomplishments achieved by the university for the past more than four months. “I am asking your support and unity on this endeavor. Let us continue to work together for the betterment of this institution. Let us make “NSU is YOU.” (ajc/FJ/rvictoria/PIABiliran

DENR creates task force to fast track land titling Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 19 (PIA) – To help private land owners secure their land titles, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released Special Order No. 2017-641 for the Creation of a Task Force to fast track the processing and distribution of agricultural and residential free patent of some Typhoon Yolanda victims and surviThese folks from the barangays of Lawaan, Balangiga, and Giporlos towns in Eastern Samar have banded into a group called Community of Yolanda Survivors and Partners (CYSP).

Stated in the Special order coming from DENR Central Office, in the interest of the service and in order to

address the request of the CYSP for speedy processing and distribution of residential and Agricultural free patent in the municipalities concerned, a task force was created composed of the following: Chairman: Engr. Henry P. Pacis (LMB);Vice Chairman : Forester CarlitoTuballa (DENR-8);Members : PENRO MoisesDela Cruz (DENR-8), Engr. Bienvenido

Cruz (LMB), Engr. Ramon S. Unay(DENR-8), Marcialito Torres (DENR-8) Representative-OASFO Visayas.

LitaBagunas, President of CYSP hoped that the task force can assist them to recover from the horrors of Typhoon Yolanda. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-ESamar with Mel Caspe)

Winners of 2017 Regional Skills Competition out Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 24 (PIA) – Seven competitors from different TechVoc schools in Eastern Visayas won gold medals during the two-day Regional Skills Competition held at the Regional Training Center of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from October 17 until October 18, 2017.

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he gold medal winners, who were announced by TESDA immediately after the competition, were Joeminel U. Cutcharo for Automobile Technology, Mark Angelo C. Elias for Cooking, , Ken Brian R. Caparal for Electrical Installation Technology, Jayco Mel C. Cada for Electronics, Anthony Jordan S. Dizon for IT Network System Administration, Yedda Marie M. Alcera for Restaurant Services and Roberto A. Palaña for Welding.

Said winners also received a cash prize of P5, 000 each. TESDA regional director Toni June A. Tamayo said the skills competition featured seven (7) trade areas of competitions which are critical sectors in generating employment such as Automobile Technology, Cooking, Electrical Installation Technology, Electronics, Restaurant Services, Welding, and IT Network Administration.

Said competition showcased the skills excellence in Region 8. It also aimed to create

greater awareness of the importance of technical vocational education and training (TVET) and the development of skills – locally and globally.

Those who will win at the regional level will move up and will represent our region in the national skills Olympics.

A total of 20 competitors participated in the 2-day skills competition at the regional training center of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (ajc/PIA8)

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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