One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 34 20170824 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

PIA-6 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa explains the provisions of the executive order on Freedom of Information (FOI) during the ASEAN multi-sectoral forum held at MVW Restaurant and Tourist Inn in Roxas City, Capiz.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

August 21 - 27, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 34

DTI encourages more MSMEs to embrace digital transformation Ferliza Calizar-Contratista CEBU CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is targeting more Cebu micro small and medium enterprises (MSMES) to embrace digital transformation.

During the second Slingshot Philippines – Cebu recently, Maria Elena Arbon, DTI Cebu Provincial Director, said they are expecting more MSMES to be knowledgeable and attuned to the idea of digitizing their businesses. ―We encourage more MSMEs to embrace digital innovation and this Slingshot is one of the venues for these businesses to partner with existing tech startups, shaping a more dynamic innovation ecosystem in Cebu,‖ Arbon said.

The first Slingshot held last year was aimed at increasing the digital start-up community in the province.

This year, Arbon said, it will enable these start-ups to have access to the MSME market.

Arbon said Slingshot aims to improve the capacity of both startups and MSMEs in line with the Asean Strategic

Action Plan by keeping up with current trends in the tech industry, preparing brick-and-mortar enterprises for transformation into the digital era, and linking enterprises with potentially groundbreaking ideas to investors.

DTI Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director Senen Perlada said the laid out plan at the national level is to have ―innovation economic zones‖.

These ―innovation economic zones‖ will function just like the business economic zones although this time it will be the startup companies.

The startup companies under these innovation economic zones will enjoy fiscal holiday and other fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

About 300 MSMES and startups attended the 2nd Slingshot Cebu at Marco Polo Hotel recently.

There were break-out sessions designed for digital transformation lessons for small and medium scale entrepreneurs while the other group is for big companies. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PNP chief commends EV cops on 116th police day Consuelo B. Alarcon

Launching and signing of support for the National Land Transportation Security Program (NLTSP) of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) during the special meeting of the Cebu Provincial Peace and Order Council. The OTS is led by Usec. Arturo Evangelista and Atty.

Arvin Ortega representing Gov. Davide.

Officials of regional line agencies also affix their signature as a sign of their commitment to ensure security in the land transport sector.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 23(PIA)--- The highest official of the Philippine National Police came to Leyte on Tuesday to join the police force in Eastern Visayas on the celebration of the 116th police service anniversary and also to commend the job well done of the local peace keepers..

PNP chief Police Director General Ronald ―Bato‖ M. Dela Rosa served as guest of honor during the program held at Camp Kangleon, Campetik Palo Leyte.

In his short speech, Dela Rosa commended his men in the region under the leadership of police chief superintendent Elmer C. Beltejar who did well in his job, he said. ―At the outset, I congratulate PRO8 under the leadership of General Elmer C. Beltejar for the good work that is being continuously done in the region especially in the war against illegal drugs and other crimes,‖ Beltejar said.

In said occasion, outstanding police units, police

officers and personnel who performed remarkable achievements were given recognition as part of the annual celebration. ―I congratulate all the awardees this morning for the remarkable accomplishments in pursuing the goals of this regional office especially in the continuing campaign for a drug-free and peaceful region,‖ Dela Rosa said.

The PNP chief emphasized that there is more reason to celebrate the 116th police service anniversary this year knowing the achievements of the PRO8 for the past few months.

PRO8 has contributed to the confiscation of 205 firearms, the arrest of 2, 368 wanted persons, 149 of them are listed as most wanted personalities.

Despite the commendation, Dela Rosa reminded all PNP members to abide by the law in the performance of their duties in order to lessen the problems confronting the country these days. (PIA8)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Evacuation Centers to rise in Panay Elsa S. Subong

FEDERALISM. Round2 of People's Dialogue on Federalism in the province of Biliran at the Naval State University gymnasium initiated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Philippine Councillors League (PCL) in coordination with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP). (mlt/ PIA8 Biliran)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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ILOILO CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA6)—There are evacuation centers intended to be put up in the provinces in Panay, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

DPWH Regional Information Officer Vivian Tan said in a press release, that an amount of P216 million has been allocated for these centers, each costing about P30 million.

Engr. Oliver Zamora, chief Maintenance Division, said there are two of these centers now being constructed in San Jose, Antique and in Roxas City.

The remaining centers are to be put up in Kalibo, Aklan; Libertad, Antique; Carles and Zarraga in Iloilo. ―Each evacuation center has a lot area of about 3,000 square meters and floor area of 1,600 square meters,‖ Zamora said. ―The one in Libertad, Antique is still subject to geohazard screening by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau,‖ he added.

Zamora said that each center has an accommodation

structure that can house 33 families or about 130 persons.

The center has five male and female toilets and bath and a separate one for persons with disabilities.

Further, each center has a generator room, pump room, laundry area, water tanks with a capacity of 6,000 gallons, cistern tank with the capacity of 16,000 gallons and a materials recovery facility (MRF).

Zamora said that a center has an infirmary building, which will serve as a hospital for the sick and injured evacuees, and a pharmacy, for quick medical response. ―A space for the Office of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and for the Office of Civil Defense will be provided for in the second floor of the building,‖ Zamora said.

Zamora added that the center will provide temporary refuge to individuals and families potentially at risk or in actual danger. ―The centers will also ensure the safety of people during disasters and calamities and contribute in minimizing risks,‖ Zamora added. (JSC/ESS/PIA6 Iloilo)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Aklan guv: Building roads brings agri success, reduces proverty Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 20 (PIA6) -- To succeed in agriculture, roads must be built, according to Aklan governor Florencio T. Miraflores.

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The rise in agricultural productivity will result in reduced price of food and thus reduces poverty‖, the governor said in his recent ―State of the Province Address‖ he delivered at the session hall of the new Sangguniang Panlalawigan Legislative Building at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.

The governor said this is the premise why Aklan embarked on the Philippine Roads Development Project – IBUILD, and announced that this flagship project of the Department of Agriculture and the province is about to be finished, and by December of this year, the 10-kilometer Banga-Libacao farm-to-market road with 5 bridges will be completed. ―The project, amounting to P149 million with P14.9 million counterpart from the provincial government is already 65% accomplished‖, he said.

He added that the construction of the bridge

approach to complement the phase 2 of the construction works for the Madalag bridge has been finished, and the province had provided P20 million to complete the project to make the travel of Madalagnons from Kalibo and vice versa a safe one, the bridge being built across the wide Aklan River traversing the area.

Saying it has been a busy year for Aklan builders - the Provincial Engineering Office, the governor enumerated other banner projects of the province, like the P125.7 million DILG-Kalsada Program project benefiting residents of the 7 barangays in Ibajay; the P131.7 million DOH-funded construction, expansion, repair, renovation and upgrading of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital which is now 60% completed and expected to be fully operationalized by end of the year, the 2016 completed projects for roads and bridges funded by the 20% IRA Development Fund amounting to P55.1 million; com-

pleted projects using the 5% Local Disaster Risk Management and Reduction Fund with the amount of P14.2 million; and projects funded under capital outlay amounting to P17.9 million.

The road maintenance prject of the province under the general fund, amounting to P3.9 million pesos was also completed.

Meanwhile, the governor said constituents in Batan, Aklan in the eastern side of the province could look forward to the 3,393 kilometers Lalab-Bay-ang Magpag-ong, Batan Farm – to Market road with a budget of P34 million now awaiting for the issuance of a No Objection Letter; the 7 kilometer Cabangila-Angas-Palay-Camanci-Napti Farm-To-Market Road amounting to P95.4 million and is proposed for 2018; and the Magpag-ong Fish Port which is proposed for funding for 2018. (JSC/ VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

UPV, ISAT-U ink pact for collaborative projects By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA6) --- The University of the Philippines Visayas and the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) here forged a partnership for collaborative projects in research, training, and public service programs.

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his, after the two state universities recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop collaborative activities to further the common goals and objectives of both universities.

According to UPV‘s Information and Publication Office, UPV and ISAT-U‘s common interest in fostering innovative capability-building programs in fisheries and aquatic sciences can be a strategy for both universities to generate new knowledge, and sustain development of technologies.

In the MOU, the two universities will

undertake collaborative graduate level instruction, research, training, and public service or extension programs.

Likewise, both universities decided to promote exchange of scientists and researchers for graduate level instruction, research, training and other related activities and strengthen the research capabilities of faculty and researchers through the cooperative use of materials and facilities.

Moreover, the MOU stated that the partnership of the two universities will enhance the institutional capabilities of UPV and ISAT-U by

collaborating in emerging trans-, inter-, and multi-disciplinary research programs of mutual interest.

UPV Chancellor, Dr. Rommel A. Espinosa and ISAT-U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong signed the MOU in behalf of their respective universities.

Also present during the MOU signing wer CHED Commissioner Prospero De Vera, UP President Danilo Concepcion, UPV Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Ricardo Babaran and ISAT-U Vice President Carmelo Ambut. (JSC/LTP/ PIA6 Iloilo)

ICPO notes decrease in CICL cases Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA6) --- The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported that there was a decrease in the number of children-in-conflict with the law (CICLs) in the first seven months of the year.

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n a media release, SPO2 Ruth Laudato of the ICPO Women and Children Protection Desk, said they have recorded a total of 854 CICLs from January to July 2017 which is 35 percent lower than the 1,318 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Laudato said ICPO has conducted counseling and youth camp activities for 180 gang leaders and members to prevent conflict with each other and engage in meaningful endeavors.

The city government here emphasized the importance of raising children‘s awareness on values formation to enable them to focus on good habits.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Public Library (ICPL) recently opened the newly-built library at Dalayunan: A Home for the Boy in Bo. Obrero, Lapuz district here.

The facility is a continuing project of ICPL‘s ―A Library for Every Juan: Bring Juan to the Library,

Bring the Library to Juan‖ whose primary recipients are children in conflict with the law (CICL) housed at Dalayunan.

During the library‘launching, City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said that it is their vision to put up a library intended for CICLs to advocate strong value system, compassion, and counseling.

Through the library, the CICLs will also be informed with what is happening outside and develop their habit of reading. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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PPI: Public should discern fake news from truth Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC., Aug. 23 (PIA6) — Philippine Press Institute (PPI) Executive Director Ariel Sebellino urged the public to exercise discernment and critical thinking so that they are not misled to believe in fake news during a recent media literacy seminar sponsored by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and the Negros Press Club.

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e said readers should look at the content and the members of the local media. and its details like the website, grammar, Also, persons quoted in the news are credible credibility of persons in the news sources who are the right persons to comment or and the signs of a well-researched article, among speak about the topic. others.

The subject should reflect a well researched Normally, legitimate news has good grammar piece of news and the website is well-organized, he because it is written by a trained journalist and added. goes through the scrutiny of an editor, he told the Sebellino said legitimate news has elements of audience composed of students, Information Officers good writing because it is a product of good

journalism. Fake news is not news at all, he added.

If the news is really true, he said, there is a big chance it will come out in major papers, radio and tv stations.

He said fake news destroys and creates chaos.

Sebellino also said if a person does not exercise discernment, he loses his sense of reality because there is no appreciation of truth and any information is considered gospel truth. (JSC/Lljr/PIA6 NegOcc)

Capiz has market for cacao Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, 18 Aug. (PIA6) – At least five cacao buying stations are established provincewide where farmers can sell their cacao harvest as an alternative source of income.

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hese buying stations are in the municipalities of Mambusao, Pilar, Dao, Cuartero and the Capiz Small Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative in Brgy. Ondoy in Ivisan town. ―A price per kilogram of wet and dry cacao seeds averages at P30.00 and P40.00, respectively,‖ he said, adding that PCA is helping a Capiceña

entrepreneur based in Pontevedra town in her venture into cacao – based tablea or chocolate tablets and other cacao beans by-products.

The cacao – based chocolates and sweets are among those featured during the Trade Expo last month at Robinsons‘ Place – Roxas in view of the 2017 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Week cele-

bration.

He added that PCA has intercropped cacao in the coconut plantation in Brgy. Lonoy in Sapi-an as additional livelihood of coconut farmers in the area.

Capiz along with the provinces of Aklan, Antique and Iloilo is a potential area for cacao production in the region. (AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Support of Barangay Officials vital to attain a ‗Drug-Free Province‘ status By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 21 (PIA6) - - Governor Rhodora Cadiao called on the support of the Barangay Officials to attain the ―Drug-Free province‖ status.

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We need to achieve 90 percent declaration of Antique‘s 590 barangays as ‗drug free‘ before we could attain the same declaration for the province, thus your support is much needed,‖ she said to more than 300 Punong Barangays from the central and northern towns attending the Peace and Order Summit held recently at CAP Building San Jose.

Likewise, she cited the important contribution of the local officials and the community in general in information gathering to avert any plot of violence and terrorism.

Cadiao also acknowledged the presence of MGen Jon N. Aying, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army Acting Regional Director Wardly M. Getalia of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6, and PSSupt. Leo Irwin D. Agpangan, Provincial Director representing CSupt Cesar Hawthorne Binag, Regional Director Philippine

National Police 6 for discussing various topics on Anti-Drug Abuse campaign and Peace and Security Framework of government.

DILG programs on activation of Local Anti-Drug Abuse council, barangay peace and order and public safety and MASA MASID was also discussed by Provincial Director Victorio Pagapulan and short orientation of Federalism by Engr. Marcial Jucson PDEA reported that of the 590 barangays 325 are not affected by the drug problem in Antique but 193 are slightly affected and 72 barangays are moderately affected.

The assessment further revealed that there is a substantial decrease in supply of illegal drugs in the province according to PDEA. MGen Aying, PA likewise affirmed that illegal drugs is one of the four major threats to peace and security that could adversely affect the development

of the province.

He assured that the peace keeping authorities are on top of the situation, however, the support of the local officials and community residents is vital in the fight against threats to peace and security.

Cadiao on the other hand, urged everyone to cooperate and not be afraid to provide relevant information so that what happened to other provinces like Marawi will not happen to Antique.

Development of the province is happening with the biggest slice of development fund appropriated for Antique. We are now the rising star of Western Visayas, she said.

The Peace and Order Summit was facilitated by Provincial Peace and Order and Public Safety Office led by its consultant Margie L. Gadian. (JSC/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DOST opens 2018 college scholarships Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has called on talented senior high school students aspiring to become engineers and scientists to apply now for college scholarships.

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he Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) opened its undergraduate scholarship programs, namely RA 7687 and Merit, to senior high school students who wish to pursue four or five-year courses in science and technology (S&T) fields starting school year 2018-2019.

To be eligible under the Merit program, the student applicant must be: natural born Filipino citizen; member of the top five percent of the graduating class for non-STEM strand and all are eligible to apply under the STEM strand; of good moral character and good health; and qualifier of the 2018 S&T scholarship examination.

Under RA 7687 program, he/she must also be poor, talented and deserving student who belongs to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set values of certain indicators, and resident of the municipality for the

last four years as attested by the barangay chairman.

Qualifiers can choose from among 71 science and engineering courses available, such as agribusiness management, medical technology, and marine biology.

The aspiring RA 7687 Scholarship Program scholars will receive subsidies on tuition and other school fees as well as book allowance, monthly living allowance for 10 to 11 month duration every year and more.

DOST-SEI Merit scholars will also receive the same benefits as the RA 7687 scholars except for a pro-rated monthly stipend depending on the family‘s socio-economic status.

Interested students may secure application forms from their principal or school head, or download the forms at www.sei.dost.gov.ph.

They must file their application at the DOST Negros

Oriental Provincial S&T Center at #24 Yakal St., Daro, Dumaguete City.

For inquiries, interested applicants can contact telephone numbers (035) 421-2100 or 225-4551 or dostnegor@gmail.com.

Deadline for the filing of application forms (including complete supporting documents) is on August 25, 2017 (Friday).

The aptitude examination will be conducted on October 15, 2017 (Sunday), starting at 7:00 A.M. at the Negros Oriental State University-Main Campus I in Dumaguete City for District 2 applicants, NORSU Guihulngan Campus for District 1 applicants and NORSU Bayawan City-Sta. Catalina Campus for District three applicants. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from DOST Information Officer Sean Adrian T. Guardiano)

Bangko Sentral cites partner stakeholders in Region 7 Ayin Visitación CEBU CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) --- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) held an Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch to recognize the 2017 BSP stakeholders in Region 7 at the Banking Hall, BSP Cebu Regional Office.

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We can look forward with confidence knowing our shared vision have anchored us in times of change,‖ BSP Cebu Regional Office Director Leonides Sumbi said in her welcome remarks.

One of the awardees is the Philippine Information Agency Cebu Information Center (PIA Cebu) which received the Outstanding Regional Partner Award in the Demonetization of the New Design Series.

The other awardees in Central Visayas are the following: National Economic and Development Authority – Outstanding Partner for the Report on Regional Economic Developments in Region 7 Department of Education – Mandaue District (Outstanding Regional Partner in Implementing BSP Advocacy on the Conduct of Public Information Campaigns) Department of Social Welfare and Development

– Provincial Office of Negros Oriental (Outstanding Regional Partner in Implementing BSP Advocacy on the Conduct of Public Information Campaigns) Dakay Construction and Development Corporation - Business Expectations Survey: Outstanding Respondent Among Large and Medium Firms in Region VII Cebu Industrial Park Developers Inc. - Business Expectations Survey: Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms in Region VII Lee Super Plaza (Dynamic Development Corp.)

- Outstanding Regional Partner in Coin Recirculation 96.7 Bai Radyo DYEM FM/Negros Chronicle (Outstanding Regional Partner in Demonetization of the New Design Series) Fil Products Service Television Inc. (Outstanding Regional Partner in Clean Note Policy) The ―Dynamic Balance, Philippine Eagle‖ trophy that

was awarded to each stakeholder is a sculpture crafted by multi-awarded visual artist Ferdinand Cacnio.

The stakeholders‘ awards in Region 7 is the seventh in a series of 12 regional events by BSP this year.

There are 146 BSP Stakeholders awardees across the country.

Central Visayas‘ economy grew by 8.8 percent in 2016, shared Department of Economic Statistics Director Rosabel Guererro. ―This regional growth was made possible by the performance of the industrial sector and services sector,‖ Monetary Board Member Valentin Araneta said during his keynote address.

Now on its 14th year, the annual event was celebrated with the theme: ―Transforming Shared Visions Into Dynamic Partnerships.‖ (jsme/PIA-7Cebu/asv)

Feature: World's best tasting cocoa now in Bohol Rey Anthony Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- If you had a time in your childhood when you cracked a red cacao pod from a backyard plant, sucked on its pulpy seed and then placed the seed in a mat to dry, chances are you had that from a criollo, the world's most sought after cacao variety which has found its way in Bohol.

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riollo is a cacao variety that gives the smallest seeds that are white all throughout, but is the most aromatic, explains Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Assistant Provincial Head Vina Antopina during a recent cacao Productivity Enhancement Training attended by over 100 cacao growers at the NIA Training Center in Dao on August 18.

Cacao is the source of the cocoa beans, which when roasted, gives out the world-famous chocolates.

"When you have a criollo, world chocolatiers would definitely get [their beans] from you," Antopina said.

The introduction of high yielding varieties, however, have pushed the criollos to near extinction or to cross polination that seeking the pure criollo may not be that easy, she added.

Already adjudged as among the best sources of chocolates all over the world, the criollo comprises only about 5 percent of the world's cocoa beans production, because this cacao plant variety is so sensitive and thus vulnerable to a variety of environmental threats: directs sunlight, strong winds and pests, according to Bacolod cacao grower Christopher Fadriga in an interview.

Brought by the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade from MesoAmerica, the cacao came to the Philippines and found

its way to Bohol, based on the remnants of the old cacao which has been the source of local cocoa beans made into tableyas.

Proven to be ideally grown in non-acidic soil in altitudes about 60 meters above sea level, the now much sought after native cacao is eyed as the source of what Filipinos intend to internationally register as the "ginintu-an Filipino Aromatic cacao."

It has accordingly a delicate yet complex, low in classic chocolate flavor, but rich in secondary notes of long duration, according to Barry-Calibaut in its website.

Considered to be the ―prince of cocoas,‖ Criollo is prized as an ingredient in the finest of chocolates.

But considered small, a criollo pod can go 15 centimeters or a bit bigger and produces between 20 to 30 cocoa beans, which could be "inferior" compared to another cacao variety called "forastero," which came from the Amazons.

Owing to the need for the best tasting chocolates, chocolate makers use around 80 percent of forastero and 20 percent of criollo to produce decent chocolates.

In Bohol, the DOST brought regional cacao experts to give a day's training on cacao production and processing as well as its business prospects on August 18.

Brought under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP), the DOST hopes that cacao production enhancement opens up the avenues for more cacao production in Bohol while it pushes into action the search for the classic criollos which has produced for Boholanos its heirloom white beans, Antopina added.

At the training, Fadriga who is also the national president of the Plantacion de Sikwate, urged Boholanos to get into the habit of cacao planting which promises to give out between 2 to 3 tons of beans per hectare.

At P200 per kilo, getting into cacao can be the opportunity that Boholano farmers are waiting, said a cacao grower who had six years of cacao production, Bern Karaan.

With hybrid varieties now available like the trinitario, which has been natural hybrid biological cross-pollination class with the criollo and the forastero.

The trinitario picks the high yield characteristics of the forastero and the delectably refined taste of criollo, which produces the taste that is between average and superior, said Duke Mendoza, who owns a 12,000 seedling cacao nursery and a plantation in Carmen. (rahc/ PIA-7/Bohol)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Vet quarantine checkpoints up for vehicles from Luzon Rey Anthony Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- Bohol veterinary authorities have started implemented quarantine services and inspection of all buses and transportation coming to Bohol from Luzon.

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ith this, veterinary authorities are expected to flag down vehicles from Manila which has crossed to Bohol via the roll-on-roll-off sea transports and institute inspection, passenger footbaths and wheel spraying of chemicals to prevent the spread of the virus to Bohol.

This is to move the provincewide mobilization measures to keep Bohol free from the avian influenza outbreak which has occurred in Pampanga and could be spreading.

Avian influenza or bird flu Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention .

These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds

worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans.

However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred, CDC warned.

A highly contagious viral disease on both domestic and wild birds, bird flu is caused by orthomyxo virus which may mutate and infect mammals and humans, according to Bohol Veterinarian Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz.

Although health authorities observing the Pampanga strain to be of low pathogenic, a mutation to high pathogenic strain which can cause sudden deaths and high mortality rates in birds may not be discounted.

The virus can be spread through contaminated eggs

which can infect chicks in the incubator, contaminated feed, water, equipment and clothing as well as direct contact with the infected bird's dung or secretion, Dr. Lapiz added.

With the Pampanga outbreak, the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry through Assistant Secretary for Livestock and Chief Veterinary Officer Enrico Garzon Jr., DVM issued Memorandum Circular No 10 series of 2017 last August 14.

This imposed a temporary ban on the movement of live domestic and wild birds and their products including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, semen and manure from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, in a bid to arrest contamination of avian species in the Visayas and Mindanao. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

Bishop re-consecrates NHCP-restored Assumption Church Rey Anthony Chiu

DAUIS, BOHOL, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- The Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran led an assemblage of secular priests and a throng of parishioners in momentous celebration of gratitude in re-consecrating the newly restored heritage church, exactly nine days and 94 years after it was first consecrated by Bishop Juan Gorordo of Cebu on August 23, 1923.

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arlier, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) represented by Chairman Dr. Rene Escalante and Executive Director Ludivico Baduy turned over the restored and conserved heritage church to the Diocese of Tagbilaran through Bishop Alberto Uy and then to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Priest Desiderio Magdoza, during a ceremony under the newly-restored portico of the shrine church of the Assumption.

The ceremony was witnessed by Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, Mayor Marietta Sumaylo and local officials.

The re-consecration also formally reopened the church which has closed its doors for safety reasons after the October 15, 2013 earthquake.

The solemn jubilation hyped even more as the heritage church opened again on August 14, 2017, on the vespers of the feast day of the Assumption.

Opened with hardly a trace of the quake-ruined structure, the restoration of the Assumption Church of Dauis has sustained itself in keeping her artistic architectural styles.

The church features Gothic, Greek columns, elements

of the Corinthians, art deco, Baroque arts, neo-classical retablos and its Renaissance trompe l'oeil ceiling paintings.

A church with an interior having an uncanny semblance to the San Lorenzo de Medici Basilica in Florence Italy, wedding planners said the option for the church as wedding venue is obvious.

This is said to be the fifth church built in the center of the town, according to historian Regalado Trota Jose citing Jesuit records.

A church of light materials could have been built before 1692, while another one, this time with a convent, was finished in 1753 by Jesuit priest Joseph Nepumuceno.

When the Augustinian Recollects took over the parish in 1768, by the following year, they built a church of wood and bamboo, which burned down in 1795.

A report by the Recollects in 1886 described the next church, the fourth one as being made of tabigue and roofed with nipa, probably the one camarin type church depicted in the convent ceiling, which too was constructed along the same line as the present convent.

The present church was built in 1863 by Rev. Fr. Julio SaldaĂąa, one which was slightly longer, wider and taller than

the old church.

According to Jose, a historical researcher of churches in the Philippines in his Book, Visita Iglesia, in January of 1884, the copula of the church collapsed following the compromise of the four arches holding the column carrying the dome.

It was only on August 23, 1923 that the church was consecrated by Bishop of Cebu, who came to visit Dauis and who was reserved a bishop's seat in the also restored convent.

While the church underwent centuries of alterations and redecorations, at about 8:00 AM, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake brought down the whole portico onto a hearse while a funeral mass was about to start.

To the wails of the old ladies whose spiritual identities were cemented by their grand edifice of faith, the NHCP has declared the church as National Cultural Treasure before the earthquake hit.

The declaration then allowed the government to fund the restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged structures, being important parts of the local heritage. (rahc/PIA-7/ Bohol)

NIA-7 welcomes new regional manager Rey Anthony Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Region 7 based in Bohol has a new regional manager who is a veteran from five regional assignments throughout his 39 years in the irrigation agency service.

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ere to replace Engr. Modesto Membreve, who is He worked as supervising irrigators development reassigned to Region IV-A, is a 63-year old officer from 1992 until he took assignments in five regional native of Midsayap, South Cotabato, Engr. Ramon offices as regional irrigation manager from Midsayap, the Bugacia. critical assignment in Sultan Kudarat, then in Koronadal It may be recalled that NIA Administrator Ricardo before going to another assignment in Davao and then Visaya issued Memorandum Circular No. 52, series of 2017, Region 12 where he was awarded Most Outstanding Managwhich detailed the NIA Regional Leadership Map. er.

The memorandum acknowledged the need for the Honed by the struggles of working in a bureaucracy regional irrigation managers to continuously enrich their that handles major infrastructure projects and ripe with repertoire of skills and knowledge to further enhance their personal and selfish interests, Bugacia shared his best kept leadership and managerial qualities. secret.

The same memorandum also acknowledged the need "In an organization, you must know how to position to provide NIA field officers the opportunity for growth and yourself," he said. development.

"I had been in several tight situations," he shared, Engr. Bugacia, who has a Bachelor of Science in adding that at times, when work promotion calls, "I had to Agricultural Engineering and Masters in Professional Studies be feted with a classmate." in Public Administration at the University of Southern Bugacia also said he is more or a performance-based Mindanao, first worked as an Agricultural Liaison Officer manager. from 1978 to irrigators development officer after a decade.

Fresh from an assignment in Region IV-B in Mindoro,

Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, he said he wondered what was it that got him the Central Visayas assignment.

The NIA has been so used to transferring non-performing officials that he thought it was the case in his transfer.

Later did he realize that like all his transfer assignments, they opened lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Working in an organization that bears the temptation of kickbacks, Engr. Bugacia revealed: "I have to set the standards of doing things under my watch."

Used to operating a regional office with only three vehicles, he said he has learned to stretch his resources to accomplish and realize government service.

Now in Central Visayas with a fleet of assets and logistics and a horde of manpower, Engr. Bugacia's wisdom after five regional manager assignments would be in for a test, and his battle scars and experience would be his only guide. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Japan‘s Embassy Sec, DOE USEC Rangue lead in Prius turn-over to PNP08 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Aug. 24 (PIA) – Mr. Takuei Nakayama was all praises at the warmth and hospitality accorded of him recently by the officers, men and women of the Regional Police Office-08.

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akayama, who is the First Secretary of agencies, for them to quickly respond to disasters Japan‘s Embassy in the country, led the and emergencies. formal turn-over of some 45-Toyota Prius In a show of thanks, a sumptuous lunch was Patrol Cars to the regional command of the police prepared for the Japanese official with live music of office. the PNP Marching Band.

He said, that Japan is concerned on the The hybrid cars are Japan-donated Philippine‘s rural community, and for this reason, it as a promotional approach for future generation allots environment friendly and safe cars to Region v e h i c l e s , being fuel-efficient and 08 in particular. environment-friendly.

He added that since most of the vehicles of He was joined by Department of Energy national government agencies in the region were all Undersecretary Benito Rangue, the Department damaged by super typhoon ―Yolanda‖, Japan deemed being the country‘s partner of the project. it proper to give-away these Prius Cars to concerned For his part, USEC Ranque said that this joint

undertaking of Japan and the Philippines, was crafted as part of the government‘s support for the economic and social development of communities devastated by the super typhoon.

He added that DOE recognizes the role of PNP in maintaining peace and order of the community and in ensuring the public safety.

Early on, eight Prius cars were likewise turned-over to eight national government agencies in Region 08 as they are believed to be the first responders during emergencies and disasters: OCD-2, LTO, DOST, DTI. DENR-EM, BFP and PIA. (PIA—08/an)

Comelec maintains sked of preparation for barangay, SK polls Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 23 (PIA) - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is still following the schedule for the conduct of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections slated on October 23, 2017.

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n fact, starting August 23, the Comelec shall start constituting the board of election tellers, the teachers who will comprise the election officers at the precinct level, said Atty. Antonio Gulay, provincial election supervisor.

The continued preparation of the election

body came amid reports lawmakers, especially in the Lower House, prefer to postpone anew the village and youth polls to the middle of next year, Atty.

Gulay emphasized in a phone interview over dydm Kapihan sa PIA live this morning.

Unless a law shall have been passed resetting this year‘s barangay and SK balloting, the

Comelec‘s mindset pushes on preparations, Gulay added.

If that law will not still be around in a month, the Comelec has set September 23-30 as the dates reserved for filing of certificates of candidacies for those interested to run, Atty. Gulay also said. (ajc/ mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Hard work pays off : A Gina Gula Acuzar story Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 16 (PIA) -- There are a total of 13 finalists out of the 42 national qualifiers of the Civil Service Commission‘s (CSC) Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or known as the Dangal ng Bayan Award, and Gina Gula Acuzar is one of them.

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cuzar , who hails from Anahawan, this province is a Special Education Teacher I presently assigned in Sogod SPED Center since year 2012, according to the account of DepEd Southern Leyte Division Senior Education Program Specialist Lina M. Gayas, one of those who nominated Acuzar for the award.

Acuzar is a proactive teacher who voluntarily goes to different barangays in the municipality to scout for blind children and encourage them and their parents to go to school because people in the community are not as supportive as expected.

They just focus on the impairment, but for Gina Acuzar who is determined to help students especially with disabilities, to learn, and make people realize that these children can do something for their own despite their disability, cares to give them proper education and guidance.

The parents‘s support is one of Teacher Gina‘s top challenges but she has managed to bridge the gap between home and school by establishing a positive relationship with parents and the community's people.

She goes to the barangays, scouts for visually-impaired children and volunteres to hold classes in their barangay hall just to make sure these children learn Braille, a system of writing for the blind and visually -impaired individuals which means Acuzar has to travel to far-flung barangays everyday riding in a ―habla-habal‖ to teach these children.

Virtually, every school year before the opening of classes, Teacher Gina hops from one barangay to the next to scout for students with special needs and assists them in any way she can.

She has organized on her own, "Children with Visual Impairment" at her own expense, stated Gayas.

Acuzar even assisted a family of blind members, the Jamora family which is composed of visusally-impaired mother and five children while the father who is a farmer is the only sighted person in the family seeking immediate medical attention and approched the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office here for assistance.

She had even asked co-teachers in school to help raise funds intended for these not only the Jamora family, but for those other visually-impaired individuals who need help.

These are only among the accomplishments of Teacher Gina, a wife and a mother of two and the rest is history.

The efforts made by Teacher Gina paid off becuse it gave her students self confidence and had them believe that they can do things better.

Acuzar previously worked as Special Education Teacher in Silahis ng Kaunlaran SPED Center at Padre Mariano Gomez Elementary School in Sta. Cruz, Manila, handling children with visual impairment with an average of five pupils every year who are multi-grade and Multiple Disabilities with Visual Impairment (MDVI) from

June, 2005 up to March of 2012, before working at Sogod SPED Center. ―Most of us become teachers because we love inspiring people to love learning as much as we do.

When you help a student who thinks they can‘t learn to achieve things far beyond what they ever dreamed possible – you feel like you can fly, with a feeling like that, how could I even think of doing anything else.?‖ - Gina G. Acuzar.

Acuzar had already won awards such as Outstanding SPED Teacher – Regional Winner (NCR) for 2009 Search for Outstanding SPED Teacher Handling Children with Visual Impairment; Outstanding SPED Teahcer during the 9th National Congress of Teachers Handling Children with Visual Impaiment in October, 2012; and Outstanding SPED Teacher – Regional Winner during the 40th Founding Anniversary Celebration DepEd – Eastern Visayas in RO8, Candahug, Palo, Leyte in October 2012.

The Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or Dangal ng Bayan (DnB) Award is conferred to an individual for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of his/her observance of the eight norms of conduct, namely, commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

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Red tide up in 4 Eastern Visayas bays Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 23 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the region informed that four coastal waters in Eastern Visayas are identified anew as positive for red tide toxin since August 15, 2017.

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his, after the toxicity levels of the coastal waters of Matarinao bay in Eastern Samar, Villareal, Maqueda and Irong-Irong Bays in Samar were found out to have exceeded the maximum regulatory limit of 60 ugSTXeq/100g of shellfish meat.

Thus, the public is advised to refrain from eating, gathering, transporting and marketing shellfish from the said bays until the toxicity level has gone down.

BFAR is reminding the public that all types of

shellfish and acetes sp. Or alamang gathered from said bays are not safe for human consumption.

However, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs can be eaten provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs must be removed before cooking.

Experts said that cooking does not itself destroy the red tide toxin and toxic shellfish appears no different from nontoxic shellfish.

Eating contaminated red tide shellfish might

cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans.

Some of the initial reactions of people w h o ha ve e a te n to x in co n ta m in a te d shellfish are tingling of the lips and tongue which spreads to the face, neck, fingertips and toes followed by headache, dizziness and nausea.

If the toxin is severe, muscular paralysis and respiratory difficulty maybe experienced by the affected individual within five to twelve hours after eating. (BFAR8/PIA8/ajc/cba)

DENR seeks Local Conservation Area for Mt. Nacolod in Southern Leyte Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office seeks for the formulation of a local conservation measure for the protection of Mount Nacolod, the remaining forest sprawling in the province.

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ount Nacolod is seated in five municipalities, namely, Silago, Hinunangan, St.Bernard, Libagon and Sogod, in Southern Leyte and four other municipalities on the side ofLeyte province.

According to CENRO Maasin Officer Alexander Casco, in the absence of the protection thru the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), the local DENR pushes for Mt. Nacolod‘s protection and conservation with the formulation of a Local Conservation Area (LCA) in close coordination with the local government of Southern Leyte and the Department of

Agriculture.

Recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environment is now working on the resolution for the formulation of a Local Conservation Area (LCA), the counterpart of NIPAS, he reported.

Mt. Nacolod is one of the nine piloted LCAs in the country, he added.

The LCA shall be managed by the local government units concerned in partnership with community-based people‘s organizations which are composed of individual families awarded with Certificate of Stewardship

Contract within 25 years of tenure contract, Casco said.

He further said that the LCA will guide the community in the utilization of the forest by zoning in order to protect the forest.

Some areas shall be considered as production and core zones.

In the core zone, no human activity will be allowed there, while in the production zone, the community will utilize said area for their livelihood activities like planting agricultural products and harvesting of planted trees for their needs, he added. (ajc/egorne/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Over 2,000 households in Region 8 to be interviewed under PSA‘s demographic and health survey Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 23 (PIA) – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Eastern Visayas is currently conducting the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) where 2, 032 households were systematically identified in the region.

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aid households will be the subject of interview by PSA personnel and hired field interviewers using tablets guided by computer aided personal interview (CAPI) system.

Chief Statistical Specialist Ronnie A. Bajado said the 2017 NDHS is a national sample survey designed to provide information on population, family planning, maternal and child health, child

survival, HIV/AIDS and reproductive health in the Philippines.

The survey, which started last August 14, is being undertaken as part of the worldwide demographic and health survey (DHS) program aimed at assisting countries in conducting household surveys to monitor changes in population, health and nutrition.

It will also provide database that will be

used by researchers in investigating topics related to population, health and population.

The survey will end on October 15, 2017.

In connection with this, PSA is appealing to the public to cooperate in the conduct of the survey with the assurance that all information will be accorded with utmost confidentiality as provided under republic act 10625.

(PSA8/PIA8/ajc/cba)

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

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

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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