One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 37 20170915 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Opening of the ASEAN Info Kiosk at the Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School and the conduct of the Multi-sectoral Forum With Cabatuan Mayor Ronilo Caspe,, (right), Asst. Principal Joselito Bastiero, Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School and Elsa Subong, PIA Iloilo. (PIA-6 Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

September 11 - 17, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 37

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

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

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

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

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

Reiterating the vital role of information officers nationwide, the PCOO chief commended the active members

of the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID) organized by the provincial office of the PIA here. ―By strengthening the network of information officers in the province, it would be easier for Malacañang to cascade programs and policy updates and other vital information,‖ Andanar said.

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

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

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. (PIA photo)

EVisayas‘ PNP chief leads Oplan Galugad raid in jails Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- Members of why we invited the media,‖ he said.

PIA-Bohol launching of ASEAN2017 Information The Oplan Galugad yielded negative results with repsect Kiosks at the Port of Tubigon in preparation for the police force in Eastern Visayas led by PNP Region 8 the 34th ASEAN Maritime Transport TWG Director, Police Chief Superintendent Gilberto DC Cruz, along to drug items and paraphernalia. with the heads of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology However, the items seized were bladed weapons and meetings in Bohol next week #BeholdBohol

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

(BGMP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), barangay officials and representatives of the media conducted an Oplan Galugad raid among jail facilities in the region recently.

A memorandum of agreement was entered into between the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology following a directive from President Duterte to eradicate the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country to include those in jail facilities.

In a statement, General Cruz said that members of the media were invited to avoid speculations that some members of the police force are allegedly involved in foul plays. ―Transparency in Oplan Galugad is very important that‘s

cellphones inside the detention cells.

Police Community Relations Chief Senior Superintendent Elizar P. Egloso said that all confiscated items were properly documented and brought to respective police stations for proper disposition.

With this development, police authorities urged the public to report immediately to them any drug related incidents. To help the police and other law enforcement agencies in providing relevant and timely information, civilians may contact them through twitter @Pro8Pcrd or FB page-PNP RegionEight or by calling their hotline numbers at 09173238683/09088146421.(PNP8/PIA8/ ajc/cba)

Tech upgrading projects boost Negros MSMEs Liez‘l M. Lamasan 2,150 BLOSSOMS. Lucell P Jampas (with mic), high school faculty member of Almeria National High School informed that the 2,150 recycled blossoms, and still counting, is a Solid Waste Management initiative of the ANHS YES -O in coordination with the local government unit of Almeria through Mayor Richard D. Jaguros during the PIA Kapihan forum, recently aired over Radyo Natin-Naval. The 2,150 blossoms in ANHS (Main Campus) continue to draw visitors and is now one of the tourist destinations of the town. (fj/PIA Biliran)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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NEGROS OCC., Sept. 14 (PIA6) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Negros Occidental is implementing this year six technology upgrading projects for micro, small and medium, enterprises (MSMEs) in its continuing effort to foster economic growth.

Known as the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program – Innovation System Support Fund (SETUP-ISSF), it aims to assist MSMEs by innovating their technological capabilities.

The assistance is in the form of product development, process and equipment upgrading, technology trainings, technical consultancy services, laboratory and testing services, packaging and labeling assistance, among others.

Negros Occidental Provincial Science and Technology director Engr. Allan Francis Dara-ug told PIA that, under the technology provision, transfer of appropriate technologies either for establishing new processes or for upgrading of existing operations is being facilitated.

Dara-ug added that technologies may come from various technology suppliers, research and development institutes

(RDIs), members of the S&T community, the academe, and other sectors.

The program focuses on the following priority sectors - food processing, furniture, gifts, handicrafts and decors (GHD), agriculture, marine, aquaculture, metals and engineering, and pharmaceuticals and health products.

SETUP enables these MSMEs to embrace innovation in pursuit of becoming commercially-sustainable, thus, able to get attuned to both global and domestic market demands.

Dara-ug emphasized that beneficiaries repay the total cost of the assistance to the government for three years without interest.

Since the SETUP implementation in 2003, a total of 98 MSMEs in the province have gained technological upgrading support.

For more information on SETUP and technology transfer activities, contact Negros Occidental Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) at (034) 707-0170. (JSC/LML-PIA Negros Occ.)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Low crime incidents noted in Iloilo City; good for tourism, economy By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA6) — The Iloilo City Police Office has noted a lower crime rate, and said this is a boost to tourism and economy of the city.

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press release from the city‘s public information office, said that the weekly assessments done by station commanders have contributed to the decline.

The City Police Office said there were 74 recorded crime incidents from September 4-10, 2017, lower as compared to 102 incidents during the same period last year.

ICPO Spokesperson Sr. Inspector Sheila Mae Sangrines said that aside from helping the tourism industry in the city, the low crime incidence is

benefiting them. ―The public will continuously trust the police and the city government because we are doing everything to make our place peaceful,‖ Sangrines said. ―We can also attribute this decrease of crime incidents to the sustained deployment of ICPO personnel in specific strategic areas and to the interventions we did based on the weekly assessment,‖ Sangrines added.

Sangrines further said that the station

commanders identify the areas of convergence and encourage barangay officials to put up closed-circuit television in dark areas in their barangays to prevent crimes.

Meanwhile, ICPO Director Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas has directed the station commanders to sustain the thrusts of government in solving illegal drugs and illegal gambling.

Biñas has also mandated continued internal cleansing procedures in the ICPO. (JSC/ESS/PIA6 Iloilo)

DTI pushes branding for coffee, cacao products in Antique

By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 14 (PIA6) - - Local products can be more competitive if they have distinctive taste and images that will help them push to their target market.

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Coffee and cacao are investment potentials of Antique, but we lack branding strategy so much so that in a very competitive market we could not yet say that this is an ‗Antiqueno coffee,‖ said Director Mercedes Young of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Antique office.

Director Young said during the PIA Radio program that as part of DTI‘s support to the development of coffee and cacao industry in the province, ―we will help them strengthen their competitiveness by improving the branding of their products in order to attract more markets‖.

According to her, the province has 1,129 farmers/growers of coffee with the Municipality of

San Remigio cited to have wider areas compared to the Municipalities of Sibalom, Culasi, and Hamtic, and some municipalities with only small plantations identified in Lauaan, Bugasong, Patnongon, Valderrama, and Tibiao.

Per DTI‘s 2014 survey, around 775 hectares in the province are planted to coffee. ―The DTI invited topnotch industry leaders/ practitioners as resource persons during a two-day Provincial Coffee and Cacao Investment fora aimed to encourage farmers and potential investors to engage in this particular high value crops,‖ said the DTI Antique Director.

The resource persons with their topics include the Chief Executive Officer Alvira Reyes of the Philippine Coffee Alliance who discussed the status

of the industry and investment opportunities for coffee; Executive Director Valente Turtur of Cacao Industry development Association of Mindanao, Inc. for the topic on the status of the industry and investment opportunities for cacao; What‘s next for coffee by Lorena C. Navallasca, chairperson of Antique Coffee Council; What‘s next for cacao- Chairperson Ramon Iwag of Antique Cacao Council, and Jumelinda Juanillo, vice-chair of Antique Cacao Council; Agripreneurship by Ms. Nadine Adellia Ledesma, associate professor of De La Salle Araneta University; and financing forum conducted by the representatives from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, and Small Business Corporation. (JSC/VWV/PIA6 Antique)

Aklan bats for gender-sensitive media Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 14 (PIA6) -The province of Aklan through the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC), will be holding a training for a gender-sensitive and responsive media as part of its kick-off activities in the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW (Violence Against Women).

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he 18-Day Campaign to End VAW starts from November 25 to December 12 every year.

The training, according to Maranatha Vargas, GAD-Aklan Focal Point Person, will have resource speakers coming from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), to be held on November 24, 2017 in Kalibo.

Vargas said some 35 media practitioners in mainland Aklan and Boracay Island coming from print and broadcast media will be invited to participate in the training.

Besides the training for media, other activities to be conducted by the province for the

yearly observance include the Governor‘s Search for the Best Barangay VAW Desk, Gender Sensitivity Training for some 60 jail guards of the Aklan Rehabilitation Center (ARC), poster-making contest, photo contest, video contest on bullying, and AGADC logo-making contest.

To further drum up activities for the observance, AGADC members will also be invited as guests of Kapihan Sa Aklan, a media forum held every Saturday at the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) gym, and at various radio stations in Kalibo and in Boracay Island.

For this year, the Search for Governor‘s Barangay VAW Desk targets to have a barangay entry each from Aklan‘s 17 municipalities.

Just like last year, Vargas said winners of the Search will get P50,000 for first place; P30,000 for 2nd place; and P20,000 for third place. The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is observed yearly with the aim of raising awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern.

It supports the Philippine Government‘s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. (JSC/ VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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CHO: Early detection can prevent dengue complications By: Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA6) --- The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) advised the public to seek early medical consultation to prevent dengue complications.

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HO chief Dr. Bernard Caspe said that late consultation was a common factor which resulted to three reported dengue deaths from January to August 30 this year. ―Do not wait for your family member who has fever to have rashes or bleeding before you consult a doctor,‖ he said.

He said that dengue can be treated through early detection.

He also advised against self-medication when having fever.

He also urged the public to visit the district health centers to undergo rapid dengue test during the second day of fever.

Meanwhile, Caspe said that active involvement

of barangays during the clean-up day every Saturday was a big factor in the decline of dengue cases in Iloilo City.

Data from CHO showed that a total of 197 dengue cases was recorded from January to August 2017, which was significantly lower than the 968 cases recorded during the same period last year.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

PRC to make blood services more accessible

by Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept.14 (PIA6) – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will put up more blood services facilities nationwide as one of its strategies to make the year round voluntary blood donation campaign accessible to all.

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his was disclosed by PRC – National Blood Services director Dr. Christie Monina Naupta while in the city for the 6th Annual Provincial Sandugo and Blood Olympics Awarding Ceremony. ―This is vital if we are to address the ever increasing and potentially unsustainable demand of the country‘s annual blood requirement which is 1-million blood units or 1 percent of the total population,‖ she said.

She added that the nationwide voluntary blood donation campaign only collected about 900,000 blood units in 2016. ―One of our strategies, to set up additional blood facilities so that we can make our facility accessible for those who would like to donate their precious blood,‖ she stressed, noting that the demand for blood increases along with the increasing number of accidents and growing blood – related diseases.

Initially, the chapter has acquired a new hi-ace van early this year for its provincewide mass blood donation campaign which targets about 10,000 blood units for 2017.

The PRC is also waiting for the refrigerated centrifuge equipment that will be donated by Rotary International thru its Rotary Club of Roxas, said PRC Capiz Donor Recruitment Officer Ketch Armiza. (JSC/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

Pantawid grand winner has message for fellow beneficiaries BY: Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA6) - - The Cabualan family of Leon, Iloilo has recently been hailed as ‗Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya‘ grand champion in Western Visayas.

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emia Cabualan, the mother of the region‘s model family, took the awarding program as a venue to express her gratitude for the big opportunity that was given to her family to be included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the government and to be able to avail of its benefits.

The mother of six recalled that when her family was enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilya program in 2012 her eldest was in college, two children are in high school and three in elementary.

She said the cash grant they received from the program contributed much to the education of her six children, three of whom were covered by the program then. ―Maalang-alang ako allowance ka kabataan, makapanghuram ako, pag-abot sang akon cash grant ginabayad ko,‖ she said in dialect. (When I'm short of money, I would borrow, and use the cash grant that arrives later as repayment.)

At that time, most of their cash grant went to the P300 weekly allowance of her eldest even though she was a scholar from the University of the Philippines in Miag-ao town.

According to Cabualan, despite their poverty, she and husband, Romulo, did not surrender or prevent their children from going to school, and faced the challenges instead in reaching their dreams

that their children would finish school.

They believed that education is a foundation and an avenue on changing the system or life of an individual.

Her message to her fellow beneficiaries is for them to use their money properly and not to waste them. ―Dapat inang kuwarta magamit sang sakto nga sa pag-abot sang panahon may pagabungahon, makita sang komunidad nga mangin example man sang iban nga kapareho nga pigado man nga indi pag-usikan ang kwarta kay damo pa sina ang nagakinahanglan kon indi man lang kita interesado,‖ said Cabualan. (The cash grant must be used properly so that eventualy it would bear fruit, and you will be looked upon by the community as a role model, and never squander the money since many others would also like to avail of it.)

She is also hoping that the Pantawid Pamilya will continue so that more poor people will benefit from the program which helped her two children finish their college education. She now has a teacher and a graduate of B.S. Mass Communication and a third year-college taking up A. B. English. ―Ini tanan grasya, ini pinaagi sa kwarta sang Pantawid Pamilya, pinaagi sa kuwarta sang pumuluyo nga gintao sa amon nakapadayon ako paeskwela sang akon mga kabataan. Pasalamat halin sa ibabaw asta sa

idalum sang aton gobyerno,‖ said Cabualan. (This is all a blessing, through the Pantawid Pamilya, through people's money, which was granted to our family so that our children can continue their education. My thanks to the government, from the top to the lower level, said Cabualan.)

The couple met when both of them joined the underground movement in 1984. After eight years of hiding, running and eluding arrest from the military, they surrendered in 1992 to the government to start building their own family and to live a peaceful life. In 1995, they were given amnesty by the government.

Since then, the family became recipient of government programs and are advocates of peace and development in their community.

As regional grand winner, the Cabualan family went home with a plaque of recognition and P12,000 cash prize. They represented the region in the national search and was chosen as one of the five national finalists.

The Villasor Family of San Remigio, Antique and Idorita family of Maliao, Aklan were declared first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively, in this year‘s search. Other regional finalists include Gardose family of Tapaz, Capiz; Galea family of San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and Yanson family, also of Leon, Iloilo. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

PIA holds basic communications training for Siquijor barangay secretaries PIA 7

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

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

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

emceeing, responsible social media, cyber laws and online media, and basic photography.

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

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

Enrique Belcina of the Siquijor Provincial Police Of-

fice (SPPO).

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

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

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

PIA-Bohol to launch information kiosk at Tubigon Port PIA 7

BOHOL, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Bohol launched an Information Kiosk at Tubigon Port on September 14. The kiosk is inside the departure area of the Port of Tubigon.

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ey Anthony Chiu, manager of PIA Bohol, said the kiosk will provide the public with information about the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebration, which the country is hosting this year.

Included in the Kiosk are information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on ASEAN, standees, and a TV set mounted on a board

with tarpaulin printed with Bohol's tourists spots.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Port Management Office of Bohol Manager Engr. James Gantalao gave the welcome message at the terminal area, to be followed by the rationale of the activity from the PIA Bohol manager.

Gov. Edgar Chatto gave the keynote message and statement of support while Tubigon

Mayor Willian Jao gave the closing remarks.

Gantalao, Jao, and Chatto led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the kiosk.

This is the third kiosk installed in the province as two similar kiosks have already been installed at the departure area of Tagbilaran City Airport and Tagbilaran City Port on March 16. (ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

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

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I will be very happy kung makokopya natin iyong Bohol model. The people cooperated very well with the police and the AFP, so in a short period of time nawala iyong problema nila noong nagpunta roon, naligaw doon ang Abu Sayyaf.

(I will be very happy if we can adopt the Bohol model. The people cooperated very well with the police and the AFP, so in a short period of time, their problem with the Abu Sayyaf was addressed),‖ said Portento during the Kapihan sa PIA forum today. ―I believe we can also emulate that model. We should have a good cooperation between the community and the law enforcement services like PNP, AFP and NBI so we can make a good stride towards attaining peace,‖ he added.

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

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

order campaign.

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

The volume of index crimes in the province, which is composed of crimes against persons and crimes against property, is at 1,206 while the volume of the non-index crimes for the said period is at 3,693.

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

The highest crime category for index crimes is theft with 475 crime volume, followed by physical injuries with 307, murder with 117, and robbery with 115.

Rape cases, which are also included in this category, has a total volume of 91.

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

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

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

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

Euroaba also gave a report on the crime clearance efficiency and crime solution efficiency of NOrPPO. He explained that crime clearance means the suspect is at large but a charge has been laid against the suspect while crime solution means the charge has been filed against a suspect and said suspect is apprehended or detained. ―The crime clearance efficiency for 2017 has 73.99 percent and 71.81 percent for calendar year 2016 or an improvement of 3.4 percent as compared to last year. In crime solution efficiency, we had an increase of 3.88 percent compared from last year,‖ Euraoba said.

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

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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CV gov‘t info, tourism officers to gather for 23rd RADIO-7 Convention in Dumaguete PIA 7 DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA) – Over 120 public information and tourism officers from Central Visayas will gather in Dumaguete City for the 23rd Regional Association of Development Information Officers (RADIO-7) Convention on September 18 to 21, 2017.

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his year‘s convention carries the theme ―Synergy: Communicating Responsible Information‖ which aims to engage the participants in discussions on the role of responsible information for national and sustainable development, branding and marketing, public information, and crisis communications.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo is expected to address the participants together with Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino as keynote speaker on the first day.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Martin Andanar will deliver the keynote address on the third day, Sept. 21.

Philippine Information Agency Director General Harold Clavite will speak on the topic ―"Countering Fake News and Communicating the Right Information‖ while Department of Trade and

Industry-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte will discuss ―ASEAN Integration‖ and a National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) representative will tackle the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. Broadcast journalist Ces Drilon is expected to talk about ―The Role of Public Information Officers and Crisis Communication‖ while Tourism Board Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano will speak on ―Branding and Marketing.‖ Gov. Degamo has been advocating for various tourist groups to come to Negros Oriental to spur socio-economic activities that will trickle down as business and income opportunities for various tourism stakeholders in the province.

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

On the third day, discussions will focus on the

development of the Negros Island Geothermal Energy to be handled by Joel Soria, geothermal business unit manager of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), while Ricky Carandang, EDC vice president for corporate communication, will share about ―Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.‖ This year‘s convention is hosted by the Association of the Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO). RADIO-7 is the umbrella organization of the federation of local and national government information officers in towns, cities, and provinces of Central Visayas.

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

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

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

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

A P100 registration fee was collected from the runners.

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

On September 16, there will be a 10-Kilometer Bike for Peace around Dumaguete City.

On September 22 and 23, a ―Support our Troops‖ Tent City will be put up at the Freedom Park, Capitol Area, Dumaguete City.

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

Jambora disclosed that as of now, there are 54 confirmed participants to the event coming from Canlaon City, Bacolod City, Bohol, and Siquijor.

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

The local celebration of the National Peace

Consciousness Month will culminate on September 29 with a cultural show and awarding ceremony at 5:00 p.m. at the Freedom Park.

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

First Lt. Ronnie Sarmiento of the Philippine Army said that security is a shared responsibility. ―Our National Peace Consciousness Month 2017 activities are our way of supporting and saying thank you to our soldiers and policemen who are in the frontline against terrorism. It is our little way of showing how we care for our brethren in Marawi City. Finally, it is our way of accepting the responsibility and sharing the advocacy for the sake of peace and unity,‖ Sarmiento said. (ral/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Public cautioned vs. using LPG anti-leakage device PIA 7 CEBU CITY, Sept. 12 (PIA) --- The Department of Energy (DOE) has warned household consumers to be wary of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) anti-leakage devices that are being sold house-to-house.

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

Maleza explained that the anti-leak device is a mechanically operated gadget technically termed as ―excess flow limiter.‖ A steel ball automatically blocks off the passage

of gas by 40 percent to 50 percent of the normal flow when there is a sudden surge through the regulator.

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

Meanwhile, DOE also warned the public against using LPG-refilled butane canisters. The disposable canisters are made for one-time use only and are not intended to be refilled, said Maleza.

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

According to DOE, at least six fire incidents caused by explosions of LPG-refilled canisters have been reported in the Visayas and Mindanao since 2015. The only containers allowed to hold LPG are the Transportable and Refillable Welded Steel Cylinders for LPG (PNS 03:2014) and the Refillable Composite Gas Cylinders and Tubes (PNS ISO 11119-3:2014).

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

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EASTERN VISAYAS

DRRM concerns tackled in confab Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN, Eastern Samar, Sept. 11 (PIA) -- The 4th International Conference on Integrative Disaster Risk Management held recently at the Eastern Samar State University focused on the seven strategic priorities in disaster management.

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ood security, water effici ency, eco-system and environment stability, human security, climate-smart industries and services, sustainable energy and knowledge and capacity development all belong to the seven priorities.

The seminar held for three days at the ESSU Main Campus, Borongan City, exhibited the institutions continuing commitment to finding ways in dealing with complexities and change that

are associated with climate and environmental forces - whether acts of terrorism, ideological schism or ecological vandalism - in which people especially those coming from the academe should lend an explanation, information or if not a possible solution.

This year‘s theme is "Managing our Future by Managing Disasters."

Some 250 participants coming from various public and private higher educational

institutions, public and private elementary and high school teachers, provincial/city/municipal DRRM officers, researchers, and representative from international government agencies attended the seminar. Invited plenary speakers were Atty.

Antonio Gabriel M. La Vina, Ateneo de Manila University, Dr. Melvin Jabar, De La Salle University and many other experts in the field of disaster risk reduction management. (ajc/nbq/PIA8-E Samar with Mel Caspe)

TESDA extends training assistance to drug surrenderers Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sep. 13 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Southern Leyte Provincial Office has extended its assistance to the drug surrenderers in the province through its scholarship/ training program.

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ESDA Focal Person Merlina Alvarez bared that they will gather the training preferences of the applicant to determine the program they will avail. ―The said program will follow its process,‖ said Alvarez.

This process, which serves as the basis in the recruitment of aspirants, include: to attend the assessment conducted by TESDA (whether low, medium or high risk - basing on the Office of the Lady of Assumption (OLAP) report where the drug surrenderers attended first their community-based rehabilitation program); endorsement from the Barangay Chairman and the local government unit;

and the application form from TESDA to avail of the scholarship program.

Alvarez disclosed that out of the 122 aspirants who underwent the assessment, 12 availed the TESDA scholarship program.

Three (3) enrolled in Cookery with National Certificate II (NCII), five (5) for Driving NC II; three (3) for Welding; and one (1) for Food and Beverage Services NC II. She said that the said scholarship belongs to Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA). Alvarez added that those who were not able to avail the PESFA will automatically be considered for the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

Other scholarship programs being offered by

TESDA are also available in some school/colleges throughout the province like the Maasin City College for Agricultural Crops Production for 38 days; St. Joseph College–Vocational Training Center for 1.)

Driving - NC II for 25 days, 2.) Shielded Metal Arc Welding- NC II for 125 days, and 3.) Electrical Installation Maintenance- NC II for 25 days; and Saint Joseph College for Health Care Services - NC II for 125 days and Security Services- NC II for 28 days.

Other schools such as Saint Thomas Aquinas Academy, Systems Technology Institute, the College of Maasin and Acedilla Technological Institute also catered some of the TESDA scholarship programs. (rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

Coast Guard all set for numbering of sea-operating vessels Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY, So. Leyte, Sept. 6 (PIA) - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will soon embark on a nationwide numbering of motorized and manual boats plying the seas or coastal waters anywhere around the country.

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fficially called Safety, Security and Environmental Numbering (SSEN) System for all Philippine vessels/watercrafts, the move called on owners of fishing boats big and small, as well as passenger bancas, to visit the nearest Coast Guard Station or Sub-Unit and have their water conveyances numbered good for a three-year period.

But for now while the information phase of the project is still ongoing, Coast Guard personnel were the ones making the rounds in coastal municipalities and barangays, conducting meetings with fisher folks or boat owners, said

SNI Bocanillo Lumacad of this city‘s Coast Guard station.

They had done so in some coastal barangays in this city and have schedules for visits in the days and weeks ahead, Bocanillo said at the dydm Kapihan sa PIA live Friday with his colleague, SNI Mark Clem Agustin.

He added that the service and materials, like paint, to be used for the markings are all free of charge.

The primary aim of the SSEN is to establish a database for sea-faring transports to quickly check

on the origin just by looking at the big and bold signage by the side of the craft.

The clear and visible numbers will also serve as a tool for civilians to report to the Coast Guard the presence of such boats in their localities, especially so if such boats bore no numbering, Lumacad said.

Regarding the potential confusion for the public and the owners as two other government agencies, MARINA and BFAR, would also impose their policy on registering boats, Lumacad said this will be considered to avoid undue duplication. (ajc/ mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Good manufacturing practices emphasized in cookfest Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept. 6 (PIA) - Organizers of the recently held Aton Ini Pagkaon Paisan-isan (Our Own Food Contest) emphasized to the contestants the need to observe good manufacturing practices.

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n her assessment, Eva Rosario Tabunda, technical adviser from the Hotel & Restaurant Management Department of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) said that food handling, hygiene and sanitation in the preparation of the food should be observed to ensure good quality and safe food.

Tabunda though, praised the contestants saying they have been learning their lessons since this is the 3rd year of the cook fest.

She said she noticed that contestants use knives differently, from raw food to cooked ones. She also praised them for wearing hairnets and aprons and frequently changing their plastic gloves.

Other tips she offered included the aesthetic

sense in the food presentation, that their products must have a distinct name and must be remembered, that their food product should also come in presentable packaging that can draw the buyers interest.

Some 20 Boronganons joined the cook fest with three categories, tuna based recipes, veggies, and native delicacies (aka kakanin).

Lorna Raagas, nutritionist-dietitian and a member of the Raagas Hermanidad led the panel of judges in the cook fest sponsored by the city government through Sangguniang Bayan member Jennifer Anacio.

The lady councilor told the crowd that gathered in Baybay Boulevard that all recipes will be published in a cookbook for Boronganons.

She said it will be her legacy to the next generations.

A trio from ESSU with their coco tuna sisig romped off with the Tuna category championship while a mother from Barangay Tabok won in the veggie category for her Buko Pansit.

In the native kakanin category, the tandem of Bugasnon housewives Nita Operario and Terry Pombo impressed the judges for their Turron de Cassava with langka undertones.

All three champs bagged 10 thousand pesos each.

Despite the heavy downpour, the judges, contestants and the audience with the organizers stayed on until the declaration of winners. (ajc/nbq/ PIA8-ESamar)

Generics drug has same ingredients with branded products - DOH8 Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 13 (PIA) – Generic medicines offer substantial health and economic benefits to patients, their families, and the national health system according to Angelica Marie Bolos of the Department of Health Regional Office No. 8.

“

Despite the affordability of these medicines, it contains the same active ingredients and therefore should work as well as the more expensive branded products provided that they have passed the safety and quality requirements of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA),‖Bolos said.

Health authorities assured that a generic drug

is a pharmaceutical drug that is equivalent to a brand -name product in dosage, strength, safety and quality.

Bolos advised to ―Always ask for the generics name of medicine everytime you buy in a drugstore.‖ However, patients or consumers are advised to buy medicines only from FDA-licensed outlets which are properly authorized to dispense medicines.

Every September is generics awareness month.

Hence, DOH strengthens its advocacy campaign to educate patients on the benefits and rational use of generic drugs in accordance with the provisions of the generics law.

Angelica Marie Bolos, pharmacist of the Department of Health Eastern Visayas, was the guest during DOH-PIA on AIR program aired over a local radio station in the city. (PIA8/ajc/cba)

NSU to host 4th debate tourney in Eastern Visayas Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, Sept. 5 (PIA) – Highly acclaimed and experienced high school and college debaters all over Eastern Visayas Region will converge at Naval State University (NSU) Main Campus for the 4th Eastern Visayas Debate Championship – British Parliamentary (4th EVDC-BritParl) "I DISSENT".

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ccording to Joedel Penaranda, moderator of ―An Lantugi‖ of the NSU Debate Society, the three-day tournament which will officially be held on September 15-17, 2017, will be composed of five highly-competitive debate rounds capped-off with the finals series in both high school and college category where final teams will bout for the championship trophies. ―The event will offer the participants the intellectual feeding they need,‖ Penaranda further said since the tournament intends to promote the culture of debate and awareness on relevant social issues.

He added it will also serve as an avenue for students to engage in critical and intellectual discourse about issues that go beyond the four walls

of the classroom as the event will also give them the opportunity to enrich their reasoning and public speaking skills.

Internationally and nationally acclaimed judges will compose the adjudication core to ensure the quality of the tournament and a debate and adjudication seminar will be conducted before the tournament proper starts, he added.

Penaranda further said that the event is aimed to develop and harness critical thinking and debate skills of the participants; acquaint the participants with the latest trends and styles in the debating arena in the Philippines; provide an avenue for intellectual discussion and development of personal talents and skills; hone the argumentation skills, building up

confidence and sharpening intelligence which at the end of the day interests the state; and will promote camaraderie and meaningful leadership among the teams coming from the different institutions in the region. ―Without the exchange of ideas in this global village, intellectual death is certain.

The value of discourse should be promoted by all sectors of society as it encourages the cultivation of fertile ground for meaningful discussions, development eventually.

This tournament is one way to hone the public speaking and critical-thinking skills of the participants- elements, which are undeniably vital for a progressing and dynamic world.‖ Penaranda emphasized. (ajc/FJ/rsv/PIA Biliran)

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

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

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

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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