One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 7 20170217 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Students and faculty of the UPV-Iloilo City campus, children, parents and teachers of the Balay-Balay Minding Center of the UPV Gender and Development Program and representatives from ICPO, DOH and Gabriela - Panay take part in the ‗One Billion Rising‘ event at the UPV-Iloilo City campus, February 14. ‗One Billion Rising‘ is a global movement calling to end violence against women.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Feb. 13 - 19, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 7

CSC to Agency heads: Help spread ASEAN awareness Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, February 16 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC)-6 called on all government agencies to help spread awareness on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community and the Philippines‘ Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017.

CSC-6 Regional Director Rodolfo B. Encajonado said that the commission enjoins all heads of government offices in the promotion of ASEAN by participating in the information campaign and in the conduct of related programs and activities. ―As per CSC Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2016, government agency heads are enjoined to spread ASEAN awareness through posting of ASEAN materials in their respective websites, the display of ASEAN community banners, and the inclusion of the ASEAN Anthem in the first flag ceremony of the month,‖ he said.

He said that government offices are also encouraged to conduct activities such as sharing information on ASEAN such as updates on ASEAN-related activities, trivia, informative videos, among others, during the flag ceremony and other staff gatherings.

Government officials and employees can also wear ASEAN-inspired attire during the flag raising ceremony.

Information materials on ASEAN as well as specifications and protocols on the use of the ASEAN flag and recording/musical score of the Anthem

may be downloaded from the ASEAN website www.asean.org.

CSC-6 also encouraged the Department of Education, Commission of Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to enjoin public and private educational and training institutions to adopt similar activities to raise awareness among faculty members, students, and stakeholders.

Encajonado said that he has directed all CSC Field Offices to monitor agency compliance.

In Western Visayas, three sites namely Boracay in Malay Aklan, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental were selected to host various ASEAN meetings which kicked off this February. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

ASEAN.org file photo

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DSWD-7 awards first Modelong Ama winners Ferliza Calizar-Contratista

RDC7 Special Meeting. NEDA7 RD Efren Carreon, vice chair of RDC7 says level of poverty incidence in CV decline from 25.7% in 2012 to 23.6% 2015 with Bohol having the biggest poverty incidence reduction of 9% percentage point per year or from 36.6% in 2012 down to 21.7% in 2015.

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CEBU CITY, February 9 (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) awarded winners of the Search for Modelong Ama from among the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

Three winners from the provinces of Cebu, Siquijor, and Bohol from among the beneficiaries of the Pantawid program were awarded as model fathers recently.

Second place was Federico Rodrigo Ellu, 51, pastor and fisherman from Daanbantayan town of Cebu province.

In his effort to provide for his family, he admitted venturing into the seas even during bad weather. He said he accepts odd jobs to keep his children in school.

Ellu is a leader of National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines, Inc. (NACPHIL) in Daanbantayan town and is also an officer of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

First place was Antonio Aguinid, 56, a farmer from Enrique Villanueva, province of Siquijor. He has two daughters and is a member of different boards in the barangay. Aguinid is also a Lupong Tagapamayapa and a consistent PTA officer.

The first chosen Modelong Ama for Region 7 is a chef from Mabini, Bohol, 36-year old Joelito Lastimoso.

His parents separated when he was yet seven years old and had to take care of a neighbor's child after school to help in the family‘s finances. He has seven other siblings. But despite

that, he was in the honor roll.

When he was 17, he went to Manila to try his luck to continue studying as a caretaker of a 90-year old. He became a chef in Manila and married a Boholana.

They transferred to Bohol and he worked as chef in different resorts in Panglao and is now running his own small business in Mabini.

Lastimoso will represent the region in the nationwide search.

Grace Subong, assistant regional director DSWD 7, said the purpose of the search is to give recognition to all ―tatays‖ from the Pantawid Program beneficiaries who are doing their best improving lives of their family members and community. ―We want them to become bridges, as gender advocates and it will start within themselves in their respective families,‖ Subong said.

Criteria for selection include performance of various gender roles performing as the family‘s father, bread winner, child care taker; personal character which include core value and actively participating in parenting and domestic community responsibilities.

It also includes participation in the community and Pantawid program relevant activities.(rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

DTI-8 implements P3 program in Tacloban City Aurora J. Casimpan PIA-8 OIC-RD Alicia Nicart talks on media ethics and tips for effective writing before DOH -8 participants in the 2-day Seminar-Workshop on Journalism and Organization of DOH Editorial Staff, 15-16 February 2017, Tacloban City. (Photo by Raul Tiozon/PIA-8)

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 13 (PIA) – Government‘s strategy to scuttle the ―5-6‖ lending popularized by Indian nationals in the country has finally found ground with the implementation of the P3 or Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pagasenso program.

In Tacloban City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the region has initially released the amount of P940, 000 to the first batch of beneficiaries of the program.

DTI is the main government arm tasked to implement the P3 program.

In February 9, Thursday, P3 or the anti ―5-6‖ lending scheme was formally launched in this city with 26 market vendors received loans from DTI. Borrowers can avail loan amounts ranging from P5, 000 to P175, 000 at the maximum interest rate of 2.5 percent

without collateral.

The Small Business Corporation (SBC), a unit of DTI, also released during the launching over P43 million funds to eight micro financing institutions ((MFIs) and cooperatives operating in the region.

Bartholomew Reynes, DTI-SBC president informed that under wholesale lending SBC will partner with conduits for a more extensive distribution system through selected MFIs and organizations to fast tract access to the P3 program.

DTI has set up an office at the market complex inside the city government run building to process applications and collect payments on a daily basis.

Tacloban City was piloted for the program to help small businessmen restart after typhoon Yoland. (ajc/PIA8)

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WESTERN VISAYAS

Ubial lays down PH Health Agenda Easter Anne D. Doza NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 16 (PIA6) - - Department of Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial in her recent visit to the province laid down the P174-billion Philippine Health Agenda (PHA) 2016-2022.

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bial in her message during the g r o u n db re a ki n g ri t e s o f t h e P563-million East Tower Building inside the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital said the P174-billion PHA would include a Brain Center at the East Avenue Medical Center, Cancer Center at the UP-PGH and the likes of these all over the country. ―This is not the health agenda of this administration alone. It is the health agenda of the Filipino people, for the Filipino people and by the Filipino people.

This health agenda is for all of us, of all of us and by all of us. Thus, our battle cry in the DOH - All for Health, Towards Health for All… ACHIEVE!,‖ Ubial said.

According to Ubial, they have the battle cry because the country is fighting three wars – War

against illegal drugs, War against corruption and War against poverty and ill-health. ―If people are healthy and remain healthy, they become productive and eventually lifted out of poverty. The major role of public hospitals and the DOH is to ensure the health and wellbeing of the Filipino people,‖ Ubial added.

At present, DOH as part of the PHA is working on 12 legacies and one of the 12 legacies is the government hospitals development plan which hospitals and health facilities of the government will put in place a health system where all Filipinos have access to quality health services.

Also included in the PHA is the interconnectivity of all hospitals and public health systems in terms of service delivery network where no health facility, no hospital is an island

and help is provided as well as annual check-up of all Filipinos for early detection and if there are diseases these may be referred to tertiary hospitals right away. ―We have high hopes and expectations from all our DOH family and LGU partners even the private sector. We want to establish collaborations and partnerships so that we will attain our goal of better health outcomes for the Filipino people,‖ Ubial said.

Meanwhile, Ubial maintained they are implementing status quo for DOH-Negros Island Region. ―We have seen that it is better managed if we have a regional office in the NIR but I will refer to the wisdom of the President and not go against the directive of the President,‖ Ubial added. *(EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Six more Antique Negosyo centers up in 2017 Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE, Antique Feb. 15 (PIA) - - The Department of Trade and Industry here said that six more Negosyo Centers will be established this year in six municipalities in the province.

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These Negosyo Centers will help strengthen the micro, small and medium enterprises in the Muncipalities of Sebaste, Patnongon, Libertad, Anini-y, Sibalom, and Culasi,‖ said DTI Antique Provincial OIC-Director Mercedes Young during the PIA Radio program.

Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act mandates the creation of Negosyo Centers in the

country. The law was principally authored by Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. Young said that the Negosyo Center in Sebaste will be launched on April 2017; May 2017 in Patnongon; Libertad on June 2017; Anini-y- July 2017; Sibalom- August 2017; and September 2017 for Culasi. Already established Negosyo Centers are located in San Jose, Valderrama, Tibiao, Pandan and Caluya.

These Centers provide a unified and simplified business registration procedure developed by the Department of Trade and Industry. They will facilitate and expedite business applications of MSME in coordination with the local government unit. ―DTI expects to reach more entrepreneurs in the province through these Negosyo Centers,‖ Young said. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Earthquakes unpredictable but disaster responders ready Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 15 Feb (PIA) — There is no way to predict earthquakes but responders and the local disaster risk reduction and management councils have instituted measures to mitigate impact.

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n an interview with the Philippine Information Agency and the Office of Civil Defense, Ramil Atando of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) said they have maximized earthquake drills and information and education campaigns. ―We are glad that our institutions are responsive to earthquake drills every now and then,‖ Atando said.

Atando was guest during program ―Buylog Sa Pagangaman‖ on disaster preparedness anchored by the PIA and the OCD through the cable TV channel of Central Philippine University.

Meanwhile, OCD-6 Director Rosario Cabrera said the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has set up measures in case a strong earthquake hit anywhere in the region.

PhiVolcs has identified major earthquake indicators in Western Visayas which makes the region vulnerable to such calamity.

These are the Negros Trench, Central Negros Fault, Tablas Fault, West Panay Fault and the Zone of Castillon Island.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has identified 670 tsunami-prone barangays in the region located near the Visayan Sea, Guimaras Strait and Sibuyan Sea.

Atando said these are also of concern as tsunamis are results of strong earthquakes that may aggravate the impacts of strong earthquakes.

He added that an important preparedness measure for earthquakes is knowing and understanding the vulnerability of a community to such calamity and other related hazards. ―The key to this is consistent and regular information and education activities, and participation in earthquake drills,‖ he further said.

He reiterated that there is no way to predict an earthquake but understand ding its nature will help much. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS

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WV tourism industry ready for ASEAN meetings Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, February 14 (PIA) --- The tourism sector of Western Visayas is all set to welcome delegates to various meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which will be held this year in various sites in the region.

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epartment of Tourism (DOT)-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said the region‘s tourism industry has been preparing for the influx of delegates and visitors who will participate in the ASEAN meetings. ―The tourism industry is always ready and I believe that part of the tourism industry is the military and security organizations of the government,‖ she said.

She said that there are three sites in Western Visayas selected to host various ASEAN meetings – Boracay in Malay, Aklan, Iloilo City,

and Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

The three meetings in Boracay are the 23rd Meeting of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on February 13 to 15, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) Retreat on February 19 to 21, and ASEAN Committee on Migrant Workers (ACMW) Meeting on February 21 to 22.

Iloilo will be the venue of the 22nd SOCA Meeting and 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) Meeting on March 6 to 9, ASEAN Military Operations Informal

Meeting (AMOIM), ASEAN Military Intelligence Informal Meeting (AMIIM) and ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM) on March 6 to 10 and the 3rd ASEAN-OECD Good Regulatory Practice Network Meeting on March 14 to 15.

The city of Bacolod will be hosting the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting, Joint Consultative Meeting and Other Related Meetings on March 14 to 16 and the 15th Senior Officials Responsible for Information on March 21 to 23.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Public warned against buying meat sold without permits Sheila Q. Patoza KALIBO, AKLAN, Feb. 11 (PIA) - Consumers were warned against buying meat products sold in stalls with no permits from the local government here.

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n a recent committee meeting of the Local Government Unit of Kalibo, Sangguniang Bayan Member Cynthia Dela Cruz, chairman of Committee on Health and Economic Enterprise, urged the public not to buy meat products in meat shops or stalls with no permits to ensure the safety of everybody. ―Consumers should look for the Mayor‘s Permit, Sanitary Permit and Meat Inspection Certificate when buying meat products in any stalls or shops here in Kalibo to ensure that the products they are buying are safe and clean,‖Dela

Cruz said.

She added that the aforesaid permits should be posted in areas that are visible to buyers.

The CHEE had expressed their concerns with the increasing number of stalls selling meat products even besides the roads and streets; which giving sanitary permit would not be permitted. According to CHEE, it is not an assurance if meats are slaughtered at the Municipal Slaughter House of LGU-Kalibo, because the manner of displaying and selling of the said products should be also considered to ensure food safety.

Meanwhile, SB Member Daisy Briones recommended that a dialogue with all the meat shop owners in Kalibo should be conducted to educate them of the violations owners should avoid and the process taken to have their business be accredited by the local government.

The Task Force on Public Safety, which was formed by the committee, is set to conduct thorough inspections twice a month, as soon as the LGU-Kalibo is done with the inventory of the total numbers of meat shops/stalls operating in this town. (JCM/SQP/PIA6 Aklan)

Help lines open to troubled teens Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 14 (PIA6) – A hype on ―Adolescent Health Connect‖ (AH Connect) initiative of the Department of Health – 6 was conducted by the Provincial Health Office last Feb. 7 here to maximize reach and help more teenagers with their concerns.

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he project, launched in June 2015, utilizes short messaging service (SMS) and online social networking sites to connect to more than 1.6 – million adolescent population in the region.

These contact numbers for SMS and calls are 09255469919, 09177759256, 09985324047 and a dedicated toll – free helpline 1800-10-3208336 for calls concerning suicide.

It has also AH Connect accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that are being managed by hired nurses manning the online sites as well as calls and texts at the center established at the DOH Regional Office 6.

DOH – 6 Regional Adolescent Health Development Program coordinator Joseph Carlo

F. Carillo said that the ―first of its kind initiative for the benefit of adolescents in the country‖ was a spin off of the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) Study which revealed that 87 percent of the country‘s teens are digitally wired. ―Seventy -eight percent can be reached thru cellphone and social media,‖ he added of the YAFS study.

Based on AH Connect logs, majority of adolescents from Iloilo, Antique and Aklan accessed the contact numbers and online accounts to get help on issues like relationship, early sexual activity, HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy, parent – child problems, bullying and other school – related concerns, among

others. Carillo stressed that the gathered data from the project will be used in the formulation of plan of actions for the benefit and welfare of the adolescent population especially that AH Connect, like any other government projects, will have its implementation duration.

The Provincial Health Offices in the region will be informed of the data as a feedback mechanism on what are the concerns of the teenagers in their respective localities.

The AH Connect build up in the province was aimed to popularize the ―hotlines‖ and social networking site accounts that are readily available to listen, help and link to concerned agencies the adolescents concerns at any time of the day. ( JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

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CENTRAL VISAYAS

DSWD-7 kicks-off 66th anniversary with livelihood fair, quiz bee Juju Empuerto CEBU CITY, February 9 (PIA) --- In celebration of its 66th founding anniversary, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) kicked off its week-long festivity with a livelihood fair and quiz bee last recently.

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he livelihood fair was made possible through the efforts of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) where different products from Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor are currently displayed at the DSWD-7 grounds.

Among the products sold for reasonable prices include local delicacies of camote candy, torta, peanut butter, love potion, liniment and bracelet from Siquijor.

Bohol-made products include boxes made of dried leaves, placemat, table runner, clutch wallet, sash raffle and flavored carabao milk and pastries.

Shoes from Carcar City, desserts and various dishes from Mandaue and Cordova, pandan bags from Dumanjug, sandals from San Fernando, rugs from Tabogon, fresh vegetables from Dalaguete, macramé belts, bags, and coin purse from Cebu province. The livelihood fair aims to gather and help SLP beneficiaries earn additional income and provide a venue for them to showcase their products to the public anchored on this year‘s theme ―Sama-samang Paglilingkod ng May Malasakit.‖ DSWD-7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn

Macapobre, in her speech during the convocation and opening activity, underscored the strength of each unit and at the same time motivated the staff to do better especially in dealing with the clients.

Macapobre emphasized that she will not hesitate exercising her powers to protect the clients but is firm in saying that the office remains transparent in the delivery of its services.

On February 7, DSWD-7 held a ‗Laro ng Lahi‘ that featured pinoy traditional games using jolens, rubber band, Chinese garter, among others. (emn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DSWD-7)

DENR-NIR cites importance of wetlands in climate change Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Feb. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) spearheaded the celebration of World Wetlands Day (WWD) recently focusing on the importance of wetlands for disaster risk reduction.

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n its activity, the DENR-Negros Island Region highlights Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP) as eco-tourism destination for wetlands.

DENR-NIR Regional Director Al Orolfo cited the importance of Twin Lakes in Negros Oriental as one of the jewels of country‘s biodiversity.

With this, Orolfo assured the provincial government to help monitor the biodiversity of the lakes and continued to promote as a tourism destination in the country.

For her part, Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Director Theresa Mundita Lim said Negros Oriental is blessed with natural lakes, an

asset with diverse biodiversity as defense against climate impacts and disasters.

Part of Cuernos de Negros, Balinsasayao lakes with biodiversity of forest is a natural reservoir that provides ground water recharge considered important to life of the people living in the neighboring communities, national scientist Dr. Angel Alcala cited.

World Wetlands Day celebration is an important focusing on the role of wetlands for the continued survival of humanity and the conservation of the biodiversity and making the community resilient in climate change.

February 2 of each year is WWD, marking the date of adoption of the Ramsar Convention

on Wetlands in 1971.

The convention was named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was adopted.

Established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet, WWD was first celebrated in 1997 and has grown remarkably since then. In 2016, WWD was celebrated in at least 59 countries. ―The importance of Ramsar sites, program of biodiversity such an importance study that the biodiversity in lakes in marine waters and other areas that have wet humid are so important that these are all considered important to life to people," said Alcala. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

DOST trains new energy management tech for MSMEs Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here organized an energy management technology forum with 20 participants from food, metals, sugar, and coconut processing companies in Negros Oriental.

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OST OIC-Provincial Director Roslyn Tambago said an award-winning energy management company introduced an innovative and affordable way of saving electric power consumption to the participant-companies.

Tambago said WattSmart Philippines Corporation (WattSmart) obtained a funding from the DOST‘s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) for its Smart Energy Program (SEP).

SEP is designed to support the manufacturing sector minimize their energy wastage through energy audit, onsite installation of energy data centers to facilitate analysis of energy consumpiton , and professional energy consultation.

The forum‘s resource person, Engr.

Rheymar Barroga of WattSmart, underscored the long-term financial benefits of SEP, including the workers‘ safety, non-invasive, and hazard-free features of the SEP systems.

Barroga said the technology enables a business establishment to have control over its electrial energy consumption, save overhead costs and boost business competitiveness.

This private-public initiative intends to provide 150 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with free data analytics, professional advice on how to save energy and reduce electric consumption and companies will be able to monitor energy consumption online by logging in to the website: www.wattsmart.ph.

WattSmart is a Filipino energy management

company that is committed to helping businesses and households manage the electric consumption more efficiently.

It delivers smarter energy solutions through comprehensive energy analytics, power saving recommendations and various energy management services and technologies.

The company‘s products and services have earned international and local recognitions that include 2016 Mobilie Challenge Asia-Pacific Nationals Finalist in Hawaii, USA; DOST - PCIEERD Outstanding Research and Development Finalist in 2015 and 2014 Philippine representative to the IBM ASEAN SmartCamp Top Asian Start-Ups in Singaport.

Inquiries can be sent to its email address: myenergymanager@wattsmart.ph. (rmn/ jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

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Dumaguete City aims to be next sports tourism destination hub Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Stakeholders from the local government, sports, tourism and media engaged in a sports tourism forum recently that seeks to capacitate and encourage the hosting of various sports events in Dumaguete City.

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his aims to promote the city as the next sports tourism destination in this part of the country.

City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and Governor Roel Degamo underscored their commitment to provide as much resources as possible to develop the venues and prepare the locals to host international sport events that will positively impact the local economy.

Sunrise General Manager Princess Galura shared her real life experiences and tips on how to successfully organize international sports

events.

Galura has been successful in that undertaking not only in the Philippines but also in Thailand and Vietnam to include the recent Miss Universe pageant last month.

Remollo said that the city is preparing to host the Regional Palaro this month that is expected to bring in 5,000 athletes, officials, and their families.

Other sporting events are also expected to be staged in the city and province for the whole year.

Mayor Remollo is eyeing to host at least an

edition of Iron Man but he said he would like to be certain of the readiness of the city's venues, hotels, restaurants, airports and seaports as well as the local population to competently host an event of such magnitude.

Speakers featured in the forum were: DOT-7 Regional Director Catalino Chan III, Sports Tourism Founder Charles Lim, Ultimate Sports Tourist Singaporean Swee Chiow Khoo, and Paula Lynn Obanana, a member of the US Olympic Badminton Team, who competed last year in Rio, Brazil. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Mynimo launches 'Free Basics' Juju Empuerto CEBU CITY, February 9 (PIA) --- Job website Mynimo.com has launched their latest feature – the Free Basics platform, a Facebook project in partnership with several telcos in developing countries.

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y being part of the platform, Mynim o.com makes its servi ce accessible for free to everyone in the Philippines, said Wesley Chiongbian, president and CEO of Mynimo.com. ―The high cost of internet access has been hindering a lot of job seekers from getting employment information online," said Chiongbian in a press statement.

He believes that one of the reasons for unemployment in the Philippines is the lack of

information about available jobs. ―This lack of information can easily be addressed by going online,‖ he added.

Anyone with a phone and SIM card can now search for jobs online at no cost.

Job seekers can now find and apply to jobs for free anytime and anywhere through their mobile device.

Mynimo.com has built a fully functional, yet lightweight, version of its website especially for Free Basics.

This gives people the benefit of simple online job search, even with slow internet connections.

The increasing number of job applicants brought about by the company‘s participation in Free Basics will benefit employers as they are expected to receive more applications to their job vacancies. ―Being part of this platform will greatly help job seekers and employers connect with each other as easily as possible,‖ said Chiongbian. (jsme/PIA7-Cebu/Mynimo)

Bohol police achieve 58% crime solution efficiency Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, February 6 (PIA) -- Bohol Police under Police Senior Superintendent Felipe Natividad achieved a 58 percent crime solution efficiency, solving 4.719 crimes of the 8,091 crimes listed for 2016.

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he accomplishment is a far improvement from the 2015 crime solution efficiency which was nailed only at 47 percent, according to Police Superintendent Vincent Paul Dumaguing at the recent joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) meetings held January 31 at the Mansion's Conference Hall.

In 2014, the combined police force in Bohol only managed to get 36 percent crime solution efficiency.

Crimes in Bohol also dipped 12 percent from the peak in 2015, a fact police have not yet ascribed to any possible cause.

In 2014, Bohol police stations in the towns submitting their crime statistics to Camp Dagohoy amassed a total of 7,904 crimes.

By 2015, there are 1,314 crimes topped the 2014 mark as Bohol police in Camp Dagohoy

noted 9,218 crimes.

This, as Supt. Dumaguing pointed out, is a total of 15 percent of the previous year's crimes.

But while crimes were expected to increase with an election scheduled midyear, Camp Dagohoy noted only 8,091 crimes for the whole year in 2016.

This, Dumaguing said, is an unprecedented 12 percent decrease.

In fact, index crimes in the last three years continue to play around and clumped in the middle with 3,649 in 2014, then 3,667 in 2015, and 2,851 in 2016.

Index crimes, according to police, involve crimes against the penal code while non-index crimes are those against special laws.

For non-index crimes, or crimes against special laws, there were 4,255 in 2014 and 5,551 in 2015.

By 2016, however, Camp Dagohoy crime

statisticians saw a slight decrease of 5 percent from 2015 with only 5,240 crimes.

The comparative distribution of index crimes as shown during the PPOC meeting showed physical injury topping other crimes in the crimes against persons category.

In the last three years, too, as to index crimes under crimes against property, theft followed by robbery dominated the graphs.

But beyond all these, Camp Dagohoy said the campaign against illegal drugs in the province have already covered enough ground, resulting to drug personalities' arrest, surrender or death during legitimate police operations.

In several cases, hardcore drug personalities have to flee and transfer base or operations.

This, police at Camp Dagohoy assumed, is the reason why there is a noted decrease in crimes. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

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EASTERN VISAYAS

46,512 Nortehanon enjoy benefits of Pantawid program Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar, 14 Feb. (PIA) – A total of 46,512 families of Northern Samar enjoy the benefits from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a human development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children 0-18 years of age, said Mr. Alvin Maldos, DSWD-Provincial Pantawid Link, in a radio program interview at Station DYSM hosted by PIA, Northern Samar.

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r u e t o a l l b en e f i ci a r i e s, f o r education cash grant, a family receive P300 per child per month for a maximum of 3 children and P500 for high school, and for health grant, a family receive P500 per month.

Conditions however should be met by household beneficiary for it to avail of the cash grants and these include pre-natal and post-natal care for pregnant women and childbirth should be attended by a trained professional; attendance to family development sessions; Children 0-5 to

undergo regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; children 6-14 years old to receive deworming pills twice a year and children 3-18 years old to enroll in school, and maintain an attendance of at least 85% of class days every month.

Maldos stressed, all those beneficiaries religiously complied with the conditions provided for in the program, though there were those who committed irregularities, but they were closely monitored by around 124 links all over the province.

In an assessment made years back, Maldos said, there is a significant increase in the enrolment, and there are mothers who now personally seek health service and need not be compelled to for the sake of the cash grant.

As DSWD 4Ps links and workers, what they aimed at, is for those household beneficiaries making themselves self-sufficient, Maldos pointed out, though it will still take a little more time, at least some of them have already surpassed the survival stage to subsistence. (ajc/ADiaz/PIA8-N.Samar)

PNP lays down proposals to end human rights violations Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran, February 14 (PIA ) – With the alleged human rights violations committed by police authorities bannered in recent news headlines, the chief of the Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) laid down in his message during the PNP-Civil Society Organization Forum on Rights-Based Policing, several proposals to end alleged human rights violations.

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olice Chief Superintendent Dennis A. Siervo, chief of PNP-HRAO, planned in coming up with better policies and mechanisms to prevent the commission of human rights violations.

Part of his proposal is to press on and work to implement the provisions of the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and other human rights treaties in which the country is a state party.

He also would like to seek the advise and support of various sectors as part in modernizing the PNP by helping review how the PNP will allocate human, material, technological, and financial resources to strengthen the PNP‘s

capability to fight crime which on the other hand will bolster their capability to remain human rights compliant.

Siervo espoused the need to invest in building more safe and secure custodial facilities where investigation rooms need to be equipped with CCTV cameras. ―Using technology, we can improve police services, heighten security and, at the same time, lay down preventive measures,‖ Siervo further said, "to prevent against the commission of any human rights violations."

The PNP-HRAO chief also put emphasis to ensure that the PNP including the AFP personnel will fully respect the rights of persons

arrested, detained or placed under investigation.

He appreciated the efforts of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), other human rights advocates and the civil society organizations for their timely counsel and reminders to help the PNP re-examine to do more to prevent torture or any other human rights violations and to become more effective in human rights-based policing. ―The assistance of other sectors of society including the CHR and other government agencies, the security sector will progressively adopt international human rights principles, standards, and practices,‖ the PNP-HRAO chief further said. (ajc/FJ/rvictoria/PIA8-Biliran)

Pamana opens road for Samar provinces interconnectivity Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, (PIA) — Two road construction will sure to meet to connect Northern and West Samar (officially known as Samar province).

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n her facebook account, PAMANA Regional Manager Imelda Bonifacio said that several coconuts have been felled in her hometown in Matuginao town to give way to the road opening, Matuginao is the last municipality in Samar's frontier that can connect Samar to Northern Samar town, Las Navas.

For 2017, construction is ongoing already from Barangay Bugay to Barangay Cuenco, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

While on the other side, Matuginao town to Las Navas has started, she added but admitted that the funds for 2017 will be until Barangay Angyap only, a good four kilometers from

Matuguinao poblacion.

But this is just the start, she beamed.

Funds to complete the road stretch will be assured in 2018 onwards with budget allocations under PAMANA, Bonifacio said.

Once realized the total road stretch may run from 38 to 42 kilometers she said.

She also mentioned that construction in Eastern Samar part, with Jipapad town connecting to Las Navas will soon be done, under DPWH regular funds.

Samar's visionaries have looked forward to interconnecting the three provinces for accessibility, easier deliveries of goods and

services and more peaceful environment.

The government is decided to open roads to long-deprived barangays for peace and development to come in.

The administration is presently more focused on socio-economic reforms in the promotion of peace and to discourage armed struggle.

With PAMANA, the entity of the national government that paves the way for peace and development, rural folks who have trekked and climbed the unpaved terrains in Samar may soon be riding four-wheel drives to reach Samarnons on the other side. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Three centenarians to receive P100K cash gifts each Erna Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte February 16 (PIA) – She just turned 100 years old on January 20 this year. ―Eat fish and no red meat,‖ Flaviana Plateros from Barangay Tagnipa disclosed when asked how to become a healthy centenarian.

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lateros together with Primitiva Dizon, 101 years old from Bato II and Simeona Basa, 102 years old from Mantahan, all of Maasin City, will be the first three senior citizens so far from the city to avail the new law, Republic Act 10868.

Under the law, all Filipinos who reach the age of 100 will receive a letter of felicitation from

the President of the Philippines and a P100,000.00 cash gift, whether they are residing in the Philippines or abroad, it was learned.

Each of them will soon receive their P100,000.00 cash gift from the national government thru the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), according to Jocelyn Baloran, a staff member of the Office of

the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of Maasin City.

Baloran disclosed that the three centenarians are awaiting their bounties while City Social Welfare and Development Officer Febe Maria Sta Cruz facilitated the processing of their claims at DSWD-8. (aen/esg/ PIA8 SoLeyte)

Feature: Processed Bangus in Basey make women busy Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 15 (PIA) — Modern processing plants for bangus are making the womenfolk busy in Basey.

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he modern processing plants worth Php 3 M each in the villages of San Antonio, Barangay Tinaogan and Barangay Cambayan have also rendered bangus propagators busy for the supply.

The women and fisherf olks organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) started their livelihood right after typhoon Yolanda wreaked all their fishing equipment. This was a post-yolanda intervention under the Kabuhayan Program of DOLE, Neil Moraleta from DOLE said.

Moraleta said that initial capital for the formation of the Bangus Project was funded by DOLE sometime in 2014.

Another enhancement fund for the stainless equipment worth Php 700k was provided and released by DOLE middle of last year, he added.

The enhancement was made in coordination with JICAs assistance to build for the women the processing plant worth Php 3 M in San Antonio.

Although Moraleta does not claim DOLE has something to do with that of Tinaogan and Cambayan, DTI attests that these processing

plants exist.

"Waray pa kami financial assistance han Tinaogan ngan Cambayan except that the two were also registered by DOLE as workers association like the group in San Antonio," Moraleta said.

Challenges But like other livelihood ventures, Basey women and fisher folks face challenges.

First is the availability of raw materials.

Samarnons passing by the San Juanico Strait easily notice the fish cages which are supposedly more than enough supply.

But some glitches have turned these cages short of the needed supply.

But DTI Ruthelma Samonte is quick to advise that if bangus is available elsewhere, these producers need to pursue them so that their sustainability will not be challenged.

But this is not the only challenge, the sanitary inspector refused to give them clearance as the water supply did not pass health standard.

The DTI offered that the processors should look for better and healthy water source that are

just nearby.

These people do not just need a little push but a bigger one as they are easily discouraged, she said.

The processing plants costs millions and they need to be utilized, even the Food and Drugs Authority can attest to the modern standard employed by this JICA project, said DTI. This is not DTI Project though but, we were there to assess how to assist the group because they were asking us to assist them, said Meilou Macabare of DTI-Samar.

Macabare said that DTI in its desire to support entrepreneurs will help them look for ways to sustain their livelihood and the same women producers have penetrated a leading retail store of processed products in the cities of Tacloban and Catbalogan.

DTI believes that JICA, BFAR and the local government of Basey supported the laudable project.

The San Antonio group is producing marinated bangus, boneless bangus, softboned bangus, tinapa, and ampalaya pickles. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

Region 8 is ―the region to watch‖ in the Palarong Pambansa 2017 Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, February 13 (PIA) — Department of Education (DepEd) 8 Regional Sports Coordinator Cesar Verunque said that region 8 is the region to watch in the coming Palarong Pambansa to be held in San Jose, Antique, from April 23 -29, 2017.

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erunque informed, for the seventh time to the Palarong Pambansa, other regions are keeping an eye to Eastern Visayas mindful of the delegation‘s championing in last year‘s demo sports competition.

Last year‘s demo sports included billiard, wushu, futsal, and wrestling. Medals earned in these sports were not included in the medal count in determining overall winners but rated separately in the demo sports category.

Moreover, the four sports are now included in the regular sports with medals earned to be computed in the selection of overall winners in the national athletic competitions.

This year‘s demo sports include pencak silat, aerobics gymnastics, and dance sports.

However, Eastern Visayas sports officials decided to exclude these demo sports for lack of man power. Coaches and trainors are yet to be trained in these areas of sports, Verunque

added.

Meanwhile, Leyte division once again defended its champion status with 97 golds in the recently concluded EVRAA (Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association) Meet 2017 hosted

by Biliran province from February 5-10, 2017.

Next to Leyte were the divisions of Ormoc City with 78 golds, Baybay City - 39, Maasin City - 28, and Tacloban City -22. (FJ/mlt/ PIA8 Biliran)

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

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

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

Ms. Alicia E. Nicart Regional Director, PIA8

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