One visayas enewsletter vol 7 issue 13 20170331 r6

Vol 7

In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS

Usec Luz Cantor of the Budget Preparation and Execution Group of the Department of Budget and Management discusses the budgetary reforms currently being implemented in the country at the 1st Quarter Regular Meeting for 2017 of the Regional Development Council VI at NEDA 6 Office, March 30. (PIA6-Iloilo)

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

Also CLICK Here…

March 27 - April 2, 2017

Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8

Issue 13

PCOO, ASEAN in talks to combat ‗fake‘ news Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, March 27 (PIA6) --The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is working closely with other member-states of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in crafting measures to combat the proliferation of „fake‟ news.

In a press briefing during the ASEAN-PCOO Roadshow held recently in Bacolod City, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said they are aggressively talking with their counterparts in other ASEAN member-countries to address the issue on „fake‟ news.

“One of the objectives is to have a very good bilateral communications relationship with our counterparts. The problem of fake news is also right there on top of the agenda,” he said. He shared that during the recent ASEAN visits of President Rodrigo Duterte in the countries of Myanmar and Thailand, he was able to meet with the Deputy Spokesperson of Thailand who mentioned to him the possibility of meeting with their counterparts three to five days before the ASEAN Summit this April.

“One of the issues that will be discussed will be fake news, how to combat fake news, steps that we will take to combat and discourage, and inform the citizenry what „fake‟ and what „bonafide‟ stories are,” he explained.

The Secretary expressed optimism that the meeting will take place so that „we in the ASEAN will have a collective decision and will have a collective, multi-lateral agreement on how we would

define “fake” news.‟ He also invited the private media to take part in the proposed meeting in order to contribute to a fruitful and dynamic discourse.

Andanar was recently in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental to attend the ASEAN-PCOO Roadshow at Sugarland Hotel and the KumpaS Barangay (Kumpulan sa Barangay ni Presidente) in Brgy. Singcang-Airport spearheaded by PCOO and the Philippine Information Agency. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. (PIA 6 photo)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Financial literacy still needed among Filipinos - BSP Ferliza Calizar-Contratista

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo (R) and OIC-RD Fayette Riñen (2nd from R) of PIA7 lead the launching of PIA Info Kiosk today at Robinsons Place Dumaguete. Gracing the event include Robinsons Place Manager Mary Grace Lim, DFA Regional Consular Head Rebollos Tita, DTI OIC-Provincial Director Dr. Angeline Gonzales, Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas Dumaguete officials, media, students among others to support the setting up of PIA's Info Kiosk where IEC materials on ASEAN & government programs & projects are available for the public. (PIA7-NEGOR)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

CEBU CITY, March 23 (PIA) -- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has stressed the need to strengthen financial advocacy after the release of the results of the latest Consumer Finance Survey (CFS).

Rosabel Guerrero, director of the Department of Economic Statistics, said strengthening financial inclusions and advocacies should be done by both government and private sectors.

This was one of the policy implications and recommendations resulting from the 2014 CFS. According to the study, only two in 10 households surveyed have bank accounts.

Region 7 has the least number of households with bank accounts compared with those in the National Capital Region (NCR) and areas outside NCR. In the Philippines, from the sample size of 18,000, majority of the households surveyed or 86 percent do not have a deposit account. “Which means to say that only 14 percent save their money in banks,” Guerrero said.

According to the survey, the foremost reason cited by households for not having a deposit account was not having enough money to keep an account.

Other reasons cited by households were no need for a bank/cash account (2 percent); bank/institution location is far (1.7 percent); cannot manage an account (1.2 percent); service

charges are too high (1.0 percent).

Another 1.6 percent cited other reasons such as high minimum balance, don‟t like to deal with banks/institutions, and do not trust banks/institutions.

In Central Visayas, it was found out that 55 percent preferred to put money in “piggy” banks when they have extra rather than putting it in banks.

With this, BSP Cebu Regional Director Atty. Leonides Sumbi suggested during the multisectoral forum for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to study the option of adding a depository feature in the Cash Card accounts of the Pantawid beneficiaries.

“We will make further financial literacy training and workshops and advocacy on them so that they will now be open to save in the conduit banks,” Sumbi said.

Land Bank of the Philippines official Malou Cardenas said they will elevate the matter to their national office.

CFS is a nationwide quadrennial survey on consumer finances among Filipino households.

It generates data on the financial conditions of the households such as financial and non-financial assets, level of indebtedness and sources of credit and income, spending and insurance coverage. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

Also CLICK Here…

EASTERN VISAYAS

PIA sponsors forum on rights and privileges of PWDs Ninfa B Quirante

WOMEN'S BARANGAY FORUM. Flordelis E. Jackson, InfoCen Manager of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Biliran Provincial Information Center thanks the more than 80 women in Brgy Capinahan, Naval, Biliran for their attendance to the Women's Forum held at the barangay hall, March 28, 2017, 1:00pm. The activity highlights the celebration of March as Women's Month which carries the theme "We Make Change Work For Women".

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 28 (PIA) - The Philippine Information Agency(PIA)-Samar ushered a forum to Persons With Disability (PWD) on their rights and privileges as mandated by law.

Mrs. Nida Aroza, the City Social Welfare and Development Officer discussed the important points of the law.

She cited that every PWD should be given support by the government that will somehow satisfy their needs and recognize their rights and privileges.

The discussion focused on Republic Act (RA) 7277 as amended by RA 9442 is also known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.

On the employment aspect, the law, as relayed by the social welfare officer says that a qualified PWD applicant should not be rejected or disregarded upon his application for a certain position in any private and government agency or company. The company that hires PWDs can get tax reduction as incentive.

PWDs that need skills training will also be provided as implemented by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The training will somehow improve their chances of being employed thus making them productive citizens, added Aroza.

The same is true in the field of education, the government assists them through scholarships and other financial assistance so

that the PWD can have access to quality education.

The Department of Health (DOH), said Aroza also implements programs like maternal and child care services, new born screening and immunization so that the child will be taken cared of, and when found out with a disability, can be given advice where to seek help.

PWDs are also given equal rights during election period.

PWD are also free to join any assembly, rally and any organization that they so desire provided it is legal.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Catbalogan is allocating 1% of the local fund for the implementation of programs for PWDs. The expanded law on the Magna Carta of PWD states that PWD are entitled for a grant of 20% discount and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on the purchase of goods and services for all establishments upon the use of PWDs Identification Card.

They are also given discounts in restaurants, cinemas, fees for medical and dental services and laboratory tests, medicine purchase and even in grocery purchases.

The Association of PWDs in Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan were also given time to ask questions which the city social welfare officer addressed. Arnulfo Manas, the President thanked the forum as it gave them assurance that the government is sensitive to the needs of PWDs. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

2

WESTERN VISAYAS

Bacolod get praises for ASEAN hosting Easter Anne D. Doza BACOLOD CITY, March 30 (PIA6) - - The local government of Bacolod has received compliments from the national organizers for hosting well the 15th Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Senior Officials Responsible for Information.

T

he ASEAN Security Task Force (ASTF), in its assessment report, cited Mayor Evelio Leonardia for providing logistical support, and the members of the 21 government agencies composing the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR) for ensuring the security of the delegates.

The report said these agencies with its members worked tirelessly in synergy to achieve „zero incident during the Bacolod hosting.

ASTF commander Police Director Napoleon Taas said they witnessed a „whole of government‟ cooperation working like never before but only in

the City of Smiles, a release from the Bacolod City Information Office said.

A total of 4,692 personnel from the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), including Bacolod City Police Office, were on full alert status, and complementary police force was augmented from Iloilo were deployed from March 20 -24 to secure about 50 delegates from 10 ASEAN countries.

Aside from the police personnel, teams from other agencies were deployed to strategic areas to facilitate speedy response in cases of emergency, he said.

“Even the rallyists simply proved no match to the well-rehearsed security coverage employed,”

Taas added.

There were Civil Disturbance Management forces from Iloilo ferried to Bacolod by a Philippine Navy vessel, NICA (National Intelligence Coordinating Agency) providing timely intelligence, and the DOH (Department of Health) providing medical assistance and even water to the rallyists, the report added.

“The ASEAN delegates have already returned to their respective countries, but if only their eyes could speak, they are probably unanimous in saying that they will never ever forget Bacolod and the beautiful people of the Philippines,” Taas added. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Cops warned on involvement in drugs Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 27 (PIA) – Members of the Capiz police were sternly warned against any involvement in illegal drugs activities.

C

apiz Police Provincial Director Samuel Nacion said that his line is open to the public and to the informants for them to provide him with information regarding the police who are into illegal drugs transactions and protection.

He said that close monitoring is done against the police who are also visiting the houses of drug personalities.

“I don‟t want any police to have any involvement in the dangerous drugs transaction,”

Nacion said stressing that immediate sanction will be meted against those cops doing said activities.

During the March 27 “Pagdayaw sa Tampad nga Serbisyo” that recognized the performing police stations for their respective accomplishments, he also directed all the chiefs of police to operate under the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit against illegal drugs.

The Capiz PNP has set March as the deadline to clear the province against illegal drugs

however the same was not realized after the police drug operation was earlier suspended.

Nacion reiterated his order to intensify the drive to eradicate dangerous drugs and to run after the protectors in the proliferation of said illegal transactions.

Based on record of the Capiz PNP, eight towns, namely Mambusao, Dao, Dumarao, Dumalag, Cuartero, Sapian, Tapaz and Jamindan have declared as drug cleared areas in the province. (JCM/ JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Aklan gets P33 M assistance from DA Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, 27 March (PIA6) -- Farmers from Aklan went home happy recently after an audience with Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Pinol which resulted to the distribution of a total of P33,255,100.00 in agricultural assistance/intervention during his visit to the province.

H

is visit to Aklan on March 15 was part of his 3-day regional sortie in Western Visayas.

Secretary Pinol met with the Aklanon farmers during the “Tapatan” Forum at Aklan State University (ASU) Banga Campus, held at the school‟s amphitheater, after initially holding the same activity in the province of Antique.

Farmers from Aklan‟s 9 agricultural municipalities through their respective LGUs, associations or clubs received various types of interventions, ranging from dryers, greenhouses, tractors, pump and engine, corn mills and nurseries.

Recipient municipalities included Altavas, which received 1 unit Recirculating Mobile Dryer; Batan, Recirculating dryer for the LGU and 1 unit

each Greenhouse and nursery for Batan Rural Improvement Club; Balete, 1 unit Recirculating Mobile Dryer; Banga, 1 unit Corn Mill for Torralba Farmer‟s Association, 1 unit Cassava Chipper for Bongga Farmer‟s Associaiton and 1 unit each Pump and Engine for Taba-ao and Muguing Farmer‟s Association.

The town of Kalibo received 1 unit of Mini 4 WD Tractor with Implements for Mobo Farmer‟s Association while Ibajay received 1 unit Corn Mill for Ibajay Corn Growers Assn, and 1 unit greenhouse for ASU-Ibajay Campus; Numancia, 1 unit Corn Mill for Aliputos Farmer‟s Association; 1 unit Pump and Engine for Bubog-Laguinbanwa East and West River Irrigators Association, and 1 unit Recirculating Mobile Dryer for LGU-Numancia.

For Makato, the Aglucay Organic Farmer‟s Association received 1 unit Pump and Engine while the Cajilo Organic Farmer‟s Association got 1 unit hand tractor and Libang Farmer‟s Association and the LGU both got 1 unit greenhouse.

Madalag, on the other hand, received 1 unit Recirculating Mobile Dryer for its LGU. Provincewide, farmers will also enjoy 1,000 bags of Rice Certified Seeds, 800 packets of various vegetable seeds, 60 units plastic drums, 2,000 pcs.

Cacao seedlings, 16,533 kgs. white corn seeds and 63,406 kgs. yellow corn seeds.

From Aklan, Sec. Pinol and party proceeded the following day to Capiz and Iloilo where he also met with farmers, distributed farm interventions and performed other official functions. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS

3

Upland Farmers attend GAD Empowerment Sessions Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE , Antique (PIA) - - Upland farmers in Barangay Igbucagay, Hamtic recently attended the Gender and Development Empowerment Sessions as they culminated their Farmer‘s Field School (FFS) on Corn Production.

“

Women farmers are as good and diligent as their men counterpart and more than 50 percent of the FFS participants are women, thus GAD empowerment sessions is really apt for them,” said Agricultural Technologist Rylan Mabaquiao of LGU Hamtic.

More than the empowerment they learned from the session, it is also an affirmation of their vital role in farming and food security in general, he said.

Upland farmers in Igbucagay are engaged in various farming endeavours such as peanuts, corn, rice, beans, vegetables coconuts, among other high

value crops. They are also into livestock and poultry raising and some are into agri-business (buy and sell of local agri-products).

PIA Manager Vicente W. Villavert underscored during the session that gender empowerment is a widespread advocacy calling for the recognition of capacities of women as partners in development and freeing them from discrimination and violence.

Violence against women and children should not happen in the family/community, Villavert said citing some ill-effects to children and women themselves.

Aside from the gender concepts and manifestation of gender bias, the Magna Carta of Women, and Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against women and their Children Act were also discussed with Priscille Joyce Liezel Galuego, Provincial women‟s Desk Coordinator as Resource Person. Igbucagay Upland Farmers Association is headed by a woman President Candelaria S. Siasol.

The activity is a partnership undertaking of PIA, LGU Hamtic and Provincial Inter-Agency Committee on Gender and Development in celebration of the Women‟s Month. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

First batch of TESDA BKKK scholars graduate Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, March 29 (PIA6) - - A total of 512 scholars from the province of Aklan successfully completed the skills trainings they availed of under the Barangay Kasanayan para sa Kabuhayan at Kapayapaan (BKKK) Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

T

he first-ever batch of BKKK scholars in the country was officially proclaimed graduates

by Secretary Guiling “Gene‟ Mamondiong who was represented by Atty. Diosdado Padilla, TESDA Deputy Director General for Communities and Local Government Unit Services during the Mass Graduation Ceremony on March 17 at the Montfort Technical Institute, New Washington, Aklan on March 17, according to Director Toni June Tamayo of TESDA 6.

In October last year, Secretary Mamondiong

launched BKK with the aim to bring TESDA‟s services closer to the people in the barangays to equip them with proper skills for employment and source of living.

The program is anchored on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte‟s agenda of inclusive growth, where every “Juan” must be taken care of in whatever aspect of government services to help them alleviate their living conditions.

There are three modalities for interested barangay folks to avail of the skills training under

the BKKK. These include Recommendation by the Barangay/LGUs based on a list submitted to TESDA offices in the provinces; On-Line Registration; and Walk-in applications at any TESDA offices.

Tamayo said the graduation of the first batch of BKKK trainees in Western Visayas is a milestone. It is not only a significant accomplishment for the different TESDA offices in the region and the entire agency but also for beneficiaries who have taken steps to improve their living conditions. (JCM/laf/ PIA6-Iloilo)

Iloilo City government honors outstanding Ilonggas Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, 27 March(PIA) — The city of Iloilo, through its Gender and Development Office, paid tribute to outstanding Ilonggas who have excelled in their respective fields.

D

ubbed as TOWIL, or The Outstanding Women of Iloilo, the project has been going on for the last eight years, as the city‟s way of recognizing the contributions of women in different endeavors.

In the awarding ceremonies held March 24, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said many developments in the city have been realized with tremendous participation of women.

Attesting to this, was Cynthia Lumampao of the National Economic and Development Authority, this year‟s awardee in the field of Government Service, who said that under Mayor Mabilog, the city has a functional Gender and Development Team.

“He exemplifies a leader who considers that the programs implemented will benefit women,” Lumampao said.

The city has established a Learning Center for the children of City Hall employees, to ease the burden of mothers.

Added to this are projects that promote family bonding, according to Lumampao.

The TOWIL Project was also institutionalized during the term of Mayor Mabilog, which is implemented in cooperation with the Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee on Women and Family Relations and the HALIGI Foundation.

Among this year‟s TOWIL Awardees is Ms. Lilibeth A. French, Information Officer II of PIA-Iloilo, in the field of Media, Journalism and Public Information.

French makes the PIA TOWIL Awardees now three, with PIA Regional Director Janet Mesa and PIA-Iloilo Infocen Manager Elsa Subong.

There other TOWIL 2017 Awardees are: - Carmencita Y. Robles, Academe - Mary Jane Alexis Joy, Business - Ma. Pia Paz Uygongco, Civic Organization and Philantropics - Anne Catherine Malazarte, Culture and Arts - Yolanda Jabano, Persons with Disability

- Cynthia Lumampao, Government Services - Judge Ma. Yolanda Gavino, Judicial Services - Ma. Carmela Espanola, Math, Science and Technology - Mona Liza Diones, Non-Government Organization - Atty. Sharon Millan, Professional Services - Pearl Joy Lasangue, Protective Services - Sr. Ma. Lourdes Versoza, DC, Religious Services - Marjorie Gregorious, Volunteerism/Community Services Meanwhile, in her message as guest speaker during the awarding, Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Rebecca Geamala, said outstanding women are of much help, especially to the most vulnerable women in society.

“Secretary Judy Taguiwalo will be pleased knowing about our efforts for women here, as she is constantly monitoring the situation of our vulnerable sectors,” Geamala said.

(JCM/ESS/ PIA-Iloilo)

4

CENTRAL VISAYAS

NegOr MSMEs identify top drivers for business growth Jennifer C. Tilos NEGROS ORIENTAL, March 24 (PIA) – Some 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) identified top drivers for business development.

A

ccording to DOST Information Officer Sean Adrian Guardiano in a recent workshop, the participants revealed the need for technology trainings, modern equipment acquisition, and good management systems are important propellers for business growth. DOST facilitated the workshop for MSMEs on visioning and strategic planning for the potential innovation advocates in Dumaguete City.

The activity aims to develop the MSMEs‟ vision, mission and key performance indicators (KPIs), and action plan for the participants which will eventually become the basis for linking with the programs and services of DOST and other government agencies, said Guardiano.

Resource person Engr. Renato Solis of Measure Up Enterprise Consulting said the workshop was

able to affirm the potential innovation advocates‟ need to improve their business in different levels, from product improvements, to process improvements, stakeholder management, leadership system and managing the innovation process.

Engr. Solis also discussed strategy development, identification and validation of core issues, and identification of strategies and programs for MSMEs. The participants also presented the outputs on evaluation of indicators, core issues to be addressed and key programs to meet the targets for 2017 onwards. OIC Provincial Director Dr. Roslyn Tambago of DOST also presented DOST‟s programs and services to the participants as well as the survey on organizational innovation.

Tambago pointed out that it is important that

acknowledging the need for the application of science, technology, and innovation as a key to business improvement should emanate from the entrepreneurs themselves to facilitate increase of absorptive capacity for relevant government programs. Solis is a Cebu-based management coach with more than 20 years of experience in management. He developed the unique strategic planning process which was adopted by San Miguel Corporation‟s business units.

This strategy approach has since been applied to MSMEs and corporate clients in his role as strategy management adviser and has benefited businesses, service and civic organizations, as well as government units and agencies. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Secular Franciscans, PIA reach out to Siquijor kids, women Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, March 24 (PIA) - The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here reached out to schoo lchildren and women in Siquijor province through an information drive, lecture and feeding in two identified schools for the month of March.

S

ince March is National Women‟s Month, the team hosted the Information Drive/Forum cum Feeding for Day Care and Elementary school teachers and students of the New Corregidor Elementary School in Barangay Calunasan, Larena, Siquijor on March 22, 2017 and Special Education (SPED) students, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their parents at Enrique Villanueva Elementary School on March 23.

The parents are also members of the Gihi Usang Ginikanan na May kapansanang Anak (GUGMA), a group of parents with physically and mentally challenged children in Siquijor under the leadership of Joselito Maghanoy of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here.

The activity highlighted the Women‟s Month Celebration with the theme “WE Make Change for Women.”

It is done in close coordination with a group of Secular Franciscans in the province known as SFO who also share the same advocacy and apostolate particularly on love and care of all creation.

It also serves as the offshoot of the recently concluded Comprehensive Course on Franciscan Mission Charism (CCFMC) in Kota Kinabalu which

the team of Secular Franciscans in Siquijor attended.

The CCFMC seeks to promote the Franciscan Mission Charism in view of effective Franciscan response to the exigencies of our fast changing world.It hoped to find ways on how to respond to the Signs of the Times in the light of new insights on the Franciscan Mission Charism while striving to heed the call of the Holy Father, Pope Francis “to teach what we learn and to give what we receive”to all people of good will..

It includes topics on ecology, climate change, family, children and women issues, gender and development (GAD), and other advocacies that the government and the religious sector shoould address.

Overview of the 2017 National Women‟s Month and its theme: WE Make Change Work for Women and a Visual Presentation on the Gifts and Threats of Nature/Care for Mother Earth were presented by PIA Siquijor.

Honoring St. Francis as the Father of Ecology, a presentation on St. Francis Love for All Creations/ Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation was shared

by Provincial Veterinarian Bernardita Tabada and Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on

Environment Belinda Inao of Enrique Villanueva municipality. Both are also professed SFO. Also sharing in the lecture was Edith T. Pal-ing, Retired School Principal and another member of the SFO who talked about “Spirituality: Men, Women, Children all Created Equal.”

Meanwhile, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) called on governments to integrate a gender perspective into the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of national environmental policies. The team hopes to conduct more activities for the province.

For its part, the Philippines has adopted the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development that serves as a framework for natural resources management and environmental protection.

The Strategy‟s key elements include conservation, proper pricing of natural resources, property rights reform, population management, rural development, and citizen‟s participation.

Climate Change Climate change is one of today‟s most ominous crises. Most of the recent natural disasters are attributed to the changes undergone by the planet as caused by global warming. (rmn/rac/PIA7/Siquijor)

Larena SB issues resolution for monthly Clean-Up Day SIQUIJOR, March 23 (PIA) - -The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of the municipality of Larena issued Resolution No. 71 that declares every last Friday of the month as Clean-Up Day.

T

he “Clean-Up Day” will be participated in by all sectors including the national and government agencies, private offices, all schools at all levels, barangays, business establishments, and all other similar institutions within the Larena town.

Th e r es ol u ti on s ta te s tha t ea ch institution, association, or organization is responsible to clean its premises or its assigned area during the scheduled activity.

The monthly activity is aimed at protecting and advancing the rights of the people to a balance and healthy ecology in accordance with the rhythm and

harmony of nature, stated the resolution.

Specifically the activity is geared towards fulfilling the objective of having a clean and healthy Larena. All sectors are advised to observe the full implementation of the Solid Waste Management Program which is known to be one of the vital mitigating measures to address climate change which is considerably the most serious and the most pervasive threat that the generation today is facing, it said.

The activity is in line with the The Solid Waste Management Program under RA 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

It states that the primary responsibility and enforcement of the solid waste management program rests with the local government units, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the private sectors including the business establishments.

The activity is also in line with RA 8749 or the “Philippine Clean Air Act” which mandates that the state shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable development while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor w reports from I.A.Abatayo)

CENTRAL VISAYAS

5

Agencies in Cebu converge to reduce HIV incidence Amor Y. Saludar CEBU, March 23 (PIA) -- The first Harm Reduction Orientation and Planning Workshop to reduce HIV incidence among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the province was held in Cebu City.

T

he activity held on March 21 to 22 was initiated by Cebuplus Association Inc. in collaboration with Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Governemnt (DILG), and other agencies.

During the activity, Abigail Aquino of DOH Epidemiology Bureau said that based on the HIV/AIDS ART Registry of the Philippines as of December 2016, there are 39, 622 people in the Philippines diagnosed with HIV. Of the total, 3,503 or 9 percent of the total cases are from Cebu.

Aquino added that the same data shows that 50 percent of the recorded HIV cases in Cebu province is due to sharing of infected needles and 23 percent is from to male to male sex.

She furter said that key populations who used drugs are at higher risk of having HIV.

Concerned agencies here created plans and measures to eliminate illegal drugs and HIV cases, as the problem on illegal drugs interrelates with the cases of HIV. The activity also served as platforms for concerned agencies to air their concerns and initiatives on forming solutions to the problem.

Daisy Lor, Social Welfare Officer III of DSWD -7, the lead agency in the After Care, Reintegration and Transformation Support for Recovering Drug Dependents program of the government, urged other agencies to also share part in encouraging drug dependents to take advantage of the program of the government that would bring their lives back to normal.

Police Senior Inspector Shirley May Montalban of the PNP – Regional Health Service Office said that collaboration remains present for every efforts and initiatives when it comes to the problems of illegal drugs that destroyed many lives already.

“The PNP needs to partner with other agencies in order to save the lives of these surrenderers,” Montalban noted.

She added that PNP through its Public Community Relations Division is also visiting public and private schools to discuss the harmful effects of illegal drugs and other illegal acts.

Montalban said they are also closely monitoring the gangs that penetrated schools as it has been noted that one of its initiations include sexual service. Sarah Lee Quiachon of DOH-7 said that they are now producing a project manual on how to conduct rehabilitation program for drug surrenderers.

Part of the workshop is the induction of the Regional Advocacy Grant for Harm Reduction and the formulation of agreements on the next steps to be done. Cebu plus is an an association recognized as a frontline service provider in the HIV and AIDS response in the region. (rmn/PIA7/ays)

DTI holds Capacity Building Seminar for exporters Juju Empuerto CEBU CITY, March 24 (PIA) --- The Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DTI-Cebu Provincial Office are inviting exporters to a one-day, free of charge ―Capacity Building Seminar for Furniture, Jewelry and GDH Christmas Decor sectors,‖ said DTI-Cebu Development Analyst Shirelyn Villamor.

A

ccording to Villamor, the seminar will be Topics to be discussed include the on March 29 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at following: RIPPLES PLUS Program, Export the Waterfront Hotel, Salinas Drive, Cebu Procedures and Documentation/ INCOTERMS, City.

Product Design and Development/Visual The seminar aims to give basic understanding Merchandising and Stand Management, Packaging and on trade participation to help further develop the Labelling, Costing and Pricing, Certification & potentials of these exporters to access the global Standards Compliance, Effective Trade Show markets, she added.

Presentation, Go Negosyo Business Opportunities,

Product Cliniquing Due to limited seats, exporters are advised to send their reservation through email dticebu.idipd@gmail.com or fax at telephone no. 412-1856.

For further inquiries, please contact DTI-Cebu at tel. nos. 253-2631/ 255-6971 loc. 109/. (rmn/jsme/ PIA7-Cebu/DTI-Cebu)

DOLE-7 holds write shop on project proposals for farmers, fisher folks Juju Empuerto CEBU CITY, March 24 (PIA) -- Around 50 farmers and fishermen in Alegria town recently benefited from a free livelihood project proposal writeshop from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7).

A

ccording to Regional Labor Communication Officer Luchel Senarlo-Taniza, the two-day activity was attended by 50 women-participants.

DOLE-Cebu Provincial Field Office (CPFO) Chief Maria Grace Diaz conducted the workshop and covered the following topics: basic financial and marketing plan; operational strategies; preparation of budget requirements for enterprise development, added Taniza.

“The conduct of project proposal write shops is necessary as part of the social preparation of would-be livelihood beneficiaries. In fact, during the pre-implementation phase of the DOLE‟s Kabuhayan program, the Department has to ensure that beneficiaries shall be provided with training on how to plan, setup, start and operate their livelihood undertakings, which can be provided by partner-agencies,” said DOLE-7 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga.

Under the revised guidelines of the implementation of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), if a

particular pre-implementation phase training cannot be provided by the DOLE‟s partner agencies or by the project‟s Accredited Co-Partner (ACP), it may be financed by the program funds so long as it is included in the project proposal or business plan.

The common complaint of would-be beneficiaries, Sarcauga said, is that it is not easy to write project proposals.

He said farmers and fisher folks who are the usual beneficiaries of the livelihood program of the DOLE definitely find it extremely challenging to come up with good project proposals, which will describe what they hope to accomplish, why chosen objectives are important, and how they will be able to achieve them.

“We thank the CPFO through the leadership of Diaz for conducting project proposal writeshops on a regular basis. Advocacies like these are very important and we hope that the constituents of Alegria, Cebu, who participated in the activity, would put their knowledge to good use by crafting commendable project proposals for their future livelihood undertakings,” Sarcauga said.

Diaz commended the active participation of women in most DOLE initiated-activities as demonstrated by the women-participants in the municipality of Alegria.

“There is a need to empower and include them in the DOLE‟s development and capacity-building efforts as they are one of the most disadvantaged and marginalized sectors in the community,“ Diaz said.

Diaz added that as proposals are vetted on their viability, DOLE religiously conducts write shops to guide project proponents to come up with informed decisions to make their chosen livelihood programs sustainable in the long run.

Livelihood projects identified across the regions have already been enrolled to be transformed to an enterprise level through the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF).

The implementation of SLF enhances the entrepreneurial capacity and productivity; improves competitiveness of products or services; and improves income level and quality of life of the beneficiaries. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DOLE-7)

6

EASTERN VISAYAS

More doctors needed as EVRMC expands Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 24(PIA) – The highest official of Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center is calling doctors in the region to apply at the govenment-run hospital as it lacks for medical doctors.

D

r. Avito H. Salinas, OIC-Chief of the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center is urging medical practitioners to work in the hospital as it implements the expansion and modernization of the hospital now located at the new site at Barangay Cabalawan, this city.

“Doctors who will be working at EVRMC will be sent for specialized training by the Department of Health in exchange for the services they render,” Salinas said.

The hospital‟s chief is projecting that by the end of the year, the project will expand the capacity of the presently overcrowded medical center from 500-bed to about 1,000-bed capacity once the construction of the main building and other buildings will be completed.

The main hospital building, funded by the Department of Health is expected to be completed

by September or October this year while the maternal and child maternity center with 100 bed capacity is now operational.

DOH regional director Minerva P. Molon said in a press conference that the government-run hospital is expected to provide special services to patients with special cases once the orthopedic, lungs, heart, cancer, kidney centers will be realized in the coming years.

The expansion and modernization of the facilities of Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center is a needed investment for Region 8, being one of the poor regions of the country.(ajc/ PIA8/ajc)

Transcom offers jobs for new graduates in Leyte PIA - 8 PAWING, PALO, Leyte, March 27(PIA) – Are you looking for a job?

A

vail a job opportunity offered by Transcom, a global customer experience specialist currently in Leyte to conduct a two-day recruitment activity today, March 27, until tomorrow March 28, 2017 at Taboan Center, Leyte ICT Park, Pawing, Palo Leyte.

Noel Gepaya, Transcom HR Sourcing Specialist said more than 200 job requirement is open for hiring to be assigned at Transcom Bacolod City.

The minimum requirements for those who want to apply must be at least 18 years old and above, college level, no work experience is needed

but a work experience is a plus and must be willing to be relocated to Bacolod City.

Successful hired applicants from Tacloban and nearby areas will be provided a free air transportation from Tacloban City to Bacolod City.

In addition, free meals and free accommodation for two weeks will be given by Transcom while the applicant is on the process of looking for a place to live in Bacolod.

Susan Calero of the Leyte Tourism and Investment Promotion Center said the job expo is very timely for new graduates to join the labor

force.

In such a way, it may ease the unemployment problem in Leyte. However, graduating students or even college level may apply.

Persons aged 50 years old and above who can work on a night shift and without any medical issues may also apply.

Transcom is one of the BPO‟s in the country which is passionate in providing customer and employee satisfaction.

The 2-day recruitment activity is also supported by the Department of Science and Technology.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Samar gov awards outstanding RHUs Ninfa B Quirante CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 27 (PIA) - Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan-Delos Santos awards outstanding health achievers and rural health units of the province for various health programs.

A

special award was also given to the Inter Local Health Zone (ILHZ) that proved dedication and commitment in the delivery of health services to the Samarnons.

In the category of Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) the Local Government Units of Daram and Zumaraga were recognized.

In the National Immunization Program (NIP), the award was given to Motiong RHU along with the Newborn Screening Program recognition.

The National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) award was given to Catbalogan RHU while the

Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination Program (SCEP) award was given to Sto. Nino, Sta. Margarita, Tarangnan and Pinabacdao for their continuous support to the program of the government.

LGU Basay got the National Voluntary Blood Service Program (NVBSSP) award for its continuous blood-letting activities.

The community based services recognition was also awarded to Barangay Cabunga-an of Tarangnan, Samar for Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) while the towns of Gandara and Basey got the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Program (WASH) award.

Finally, the newly organized PAHIMOSAN ILHZ which is composed of Paranas, Hinabangan, Motiong and San Jose de Buan got the Best Functional Inter Local Health Zone (IUHZ) award for their best health services sustained in the area.

Samar Governor Tan with DOH representative Dr. Antonio Tirazona, with Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chairman on Health, Atty.

Lee Zosa and health partners like Philhealth, Philippine Red Cross, Zuellig and other private partners distributed the awards at the Provincial Health Summit at the Lucas Warf, Catbalogan City. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

EASTERN VISAYAS

7

Concreting of WB-funded coastal road in Liloan underway PIA - 8 BRGY. PANDAN, LILOAN, Southern Leyte, Mar. 27 (PIA) - The long-cherished and much anticipated cementing of a road segment spanning 19 kilometers along the eastern side of this town is getting closer to reality.

L

ast Friday, March 24, a ground breaking ceremony held here heralded the start of this infrastructure project, officially called rehabilitation and improvement of barangays San Roque-Bahay farm-to-market road with three bridges.

It was the culmination of a rigorous preparation of voluminous documents for over a couple of years, said Cong. Roger Mercado in his message, adding that 80% of the P 230 million cost came from World Bank, 10% from the national government through the Department of Agriculture, and 10% from provincial coffers.

The idea of availing the WB funding under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) began when Cong. Mercado was still the Governor, and was pursued by the current governor, Gov. Damian Mercado.

Negotiations for right-of-way acquisition contributed much for the delay, but now that the project was about to actually start it earned the compliment as “the best performing PRDP project in region 8,” according to the new Officer-In-Charge DA Regional Executive Director U -Nichols Manalo, who is also PRDP project director.

Liloan Mayor Teofilo Chong expressed heartfelt gratitude in behalf of his constituents now that the FMR infra will finally see the light of day, while two representatives of non-government organizations based in the place, the Caligangan-Pandan Irrigators Association and Kalipi Life, shared the Mayor‟s sentiments and everybody‟s excitement.

Eleven barangays of Liloan and three others from San Ricardo - Saub, Bitoon, and San

Ramon - stand to directly benefit from the concreting project, widely seen as a boost to spur business, trade, and tourism in the area, with over 10,000 population, in addition to being accessible for other government-driven services.

Project contractor was Unimasters Conglomeration, Inc./Viguz Construction Corp., and the project has a duration of 624 days.

A turn-over of checks for livelihood projects to nine (9) fisherf olks and farmers‟ organizations was also a highlight of the ground breaking ceremony.

In his closing remarks, Gov. Damian Mercado emphasized that the project was undertaken since it was a felt need of the people living in the concerned communities, adding that he was determined to make it happen despite the bashing of skeptics. (ajc/ mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Naval farmers urged to produce more red rice, sticky rice Mary Lailani P. Tupaz NAVAL, Biliran, March 27 (PIA) - Franklyn Diongzon from the organic division of the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 8 (DA-RO8) urged farmers and farmers associations in Naval to plant more organic red rice and sticky rice to support the demands in Metro Manila.

D

uring the turn-over ceremony of the botanical concoction center and rainshelter held in Brgy. Lucsoon, Naval, Diongzon informed the officials and members of the farmers associations of the need to supply 150 bags of red rice and 500 bags of sticky rice every month for Manila at a much better price.

Farmers are assured of the market since both

parties have to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to sustain the trade, said Diongzon.

The farmers associations which are currently into production of vermicast and organic foliar fertilizers showed interest in said venture but has yet to agree among themselves if they can really supply the volume needed.

Brgy. Capiñahan Rural Improvement Club, Brgy. Lucsoon Farmers Association, Brgy.

Talustusan Farmers Association, and Brgy. Villacaneja Farmers Association are the most active and cooperative agri partners of the Naval Municipal Agriculture Office.

Naval contributes 2,654 hectares to Biliran province‟s 7,455 hectares of riceland. (ajc/FJ/mlt/ PIA8 Biliran)

BJMP-Maasin City holds read-a-book, feeding activities to undernourished children Ma. Rebecca G. Cadaavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar. 29 (PIA) – The Bureau of Jail Management and Paenology (BJMP)-Maasin City Jail conducted a read-a-book and feeding activities to selected pupils of Maasin Central School, this city, on March 27, 2017.

A

rlene T. Barraca, City Jail Warden, reported a total of thirty five undernourished pupils who benefited from the activity conducted by the 13 jail residents.

“The 13 jail residents were composed of 8 females and 5 males who joined the activity and were properly secured with approved court orders," she said.

The activity started with a story-telling and

after which, a cup of “pospas”, bread and juice were served as snacks for the beneficiaries.

A pack of assorted goodies were also distributed to all the pupil-beneficiaries, Barraca informed further.

While eating and enjoying their snacks, the children watched the jail residents who shared their talents as they performed a dance number.

The day activity was in relation to the

Women‟s Month celebration and was also participated by Maasin City Jail personnel such as Senior Jail Officer 2 Nelson Aberte, Assistant Jail Warden SJO3 Marlon Abar, and other 4 BJMP personnel, Barraca told.

Police Officer 3 Hazel Conato and PO1 Lunisa Guinte from the Philippine National Police-Maasin City Police Station were also present to assist the said activity. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)

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