Vol 6
In this Issue WESTERN VISAYAS
NEDA 6 Director and Regional Statistics Committee Chairperson Ro-Ann Bacal hands over the Best Agency trophy to the representatives of DOH 6 during the closing and awarding ceremonies of the 27th National Statistics Month celebration in Western Visayas, October 27, Iloilo City. Also in the picture are PhilHealth 6 Regional Vice President Lourdes Diocson, BSP Iloilo Branch Deputy Director Joanne Marie Castelo and PSA 6 Director Fred Sollesta.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…
CENTRAL VISAYAS
A Kapihan sa PIA was held October 26 at the Plenary Hall, RAFI Bldg., 35 Lopez Jaena, Cebu City with DTI - Cebu Province Business Division Chief Dr. Elias Tecson as guest. He talked on Consumer‘s Month celebration and updates on programs and projects currently implemented by DTI - Cebu Province. The forum was aired-live from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at DYMR-Radyo ng Bayan 576 khz and delayed telecast at Sky Cable-Cebu Channel 61 at 5:00 pm. #PartnerForChange (vvv/PIA Cebu)
October 24 - 30, 2016
Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8
Issue 43
ONE TACLOBAN adds new component to Yolanda commemoration Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 25 (PIA) – Yolanda Memorial 2016 will have an added component to the commemoration designed to sustain Yolanda spirit from All Souls Day all the way to November 8. This was the information in the press release sent to PIA in Eastern Visayas by the civic-initiated group ONE TACLOBAN. It might be remembered that ONE TACLOBAN in cooperation with local media outlets such as Cat8 Television, PRTV 12 DYVL AksyonRadyo, Radyo ng Bayan, Thunder FM, Magic FM, IFM, Leyte Samar Daily Express and the city government of Tacloban has held the annual Yolanda Candlelight Memorial since its inception in 2014. For the 2016 commemoration, the same group formally announces the holding of the Yolanda Candlelight Memorial – a 24 kilometer candlelight vigil held in honor of those who died in the onslaught of Super Typhoon Haiyan better known locally
as Yolanda. The event will also pay tribute to all who aided the region during its darkest hours. The new component will have a mini-memorial to rise at the Coca-Cola Rotunda featuring miniature crosses starting on October 29 up to November 9, this year. The 12-day event provides locals and visitors a closer alternative to offer prayers and pay respect to friends and relatives who perished during the storm. The occasion will also provide peripheral spaces for Yolanda livelihood projects to underscore recovery programs from different areas. The memorial will only open from 8:30 in the evening to 1:00 in the morning, daily, to ensure pedestrian safety and to avoid traffic congestion in the area during the day. (afj-PIA8/ ONE TACLOBAN)
PHL needs more investments in science and research By Lorenzo Lambatin Jr. NEGROS OCC, Oct. 28 (PIA6) -- Negros Island Region- DOST Regional Director Rowen Gelonga supports the move urging the government to invest more in science for the country to grow economically. During the Regional Consultative Workshop and Technology Generation for Local Development by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) here, he pointed out that the Philippines is allocating only less than one percent of its Gross National Product for Science and Technology and Research and Development. Compared to its Asian neighbors, the following countries spend for Science and Technology and Research and Development - Malaysia 1.3 of its GDP or USD 9.6 Billion, Singapore 2.2 percent or USD 9.9 Billion, South Korea 4.4 percent or USD 74 Billion. The country only spends USD 885 Million. ‗When you invest in R and D you reap a lot of benefits particularly socio-economic. You can see how fast these countries have grown in the last 50 years,‖ he said. Gelonga also said we need to have more scientists to create products and give technical solution needs of the country. At present we have 189 scientists per million population. Malaysia has 2,051 scientists per million population, Singapore has 6,658 while South Korea has 6,899.
We need to create a critical mass of Science and Technology people before we can push our country forward, he told PIA. He urged the LGUs and government institutions to encourage the youths to take courses in science, engineering and math. Gelonga revealed the DOST and state colleges and universities are giving attention to providing scholarships but its resources are just like the other countries. ―If we are to become a well-developed country, we need more scientists, engineers and biologists. Unless we have these kinds of people, we could never aspire to become as rich as our Asian neighbors,‖ he said. (JCM/Lljr-PIA6)
DOST Regional Director Rowen Gelonga: More investments in science and research needed. (PIA 6 file photo)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Three rescued fishermen (center) from Catanduanes whose boat capsized during Typhoon Karen shared stories of the incident and their survival mechanism in a press conference held October 26 by the RDRRMC and OCD led by director Edgar Posadas (left). These fishermen stayed afloat for 14 days until rescued by fisherfolks in Borongan, Eastern Samar. DSWD-8 representative (right) likewise shared the intervention and assistance made by their office. (gmtt)
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SEC-Cebu cuts process time for 'good standing' certificate By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- Companies that need to obtain ‗Certificate of Good Standing‘ from the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in Cebu will no longer have to wait for two weeks to get the document as the agency has significantly cut its processing time to one day. SEC-Cebu Extension Office Director Lindeza Gavino said unlike before, the release takes about two weeks because the signatory comes from their main headquarters in Manila. ―The Certificate of Good Standing required by companies will be released the same day of payment,‖ bared Gavino as the current process makes it easier for the agency to check through their database if the corporation is compliant to SEC requirements. Gavino, however, said companies that request for the ‗Certificate of Good Standing‘ at their satellite office in Robinsons Galleria Cebu may be released the next day as the document still has to be forwarded to their office where she is based for her signature. ―Yet still we do not even wait for the standard period applied by our office which is within three days,‖ said Gavino. But for documents that need to be reviewed by their accounting and legal departments, these might take
longer, said Gavino, adding that they are trying their best to make it easy for companies to continue doing business. The ‗Certificate of Good Standing‘ shows proof that companies have complied with the reportorial requirements of the SEC such as the General Information Sheet, Audited Financial Statements and the required securities deposits for branch offices of foreign corporations. Meanwhile, SEC is the only government agency that received a ―Very Good‖ ranking based on sincerity among 35 institutions in the February to May Social Weather Station (SWS) Enterprise Survey, Gavino said. Nine other government agencies received a ―Good‖ rating in the same survey including the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment and the Office of the President. Among the factors cited by Gavino for the ―Very Good‖ ranking are the efforts of the agency to upgrade its services and trying to give quick access to the public, developing tools for transparency and swift actions taken on deficiencies noted by clients. On November 11, SEC will celebrate its 80th anniversary as the agency was created in 1936 under the Commonwealth Act. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
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WESTERN VISAYAS
RDRRMC: WV Disaster preparedness much improved By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA6) — Compared to even just a few years ago, disaster preparedness, both in system and people’s attitude, have levelled up, according to working committees.
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he committees on Preparedness and Mitigation, Response, and on Rehabilitation and Recovery, under the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), said various factors have made disaster preparedness a much improved system in the region. Ryan Dumpit, Science Research Specialist of the Department of Science and Technology, representing the Committee on Preparedness and Mitigation, said projects like the NOAH Project, which can trace and monitor occurrence of typhoons and release alerts to target areas, existence of hazard maps and other devices that can educate people on geological and other hazards, contribute to a much effective preparedness system. ―Social media apps, the networks and linkages can now disseminate information by the fastest means,‖ Dumpit said. Ms. Rosario Sanagustin, Social Welfare Officer of DSWD-6, representing the Committee on Response, said the lessons brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda taught people to be vigilant, alert and prepared. ―The experience of a big calamity has made us aware of the need to be prepared at all times,‖
Sanagustin said. She added that even in the aspect of responding to calamities, the sense of preparedness has made them more efficient in the delivery not only of relief goods, but of psycho-social services by preparing their social workers to do their tasks. ―Our social workers are trained to handle stress and other difficulties they will meet in responding to the needs of the victims,‖ Sanagustin said. Meanwhile, Ma. Lourdes Miado, chief economic development specialist of NEDA, representing the Committee on Recovery and Rehabilitation said, preparedness in various levels of governance is evident. ―Now the local government units have disaster management plans which detail their preparations and actions, and they are much aware of the need to prepare for disasters,‖Miado said. She added that local officials undergo trainings and drills with their constituents, on top of allocating resources for all phases of disaster management. ―We can say that the system is in place for oru communities to be prepared for fisasters,‖ she further said. Dumpit, Sanagustin and Miado were guests during the television program dubbed ―Buylog sa Pagpangaman,
― a joint information and education campaign on disaster preparedness and management of the office of civil Defense, Central Philippine University and the Philippine Information Agency. Changing attitudes, perspectives On the other hand, the three also noted that the attitude of most people have also changed as far as disaster preparedness is concerned. ―They have become interested in learning and understanding warning systems, even hazard maps and the social media from where they can get the information,‖ Dumpit said. ―From our end, we observed many people have learned not to just to depend on government to respond to their needs after the calamity,‖ Sanagustin said. Miado said that they believe time will come when they don‘t have to do recovery and rehabilitation as people have become resilient, out of being capacitated to be prepared, hence, impacts of disasters are well mitigated. Buylog sa Pagpangaman is aired over CPU Channel at Sky Cable, hosted by Cherry Naranjo of OCD and Elsa Subong of PIA. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
DOT eyes growing Malaysian tourist market By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA6) --- With the increasing number of tourists coming from Malaysia every year, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 is keen on tapping more into the Malaysian market to increase tourist arrivals in Western Visayas.
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n a media release, DOT-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas said Malaysia is one of the region‘s fastest growing foreign tourist market since 2014. ―In 2013 there were only 5,970 Malaysian tourist arrivals in Western Visayas and this number grew to 20,296 in 2014, the year when DOT-6 and Western Visayas local government units and private stakeholders embarked on the First Tourism Business Mission in Singapore and Malaysia,‖ Catalbas said. She said that the number of Malaysian tourist
arrivals in Region 6 reached 36,419 in 2015. In 2015, DOT-6 hosted Santai Travel Magazine editor and photographer who featured Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City and Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on the cover and at least eight inside pages of the publication. Recently, a familiarization tour for Malaysian bloggers and media in Bacolod City was hosted by DOT-6 which enabled the group to visit the top tourist spots around Negros Occidental and cover the famous Masskara Festival.
The tour was part of the agreement between DOT -6 and the Philippine Department of Tourism-Malaysia Office. Catalbas emphasized that familiarization tours are ideal avenues to showcase the region‘s tourism destinations and products. ―With the help of media and travel bloggers, we can stir curiosity among Malaysian travelers and other nationalities as well to visit Western Visayas because the information given are about firsthand experiences,‖ she added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
4Ps seen as force multipliers By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, Oct. 27 (PIA6) -- Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who regularly receive monthly cash grants for health, nutrition and education can also be givers, according to a Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan member here.
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hillip Yerro Kimpo, Jr., a neophyte SB member of Aklan‘s capital town gave this view as one of the reactors in the Statistical Research Forum conducted recently at the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall in observance of the National Statistics Month. The Statistical Forum was sponsored by the Provincial Government through the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO). ―They receive much, what little they can give back will be big,‖ Kimpo said, when he gave his reaction after the presentation of the updates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) by the Provincial Operations Office provided by Christina Tercena and Beverly Solanoy. Kimpo said the 4Ps volunteers can be force multipliers. In the environmental protection aspect,
they could be deputized as ―Solid Waste Management Community Enforcers‖ as proposed by the Municipal Solid Waste Management Board (MSWMB) of Kalibo, and at the same time earn percentage of fines collected from violators. Besides caring for the environment, they can also help promote and benefit from Kalibo‘s tourism programs by producing items recycled from waste, or by helping the municipality employ a humane stray animal control system and be scouts for animal rescue. For tourism, they can be sources of human interest stories and help in the cleanliness and beautification of tourist destinations, and be the main players as well, like in the case of the planned revival of the Pina Village in Kalibo with 4Ps beneficiaries performing the pina weaving demo, according to Kimpo. In Aklan, the Pantawid Pamilya program has
currently 27,247 registered clean and active members while from 2008 to present, a total of P1,646,721,400.00 had been disbursed to grantees by the government. Currently, there are 2,152 beneficiaries availing of health grant package, 930 children of Pantawid families are in Day Care, and there are 52,742 6-18 year-old children in school being monitored. It is also assisting 305 college students currently enrolled under the Expanded Student Grant In Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation – a joint program of CHED, DSWD, DOLE and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) with the aim of addressing poverty by increasing the number of graduates in higher education among poor households. From this program, 53 Aklanons have graduated already, with three of them with honors. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS
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Iloilo SOPA highlights gains from foreign assistance By Leonard T. Pineda I ILOILO CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA6) --- The State of the Province Address (SOPA) by Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. highlighted the significance of foreign assistance in the implementation of massive projects in the province.
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n his speech delivered October 25, 2016 at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the Iloilo Provincial Capitol here, Defensor said undertaking these big-ticket projects may not have been possible without the generous contribution from other nations and foreign organizations. ―The idea is simple, really. Some nations, like people, are poor. Some are rich. We might be richly endowed in terms of human and natural resources, but poor in market economics. But we have rich friends who sincerely want to help us,‖ he said. The governor emphasized that these foreign aids do not appear as dole-out due to the counterpart put-up by the provincial government which come from the local taxes. ―With the local taxes you pay as our counterpart, we have entered into massive joint projects that we couldn‘t have undertaken by ourselves. Projects like those funded by the World Bank through the Philippine Rural Development Program or the PRDP,‖ he said. The PRDP projects include the 28-kilometer Passi City-Gemumua Agahon road which costs P264 million, the 10.2-kilometer Poblacion to Tacuyong Norte road in Leon that costs P114.8 million, and
the 7-kilometer Parara-Jamog road in Tigbauan, costing P77 million. Defensor said three similar projects will soon be implemented including the 4.5 kilometer San Antonio -Lambuyao-Abilay road in Oton which will cost P46 million, the 9.9-kilometer Tinocuan-Maribuyong road in Dueñas worth P100 million, and the 14.2-kilometer Bongol-Quipot road, with two bridge components in Janiuay worth P185 million. The governor also cited the long-standing partnership with the Republic of Korea through the Korean International Cooperation Agency or KOICA in the implementation of the Iloilo Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) Health System Strengthening Project. ―Last month, Korean Ambassador Kim Jae Shin turned over to the Province of Iloilo the newly-completed Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care facilities and newly-purchased equipment for the Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian, the Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan, and the Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital in Calinog,‖ he said. The Iloilo GIDA Health System Project is a grant from KOICA and the Republic of Korea in the amount of 7 million US dollars, or about P300 million, which
primarily aims to strengthen the maternal and child health service delivery system of the three recipient district hospitals and the Rural Health Units (RHUs) in nine municipalities served by these hospitals: Alimodian, Leon, San Miguel, Calinog, Bingawan, Balasan, Batad, Estancia and Carles. Defensor also conveyed gratitude to the Latter Day Saints Charities, the Humanitarian Arm of the Mormon Church, for providing wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes to 251 persons with disabilities as of September 2016. He also acknowledged the help of the Italian Government for providing the province with two sea ambulances to serve the emergency needs of those residing in the island barangays in Northern Iloilo. Likewise, the Italian government also provided P5.8-million worth of solar lamps to over 1,000 fishermen, and P21 million worth of farm equipment like hand tractors and rice threshers to farmers in Yolanda-stricken communities. The Irish non-government organization ―Concern Worldwide‖ also implemented P260 million worth of livelihood projects in Concepcion as rehabilitation assistance to those who suffered from the wrath of typhoon Yolanda in 2013. (JCM/LTP/ PIA-Iloilo).
IOs brief punong barangays on gov’t programs By Pilar S. Mabaquiao SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 25 (PIA6) - - The Antique Association of Information Officers and Philippine Information Agency conducted a briefing on various government programs and services with the Punong Barangays of the town of Culasi.
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IA Manager Vicente W. Villavert shared the accomplishment of different agencies of government for the First 100 days of Duterte administration. Aside anti-illegal drugs campaign, he also mentioned of the resumption of peace talks, signing of proclamation on the freedom of information, one-stop shop for overseas contract workers, anti- corruption campaign among others. Villavert expressed appreciation to the initiatives Information Officer Johnjohn Sumanting of Culasi with all-out support of Mayor Jose Jeffrey Lomugdang for gathering the Punong Barangays so they could get some orientation on the programs and services of government beneficial to their constituents. Benjie Requintina of the Department of Labor and
Employment discussed about the programs of DOLE on grant assistance for livelihood and emergency employment or Tulong para sa displaced workers. He encouraged the Punong Barangays to visit their office to inquire about the details of the program and on how they could avail them. Requintina also talked about guidelines in registering labor organizations and employees union. Engr. Lalaine Selerio of the National Irrigation Administration talked about the agency‘s support to farmers/irrigators association. The town of Culasi has a lot of communal irrigations systems supported by NIA. She emphasized that this year collection of irrigation fees is still in effect. She assured that the
government is working on support system to implement the pronouncement of President Duterte on no collection of irrigation fees in 2017. Orientation on harmful effects of tobacco smoke and extent of tobacco use was explained by Information Officer Irene Duldoco of the Provincial Health Office. She also turned over some info materials on Anti-Smoking and Provincial Ordinance on smoking regulation to the Liga ng Barangay in Culasi. Other agencies like the Philippine National Police, National Food Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Statistics Authority and DepEd also shared some updates from their respective offices. (JCM/PSM/ PIA6Antique)
NFA mobile procurement team now in towns By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 26 (PIA6) – The National Food Authority has deployed a mobile procurement team to cater to farmers farmers.
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he move is part of the NFA's intensified Monday, Wednesday and Friday, respectively. buying of palay products, said Information However, other areas who wish to be served by Officer Mary Christie Hari-on of the NFA said team can coordinate with the NFA office here, she Capiz. said. She said that since October 3, the agency has Hari-on revealed that as of October 21, 2016, already deployed its mobile procurement team that NFA Capiz was able to buy a total of 48,086 bags closely coordinates with the local government officials which is 100.21-percent higher than its 40,000 bags and municipal agriculture officers. The team is in the procurement target. towns of Maayon town, Pontevedra and Jamindan every The procured palay when converted into rice is
equivalent to 31,256 bags, she said. She said that NFA has also simplified its requirements for farmers in selling palay to said agency. The agency now accepts dry and wet palay up to 30% moisture content and provides additional incentives such as drying incentive fee, delivery fee and cooperative development incentive fee for cooperatives. (JCM/PJBG/PIA-Capiz)
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CENTRAL VISAYAS
Dumaguete City, 2 NegOr LGUs clinch seal of good governance By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 21 (PIA) – Dumaguete City and two local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental will receive this year’s Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior of Local Government (DILG).
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ity Local Government Operations Officer Farah Diba Gentuya said the city is recognized for its remarkable performance and commitment to the quest for honest and competent local government. DILG Secretary Ismael D. Sueno told Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo that the city did not only pass the three minimum parameters of the core components of the award namely but also met and aced all three essential areas: business friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order, and environmental management. The three minimum parameters are financial
administration, social protection and disaster preparedness. The two other awardees from the province include also Bayawan City and Zamboanguita which passed the three minimum parameters and met two of three essential areas. Gentuya said that with this award, Dumaguete City is entitled to access the Performance Challenge Fund of up to P5 million worth of projects and facilitation of loan approval through the issuance of Good Financial Housekeeping Certification. The awarding ceremony will be held on
October 27, 2016 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Councilor Lilani Ramon, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Gentuya will accompany Remollo during the conferment rites. The Seal of Good Local Governance, also known as ‗Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal,‘ is awarded by the DILG annually to deserving provinces, cities and municipalities that perform well in various fields such as peace and order, environmental management, business-friendliness, and competitiveness. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
OSS center for OFWs now open at SM City Cebu By Juju M. Empuerto CEBU CITY, Oct. 20 (PIA) --- The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Central Visayas can now transact, inquire, clarify, and process documents at the One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO).
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SSCO is located at the at the 2nd Floor of the Government Express Center, SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City. The center does not only cater to the needs of OFWs but helps minimize their expenses and saves time since they do not have to hop from one office to the next for their transactions and documentation processes. DOLE-7 Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga said the establishment of OSSCO is in response to the marching orders of President Rodrigo Durterte through Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III to streamline government services particularly for the OFWs. Sec. Bello gave instructions to all DOLE regional offices to set up their OSSCO not later than
December 16, said Sarcauga. During the launching early this month, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Deputy Administrator Amuerfina Reyes said that having the OSSCO fully operational is an "early Christmas gift" for the OFWs in Central Visayas. The region‘s OSSCO can serve as a benchmark for other regions who have yet to put up their one-stop service center. ―I urge all of you especially the personnel who will form part of the OSSCO operations to be sensitive and attentive to every OFW seeking for assistance. The rationale of this endeavor is to actually make things easier for OFWs,‖ she said. Sarcauga encouraged the OFWs to take
advantage of the OSSCO. ―Each agency involved has identified the services and programs they will deliver at OSSCO within 72-hour transaction period,‖ he said. Most of the services offered at OSSCO cater to the needs of workers who are seeking for employment opportunities outside the country. Heads and representatives of the 16 agencies attended OSSCO‘s launching with Father John Mission of the Stella Maris Seafarers‘ Center, Apostleship of the Sea blessed the Center. SM City Cebu management were represented by its officers Ma. Luz Generoso and Tata Mempin. OSSCO is open from Monday to Saturday at 10:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu)
Siquijor province creates ICT council By Rizalie Anding Calibo SIQUIJOR, Oct. 21 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Siquijor through an Executive Order signed by Governor Zaldy Villa has created the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Council composed of representatives from the government, business, academe and other ICT stakeholders.
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t seeks to empower public private partnership to enhance development on ICT industry, riase public awareness by creating an enabling environment and sustain the generation and utilization of resources for the ICT sector. The Siquijor ICT Council is chaired by the Governor with Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Pena as the Vice-Chairman for Public sector and Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SCCII) President Kenneth Patria for the Private sector. Members are from the national government sector, Vice Governor Mei Ling M. Quezon, Engr. Fletcher Gumahad of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Nimfa Virtucio of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Noli Torres of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Dr. Ronald Gutay of the Department of Education (DepED), and Rizalie Calibo of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Members from the academe are the principals of the Balite Institute of Technology (BIT), Leonarada Macalisang and Fedila P. Perewperew and Siquijor State College (SSC) President Dr. Ma. Imogen
Quilicot. From the business and private sectors are Engr. Judy U. Booc, President of the Siquijor Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (SMEDC), Tourism Tour Operators Melvin Rubio and Dolitz Marie Samson Endrina, Provicne of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (PROSIELCO) Manager Laureen B. Malolot, Siquijor TV Network Owner/Manager Raul Villaver, and Engr. Alifford Espinosa of the Internet Shop Operators. Other members from the provincial government are Ralph Lubguban of the Provincial Tourism Office , Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Gladys F. Estrellada, Provincial Administrator Mr. Pedro C. Samson, Provincial Engineer Andresito E. Cortes, Evelyn C. Tumarong from the Provincial Governor‘s Office, and Jemrin Pal-ing from the Provincial Treasurer‘s Office. The Provincial Steering Committee for ICT is also composed of Gov. Zaldy S. Villa as the chairman with Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Noel Monte, Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (SCCII) President,Engr. Kenneth M. Patria, Gladys F. Estrellada, Pedro Samson as the members, and Provincial Budget Officer Sherilyn L. Gumahad as the members. Likewise, the Technical Working Group is composed of Jojie R. Lagudas from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), King Russel A. Lumingkit and Engr. Mercy Lee Kitong from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Stephen Sumalpong from the SSC, Engr. Jason Manos from the Provincial Engineer‘s Office (PEO), Raul Villavel of Siquijor TV Network, and Alger Etom of the General Service Office. The ICT Council shall have the following functions: acts as policy making body on matters pertaining to and effecting the Information and Communication Technology Development in the Province of Siquijor, Region VII; approves action plan leading to ICT development in the province; devises strategies and interventions to address issues and concerns affecting the growth and development of the sector in the locality; and establishes linkages with the business sector and other stakeholders on issues regarding ICT. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
CENTRAL VISAYAS
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Cebu hosts workshop on improving typhoon forecasting By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- Over 100 delegates from 14 countries are in Cebu to participate in the four-day 11th Integrated Workshop of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization Typhoon Committee with the theme on ―Improving Typhoon Impact-Based Forecasting and Warning.‖
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he forum is where participants of three working groups on Meteorology, Hydrology and Disaster Risk Reduction together with the Advisory Working Group discuss the progress of their Annual Operating Plan, cross-cutting issues, strategic plan, budget allocation and governance of the committee. PAGASA Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano, in his opening address, said the activity is important and timely considering the severity of climate change and in a country that is visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year. ―This activity is very timely and significant,‖ said Malano as the challenge is geared towards impact-based information and to let the people understand on what will happen based on the
warning signals given by their radar stations, automatic rain gauges or other forecasting tools. Malano said the Philippines along with the United States, Korea and Japan are adopting the impact-based forecasting which includes the use of high-resolution maps for easier understanding by information users. ―People need to understand what will occur when there are heavy rains that result to flooding and how high the water level could become,‖ said Malano. The PAGASA administrator cited the 18 major river basins in the country where five have been placed with monitoring gadgets to determine how high the water could flow during heavy rains. The government intends to add two more flood monitoring systems, added Malano.
Malano said of the 18 major river basins, eight are in Mindanao, seven in Luzon and three in the Visayas. A river basin is classified as having at least an area of 2,400 square kilometers. In Cebu, there are only small river basins as automatic rain gauges (ARG) is enough to gather and record the flooding level in case of intense rains, said Malano. There are more than 10 ARG in the province. Malano further said the radar station in Mactan has the capability to monitor weather system that affects within 480 kilometer radius that includes some parts of Minadano and Bicol in Luzon. ―The desired outcome of the workshop is to be able to come up with policies on how to further develop impact-based warning system,‖ said Malano. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
Tagbilaran City gov’t set to launch e-TRACS next year By Elvira C. Bongosia TAGBILARAN CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- The City Government of Tagbilaran is set to launch the Enhanced Tax Revenue Assessment and Collection System (e-TRACS), a software used to computerize and manage tax and revenue.
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his was shared by Tagbilaran City information officer, Fiel Angeli Araoarao Gabin during the information sharing of the members of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol) during their General Assembly Meeting held at the New Farmer‘s Hall of NIA Bohol Irrigation Project Site in Pilar town yesterday. Gabin said that the e-TRACS is intended to hasten the transactions at the City Hall that is expected to be implemented in January, 2017 in time for the renewal of business and mayor‘s permits.
She said a four-day training of city government employees on the new system will be concluded today. The training was led by Linda Paredes, coordinator of the USAID-SURGE (United States Agency for International Development Aid-Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity) project. Gabin said that once the system will be in place, the current 14-step process which includes the personal submission of documents in obtaining business permits would be cut down to three steps only.
It should be recalled that Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap signed the Executive Order No. 19 on September 1 which created the Interim Information and Communication Technology Office (ICT) in the city. The ICT arm of the city, Tagbilaran Information and Communication Technology Office (TICTO), is mandated to lead the computerization of the various strategic operations of the City Government of Tagbilaran on revenue generation, fiscal management, supply and property management, development planning and personnel and records management. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
Tourism: Bohol's edge over aspiring new call center hubs By Rey Anthony H. Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- Bohol's tourism spots and beaches could be its edge in beckoning investors in information and communications technology (ICT) and the business process management (BPM).
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o less than the President of the Philippine Software Industries Association and another Boholano start-up provider have to pick on this edge of Bohol over other identified next wave cities (NWC). NWCs are those which have been ranked by industry stakeholders as the next potential expansion sites for call centers and the ICT BPM industries, based on four parameters: availability of talents and skills, pleasant business environment, cost of operations and the presence of critical infrastructure. But speaking at the recent Kapihan sa PIA, PSIA president Jonathan Lazurriaga bared that many of the prospective investors in the industry have seen the need for the provision of a balance work-life enjoyment for their workers. Over this, Bohol startup company owned by entrepreneur Roy Bayonas pointed out that the proximity of areas for recreation in Bohol from Tagbilaran is a huge edge over other areas. Earlier, Governor Edgar Chatto revealed a plan
to convert the soon to be abandoned Tagbilaran City Airport into an Industrial and Information technology Park, which would only be a couple of kilometers from the heart of the city and about 15 minutes from the beaches of Panglao. Even now, Bohol sees an influx of call center workers who would take a break from their Cebu jobs during long weekends, preferring to hang out in the island's beaches or wander elsewhere to find their kind of adventure. Moreover, Bayonas said he used to work in a company in Manila which largely uses Boholano information technology specialists. "IT graduates there are of the same quality with the graduates in Bohol," he said, supporting Bohol as a potential bright spot in BPM. On the other hand, Tagbilaran has been on top in the Visayas on putting up a pleasant business environment. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol, according to Regional Director Asteria Caberte, is putting up more Go Negosyo Centers:
a hub for business consultancy and facilitation, making the prospect of locating in Bohol easier for investors. Already with regional wage lower than the major cities in the region, Tagbilaran still keeps a low minimum daily rate, cheap power and water cost, affordable housing and cheap food, Bayonas added. As to infrastructure set up, telecommunications companies PLDT Smart and Globe have both finished putting up a network of fiber optic cables and connected them to Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, affording a faster and more reliable internet connection. Over all this, Bohol industry stakeholder members of the ICT Council agree with PSIA that the president's order to streamline business processes and for telecommunications companies to provide the necessary connection, that major changes could be coming. This, according to Bohol ICT Council member Ben Skelton, could be a bright future prospect for Bohol and its ICT industry. (rmn/ rac/PIA7-Bohol)
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EASTERN VISAYAS
DILG-8 launches MASA MASID Program Consuelo B. Alarcon TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office 8 led Tuesday the launching of the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga(MASA MASID) Program in the city.
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he program was conceptualized by DILG illegal drugs,corruption and criminality. Secretary Ismael Sueño as a volunteer It likewise urged public participation in the program to persuade people to rise up rehabilitation of drug dependents. against those involved in the proliferation of illegal According to Myles Joseph E. Colasito, DILG-8 drugs. regional information officer designate, the activity DILG regional director Marivel C. started with a parade around downtown area and Sacendoncillo said the MASA MASID Program will ended at Tacloban City Convention Center where a mobilize local government units (LGUs) and short program was held. other sectors for one common goal-the fight against After the launching activity, the MASA MASID
city technical working group (TWG) formed the barangays TWG to help accept potential volunteers who will report on illegal drugs, conduct information drive and assist community drug rehabilitation. The event ended with the signing of the Wall of Commitment by the participants coming from the government and private sector. (DILG8/ PIA8/ajc)
Maasin LCE attends ASEAN smoke-free leaders in Thailand summit Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- Maasin City Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco was one of the participants who attended the 4th ASEAN Smoke-Free Leaders’ Summit held in Krabi, Thailand.
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he activity that aims to strengthen and sustain their smoke-free campaigns to effectively protect people from the harms of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) also conducted the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) regional workshop, Sanggunian Panglungsod Member Zaldy Olita reported. Olita said that Samaco presented the activities conducted how Maasin City bacame tobacco-free such as the non-issuance of permits on cigarettes, monitoring of stores that were reportedly selling cigarettes and penalized the same, among the few, through a video presentation.
Afternoon exercises, like zumba and hataw were also introduced to have a healthy lifestyle. The vice mayor‘s presentation was the most well-applauded and entertaining from the audience composed of governors, mayors, among other tobacco-control leaders and champions all over ASEAN, Oita added. During the undertaking, vice mayor Samaco was elected as the President of Smoke-Free Cities ASEAN Network (SCAN) Philippines and the Pubic Information Officer of SCAN ASEAN Region. SCAN is a coalition of cities of the 10 countries
in the ASEAN that support each other to achieve its goal of a SMOKE-FREE ASEAN. The representatives of cities, municipalities and provinces in the Philippines have elected the officers of the SCAN Philippine Chapter. Among other elected officers for SCAN Philippines are Mayor Francis Garcia of Bataan city, Bataan – Executive Vice President; Vice President for National Capital Region – Marikina City; Luzon – Municipality of Carmona, Cavite; Visayas – Roxas City; Mindanao – Dipolog City; and Iloilo Province is the Secretary General. (ajc/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)
UBOD 3 launched in Samar, Leyte Teresita B. Cardenas TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 22 - The Katig Writers Network Inc. successfully launched the UBOD III Book Series at the Samar State University (SSU), Catbalogan City, Samar and at the UP Tacloban College, Tacloban City, Leyte, on September 19, 2016 and October 14, 2016, respectively.
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atig, a Waray term which means outrigger of a boat, is a SEC-registered writers‘ organization in Eastern Visayas that helps young aspiring writers hone their craft in siday (poetry), susumaton (fiction), and salida sa entablado (play) through the annual Lamiraw Creative Writing Workshop. Four writers from Samar and Leyte made it to the anthology, namely, 1) Jhonil Bajado of Maydolong, Eastern Samar, 2) Hermie Sanchez of Catbalogan City, 3) Jennibeth Loro of Merida, Leyte, and 4) Ma. Evangeline Lumen-Pundavela of La Paz, Leyte. The first three writers are alumni of Lamiraw Workshop while Pundavela was a prospective fellow who did not make it to the 2015 Lamiraw Workshop due to her ailing medical condition. She passed away in May 2016. The Samar book launch was opened with a hadang, an ancient Visayan ritual for a bountiful harvest and was graced by no less than Dr. Nora Lopez, assistant dean of the College of Education (COED) of Samar State University (SSU). Katig writers were likewise present to give their moral support. The UMPIL Awardee,
Mr. Nemesio S. Baldesco, Sr., recited his luwa (oral poetry) to honor the new Ubod authors. Highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of UBOD III books to the university librarian, Mrs. Virginia Orale, of Samar State University – Main Campus. Series of poetry readings taken from the authors‘ works capped the said event. Meanwhile, the Leyte leg book launch was scheduled in consonance with the Katig book launch for the Susumaton: Oral Narratives of Leyte. Professor Emeritus Merlie M. Alunan, editor of the Sususmaton, shared kind words about the Ubod 3 Series, especially the struggle of Waray writers in publishing their works. During the reading of the rationale of the book launch, Dr. Victor N. Sugbo, Ubod editor for the Visayas, was commended for sharing his expertise and pro bono work. The guest of honor of the double book launch was graced by the governor of Leyte, Hon. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, who stayed even after the launching with the writers at the UP Tacloban Multi-Purpose Building (MPB,) hearing their concerns on the challenges of regional publishing and forging
new book projects in the future. Having launched two books this year was a big achievement of Katig Writers Network Inc. for providing additional reading and instructional materials for the kids in Eastern Visayas who are taking up the Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education (MTB MLE). Present during the said occasion were: Dr. Virgilio Sabalo, OIC-dean of UP Tacloban, Prof. Joycie Dorado-Alegre, director of Leyte-Samar Heritage Center, Dr. Rolando Borinaga of UP Palo, Prof. Irma Tan, chair of the Division of Humanities, UP Tacloban Officials, faculty and students, family and friends of Prof. Merlie M. Alunan, and Katig writers across Samar and Leyte. During the said event, the LNU Sirang Theater Ensemble featured Ismayling, an ancient literary form of poetic joust between a man and a woman, while the UP Tacloban Balangaw presented danced songs in the local language. The said literary gathering was spearheaded by UP Tacloban College and co-sponsored by the Province of Leyte, Katig Writers Network Inc., Leyte -Samar Heritage Center, and the Ateneo Press. (ldl/ Phil Harold Mercurio-NwSSU/PIA-8)
EASTERN VISAYAS
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2 ESamar towns get Community Evacuation Centers Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct. 25 (PIA) - - The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) — in cooperation with the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the municipalities of Mercedes and Salcedo, both in Eastern Samar — turned-over a Community Evacuation Center (CEC) to each of the towns last October 20, 2016.
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uring the turnover ceremony, a symbolic key was turned over by no less than European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Franz Jessen and UNDP Country Director Titon Mitra to Mayor Enrique Cabus of Mercedes and Mayor Melchor Mergal of Salcedo. In his acceptance message, Mayor Cabus expressed his appreciation for the completion of the Community Evacuation Center saying "this is the first UNDP-EU intervention with multipurpose functionality." Among his plans for the said project is to utilize it as a training center, alternative livelihoods when there is no disaster, and also as an income-generating facility to help in the maintenance of the building. For his part, Mayor Mergal also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of UNDP to the municipality of Salcedo. For this project, he allotted P1 million for the
maintenance of the said project. After the turnover and acceptance message, an inspirational message was given by His Excellency, Ambassador Jessen. In his message, he told the local communities how pleased he was that ―we did not just build CECs or resettlement homes but we have built strong, united, and empowered communities.‖ ―The European Union believes that empowerment is the key to sustainability and therefore, we are assisting communities to become self-reliant and resilient who will rise up to any calamity that might happen again,‖ Ambassador Jessen said. UNDP Country Director Titon Mitra in his message, said, ―hazards like typhoons are forces of nature — we cannot stop its happenings, but we can act to prevent the deaths, hardships, and economic damages these hazards can cause." ―We hope that with this disaster-resilient
infrastructure and more stable support for people‘s livelihood, we can lessen the impacts of disasters to the communities,‖ Mitra added. The two-storey Evacuation center is intended as a temporary shelter during extreme weather conditions and emergencies and a staging area for further temporary relocation and resettlement. The said project can adequately accommodate approximately 50 families or 250 persons. It can withstand strong typhoons with wind velocities of up to 300 kilometers per hour (kph) and Intensity 9 earthquake. The total project cost per Community Evacuation Center is ₱ 12.1 M; the cost of solar panels is P936, 242 .00 per panel; and the cost of generator set is P48,000.00 per unit. In Eastern Samar, there are six CECs constructed where two were recently turned-over. According to UNDP Project Manager, there are still three CECs to be turned over on November this year. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
PSA-led tree planting activity aims to restore Tolosa’s beach forest PIA 8 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 25 (PIA8) – Some 800 ―bitaog‖ and ―talisay‖ trees were planted recently in an inter-agency tree planting activity spearheaded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-8) to restore the beach forest area in Brgy. Tanghas, Tolosa, Leyte which was heavily damaged by typhoon Yolanda almost three years ago.
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round 155 individuals from 28 agencies and local government units joined the annual activity as part of the celebration of the 27th National Statistics Month this October. Director Bonifacio Uy of the National Economic and Development Authority 8, who is also the Regional Statistics Committee chairperson, said
that the activity is in support of the government‘s National Greening Program (NGP) which aims to promote social relevance, environmental awareness and sustainability among the agencies. NGP, the country‘s largest reforestation program, aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of land from 2011 to 2016.
The activity was sponsored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office 8 and the Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office, Palo, Leyte. This year, the region joins the celebration of the 27th NSM with the theme, ―Sustainable Development: Making Statistics Count‖. (ldl/PSA-8/PIA-8)
P81M now in the bag, for EV farmers PIA 8 TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Oct. 23 (PIA) – True to the promise in alleviating the lives of the poor farmers in Region 8, the Duterte administration through the Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing forward to implement million-worth of projects and subprojects.
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report of DA-08 revealed of some P81-million worth of 44 subprojects that are already approved for funding, while three others are already in the pipeline under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The report said, that Engr. Albert Barrogo, Deputy Project Director for Visayas disclosed that of the 105 enterprise (I-REAP) subprojects in the entire Visayas that are lined up under the PRDP, 47 subprojects are from Region 8. There is a total of 105 projects which require a total sum of Php223.70 million, but 47 of these belong to Region 8. According to Rodel Macapanas, DA RFO08 InfoAce Unit Head, this information is both good and bad; good because the bulk of the projects and funding allocations rests on the region, bad because, this is how big the picture of the need of Eastern Visayas farmers.
During the Project Support Office for Visayas Cluster Coordination Meeting in Manapla, Negros Occidental on October 17-18, 2016, Engr. Barrogo mentioned that there could be more assistance before the year ends. Most of the subprojects proposed are microenterprises, focused on production and trading of certain commodities such as ―ube, vegetables, native chicken, duck, and swine, meliponiculture (stingless bee culture)‖. The three (3) pipelined (Regular IREAP) subprojects involve cocogeonets, banana (cardaba), and coconut production and enhanced production thru intercropping of corn and soybeans. Ms. Anita R. Taran, Provincial Agriculturist of Samar said, ―We are thankful about the PRDP. This is an opportunity that we want to take advantage of. With our resources in the province, we cannot fully support the need of our
farmers. Many of them are still trying to get over with the adverse effects of several calamities that hit us in recent years,‖ she said. Mayor Imelda U. Tan of Sogod, Southern Leyte also said, that although they were generally spared from typhoons, they are trying to exhaust all possible means to help their farmers who were displaced brought by the abaca disease (bunchy top and mosaic) infestation. Highlights during the recently held cluster meeting include presentation of project updates, discussion of issues and concerns impinging each project component, and preparation for the 3rd World Bank Implementation Support Mission. This was attended by at least 60 participants from Regions 6, 7 and 8 comprised of cluster/regional project and deputy project directors, and component and unit heads. (DA08/PIA08)
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. Minerva BC Newman 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. BaĂąares 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