One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 21

Vol 3 Issue 21 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 May 20 - 26, 2013

WESTERN VISAYAS  

GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, May 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas has identified 19 public schools here for K to 12 modeling.

DepEd Region 8 Director Luisa Bautista-Yu said this is in line with the full implementation of the K to 12 Program among government schools three years from now.

Yu said the identified schools have already conducted mapping activities as to how many students will enroll.

Those who would enroll are those who graduated this school year and who will take the Grades 11 and 12 or Senior High School in June.

Yu added that “the Senior High School (Grades 11 and 12) of the K to 12 Basic Education Program will open the door to opportunities to our children to become employable.” The parents need not worry about additional expenses because these grades are still part of free basic education.

When the students finish senior high school, they become equipped with skills and competencies that will make them ready for the world of work, Yu said.

The specialized courses on tourism, information and communications technology, automotive and metals and engineering which will be offered by the pilot schools are very viable because the skills the students will acquire will

fit the needs of the establishments in Eastern Visayas where the needs for these services are increasing.

The schools which will start the modeling this school year 2013-2014 include the Rafael Lentejas Memorial School of Fisheries in Calbayog City; the Samar National High School in Catbalogan City and the Clarencio Calagos Memorial School of Fisheries in Santa Margarita, in the province of Samar.

For Eastern Samar, the schools include the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School; Lawaan School of Craftsmanship and Home Industries; Samar National Pilot Opportunity School for Agriculture; Dolores National High School and Matarinao School of Fisheries.

For Northern Samar, the schools identified for the program are the Sumuroy Agro Industrial School; Bobon School for Philippine Craftsmanship, Mondragon Agro-Industrial School; Allen National High School and Catarman National High School.

In the province of Biliran, the identified schools include the Naval School of Fisheries; Maripipi National Vocational School; Manlabang National High School and Cabugcayan National School for Arts and Trades.

Last school year, K to 12 Grades 11 and 12 modeling was conducted at the Palo National High School and at Merida Vocational School, both in the province of Leyte. (EPT/PIA-8)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

By Venus G. Villanueva KALIBO, Aklan, May 23 (PIA) –Boracay must not just

depend on visitors coming from a single market or country, a tourism official said.

Tim Ticar, officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the world-famous island, said this in the wake of booking cancellations being experienced now by resorts in the island as well as the cancelled flights of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) – Taipei, Taiwan route and vice versa due to a diplomatic problem between the Philippines and Taiwan.

In an interview over a radio station here, Ticar said it is essential for Boracay stakeholders to market the island to various countries so as not to suffer a big impact once tourists from a certain area like Taiwan stop visiting the island.

Ticar revealed that presently, some 200 rooms in the island in various resorts booked by Taiwanese tourists had been cancelled already, impact of which will be felt not only by Aklan but by the whole country as well.

One of the actions that Ticar revealed which could help alleviate this present situation is a selling mission to be embarked by Boracay stakeholders to Japan soon.

Despite the cancelled bookings, Ticar expressed optimism that the void created by the non-visit of Taiwanese tourists for the meantine in Boracay could be

filled by domestic tourists as well as by other nationalities like the Chinese and the Koreans who continue to arrive in the island this month of May.

He related that during the instance when it was the Chinese who stopped coming to the island temporarily due to a travel advisory, the Taiwanese and the Korean tourists were the ones who took the vacant rooms.

Last year, more Asians arrived in the island than the Americans, Australians, Russians and Europeans, Top arrivals from Asia last year came from South Korea, Taiwan, mainland China, Hongkong, and Japan.

Total foreign and domestic arrivals last year which reached 1.2 million generated some P23 billion in tourism receipts. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

By Ferliza C. Contratista CEBU CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- Mactan Cebu

International Airport has adopted a “No Removal Of Shoes Policy” for passengers except in four instances. The policy is effective immediately.

MCIA Authority General Manager Engr. Nigel Paul recently posted on his Facebook account an announcement on the adoption of the Policy on Non-Removal of Shoes based on a Memorandum Circular followed by the Office of Transportations Security (OTS) issued March 4 and made effective May 15, 2013.

Villarete said, however, that there are four conditions wherein a passenger will be asked to remove his or her shoes. These include the following: when the Walk Thru Metal Detector (WTMD) alarm is triggered; when passengers are randomly selected; when the threat is elevated; and when the WTMD is defective, not operating or not available. Random selection is cited under Security Condition One (SECCO1) of the Memorandum which

states that the manual search is to be applied randomly to at least one of every 20 airport passengers passing thru the Security Screening Checkpoint (SSC).

Villarete said passengers should not feel offended if they are randomly selected for a manual search since it is a standard procedure.

Mactan Cebu International Airport is seen as the “Southern Hub of Air Transportation in the Philippines”.

It has an average of 4,000 domestic flights and 900 international flights per month.

Last year, it catered to 1.8 million domestic passengers and 591,000 international passengers.

It is to undergo a P17.5-billion development project to turn the facility into an internationally competent airport.

The project involves construction of a passenger terminal building with a capacity of eight million passengers a year. (rmn/FCC/PIA-CEBU)

'No removal of shoes policy' now at Mactan-Cebu Airport

Sell Boracay to more countries - DOT

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…

More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…

DepEd names 19 EVisayas schools for K to 12 modeling

EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

Parents, teachers, pupils and volunteers participate in cleaning the surroundings of the San Fernando Central School in Tacloban City at the Brigada Eskwela on May 20. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Various farmers and fisherfolks' groups in Miag-ao town here take part in the parade as part of the kick-off ceremony of the celebration of the 1st Farmers and Fisherfolks Week of the municipality slated from May 22-24, 2013. (LTP/OMA/PIA-Iloilo)

Cebu Province Trainor on K to 12 Glenn Tahanlangit (standing) speaks at the training/workshop of teachers from Central Visayas regarding the K to 12 program of the government under the Department of Education at the DepEd Regional-7 office in Ecotech, Lahug, Cebu City on May 22, 2013. (VVV/PIA Cebu)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- Think. Eat. Save.

Environment Month celeb underscores food waste management

Isla Naburot, Sinapsapan, Jordan, GuimarasIsla Naburot, Sinapsapan, Jordan, GuimarasIsla Naburot, Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras

By Lilibeth A. French

BIR says no ATP, no new receipts, invoices

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, May 24 (PIA) -- An official of the Bureau of Internal Revenue has reiterated the agency's call to business taxpayers to secure their application to print (ATP) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue here for the printing of new principal and supplementary receipts or invoices.

H e said that per Revenue Regulations No. 18-2012, all unused or unissued principal

and supplementary receipts or invoices prior to the effectivity of said regulation shall be valid only until June 30,2013.

Lebrilla explained that all business taxpayers are required to apply for an ATP for the printing of new sets of invoices or receipts on or before April 30,2013.

He added that all applications for ATP filed beyond April 30 will already be imposed a penalty of P1,000 pursuant to Section 275 of the Internal Revenue Code as amended.

According to him, all business taxpayers are already required to issue the new sets of invoices or receipts starting July 1 this year, otherwise appropriate penalties shall be imposed by the BIR against said violators.

Lebrilla likewise disclosed that taxpayers are also required to print their invoices or receipts in the BIR authorized printers.

Based on BIR record, the agency has already 15 authorized printers of principal and supplementary receipts or invoices as of May 15, 2013. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

By Jemin B. Guillermo

T his is the theme of Environment Month celebration this June. Department of Environment and

Natural Resources VI Director Adeluisa Siapno said this year’s theme calls for everyone to be aware of how to manage their food waste.

“After all, food consumption creates a ripple effect to water conservation efforts and greenhouse emissions, among others,” said Siapno for the launching activities of the month-long celebration which will be held in this city on June 3.

Launching activities include a Mass at the San Jose Church at Plaza Libertad at 7 AM with the simultaneous ringing of bells of churches within the city, a motorcade going to Arevalo and Villa and a beach clean-up.

Two important environment-related events are also observed in June. These are

the World Environment Day on June 5 and Arbor Day on June 25.

To further drumbeat the month-long celebration and the other important events, DENR 6 has formed other activities such as the Environmental Education Forum with Iloilo City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation on June 4 and Photo Exhibits showcasing the different programs and projects in Western Visayas from June 10 to 28.

There will be a simultaneous launching of “Araw Ni Bossing”, a localized version of People’s Day in the six provinces of the region on June 11 and lectures on Geohazard, Environmental Impact Statement System and B+WISER Program on June 18.

A Regional Land Investigators Summit is set also here on June 20-21.

The World Environment Day in the region will be marked by a Mangrove and

Forest Tree Planting with SK Federation and the Arbor Day with the Regional Launching of the Barangay Forest Program in Tubungan Town and Tree Planting activities in some provinces.

On June 10, the department will also celebrate its 26th anniversary and in Western Visayas, this will be highlighted by the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to Environmental Partners, employees and offices of DENR 6.

DENR 6 also encourages other agencies to hang the Environment Month streamers to further enhance the awareness of the public on environmental protection and management.

Presidential Proclamation No. 237 signed by then President Corazon Aquino declares the month of June of each year as Environment Month in the country. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

UNICEF-EU project benefits WVisayas children, pregnant women

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 23 (PIA6) -- The region’s young children and pregnant women including those of Region 5 and 9 were identified beneficiaries of the UNICEF-European funded Maternal and Young Child Nutrition Security Initiative in Asia or MYCNSIA project.

M YCNSIA project which is set to achieve its goals of reducing stunting levels in children

under -2 years old, reducing anemia rates among 6-23 months old children and reducing anemia rates among pregnant women by 2014.

National Food Authority-Negros Occidental Assistant Provincial Manager Jobe Chua told PIA that being the Iron-fortified rice producer, NFA is one of the partner agencies of the project together with the Provincial Nutrition Council and the Provincial Health Office.

Chua said that a team composed of representatives from the partner agencies, a UNICEF representative and Dr. Anthony Redaniel, MYCNSIA regional coordinator inspect the iron-fortified rice of the NFA retail stores in Bago City which will be used for the feeding program of the project.

There are 27 cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental including Bacolod City covered by the project which position nutrition security in the policy agenda of the country and strengthen capacities and information systems.

It also would like to build on lessons learned and scale-up high impact nutrition interventions for women and children.

In region 6, there are 30 municipalities covered in Iloilo plus Iloilo City; 6 municipalities in Aklan; 2 municipalities and 1 city in Capiz; 11 municipalities in Antique; and 1 municipality in Guimaras.

MYCNSIA is also expected to converge with the Conditional Cash Transfer Program of the national government.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Oc-cidental)

By Easter Anne Doza

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

Isla Higantes, Carles, IloiloIsla Higantes, Carles, IloiloIsla Higantes, Carles, Iloilo

PhilHealth-6 best performing with ‘zero backlog’

ILOILO CITY, May 22 (PIA6) -- The PhilHealth Office in Western Visayas was adjudged best performing region for its zero backlog in terms of claims processing.

R ecords showed that despite the marked increase in claims received from a daily average of

1,200 in 2011 to 1,700 in 2012, claims in the regional office were processed at an average of five to seven days.

PhilHealth-6 Manager Dr. Dennis Mas said they aim to sustain the less than one week processing of benefit claims filed by the hospitals and the members.

PhilHealth-6 records showed that turn-around time of some 15,000 case rate and 9,000 fee-for-service claims in October 2012 dramatically shortened from receipts of claims until check

preparat ion wi thout add i t iona l manpower. A PhilHealth-6 press release said that from the period January to December 2012, there was a significant decrea se i n the number o f return-to-hospital claims from 7,078 to only 2,665, while incidence for denied claims was also reduced by more than half, from 2,834 to 1,355. Dr. Mas said these accomplishments are attributed to the retooling of some 200 hospital billing clerks, series of trainings and regular dialogues with hospitals in the region.

The Private Hospital Association-WV, through its President, Dr. Elmer

Pedregosa, also concurrent President of the Philippine College of Hospitals Association, cited the efforts of PhilHealth-6 which “resulted in faster processing of benefit claims and reduced the number of return-to-hospital claims, contributing to a successful relationship among hospitals in Western Visayas, as partners in the healthcare system”.

PhilHealth-6 received its award, which included a P100,000 cash prize, in a ceremony during the celebration of the corporation’s 18th year. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

SAN JOSE, Antique, May 23 (PIA) - A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on Monday by representatives of the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force 6 composed of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) at the DENR 6 office in order to boost the campaign against illegal logging activities in Western Visayas.

T he MOA stated the duties and obligations of the PTF mem-bers, the parameters and pro-

cedures to be adopted to ensure the im-plementation of Executive Order No. 23 "Declaring a Moratorium on the Cut-ting and Harvesting of Timber in the Natu-ral and Residual Forests and Creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force" issued by His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 1, 2011, information and education campaign (IEC) and advocacy support against illegal logging, kaingin and other destructive activities in the natural and residual forests.

According to the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office, Army field commanders

from 301st and 303rd Brigades joined the said launching and signing of the MOA as members of the Provincial Task Force (PTF) and as counterparts of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers (PENROs) of the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental in anti-illegal logging campaign and enforcement of environmental laws.

LTC. Aldwine I. Almase, Commanding officer of the 82nd Infantry Battalion based in Miag-ao, Iloilo in a message said, "we fully support the government's programs and policies in protecting the environment and natural resources.

The signing of MOA manifests our common desire in securing our country

and people putting premium on preserving and protecting our forests and resources that will promote ecological balance." On the other hand, Col Eric C. Uchida, 301st Brigade Deputy Commander, also said "environmental protection is everyone's concern, hence, the success of our drive against illegal loggers hinges on the involvement of all stakeholders."

The MOA signing was capped with a message from MGen Jose Z. Mabanta, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division.

The launching was spearheaded by Regional Executive Director of DENR-6 Adeluisa G. Siapno, Ph. D. as chairperson of RAILTF-6. (DPAO/MLG/JCM/PIA6-Antique)

By Margie L. Gadian

By Elsa S. Subong

Anti-illegal logging campaign gets boost with MOA signing

ILOILO CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- The irrigators’ associations in Western Visayas can look forward to more grants and incentives from the Department of Agriculture (DA-6) this year.

D A-6 Regional Director Larry Nacionales said the grants and incentives can further motivate

irrigators to improve their rice production this 2013, being the National Year of Rice.

Nacionales said that DA-6 will be giving one hand tractor as grant if the irrigators’ association could plant 100 hectares of rice field this May to June planting season. One farm thresher will

also be given to the irrigators who could plant 500 hectares of farm.

The DA official said Western Visayas is expected to contribute 2.6 million metric tons in rice production to the country’s target of 20 million metric tons rice production.

On one hand, Nacionales said that farmers cultivating rain-fed areas in the region can expect crop insurance support

to help realize the rice production target for Western Visayas.

He said that due to possible effects of climate change, they are targeting 45,000 hectares of rain-fed areas in Region 6 for crop insurance this year.

Nacionales expressed optimism that through the incentives and support the DA will provide to farmers, Western Visayas can achieve its production target this 2013. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Irrigators' associations get incentives to improve rice production By Leonard T. Pineda I

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 urged the winners of the May 2013 mid-term polls to start gathering and cleaning up campaign materials like posters and tarpaulins along the streets and even inside the school premises.

“ We call on our winners on the recently concluded elections to think of the environment by collecting the

wastes that were generated last May 13 including that of their opponents,” DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said. Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provides the legal framework for the country ’ s systemat ic ,

comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that ensures protection of public health and the environment.

Meanwhile, Montejo said the same law calls for mandatory segregation of solid wastes; establishment of LGU materials recovery facility (MRF); prohibition against the use of open dumpsites, littering in public places, open burning of solid waste, squatting in open

dumps and landfills; among others. Montejo clarified, however, that the implementation and enforcement of R.A. 9003 is a prime responsibility of the local government units (LGUs). Under the law, the barangay unit is responsible for segregating and collecting biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes, while the city or municipal government will collect non-recyclable materials and other special wastes.FCR/HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)

DENR-7 urges election winners to clean up campaign materials

Bantayan Island, CebuBantayan Island, CebuBantayan Island, Cebu

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Young Minds Academy (YMA) - Season7 of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) introduced and exposed the Cebuano young scholars in a “Social Discovery Walk” facilitated by RAFI's Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) on April 30.

YMA introduces youth to social discovery activity By Amorganda A. Saludar

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Atty. Hilario "Junjun" Davide III of the Liberal Party, was proclaimed Governor of Cebu at 3:20 p.m. May 17, ending the almost two-decade hold of the Garcia's of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

Davide 16th governor of Cebu; NegOr gov gets fresh mandate

H e garnered 654,054 votes, 163,906 votes higher than 3rd District Congressman Pablo

John Garcia's 490,148 votes of United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) 1 Cebu .

Davide is the 16th governor of Cebu and the first from the town of Argao .

He was a former Cebu City Councilor who ran for the same position but lost to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in 2010 brother of Pablo John.

Garcia also won a seat as Representative of the 3rd District.

The province of Cebu has 1,788,498 registered voters and actual voter turn out reached 1,446,114.

Also proclaimed was Agnes Magpale as Vice Governor with 548,455 votes. Garcia's running mate Ramon Durano got only 180, 939 while businessman Glenn Soco got 381,120 votes. (mbcn/FCC with Rizelle R. Adriatico/PIA7-Cebu)

In Negros Oriental, Governor Roel Degamo obtained a fresh mandate from his province mates after he was proclaimed on May 17 by the provincial board of canvassers as the winner in the heated gubernatorial race.

Degamo of PDP-Laban won overwhelmingly with 212,252 votes defeating his two known political and economic giant- rivals in Negros Oriental -- 1st district Congresswoman Josy Limkaichong of the Liberal Party who only got 161, 361 while former Finance secretary Margarito Teves of UNA only garnered 148,604 votes.

Degamo was proclaimed along with Mark Macias of LP as vice-governor elect with 160,650 votes against Degamo’s running mate Henry Sojor with 137,527 votes, and incumbent vice-governor Apolinario Arnaiz Jr. with 119,653 votes.

Macias is the son of the late

Governor Emilio Macias III, a newcomer in politics who gave up his medical practice in Manila and return to Negros Oriental.

Comelec Provincial Supervisor and Chair of the Board of Canvassers, Atty. Juvenal Tuale said the canvassing of election returns (ERs) at the legislative building, Capitol got delayed because of defective compact flash cards used on Precinct Count Optical Scan machines deployed in the cities of Bais and Bayawan and Bindoy town. This has delayed the proclamation of winning candidates.

However, after four days of waiting for the replacement of the memory cards, finally the BOCs proclaimed the provincial winners. Both governor and vice-governor elect thanked all the Negrenses for their overwhelming support and pledged to work together for the betterment of Negros Oriental. (FCR/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

By Ferliza C. Contratista and Jennifer C. Tilos

By Hazel F. Gloria

T he activity is intended for the young minds to gain relevant community exposures that will

provide valuable insights on this season's theme, urban development.

There are 87 scholars-participants who were divided into six teams to accomplish challenge tasks in six destinations namely; Cebu Normal University (CNU), Cebu IT Park, Archival’s Eco House, Carbon Public Market, Museo Sugbo, and the Children of Cebu Foundation Inc.

Part of the challenge was for each

team to count all establishments along Osmeña Boulevard and Cebu IT Park. At the Archival’s Eco House, they were made to list all recyclable wastes.

With P305, they bought grocery items for a family of 12 at the Carbon Public Market. They then headed to Museo Sugbo to design a historical timeline. The scholars reached the last leg at the Children of Cebu Foundation Inc.

This year’s batch of YMA scholars was officially announced during the Covenant Signing on April 2 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Hall of RAFI-EADSC

Building. Emerging leaders aged 13 to 20 years

old will begin their eight-month leadership and citizenship program this summer. This will include awareness-raising, experiential education, immersion, and open discourse on the dynamics and challenges facing the community, especially the 13 cities and municipalities comprising Metro Cebu. The scholars’ final output is to generate ideas and possible solutions through a team project that they could implement in partnership with the said local government units.(AYS/PIA-7 & RAFI)

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

" Brigada Eskwela is not just about getting the community people, it’s also a way of informing them that we

are about to start another school year," said Asec. Laguda, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

In his four stops to Candanay, Cansayang, Napo and Solangon elementary schools, Laguda said he was very happy that parents, the barangay officials and even the Philippine National

Police were very active and supportive despite the rains.

He also noted the close to zero drop-out rate for elementary schools in Siquijor. It’ a good sign for a small island province.

It’s always a good sign that we are providing the necessary access to education, he finally said.

Aside from the parents, teachers and the barangay officials Brigada Eskwela in

Solangon Elementary School also earned the special participation of some foreigners now living on the island.

They are the members of the Rotary Club of Siquijor Island (RCSI), the FIT for School, an essential Health Care Package for Filipino Children (EHCP) and the German Dental Care Association headed by Dr. Wulf Feinhals as the project chairman. (mbcn/RACalibio/PIA7-Siquijor)

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- As the new school year is about to start, all public elementary and secondary schools in Siquijor province are getting ready with the Brigada Eskwela that started on May 20 with Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Rey Laguda joining the activities.

DepEd Asec Laguda joins Brigada Eskwela in Siquijor

Panglao Island, BoholPanglao Island, BoholPanglao Island, Bohol

Tagbilaran City, Bohol (PIA) -- Twenty towns here have elected new chief executives while another 28 mayors get fresh mandates.

Bohol picks 20 new mayors

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Results of the recent mid-term elections caused a historic, drastic shift in the upper echelons of the political landscape of Cebu, one of the most vote-rich provinces in the Philippines.

Election results to change Cebu 's political landscape By Rachelle M. Nessia

S ome longtime, major political stalwarts suffered upsets in the hands of newbies. On the other

hand, some of the newcomers finally tasted victory after several failed bids for electoral seats.

One such surprising fall of an old guard in Cebu politics is Cebu First District Rep. Eduardo Gullas who, for a 736-vote margin, lost the mayoral race in Talisay City to Johnny Delos Reyes. This is Gullas’ first loss in his 38-year winning streak.

Delos Reyes is a businessman best known for inventing a canker sore remedy. This was his third time to run for elections.

News reports indicate that what caused Gullas’ loss was the swelling resentment of vendors and tricycle drivers who protested the closure of the old Tabunok market two years ago. The closure led to their transfer to a new

market in Lagtang. Another fall of a political veteran that

stunned many Cebuanos is that of Cebu South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña in the hands of his political protégé turned archrival, re-electionist Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, for a difference of 10,000 votes.

This is also Osmeña’s first loss. Cebu has been dubbed by some as “Osmeña country”.

In Toledo City, the rein of the Espinosa clan for two decades was cut after former senator John Henry Osmena, who is also a cousin of Tommy Osmena, managed to win the Toledo City mayoral seat from Rudy Espinosa. Rudy’s daughter, Arlene Espinosa-Zambo, was vying for vice mayor but she lost to former congressman Dr. Antonio Yapha.

Another big name likely to suffer a

knockdown is that of Cebu City Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who fell behind Atty. Hilario “JunJun” Davide in the race for Cebu governor.

PJ’s father, Rep. Pablo Garcia, to date trailed behind outgoing Board Member Willie Caminero, in the bid for the Second Congressional

Meanwhile, suspended Gov. Gwen Garcia, PJ’s sister, clinched the Third Congressional Seat with a slim margin of only 1,984 votes over Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha.

Cebu ’s top Capitol post has been the turf of the Garcia clan for 18 years. If PJ won in this election, he would have been the third Garcia family member to rule in the Capitol for three consecutive times, a streak that is likely to be cut short by Davide. (RMN/PIA Cebu ) 

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

S ix new mayors come from Bohol ’s first district, another six from second and eight from the third

district. First district towns with their

brand-new mayors are Tagbilaran City (John Geesnell Yap), Dauis (Miriam Sumaylo), Panglao (Nila Montero), Cortes (Roberto Tabanera), Tubigon (Marlon Amila) and Catigbian (Virgilio Lurot).

This constitutes 40% of the 15 towns comprising the district.

For the second district, new mayors include Inabanga (Josephine Socorro Jumamoy), Getafe (Casey Shaun Camacho), Ubay (Galicano Atup), Trinidad (Judith Cajes), Dagohoy (Sofronio Apat) and Danao (Natividad Gonzaga).

The new mayors here constitute 42% of the 14, the total number of mayors within the district.

In the third district, new mayors include Valencia (Maria Katrina Lim), Garcia-Hernandez (Tita Gallentes), Duero (Conrada Amparo), Candijay (Christopher Tutor), Anda (Metodio Amper), Pilar (Necitas Cubrado), Carmen (Ricardo Francisco Toribio), and Loboc (Helen Alaba).

In the third district, the eight new mayors form another 42% of the district’s 19 mayors. Among these mayors listed above, had been elected as mayors in the past and are now reclaiming the posts.

The three include Inabanga mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy, Trinidad

Mayor Judith Cajes and Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat.

Of the 20 new mayors elected now in Bohol, nine of them are women executives: Sumaylo (Dauis), Montero (Panglao), Jumamoy (Inabanga), Cajes (Trinidad), Gonzaga (Danao), Lim (Valencia), Gallentes (Garcia-Hernandez), Amparo (Duero) and Alaba (Loboc).

The election also brings a total of 15 lady chief executives now in Bohol .

Other lady mayors who have been reelected are Tesalonica Boyboy (Carlos P. Garcia), Rosemarie Imboy (Loay), Regina Salazar (Lila), Ma. Fe Piezas (Guindulman), Esther Tabigue (Mabini) and Marianita Digal (Sevilla). (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

Organizers prepare for Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals in June TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 22 (PIA) -- Preparations are underway for the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals this coming June in time for the celebration of the feast of Señor Sto. Niño in the city.

P alo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla, who is also the chairperson of the Executive Committee of Pintados

Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, presided over the meeting Wednesday at the SMED Center at the provincial capitol in Tacloban City.

Executive committee members and representatives of the Technical Working Group chaired by Antonio G. Cinco Jr., General and Technical Services chaired by Antonio Chan, Documentation, Postering and Streamers Committee chaired by Bob Abellanosa, Invitation and Publicity chaired by Evelia Q. Martin and PIA regional director Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu, among others,

attended the meeting. Each committee presented its assignments, proposals and activities for the approval of the committees.

The soft opening of the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals is tentatively scheduled on June 7 where the Leyte idol winners will perform, including in the evening activities.

Other activities of the festival include a Hip-hop (Body moves) competition, acoustic band competition, choral competition, agriculture, trade, science and technology and tourism fair 2013, enchanting Palo, adlaw han kabataan, Department of Education (DepEd) ed night, Rap competition, Veronica Amor show, Sto.

Niño exhibits, Search for Ms. Pintados 2013, Ginoong leyte, Bituon han Leyte, subirran regatta, triathlon, and the much-awaited Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals Grand Parade.

Petilla hopes they will get the nod of the city government of Tacloban so they could hold a street dance parade of the contingents of Pintados Kasadyaan Festivals along the main streets of Tacloban City on June 27. The Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals has gained fame not only in the region but in the whole country after it won many times in the Sinulog Festival Contest in Cebu and the Aliwan Festival Contest in Manila. (Consuelo B. Alarcon/PIA-8)

Samar ARBs given access to free crop insurance

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 21 (PIA) -- Samar agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) may now avail themselves of free crop insurance under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) - Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Agricultural Insurance Program.

L ast May 16, ARBs from the Roxas ll Farmers Association from the Agrarian Reform Community (ARC)

at Oquendo, Calbayog City attended an orientation with PCIC Regional Manager Dominico Digamon.

The insurance program aims to give crops grown by farmer-beneficiaries a safety net against pests and diseases and the unpre-dictable weather conditions intensified by climate change through PCIC who provides the necessary agricultural insurance cover for ARBs.

“The program shall be implemented for one year, on a first come-first served basis, utilizing the P1 billion subsidy fund solely for

the premium payment of agricultural insurance coverage of the identified eligible farmers endorsed by DAR,” said Digamon.

“Each beneficiary shall be given pro-tection cover for up to three hectares and up to three types of insurance coverage only, three hectares is the maximum size of farm that ARB can get under the Com-prehensive Agrarian Reform Program. The insurance protection is good for two cropping seasons,” said Digamon.

DAR as a conduit agency to the pro-gram’s implementation, identifies the ARBs with premium subsidy, provides technical assistance and other support services to facilitate credit access, enhance agricultural

productivity and assist the ARBs to claim if needed.

Wilfredo Senario, leader of the ARC in Calbayog City, said the program will help them as they plant rice, corn and other crops.

“Diri na gud kami mababaraka komo naka seguro an amon mga tanom,” (No more worry of losses at last) he said.

Pax Rojas, Samar provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO), said DAR con-tinuously supports ARBs, with the crop in-surance coverage as the most recent assis-tance to fulfill the ARBs' dream of a better life. (PIA-Samar with reports from Teresa Tirol/PIO-DAR-Samar)

San Vicente, Northern SamarSan Vicente, Northern SamarSan Vicente, Northern Samar By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

Naval town tops 2012 provincial nutrition evaluation

NAVAL, Biliran, May 23 (PIA) -- Naval, the capital town of Biliran province, has topped the 2012 provincial nutrition evaluation among the eight towns in the province.

T his is based on the final results of the Monitoring and Evaluation on Local Level Plan Implementation

(MELLPI) on nutrition held recently. MELLPI is an annual evaluation

conducted by members of the Biliran provincial nutrition committee (PNC) to assess the efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of programs, projects and activities geared towards improving the nutritional status of 0-71 month-old children and schoolchildren.

The PNC in Biliran province conducted the annual MELLPI in the following municipalities with the corresponding schedules: April 15-Naval; April 16-Caibiran and Culaba; April 17-Cabucgayan and Biliran; April 18-Kawayan and Almeria; April 19-

Maripipi and April 22-consolidation of results.

The ranking of the towns in Biliran province based on the MELLPI results are as follows: Naval-71.86 percent; Almeria-70.64 percent ; Caib i ran-68.19 percent ; Kawayan-66.52 percent; Maripipi-65.17 p e r cen t ; B i l i r a n - 60 . 31 pe r ce n t ; Cabucgayan-56.09 percent and Culaba-47.84 percent.

Meanwhile, re-elected Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla in a telephone interview was elated with the achievement of the municipality and thanked Dr. Fernando B. Montejo, municipal nutrition action officer (MNAO), as well as other officials and employees of the municipality who have contributed for what the town has achieved

in terms of getting the recent citation on nutrition.

Parilla said the local government will not rest on what the town has achieved on nutrition but will work harder to be able to sustain the achievement in terms of the nutrition program of the town.

“The nutrition program of Naval is not only focused on children, though we give priority to them, but it is based on a holistic approach where everybody in the community can avail themselves of and be benefited,” Parilla said.

She also said they will focus more on identified families with malnourished children in the municipality so that the town’s malnutrition problem will be properly addressed and solved. (PIA-Biliran)

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

Digyo Island, Inopacan, LeyteDigyo Island, Inopacan, LeyteDigyo Island, Inopacan, Leyte

DA to hold Agri-Aqua Fair and Exhibit to highlight Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Month

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in (DA) Eastern Visayas will lead the Agri-Aqua Fair and Exhibit to highlight the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration in the region.

D A 8 Regional Director Antonio Gerundio said the activity which is scheduled on May 27-29 aims to

add meaning to the national event which honors the invaluable contributions of farmers and fishermen in nation-building.

In line with this year’s theme: “Magsasaka’t Mangingisdang Pilipino, Kaya nang Makipagsabayan sa Mundo,” the activity will start with a motorcade at 8:30 in the morning and will be followed by a thanksgiving mass which will be presided by Reverend Father Edwin Perito who will also bless the stake truck and closed van of DA 8. The opening program will have DA Undersecretary for Field Operations Joel S. Rudinas as guest of honor and will feature the distribution of Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. indemnity checks, the opening and

viewing of booths and the unveiling of DA 8 murals.

In the afternoon, a food processing demo on meat, rice, bangus and tilapia will be conducted simultaneously with exhibits on livestock and farm machinery.

The inauguration and turnover of the seed bodega will also be conducted with Philippine Rice Research Institute Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco as guest of honor.

On May 28, the presentation and turnover of the value-chain analysis for banana and jackfruit in Leyte will be conducted at the Leyte Park Hotel in Tacloban City where Assistant Secretary and Director of Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Romeo S. Recide will serve as guest of honor. Meanwhile, at the DA regional office,

a video showing on several farm technologies will be conducted.

On May 29, the commencement exercises for the University on the Air on rice post-harvest and mechanization with Philippine Center for Post Harvest and Mechanization (PhilMech) Director Rex Bingabing as guest of honor will be conducted at the Leyte Park Hotel.

The Regional Gawad-Saka awarding rites will be held at 1 in the afternoon while the DA 8 Family, Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Night and awarding of the winners of the Agri-Aqua Fair will be conducted at 4 in the afternoon. Meanwhile, at 9 in the morning of May 29, a workshop on the Animal Welfare Program for Laboratory Animals will be conducted at the Ritz Tower de Leyte. (EPT/PIA-8)

Naval suman sold out in hours at IFEX 2013

E ngineer Celerina Bato, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director said five

members of the NASUMA in Naval town had their product market-tested in the fair. As the IFEX Philippines 2013 opened at 10 in the morning of May 16, NASUMA displayed and offered for sale three variants of suman (Filipino rice cake), namely: plain suman, suman tinambiran and suman with mango marmalade.

Bato said the booth of NASUMA was placed at the Retailers Hall of the exhibition.

NASUMA was able to generate P27,000 in sales during the four-day food fair.

Foreign institutional buyers who were present during the fair have expressed interest in the product.

Likewise, in the domestic market, a lot of institutions engaged in food business have signified their interest in the product and

had initial talks with Maria Canete, NASUMA business manager.

Re-elected Naval Mayor Susan Parilla, said that she is happy to know that their tasty suman product of Naval is now internationally known and that they are looking forward to more sales which would increase the income of the members of the organization. (PIA-Biliran)

NAVAL, Biliran, May 23 (PIA) -- Members of Naval Suman Makers Association got big sales when they joined the International Food Exhibition Philippines 2013 at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City last May 16-19.

KALAHI-CIDSS goes to Hernani town

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 21 (PIA) -- The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development has gone a long way in project implementation in Hernani town in this province.

L a s t J u n e 3 0 , 2 0 1 1 , t h e KALAHI-CIDSS launched Cycle 2 of KALAHI-CIDSS: Kapangyarihan at

Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) project implementation through the municipal orientation and memorandum of agreement signing.

Among the projects given to Hernani in Cycle 2 are: Construction of one classroom elementary school building which costs P750,300 in Brgy. Nagaja and Brgy. Batang, construction of 2Mx256LM concrete pathwalk with grounded riprap in Brgy. Garawon costing P798,450; construction of 2Mx190LM concrete pathwalk in Pob. 2

costing 530,900; construction of 2Mx272LM concrete pathwalk in Brgy.

Padang costing P620,450; construction of 21 sanitary toilets in Pob. 1 costing P364,000; construction of 220LM drainage canal in Pob. 4 costing P525,300; construction of 259LM drainage canal in Brgy. San Miguel costing P618,000; construction of 256LM drainage canal in Pob. 3 costing P986,700 and construction of 414LM drainage canal in Brgy. Cancilides which costs P743,800.

The projects amount to P6.7 million where KALAHI-CIDSS will grant P5.5 million; the local cash counterpart is

P956,089 and the in-kind counterpart is P226,481.

Grace Y. Buna, municipal area coordinator, in an interview said most of the barangay projects have been completed except for Brgy. Nagaja and Brgy. Batang which are on-going with 90 percent completion rate. Pob. 3 is on-going and is 98 percent completed.

Hernani Municipal Mayor Edgar C. Boco, in a separate interview, said he is very thankful to have Cycle 2, adding that “it goes to show that we meet their standards in implementing these projects that is why we were given Cycle 2.”

By Samuel D. Candido

By Flordelis E. Jackson

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) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail [email protected].   

Editorial Consultants Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA 7 Regional Director, PIA6 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: [email protected]/ [email protected] PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected] 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: [email protected]/[email protected]