One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 7

Vol 5 Issue 7 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 February 16 - 22, 2015

WESTERN VISAYAS

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue DSWD answers critics of Yolanda emergency shelter aid

Siquijor Chamber, foreign partners to jumpstart infra project

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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EV agri-fishery sector to be more globally competitive

By Consuelo B. Alarcon

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 19 (PIA) –The agri-fishery sector in Eastern Visayas has stepped up mechanisms to be

more globally competitive, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

This, after the European Parliament officially granted the Philippines’ request for inclusion in the European Union’s (EU)

General System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) which means that the Philippines will soon be able to export, tariff-free, over 6,

200 products to the EU including processed fruit, coconut oil, footwear, fish and textiles.

DA Regional Director Bernadette San Juan said it’s great to know that the European Union included our country in the

General System of Preferences so we can also share our potential benefits to the rest of the world.

―We have put in place mechanisms that are geared towards the attainment of being at par with other countries in

terms of production and marketing of agri-fishery products,‖ San Juan said.

One of these is the implementation of the Philippine

Rural Development Project (PRDP) which focuses on

expanding market access and improving competitiveness involving local government units (LGUs) and other Agri-fishery

stakeholders. Included in the PRDP is the Investments for Rural

Enterprises and Agri-Fishery Productivity (I-REAP) aimed at developing a viable agri-fishery-based enterprises and

productivity enhancement. Some of these projects where LGUs can benefit are the

vermicast production, establishment of nurseries, fish cages, fish sanctuaries, the enhancement of marine protected

areas, mills, warehouse dryers, marketing facilities, among others.

―With our inclusion in this Free Trade Agreement, we envision market integration that is favorable to our Filipino

farmers, fisher folks and other workers since it is tariff-free,‖ San Juan further said.

Said inclusion will also strengthen the trade incentives in respect to human and labor rights, environmental and good

governance standards. (aen/cba/DA-8/PIA-8)

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA6)—The Department of Social

Welfare and Development-6 said that it has never been remiss in its duty to respond to victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Evelyn Macapobre, DSWD regional director said in a press statement, that they have so far released P3 billion in

emergency shelter assistance, relief assistance, cash for work and livelihood projects to all provinces in Western Visayas.

Responding to the charges of the farmers’ group led by the PAMANGGAs, along with some victims of Yolanda who

claimed they have not been released assistance yet, Macapobre said that MC 24 spells out the guidelines and requirements as

to recipients of the ESA. ―These are the same guidelines which the Commission

on Audit will use to post audit such huge amounts being released,‖ Macapobre said.

She added that a circular which also applies to all other regions affected by Yolanda cannot just be scrapped without an

act from the central office. As to the issue on the slow release of ESA, DSWD said

that it is just a perception, contrary to the fact that the money was downloaded only on December 29, 2014 but the regional

office had already released P2.7 billion, reaching 105,000 families, to the local government units which have

accomplished the requirements. ―But not all victims of Yolanda can receive because of

MC 24 guidelines which we have to follow,‖ Macapobre said.

MC 24 specifically states that ―Regular employees of the government and private sectors or organizations with a fixed

monthly salary below P5,000 shall also be eligible, provided

they have not received the same assistance from other agencies

and are indicated in the master list of beneficiaries in accordance with the DSWD Disaster Assistance Family Access

Card (DFAC). As to the need for additional funds for Yolanda victims,

Macapobre said that they are recommending to those who feel they are eligible to receive assistance, to go and see the local

Social Welfare Officers to see if their names are in the list, which shall be validated by the Municipal Action Teams.

She added that DSWD will be calling all the governors for a meeting, for the latter to monitor if all their mayors have

submitted a validated list of beneficiaries if there are. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

SIQUIJOR, Feb. 17 (PIA)—The Siquijor Chamber of

Commerce & Industry, Inc. (SCCII) is implementing the project, Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investments for

Development (CR+ID), a partnership with the Asia Foundation and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

One of the components of the CR+ID project, according to SCCII President Engr. Judy U. Booc, is

the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) that identifies Strategic Road Links (SRL) and Strategic Infrastructures (SI) in Siquijor.

The SRLs, she explained, are interconnected roads within the province, regardless of classification, which are

most often used in transporting goods and people and the SIs are backbones that interconnect modern

economies. Strategic Infrastructure, she added, will only drive

sustained economic growth when it is properly aligned with the province’s priorities.

They must create the greatest impact in terms of economic growth, social uplift and sustainability in the

province, she said. She also said that a Consensus Building Workshop for

Key Economic Drivers is done in coordination with the

Provincial Government of Siquijor and convene

multi-stakeholders to present the Strategic Direction of the Province and validate the Provincial Economic Data by the

VCA team of the project. The determination of priority economic subsector of the

Province also takes place and serves as basis in the succeeding data gathering for the VCA, she shared.

Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here in coordination with DOST-7 distributed ovicidal

-larvicidal (OL) Kits and related reading materials in a bid to intensify efforts to educate the public about the OL trap and its

ability to prevent dengue. The identified secondary schools include Basac National

High School, Candaping National High School, and Enrique Villanueva National High School.

Each school was given sets of ―Ang OL Trap sa Brgy. Ma dengue‖, educational comics intended to inform the

public especially high school students about OL Traps and dengue.

Also included in the package are ovicidal-larvicidal (OL) pellets, ladles and containers.(RAC/PIA7 with SCCII and DOST

Siquijor reports)

KAPIHAN SA PIA with DOH 7: This forum is

in line with the Dental/Oral Health Month

obsevance with panelists from DOH -7,

VSMMC, Philippine Dental Association Cebu

Chapter & Naga City Dental Office. The

forum was aired live thru DYMR Radyo ng

Bayan-Cebu from 10:00am - 11:00 am and

delayed telecast at Sky Cable-Cebu Ch. 61 at

5:00pm. PIA Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle

M. Nessia and Wen Celen of DYMR Radyo ng

Bayan -Cebu moderated the forum. (vvv)

DILG USec. Austere A. Panadero explains the

salient features of the Disaster Preparedness

Manuals and the Operation LISTO during the

regional launching of the project held in Iloilo

City, Feb. 18, which was attended by DILG

agencies, RDRRMC members and other

stakeholders. (EJB/PIA 6)

Technical Education and Skills Development

Authority deputy director general Teodoro

Pascua (left) welcomes guests and participants

to the welcome back ceremonies and slogan

signing for the Isuzu scholars of auto mechanic

held at TESDA Multipurpose Covered Court,

Brgy. Abucay, Tacloban City, February

16. (Raul S. Tiozon, Jr/PIA-8)

DSWD 6 Director Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre. Her answer

to ESA critics: DSWD not remiss on response to Typhoon Yolanda

victims’ shelter, other needs. (DSWD 6 File photo)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

BIR-Aklan collections up 14%

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Feb. 18 (PIA6) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District No. 71 here was able to collect in

2014 a total of P1,220,452,576.54 in taxes registering a growth rate of 14% as against its collection in 2013, according to

Revenue District Officer Eralen De Aro.

I n 2013, De Aro said total

t a x c o l l e c t i o n s r e a c h e d

P1,070,923,865.74, or an increase

of P149,528,710.80, making the Revenue

District in Aklan No. 2 in Panay Island.

De Aro said this achievement was the

result of the unified efforts of both the

public and the private sector who

contributed greatly to the attainment of

the collection target. ―We also recognize

the strong cooperation and diligence of

the men and women of the district who

exerted much effort in collection

generation despite the fact that some are

holding two municipalities at the same

time‖, De Aro said.

Meanwhile, when reminded all

taxpayers except those in barangays to

make use of filing using the eBIR forms,

eSubmission and the eFPS.

These new systems, according to her,

will be beneficial both to the BIR and the

the taxpayers as well.

She also reminded all taxpayers to file

their 2014 income tax returns early to

avoid the rush, as the deadline is on April

15, 2015. (JCM/VGV BIR/PIA6 Aklan)

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA6) --- History tells us that the Chinese have long been part of the Ilonggos' way of life.

A ccording to the late historian and

writer Dr. Henry Funtecha, traditional

Chinese inf luences have been

embedded in Iloilo’s past and present.

By the time the Spaniards colonized the

country, a good number of them had already

settled in the town of Molo, now one of the

districts of Iloilo City.

Molo served as the commercial port of

Iloilo during this time when Chinese bartered

silk, porcelain wares and damask with the

natives while the latter engaged in trading

products from their farms, the sea and the

forests.

A number of Chinese also settled down in

Molo and married Ilonggo women. The

descendants of these Chinese could be found

among families named Consing, Ditching,

Conlu, Ganzon, Guanzon, Jocson, Lacson,

Layson, Locsin, Sianson, Yulo, and Yusay. After the First World War, the growth of

Chinese families and consequent presence of

school-age children, coupled with cultural pride

and political organizations, prompted the

building of Iloilo’s Chinese schools for

elementary education.

The Chinese Commercial School began in

1911 or a trade school owned by the old Iloilo

Confederation of Chinese businessmen. Sixty

students enrolled.

This was followed by Sun Yat Sen School

which was established through a group of

nationalistic Cantonese and Fukienese

supporters of the Kuomintang. The third

school Chiang Kai Shek was built by the Ong

Family Association due to a faction with the

leadership of Sun Yat Sen.

The Chinese were also omnipresent in

the sinamay or weaving industry which had

flourished in Iloilo by the 19th century. The

province had begun to develop the reputation

as the center of the textile weaving industry in

the country.

The introduction of a sugar cane variety

called ―sakara‖ was also among the legacies of

the Chinese in Western Visayas. Subsequently,

the Chinese also taught the natives how to

extract sugar juice from the canes and to transform it into solid granules.

As to the sugar industry, it appears that

almost all the important technology used in the

process or preparation of muscovado sugar are

of Chinese origin.

The large vat where the sugar juice is

cooked to form into ―panocha‖ is ―cawa‖. To

transfer boiling sugar from one ―cawa‖ to

another is called ―yaya‖. To clean the sap of

impurities is ―suiani‖. ―Cansaja‖ on the other

hand is the term for the wilted leaf of the cane

and ―siapo‖ is the bagasse.

In terms of influencing the Ilonggo culinary

palate, the Chinese also left a lasting legacy.

Still prominent today are batchoy, bihon,

hototai, kimlo, lumpia, pancit (including pancit

molo), siomai, and siopao.

La Villa Rica de Arevalo, a particular

district that was once part of the Parian

(Molo), became famous in the region for its

beautiful fireworks or pyrotechnics and was

dubbed as the home of Iloilo’s firecrackers

industry.

Other lasting early Chinese influences on

Ilonggo life include the wearing of the ―camisa

de chino‖, the wearing of slippers, the popular

leisure game of ―mahjong‖, the observance of

―feng shui‖, among others. The list would still go long proving how

Chinese had made an indelible imprint in the

history and culture of Iloilo. The celebration by

the city of the Chinese New Year with the

theme ―United Iloilo on the Rise‖ is a reminder

of the significant role the Chinese play and

continue to play in the life of the

Ilonggos. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

New Year, Old Bond: Celebrating Chinese influences on Ilonggo life

By: Leonard T. Pineda I

Antique IO bags national award

SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb 18 (PIA6) – - In recognition of her exemplary performance as Trade and Industry Development

Specialist and currently designated as Information Officer of the Department of Trade and Industry, a national recognition was

bestowed on Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal as SPRINT Awardee (System on Performance, Rewards and Incentives) in a recognition

ceremony held at Philippine Trade Training Center Recently.

C ard ina l was a lso named Best

Performing Information Officer during

the Regional Conference and Awards

of Information Officer in Region6 organized

by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on

December 2014 for her commendable

performance.

―We congratulate DTI Info Officer

Cardinal for attaining the national distinction,

and may this award further encourages her to

exert more effort to sustain her agency’s

mandate to educate the public on issues

concerning consumer rights and protection,‖

said Totei Villavert, Officer In Charge of PIA

Antique.

DTI’s SPRINT acknowledged the

significant contribution of Cardinal to the

department’s mandate that calls for advocacy

on consumer rights and information by

increasing media awareness of the general

public on consumer issues.

Likewise, the awards committee had seen

her reliability towards her work that

consistently contributed to the impressive

performance of DTI Antique for the past

years.

The agency shortlisted 56 employees and

executives out of more than 2,000 personnel

for the SPRINT Awards based on performance

and behavioral ratings.

In addition, Cardinal is an active

member of the Antique Association of

Information Officers. (JCM/PSM/PIA Antique)

By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

DILG not leaving WV’s safety from disaster

to chance

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA6) – Insofar as disaster preparedness is concerned, the Department of the Interior and Local

Government (DILG) is not leaving things to chance as it wants a safer Western Visayas.

T his was stressed by DILG

Undersecretary Austere A.

Panadero at the regional launching

of their Operation LISTO and the disaster

risk reduction and management Manuals that

go with it held February 18 at Iloilo Grand

Hotel here.

Panadero pointed out that the ultimate

goal of Operation LISTO is to make the

region a safer place through prompt, timely

and adequate preparations based on the

checklist provided in the Manuals.

―We can now predict (weather)

better, so why leave things to chance?‖

remarked Panadero, referring to the

rationale of their project in relation to the

improved weather forecasting capability of

DOST-PAGASA, the country’s weather

bureau.

The Manuals are intended for the use

and application of DILG Field Officers, Local

Chief Executives and Philippine National

Police station chiefs and Bureau of Fire

Protection marshals.

The project or new set of protocols in

disaster preparedness also calls for closer

coordination among the DILG, its family

agencies, local government units and other

stakeholders with the help of information

from warning agencies.

The project was prompted by the

experience from previous natural

disasters especially typhoons and is

anchored on the national disaster risk

reduction and management framework, said

Panadero.

Meanwhile, the DILG will roll out

Operation LISTO to the provinces and

down to municipalities and barangays and

including the youth to their field offices and

LGUs on the new protocols.

Under the guidance of the Regional

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council (RDRRMC), we will all be

collaborating on all these things on the

ground, Panadero said.

He also led the turnover of copies of

the Manuals to the regional and provincial

heads of DILG agencies including the PNP,

BFP and Bureau of Jail Management and

Penology and partner-agencies in the

RDRRMC Disaster Preparedness

Committee with DILG-6 Director lawyer

Anthony Nuyda and Local Government

Academy Executive Director Marivel

Sacendoncillo.

Othe r RDRRMC Co mmi t tee

member-agency regional heads who also

graced the affair were Director Engr. Rowen

Gelonga of the Department of Science and

Technology and Director lawyer Ma. Janet

Mesa of the Philippine Information Agency.

(JSC-PIA6)

By: Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

NEGROS OCC., Feb. 16 (PIA6) -- With the right information and healthy lifestyle, a person can reduce his or her chances of

getting cancer, a government physician said.

Fight cancer with healthy lifestyle, right info

I n a recent interview over Radyo

Kumando 103.1 FM, Provincial

Health Officer III Teresa Bacabac

said cancer prevention begins in knowing

one’s risk by looking at a person’s medical

history so that right decisions are made.

Healthy lifestyle should be observed

and only a person can have a total control

of his lifestyle because it is a matter of

personal choice, she further said. It is ideal

to have a healthy diet that has less red

meat, low in cholesterol, sugar and salt.

Vegetables and fruits consumption

should be at the right amount while

alcohol consumption in moderation.

Regular exercise also plays a vital role in

keeping a person fit. Bacabac recommends

a patient sees a doctor at once whenever

abnormalities are detected-no matter

how small it may be. Quoting the DOH,

she said breast cancer is the most

common in the country where more than

15 percent die from a total of 50,000

cases. Doctors advise women to have

regular breast examination to catch an

abnormal growth at its early stage where

recovery rate is at its highest.

The country recently observed cancer

awareness month on the third week of

January. (JSC/Lljr-PIA6)

By: Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 17 (PIA6) – Mobile palay procurement teams are ready for deployment in the different areas in

Capiz.

I nformation Officer Mary Christie

Hari-on of the National Food Authority

here disclosed that their mobile

procurement teams are now for deployment in

remote areas to provide farmers easy access in

selling their produce.

―We want to relieve farmers from the

burden of bringing their palay produce to the

NFA buying stations either in Bolo, Roxas City

or in Dumalag warehouse, the reason why we

are the one who are going to their areas,‖ she

said.

Hari-on said that farmers are at times

given additional burden in transporting their

palay produce entailing additional cost.

She said that the NFA buys clean and dry

palay at P17 per kilogram with additional

incentives such as delivery fee ranging from 20

to 50 centavos per kilogram depending on the

distance from the buying station, drying

incentive fee and cooperative development

incentive fee of 20 and 30 centavos,

respectively.

She said that both individual and farmer’s

organizations can sell their palay harvest to the

food agency.

Hari-on explained that walk-in farmers are

allowed to sell and deliver their palay up to

200 bags only with a certification from the

barangay captain, stating among others the area

being cultivated and its yield.

For farmer’s cooperatives or associations,

they only need to submit registration

cert i f icates from the Cooperat ive

Development Authority or Securities and

Exchange Commission or any registration

certificate from concerned government

agency for the issuance of Master’s Passbook,

she said.

Hari-on added that, for purposes of

determining the procurement allocation, the

said cooperative should also submit a list of

farmer-members certified by the municipal

agriculture office, indicating the area, palay

yield and whether the said area id irrigated or

not.

For this year, NFA Capiz targets to buy

75,000 bags of palay as buffer stock, she said,

pointing out that sufficient fund for said

purpose has been allotted for the food agency

here. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

NFA deploys procurement teams in remote areas

By: Jemin B. Guillermo

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region-7 (DSWD) yesterday

briefed members of Dumaguete media on the department’s convergence strategy in implementing its three social protection

programs to address poverty.

DSWD holds press briefing on convergence strategy

D SWD believes it is also

important to for the local media

to know how these programs

carry out the strategy as well as its gains

for Negros Oriental as partners in

information dissemination.

DSWD’s convergence strategy is the

harmonized implementation of the

department’s three social protection

program which are the Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps),

Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan

-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery

of Social Services-National Community

-Driven Development Program (KALAHI

-CIDSS-NCDDP) and the Sustainable

Livelihood Program.

DSWD-7 Planning Officer Anthony

Arsenal explained it is a multi-dimensional

approach to alleviate the situation of poor

Filipino families. ―Convergence is focusing

and synchronization of resources, services

and interventions on specific target

families,‖ Arsenal said.

The 4Ps is the country’s conditional

cash transfer program, wherein the

government hands over cash grants to

poor families to ensure that the

educational, nutritional and health needs

of children are properly addressed has 4.4

million families nationwide.

DSWD’s 4Ps is now on the 6th year

of implementation in Negros Oriental.

The KALAHI-CIDSS-NCDDP, on the

other hand, aims to empower

communities and improve local

governance through community driven

-development approach have covered 334

barangays in 14 municipalities in Negros

Oriental so far. Arsenal also presented

during the briefing that in 2012, the

province has registered a 45.3% poverty

incidence. This translates to 314, 659

identified poor families.

However, Arsenal noted that the

2012 earthquake in Guihulngan had

affected the magnitude of poor families in

Negros Oriental. The DSWD will once

again conduct a verification of poor

families within the year to update their

database on the number of poor

households in the province. Arsenal

emphasized to local media personnel that

DSWD’s convergence strategy aims bring

self sufficiency to poor individuals in the

province and help poor families rise from

poverty. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 17 (PIA) — From the spending-intensive December to the leaner January, crime volume

incidence in Bohol decreases, perhaps due to lesser crime opportunity.

Bohol’s crimes down from Dec. 2014

F or Bohol police, however, the

decrease is an indication of a

better accomplishment, with a

huge portion of crimes listed as physical

injuries, caused by alcohol intoxication

than premeditation.

At the Provincial Peace and Order

Council Meeting held February 17, 2015 at

the People’s Mansion Conference Hall,

Camp Dagohoy statisticians showed that

total crime volume in December 2014

towered at 752 over the 718 reported

in January 2015.

The 34 less crimes in January 2015

comprise six crimes increase in

non-index crimes but an unprecedented

40 cases decrease in index crimes, pointed

out Police Superintendent Nicomedes

Olaivar.

On this, Supt Olaivar cited their

intensified law enforcement operations as

contributive of the increase of operational

accomplishments, all of them resulted

from consistent and aggressive campaign

on illegal drugs through buy-bust

operations and illegal possession of

firearms through search-warrant-guided

raids.

For crime solution efficiency, police

also did better in December to January

time frame, solving 383 of 426 cases and

clearing 392 of 458 cases, Olaivar said.

Supt Olaivar rendered the report in

lieu of his commander PSSupt. Dennis

Agustin, who chose to sit on the sidelines

of the meeting.

Top crimes for the month, according

to Supt Olaivar, are physical injuries at

189 cases, followed by theft at 134 and

robbery at 54.

And for physical injuries, Olayver

showed that unlike what most would

associate with physical injuries, mauling

only constitutes 30 of the 189 cases for

the month. Vehicular accidents own up

the biggest share of physical injuries cases

at 127, a thing which police authorities

credited to drunk-driving.

Despite all of these, Camp Dagohoy

said ―statistics reflect theft and physical

injury remains to be the prevalent crimes

in the distribution of index crimes.

Physical Injury as broken down shows

that incidents in physical injuries are not

mostly human inflicted crimes but due to

human errors or traffic related accidents.

(RAC/PIABohol)

CEBU CITY, Feb. 16 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC-7) announces the conduct of the Career Service

Examination (CSE) for professional and non-professional level on May 3 for interested applicants who want to join government

service.

CSC career service exam set May 3

C SC-7 public assistance and liaison

division chief, Prolaine Dacalan

said, the application form can be

secured from any CSC Regional or Field

Office or downloaded from the CSC

website www.csc.gov.ph.

Eligible to apply for the CSE - Paper

Pencil Test (PPT) in both levels are

Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old and

of good moral character.

Applicant must have no criminal

record nor have been dishonorably

discharged from military service or

dismissed from any civilian position in the

government.

Applicants also must have not taken

the same level of CSE within three months

from the last exam taken.

Documentary requirements needed

include four ID pictures taken within

three months prior to application and an

original and photocopy of any valid ID.

An examination fee of P500 for the

PPT will be charged.

―Deadline for submission of

application is on March 12 as interested

applicants can inquire further details from

their office or any CSC field office,‖ said

Dacalan.

The CSE has a passing rate of 80

percent while results of the test are

usually released after 45 days and will also

be posted on the CSC website.

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

CEBU, Feb. 18 (PIA) – A Fun Run for a Cause dubbed ―Tatak TESDA: Dagan Ta, Tabang Ta‖ is set on March 7 where proceeds

will benefit the scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-7).

T he run early next month will have

two categories which are the 3K

and the 6K that will jumpstart at

5:00 in the morning beginning at Sumilon

Road, Cebu Business Park.

Initiated by the Cebu Association of

Private Technical Vocational Institutions

(CAPTI), the purpose is to raise funds to

help TESDA scholars who barely

have the resources for transportation

fare and food which usually cause

these scholars to drop out from their

training.

Proceeds from the fund-raising

activity will provide deserving TESDA

scholars their daily allowance to sustain

them throughout the duration of their

training.

CAPTI is inviting the public to join the

cause and help the poor TESDA scholars

who work hard to make a better life for

their families.

TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva has

given his 100 percent support to the

project and is invited to participate in the

fun run.

The long time goal of the association

is to sustain this kind of project to benefit

more scholars.

Registration fee is at P350 with singlet

and food.

Those who are interested to join can

go to the following: Runners Store in

Ayala Center, Primary Homes Office in

SM Cebu or at TESDA 7 Regional Office.

(fcr/pia7 with TESDA-7 PR)

Fun Run for TESDA scholars set March 7

DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – Newspaper columnist and economics professor Solita Monsod says the country’s

problems on economy and politics can be solved if more people will take the path of heroism than just being passive acceptors

of the prevailing evils in the society.

M onsod shared this in a forum

with mass communication

students of Silliman University

(SU) on Feb. 16 at the university audio-visual

theater.

The event was organized by SU College

of Mass Communication, in partnership with

Philippine Daily Inquirer, one of the

prominent newspapers in the country.

In her presentation, Monsod pointed

out that the country needs more heroes,

ordinary people who do social action in an

extraordinary manner to counter the evil

that is present in the society which hinders

the development of the country.

Monsod also emphasizes that the evil

triumphs when good people become passive

acceptors or do nothing to correct it.

―We can become heroes when our

thoughts move from me to we. We become

heroes when act instead of being passive.

We become heroes when we deviate

from the normal way of doing things,‖

Monsod said.

―What is required for this social action

to be extraordinary? It is in an action in

behalf of other people or moral cause or

principle. It is an action that is done without

the thought of reward,‖ she added.

Monsod urges young people to be more

sensitive to the needs of others and be

critical thinkers for this will encourage them

to do more social actions.

On the other hand, Monsod calls evil as

the exercise of power to harm somebody or

destroy an idea.

―That is why corruption is evil. You

exercise your power to benefit yourself or

your family or your friends. We are a nation

that is afflicted with evil and we are a nation

that needs to have heroes,‖ Monsod

declared.

―The way to solve the problems in the

Philippines, whether in politics and

economics is for more people to be

socio-centric,‖ she concluded.

Monsod’s lecture in Silliman is anchored

on the study by social psychologist Philip

Zimabardo who believes that there is a

permeable line between evil and

heroism. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

Monsod: The country needs more heroes

CEBU CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) --- The Commission on Population (POPCOM) will celebrate its 45th year anniversary on February

18, 2015.

POPCOM celebrates 45th year anniversary

S ince its establishment, POPCOM

has taken the lead in contributing

to the improvement of the

quality of life of all Filipinos through

responsible parenting, better health and

education, attainment of population

outcomes that are in harmony with

available resources and sustainable

environmental conditions, and reduction

of poverty and inequalities in human

development opportunities.

A one-day event will be conducted in

POPCOM Building, Mandaluyong City

between 8:00AM- 5:00PM.

The event will feature tree planting

with in the POPCOM grounds,

thanksgiving mass, ribbon cutting and

viewing of photo exhibit, wellness

activities, and conduct of Kalusugang

Pangkalahata (KP) Roadshow Activities

including Family Development Session/

Responsible Parenting-Family Planning

(FDS/RP-FP) session, Kalalakihang Tapatsa

Responsibilidad at ObligasyonsaPamilya

(KATROPA) session, and Youth-for-You

(U4U) teen trail initiative. Residents of

Mandaluyong City and specifically Barangay

Addition Hills will be the beneficiaries of

the activity, which is the way by which

POPCOM gives thanks to its host

community.

The event will also showcase the

soft launch of the awarding ceremony

of the Rafael M. Salas Population and

Development Award (RMSPDA) 2014

which will commence in August 2015.

The award is designed to perpetuate

the legacy of Rafael M. Salas by

honoring local government units, local

chief executives and institutions or

individuals for their outstanding

contributions in the field of population and

development.

On its 45th year in service, POPCOM

hopes to further heighten the

consciousness and provoke a meaningful

d i s cu ss ion among government ,

non-government officials, individuals, and

institutions that would lead to finding best

ways to maximize the implementation of

population management programs and

services, not only in the national but also

local levels.

With the dedication, commitment and

invaluable service of its staff, partners, and

stakeholders, PopCom aims that its

current efforts for and with our Filipino

people will be further strengthened and

hopes that it will pave the way for the

attainment of its vision of well-planned,

healthy, happy, prosperous, and

empowered Filipino families. (PIA-7/

PopCom)

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

Tourists urged: Refresh this summer in Samar

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 19 (PIA) - Samar tourism council urges tourists to experience the many water forms in

Samar where tourists can refresh through the hot summer months.

I n a meeting with agency partners

and the private sector to push

eco-tourism in Samar recently, the

council headed by Gov Sharee Ann Tan

revealed tourist-ready destinations in the

3rd largest island.

Despite the many tourist destinations

in Samar with its undisturbed and

unexplored mountains and eco-tourism

sites, Samar will initially offer Sohoton

Cave in Basey and Ulot Watershed

torpedo boat ride.

In Basey, tourists can explore

Sohoton caves, inside the Sohoton

Natural Park.

The 840-hectare park features

limestone walls, a natural rock bridge,

underground river, verdant forests and

caves with majestic interiors that

tourists rave about. According to

TripAdvisor blog, Sohoton cave ranks

number 6 in tourist destinations in the

country. It is also considered among the

top 102 attractions in Samar Island.

On the other hand, the Ulot Torpedo

Boat Ride in Barangay Tenani, Paranas,

Samar has also been drawing crowds of

adventurers especially the younger

generation for its extreme adventure.

Boat riders are ushered into torpedo-like

boats.

Torpedo also means Tenani boat

Operators for River Protection and

Environmental Development. Ulot River is

a 31-kilometer river where the torpedo

river cruise weaves in and out of

large stones maneuvered by the best

boatmen.

These boatmen were said to be

lumberjacks who switched careers from

being timber poachers to protectors of

the river and the environment. The ride

also treats one with the verdant forest

and birdlife.

While Samar boasts of more than a

hundred destinations of natural beauty and

wonder, the council believes that this

initial offer will draw more tourists and

each time, Samar will always have

something new to offer. (ajc/nbq/PIA 8

-Samar)

Biliran province, 2 towns receive nat’l health award

NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 17 (PIA) – No less than the chief of the health department in Eastern Visayas has announced that Biliran

province and two other towns in the province were recipients of the 2014 national health award.

“ Biliran province and the towns of

Almeria and Maripipi were recipients of

the ―national health award‖ DOH 8

regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr.

proudly announced in a gathering of provincial health officials and workers in Bili-

ran recently.

A provincial health summit was held on

February 12, 2015 at the NSU Hostel

function room in Naval, Biliran where best

practices of the Biliran provincial hospital and

rural health units in the province in terms of

local health services delivery system

brought by improved health facilities and

equipment and access to quality

medicines through the universal health care program of the Aquino administration were

showcased.

Biliran province is one of the recipients

a m o n g t h e t e n i d e n t i f i e d

provinces nationwide and two of its

municipalities namely, Almeria and Maripipi

are included in the list of 20 identified

municipalities that will receive the Excellence in Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Awards 2014

scheduled on February 20 at the SMX

Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex,

Pasay City with no less than President

Benigno Simeon Aquino III to give the award.

The Department of Health (DOH)

launched the Excellence in Kalusugan

Pangkalahatan Awards 2014 last year.

The award is aimed at recognizing local

government units (LGUs) that exhibited

commendable performance on health as reflected in the 2013 LGU scorecard report.

The award is also aimed at encouraging

LGUs participation in the localization of Ka-

lusugan Pangkalahatan that leads to

enhanced delivery of health services that

contributed to the attainment of Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs) 4 on improved

child health, MDG 5 on improved maternal health, MDG 6 to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria

and other diseases and MDG 7 to ensured

environmental sustainability.

The recipients of the national health

award will receive a cash prize of as high as

half a million pesos and a consolation prize of

P50,000 for the provincial awardees and as

high as one million pesos and a P50,000 con-

solation prize for the municipal

awardees.

The cash award shall be used to fund health-related projects to further improve

performance of their health system. (fj/

rvictoria/PIA 8 Biliran)

PDNA ensures better disaster rehab, recovery

C ardenas said that it is a multi

-sectoral and multidisciplinary

structured approach for assessing

disaster impacts and prioritizing recovery

and reconstruction needs.

PDNA is generally intended to

estimate two important factors: 1) the

short term interventions to initiate

recovery from the damages and losses;

and 2) the financial requirements needed

to achieve a holistic post-disaster

recovery, reconstruction and risk

management, he said. Cardenas added that

the goal of disaster rehabilitation and

recovery is to restore and improve the

facilities, livelihoods, living conditions and

organizational capacities of the affected

communities, and reduce disaster risks in

accordance with the build back better

principle. The program is led by the

government in collaboration with

international development partners and

even private sector. (ajc/tbc/PIA8-North

Samar)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 19 (PIA) – Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) ensures efficient, effective and

well-organized disaster rehabilitation and recovery, says Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Romeo M.

Cardenas in an interview at Radio Station DYSM.

By Ninfa B. Quirante

By Teresita B. Cardenas

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

Welfare aid services in SoLeyte bared

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 18 (PIA) - Owing to the lingering impact of super typhoon Yolanda, the provincial social

welfare and development office (PSWDO) here had disbursed funds amounting to P1.248 million for 416 families In the first

quarter of last year.

I n addition, some 930 families were given

food assistance or cash for work in the

amount of P279,396 and for the whole

year 2014, the province spent P2.032 million to

1,032 individuals to answer for various needs

like medicine, laboratory expenses, and medical

procedure or operation.

This was one of the highlights Gov. Roger

Mercado reported last week over the new

cable TV weekly series entitled ―Provincial

Report‖ held at the Rizal Hall, or second floor

of the provincial capitol building.

―In the aftermath of typhoons Basyang and

Ruby, we distributed food packs amounting to

P1.681 Million to 35,511 families who

took shelter in our evacuation centers,‖ Gov.

Mercado said.

He said he was glad that despite the

calamities that hit the region ―our province has

been spared from any human casualty,‖ citing

the efforts exerted by the provincial risk

reduction management council.

―Our success in this department is a joint

effort and I enjoin each and every one of you

to continue to be vigilant, to be pro-active so

we can sustain our zero casualty track record,‖

Mercado stressed.

Aside from typhoon-related assistance,

Mercado also mentioned the Enhanced

Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation

program of the national DSWD coursed

through the PSWDO, in the amount of P 5.883

Million released to 1,659 individuals all over

the province.

To help equip the labor force with the

required skills to be gainfully employed, the

PSWDO conducted various skills and technical

training which benefitted 364 individuals. The

cost in the conduct of activities was

P264,968.00.

―We continue to implement various

programs and projects geared toward

improving the welfare of our constituents,

including Women Welfare Programs, Children

Welfare Programs, Senior Citizens Program,

Family Welfare Programs, Gender Sensitivity

and Population Control,‖ Mercado said. (ajc/

mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

Communities urged to be responsible pet owners

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 17 (PIA) – Ms. Edna Tumandao, Provincial Rabies Coordinator, Eastern Samar Provincial

Health Office (ES-PHO) appealed to pet owners in this province to be responsible handlers of their pet dogs and cats.

T umandao said this over Radio ng

Bayan DYES amid reports of rising

cases of rabies coming from

northern municipalities.

According to the Anti-Rabies Campaign

Coordinator, from 2011 to 2012 there was no

Rabies case reported but between 2013-2014,

the towns of Arteche(1), Oras(1), Dolores(2)

and Can-avid (1) have these reported five cas-

es.

―While we cannot totally eliminate the

infection from the bites of animals, sometimes

even human, at least we can reduce the

number,‖ Ms. Tumandao said. ―But what is

surprising, is, we instead noticed of an increase

of rabid cases‖, she added.

She informed that last 2010 up to 2012,

the province benefited the Anti-Rabies

program of ―Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation‖, with free vaccines such that the

immunization coverage was high which

possibly could have prevented victims

from the viral infection.

Since the Foundation terminated their

program here, it was then expected that LGUs

would sustain the health program, Ms.

Tumandao said but due to financial matters or

otherwise, very few enforced the ordinance.

Come March 3 the Anti-Rabies Program

will kick-off and up to May, and PHO will

spearhead the yearly observance of

Anti-Rabies Program, particularly the Mass Dog

Immunization Campaign which expects a

70%-80% Immunization Coverage.

According to her, municipal-LGUs will

share their counterpart for vaccines,

TEVs and vaccinators.

She further informed however, that a

vaccine in a dog, would be good only for one

year, and that, it has to be repeated annually if

only to secure the people around the dog or

those in the entire community.

A vial of the vaccine which costs

P1,850.00 will already be god for four shots for

persons.

The health-worker also reminded dog

victims to submit themselves for consultation

in RHUs or medical clinics, once they have

been bitten, and not wait for a symptom to

show up in the body or in the person, besides,

―not all bites are risky‖, Edna said, thus the

need for a medical consultation.

―But it is still best if Anti-Rabies

Ordinance in each LGU, which they all have, is

enforced efficiently‖, Tumandao concluded.

What a pleasant barangay road to walk

through with no stray dog walking here and

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

US docs in Borongan for 3-day medical mission

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 19 (PIA) --- The Couples for Christ (CFC) – Answering the Cry of the Poor

(ANCOP), Eastern Samar Chapter in partnership with the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar through Governor

Conrado ―Aklan‖ B. Nicart, Jr. will conduct a Medical and Surgical Mission ANCOP-United States of America (USA) on

February 19-21, 2015 this City.

T he Medical and Surgical Team are

CFC-ANCOP Filipinos who are

residing in USA and Manila. They

wish to help the poor in Eastern Samar

through the Medical and Surgical Mission.

The Medical Team will treat cough,

fever, asthma, allergies, skin diseases, body

pains

and other diseases while the Surgical

Team will conduct surgery such as: cataract

removal, thyroidectomy, pterygium

treatment, cholecystectomy, cleft lip surgery,

hernia and OB cases like TAHBSO.

The said services are free of charge of

consultation, and patients will receive free

medicines and vitamins with free snacks

while those who undergo Surgery are free

from fees for laboratory works to the post

operation care with free medicines and

vitamins.

As of this writing, there are already 350

patients for medical and 32 for major

operations and 13 for minor operations.

Meanwhile, the CFC-E. Samar together

with Provincial Government through

Provincial Board Member, Hon. Karen

Domingo Alvarez, will distribute 750 food

packs in Brgys. Sohutan, Calicoan, San Jose,

Siha and San Gabriel, the flooded barangays

during ―Typhoon Ruby‖. According to Hon.

Alvarez, the packs contain rice, beef loaf and

coffee which will be distributed to every

household. (aen/sdc/PIA8-ESamar)

By Samuel D. Candido

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 [email protected].

Editorial Consultants

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Alicia E. Nicart

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]