Fr. Brian Brigoli (in checkered polo), co-chairman of the Committee on Venue of the Commission on Cebu in celebration of the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, shows to media his drawing of the Calungsod Template that is 60% complete. The template will be completed in time for the National Thanksgiving Day of San Pedro Calungsod at the South Road Properties (SRP). (PIA-Cebu/JSME)

Calungsod's canonization brings immense faith, miracles

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THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY-7 | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH VOL. 2 | NO. 34| November 7, 2012

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CEBU, Nov. 3 (PIA) --- Devotees in Cebu believe the canonization of the second Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod will encourage the youth to renew their faith to the Catholic church as exemplified in the saint’s life. Saint Pedro Calungsod de Cebu was a sacristan and missionary catechist who suffered religious persecution and martyrdom in Guam in a missionary work in 1672. He was killed at 17. Parish pastoral council member and devotee Mario Joel Baylosis said the canonization of Saint Pedro Calungsod awakened and encouraged thousands of devotees to come into their parish. He added that the Saint really serves as a role model to Filipinos, especially to young Pinoys. The growing number of devotees coming from different places is one of the miracles that he showed to us. It is a miracle to see people who have strong faith in him, Baylosis declared. “Let us emulate the values and goodness Calungsod had. He has sacrificed everything for his Christian faith,” he added. In the Oct. 27 episode of “Pagtuki”, the official radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Divina Cantalejo, a Calungsod devotee also shared the miracles she experienced through the intercession of Saint Pedro Calungsod even when he was still a beato. Cantalejo revealed that she started to be a devotee of Saint Pedro Calungsod when he was still a beato. She believed that her faith in him cured her illness. She also beleived that Pedro Calungsod cured her brother who had a nervous breakdown. Cantalejo added that the canonization of the new Filipino Saint brought a mass-based support in her barangay. She said the youth should look up to the life of the Visayan Saint how he died to defend the Catholic Church and to his faith to the Almighty. “The youth should anchor on the values and principles of Saint Pedro Calungsod. They should devote their time serving the community and the church as what Calungsod did,” Cantalejo said. She also believed that community services will play a vital rule to spare them from involving in vices. Oct. 21, was a very special day to all Filipinos especially to young Pinoys, who welcomed the new Filipino saint. A Visayan Saint Pedro Calungsod that was canonized in Rome along with six other saints. Prior to Saint Pedro Calungsod another Filipino Saint Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila was also declared saint by the Roman Catholic Church.(mbcn/AYS/PIA-CEBU & reports from RAFI)

DOST partners with NGO in promoting technology, hamonious community

CEBU CITY, (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) inked a memorandum of understanding with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creations – Integrated Development Center Inc (JPIC-IDCI). Under the agreement, DOST and JPIC-IDCI agreed to foster cooperation on empowering communities through the application of Science and Technology interventions.

DOST-7 is tasked under the agreement to provide technical support and other necessary assistance relative to the obligation of the JPIC-IDCI. As a non government organization, it aims to transform societies and communities to be economically stable and interdependent, culturally authentic, politically empowered, living in peace, and working for sustainable development. It is also the main goal of the organization to implement programs geared towards empowering communities for sufficiency, protecting women and children

through awareness and capacity building, providing quality education for the poor and underprivileged and support the micro-financing for developed enterprises of cooperatives. Both parties also agreed to craft common projects and seek resources to support these projects. Stated on the same agreement, DOST will assist the JPIC-IDCI in developing local technology experts and will make available all its facilities and its services to support the activities of the organization. (RMN/AYS-PIA7, Cebu/ DOST )

By AmorgAndA A. SAludAr

Members of the indigenous peoples (IPs) group in Negros Oriental registering during a forum held to mark the observance of National Indigenous Month at the Provincial Convention Center, Dumaguete City. During the forum, Gov. Roel Degamo requested the natives to assist the military in peacekeeping in their respective communities to make Negros Oriental insurgency-free. (LJD/PIA)

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Land Ownership to farmer-beneficiaries, said Rafols. Moreover, Secretary de los Reyes also led the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to non-commissioned personnel of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Bethel guesthouse as DAR’s way of showing gratitude and appreciation for the support they extended during the peaceful installation of farmer-beneficiaries at Polo Coconut Plantation, Inc. in Tanjay City. The DAR chief ’s visit was also highlighted by the inauguration of the village-level processing center of Rama Rodriguez (Ramrod) Multipurpose Cooperative in Canlaon City. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

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DAR inks MOA with Bayawan to boost tax collection

DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) signed an agreement with the Bayawan City government in Negros Oriental for a project to boost tax collection in this local government. Agrarian Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes arrived in Dumaguete City on October 19 to sign a memorandum of partnership agreement (MOPA) with the officials from Bayawan City government headed by Mayor Rene Gaudiel.

NEGROS ORIENTAL

NegOr gov asks IPs to help in peacekeeping, promoting new mining order

DUMAGUETE CITY, (PIA) -- The governor of Negros Oriental asked some 60 tribal chieftains of indigenous peoples (IPs) to support and cooperate in addressing peace and order in the communities. In a forum for the observance of National Indigenous Month, Gov. Roel Degamo said that in support for the IP sector, there will be a representation in the local council for the promotion of their rights. Degamo a lso reques ted the natives to assist the military in peacekeeping in their respective communities to make Negros Oriental insurgency-free. The 302 Infantry Brigade of

By rAchelle m. neSSiA

the Philippine Army with the provincial government of Negros Oriental, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) initiated the forum to orient the IPs on the implementation of the new mining Executive Order 79. The EO reiterates the state policy on the recognition of IP rights and the NCIP has drafted and issued its revised guidelines for the free, prior, and informed consent process. NCIP, DSWD and the DENR are directed to ensure that social preparation for IPs to be affected by mining will be conducted. In his briefing, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources

Under said agreement, both DAR and Bayawan local government unit (LGU) will conduct a subdivision survey in government-owned lands to help improve the collection of taxes in the city, said Gherelene Mae Rafols, DAR information officer. Bayawan LGU will be responsible for the survey while DAR will facilitate the endorsement of subdivision plans for the approval by the Department of Environment of Natural Resources and the issuance of individual Certificate of

Officer (Penro) Oscar Magallones said EO 79 imposes stricter measures to ensure responsible mining and environmental protection as well as seeking higher revenue sharing scheme for the government through legislation. Magallones cited, on the same EO, President Aquino closed mining applications in restricted areas such as in the protected areas, tourism development sites, prime agricultural lands, and other critical areas, like watershed for irrigation and hydro plants. “The basic purpose of this EO is to mitigate negative impact of our environment,” said Magallones. The Penro identified three

large scales mining in Negros Oriental located in the municipalities of Ayungon, Basay, and Tayasan , i nc lud ing with some small scales mining operating in the province. Th is month ’s celebration anchors ton he 15th year anniversary of RA 8371 known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act wi th the theme “IPRA ay Gabay sa Kaunlaran. Isaisip, Ipabatid at Isakatuparan.” (mbcn/JCT-PIA7, Negros Oriental)

By Jennifer c. TiloS

CEBU CITY, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 with the Ubay Federated Tree Planters Association Inc. (UFTPAI) has maintained a 1-hectare coffee plantation with 1,500 seedlings within

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the 16-hectare forest land in San Pascual, Ubay, Bohol. The project is in line with the DENR Agro Forestry Development Project with the help of UFTAI aims to benefit the communities consistent to the objectives of the National

Bohol

INFOBYTES is a weekly electronic newsletter produced by the Philippine Information Agency-Region 7 with stories submitted by its Provincial Information Centers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

By hAzel f. gloriA

Philhealth Run 2013 Singlet: (From left) PhilHealth Run 2013 Race Organizer Joel Baring, PhilHealth Run Lead Coordinator for Region 7 Nellie Marie Banzon, Philhealth AVP for Visayas William Chavez and Gift of Life Project Directors Robin Ong and Dr. Ibarra Panopia hold up the singlet that will be used during the PhilHealth Run 2013 during the run's launching ceremony. (PIA Cebu/JSME)

Greening Program (NGP). The San Pascual Agro Forest in Ubay is part of the 20,749-hectare inside the Carood Watershed Model Forest (CWMF). DENR 7 regional executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, that aside from promoting the sustainability of the model forest, the project also intends to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people living within the watershed. In a related development, the Phi l ippine Mining Service Corporation (PMSC) with Bohol Limestone Corporation (BLC) in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol has planted around 7,542 native and agro forestry seedlings covering 38.6 hectares within its mining contract area. Supporting the NGP, the Vice Mayor League of Bohol will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to contribute P100,000 to the UFTPAI that will be used to provide additional seedlings for possible expansion of the coffee plantation. “Through this and with the active assistance from our various stakeholders, additional livelihood enterprises will open up while meeting the targets set for the NGP,” Montejo said. (HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)

Ubay Agro Forest maintains 1-hectare of coffee plantations

DENR-7 encourages protection, preservation of mangrove plantation B O H O L ( P I A ) - - T h e Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) has called anew for the continued protection and preservation of the mangrove plantations within the Getafe Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve and Wilderness Area (GMSFRWA) in Getafe, Bohol. GMSFRWA is one of the oldest mangrove areas that straddle seven island barangays of Jandayan Norte, Jandayan Sur, Handumonon, Banacon, Alumar, Mahanay, Getafe and Mahanay, Talibon with 3441.5 hectares. The mangrove area could be reached through a motorized banca for about 30 to 45 minutes from Getafe port. DENR-7 Executive Director Isabelo R. Montejo said mangroves offer shelter for local and migratory wildlife and serve as roosting and foraging grounds this is why there is a need to vigorously protect them. Mon te jo exp la ined tha t mangroves provide nursery grounds

By hAzel f. gloriA for fish, prawns and crabs and support fisheries production in coastal waters.

“It also protects the environment by shielding the coastal areas and communities from storm surges, waves, tidal currents and typhoons; produce organic biomass (carbon) and reduce organic pollution in near shore areas by trapping or absorption,” he added. Mangroves are salt tolerant, woody, seed-bearing plants ranging in size from small shrubs to tall trees. They occur along sheltered intertidal coastlines and in association with estuaries and lagoons. Studies showed that mangrove areas had reduced from 450,000 hectares in 1918 to 117,700 hectares based in the 1995 statistics. This has been attributed to the conversion to fishponds, prawn farms, salt ponds, reclamation and other forms of industrial development. “Out of 70 mangrove tree species in the world, 34 occur in the Philippines and one hectare of mangrove trees produces up to 3.6 tons

of litter fall annually and one hectare of healthy mangrove ecosystem produces about 1.08 tons of fish per year,” he added. Meanwhile, GMSFRWA has eight existing mangrove reforestation and rehabilitation projects with a total of 368 hectares covering five barangays. Mangroves contribute between 1,800 to 4,200 grams of carbon per square meter per year, which is approximately the contribution of the tropical rain forest and 10 times higher than primary production in the open ocean. It was in December 1981 that GMSFRWA became a protected area through Presidential Proclamation Numbers 2151 and 2152. (HFG/DENR7-PIA 7)

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DOE sets Downstream Oil Industry drive for NegOr, Siquijor LGUs

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE)-Visayas has set two separate advocacy campaigns on the Downstream Oil Industry (DOI) for local governments

By Jennifer c. TiloS

[ABOVE PHOTO] Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto (3rd from left) receiving his token after his message during the 20th RADIO7 Convention. Photo also shows (L -R) PCOO U s e c . A t t y. L e s l e y Jeanne Cordero, AUDIO & RADIO-7 President Augustus Escobia, and PIA-7 Regional Director Minerva Bc Newman.

(RIGHT BELOW) Arrival and reg i s t r a t i on o f participants from all over Central Visayas for the 20th RADIO7 Convention in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

and dealers of liquid petroleum products (LPP) on November 7 and 8 in Dumaguete City. Officers and representatives from the Treasurer’s and Business Licensing Offices of all LGUs in Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces including

concerned national government officials are expected to attend the briefing on the role of local governments in the DOI on the first day at Plaza Maria Suites Inn, this city. On the second day, invited to participate in the forum on the rules and

DOE sets Downstream Oil Industry drive for NegOr, Siquijor LGUsBy Jennifer C. TilosSunday 4th of November 2012TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThisDUMAGUETE CITY, Nov 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE)-Visayas has set two separate advocacy campaigns on the Downstream Oil Industry (DOI) for local governments and dealers of liquid petroleum products (LPP) on November 7 and 8 in Dumaguete City.

Officers and representatives from the Treasurer’s and Business Licensing Offices of all LGUs in Negros Oriental and Siqui jor provinces including concerned national government officials are expected to attend the briefing on the role of local governments in the DOI on the first day at Plaza Maria Suites Inn, this city.

On the second day, invited to participate in the forum on the rules and regulations in the DOI, are all the dealers of LPP.

DOE Visayas director Antonio Labios said the main purpose of these activities is to brief all LGUs and LPP dealers in the two provinces on the existing rules and regulations in the business of retailing petroleum products and on the role of the LGUs in the implementation and enforcement of these rules.

Labios said the campaign intend to forge partnership with the LGUs to effectively protect the interest and welfare of the constituents, promote safety and ensure fair trade practices. (mbcn/JCT-PIA7, Negros Oriental)

regulations in the DOI, are all the dealers of LPP. DOE V i sayas director Antonio Labios said the main purpose of these act ivi t ies is to brief all LGUs and LPP dealers in the two provinces on the existing rules and regulations in the business of retailing petroleum products and on the role of the LGUs in the implementation and enforcement of these rules. Labios said the campaign intend to forge partnership with the LGUs to effectively protect the interest and welfare of the constituents, promote safety and ensure fair trade practices. (mbcn/J C T- P I A 7 , N e g r o s Oriental)