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Vol 5 Issue 12 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 March 23 - 29, 2015
WESTERN VISAYAS
In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue Women urged to protect rights
WVisayas is country‟s 5th largest GDP contributor
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
Bogo City among 2015 UN Sasakawa winners in disaster reduction
Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU, March 24 (PIA) – The City of Bogo is one of the 33 winners
of the 2015 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster
Reduction.
The UN Information for Disaster Reduction (UNIDR)
announced this during the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster
Risk Reduction at the Sendai International Center in Sendai, Japan
on March 17.
All the 33 winners that came from different backgrounds and
contexts were recognized due to their outstanding contributions to
disaster risk reduction.
Bogo City's flagship program on Information Management in
Preparation for Disasters or “I.M. Prepared” Program, a system of
disaster preparedness measures that starts with the family gets the
Sasakawa recognition.
Bogo Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr. said the “I.M. Prepared”
program aims to change the mindset of the people from reactive to
proactive and it encompasses beyond government‟s existing
mechanisms in addressing preparedness issues down to the family
level through baseline data, family interaction and drills, capacity
building, barangay information and education drive in schools.
Martinez said a ready local government unit (LGU) can only
be achieved if the families are ready as well while they deserve the
best service from the government.
According to Martinez, most LGUs invest more on expensive
equipment and trainings for rescue teams but undermine the basic
and essential DRRM service which is family preparedness.
As a taxpayer, Martinez claimed that no one should be
exposed to hazards. If you prioritize disaster risk reduction and
management (DRRM) response alone, it is tantamount to saying
that one should first be carried away by flood water or screaming
for help before the government can serve you, said Martinez.
Another advantage of family preparedness is that the LGU
can maximize its resources efficiently, said the mayor.
Meanwhile, the four-strong Sasakawa Award Jury used a set
of criteria to select the final short-list of nominees, assessing how
influential, extensive or encompassing, permanent and innovative
the nominees actions are.
The winning Sasakawa Laureatte Allan Lavel, is a disaster risk
researcher and consultant based in Costa Rica.
Born in Britain but based in the Americas for most of his
career, Lavel is a highly respected researcher and practitioner in
disaster risk reduction.
His work spans four decades, adopting a multi-disciplinary
and holistic approach. He has also authored a number of
publications and has presented papers in 42 different countries.
Lavel on the other hand, has pledged his commitment to
coordinate with the City of Bogo and the province of Cebu through
governor Hilario Davide Jr. for possible development and replicating
the Bogo DRRM practice in other local government units.
The UNIDR stated the 2015 Sasakawa Award attracted 88
nominations from 44 countries including the Philippines which
placed its official bet on Albay Province.
Bogo‟s „I.M Prepared” program has been hailed as one of the
best practices in DRRM by the Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG) which also nominated Bogo to the
Sasakawa Award.
Because of the city‟s commitment to DRRM, the DOST said
it would donate a hybrid monitoring system while Phivolcs said it
would also set up a state-of-the-art solar-powered earthquake
monitoring system that allows the transmissions of data every
microsecond.
Bogo City‟s local disaster risk reduction and management
officer Ben Frederick Rodriguez, has been trained on weather
forecasting and the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and
Oceanography Center by Pagasa-Visayas.
Bogo is currently formulating its localized weather forecast in
Cebuano under the supervision of Pagasa-Visayas, the only LGU in
the Visayas capable of such. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7/with reports from Ben
Frederick Rodriguez/Bogo City)
CONSUELO B. ALARCON
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 26 (PIA) – Women‟s rights
advocates in the city encouraged all women in vulnerable
circumstances to assert their rights and file complaints against their
spouses who are circumventing their rights.
During the “Harampang ha PIA” held Thursday at PIA
Regional Office 8, Senior Police Officer 3 Marissa Monge, in-charge
of the Women‟s and Children Protection Desk of the Tacloban City
Police Office, said their office is 24 hours open to all women who
are victims of all kinds of violence or whose rights are being
violated by their husbands and partners.
“Violence against women and their children” refers to
any act or series of acts committed by any person against a woman
who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with
whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with
whom he has a common child, or against her child
whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or outside the family
abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual,
psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including
threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or
arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
Chief Inspector Ma. Bella D. Rentuaya, Chief of the
Tacloban City Police Community Relations Office, also
said as part of their advocacy campaign police personnel
went to barangays to strengthen awareness of the
law. They even conducted family development sessions in
coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office
in 138 barangays.
“Women must be empowered and motivated to assert their
rights regardless of their level of education and or socio-economic
status. It is necessary for all individuals, especially women in
vulnerable circumstances to have full knowledge of their rights and
access to legal recourse against violations of their rights”, she
added.
Meanwhile, as an advocate of women‟s rights, Lawyer Jo Ann
Yu Balaga of PUMA Law Office gave an assurance that she is willing
to render free legal advice to women in the city who are victims of
violence.
Records at the Tacloban‟s women and children protection
desk (WCPD) show that 619 reported cases of violence against
women were recorded in 2014. Most of these are physical
violence. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Also CLICK Here…
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
By: Leonard T. Pineda I
ILOILO CITY, March 23 (PIA6) --- Western Visayas is the fifth
largest contributor to the country‟s Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) in 2014, according to the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA)-6.
As per NEDA-6 report, the region‟s economy has a lower
Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at only 4.0 percent last
year as compared to the 4.4 percent registered in 2013 but it is still
considered one of the country‟s largest contributions to GDP.
NEDA-6 said that the region‟s economy was propelled by the
services sector at 57.9 percent, agriculture, hunting, fishery and
forestry at 23.5 percent, and the industry sector at 18.6 percent.
The region‟s employment rate increased from 93.1 percent in
2013 to 94 percent in 2014. Region 6 ranked No. 4 with the highest
employment rate as compared to other regions in the country.
Western Visayas also ranked 4th in terms of the lowest
unemployment rate in the country. The unemployment rate
decreased from 6.9 percent in 2013to 6.0 percent in 2014.
According to NEDA-6, the 2014 exports valued at
US$302.47 million increased by 12.4 percent compared in 2014.
The exportation of coal contributed to the 46 percent increase of
exports in the Port of Iloilo.
Imports also increased by 59 percent valued at P23.95 billion
compared to 2013‟s figure of P15.08 billion.
The preliminary report of the Department of Tourism
(DOT)-6 showed a total of 3.18-million total tourist arrivals in the
region for 2014.
The tourist arrivals in Western Visayas generated total
receipts amounting to P74 billion.
In terms of inflation rate, all commodities increased from 3.8
percent in 2013 to 4.7 percent last year. Compared to other
regions, Region 6 ranked no. 6 in terms of high inflation rate.
Among the provinces in the region, Antique had the highest
inflation rate in 2014 posting 6.8 percent; followed by Guimaras at
5.0 percent; and Iloilo at 4.9 percent. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
Making a stand. As others sat, several HNU
SEED and tourism students made a stand for
the environment and walked in slippers or
barefoot to pool slippers for deprived children
and to reconnect the body from the earth in
attempts to start a healthy lifestyle. (rac/
PIABohol)
Various local government units and the
Province of Negros Occidental enter into an
agreement with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für
I n t e r n a t i o n a l e Z u s a m m e n a r b e i t
(G I Z ) - P r o t e c t e d A r e a M a n a g e m e n t
Enhancement (PAME) for environment-related
projects. The MOA was signed by Gov. Alfredo G.
Marañon (seated, 4th from left), GIZ-PAME
program manager Dr. Berthold Schirm (extreme
right) and other officials. (EAD-PIA6 photo)
Focused discussion on gender and
development resource person Lovelle Lapura
(right) enlightened PIA 8 regional office staff
and some invited guests from the Association
of Government Information Officers (AGIO)
and the private media with her lecture in line
with the Women‟s Month celebration held at
the PIA regional office, Tacloban City, March
23. (Vino R. Cuayzon)
PH 5th PH 5th PH 5th
largest GDP largest GDP largest GDP
contributor contributor contributor
in 2014in 2014in 2014
WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222
Parents should monitor social media use of kids
NEGROS OCC., March 24 (PIA6) --The social media has brought people closer across the globe but evil minded persons have
turned it into a platform to commit crimes.
I t is in this setting that the role of
parents come into play where
women become easy targets of
sweet-talking men who are supposed to be their
friend either on Facebook or thru cellphone.
Negros Occ. Provincial Police Office Wom-
en and Children‟s Desk Head Capt. Vanessa Gayle
Sonoy said the friendly and love relations that
develop through these media sometimes end in
tragedy where one partner is either robbed
or molested when they arranged to meet in
person.
The usual victims are young women, she
added. “The oft-repeated advice - never trust a
stranger - is a basic guide that‟s applicable here.”
To avoid these crimes, she said parents
should guide their children by knowing what their
activities are and with whom they go out with.
She said the parents have direct relations to their
children and have the responsibility of focusing
the minds of youngsters on more important
things over other teenage concerns.
Sonoy further advised parents not to
tolerate the wrongdoings of their children
and seek to be abreast of their interests like
learning to use the social media themselves.
As the youths spend more time in school,
the teachers are also requested to teach them
preventive guides to stay out of Cyber Crimes,
she said. (JCM/Lljr-PIA6)
by Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 26 (PIA) – Capiz Governor Victor Tanco commended the information officers for the continued
goal in promoting public awareness.
I n his message, delivered by Provincial
Administrator lawyer Jose Villanueva
during the recent induction ceremony of
the newly elected officers, Tanco lauded the
members of the Capiz Association of
Government Public Information Officers for its
vision to usher the best service and
enabling Capiceños through information
dissemination.
He said that while the information
officer‟s role is to advance awareness,
knowledge and transparency to the public, they
are also becoming agents of peace and
progress for the community as part of public
duties.
Tanco also urged the public information
officers to maintain the observance of
propriety and sobriety in leading the
organization as well as uphold the honor while
representing the organization.
He also called the members of the
CAGPIO to be armed with steadfast
dedication and full commitment towards public
service.
The governor likewise pledged the
support of the provincial government for a
more proactive and productive partnership in
order to forge a synergy in serving the
Capiceños.
For his part, Provincial Administrator
Villanueva reiterated the assurance of
governor Tanco and the entire provincial
government of Capiz for CAGPIO and the
Philippine Information Agency in the goal
towards peace and development in the
province.
“We count on PIA and CAGPIO in
helping us remain as transparent, responsible
and accountable as every information outfit like
you,” Villanueva stressed.
He also asked the information officers and
the media to help in bringing to the great
level of competitiveness the province of
Capiz so that it will become among the ranks
of first.
The induction of newly elected officers
led by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Officer Esperedion
Pelaez was also graced by PIA Regional
Operations Officer Jaime Cabag, Jr. and
Regional Trial Court Judge Honorable Esperan-
za Isabel Poco-Deslate, who was the associa-
tion‟s president in 1996. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)
Guv lauds Capiz information officers By Jemin B. Guillermo
ILOILO CITY, March 25 (PIA6) --- The newly-installed Ilongga honorary consul of the Spanish government for Western
Visayas is planning to bolster partnerships between Spain and the region here.
Ilongga consul links Spain and WVisayas
By: Leonard T. Pineda I
M aria Rosa Cacho, who is also the
p r o v i n c i a l h e a d o f G a w a d
Kalinga-Iloilo, said that she will push
for more investment and tourism
opportunities for Western Visayas to bring in
more businesses here.
“I plan to bring in more partnerships and
find social entrepreneurs in Spain who are
willing to put up businesses here to generate
more jobs for the Ilonggos,” she said.
As the honorary consul, she has
functions of representing the consulate
with the Spanish nationals living in
Western Visayas, carry out administrative
activities to assist the needs of
Spanish citizens, and make contacts with local
authorities.
Cacho said that she will also conduct
cultural activities, trade and commerce
promotion that will strengthen the linkage
between Spain and Region 6.
“I also decided to accept this post for the
healing because people kept talking about
the Spanish colonization but they were gone
for more than a hundred years ago,” she
stressed.
“I think it is time that we should
not make it as excuse if the Philippines
is not progressive for it is up to us, and
i t has noth ing to do anymore
that we were colonized so many years ago,”
she added.
Cacho also shared that she plans to form
an organization or association of Spanish
nationals here in the region.
“I have established a Facebook page to
connect everybody and this will be a good start
to invite them for meetings and fellowships,”
she said.
According to Cacho, there are some 240
Spanish citizens in Western Visayas. Of the
number, 160 are in Negros Occidental while
60 or 70 are from the different provinces in
Panay.
She also clarified that issuance of Spain
visas to Ilonggos is not part of her responsibil-
ity as honorary consul
“I am not allowed to give visas nor
process the Spanish passports mainly because
they need to show the fingerprinting in the
consulate in Manila,” she said.
Cacho, whose great grandfathers are
Spanish, is the first honorary consul in
Western Visayas. She is the fourth one to be
appointed in the country following the consuls
in Cebu, Bicol, and Mindanao. (JCM/LTP/
PIA-Iloilo)
WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333
SAN JOSE, Antique, March 27 (PIA6)—This year‘s theme of the Women‘s Month celebration ―Juana ang Desisyon mo ay
Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na‖ describes women leadership and decision making as essential to
development.
M arilou Llavan, Program Officer of
Antique Human Deve lopment
P rogr am , a non - governmen t
organization working for the empowerment of
rural women for more than two decades now,
said women leaders excel in organizations of
farmers and fisher folks.
Based on experiences in the rural
areas, she said, the statistics are quite
different compared to government offices
wherein few women occupied leadership or
managerial positions.
There are lots of women leaders in
organizations of farmers and fisher folks.
We have seen the advancement of
women decision makers in terms of livelihood
activities or sources of income, said Llavan.
Take the case of agro-forestry, women
are more bent on planting fruit trees and
vegetables and other cash crops compared
to the preference of men which is more on
timber trees, she said.
The same is true with the fisher folk or-
ganization since fishing is a seasonal
venture. When it is off-season for fishing,
women play an important role in meeting the
immediate needs of the family.
As to women participation in
cooperatives, Llavan said cooperatives are
composed of 70% women members.
Lllavan emphasized that women‟s
participation is a major consideration in all
their undertakings.
On the other hand, Prisceli Joyce Galuego,
Provincial Women„s Desk Coordinator, shared
some statistics of women occupying leadership
position in the province as reported by
the Department of the Interior and Local
Government.
On top of the leadership position is the
newly installed woman governor; however, no
woman member has been elected for
Sangguniang Panlalawigan which is the
legislative body of the province.
For municipal mayors and vice mayors,
two (2) or 11% and four (4) or 22% of the 18
towns respectively are women while for
Sangguniang Bayan – 39 out of 144 or 27 % are
women.
Women Leadership in the Provincial
Department – out of 33 managerial
positions, eight (8) are occupied by women or
24%.
Galuego said there‟s the need to
catch up in number of women occupying
managerial positions in government. (JCM/PSM/
PIA6 Antique)
Women leaders essential to development
By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao
DPWH ensures safe travel with ‗Lakbay Alalay‘
By: Elsa S. Subong
ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PIA6)—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Western Visayas is activating its
―Lakbay Alalay‖ Project for the Holy Week observance, starting 6 a.m. of April 1 until 12 noon of April 6.
D PWH-6 Director Edilberto Tayao
said in an advisory, that he had
instructed the district engineers of all
Engineering districts in the region to create a
composite crew, including an anchorman
who will assist the travelling public in strategic
locations in their areas.
Tayao also said that he had directed the
district engineers to coordinate with the Land
Transportation Office, the Philippine National
Police and the officials of local government
units so that required assistance will be
provided.
“They have also been ordered to submit
situationer reports every six hours,” Tayao
said.
With the huge influx of people expected
in some areas, the engineering offices were
also instructed to ensure that all national
roads, particularly those leading to churches
and terminals, should be thoroughly
maintained and always kept in good shape for
safer travel and ensure uninterrupted transport
flow.
Along with these, various highway routine
maintenance, such as in carriageway and
road,side, should be implemented.
“Traffic service maintenance should also
be vigorously undertaken,” Tayao added.
He further said that the endeavours
will be intensified by the provision of
informative/regulatory warning signs or traffic
advisory, as well as directional signs
which will be installed to assist the
public. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
BIR honors Aklan's top taxpayers
KALIBO, Aklan, March 27 (PIA6) -- Four top tax papers in Aklan were among those honored by the Bureau of Internal
Revenue during the 2015 Tax Campaign Kick-Off held March 27 at the Grand Ballroom of Amigo Terrace Hotel in Iloilo City.
A ccording to Eralen B. de Aro, Revenue
District Officer of RDO No. 7, Kalibo,
Aklan, these top taxpayers are
Federico J. Jarantilla of Seawind Resort and
Hotel in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan and the
Estate of Wilfredo M. Gelito of Willy‟s Resort,
Boracay Island for Individual Category, and
Discovery World Corporation and
Boracay Island Water Company, Inc., both also
located in Boracay Island, as top corporate
taxpayers.
To be honored too are top taxpayers of
the provinces of Capiz, Antique and Iloilo in
the kick-off participated in by five revenue
district offices like RDO-72 Roxas City, Capiz,
RDO-73 San Jose, Antique, RDO-74 Iloilo City
and RDO 75 Zarraga, Iloilo and the regional
office, revenue region 11, Iloilo City.
The 2015 regional Tax Campaign Kick-Off
had Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe as
keynote speaker.
Aiming for greater participation and
cooperation among Filipinos to pay their
taxes as their contribution to nation building,
the theme of this year‟s campaign is “Angat Pa,
Pinas”!
Meanwhile, RDO De Aro reiterated her
call to Aklan taxpayers to file their income tax
returns early to avoid the rush.
On April 11, Saturday, BIR offices will
accommodate filers.
Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) will also
be accommodating filers on weekend.
BIR-Aklan Information Officer Elaine
Tirazona said banks accepting tax
payments are Land Bank of the Philippines,
United Coconut Planters Bank, Development
Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans
Bank and the Metropolitan Bank and Trust
Company.
Deadline of filing is April 15, 2015. (JCM/
VGV PIA6 Aklan)
Venus G. Villanueva
CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444
DUMAGUETE CITY, Mach 21 (PIA) – Women empowerment advocates in Dumaguete City continue to call for an increased
participation and representation of women in decision making processes in their community.
Women advocates stress women participation in
decision making
P rovincial Commission of Women (PCW)
Chairperson Phoebe Tan says this year‟s
celebration of Women‟s Month, “Juana,
desisyon mo ay mahalaga para sa kinabukasan ng
bawat isa, Ikaw na!” highlights the role of women in
the decision making, whether in their respective
homes or in their barangays.
Tan stressed it is important that women
participate in processes to create more awareness
of women‟s capability to take on leadership
responsibility as well as to promote advancement of
women in the society. She further noted that up to
now, a lot of women at the grassroots level are still
afraid to take on leadership roles and are scared to
be involved in policy making because they have
doubts about their capabilities.
Because of this, the challenge for women to
rise in leadership and policy development continues
up to this time. “This has been a challenge for over
a long time. Until now, this is not yet realized. Let
us evaluate, are we able to make decisions (even) at
home?” she added.
Tan urged women to start believing in
themselves that they can handle these
responsibilities so they could be more empowered
and advance their lives. Tan suggests „Juanas‟ should
have more exposure to more development sessions
and trainings.
She encouraged women to attend as much
development sessions as they can and not only
during the observance of Women‟s Month or
during the assemblies of women‟s group.
She also made an appeal to men to allow their
wives to attend these development sessions to
express support to women empowerment. The
PCW Chairperson emphasized that „Juanas‟ should
be part of policy making because there are issues in
which they can express their opinion.
She cited issues on disasters, reproductive
health and livelihood as some of the important
concerns that affect women.
Friends of the Environment in Negros
Oriental (FENOR) and also a member of the PCW
Judith Alpuerto said, women has a role in keeping
environmental sustainability.
Alpuerto disclosed that rural women can help
rehabilitate forest areas by planting native
trees which are slowly decreasing. She
explained that these trees help a lot in absorbing
water and preventing floods and other kinds of
disasters.
For those living in urban areas, women should
take the lead in mobilizing the barangay in proper
waste segregation. In that way, they are also helping
to protect the environment.
On the other hand, Dumaguete City Sports
Coordinator Ike Villaflores also suggested
that women should get into sport
as a way of empowering themselves.
Viillaflores underscored that only few women excel
in sports but he pointed out that sports promotes
equality, health and unity and provides leisure for
women.
He said women need to be engaged in various
sports activities to shake off stress and prevent
lifestyle diseases.
With this, he encourages women to form
groups in their respective barangays that will push
for more sports opportunities for „Juanas‟.
He shared that the City Sports Department
is open for meetings with the barangay council and
women residents of each village to discuss how his
department can provide support to sports needs of
the community.
Like Tan, Villaflores also made a call to
husbands to allow their wives to join in sports
activities because “Juanas need to have time for
themselves.” (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)
CEBU, March 25 (PIA)-- The half a million worth of Shared Service Facility package is seen to boost manufacturing of
processed coconut raw materials of farmers in Toledo City.
M ag uuma Nagkahiusa sa Sam-ang ug
Magdugo (MANAGSAMA) chair Benjamin
Siaboc said, from the usual 50 to 80
coconuts skinned and grated manually every day,
the group can now process more than 300 pieces
and shorten the processing time from five days to
one day. This after the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) handed over three main
equipment-- the deshelling machine, coconut meat
grinding and desiccated dryer as part of the Shared
Service Facility package.
"There are many of the farmers who will benefit
from this and may no longer have to leave the
barangay and go to the city, " Siaboc said.
An official from the Southern Partners
and Fair Trade Center Inc Rolando
Labradores said, they expect to haul 200 kilos a
week with the SSF interventions. Fair Trade buys
Toledo City farmers materials which are either
raw or semi processed. Labradores said, this
time they can sell the desiccated coconuts
because of its value added. A kilo of desiccated
coconut is at P70.
On the other hand, coconut briquettes
(charcoal) is also another product to profit
from. With the briquetting machine, they can now
produce charcoal faster at P12.50 per kilo.
DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said,
they hope that the farmers will really use these
machines since Toledo is among the 11 in Central
Visayas DTI selecfed as recipients of the
S S F . R e p r e s e n t i n g T o l e d o C i t y
government, Fernando Marquez said the local
governmt will make sure the equipment are well
taken cared of.
Other than the machines, DTI also extended
trainings to farmer-members. MANAGSAMA has
over 200 members and has been existing since
2007. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
SSF to boost coco farmers raw material production
DUMAGUETE CITY, March 23 (PIA) --The Water and Sanitation Program of World Bank (WSP-WB) in cooperation with the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided skills training for masons and on entrepreneurship skills to
over 20 Pantawid Pamilya (4Ps) grantees in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
4Ps trains on toilet production in NegOr
I n support of the zero open defecation
(ZOD) campaign, the participant-grantees
of DSWD were trained for entrepreneurial
skills to produce toilet bowls.
Water and Sanitation Program of World
Bank(WSP-WB) consultant Engr. Marieto
Perez said this technical assistance not only
intends to prepare poor household-beneficiaries
for income-generating opportunities but the
community to have access to low cost affordable
toilets.
Provincial Technical Working Group
(PTWG) for ZOD campaign has targeted to train
beneficiaries in masonry and carpentry to
construct toilets for the remaining 24 percent
household who are still without access to sanitary
toilets.
Perez explained that giving out latrines for
free to households is not effective and would not
change their behavior to use it properly.
“With this kind of strategy, the trainee
initiates his own livelihood with one sack of
cement he can produce six to eight toilet bowls
and sell it to a lower price in the barangay,” said
Perez.
The municipal engineers also participated in
the skills training to assist the beneficiaries and
aimed to cascade or train to other barangays in
the towns.
This is to encourage pantawid beneficiaries
to see the importance of proper hygiene and
sanitation and help protect them from infectious
diseases, said Perez.
The PTWG has identified barangays in the
province which has high number of open
defecation cases and started to adopt the
Community- Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)
approach, the development of local sanitation
enterprise-sanitation marketing.
Meantime, the PTWG has set to visit local
government units to encourage local councils to
craft an inclusive sanitation policy agenda,
specifically appropriate and timely ordinances that
address the issue of open defecation and poor
access to improved sanitation.
The group lead by Provincial Health
Assistant Officer Dr. Edgardo Barredo will
visit Mabinay on April 6; Tanjay City and Pamplina
on April 8; Bais City and Manjuyod on April 13;
and April 15 to Dauin, Zamboanguita and
Siaton. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
BY JENNIFER C. TILOS
Ferliza C. Contratista
CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555
CEBU, March 24 (PIA) --- The Philippine Navy Naval Forces Central in Cebu recently completed a two-week joint military
training exercise with the US Navy.
P art of the exercise was a Visit Board
Search and Seizure where the Philippine
Navy and US Navy teams simulated a
rescue mission of a hostage situation aboard a
vessel along Mactan channel in Cebu.
The simulation was done twice in less than
two hours involving 15 members of the US Navy
and 14 from the Philippine Navy‟s Naval Forces
Special Operations Unit.
According to Naval Forces Central
Spokesperson Lt. James Reyes, the exercise aimed
to develop the personnel‟s skills in conducting
special maritime operations and their ability in
close quarter combat, marksmanship, and combat
board and search.
“We saw the need to develop the men‟s
special maritime operations, especially since Cebu
and the Philippines are surrounded by water and
this is one of the activities that we can undertake
and help us become ready to respond to any
situation,” Reyes told the media who witnessed
the joint exercise.
The exercise also served as an exchange of
knowledge between the US Navy team and the
Philippine Navy team.
“It was not only the Philippine Navy who
learned from the US Navy, they also learned from
us. It was an exchange of specialty and knowledge,
a consolidated effort,” he said.
The joint military exercises is done annually
in line with the Philippine-US Mutual Defense
Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement. (rmn/
PIA7-Cebu)
Philippine Navy, US Navy hold military
training exercise in Cebu
Rachelle M. Nessia
BOHOL, March 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry warns the public against substandard
construction materials sold in Bohol and in neighboring areas.
DTI warns consumers: Watch out for substandard construction materials
D TI-7 regional director Aster Caberte
said the agency is closely monitoring
standards compliance for consumer
products and construction materials, especially
during this time that Bohol LGUs are
currently undergoing reconstruction and
rehabilitation efforts after the October 2013
earthquake.
DTI recently confiscated some P258,326
worth of substandard construction materials
already displayed in six establishments from
Tagbilaran City and in Tubigon town.
The DTI along with a group from the Fair
Trade and Enforcement Bureau issued notices of
violations to the same stores for selling
construction materials that could not pass the
Philippine National Standards (PNS).
Caberte said the DTI does this according to
the mandates of Republic Act 7394 or the
Consumer Act of the Philippines
The consumer Act mandates DTI to conduct
monitoring and enforcement activities on the
proper marking and labelling of consumer
products.
“We have notified our field offices in the
provinces to increase the frequency of their
market visits to check on more products,
including electrical supplies,” Caberte added.
According to the DTI, so as not to be
fooled into buying substandard construction
materials especially in plywood, deformed bars
and galvanized iron sheets for roofing, consumers
must do the following:
Check the basic markings on the plywood
and galvanized iron (GI) sheets prior to
purchase. These basic markings include company
name, trade name and the address of the
manufacturer.
The DTI added that consumers must
check the thickness in millimeter (mm); width in
mm and the date of manufacture (month and
year).
G.I. sheet markings must contain the phrase
“For Roofing Use” on its face, DTI reminds.
Consumers should be aware that
despite strict monitoring by government agencies
tasked to implement product standards, some
enterprising businessmen still sell products that
could not pass the test of strength needed to
construct disaster resilient structures. (mbcn/rac/
PIA7-Bohol)
Rey Anthony H. Chiu
CEBU CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 urged the public to
pledge and to go ‗Beyond the Hour‘ as the world observes Earth Hour by switching off the lights for one hour in support to a
global campaign to mitigate climate change and global warming on March 28, from 8:30-9:30 in the evening, bared Dr. Eddie
Llamedo, head of the Regional Public Information Office of DENR-7.
DENR-7 urges everyone to join ‗Earth Hour‖ on Mach 28
L lamedo added, this as the country intends
to take part in the observance of Earth
Hour on March 28.
DENR-7 regional director Dr. Isabelo
Montejo explained, “We have seen the
tremendous impact of climate change and this has
been attributed to overconcentration of
greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon is
released in the process of producing power or
electricity from coal.”
He added, the Philippines has been
dependent on coal-fired or fueled which is
considered as „unclean‟ source of energy because
it emits a certain amount of carbon which is one
of the GHGs.
Dubbed as the single, largest, symbolic mass
participation event in the world, Earth Hour is
held every last Saturday of March on the initiative
of the Washington-based environmental group
World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF),
said Llamedo
The DENR-7 official added that the
participating offices or institutions in Earth Hour
shall shut off all lights including streetlights,
signages and key monuments, appliances and
other electronics in support of efforts to solve
the problems related to climate change and glob-
al warming.
Carbon footprint refers to the totality of
the impact or effect of all activities done
by an organization, group or individual on the
environment. It covers all greenhouse gases
that each individual or organization may
emit in the atmosphere as a result of its
activities.
Changing light bulbs to compact fluorescent
light (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs may
help in conserving energy as CFLs use up 75
percent less electricity and last up to 13 times
longer, according to Llamedo
“The idle cell phone chargers which when
not unplug still consume 25 percent of their
energy wattage consumption so it is important
to avoid overcharging our mobile phones,” he
added.
Montejo pointed out that DENR Secretary
Ramon J. P. Paje issued a memorandum directing
all lights in all DENR offices and their vicinities
nationwide to switch off in support to Earth
Hour.
Paje likewise called on all local government
units, educational institutions, commercial
establishments, outdoor advertisers, civic groups
and households to do the same.
“The Philippines has consistently registered
the most number of participating towns and
cities, earning the distinction as an “Earth Hour
Hero Country” since it first joined the event in
2008,” Montejo added.
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney,
Australia when 2.2 million residents switch off
the lights of their homes and offices in order to
pledge their support to saving the environment.
The trend soon caught on and several other
countries participated across the globe in the
initiative.
WWF is the world‟s largest and
most experienced conservation organization,
operating in over 100 countries through
the support of over five million people
worldwide.
Last year, a record of 7,000 cities and
municipalities from 150 countries observed the
60-minute lights-out for the environment. (mbcn/
jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DENR7)
Juju M. Empuerto
EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666
'Summer in Samar' offers snorkelling,
swimming, white water rafting
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 26 (PIA) - Samar guests may try snorkelling, swimming, white water rafting and other
eco-tourism adventures through an aggressive campaign called ―Summer in Samar‖.
“ Let us disprove that Samar is an insurgency
hotspot, a typhoon stricken land and the
home of the Waray-Waray gangsters. Samar
is the new emerging alternative tourist destination
this summer," one government official said.
To prove that the province has gone beyond
this negative impression. the province will
launch “Summer in Samar” campaign to hook
yuppies in backpacks from neighboring towns and
other parts of the country to try the different
„tourism ready‟ destinations.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan in a recent
meeting stated that she is endorsing the Sta Rita,
Marabut, Basey tourist loop where tourists can
experience the grand San Juanico Bridge in Sta Rita,
frolick in the white beaches of Marabut and sail in
the Golden River in Basey to check out the world
famous Sohoton cave, the tourist can also go
shopping with decorative mats from the „tikog
reed‟ and even experience weaving mats with the
locals in some caves.
Another tourist destination is the Olot River
where adventurists can go white river rafting with
experienced boatmen in torpedo-like boats, they
can watch the last forest frontier in the country.
Only in Samar are exotic flora and fauna and
in a rare experience may watch the Monkey eating
eagle soar.
The Pinabacdao mangrove site also offers a
natural spawning ground for the rich marine
life that Samar produces.
As to history, it was Samar island particularly
Homonhon (now part of Guiuan, E Samar) which
signaled the discovery of the East in 1521. It is also
considered the 3rd largest island in the country.
The missionaries also established the Catholic Faith
in October 1596 with the coming of the Jesuits.
Samar also gained national significance during
the second world war. Due to its proximity to
Leyte, war preparations versus the Japenese
Imperial forces spilled over to Samar. Significantly
famous is the Battle of Samar Sea.
As the grand launch gets near, the tourism
council is preparing an opening salvo of A Grand
Night under the Samar Sky where the local
government with some invited celebrities can
welcome tourists through a night of cultural
relevance and gastronomic fiesta of the rich marine
produce of the island.
Tourists and balikbayans are then urged: Try
Summer in Samar!” (ajc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)
Naval CSOs support campaign vs illegal drugs
“ Time has come when no one government can
stop the menace brought about by illegal
drugs. It cannot anymore just be the
responsibility of one but the responsibility of all,”
Naval Mayor Susan V. Parilla emphasized in her
letter-invitation calling the different heads of civil
society organizations in Naval to a meeting held
recently at the Naval conference hall to come up
with plan of actions geared toward fighting illegal
drugs.
Engr. Warlito Alagao, head of the Knights of
Columbus (K of C) of Naval Diocese, pushed the
idea of posting tarpaulins bearing anti-illegal drug
messages and asked the LGU to install closed
circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in conspicuous
and strategic places of this town. “We will also
post tarpaulin bearing anti-illegal drugs messages in
every barangay,” the K of C head promised as the
commitment of their group in the fight against
illegal drugs
Another idea that cropped up during the
meeting was the holding of anti-illegal drugs fun run
endorsed by Naval councilor Gabino S.
Velasquez IV, who is also the president of the
Biliran Medical Society. “This is one way of bringing
the message to the people behind the illegal activity
that the people in the community are now well
aware and vigilant of the wrong they have done in
the community,” Velasquez informed.
Lolita Darantinao, representing the Catholic
Women‟s League (CWL) of the Diocese of Naval
and Paulina Olaivar, representing Mother Butler, of
the religious organizations in the diocese,
suggested a comprehensive information
dissemination campaign in the community on the ill
-effects of illegal drugs. Representatives of some
CSOs also suggested to focus on schools in the
information drive and even appealed to ask the
officials of the Department of Education to
include the teaching of the ill-effects of illegal drugs
in schools. Mayor Parilla also gave hotline numbers
09173087374 and 09126708668 to call on or send
messages to, in case of any suspected illegal drugs
activities spotted in the community. (ajc/fj/rvictoria/
PIA 8 Biliran)
NAVAL, Biliran, March 20 (PIA) - This time, finding solutions to the problem on illegal drugs does not solely rest on
government functionaries, as different civil society organizations (CSOs) in this town signified their strong commitment in the
campaign against this social menace.
RODRIGO S. VICTORIA
NINFA B. QUIRANTE
NMP's seafarer courses undergo inspection TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) here underwent a three-day inspection
of its five seafarer courses as part of the accreditation process conducted by the Maritime Industry Authority.
N MP‟s five Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)
courses are: Operational Use of
Electronic Chart Displace and Information
System, Ratings Forming Part of Navigational
Watch, Ratings Forming Part of Engineering
Watch, Consolidated Marine Pollution 73/78
Annex I-VI, and Ship Security Awareness Training
and Seafarers with Designated Security Duties.
During the inspection, specific key areas
(SKAs) were assessed against requirements which
include the program implementation of each of
the courses with regard to the incorporation of
knowledge, understanding and proficiency from
the STCW Code; Qualifications of instructor/s,
assessor/s and supervisor; teaching process;
written policies and procedures in relation to
program implementation; course intakes;
classrooms; training equipment; books and
teaching aids; assessment system manuals; and
quality system documents.
Prior to the inspection, NMP had already
structured a pool of accredited trainers and guest
lecturers who will be handling the five courses as
instructors, assessors and training course
supervisors. Although satisfactory in several of
the SKAs, NMP was given 30 days to comply with
the minor deficiencies cited by the MARINA
accreditors. The inspection team was composed
of MARINA STCWO personnel and Maritime
Education and Training Standards Supervisors,
Marissa L. Dasmariñas, Capt. Samie Lou L.
Sedurante, Presca Lee B. Lugo, and Engr. Ronnie
D. Gernato.
In addition, NMP is set to submit for
accreditation nine other courses which include
Basic Training with four modules, namely, Fire
Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Survival
Techniques, Personal Safety and Social
Responsibility, and Elementary First Aide;
Advanced Fire Fighting; Proficiency in Survival
Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue
Boat; Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in
the Maritime Sector; Ship Simulator Bridge
Teamwork with Bridge Resource Management;
and Medical Emergency First Aid .
Meanwhile, NMP continues to offer its
Faculty Development Courses (IMO Model
Course 6.09 Training Course for Instructors;
IMO Model Course 6.10 Training Course for
Simulator Instructors and Assessors; and IMO
Model Course 3.12 Assessment, Examination and
Certification of Seafarers).
Other upgrading courses for marine officers
and ratings include Marine Electrical System,
Marine Refrigeration and Air Conditioning,
Maritime Law for Ship‟s Officers, STD/HIV/AIDS
Prevention in the Maritime Sector, Prevention of
Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Maritime Sector,
and Gender Sensitivity Training for Seafarers.
The training schedule for these courses is
now available at NMP. For more inquiries and
reservation, you may call the Registrar Office thru
cell phone numbers: 09771269675 / 09298417490
o r e - m a i l i n f o @ n m p . g o v . p h o r
[email protected]. (NMP/PIA-8)
EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777
SAC helps 'Yolanda' victims with their
livelihood
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 26 (PIA) - The Calbayog Diocese Social Action Center, through Fr. Cesar Aculan and
the Caritas group, is helping Barangay Salvacion folks in Basey town (Samar) to get up from the quagmire that Typhoon
Yolanda caused for them.
A s their livelihood is mostly getting
fish from the sea, the priest urged
them not just to catch but to culture
them.
On March 20, PIA witnessed the turn-over
of some fish cages materials that the island
fisherfolk can use like nets for their bangus, crabs
and grouper cages.
The 47-member group calls itself Barangay
Salvacion Island Fisherfolks Association and takes
turns in caring for the „fish species‟ from the
funding/sponsor agency.
However, they were somehow disappointed
that the frequent typhoons like Ruby, Seniang and
Amang dwarfed their prized bangus.
Aculan in his message urged them to be
more resilient, that they should prepare for any
calamity as their barangay is right there on the
typhoon belt.
Yvette Nachura, Program Director also tried
to lift up the group‟s spirit.
“We will continue to help you,” said
Nachura in the dialect, “ we will continue to
assist you because we see that your are
committed, it is just that forces of nature
are not yet kind to us, but soon it will be, let
us not be hopeless, you have survived the
deadly storm, you will survive again,” she
appeased them.
Junie Ragaodao, the group president, said
that the typhoons have taught them some lessons.
He said that their first harvest is so meager
compared to the effort they put in, but they have
learned their lessons and will try to contact,
consult the local agriculture technicians for some
concerns.
Aculan said that if they will continue to trust
the group with the project,
“We are not only turning over you the
materials but more - the responsibility that comes
with the project that will uplift your lives.”
On the side, Salvacion islanders have so
much to be thankful for the assistance that local
and international agencies have poured in, they
built them typhoon resilient houses in relocation
areas on higher grounds.
They were also provided livelihood
fund. Each household has either a livestock, a
vegetable garden, or a motorboat for fishing and a
sari-sari store.
“All of us have something productive to
attend to,” said kagawad Cherry Llegue who
showed the PIA team around the barangay
including where the newly built houses
were, the boats and the fish cages and the
vegetable gardens in their homes. (ajc/nbq/PIA
8-Samar)
NINFA B. QUIRANTE
BIR-8 hope for better collection performance in 2015
CANDAHUG, PALO, Leyte, March 20 - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region (RR) No. 14 officially launched
Monday its 2015 Tax Campaign at the jam-packed Multi-Purpose Building of the regional office in Candahug, Palo, Leyte.
I n his message, regional director Diosdado
R. Medoza said that "after Yolanda, the BIR
in the region has recovered and has set tax
collection and administration on a higher plane."
He said also that in the last three months of
2014, our Revenue Region consistently surpassed
its collection in collection target by 28.39% or
roughly Php307.8M.” He informed everyone that
in the 1st Quarter of 2015, with a very small
deficit in January 2015, the region had surpassed
its collection target in February with an increase
of 4.58% or P19.03 million.
The BIR has a collection goal of P1.704
trillion for 2015 compared to P1.456 trillion in
2014.
Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue
(DCIR) Nelson M. Aspe, speaking through a
prepared message read by Assistant Regional
Director Nasser A. Tangcor, thanked and
congratulated the taxpayers and the men and
women of RR No. 14, Tacloban City for their
support and contribution to the region‟s 2014
collection performance.
DCIR Aspe emphasized that there will be no
extension of the said deadline. The anticipated
summer brownouts will not be valid grounds for
the extension of the deadline or for the
abatement of penalties for late filing.
He encouraged taxpayers to file their
returns electronically. He warned that those
required by the BIR (e.g. TAMP Taxpayers and
NO Payment Returns Filers) to file their returns
online but who opt to file manually shall be
(penalized and be) the first priority for audit.
He concluded by asking all stakeholders to
help raise the P1.704 billion target of the BIR to
sustain the country‟s economic growth and
maintain its status as one of the world‟s fastest
growing economies.
The 2015 tax campaign theme “ANGAT PA,
PINAS” calls for greater cooperation among
Filipinos to pay their taxes as their contribution
to nation-building. The campaign logo takes cues
from the colors of the Philippine Flag, using
arrows that show an upward movement to
denote greater progress and positive change
for the country. The campaign jingle provides a
battle cry for Filipinos to work for a better
tomorrow.
The 2015 BIR Eastern Visayas Tax Campaign
was officially launched through a dance
interpretation of the “ANGAT PA, PINAS” video
jingle by the SAMLEYAW Dance Company. The
St. Paul Chorale sang the opening prayer and the
Philippine National Anthem with their angelic
voices.
The kickoff was attended by revenue
officials and personnel, local government
officials, tax practitioners, professionals, media
partners, business , profess ional and
academic organizations, and students from
Revenue District Office Nos. 85 (Catarman,
Northern Samar), 86 (Borongan City, Eastern
Samar), 87 (Catbalogan, Samar), 88 (Tacloban
City), 89 (Ormoc City), and 90 (Maasin City).
(BIR-8/PIA-8)
Roads are climate change resilient – MCA-P
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 25 (PIA) - In a recent press briefing, Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines
(MCA-P) assured that the secondary national road project is climate change resilient.
T he road rehabilitation project which is
already nearing completion, according to
MCA-P, follows specific road designs that
will weather harsh climatic conditions including
intense heat and rains.
During the briefing on March 19, members
of the press were shown road and drainage de-
signs with consultants explaining why a certain
design is used for a specific location.
According to officials, the rehabilitation
project not only includes the construction of
drainage systems, repair and reconstruction of
bridges but the installation of street lights as well.
With the recent spate of record-breaking
natural calamities, government has pushed for
designing infrastructure that will withstand the
forces of nature.
As of March 2015, MCA-P through its
contractors has completed 61.5% of the
222-kilometer road network from Paranas, Samar
to Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
The project, which broke ground in October
2012, is expected to be completed by 2016. (ajc/
Medora Quirante/PIA8-ESamar)
MEDORA NIMFA QUIRANTE
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]