Vol 5 Issue 13 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 March 30 - April 5, 2015

WESTERN VISAYAS

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue DPWH-6 steps up infra needed for APEC

New power projects to produce over 400 MW in 2015

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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NGP is beyond reforestation – DENR NINFA B. QUIRANTE

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 1 (PIA) - The National Greening Program delivers beyond its primary

objective of re-greening the country, says Catbalogan Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer

(CENRO) Mar Torres. Torres said at a meeting Tuesday with peoples

organizations (POs) and farmers group implementing the program that with the NGP fund, most farmers organization

who have successfully committed to the programs have started reaping the fruits of their labor.

―While we cannot claim that 100% of them have grown economically stable, we can say that the project has helped

them send their kids to school because it has given them jobs,‖ said Torres.

Some of those especially people‘s organizations who have

benefitted from the program stepped forward to testify that

their lives have changed since NGP. The people‘s organizations earn income from seedlings

production and forest restoration. From this NGP fund, they venture into small business that also earn.

NGP not only aims to reforest the country but also to maintain food security, reduce poverty, maintain

environmental stability and conserve biodiversity. By providing them the reforestation project, they are given an

alternative income and something to do that veer them away from charcoal making, timber poaching and other past

livelihood that denudes the forest and mangrove, a DENR official said.

―Since they have put a great stake in the trees and mangroves, they have also turned into its staunch defenders,‖

said Torres. (NBQ/PIA 8-Samar)

Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, March 31 (PIA6)—There is no let-up to the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways

to prepare the infrastructures needed for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings here.

DPWH Regional Director Edilberto Tayao said that the pride in having the APEC here is challenging the agency to

ensure that infrastructure projects are finished on time. As of press time, Tayao reported that the Iloilo Convention

Center, the main venue for the APEC meetings, is now 70 percent complete. ―Phase I of the project is 96 percent

complete,‖ Tayao said. Phase I, with an appropriation of P500 million, includes all

structural concrete structures, from footings or foundations, to roofing, elevator pit and cistern tank, electrical, mechanical,

sanitary and masonry works, thermal and moisture protection, floor cement finishes and the like.

Included also are the installation of Iloilo Bush stone finish wall and glass curtain wall with Dinagyang Warrior

design. Phase II with a budget of P200 million covers all finishing works, electrical and mechanical installations and specialty

works. ―Our target date of completion is middle of July, instead

of the end we previously targeted, because we maximized the accomplishment,‖ Tayao said. He added that the last two weeks of July will be for the completion of installation of

mechanical and electrical amenities, such as elevators,

escalators and air conditioning units. On the other hand, DPWH also reported that another

major project it is expediting now is the widening and improvement of the Senator Benigno Aquino avenue that

stretches 15.60 kilometers from the junction of Gen. Lina Street, Iloilo City, to the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan. The road

serves as gateway to Iloilo City from the airport and from Iloilo City to other central towns in the province.

Meanwhile, Tayao said that when the ICC will be completed fully, the operation and maintenance of the building

will be open for bidding.(JSC/ESS-PIA6 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 Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU, March 27 (PIA) -- Amid reports of a power crisis in Manila, the Department of Energy - Visayas Field Office

(DOE-VFO) assured that sufficient supply still exists in the Visayas Region with committed power projects to augment

available capacity with additional 473 megawatts this year. DOE-VFO regional director Engr. Antonio Labios said

there are 11 committed power projects that will be commissioned this year throughout the Visayas Region that

includes coal-fired power plants, wind and biomass energy sources.

In Cebu, the expansion project of the Toledo Power Company‘s coal-fired thermal power plant in Sangi power

station will boost power supply here with an additional 82 MW starting this year, said Labios during the Power Outlook Forum

recently initiated by the Visayas Electric Company (VECO). Currently, the total power capacity stands at 1,598 MW

with maximum demand recorded at 1,465 MW last March 11, said Labios.

Minimum demand meanwhile, was at 1,196 MW recorded last January 17 during the Papal Visit and the Sinulog

celebration. ―There is still sufficient power supply in the entire Visayas including Cebu,‖ assured the DOE-Visayas chief adding

that arriving at a critical level is remote at this time as there are three levels of power reserves that must be exhausted

before a power crisis occurs.

The three reserves identified by Labios are contingency, dispatchable and regulating.

The contingency and dispatchable reserves are equivalent to the first and second largest single running unit of the grid

respectively, both of which are pegged at 100MW each. The regulating reserve refers to the four percent of the

system demand, bared Labios. ―As of now, we are safe,‖ declared Labios although he admitted that yesterday was a

‗yellow‘ alert state which means that the contingency reserve fell below 100 MW which registered at 90MW yesterday.

A red alert status, on the other hand, refers to a zero contingency reserve which is deemed as critical leading to

rotating blackouts, said Labios. Labios however said by 2017, Cebu will need more

additional power plants to cope with increasing demand because by 2020, the projected power demand will rise to

1,700 MW. ―We need more power investments to address the increasing demand for power,‖ declared Labios as DOE is

embarking on an aggressive campaign here and abroad to present potentials for energy development to would-be

investors. Labios further said that indicative power projects in the

Visayas that include hydro and wind power sources will produce an additional 954.5 MW. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7)

BSP official conducts briefing on

Demonetization and Money Security Features

for members of the Association of Negros

Oriental Public Information Officers

(ANOPIO) at BSP conference room,

Dumaguete City. (PIA NegOr)

Guimaras Representative JC Rahman Nava

(5th from right), Guimaras Governor Samuel

Gumarin (4th from left), and PHINMA

Corporation President and Chief Executive

Officer Ramon del Rosario Jr. (4th from right)

lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the

dedication ceremony of the 54-MW windfarm

in San Lorenzo, Guimaras held Friday, March

27, 2015.

CENRO Dario Suarez said that one hectare of

mangrove can produce one thousand tons of

fish, that 64% of our food are taken from the

sea with only 36% from land, amazing di ba? I

have heard this tone from a friend BFAR Ron

Berida as he talks about how much rice/ fish

an average person consumes in a year. (PIA

Catbalogan)

DPWH Regional Director Edilberto Tayao. (PIA-6 file photo)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

Environment projects get P33-M

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 27 (PIA6) - - A multi-party agreement was signed by project implementers including the

Province of Negros Occidental through the Provincial Environment Management Office and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für

Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)-Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) for a P33-million worth

of environment-related projects.

O f the P33-million worth of projects

GIZ-PAME‘s counter-part amounts

toP7,534,060 while the Provincial

Government through PEMO allocated

P11,216,171 and the rest is shared by various

stakeholders.

Included in the memorandum signed are

projects on the Conservation and Protection

Management of Coastal Wetlands in Negros

Occidental, Enhanced Management Initiatives

for Southern Cauayan Municipal Forest and

Watershed Reserve and the Management

Enhancement of Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed

Forest Reserve.

Governor Alfredo G. Marañon in his

message during the signing of the MOA

reiterated his vocal stand and his unyielding

position on environment protection.

―The agreements serve as a perfect

example on how man and nature can

sustainably co-exist. All of our forces put

together in the fruition of these activities will

be our own little steps in making this world a

better place,‖ Marañon told environment

stakeholders gathered at the Social Hall of the

Provincial Capitol for the signing of the

agreements.

The assistance of GIZ-PAME together

with PEMO and the Negros Occidental Coastal

Wetlands Area Management Alliance

(NOCWAMA) under the Conservation and

Protection Management of Coastal Wetlands

project will give way to the establishment of 10

local conservation areas that are sustainably

managed and protected by coastal communities

in Bago City all the way to Ilog town.

The Enhanced Management Initiatives for

Southern Cauayan Municipal Forest seeks to

improve the management of reserve, ensure

continuous and abundant supply of water and

protect the endangered wildlife species

together with its partner - the Southern

Cauayan Municipal Forest and Watershed

Reserve Management Board.

Institutional mechanisms will be set up to

ensure that the Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed

Forest Reserve is protected from threats like

settlements, timber poaching, charcoal making

and wildlife hunting that affects even the

Indigenous Peoples belonging to the Bukidnon

Karulanos tribe that occupy the certain areas.

Project implementers also received

motorcycle units and some equipment like

laptops, printers, cameras, among others that

will aid them in the efficient implementation of

these projects. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros

Occidental)

By Easter Anne D. Doza

ILOILO CITY, April 3 (PIA6) – Iloilo City Lone District Congressman Jerry P. Treñas said he authored the bill of the new law

increasing the tax exemption for the 13th month pay and other bonuses “to give greater tax relief” to countless of public and

private employees here and throughout the country.

T reñas‘ House Bill No. 3670 and

consolidated as House Bill No.

4970 has been approved by

President Aquino as Republic Act No.

10653.

Treñas said the new law increases

the income tax exemption threshold of

the 13th month pay and other benefits

from Php30, 000.00 per year to Php82,

000.00. Bonuses of employees from both

the private and public sectors amounting

to below Php82, 000.00 will no longer be

taxed.

The new law also authorizes the

President to adjust the tax free bonus

threshold every three years in order to

account for inflation, through the present

value determined by the prevailing

Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The Ilonggo solon said the increase in

the tax exemption threshold will allow

our hardworking private and government

employees to receive greater take home

pay. (Treñas CDO/PIA6)

Treñas on R.A. 10653: Higher tax exemption means greater take home pay

Antique PNP rolls out KKK Droga Project

SAN JOSE, Antique, March 31 (PIA6) - - The Antique Provincial Police Office reiterated its all-out war against illegal drugs

with KKK Droga Project or Kapulisan kag Komunidad Kontra Droga Project.

P SSupt Edgardo O. Ordaniel said getting

rid of illegal drugs is not the work of

the PNP alone or the Phil Drug

Enforcement Agency or PDEA but of the

community as well.

―With the launching of KKK Droga

project, Ordaniel said, we call on the active

participation of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse

Council or the BADAC with the support of

MADAC AND PADAC in cases of Municipal

and Provincial levels .

KKK Droga Project is a flagship program

of the Police Community Relations Office of

the Antique PNP in compliance to the policy

issued by Police Regional Office 6 Director C/

Supt. Josepheus Angan to clear barangays

saturated with illegal drugs.

In line with this, DILG Provincial Director

Victorio Pagapulan said 96 percent of the 590

total barangays have organized BADACs but

only 76 percent are functional or 463

BADACs.

Thus, Ordaniel encouraged the

community residents to report drug users or

pushers operating their barangay and make

their local drug abuse councils functional.

On the other hand, PNP Inspector Bryan

Alamo reported that out of 590 barangays, 79

are affected with illegal drug problem. The

convenience of travel through ports and

RORO buses are also seen as a means to

convey illegal drugs from other provinces in

Panay and Metro Manila.

However, PNP also reported that there is

no drug hot spot in the province as well as

marijuana plantation. No reported Narco

politics and transnational drug groups

operating in the province as of this date, said

Alamo. In 2014, Antique PNP has conducted

21 Drug buy-bust operation which resulted to

the arrest of 29 drug personalities. (JCM/PSM/

PIA6 Antique)

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

KALIBO, Aklan, April 1 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan is now a certified Gender and Development (GAD) Local Learning

Hub with the awarding recently of glass markers by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) March 30.

Aklan bags GAD Learning Hub award

By Venus G. Villanueva

T he awarding is one of the significant

activities in celebration of Women‘s

Month here in the province of Aklan.

The awarding program was held at the

lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building Lobby

right after the Monday Flag-Raising Ceremony,

with Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle

Calizo-Quimpo receiving the glass markers

representing Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores.

One of the glass markers is for the Aklan

Comprehensive Center for Women (ACCW)

which was received by Provincial Social

Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO)

Evangelina Gallega.

The certification of Aklan GAD as a Local

Learning Hub was strongly backed up by the

institutionalization of the ACCW, the

significant presence of an organization of

Aklanon men – the Men Opposed to Violence

Against Women and Children Everywhere

(MOVE), now being replicated in various local

government units (LGUs) here and the services

of the province rendered to victim-survivors of

Violence Against Women (VAW).

Dr. Paloma P. Papa, PCW Board Member,

led the awarding of the glass markers. She was

accompanied by Nharleen S.Millar, Chief of

PCW TSD who gave the overview of the

Certification of GAD Local Learning Hub.

In her message, Dr. Papa commended

Aklan for having a unique group like

MOVE-Aklan which is in keeping now with the

worldwide direction that shows men and

women are really partners in the development

of the community.

For her part, Vice Governor Calizo, who

read the message of Gov. Miraflores and

delivered one of her own, expressed gratitude

to the PCW for recognizing Aklan as one of

the five learning hubs in the country.

Calizo thanked the PCW for the

recognition but stressed too that with it comes

the challenge to sustain it.

―We are now expected to maintain,

improve more and be living example in the

country‖, Vice Governor Calizo-Quimpo told

the audience, composed of provincial and

national government employees both men and

women.

She also acknowledged the power of

legislation and said that Aklan has

exemplified the objective of GAD advocacy,

well-internalized by the LGUs.

She also revealed that currently, there are

more women working at the Provincial Capitol

and there are also more lady department

heads.

―Rest assured Aklan is committed to

advocate GAD mainstreaming‖, she told the

PCW. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)

54-MW wind farm a „game-changer‟ for

Guimaras

By Leonard T. Pineda I

ILOILO CITY, March 30 (PIA6) --- The 54-megawatt (MW) wind farm in San Lorenzo, Guimaras is considered a

“game-changer” in the island-province as it sparked tourism and development.

I n the dedication ceremony held

recently, Guimaras Governor Samuel

Gumarin said that the facility has

increased local employment among community

residents since its construction phase and is

beginning to attract more tourists now that it

is completed.

―There was an increase of 15.5 percent of

tourist arrivals to the island last year as

compared to 2013,‖ he said.

He said that this development initiative

is a key driver for Guimaras province to

become an agri-tourism destination in the

country.

He also said that the wind farm harnesses

renewable energy which is not just a trend to

be followed at present but what the

community should uphold.

―We adopt technology but we also uphold

global sustainability for the conservation of our

assets and resources,‖ he said.

The San Lorenzo Wind Farm is the

second investment of Trans -As ia

Renewable Energy Corporation (TAREC) in

Guimaras.

The first was a 3.4-MW Diesel

Plant which has a long-running bilateral

contract with Guimaras Electric Cooperative

(GUIMELCO), the sole electric cooperative in

the island.

Meanwhile, Danilo Panes, Vice President

for Wind Energy Development of

Trans-Asia, said they are planning to

sustain the interest in the wind farm facility by

helping design a tourism roadmap for the

island.

He said that TAREC will be

working with the local government of

Gu imar a s and S an Loren zo to

make the wind farm as a catalyst

for change in the island province. (JCM/LTP/

PIA-Iloilo)

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 30 (PIA6) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is intensifying its advocacy campaign in line with the

demonetization process.

I nformation Off icer Ma. Karenz

Odchigue of BSP-Roxas Branch

disclosed that an information and

education drive is being conducted in the

various towns and offices in Capiz and Aklan.

She said that they have also been going to

various schools in said two provinces to make

the public aware of the schedule of

demonization of the old banknotes or New

Design Series.

Odchigue said that as early as January,

they have conducted series of advocacy

campaign, reaching among others some local

government units to inform them about the

policy on the old bank notes.

Earlier, they conducted an information

drive with members of the Capiz Association

of Government Public Information Officers,

who will act as force multipliers in information

dissemination.

She reminded the public that the old bank

notes will only be acceptable in all financial

transactions until December 31,2015.

―The public can still exchange the old

bank notes with the new bank notes or

New Generation Currency Series through

banks and other authorized financial

institutions until December 31,2016 but will no

longer be accepted for payment transaction‖

Odchigue stressed. She said that effective

January 1, 2017 the old bank notes that have

not been exchanged will have no more

monetary value. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

BSP intensifies campaign for demonetization of old banknotes By Jemin B. Guillermo

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

BOHOL, March 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry warns the public against substandard construction

materials sold in Bohol and in nearby areas.

DTI : 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 millimetre (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)

DUMAGUETE CITY, March 28 (PIA) – The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) echoes its call to strengthen accountability

measures in government offices to ensure good governance in a forum with city officials, barangay leaders and heads Civil

Society Organization (CSO) here recently.

A SOG executive director Joy Aceron says

this is time for Dumagueteños and other

Negrenses to take on the challenge of

strengthening accountability in government

institutions to promote transparency and the

efficient delivery of services to the public.

She noted that accountability is one factor of

good governance that needs a big support from the

government and civil society.

―We can sustain and do good governance

consistently if there is accountability,‖ Aceron

disclosed.

―Accountability corresponds to power. What

is the entrusted power to you and how are you

exercising that? And that entrusted power should

benefit all,‖ she adds.

To ensure accountability there should be a

monitoring from public and from CSOs on the

government‘s projects and services.

―Importante na ang lahat ng mamamayan ay

makikilahok, ang hamon ay paano mo nga ba

mahihikayat ang taumbayan na makilahok at sila ay

magtanong kung naibibigay at maayos bang

napapatakbo ng gobyerno ang mga programa at

serbisyo?‖ Aceron emphasized.

For monitoring to work out, there should

bureaucratic and institutional reforms that would

heighten the involvement of the public through the

CSOs in monitoring of programs of the

government. CSOs should not only take part in the

approval of a project but also be part of the

planning stage.

Also, to capacitate citizens in this task, there

should be an easy access to quality information that

would become a basis for the public if government

is efficient in delivering its services.

Aceron cites the partnership with some locals

in the implementation of ASOG‘s Government

Watch (G-Watch) project in Dumaguete that

involves monitoring of health services in barangay

health centers.

With this, Aceron hopes that people will have

a heightened consciousness on accountability and

its importance in governance. ―Malakipa ang

pwedeng gawin at malaki pa ang hamon at gusto

n a m i ng m a y ro ong m ag p a pa t u l o y n g

ganoong gawain,‖ she concluded. (mbcn/ral/

PIA7-NegOr)

ASOG echoes call to strengthen accountability in gov‟t

BOGO CITY, Cebu, April 2 (PIA) -- The city government here received help desk equipment from Plan International,

an international children's non-government organization, to boost the city's drive to eliminate human trafficking in Palambato

Wharf.

Int'l NGO boosts Bogo's anti-human trafficking drive

P lan International donated computers,

cameras, and other office paraphernalia that

will help the city in documenting cases of

human trafficking.

The turnover of the donated equipment was

held on March 30 and done through the ―Anti

-Trafficking in Persons Project‖ which aims to

prevent and protect children and women during

emergency situations in the province of Cebu,

according to a press statement.

Mayor Celestino Martinez, Jr. received the

equipment on behalf of the city government and

represented the city in the ceremonial signing of

the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between

Bogo City and Plan International.

The turnover of equipment and signing of

MOA was witnessed by the Department of Justice‘s

Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking Region VII,

Children‘s Legal Bureau, members of the City of

Bogo Local Council Against Trafficking, and

representatives from barangays in the project areas.

The MOA seals the collaboration of the two

part ies in ensur ing that establ i shed

community-based mechanisms are functional and

that the anti-trafficking in person interventions are

integrated in the disaster response provided to

affected children, families, and communities.

According to Plan International, during

disasters, children become more vulnerable to

human trafficking due to loss of safety nets,

separation from families, and disruption of

livelihood.

Women and children are compelled to seek

better living conditions, making them potential

targets of the recruiters.

―We are here to present better options for

the families and their children. We want the

children to choose to stay in school and enjoy their

right to education.

We also want the parents to be with their

children, but if the parents really choose to migrate

for work, we want them to migrate safely,‖ says

Katherine Dela Calzada, Project Manager of Plan

International.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Project

a lso covers capacity-bui lding trainings

for local leaders, law enforcers, and

social workers to equip them with the basic

knowledge and skills in detecting, reporting,

and responding to trafficking cases during

emergencies.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Project started

in June 2013 will be implemented until March 2016.

(rmn/PIA7-Cebu/Plan International)

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

Rachelle M. Nessia

Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

CEBU CITY, April 1 (PIA) --- The Philippine Information Agency – Cebu conducted a bloggers' forum recently for rabies

advocacy in time for the celebration of rabies awareness and prevention month.

I nvited guests were health and animal

authorities from the region, province and

Cebu City and several bloggers who

were already part of recent PIA-Cebu initiated

activities.

DOH-7 regional rabies program coordinator

Dr. Eugenia Canal described to the group the

nature of rabies when acquired by a human.

―Usual symptoms include fever, sore throat,

body malaise after the incubation period and

then followed by the neurologic symptoms,‖ Canal

said.

The dog has to be observed from one to two

weeks, she added.

Canal said DOH-7 noticed an increasing trend

of rabies infection on the human side however

these are treated because of the availability of

medicines at the Animal Bite Treatment Centers.

―We have 18 certified rabies centers in Cebu

and Philhealth benefits can be availed by the

patient,‖ Canal said.

She also emphasized that the distance of the

wound to the brain matters a lot in the infection.

Balbino Guerrero of www.binoguidecebu.com

and who was a rabies survivor asked if just like

other illnesses, if there‘ll be a recurrence of the

infection.

―No, once you completed all the rabies

infection treatment, then you are declared clear, ―

Canal said.

On the other hand, Dr. Pilar Romero of the

Department of Veterinary and Fisheries, Cebu City

said stray dogs are mostly the source of rabies.

The City according to Romero encourages all

dog owners to have their dogs registered at their

office.

―When the dog is registered, it can make pet

owners liable for medical expenses in case of

accidental bites and the dog can also avail of

services,‖ Romero said.

Romero also said, other than dog registration,

the city is also into dog adoption.

―A person who wants to adopt a dog will just

have to be screened and pay the amount of P150

for dog ownership,‖ Romero said.

Department of Agriculture's regional rabies

coordinator Dr. Teodoro Dabocol said, signs of

dogs who are rabid include violent or unruly

behavior, running without any direction, too much

salivating, difficulty in eating and drinking and being

uneasy.

A fine of 2,000 is given to a pet owner who

fails or refuses to register and to vaccinate his dog

for rabies and P500 every time the dog is caught

outside.

Other bloggers who joined the forum include

Jeph Flores of KIAT CEBU, Chanel Imperial of

www.sugbosentro.wordpress.com , Johnn Mendoza

of www.focalglass.com, www.foodincebu.com,

www.wildlifephilippines.com and Richard Bunabos

of www.gizspec.com .

PIA and the Cebu Bloggers Society

had tied up in several projects particularly

in advocating social good. PIA supports

CBS project #iBLOGforSocialGood which aims to

disseminate developmental things happening in

society.

The official hashtag for the forum is

#iBLOGforRabiesFreePH. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

PIA Cebu conducts bloggers forum on rabies

By Ferliza Calizar-Contratista

BOHOL, March 27 (PIA) -- Over 70 slippers for deprived children sum up the slipper pool which a Holy Name University

(HNU) club and class intended to hand over within the next few days to beneficiaries they could identify.

SEED pools flip flops for poor kids

H NUs Students for the Environment,

Education and Development (SEED) members save a few from their meager

allowance to buy an extra pair of slippers, while the

school's class on tourism impacts and sustainability also pitched in to make the life of a kid more memorable.

In its annual activity to cap a semester, SEED

members and tourism students put on their slippers and joined in a "walk to remember," a walk for a cause which they hold regularly.

It's a commitment to the environment, to the community and to ourselves, a SEED member said when asked what he intends to get in joining the

Saturday afternoon event March 14. What was not regular during the recent activity

was that the students had to ascend Banat-i Hill and

in portions of the climb, took off their slippers in an attempt to reconnect with the earth.

The initiative to reconnect with the earth is

consistent with a healthy lifestyle trend called "earthing," where man attempts to re-establish his body's balance which has been disconnected from the earth and ground it back.

An earlier lecture sharing on Earthing happened at the HNU AV Hall where speakers impress the disconnection.

"Throughout time, humans have sat, stood, strolled, and slept on the ground – the skin of their bodies touching the skin of the Earth," a sharer said.

And throughout time, such contact served as a conduit for transferring the Earth‘s natural, gentle

negative charge underfoot into the body, he

continued to explain the possible source of imbalance which makes man more vulnerable to illnesses.

Scientists and Earthing practitioners noted that contact with the Earth, appears to uphold the electrical stability of bodies and serve as a foundation for vitality and health, thus the need to re-connect

anew. For all this, SEED members and

tourism students under professor Emmylou

Palacio-Noel did their little share of the walk to he lp needy k ids , impress the ir position of environment protection as

well as reconnect with the earth. (mbcn/rac/ PIA7-Bohol)

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

CEBU CITY, April 1 (PIA) – The Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP) of the National Commission for Culture and

the Arts (NCCA) launched “Bayaning Bayan: Sa Ating mga Katutubong Epiko Mito at Alamat” project to give face to local

Filipino heroes from various regional epics, myths and legends.

Bayaning Bayan to give face to local Filipino heroes

I n a press conference recently, Dr. Joseph

Cristobal head of the PCEP said the project

helps our present generation to fully

understand our local heroes.

It aims to develop, establish and popularize

clear images and visualizations of local heroes

identified in the Sagisag Kultura ng Filipinas, the

registry of cultural icons of the country.

The commission hopes that through this

national painting competition, it will help promote

the Philippine arts and culture development of the

country.

NCCA Commissioner Dr. Orlando Mag-

no said, people will tend to appreciate our local

heroes if we give these characters a human face.

NCCA officials called on local artists and

illustrators to help them with the project by

submitting their own interpretation of 26

characters from 14 folk literatures, including Biag ni

Lam-ang, Hudhud of the Ifugaos, Ullalim of Kalinga,

Kudaman of Palawan and Agyu Ilianon of North

Cotabato, among others.

The artistic coordinator of the pro-

ject Salvador Ching said, any visual artist 18 years

old and above may join the contest. ―We are open

for the artists‘ interpretations as long as they have

read the stories of the heroes, how they are able

to show this will be up to the judges,‖ said Ching.

Ching explained that the image is realistic

specially in details of the dresses and their weapons

and the colors.

Deadline for entries is on or before May 28

while the awarding will be sometime in September

2015. He said 30 winners will be awarded with

P30,000 each and the winning entries will be

published in a booklet to be used as reference

materials for teachers and featured in an exhibit at

EDSA.

Magno said references for the epics and

application forms are found in the NCCA website.

(mbcn/hfg/PIA-7)

Hazel F. Gloria

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

DA cautions EV farmers on El Niño effects

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 2 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office-8 (DA RFO-8) urges all

farmers in Eastern Visayas to prepare and be observant as the nation is currently experiencing a mild El Niño as cited by the

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

E l Niño happens when there is an unusual

warm surface temperature in the

Pacific Ocean accompanied by below

average or abnormal rainfall. A warmer air

temperature will be felt in varying degrees

throughout the country.

Based on PAGASA‘s data on climate, the

Eastern Visayas region will experience two

types of climate which are characterized by evenly

distributed rainfall throughout the year with no

dry season and maximum monthly rainfall from

March to May.

Moreover, rice farmers in Leyte are highly

vulnerable to the effects of El Niño, Northern

Samar and Samar areas are moderately

susceptible while Biliran and Eastern Samar are

slightly at risk.

On the other hand, corn farmers in Leyte

and Biliran will most likely be faced with the

impact of El Niño, unlike in the provinces of

Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar and

Northern Samar.

DA-8 is now taking precautionary measures

to prevent possible damages in the agriculture

sector of the region due to the occurrence of the

El Niño phenomenon.

The agency is promoting the use of

drought tolerant rice varieties such as the green

super rice and also advocates crop conversion

or diversification in rice areas that lack water

supply.

Farmers are encouraged to plant vegetables,

corn or other commodities that only require

minimal amount of water.

DA-8 through the Rice Program will

also fast track the completion of

Small Scale Irrigation Projects (SSIPs)

which started in 2014 and continue to put in

place more SSIPs to attain higher production

outputs.

The program likewise put emphasis

on the use of water saving techniques or

technologies.

In addition, rice ratooning is being

pushed as an appropriate technology to attain

extra yield from standing rice crops of high quality

seeds.

Meantime, l i vestock raisers are

also enjoined to ensure sufficient feeds and

appropriate housing for the animals they are

tending. (DA-8)

DA, ATI highlight role of women, extension service in aggie dev‟t

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 3 (PIA) - “We value the indispensable role of women farmers as catalyst of agricultural

development,” Regional Executive Director Bernadette San Juan said in her message during the Opening Program of the

2nd Farm Home Extensionist Association of the Philippines (FHExAP) National Congress held recently at the Hotel Alejandro,

Tacloban City.

T he lady director further enjoined the

FHExAP officers and key stakeholders to

create policies and programs that address

effective and efficient extension services towards

the development of Rural Based Organizations

such as the Rural Improvement Club (RIC).

Anchored on the theme, ―Partner and

Conduit on Quality Extension Services towards

Economic Opportunities for Rural Women‖, the

congress was primarily designed to apprise the

FHExAP members and officers of new programs

that are geared towards transformational

development among the group.

In his message, Asterio P. Saliot, Agricultural

Training Institute‘s National Director, stressed

that agricultural extension is going beyond

transfer of technology.

―Extension activity is a non-formal education

that provides skill, knowledge and opportunities

to change the attitude of individuals,‖ he said.

Director Saliot likewise requested for a

stronger complementation among all key players

in agri-extension.

―Let us think of ways and means that will

strengthen the capacities of farmers, especially the

rural women,‖ he said.

Meantime, FHExAP National President, Ms

Rosemarie O. Martin highlighted quality extension

service as one of the pillars of rural development

that addresses food security.

―New opportunities to reconnect with our

clientele must be given emphasis to sustainably

develop small farm families.

Let us also empower women, because this

will lead to an empowered humanity,‖ she

stressed.

Series of topics were discussed in the

congress, such as the Magna Carta for Women,

with no less than RED San Juan as the discussant.

Selected farmers likewise shared their

success stories that are worth emulating.

DA-8 former RED and now Urban

Agriculture National Program Coordinator, Leo

P. Cañeda also shared insights on Good

Agricultural Practices. (DA-8/PIA-8)

114 finish TESDA skills training in Hernani town

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 30 (PIA) The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA),

Provincial Office, Borongan City in collaboration with Arteche National Agricultural School (ANAS), Balangiga National

Agricultural School (BNAS) and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hernani had its Graduation Ceremony on Livelihood Skills

Training last month.

T he said Skills Training ran from February

16 to March 6, 2015 and concluded with a

graduation rites at the municipal plaza.

Some 114 graduated from different courses

such as: Driving -National Certificate II (NC-II),

Bread Making, Poultry Raising and Swine

Production. Of the 114 graduated, 25 were from

Driving, 36 from Bread Making, 27 from Poultry

Raising and 26 from Swine Production.

In his graduation message, Engr. Enrico C.

Banario, TESDA Provincial Director, emphasized

the importance to have an NC-II Certificate,

―because if you apply for skilled livelihood, here in

the Philippines or abroad, the employer will

ask you if you have NC-II Certificates otherwise

if you can't present one, you will not be

accepted.‖ ―Those who received Certificates in

Bread Making, Poultry Raising and Swine

Production, you can start your own business with

a little capital because you already have the

skills. From this, you can earn a living and this will

add to your small income through this livelihood,‖

he said.

Banario further encouraged the graduates to

just open their minds and use their skills to uplift

their family and community.

Another message was given by Mr. Adones

Caspe, Vocational School Administrator-II of

(ANAS) where he categorically said that the

graduates have to share the skills they acquired in

order to uplift not only themselves but their

families and the whole community.

In a brief interview with PIA, Mr. Caspe said,

that the 36 graduated from Bread

Making will receive tool kits in the amount of

P1,016.00 each, while the 26 who graduated

from Swine Production will receive a

piglet for every two graduated participants

with 40 kilos feeds. The 27 graduated from

Poultry Raising 25 chicks, feeder and waterier,

multi-vitamins and 10 kilos feeds, will be given by

ANAS.

Meanwhile, in his Take Home Message,

Vice-Mayor Wilmar S. Candido thanked

TESDA- Provincial Director Engr. Banario and his

staff for the continued support TESDA has given

to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hernani.

He also thanked Mr. Caspe - Administrator,

Trainors Mrs. Corazon Camposano and Mr.

Cepriaco Ribong of ANAS and Trainor Mr. Pepito

Abrugar, of (BNAS). In his message, he

thanked the graduated participants for completing

the courses, ―I hope and I pray that your

certificates will be used for the future

and for the upliftment of the economy of this

municipality and the province as well,‖ Vice Mayor

Candido said. (ajc/sdc/PIA-E. Samar)

BY SAMUEL CANDIDO

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

CCC conducts media workshop in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 30 (PIA) –The Climate Change Commission, in partnership with the United Nations

Development Program and the Australian government conducted a two-day seminar-workshop for LGU information officers

and media practitioners in Eastern Visayas in March 26-27, here.

T he workshop was aimed at intensifying

public awareness and translating such

awareness into action by improving

people‘s perception of their role in environmental

protection.

―The media and information officers play a

critical role in raising awareness of the

communities,‖ Climate Change Commission

Assistant Secretary Joyceline Goco said in her

message during the workshop.

It cannot be denied that mainstream media is

considered as an indispensable source of

information and has a role of shaping people‘s

awareness and concern in relation to climate

change advocacy due to its reach and social

influence in the people‘s lives noting that ordinary

people are more likely to trust the mainstream

media more than they do with the social media

where anyone can post a blog on any information

which cannot be relied on.

The workshop tackled the role of natural

resources in building resilience of coastal

areas; post-Haiyan hazard and exposure

i n format i on for rehab i l i t a t i on and

recovery; building media‘s resiliency to climate

impacts and disasters and understanding climate

system and climate change including disaster risk

reduction and climate change adaptation in the

Philippines.

Imelda Albano, President of the Philippine

Network of Environmental Journalists, Inc. (PNEJ)

and Red Batario, Executive Director, Center for

Community Journalism and Development shared

also some tips and innovative tools in reporting

issues on climate change.

Meanwhile, the Resilience and Preparedness

toward Inclusive Development (RAPID) Program,

a component of the Project Climate Twin

Phoenix was also given emphasis in the discussion

of the resource speakers.

RAPID is envisioned to strengthen the

capacity of local government units (LGUs) and

their communities particularly those living in

coastline areas to manage risks from and adapt to

the overall impacts of climate change toward a

resilient and sustainable development.

The workshop also conducted field visits in

some transitional and permanent shelters in the

city where participants talked to selected

occupants about their knowledge on climate

change and how they deal with the resettlement

process.

Part of the workshop output, the

participants together with Philippine Information

Agency in the region, formulated initial

assessments and proposed steps towards building

a climate-change resilient community.

With this development, it is expected that

vulnerable communities in the region would

become more knowledgeable about their risks

when a disaster occurs and how they prepare to

lessen the severe impact on people. (ajc/cba/

PIA-8)

CONSUELO B. ALARCON

Maasin City stakeholders recognize role of women in nation-building

“ We recognize and highlight women‘s key

roles and accomplishments in leadership,

power and in decision-making,‖ PNP

Senior Police Officer 3 Jennifer Pagula

said during her inspiring message at the

culmination program held March 25, 2015 at the

city gymnasium.

She said that this year‘s theme dubbed as,

―Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Bawat Isa,

Ikaw Na!, aims to pay tribute to all women

leaders who passionately lead and continue to

advance women‘s advocacies.

The lady officer who heads the Women and

Child Protection program at the PNP-Maasin City

reminded that women contribute a lot to the

nation such as during calamities through the

promotion of the protection of children, old

aged persons, mentally challenged individuals,

among others who need help; women in

uniform who also provide protection to women

and children who are victims of abuse and women

O v e r s e a s F i l i p i n o W o r k e r s w h o

sacrifice themselves to give support to their

families, among others.

The culmination activity started with a

parade around the city proper participated by

different groups of women, then a celebration of

the Holy Eucharist, a short program followed and

a display of women‘s products in their assigned

booths.

The undertaking was also graced by Mayor

Maloney Samaco who delivered his message

saying that "women are very important in decision

-making basing on its theme."

Among other stakeholders present were

the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail

Management and Penology (BJMP), the Philippine

Information Agency (PIA), and some local officials

and employees. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte , Marrc 30 (PIA) – The city government of Maasin through the City Social Welfare

Services office in cooperation with the different stakeholders and the women‟s groups conducted a culmination activity for the

Women‟s Month celebrated this March.

MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS

DA to undertake soil fertility mapping in SoLeyte

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 26 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Soils and Water

Management (BSWM), in coordination with the provincial government, will conduct a soil fertility mapping for rice growing

areas in the province for three months, from April to June this year.

T his was announced by Provincial

Agriculturist Marina Gador, head of the

Office of the Provincial Agriculture

(OPAg), during the Provincial Report cable TV

program Tuesday at the capitol building.

―The last soil fertility mapping was done ten

years ago, and so this time it will be carried out

again to be updated,‖ Gador said, adding

that the province‘s only counterpart of the

activity was the provision of a service vehicle and

two personnel.

The mapping will be done for a

duration of 35 days starting on April 13

at Malitbog and will be finished by June 12 at

Maasin, covering a sample of 215

hectares out of the province‘s total of 10,067

hectares planted to rice for the 18 towns and one

city.

The municipality of Hinunangan is the highest

rice growing area at 3,164 hectares, followed by

Saint Bernard, 1,083 then Maasin City, 1,048, and

Hinundayan, 1,026.

Expected output will be the soil

fertility map and fertilizer guide to help

farmers achieve higher yield, said Gador,

adding that for now the province

has been self-sufficient in terms of rice

production.

Nerio Lanugan, Provincial Coordinator for

Rice, reported that the average harvest is 4.3 tons

per hectare, even as most of the rice produced in

the province was sold to buyers coming from the

outside, like traders from Bato, Hilongos, and

Surigao.

Meanwhile, an Agriculture Summit has been

slated to be held in the province, at Lourdes

Convention Center in Maasin City on May 7, with

speakers coming from the Visayas State University

(VSU) and from the Fishery Central Office, said

Feliciano Malaki, Jr. of the OPAg‘s Enginnering

section.

Other guests in the cable TV program were

Feliciano Ambi, who expounded on the need to

promote organic farming, and Cipriano Acedo

from the Provincial Veterinary Office, who

reported on various livestock dispersal projects of

the their office. (ajc/esg/mmp, PIA8-Southern

Leyte)

MARCELO M. PEDALINO

One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

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: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com

PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com

PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com