Vol 6 Issue 27 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 July 4 - 10, 2016

In this Issue MGB-7 cautions residents in mountain brygs vs landslides

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Social media help save lives - MovePH

ILOILO CITY, July 8 (PIA) --- Government agencies,

local government units, and even the private sector are encouraged to utilize social media platforms for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

In the Emergency Telecommunications Summit led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-6 and Smart Communications, Rupert Ambil, executive director of MovePH, said that social media has been instrumental in

mobilizing different sectors of society and ordinary citizens during emergencies and disasters.

―Using mobile and web technologies and social media

ensures the flow of critical and actionable information to those who need it before, during, and after disasters and connects those who need help directly with those who can

truly help,‖ he said. He said that the emergence of social media tools has

changed the landscape in information delivery that involved

three processes namely news gathering, processing, and broadcasting.

―There are free applications on smart phones that can

perform these major processes,‖ he said. He shared that social media provides opportunities

for engaging citizens in times of disasters and emergencies by both disseminating information to the public and

accessing information from them.

―Ang kultura ng Pilipino ay likas na matulungin. They are just waiting for the opportunity to help,‖ he added.

MovePH is the citizen journalism arm of the social

news network Rappler. It aims to build, nurture and engage communities

that want to bring about change, through intelligent conversations and stories that can move people to act.

(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CEBU, July 4 (PIA) – Residents in mountain barangays

must be vigilant against landslide with the onset of the rainy season and the threat of a La Niña that could bring heavy downpour of rains.

Engr. Al Emil Berador, chief geologist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas warned of severe landslides and flooding that

could result due to the La Niña phenomenon. Berador said families living in disaster-risk areas like

those prone to landslides and flooding must take

precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their loved ones.

There is already an 85 percent chance that La Niña

will occur starting late quarter this year, earlier bared Engr. Oscar Tabada, chief of the PAGASA-Visayas citing the forecast of international weather forecasting centers.

According to Tabada, La Niña will start by October until February of 2017 but its peak will be from October until December.

―We expect way above normal rainfall level by December and that our Christmas will be extremely rainy,‖ said Tabada.

Berador likewise claimed that the Philippines is one of

the top five countries vulnerable to hazards and this fact

should prompt us to take action for our safety.

The MGB-7 chief geologist specifically warned residents in all the mountain barangays of Cebu City saying all city upland barangays are landslide-prone areas.

Regional Director Olivia Luces of the Office of Civil Defense who is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) said disaster preparedness should be

family-based and that every household should immediately recognize the signs of danger and knows what to do in case of emergency.

―Residents must be mindful of three days continuous rains and if water in their area turns murky with small stones cascading from the mountains,‖ said Luces which

could signal an impending landslide. Luces said they are checking on the updating of

contingency plans of the local government units (LGUs)

amid the threat of La Niña. Berador also said LGUs have been given a copy of the

1:10,000 scale geo-hazard map for their guidance for

disaster preparedness measures. The month of July is annually observed as National

Disaster Consciousness Month as the government‘s priority objective is zero fatality in times of disaster. (rmn/

fcr/PIA7)

WESTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Lt. Col. Edwin Sadang, officer-in-charge of the

NDRRMC Operations Division, presents the

overview of the ICT Bayanihan during the

Emergency Telecommunications Cluster

Summit which kicked off July 7 at Seda Atria

Hotel, Iloilo City. (PIA Iloilo)

Leonard T. Pineda I

ATM: Members of RDRRMC 8 meet during a

Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment to

determine the respective agencies' and LGUs'

preparedness measures relative to the possible

effects of Typhoon Butchoy (international

name: Nepartak) held at OCD 8, June 5, 2016.

(PIA 8)

Fayette C. Riñen

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, JULY 6 (PIA) - The Office

of Civil Defense thru the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) led on July4, the month-long celebration of the National Disaster

Consciousness Month this July. The kick off ceremony included a Eucharistic

Celebration at Leyte Provincial Grounds followed by a motorcade around the city and parts of Palo town ending

with a short program at Robinsons Mall, Tacloban City. OCD-8 regional director Edgar L. Posadas said, the

month-long celebration is designed to promote disaster

resiliency in the region.

He added that super typhoon ―Yolanda‖

brought great devastation to several places in the region, thus the need for the people to be equipped with knowledge and skills in order to mitigate dangers in the

future. Other activities in the kick-off program included the

recognition of some stakeholders who put their level best in the effort of bringing disaster awareness and mitigation

to the public. In line for the entire month celebration is the regional

rescue jamboree, 2-day communication summit, mangrove

planting, among others.(Sol Alarcon)

Sol Alarcon

OCD-08 leads disaster consciousness month celeb

Kapihan sa PIA was held in observance of National

Kidney Month this June with guest speakers Dr.

Kenneth Coo, Nephrologist from Holy Child Hospital

and Judith Vailoces, Renal Disease Control Program

(ReDCoP) focal person of IPHO. Dr. Coo said that

based on World statistics 70% of patients on

hemodialysis is caused by diabetes and 30%

due to hypertension. Most of patients affected with

kidney disease are on the working age

class. # malusognabatoyamanatbuhayko

Rupert Ambil, MovePH executive director, explains the role of

social media during disasters during the Emergency

Telecommunications Cluster Summit which kicked off July 7 at Seda

Atria Hotel here. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERN VISAYAS 2

Guimaras pilots mass de-worming

ILOILO CITY, July 8(PIA)—The province of Guimaras is laying the ground work for the pilot implementation of the mass

de-worming of the Department of Health.

A n initial step taken, according to the

province‘s Information Officer Jaypee

Entredicho, was the training on War on

Worms of some 200 Early Childhood Care and

Development workers in Guimaras, part of

their annual capability building.

Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin

cited the interagency effort in the holding of

the training as an initial move towards the pilot

implementation of the program.

―Our province is going to be the pilot in

this endeavour so we are very glad for this

headstart,‖ Gumarin said.

The day care workers and supervised

neighbourhood play workers were provided

capability-building activities to enhance their

skills in service delivery and prepared them for

the Center-Based Drug Administration of the

DOH Information Officer Entredicho said

Guimaras aims to be role model in the

implementation of the program.

Asst. Provincial Social Welfare and

Development Officer Shirly Gabutin said when

the project succeed, it will truly be a role

model in Western Visayas.

The program aims to enhance awareness

on WOW program and make accessible

its services to pre-school children, and

address issues and concerns affecting these

services.

John Paul de los Trinos, Sr. Research

Assistant, University of the Philippines, and one

of the lecturers during the training, said the

activity is an augmentation support to the

frontliners in ECCD, as the social workers and

day care workers are prepared for bigger roles

in the community.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

By: Elsa Subong

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Community Environment and Natural Resources in southern Antique has inaugurated its

new office in Belison, now called CENRO Belison.

F rom its former location at San Jose,

it is now located adjacent to the

Municipal Building of Belison standing

at a 432 square meter lot of the municipality

under the Deed of Usufruct Agreement

signed between the DENR and the LGU

Belison.

CENRO Louie Laud during the

inauguration program thanked Mayor Darell

dela Flor and the top officials of DENR for the

new office that will make CENRO services

more accessible to the 11 towns under their

coverage.

CENRO Belison covers the towns of

Laua-an, Bugasong, Valderrama, Patnongon,

Belison, San Remegio, Sibalom, San Jose,

Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, and Anini-y.

Asst. Regional Director for Technical

Concerns Jesse Vego said the selection of

CENRO offices was based on the three

considerations - jurisdiction, convenience,

access of the public or the communities it

covers.

It is fitting that the CENRO office in the

south was located in Belison to provide equal

access to the clients of the covered towns,

according to Vego.

Likewise, he challenged the DENR

employees that with the inauguration

of the new office, they are expected to give

comprehensive services in terms of ―Ridge to

Reef‖ approach in environmental conservation

and protection.

Vego also lauded the leadership of

PENRO Ruel delos Reyes who have facilitated

numerous projects in Antique.

Antique has two CENROs, aside from the

newly inaugurated office in Belison, the other

one is in Culasi that covers the towns of

Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan,

Libertad and Island Municipality of Caluya.

(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

CENRO opens office in Belison

Pilar S. Mabaquiao

2 rebels back to folds of the law

Jemin Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 11 (PIA) - Two more rebels in Capiz have embraced the government for a better and peaceful life.

t wo rebels availed of the government‘s

ass istance after turning over

themselves to the folds of the

government and after going through the

process that was facilitated by the Philippine

Army.

Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Ray

Tiongson of the Philippine Army‘s 3rd Infantry

Division disclosed that the two have turned to

the folds of the government through the 61st

Infantry Battalion.

Tiongson said that a total of 18 members

of the New People‘s Army, 15 of whom are

from Panay Island and 3 in Negros, have

already turned their backs from the armed

violence in the first semester of 2016.

During the meeting of the Provincial

Peace and Order Council meeting here last

June, two former NPA members availed of

their benefits under the Department of

the Interior and Local Government‘s

Comprehensive Local Integration Program of

P65,000 each, while another former rebel who

was already given the said assistance received

P30,000 as a remuneration for the turned-over

firearm.

Aside from the DILG‘s CLIP

assistance, the provincial government had also

given them earlier a P10,000 each financial

assistance.

For his part, 3ID Commander Brig. Gen.

Harold Cabreros reiterated the call of all the

stakeholders for NPA remnants to go back to

the folds of law, take the opportunity of the

government‘s integration program and be part

in building a better community instead of

fighting the government authorities.

Cabreros said that NPA members who

want to go down and live normally are

welcome as he assured that the Armed

Forces of the Philippines with the local

government officials and other stakeholders

are always willing to help and assist them for

the better future of their families. (JCM/JBG/

PIA6-Capiz)

WESTERN VISAYAS 3

ILOILO CITY, July 7 (PIA) --- The giant ‗tornado-like‘ cloud formation which was recently spotted over Tacloban City Airport,

Leyte could also occur in Western Visayas.

E ngr. Oscar Tabada, OIC of PAGASA

(Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical

a n d A s t r o n o m i c a l S e r v i c e s

Administration)-Visayas, said that the

enormous cloud formation which signaled a

severe thunderstorm may happen in areas near

the ocean and other large bodies of water.

―Thunderstorms are getting stronger

because of the warming of our country,‖ he

said.

He said that warm surface is favorable

and may strengthen thedevelopment of

cumulonimbus clouds which are associated

with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation.

―During the event in Tacloban, they

accumulated rainfall of 60 millimeters during a

period of about 45 minutes only,‖ he said.

He said that the Iloilo Doppler Radar and

Synoptic Station located in WESVIARC,

Barangay Hamungaya, Jaro district here will be

helpful in the conduct of evaluation which

cloud is a thunderstorm cloud.

―Through the radar operations,

we will be able to determine which clouds are

thunderstorm clouds or tornado clouds,‖ he

said.

The PAGASA put up the Iloilo station in

May 2015 to provide more accurate

weather data for the Visayas. (JCM/LTP/

PIA-Iloilo)

PAGASA warns of ‗tornado-like‘ clouds in WV

Leonard T. Pineda I

Day Care kids to benefit from supplemental feeding

KALIBO, Aklan, 7 July (PIA6) -- Aklan‘s 14,716 Day Care kids with ages ranging from 3 to 4 years old and enrolled at various

Day Care centers in the province will be benefiting from the government‘s Supplementary Feeding Program this year with a

total fund allocation of P26,488,800.00 at P15.00 per child per day.

T he a l located f unds inc lude

P19,425,120.00 for viand at P11.00

per child per day, and P7,063,680 for

rice at P4.00 per child per day, as revealed by

the Department of Social Welfare and

Deve lopment Reg iona l F ie ld Un it

(DSWD-RFU)-6 during the recent conduct of a

Media Forum here with the local media.

The activity, dubbed Media Forum on

Social Pension and Other Government

Programs, was held at the Niños Ihaw-Ihaw in

Kalibo and attended by more than 20

practitioners in the province from the print

and broadcast media, and covered by Aklan‘s

two cable television networks.

This year‘s supplementary feeding

program is in the 6th Cycle for Calendar Year

2016-2017.

Of Aklan‘s 17 municipalities, Ibajay town

has the biggest number of beneficiaries with

1,745 – followed by Kalibo, with 1,502;

Libacao, with 1,159; Nabas, with 1,057, and

Makato, with 954.

Other towns and their respective

beneficiaries are Madalag, with 898; New

Washington, with 820; Malay, with 818; Banga,

807; Batan, 728; Balete, 700; Malinao, 666;

B u r u a n g a , 6 5 8 ; T a n g a l a n , 6 3 3 ;

Altavas,Numancia, 512, and Lezo, 462.

Prov incia l Socia l Welfare and

Development Officer (PSWDO) Evangelina

Gallega said the Day Care children will

undergo supplemental feeding for 120 days,

consuming hot meals prepared by parents and

volunteers following a weekly menu guide.

Gallega said beneficiaries of the feeding

program will be weighed before and after the

feeding schedule to know the impact of the

program to the children. Under the program,

rice will be provided by the National Food

Authority (NFA) which will be paid by the

DSWD and delivered to local government

units (LGUs) to be received respectively by the

Municipal Social Welfare and Development

Officers (MSWDOs).

Fund for viand, on the other hand, will be

downloaded to the LGUs to be duly liquidated.

Gallega said that in cooking the hot meals,

parents are encouraged to utilize indigenous

but nutritious vegetables found just in the

vicinity of the centers like malunggay, alugbati

and other leafy vegetables.

Using indigenous vegetables for the

feeding program, according to her, will help in

familiarizing the palate of the children to the

taste of the food, as well as to motivate

parents to plant vegetables in their backyards

for use in the feeding program and as

component their household meals too. (JCM/

VGV PIA6 Aklan)

By Venus G. Villanueva

Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 8 (PIA6) – The Negros Occidental provincial government received a dental health

bus from the Department of Health (DOH), recently.

NegOcc gets dental health bus

Carlson B. Alelis

T he bus is intended to augment

the dental outreach program in

the province, a press release

from the Provincial Information Office

said.

The unit is air-conditioned, with two

dental chairs and dental facilities and

instruments.

It will be under the management of

the Provincial Health Office under its

chief, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, the press

release added.

Dr. Tumimbang said the bus will be

sent to the various cities and

municipalities in the province, while the

provincial government will provide the

dentist and dental supplies.

I n a t t endan ce du r in g the

turnover were Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr.,

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members

Renato Malabor, Jr., Jose Maria Alonso,

and Salvador Escalante, Jr., Executive

Assistant to the Governor Angel

Verdeflor, and Provincial Consultant Roy

Balicas, among others. (JCM/CBA/PIA6/

Capitol-Negros Occidental)

CENTRAL VISAYAS 4

TAGBILARAN CITY, July 6 (PIA) – Candijay town has posted the largest number of drug personalities who surrendered to

authorities and swore to permanently stop their illegal trade.

Candijay, Bohol posts largest number of drug

surrenderees

T his as 431 drug personalities, the biggest so

far among Bohol towns, surrendered today and took their solemn oath befor Mayor

Christopher Tutor, Rev. Fr. Paulito Amplayo,

PInspector Geral Luna and local officials and representatives of the academe.

Local police authorities ushered the surrenderees to the St. Joseph Parish Church, where

church and state leaders received them, acording to netizen Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes.

In an interview at his station, PInspector Luna

on Tuesday said they were set to finish rounding up the 21 Candijay barangays by late afternoon, the day after he announced the police implementation of

Oplan Tokhang. Of the total number of drug personalities who

surrendered, six admitted to pushing while 425 said

they are or were users and several have stopped years back.

Owing to the seriousness of the police

campaign initiated by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Ronald dela Rosa himself,

Bohol police stepped up its operations and have

neutralized top drug personalities.. Of the surrenderees, and based on their

affidavits, 49 have stopped using drugs since 2012, 58

stopped since 2013, 79 since 2014 and 103 stopped using drugs since 2015.

Among them were 136 active users who promised to stop using drugs, as attested by their

signed affidavits. Among those who surrendered, Cogtong owns

the biggest number of drug personalities with 76,

followed by Poblacion at 53, Can-olin at 42 and Boyo-an at 39.

Luna also revealed that in his town, there are

still some barangays who are not drug affected, but they still await for more drug personalities coming out anytime soon.

Other barangays with surrenderees include Lungsodaan 34, Panas 35, Tugas: 30, La Union: 25, Mahangin: 25, Tambongan 16, Abihilan 15, Anoling:

13, Canawa: 11, Tawid: 9, Tubod: 6 and Panadtaran 2.

Luna also reported that in the past year,

Candijay Police implemented 38 buy-bust operations and hailed suspects to court with violations of anti-drug law, specifically section 5.

He also considers his station lucky as the local chief executive himself is personally supporting the drive with cash incentives to police operatives.

As the operations go on, Luna appeals to drug personalities who remain in hiding to surrender or be implemented with ―Oplan Double Barrel.‖

After Oplan Tokhang, we are to implement Double Barrel and would pursue operations against hard and soft targets, he said.

At the swearing in rites inside the St Joseph Church, Mayor Tutor advised the surrenderees to seriously keep their promise.

Even with the sworn statements and affidavits, police operatives bared that any indication of reverting to drugs would be a ground for intense

police operations, which might end up not as desired. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

CEBU, July 4 (PIA) – In celebration of its 447th founding anniversary, the province of Cebu will be holding its first founding

anniversary run on August 28.

Cebu to hold 1st Founding Anniversary Run

T he race features three categories, namely:

Open, Grassroots, and one for Capitol employees only.

The event, organized by the Cebu Provincial

Sports Commission (CPSC), highlights the participation of young athletes from several municipalities in the grassroots category as part of the commission‘s grassroots sports development

program. CPSC Executive Director Ramil Abing said that

the run started last year but it was exclusive only to

Capitol employees. ―We decided in this founding anniversary that

we‘ll have an open category. We intend to do this

annually,‖ Abing said. Winners of the race will receive cash

prizes ranging from P500 to P10,000, and a commemorative medal for the Top 10 winners of all

categories. Participants may register at the Cebu Provincial

Office or at the Cebu City Sports Center until

August 26. The race will start at 5:00 A.M. at the Cebu

Provincial Capitol Compound.

R e g i s t r a t i o n f e e c o s t s P 3 0 0 for the 10K category and P500 for the 20K category.

For more details, please contact CPSC at

cebuprovince.cpsc@gmail .com (rmn/mjpap/ PIA7- Cebu)

TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) — Be honest in responding to the questionaires.

PSA rolls out Annual Poverty Indicator Survey

T his was the appeal of Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA) Bohol Statistician Jessamyne Anne Alcazaren during the recent Kapihan

sa PIA.

PSA will conduct between July 11 to August 2 the Labor Force Survey-Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (LFS-APIS) with trained enumerators extracting the data from heads of families or their

spouses as respondents. ―No one in the household is more

knowledgeable in the family‘s spending patterns,‖ she

explained. PSA is primarily responsible for the

implementation of the provisions of R.A. 10625,

especially in planning, developing, prescribing, disseminating and enforcing policies, rules and regulations and coordinate government-wide

programs governing the production of official statistics, general-purpose statistics, and civil registra-tion services, according to the PSA website.

PSA is responsible for all national censuses and

surveys, sectoral statistics, consolidation of selected administrative recording systems and compilation of national accounts.

The APIS is a nationwide sample survey designed to provide information on the different indicators related to poverty.

―APIS aims to provide inputs to the

development of an integrated poverty indicator and monitoring system which would enhance timely, accurate and consistent production of

poverty-related data that can be used at the national levels,‖ the website states.

APIS supplements identification of the poor

families through the use of non-income indicators, providing information on the socio-economic profile of families and other information relating to their

living conditions. According to the PSA, the data from the survey

are demographic and economic characteristics,

health status and education of the family members;

awareness and use of family planning methods; housing, water and sanitation condition of the families; availment of credit to finance the family

business or enterprise; and income and expenditures of the family.

In survey enumerations like the APIS, PSA knows that many respondents find it inconvenient to

respond to the questions thinking it entails income and expenditures.

―It is not for taxation purposes,‖

assured Alcazaren. The PSA chief assured that their enumerators

would treat survey responses with a high degree of

confidentiality. ―This treatment also puts enumerators in the

risk of imprisonment should they be proven to have

shared vital information,‖ Alcazaren said. ―These people are bound by law to maintain

strict confidentiality,‖ she said. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

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CENTRAL VISAYAS 5

CEBU, July 5 (PIA) – Local government units (LGUs) should institutionalize the position of local disaster risk reduction and

management officers (DRRMOs) as mandated under the law for the continuity of disaster preparedness measures and disaster

risk reduction programs.

R egional Director Olivia Luces of the Office

of Civil Defense (OCD-7) said under RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Reduction

and Management Act, the position of local DRRMOs

should be permanent and not co-terminus with the local chief executive.

―Making the DRRMO position permanent is to

ensure continuity of disaster risk reduction and

management programs of the LGU. Also, it is a waste of government money

sending the DRRMO to various trainings to upgrade

his or her technical skills and then he or she is just replaced after the term of the local chief executive ends,‖ said Luces.

Luces said it is very important for the LGU to understand this and appoint somebody who has the expertise and experience to the permanent

post.

Luces however, lauded the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental which have appointed a permanent provincial DRRMO.

But Luces who also chairs the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) lamented that only a few LGUs have

complied with the provision of the law.

Disaster preparedness and similar programs should be given priority by the LGUs, said Luces which could make a huge difference if

the DRRMO is given the responsibility to continually implement the programs and not be hindered by the end of the term of the city or

municipal mayor. ―We want to achieve the goal of being a

disaster-resilient region,‖ which is deterred by the

termination of the local DRRMO sans the

permanence of the position, said Luces. Luces expressed hopes the local chief

executives will take action on their end amid

the identification of the Philippines as among the top five disaster-prone countries worldwide by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk

Reduction.

The RDRRMC-7 chair further said LGUs should make their DRRM council functional down to the barangay level and undertake proactive measures

amid the threat of La Niña. La Niña is said to occur at a probability of 85

percent according to PAGASA-Visayas citing

international weather forecasting centers which could hit the country beginning October until February of next year. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

OCD-7: LGUs to make position of DRRMO

permanent

Fayette C. Riñen

TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Efforts from the government to offer viable local alternatives for work and income for

overseas Filipino workers (OFW) has extended to those eager to maximize their capital laying idle in their bank accounts.

N ow comes Bohol OFW Negosyo Expo, a

two-day event in the middle of the Sandugo festivities and in anticipation of

the homecoming season for Boholano OFWs and

locals who have carved a name in business and other endeavors across the country.

Set on July 5 to 6 at the Bohol Cultural Center, the OFW Expo will feature information on the

latest innovation and trends presented in an interactive program via seminars, fora, product presentations, and other activities that provide

growth and business opportunities, said Bohol

Investment Promotion Center (BIPC) Chief Maria Fe Dominese

Catering especially for OFWs and also for locals who are eager to invest their hard-earned savings but are still looking for viable ventures, the

OFW Negosyo expo happens to be a local intervention to plug the leaking exodus of highly

qualified workforce.

"The prospect of OFWs engaging into business will not only maximize the negative effects of disunited families but will definitely boost local

investment and employment," Dominese said. Event organizers hope the OFW Negosyo Expo

will change the pervading mindset that working abroad is a life-long endeavor and the only viable

means to survive. Bohol, home for over 20,000 OFWs who

have hugely contributed to the country's economic

growth, keeps a widespread and largely accepted

truth: the prospect of working abroad is the only sustainable and viable way for a comfortable life.

That, however has been slowly worked up, with BIPC and in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as private partners

opening up venues for business facilitation and advisory services in the three Negosyo Centers in

Bohol.

Earlier, another venue opened with the triennial Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), where business options are presented at the

institutionalized Investment Forum as part of the TBTK events. The move for the TBTK was among the options Bohol explored to generate sufficient capital pouring into the poverty-ravaged province

then, shared then governor Rene Relampagos. After the TBTK, local businesses enjoyed a

soaring boost, which resulted to a fast-tracked

development highlighted by Bohol recording a reach

into the billion peso investments years back. With the country as among the top exporters

of skilled workers and brains churning out to move economies abroad, building opportunities by laying the local infrastructure support could be a worthy

move, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry head Albert Uy said. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)

Bohol spreads Negosyo Expo for OFWS

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

CEBU CITY, July 5 (PIA) – Over 300 drug affected individuals surrendered in four cities and four towns in Cebu the last two

days.

Over 300 drug users surrender to authorities

T he numbers were reported by the public

information officers (PIO) of the local goverment units the moment the drug-

affected individuals approached the police, mayor, or

barangay captain. Based on the Cebu Association of City and

Mun ic ipa l Pub l ic In format ion Of f i cers (CAOCAMPIO) News Bits, a total of 313 were

recorded to have surrendered from July 4 until July 3.

These drug affected individuals include drug

pushers and users. Highest was the City of Mandaue which had a

total of 160 individuals surrendering in the police

stations, according to Information Officer Jeany Eve Inot.

Second was the report of Information Officer

Candice Acuna of Carcar City with 50 individuals last Monday.

The town of Tabogon led by Mayor Zigfred

Duterte had 35 drug personalities vowing to change their lives, according to Information Officer Mercedette Toling.

Alma Mondigo, information office associate of

Santa Fe town in Bantayan Island, reported 30 persons who surrendered from Barangays Pooc, Poblacion, and Talisay.

In San Remigio town, Information Officer Nino Ybanez said there were 15 individuals including four minors who faced Mayor Mariano Martinez today.

Mayor Kristine Chiong witnessed the signing of a covenant of 11 drug affected individuals in Naga

City, while seven surrendered in Danao City and five

in Asturias town. All those who surrendered were made to sign

a document or a covenant pledging not to use or sell

drugs. Since the assumption of President Rodrigo

Duterte and the appointment of new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald dela Rosa,

―Oplan Tukhang‖ was implemented nationwide. This involves the police going to the homes of

suspected drug personalities and asking them to stop

all their drug-related activities. Under the plan, they are given time to pack up

and stop their illegal trade, or have the option to

leave the city and go somewhere else. (rmn/fcc/PIA7 -Cebu)

Ferliza C. Contratsta

EASTERN VISAYAS 6

55 families in Ormoc City now have permanent homes

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, July 4(PIA) – Within this month 55 Yolanda affected families in Ormoc City will move to their

respective homes after the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) formally

hand over on Wednesday the resettlement housing units to the city government of Ormoc.

E U First Counsellor and Head

Development Cooperat ion

Achim Tillesen and UNDP

Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra

led the turnover ceremony in Brgy.

Cabuhangin, Ormoc City.

Tillesen said we are pleased to see

the first batch of 55 families completing

their houses which have been designed to

be more disaster-resilient.

―We hope that EU‘ support

through UNDP will help secure a better

and safer future for the families,‖ Tillesen

said.

On the otherhand, Mitra assured the

beneficiaries that the permanent houses

can withstand a 300 kph winds or a

Yolanda-like typhoon.

The beneficiaries of the housing units

will move to their new houses once the

water system and electric connection will

be completed.

The construction of the housing

units is part of the package of the EU‘s

assistance implemented through the

Project Recovery of the UNDP to

Yolanda affected families in the cities of

Tacloban and Ormoc and some

municipalities in the province of Eastern

Samar.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

Consuelo B. Alarcon

SoLeyte honors outstanding citizens for 2016

T hey were chosen by a select

committee based on the impact

their works, or even by being

themselves, have on the community,

inspiring others in their respective

professions, careers, or vocations.

The awarding ceremony was held at

the Legislative building Thursday last

week, with incoming Governor, Cong.

Damian Mercado, handing the citations,

the event part of the week-long activities

that marked the 56th anniversary

celebration of the province which is July 1.

The awardees included the

following: Bernardo Humangit Tocmo, for

retails banking and management. A native

of Hinunangan town, Tocmo, formerly an

executive from Metrobank, now handles

certain divisions of the Philippine National

Bank, overseeing 630 branches with 4,800

employees.

Dr. Rosette Gaditano Pagpaguitan,

from Bontoc, was cited in the field of

academics. She was a first placer in the

recent Dentistry Board.

Dr. Mina Sirikit Claridad Tagra, from

Liloan, was recognized for her

humanitarian services, especially her

dedication, initiative, and efforts in helping

the victims of typhoon Yolanda in

Tacloban City.

Francisco Mapa Lim, in Arts, Painting,

and Education. He admitted being born in

Naval, Biliran, but since 1954 has lived and

resided in Maasin City. Lim has produced

renowned artists whose works won

national awards. He taught painting on

weekends with school children at the

Plaza Anatalio Gaviola.

Jay Yap Yuvallos, from Saint Bernard,

excelled in business leadership, a known

champion of Small and Medium

Enterprises. He vows to mentor and

support struggling micro, small, and

medium enterprises in the province in

coordination with the provincial

government.

Lourd Ernest Hanopol De Veyra,

whose father is from Hilongos, Leyte, but

his mother is from Macrohon, made his

name in journalism and literature. Mr.

De Veyra is connected with TV 5

station. Among his many awarded works

were pieces of literary crafts that won the

Palanca Literary Prize.

Milagros Laraga Gaviola Vda. De

Castro, the ―dreamer‖, was cited for

leadership in Social, Cultural, and Tourism

Development. It was Mrs. De Castro‘s

vision in the 1980s and 1990s that

resulted in the construction of the now

famous Mama Mary Shrine overlooking

the city proper, up a short mountain in

barangay Mantahan.

Two other awardees were given

plaque of recognition as Young

Achievers -- Marieliz Abucayan Jayma, in

the field of sports, being a gold medalist in

the Palarong Pambansa, and Engr. Reih

Mark Tatad Salomon, for passing the

Electrical Engineering Board as second

placer. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 4 (PIA) -- Seven individuals mostly natives from 18 towns and one city of this province

received the Rajah Kolambu Award as this year‘s harvest of Most Outstanding Southern Leyteños.

Marcelo M. Pedalino

Nutrition Council's 42nd year focuses on

baby's health

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 6 (PIA) - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Eastern Visayas spearheaded recently, the

42nd National Nutrition Month celebration this July with the theme ―First 1000 days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na

kinabukasan‖.

T he kick off activity started with a

motorcade and a short program

at Tacloban City Astrodome

which was participated in by various

government agencies and other

stakeholders.

NNC regional nutrition coordinator

Catalino P. Dotollo Jr. said this year‘s

objective is to increase awareness on the

importance of proper nutrition of the first

1000 days of life, the pregnant women and

children less than 2 years old.

In Eastern Visayas, malnutrition is still

prevalent. Hence, Dotollo is encouraging

the local chief executives to give focus on

health and nutrition programs in order to

reduce malnutrition among children.(Sol

Alarcon)

Sol Alarcon Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com

EASTERN VISAYAS 7

New Eastern Samar Officials sworn-in to office

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 4, 2016 (PIA) --- The Eastern Samar Provincial Legislative Department — through

their newly re-elected provincial officials — took their oath of office in June 30, 2016 at the Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol

Lobby, Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city.

T he said officials took their oath of

office in front of Regional Trial

Court Branch 2 (RTC Branch 2)

Judge Nathaniel E. Baldono.

The provincial officials who were

sworn in to office were: Hon.

Vice-Governor Marcelo Ferdinand A.

Picardal, First District Sangguniang

Panlalawigan Members Hon. Celestino A.

Cabato, Hon. Joji N. Montallana, Hon.

Byron M. Suyot, Hon. Karen D. Alvarez,

and Hon. Annabelle A. Capito.

While for the Second District

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, the

following were sworn in to office: Hon.

Jonas B. Abuda, Hon. Gorgonio B.

Cabacaba, Hon. Nestorio O. Cablao, Hon.

Maricar Sison Goteesan, and Hon. Jaime S.

Ty.

After their oath-taking, each SP

Member was given a chance to say a word

of thanks to their constituents in the first

and second districts of Eastern Samar.

I n h i s i n augura l message ,

Vice-Governor Picardal said that, ―I would

like to assure you that our good plans —

which are supported by the people of

Eastern Samar — will be fulfilled‖.

The Vice-Governor outlined the plans

as: the improvement of health services,

agricultural sector, and tourism of Eastern

Samar; and to have a region for Samar

Island. Picardal also assured that he —

together with the Sangguniang

Panlalawigan Members — will start on the

plans on their first day of office and

that the plan had been discussed between

him, Congressman Ben Evardone

and Governor Nicart.

―When I assumed office on 2013, all

of us provincial Vice Governors went to

the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)

to have a special course. In there, I only

came to know that Eastern Samar is the

2nd poorest province in the country.

I was asked incessantly — especially

by my professor — on that. I told her

that, ‗Ma‘am, our province has a great

chance as the US Government‘s

Millennium Challenge Corporation grants

US $ 250 M.‘ I also told her that this could

jumpstart the progress of the province.

Our Planning and Development

Officer then told me much later that we

are now on the 3rd place among the

poorest provinces in Eastern Visayas.

Afterwards, I also learned in our

discussion that Northern Samar is already

on top of that list. The plan will be a

manifestation of the result of the

unification done by Cong. Evardone and

Gov. Nicart. With this, I‘ve told myself

that we did the right thing and we‘ll

continue the progress of Eastern Samar

and unite‖, Picardal said.

In the recent May 9 Elections, the

Liberal Party of Eastern Samar dominated

and won all three major elective provincial

positions, namely: Congressman,

Governor, and Vice-Governor.

Majority of the elected Sangguniang

Panlalawigan Members (SP Members) also

came from LP slate — with five SP

Members from the first district and

four SP Members from the second

district. Completing the set of SP

Members is Hon. Nestorio O. Cablao

from the opposition. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

Samuel D. Candido

Leyte SP sworn-in, holds inaugural session

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, JULY 6 (PIA) - Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte took their oath of office today

at the legislative building, Tacloban City before the conduct of their inaugural session.

T he oath taking was administered

by Vice-Governor Carlo P.

Loreto in the presence of Leyte

Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla

who also delivered his message and

inaugural speech.

Petilla, in his speech, emphasized

on cooperation and unity as most

important factor to progress and

in providing quality service that their

constituents deserve. In the said occasion,

nameplates were also distributed to the

new members namely Maria Corazon

Remandaban of the 3th district of Leyte,

Emmanuel Vicente Torres of the 4th

district, Trinidad Apostol of the 2nd dis-

trict and Noli C. Cana, the new ABC

President.(Sol Alarcon)

Sol Alarcon

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41 drug personalities of Catbalogan surrender

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 4 (PIA) – Some 41 drug personalities in Catbalogan voluntarily surrendered to the police in

July 1, 2016.

T he Catbalogan City Police

Station under PSupt Edwin

Barbosa implemented the Project

―TOK/HANG‖ (Toktok and Hangyo)

under the Project ―DOUBLE BARREL‖ in

coordination with the Barangay Anti-Drug

Abuse Council (BADACs) in the city.

They did house-to-house visitation on

all illegal drug personalities in the watch

list.

Barbosa with some police elements

together with the members of BADAC,

Barangay Tanods, media, Catbalogan City

local government and other civilian

volunteers conducted Project ―TOK/

HANG‖ in the barangays of this City.

This project aims to encourage the

populace who are identified as pushers

and users of illegal drugs to return to the

fold of law.

Those who surrendered filed

affidavits of undertaking with conditions

that they will no longer engage in illegal

drug activities. They will be monitored

closely by the police if they conformed

with the conditions as regards illegal

drugs.

As the police drew positive results

from this project ―TOK/HANG‖ , it will

continue implementation, likewise a

massive illegal drug operation will be

launched in this city. (with reports from

Catbalogan police)

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