Vol 4 Issue 36 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 September 8 - 14, 2014

WESTERN VISAYAS

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue Preparations for APEC in Boracay up

‗Lima Para sa Kalikasan‘ climate change advocacy for environment in Bohol

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

CAAP assures continuous operation at Tacloban airport

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 8 (PIA) –The area manager

of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) based in

this city assured the public of the continuous operation at the

Tacloban Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) airport despite the repair

being undertaken of its runway.

CAAP area manager Efren Nagrama said, operations at the

Tacloban airport remains normal even if there were cancelled flights

or changes in flight schedules beginning on the first week of

September until December 3 this year.

“For airport operations natin, normal naman ang landing at

take off natin although limited sa turbo prop aircrafts lang muna,”

Nagramo explained.

Earlier, CAAP announced that only small planes or turbo

propeller aircrafts are allowed to land at the airport due to the

repair of the runway measured at 45 meters wide and 2, 140

meters long.

An initial fund amounting to P123 million was allocated for

the repair of the runway.

With this development, Cebu Pacific has clarified that due to

the runway limitations, flights of the Tiger Airways and Cebu Pacific

plying Manila-Tacloban and vice versa is cancelled for the whole

month of September.

Hence, passengers who have early bookings are being advised

to reroute to Cebu for free or may ask for refund.

Also, PAL passengers are also advised to check with their

schedules. With this situation, CAAP asked the public to bear with

the inconvenience at the Tacloban DZR airport these days as they

continue to implement the project for the safety of all commuters.

(PIA-8)

By: Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 9 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan is

set to form an ad hoc committee in preparation for the conduct of

the Asia Pacifice Economic Conference (APEC) in Boracay Island

in May 2015.

This action was agreed upon during the meeting of the

Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here recently at the

Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House presided by Aklan

Governor Florencio T. Miraflores as chairperson.

The forming of the ad hoc committee, with members coming

from various national and provincial government agencies in the

province is essential, according to Governor Miraflores, in order to

make the APEC meeting attended by heads or representatives of

various nations in the Asia Pacific pleasant and secure as much as

possible.

Governor Miraflores said the membership of the adhoc

committee will be formed through an executive order that will

come from his office.

Among the agencies to be prime members of the ad hoc

committee that the governor first named were the Department of

Health (DOH), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

(CAAP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army

and the DILG.

He also sought the help of other PPOC members to identify

other agencies which could help a lot in the successful and safe

conduct of the APEC Meeting in Boracay next year.

Per initial information, one of the APEC meetings which will be held

in the island is that of the economic trade ministers.

The governor singled out the DOH as prime member of the

ad hoc committee as health safety is essential not only for delegates

of the APEC during the days they will be staying in Boracay Island,

but for the families they will be bringing along, as well as the foreign

and domestic tourists visiting the island during the period.

First phase in the construction of the Boracay hospital is

being handled by the DOH which includes the emergency room and

the out-patient department, according to Governor Miraflroes.

In the same manner, the safe and smooth operation of the CAAP

during the period is also important because most of the delegates

and their families will be arriving via the Kalibo International Airport

(KIA).

“As the delegates and their families will be riding bigger

planes, they will be landing at the Kalibo International Airport”,

Miraflores told the PPOC members.

For her part, Cynthia Aspera, Airport Manager,CAAP,

assured the governor that they at KIA are very vigilant and

prepared at all times.

Aspera said the airport management had already cleared the

arrival and parking area of transport vans, vendors and othe

unsightly things.

She said the airport is operating 24/7 with the personnel in

three shifts. She also told the group that the new terminal building

is soon to be completed in time for the APEC summit.

With the bomb scare however that happened at NAIA

recently, she requested the assistance of the provincial government

for the acquisition of one K-9 to help them monitor and check

baggages in the airport vicinity.

Presently, Aspera said international flights landing at KIA has

an average of 6-12 a day bringing in 3,500 foreign tourists, and

domestic flights of 12-16 a day bringing in 2,000 domestic/local

passengers. (JCM/PIA6 Aklan)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

EASTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

By: Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) – Three government

agencies in collaboration with Boholano sectors successfully

conducted its billed “Lima Para sa Kalikasan:” a recent five-activities

-in-one-day for the environment in Ubay .

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department

of Education (DepED) implemented 'Lima Para sa Kalikasan' to

jumpstart the implementation of environmental projects that

could insulate communities from the adverse effects of climate

change.

The activities include Lakbay Kaalaman para sa Kalikasan: an

environment themed guided tour across Bohol from Tagbilaran to

Ubay joined by media partners: Bohol Tri-Media Association

(BTMA) and the Association of United Development Information

Officers in Bohol (AUDIO Bohol).

The PIA-Bohol handled the environment themed guided tour,

which was sponsored by Congressman Rene Relampagos’

environment advocacy program.

In Ubay town, student writers from 19 schools of Bohol

District 2 and 3 urged by the DepED gathered at the town

gymnasium for the Likas Kakayahan, Arugaan Para sa Kalikasan: a

student writers for the environment write-shop in feature writing,

photojournalism and junior broadcasting.

The junior broadcasting writeshop was handled by Bohol

media personality Ric Obedencio (Freeman) while Ferliza

Contratista of PIA-Cebu Provincial Infocen and Rey Anthony Chiu,

manager, PIA-Bohol Provincial Infocen handled the feature writing

and photo journalism workshops.

The whole day activity was emceed by Edward Guyano, Lady

Charity of DyTR.

And to fill the student writers with the necessary content for

the writeshops, event organizers put in environment briefings

delivered by passionate Community Environment and Natural

Resources Officer Elpidio Palaca that discussed the possible effects

of Climate Change to Bohol.

In order to get the student writers into the rut of

environmental advocacy, organizers brought the writeshop

participants to the hills of Calanggaman, for planting 1000 trees in

30 minutes.

That day, about 180 student writers, teachers, foreign

volunteers and local officials including the PIA and DENR succeeded

in planting close to 2,000 trees in 30 minutes.

Also helping the tree planting project were Congressman

Aristotle Aumentado, the National Grid Corporation of the

Philippines and the local government of Calanggaman and Ubay

town.

As the tree-planting activity happened, members of the Ubay

Central Elementary School urged the volunteers to do their share

in insulating communities by ceasing to stop drum-beating, until the

last seedling was planted.

Partners with the activity also include Congressman Arthur

Yap, Provincial Government of Bohol, PIA-Cebu and Regional

Office, BTMA and AUDIO Bohol. (mbcn/RAC/PIABohol)

Department of Environment and Natural

Resources 6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna is

flanked by his Regional Technical Directors

- Livino Duran and Alicia Lustica (2nd from left

and right) and Negros Occidental Provincial

Environment and Natural Resources Officer

Andres Untal (2nd from right) in explaining the

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Advocacy Campaign of the department with

the Philippine Information Agency during a

press conference held at Nature’s Village

Resort and Hotel in Talisay City, Negros

Occidental.*(EAD-PIA6 photo)

PAGASA Tacloban head Mario Peñaranda

(right) briefs listeners of the “Nagbabag-o na

An Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbag-o”, a

radio program on climate change, regarding

the role of their office. This program is aired

live every Tuesday from 9:30 - 10:30 AM over

DYVL Aksyon Radio. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena

underscores the importance of teaching

Filipino solidarity to youths during the Pintig

Pinoy Lecture series for 200 DepEd

elementary and high school teachers on Aug.

27 at Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete City.

The event was organized by DepEd-Division of

Negros Oriental. (ral/PIA7-NegOr)

Boracay Island. (DOT)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 8 (PIA6) - - Protection of Antique‘s rainforest is a must to maintain its biodiversity and the natural

ecosystem of Panay Island.

DENR calls for protection of rainforest

A ntique’s forest, home to various

plants and animals, has a total land

area of 62,341.50 hectares. The

Department of Environment and Natural

Resources reported a total of 18,033.50

hectares of closed forest (rainforest) and

41,142 hectares of open forest.

Mirza Samillano, Chief Executive

Assistant, DENR-Antique during the

climate change advocacy campaign in

Valderrama, Antique exhorted the

Barangay Officials to be aggressive in the

campaign on forest protection.

“We are lucky that Antique has been

part of the longest rainforest in Panay

which served as the backbone of the

island.

Thus, it needs to be preserved and

protected,” she said.

Species of trees such as Laua-an,

Yakal, Bagtikan among others (common

terms) are found in these areas. It also

served as habitat for animals that are

endemic only in these mountain ranges.

Samillano said, the barangay officials of

Valderrama have all the reason to protect

the rainforest because Baloy Mountain

ranges are located in their town.

Aside from forest areas that are

considered excellent in carbon

sequestration, there is also the need to

protect our mangrove areas and beach

forest, said the source.

There is also the need to preserve

our marine ecosystem. Mangrove / beach

forest purify sea water and serve as wind

breaker during typhoons/strong winds.

Samillano said that everyone has to

play their role in preserving our

environment. Every living organisms even

how small are essential part of our

ecosystem so their habitat should be

protected.

Climate Change Mitigation and

Adaptation Advocacy campaign with the

Punong Barangays of Valderrama, Antique

is a collective undertaking of the

Municipality of Valderrama, Antique

Association of Information Officers,

PIA-Antique and DENR. (JCM/PSM/PIA6

Antique)

By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao

IMWG formed to handle DRRM database

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA6) – An Information Management Working Group was formed by the Regional Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) to establish and maintain a database that can help facilitate and coordinate

DRRM activities during disasters.

T he g roup , composed o f

representat i ve s f rom the

R D R R M C P r e p a r e d n e s s

Committee, has undergone a two-day

training on information management in

April and held a meeting, September 8

at the NEDA office to discuss and start

work on the database containing

indicators from member-agencies.

The indicators are data provided by

the members and which are deemed

useful in making decisions especially at the

level of response.

These data include among others the

areas covered by Region 6, population and

its distribution and segregation, health,

social services and school facilities.

Office of Civil Defense’s Aleth Nogra

said the creation of the IMWG was borne

out of the lessons learned from typhoon

“Yolanda” (international name Haiyan)

that underscored the value of said data.

For its part, the United Nations

Office for the Coordination of

Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) said

having the database will help facilitate

quick and appropriate decisions especially

on response.

Both OCD and UN-OCHA said that

they have experienced difficulty in

facilitating or coordinating response

activities in their early stages for typhoon

Yolanda because the needed data were

inadequate and came in varied formats and

from scattered sources.

OCD Regional Director and

RDRRMC chairperson Rosario Cabrera

said that the creation of an information

management system through the IMWG

will address the gap which will ultimately

help in achieving a stronger and resilient

region. The IMWG of the RDRRMC of

Western Visayas is the first of its kind to

be organized in the country at the regional

level, according to UN-OCHA.

The activities of the IMWG are

overseen by OCD with the support of

UN-OCHA. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

By: Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

NEGROS OCC., Sept. 8 (PIA6) — The Philippine Information Agency with the DENR have recently launched the search for

the best LGU Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Project in Region 6.

I n Negros Occ. cities and towns

have already been notified and

invited to join the search, PIA6

Regional Director Lawyer Janet Mesa said.

Entries should be submitted to PIA

Negros Occ. Information Center,

Burgos-Gatuslao Sts., on or before

October 10, she added.

Evaluators in each province will

screen entries and come up with the best

three LGUs that will vie for the region’s

best MAP. First prize will receive P50,000

and a trophy, second P30,000 and a

trophy and third prize P20,000 and a

trophy.

LGUs can choose one project from

the following areas as entry-recycling,

greening and coastal or river clean up.

Criteria include relevance of the

project to Climate Change MAP 25%,

impact of the project to the community

25%, sustainability of project 20%, LGU

resolutions/ ordinances in support of the

project 15 % and budget 15%. Mesa said

the activity aims to recognize LGU’s

efforts in Western Visayas in Climate

Change MAP, to encourage LGUs to

develop and implement Climate Change

MAP and highlight the contributions of

LGUs to the efforts of the national

government towards making communities

safer and more resilient against the effects

of Climate Change. For inquiries

interested parties may call PIA Negros

Occ. at Tel. No. 4353933 and e-mail at

piabacolod@yahoo.com (Lljr-PIA6)

Search for best LGU climate change project on

By: Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

Capiz celebrates tourism week Sept. 15 – 21

By: Alex A. Lumaque

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA6) -- The Metro Iloilo Airshed (MIA) in partnership with the Environmental Management Bureau

(EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6 (DENR 6) will conduct a random vehicle roadside Mobile

Air Conditioning (MAC) Testing as part of the efforts to monitor the use of and educate the public on environment friendly

refrigerants.

D ENR-EMB 6 Air and Water Clearance

and Permitting Division Chief Engr.

Ronald Limua said the refrigerant

testing is part of the activities for the National

Ozone Protection Month this September with

the theme “Ozone Layer Protection: The

Mission Goes On”.

Limua said the country is a signatory to

the Kyoto and Montreal Protocols,

international treaties which aim to protect the

ozone layer and to reduce global warming. As

a signatory, the government through the

Department of Transportation and

Communications and DENR issued Joint

Administrative Order in 2007 to ban the

use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in

the air conditioning systems of motor

vehicles.

CFCs are organic compounds that are

considered ozone-depleting substances.

The MAC testing will be conducted after

the Ozone Depletion Forum in the University

of San Agustin on September 19, Iloilo Science

and Technology University on September 23

and Central Philippine University on

September 24.

"The Land Transportation Office, the

agency mandated to conduct the inspection

and a member-agency of the MIA will be

joining the MAC testing,” said Limua.

Aside from the MAC testing, there will

also be IEC Exhibit on Ozone and Climate

Change and film showing to be undertaken

during the forum to be participated in by

students, mostly engineering students, of the

said schools. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

MIA team to test refrigerants By: Lilibeth A. French

DOH6 targets 95% immunization rate

ILOILO CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA6) --- The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is optimistic that it can achieve the 95

percent vaccination target for its month-long massive immunization campaign which kicked off Sept. 1.

By: Leonard T. Pineda I

T his despite the health department

missing its target of 30 percent for

the first five days of the conduct

of measles rubella oral polio vaccine

(MR-OPV) mass immunization in the

region.

Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH-6

Re g ion a l D i re ctor , s a i d th a t

local government units have been

formulating strategies to accomplish the

daily vaccination target by focusing

on r em ote a r e a s f i r s t an d

reaching out to children under five years

old.

As per DOH-6 record, some 190,077

children or 22 percent of the target have

been vaccinated against measles/rubella

(MR) and 212,018 children or 21 percent

have been immunized against polio, as of

September 8, 2014.

Iloilo City is the only highly urbanized

city/province in Western Visayas

which has achieved the 30 percent

target for the mass immunization

campaign.

As of September 8, a total of 16,405

children or 32 percent of the total

target in Iloilo City have been vaccinated

against MR while 18,390 children or 30

percent have been immunized against

polio.

The DOH official said that

unfavorable weather conditions and

difficulty reaching far-flung areas are some

of the constraints in the conduct of the

immunization program.

DOH targets to vaccinate 11

million children nationwide against

MR while 13 million children will be given

oral drops against polio for the

whole month of September. (JCM/LTP/PIA

-Iloilo)

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 11 (PIA6) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) will feature the ―Visit the Philippines Year 2015

(VPY 2015)‖ during the opening of the 2nd Regional Tourism Expo on Sept. 19 here to drum up interest on the declaration

V PY 2015 will coincide with the Asia

Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’

Summit in 2015 and a preparation for the

country’s hosting of ASEAN Tourism Forum in

2016.

The DOT announcement will be

matched up by presentations of tourism

promotional videos of Malaysian and

I ndone s i an embas s i e s wh ich a re

deemed highlights of the Provincial

Tourism Week (PTW) celebration from Sept.

15 to 21.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said that all the

provinces in Western Visayas will put up

destination booths at the Activity Center of

Robinsons Place in Pueblo de Panay here for

the tourism expo.

Aside from interactive exhibits and food as well as trade fair, display booths will be also

established by the hotels and resorts at the

venue.

Cultural performances of the provinces of

Capiz, Antique and Iloilo will be featured every

afternoon of the three-day exposition.

PTW, which is a DOT and Association of

Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP)

grand winner (Pearl Award) for Best Tourism

Week Celebration – provincial level in 2012, is

an annual celebration highlighting the

province’s tourism initiative through

performances, eco-cultural tours and

interactive exhibits.

Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco will open the

celebration which will also include activities like

swimming clinic, DOT Accreditation Caravan,

Tourism and Cultural Awareness Forum,

Cultural Tour for Special Program for the Arts

of Capiz National High School, launching of

Community – based Rural ourism Projects as

well as Tourism Sites Assessment and

ZumbaCercise (Wellness Program).

“The celebration emphasizes the relevance of tourism and its effects in

community development. It generates income

while at the same time promotes the

community as a tourist destination,” Tesoro

noted.

The Provincial Tourism and Cultural

Affairs Office thru the support of DOT will

also conduct the 2nd National Convention of

Tourism and Hospitality Management

Educators and Students dubbed “Tagbuanay”

on Sept. 18 and 19 at the Capiz Gym in the

Villareal Stadium here that will be attended by

more than 200 participants from various parts

of the country.

The Roxas City government will also stage

an evening food festival at the city plaza in time

with the national convention and 1st Western

Visayas Tourism Officers Assembly.

A two-day National Swimming

Competition which is a selection for qualifiers

to the International Swimming Competition in

Bangkok, Thailand is included in the PTW

activities.

The celebration with the theme “Tourism and Community Development” has

also the support of all local government units,

other concerned national government agencies

and private institutions.(JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City has been recognized as one of the best places to retire across the globe

according to the 2014 Retire Overseas Index released by the Overseas Retirement Letter.

Dumaguete City one of world‘s top retirement place

T he report stated that this ranking was brought about

by the affordable cost of living in the city, tropical

climate, warm English-speaking community and

beautiful beachfront scenery.

The scoring used for this ranking was based on

criteria that are crucial to retirees such as climate.

The local tourism office has recorded a 83.9% growth

with 393,718 foreign and local tourists in 2013, compared to

the 214,052 recorded in 2012.

According to city tourism officer Woodrow Maquiling

Jr the overall number of foreign citizens who visited

Dumaguete has also grown, with 80.8% with 47,919 guests

compared to last year’s 26,504.

As monthly foreign arrival levels have been growing

compared to the comparative months of 2012, Maquiling

said he is highly optimistic this trend would be sustained in

the coming years.

The Overseas Retirement Letter reflected Dumaguete

City as the second most affordable place to retire with a

monthly budget of US$910 next to Nha Trang, Vietnam with

a monthly budget of US$680.

The budget were created based on expenses of house

rentals, groceries basic utilities such as electricity, phone,

water, internet, gas and cable and entertainment expenses.

This has not been the first citation received by the

City considered as one of the world’s best places to retire.

Maquiling Jr. stated, “This is a testament that indeed

Dumaguete City under the leadership of Mayor Manuel

Sagarbarria with its world-class ambiance continues to live

by the legend of its name, “Dumaguet” meaning “to swoop”

or its power to attract and keep visitors.

The City has indeed progressed not merely to attract

visitors but also lure its visitors with its charm and splendor

to stay, Maquiling added.

Yahoo Finance and US News Money early this year

also identified Dumaguete as one of the nine Most

Affordable Places to Retire with a monthly budget

of $1000.00 obtaining the 4th rank of the list, Maquiling

shared.

Their report described the city as, “In addition to its

welcoming, friendly, English-speaking people, Dumaguete

boasts a warm, tropical climate and lots of opportunity for

outdoor activities. It sits right along the ocean, with

attractive beaches to the north and south of town.

Being known as the University town, foreigners have

the opportunity to make friends with educated professors

and aspiring students, take classes and enjoy cultural

opportunities not typically found elsewhere in the

Philippines, including theater, ballet, art shows and libraries.”,

the report added.

Forbes.com also featured Dumaguete City as the 5th

among the 7 Best Places to Retire around the world.

In its report it defined Dumaguete as a city where one

will find “one of the best places for beachfront living on a

budget.” It also pronounced Dumaguete as inexpensive with

great beaches, expats, balmy climate and good health

care.” (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS

CEBU CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) --- Civil Service Commission (CSC-7) here highlights outstanding civil servants and partners in

Central Visayas.

CSC-7 cites CV reps to nat'l awards

I n a colorful event recently, CSC-7 gave out plaques and cash incentives to the six government

employees who will represent the region in the national awards in three categories--Outstanding Public

Officials and Employees or the Dangal ng Bayan, CSC Pagasa Award and the Lingkod Bayan.

The Dangal ng Bayan awardees and finalists to the national competition are Commission on Audit auditor IV

Barbara Ana Aloba and Euthemia Plariza, a midwife from the Municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu.

Aloba accordingly displayed exemplary skills and

judgement in the conduct of her role as State Auditor. She also stood her ground when she encountered a difficult

situation with an influential provincial official who lambasted her with insults when she was just performing

her duties. On the other hand, Plariza stood out as a midwife in

Dalaguete town as she effectively provides health care and resulted to more people going to health centers.

She also conducted trainings and seminars in creating awareness on proper care, prevention and cure

of health related issues and ailments. She lobbied at the

Municipal Council for more support to the barangay health center and attained the required 100 percent

facility-based deliveries. The Pag-asa Awardees were both from the

province of Negros Oriental; Allan Faburada, an assistant professor of Negros Oriental State University and Jonalyn

Ojastro a casual employee of the local government unit of Bayawan City.

Ojastro initiated seed production project for farmers in the area to address delayed supply of

seeds from the local agricultural office. She also convinced 84 farmers to plant rubber trees as permanent

crop despite the city being used to planting sugarcane and rice.

The new trend increased not just the income but

the number of farmers as well. His work station was tagged as the Model Barangay Agricultural Development

Center in the city. Faburada’s contribution is also in the side of

agriculture. He initiated the conduct of the Annual Farmers Day, Harvest Festival and Technology Forum

with the farmers to showcase technology generated in all NORSU campuses.

He operates demo farms for farmers, community extension workers, agri students and local residents all

over Negros to avail of techno transfer activities.

The Presidential or Lingod Bayan awardees were from the Philippine Air Force; Wing Commander Rolando

Aquino of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and Aircraft Mechanic Elton Monet Morelos also of the same

unit. Aquino undertook the recovery of a C-130,

restored and commissioned it into a flying machine after being grounded for six years. It is the highest level of

maintenance and a breakthrough and pioneering project of the PAF.

The said plane was fixed in time for the transport of goods to North Eastern Mindanao due to typhoon

Pablo. It was also very useful during other calamities like Zamboanga siege, Bohol earthquake and typhoon Yolanda.

Aircraft Mechanic Merelos is very reliable in his

job. His skills earned the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and the whole PAF savings due to his in house

repairs. The turnaround time to declare an aricarft in full

mission status after a discrepancy in the landing gear cap assemply has been decreased. Replacement and recovery

are done at a short time. The merit and award system is aimed at inspiring

civil servants and other workers in the government to be competent and sincere in bringing service to the

constituents, according to CSC7 Regional Director Karen

Litz Serna. The regional awards is one of the highlights of the

month long Civil Service Month celebration. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept. 8 (PIA) –The Provincial Peace and Order Council in Bohol handed in cash incentives and

awards of commendations to 13 cop stations and units for what it saw was a sterling performance in the fight against drugs and

criminality in the last few months in Bohol.

PPOC commends cops in anti-narc ops BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU

D uring its most recent out-of-town meeting at

the Chocolate Hills in Carmen Bohol, the

PPOC through chairman Governor Edgar

Chatto, Interior and local government provincial

director Loisella Lucino, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Peace

and Order Committee Chairman Dr. Cesar Tomas

Lopez, Balilihan Vice Mayor Pureza Chatto and

Prosecutor Macario Delusa handed in the plaques and

cash incentives to chiefs of police stations as well as

designated representatives.

Bohol provincial administrator Alfonso Damalerio

read the commendation as a grateful recognition of the

ou t s tand i ng a ch i evemen t and p ro found

acknowledgement of the police station’s contribution to

the peace and order initiatives of the PPOC especially

in the implementation of the Anti-Drug Abuse program.

Conferred the awards of commendation were a

team for Bien Unido Police Station (PS) through of

Police Senior Inspector Judel Torregosa, and Bohol

Police Intelligence and Investigations Bureau (PIIB)

under PInspector Jojit Mananquil and PCIspector Alvin

Futalan, and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team.

They were instrumental in the neutralization of drug

lord and former police officer Owen Rosales and his

band of armed men, who were tagged in the

ambush-slay of Ubay Police Chief, PCInspector George

Cana.

Also conferred were San Miguel PS through

PSInsp Rey Romaguera, who intercepted a

reinforcement team in his town, the team was allegedly

off to help the embattled Rosales group who was

besieged in a resort in Bien Unido that time.

Almost that same time, a team from the Police

Highway Patrol Group intercepted a band of armed

men who were flagged in a routine checkpoint. Drugs

and assorted fire-arms were recovered and, PSInsp

Gregorio Sanchez and the HPG group deserved the

award. Other awardees include Carmen PNP PS who

had SPO4 Felix Avergonzado receiving the awards. The

PS was credited for the disbandment of Arnel

Macabudbod - Vano criminal gang and illegal drugs trade

in town.

Dauis PS through PSInspector Cesar Acompanado

for the arrest and relentless pursuit of drug

personalities in Dauis and Jagna PS through PSINsp

Aldrin VillaCamba for similar successes. A few weeks

back, Ubay Police crippled local drugs trade with the

neutralization of drug personality Romulo Cano also

called Inday Bono and his trusted aide Primo Cabanero.

For this, the local station earned the award and

PSInspector Petronilo Garcia claimed for it.

Guindulman PS also received the same

commendation via the leadership of PSInspector

Jomar Pumarejos for the neutralization of drug

personality and police murderer Artemio Tare Jr.,

who was on his way to flee from a police

dragnet. Clarin PS through PSInp Jess Daplin and City

PNP through PSInspector George Vale also reaped

credits for their campaigns against drugs and

criminalities.

Also awarded were Camp Dagohoy Chief of

Operations PSupt Lorenzo Batuan, and Provincial

Director PSSUpt Dennis Agustin for leading their men

in the ridding some dangerous drugs with a street value

amounting to almost a hundred million pesos from

August last year to date. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)

BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept. 8 (PIA) – Banking on its highly successful anti-measles campaign in 2011, the Department of

Health (DOH) is again putting its resources on a supplementary measles and rubella mass immunization, to arrest the feared

re-circulation of measles virus in some areas of the country.

T his as DOH noticed significant outbreaks of

measles and rubella last year, according to

Dr. Greg Julius Sodusta, Bohol assistant

provincial health officer.

Measles is not among the country’s deadliest

diseases, but the complications it can bring

might trigger the alarm, explained Dr. Nelson Elle,

Maternal and Child Health Care director for region 7.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA with maternal

and child health care coordinator Machiavelia Caliao,

Dr. Elle pointed out that pneumonia and pulmonary

complications rank among the country’s top killing

diseases, many of them caused by measles.

Measles is a very contagious infection that caus-

es a rash all over the body. It is also called rubeola or

red measles, and is caused by an airborne virus, which

can be spread when an infected person coughs,

sneezes, shares food or drinks or when one gets near

an infected person, medical authorities claimed.

Due to the threat, the Philippines conducted a

massive immunization in 2001, Dr. Sodusta shared.

But with the recurring threat, the DOH

conducts this September 2014, an nationwide measles

and rubella mass immunization billed as “Ligtas

Tigdas, Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” Dr. Elle revealed at

the weekly radio forum.

Target for the measles and rubella immunization

are kids 5 months to 59 months old, authorities

noting that most of those who were infected were

within these age brackets, the regional coordinator

said.

In September this year, municipal health teams

led by rural health doctors and nurses, along with

Barangay Health Workers would be moving around

town to administer the free mass immunizations, Dr.

Elle said.

This time, an immunized child would be given a

finger mark: indelible ink on the finger, as a sign that

he has completed the mass immunization, authorities

said.

On the other hand, despite the fact that the

Philippines has enjoyed a polio-free status since 2000

when the Western pacific Region was certified

polio-free, the ever increasing porous international

boundaries has re-opened the country to the

probability of an imported wild polio-virus from other

regions entering and starting a new trend of

infections.

For this, the DOH is also putting up Oral Polio

Vaccine Mass Immunization, to provide a second

opportunity to catch missed children and protect the

country from a potential poliovirus importation.

Meanwhile, in Siquijor, the Philippine National

Police (PNP) here reported the rising incidence of

vehicular accidents and road mishaps in the province.

Almost 70 percent of the recorded physical

injuries in Siquijor are caused by traffic accidents, says

Provincial Director Primitivo Tabujara during the

Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) and Provincial

Police Strategy Management Unit (PPSMU) meeting

recently at the Siquijor Provincial Police Office

(SPPO) in Caipilan, Siquijor.

The local office of the Department of the

Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the

PNP-Siquijor Provincial Police Office (SPPO) also

knock on the local Land Transportation Office (LTO)

to seriously look into the problem and to coordinate

with their offices to avoid more accidents to happen

in the future.

DILG-Siquijor said, there is a need to pass a

Sanggunian Resolution on the issuance of citation

tickets to drivers, traffic and/or road violations at the

local level. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Bohol with R. A.

Calibo-Siquijor report)

DOH implements polio, measles shots this Sept. BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental booth emerged as some of the most favored

booths visited during the 25th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Compound on

September 5-7.

D umaguete City tourism operations

a s s i s t a n t K a t h e r i n e T h e r e s e Aguilar said both Dumaguete and Negros

Oriental booth was most frequented by viewers

and potential tourists because it presented the charms and magic of blue waters through its beach resorts and beautiful coral reefs and the best dive sites in Negros Oriental.

According to Aguilar Dumaguete and Negros Oriental booth has become popular during the Travel Mart where top officials of the Department of

Tourism (DOT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and several prominent individuals such as the Former First Lady Imelda Marcos and grandson Borgy

Manotoc visited the booth and tasted the exquisite

wonders and combined attractions of Dumaguete and the entire province have to offer with a free

taste of the famous Sans Rival Sylvanas. DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez led the ribbon

cutting of the booth with DOT Region 7 regional

director Rowena Lu Montecillo.

Thousands of local and foreign tourists visited the travel show to have a glimpse of various destinations in the country through booth exhibits.

The travel show is the biggest travel trade exhibition in the promotion and marketing of domestic and inbound tourism has been established by the Philippine Tour Operators Association

(PHILTOA). Aside from the local government units (LGU’s),

the Travel Mart also features booths from various

travel agencies and airlines that offer best saving-rates for the services they offer.

City Tourism Officer and SINATO President

Woodrow Maquiling Jr reiterated that this endeavor

was a collaboration among most tourism stakeholders in the city and province, namely, the

Sidlakang Negros Association of Tourism Officers (SINATO), the Negros Oriental Hotels, Resorts, & Restaurants Association (NOHRRA), Orientwind

Travel & Tour of NOATA, Maganda Travel of

ATTIN and the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NOCCI).

“Truly, we have marked our presence in the

silver anniversary of the Philippine Travel Mart,” Maquiling added.

Dumaguete and Negros Oriental booth was manned by Maritoni Mascardo of the

Provincial Tourism Office and Shiela Alejado and Antonette Zerna of the City Tourism Office under the auspices of Provincial Tourism Officer,

Myla Mae Abellana and City Tourism Officer, Woodrow Maquiling Jr.

They were joined by Miss Dumaguete 2013, Ms.

Lorraine Kendrickson who was in Manila for the Miss

World Philippines competition. Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria and

his First Lady Ma Isabel graced the occasion in support of the city’s tourism initiatives. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Dumaguete, NegOr booth shines at 25th PHL

Travel Mart

BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS

Central Visayas (PIA) --- The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC-7) is now implementing the ―Free Crop Insurance

Schemes‖ or the productivity enhancing interventions for farmers, fisherfolks, and other agricultural stakeholders.

PCIC-7 implements free insurance, productivity interventions for fisherfolk, farmers

T his is apart from the Integrated Farming Systems

Development Program in which the Cebu Provincial Government commits to shoulder

100% of the farmers’ premium share. In a press release to PIA, PCIC-7 also clarified that

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) who obtained

loans from Land Bank of the Philippines are also entitled to avail free insurance coverage of their agri-projects

including Loan Repayment Protection Plan or loan under the Agrarian Productivity Credit Program (APCP).

PCIC-7 said that farmers and fisherfolks in Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

(PDRRMC) identified 16 Yolanda-hit LGUs of northern Cebu can also avail of free agricultural insurance for

their rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, agri-asset and fishery projects including accient insurance for the

life and limbs of the assured farmers or fisherfolks.

Marginal farmers and fisherfolks not residing in Northern Cebu can also enroll of free agri-fishery

insurance program provided that they are included in the list of Registry System for Basic Sectors in

Agriculture (RSBSA). In the cities and municipalities of Cebu there are

171, 181 beneficiaries listed under RSBA this include: Alcantara (3, 797), Alcoy (3, 422), Alegria (4, 241),

Aloguinsan (6,674), Argao (12,444), Asturias (7, 987), Badian (10, 873), Balamban (10, 275), Barili (13, 115),

Boljoon (3,312), Carcar City (14, 436), Carmen (3,401), Catmon (7, 384), Cebu City (18, 015), Compostela (4,

452), Consolacion (7, 632), Cordova (5, 697), Dalaguete (11, 910), Danao City (6, 500), Dumanjug (14, 165) and

Ginatilan (4, 349). The province of Bohol also has 251, 839 while

Siquijor province has 20, 106 farmer and fisherfolk

beneficiaries to avail of free insurance schemes under RSBSA.

PCIC-7 said the objective of the program is to provide protection to the agricultural stakeholders and

their farm investments in case of crop losses and in to ensure inclusive growth.

PCIC-7 added that the program also intends to cushion the impact of climate change as agri-business is

always considered as a risky venture because of its large dependency on nature.

To avail of the programs, farmers and fisherfolks are encouraged to visit their Municipal/City

Agriculturist, Agricultural Technologist, Barangay Council or Farmers’ Organizations in their

respective areas. (mbcn/ays/PIA7/with reports from DA-PCIC 7)

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

OPARR‘s ‗eMPATHY‘ targets to be online by

mid-October

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 10 (PIA) – A website with a map-based database of information being developed by the

government through the Office of the Presidential Assistance for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) is expected to be

accessed online by the public by mid-October, an official said Friday.

O PARR Assistant Secretary Victor

Batac said that the database dubbed

as “eMPATHY” or e-Management

Platform: Accountability and Transparency Hub

for Yolanda will be the central repository of

information on all projects undertaken along

the Yolanda corridor.

With United Nations Development

Programme’s (UNDP) assistance, OPARR has

tapped the services of Synergy International

Systems, a leading company in providing

customizable, off-the-shelf application for

development assistance tracking, the same

technology used by several other countries for

their recovery efforts.

The eMPATHY is now in the initial stage

of roll-out which requires orienting

all development partners including the

regional offices of national line agencies, local

government units, local and international

organizations, private organizat ions,

foundat ions and in ternat iona l a id

organizations.

Government agencies implementers are

thus required to submit and update reports

using the system, however, non-government

organizations and civil society organizations are

not obliged but are encouraged to report/

update the government and the public of their

projects to avoid duplication and address gaps,

he said.

The system allows project implementers

for data entry, project verification and

submission, implementation of project updates,

implementation of project approval/

commenting, managing key performance

indicators, managing organization profiles,

cluster profiles, reporting and analysis.

Among the benefits of the information

management system to users include

full access to information, real time

progress reporting, easy identification of gaps

and easy coordination with various

implementers.

Meanwhile, OPARR will be installing

mobile 4G LTE antenna for internet

access in Leyte and Samar with a 30-kilometer

radius reach. As a mobile internet, this

gadget will be useful also especially during

disasters.

In conclusion, Batac calls on the

public participation and vigilance in

monitoring of these projects from the

P170 billion rehabilitation and recovery

funding of the government from proposal

submission, approval and implementation.

(PIA-8)

BY: LEONILO D. LOPIDO

CG head issues reminders to fisherfolk relative to climate change

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept. 8 (PIA) - The Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard in Samar issued safety

reminders to fisherfolk in the province.

D uring PIA’s Huruhimangraw/

Nagbabago ang Panahon, Panahon

na Para Magbago on Thursday aired

at DYMS Aksyon Radyo and telecast at

Channel 4 over Leopards CATV, Fr Lowie

Palines aired 12 reminders to fisherfolks that

abound in the Samar Sea.

Of the 12 reminders in Filipino, Palines

warned the fisherfolks that indeed climate

has changed, that they should heed the

weather announcements every time they

venture out to sea.

“Please do not risk your life just for

some fish, if the sea is rough and

announcement of inclement weather has

been aired,” said Palines.

The Coast Guard Chaplain turned

Coast Guard Commander also reminded the

fisherfolks to bring transistor radio, life

jackets, whistle and gadgets like cellphone,

fully charged extra battery, contact numbers

of people in case of emergency.

“Let us take advantage of the modern

gadgets to stay in contact while we are at

sea,” Palines informed.

Other reminders include informing

others about the prevailing weather

conditions, informing relatives barangay

officials when going out to the sea, staying

in group and not wandering far where there

is no signal.

As many commercial boats ferry

passengers to different islands in Samar, the

Coast Guard official also reminded

commercial boat operators to equip the

boat with enough life jackets including those

for the crew’s use.

“Climate has changed and we should

not risk any life as we go on with our

livelihood.” He said.

As a summary, Palines said, “Laging

isaisip ang sariling kaligtasan, huwag

ipagsapalaran ang buhay!” (Always bear in

mind your safety, do not risk losing your

life!). (vrc/nbq/PIA 8-Samar)

BY: NINFA ILUMINDA B. QUIRANTE

Hundreds of jobseekers flock DOLE-8 jobs fair

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept. 8 (PIA) – Hundreds of jobseekers flocked the Eastern Visayas State University this city to avail

the jobs fair by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 8.

D OLE-8 new Regional Director Elias

A. Cayanong said, the agency is

c o mm i t t e d i n f a c i l i t a t i n g

employment in the region where most

areas were devastated by typhoon

Yolanda resulting to displacement of many

workers.

Twenty four (24) private companies

from Regions 7 and 8, including a

non-government organization (NGO) and

three oversees recruitment agencies

participated in the hiring of new workers.

Some 2,064 local and 1,298 overseas

job vacancies were available to the

applicants.

The fair targets 15% of those who

applied be hired on the spot.

In similar occasion, the DOLE regional

office released checks amounting to

P9,637,126.00 as livelihood assistance to 1,

229 beneficiaries and survivors of typhoon

Yolanda from the municipalities of Southern

Leyte, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.

Some of the projects that will be funded

are Pineapple Queen Production,

Enhancement of Small fishing through

provision of fishing paraphernalias, artificial

shallow water fish shelter, garments

production, pie making, farm merchandise

project, dried fish production through

mechanical dryer, scrap buying and recycling

of LGBT’s of Oras E. Samar, provision of

materials/paraphernalia for livelihood

assistance to manicurists and haircutters and

procurement of farm implements for the

enhancement of rice and vegetable

production.

Said funds will be taken from Yolanda

Rehabilitation and Recovery Program

(YRRP), DOLE Integrated Livelihood

Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP)

and Bottoms-up budgeting (BUB). (PIA-8)

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

DENR-Biliran top official shares ways to

mitigate climate change

NAVAL, Biliran, Sept. 12 (PIA) – A top official of the provincial environment department in the province shared several ways

on how to mitigate the effects of climate change in a students‘ forum held in a private school, this town on Tuesday,

September 9.

D r. Mario L. Tubania, provincial

environment and natural resources

o f f i c e r ( PE N R O) o f t h e

Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR) in Biliran

province told students of the Cathedral

School of La Naval to start within

themselves ways to help mitigate the effects

of climate change.

He said practicing the 3Rs which stands

for reduce, reuse, recycle as the appropriate

ways in solid waste management in school

and in the home is already a big help to

cushion the impact of garbage to climate

change.

“You cannot just burn your garbage that

easy” Tubania said explaining further that

burning garbage helps destroy the ozone

layer that protects the planet from extreme

heat.

The DENR provincial chief also

encouraged them to start planting tree since

trees help absorb carbon dioxide emitted

from factories and vehicles.

He revealed that DENR-Biliran

implemented the planting of trees

under the National Greening Program

(NGP) of the Aquino administration where

his office targeted some 400 hectares of

land planted to trees in Biliran province this

year.

He also challenged the CSN students

who attended the students’ forum on

climate change to come up with a project in

school aimed at helping mitigate the effects

of climate change. (PIA 8 Biliran)

BY: RODRIGO S. VICTORIA

DOST SoLeyte releases P1.5-M financial aid to acquire equipment for local entreps

A total of P1.530,620.00 checks was

distributed by Provincial Science and

Technology Officer Dr. Dominador

Clavejo to six local entrepreneurs under the

Grants In Aid (GIA) and Small Enterprises

Technology-Upgrading Program (SET-UP)

programs of DOST.

Including in the SET-up releases from

DOST this year are those who received the

assistance from DOST this year SJR Auto

Repair and Welding Shop with the amount

of P416,120.00 to upgrade the production

facilities for the welding metal fabrication to

Roberto Borces sa Brgy. Cantutang, Padre

Burgos; Maisam Glass Aluminum and Metal

Works amounting P 186,000.00 for the

procurement of aluminum cutter, welding

machine, miter saw, speed cutter and cutting

outfit of Emily Cadayona in Lilo-an.

Also to procure additional equipment

like big working tables, weighing scales,

digital scales and sealers to Janmer's Banana

Chips in the amount of P138,000.00 and the

LRG Farms in the amount of P295,000.00

for the acquisition of drip irrigation system

and organic farming technology in Sogod to

produce more income.

The financial assistance under the

SET-UP program has to return the amount

received in the span of three years and

without any interest while under the Grants

in Aid (GIA) program, this is freely given to

the propenents of the projects that were

considered among the priority thrusts of

DOST, according to Clavejo.

These also includes the GIA assistance

to the municipality of San Francisco for the

Manlico Upland Farmer's Association in the

amount of P390,000.00 for the establishment

of Organic Feeds Facilities to supply inland

fish growers, particularly tilapia and prawn,

according to Marayag Punong Barangay Jesus

Gamutan, who is also the ABC president.

And to upgrade the facilities for the

production of FNRI Rice Mongo, Sesame is

blended as baby foods initiated by Sta. Cruz

Nutr ipak Producers Assoc ia t ion

(SACNUPA), a group of women in Sta Cruz,

Macrohon, according to Punong Barangay

Allan Vicente Mantilla, who also received the

check.

According to Dr Clavejo, those funds

covers the total financial assistance

appropriated for the province of Southern

Leyte within this year and are now also

accepting proposals for next year. (PIA8

SoLeyte)

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 7 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Southern Leyte

Provincial Office released substantial amount to assist local entrepreneurs improve trades with the acquisition of more

equipment.

BY: ERNA S. GORNE

Ligtas-Tigdas in So. Leyte targets over 40,000 pre-school kids

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 11 (PIA) -- No stones left unturned, all bases covered.

T his, in a nutshell, was the overriding

goal as health authorities in this

province embark on a month-long

immunization campaign to protect children

five years old and below of preventable

measles and polio diseases.

In real terms, this involved reaching out

to 44,870 pre-school boys and girls, with a

rapid coverage assessment (RCA) for 72

areas all over the province considered

high-risk of contaminating the disease, said

Noel Lumen, Provincial Health Officer.

The stated figures, however, did not

include those coming from this city, Lumen

said during the Action Center Kapihan sa

PIA Cable TV program Wednesday.

The Department of Health (DOH) has

marked the entire month of September for

the measles and polio immunization of

children below five years old nationwide,

beginning September 1, where President

Benigno S. Aquino III led the launching

ceremony.

The President had called on local

government units (LGUs) to help make sure

the health program can reach their intended

targets, even persuading parents to

cooperate and bring their concerned

children to vaccination posts in the Rural

Health Units.

Lumen echoed a similar message, saying

that aside from health units in the field, a

particular vaccination post will also be

established in the sitios and puroks to cater

to remote areas where neighborhood

dwellings are sparse and far between.

Health personnel going to the field

were also advised to coordinate first with

the Mayor as a courtesy call and with the

Punong Barangays so someone can

accompany their rounds, particularly in areas

marked for fast assessment, Lumen said.

These included resettlement sites,

crowded places in urban centers, and those

ranked as prone to natural disasters.

Measles often manifest as fever when its

virus, spread through the air, can enter a

weak or poorly immunized body, resulting in

complications like pneumonia, blindness, and

even death. Lumen also advised parents

whose kids had completed the vaccination

requirements to still bring such kids for this

round, saying there is no overdose for

immunization. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)

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. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

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