Vol 5 Issue 26 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 June 29 – July 5, 2015

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue Aquino leads groundbreaking of PH’s 1st airport-resort

Beauties from Palo, MacArthur grab Ms Pintados, Ms Teen Pintados titles

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Myths on the BBL debunked

Leonard T. Pineda I

ILOILO CITY, June 30 (PIA6) --- A member of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel (GPNP) clarified misinformation on certain provisions of the

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). In a briefing and forum on the BBL held Tuesday at

the Iloilo Grand Hotel here, Atty. Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli said the public should be very cautious in dealing

with these reports so as not to hamper their understanding of the proposed law.

He debunked the myth that the Bangsamoro will be

an independent state separate from the Philippines, with its inhabitants having a citizenship different from the rest of the Filipinos.

―The Bangsamoro will not be an independent state and will remain part of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines and the inhabitants will remain as Filipino

citizens,‖ he stressed. Julkipli emphasized that a majority vote in the

plebiscite is needed for a local government unit to be

included in the Bangsamoro territory and not just a resolution or a petition of at least 10 percent of the regis-tered voters in the area.

He said that in terms of the implementation of the

Shari‘ah Law in the Bangsamoro, it will apply to Muslims

only as regular courts would still exist in Bangsamoro and that the Supreme Court has the ultimate power of reviewing all decisions by the Shari‘ah courts.

He also clarified that proposed Bangsamoro agencies will not supplant nor will they, in any way, derogate from or take away the constitutional powers and duties of the C o n s t i t u t i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s a n d o t h e r

constitutionally-mandated offices. The OPAPP official also refuted the issue that the

Bangsamoro government will receive an initial funding of

about P70- to P75-billion on its first year of operation in 2016.

He said that the total funding to be directly allocated

to the Bangsamoro regional government for its initial year of operation will only amount to P35 billion, and this amount does not significantly depart from the current

allocation for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

He also denied that members of the Moro Islamic

Liberation Front (MILF) members will automatically replace the police in the Bangsamoro areas and that the Bangsamoro police will be independent from the Philippine National Police (PNP). (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Ferliza C. Contratista

CEBU CITY, June 30 (PIA)— President Benigno ―Noynoy‖ Aquino led the groundbreaking of the P32-billion modernization of the Mactan Cebu International

Airport. It is the first ever airport project in the country done through Private-Public Partnership (PPP) venture.

In his speech, Aquino said, the development of Cebu‘s airport is seen to bring in inclusive growth for the whole

province and the country as well.

Aquino narrated that for every tourist that comes in, an initial $1,000 immediately adds up to the economy.

Other than that, other beneficiaries of the tourism sector do not require a degree or a diploma to feel its ―low-lying fruits‖.

He said many can partake opportunities created by the sector. These include those that are in the hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, including services from the

tour guides and drivers. The development is undertaken jointly with Megawide

Construction Corporation (GMR) creating the

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC). Aquino said that major developments to be

undertaken will increase passenger capacity from 4.5 million to 12.5 million every year.

Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III said

Cebuanos are proud as this will be the first resort airport

in the country. ―The airport gives the first impression of Cebu and

we thanked the President for the project,‖ Davide said.

On the other hand GMCAC President Louie Ferrer the new terminal is slated for completion by summer 2018. Its total investment amounted to P32 billion for phase 1 development of Terminal 2.

Other cabinet officials present during the

groundbreaking include Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Undersecretary for Legal Affairs

and Procurement Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Manuel Roxas and PPP executive director Cosette Canillo.

Chairman Grandhi Mallikajurna Rao of the GMR Group of Companies was also present during the affair. (mbcn/fcc/

PIA7-Cebu)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS CONSUELO B. ALARCON

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 26 (PIA) – A 22- year-old lass from Palo, Leyte won this year‘s Search for Miss Pintados held Thursday at the Leyte National High

School gymnasium, this city. Aside from her stunningly fit body and beauty, what

made Nina Sherra Tagalog stand out was her ability to project herself as an elegant woman onstage.

She also impressed the judges and the audience of her conservative answer during the Q & A portion of the pageant when TV host Boy Abunda asked her ―If it‘s okey

for a male teacher to court his female student?‖ Her answer was in the negative saying ―It‘s unethical for a teacher to court her female student for it will affect the

integrity and professional relations between a teacher and a student.‖

Said answer was responded by a resounding applause

from the audience. Tagalog also grabbed other special awards such as

Ms. Executive facial care and Ms. Pepsi.

Completing the finalists for Miss Pintados 2015 were

Cyril Valera of Sulat Eastern Samar as first runner-up,

Gretchen Gler of Naval, Biliran as 2nd runner-up, Michelle Cubilla of Tacloban, City as 3rd runner-up and Ma. Aila Nicole Paele of Tanauan, Leyte as 4th runner-up.

Meanwhile, a 16 year old lass from Macarthur, Leyte grabbed the title as Miss Teen Pintados 2015.

Chelsea Fernandez won the highest title among 12 contestants. She went on to win many special awards such

as Best in Swimsuit, Texter‘s Choice, executive facial care and Miss teen Goldilocks.

Niza Mae Tano of Tacloban City got the first

runner-up; Charmin Tablate of Calubian Leyte won as 2nd runner-up; Chloe Shania Nacar as 3rd runner-up and I-ram Armada of Tacloban, City as 4th runner-up.

There are 12 contestants for the Search for Miss Teen Pintados whose ages ranged from 13-17 years old while the contestants for the Search for Miss

Pintados which also numbered 12 were aged 18-24 years old.

The beauty pageant was part of the celebration of the

fiesta of Sr. Sto. Nino on June 30. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

MISS PINTADOS 2015 Leyte governor Leo-

poldo Dominico ―Mic‖ Petilla (right) and

producer Kitchi Benedicto crowned the Miss

Pintados 2015 Niña Sherra Tagalog of Palo

Leyte during the beauty pageant held at the

Leyte National High School Gymnasium,

Tacloban City, June 25. (Raul Tiozon , Jr./

PIA-8)

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the

groundbreak ing ceremony of the

Mactan-Cebu International Airport New

Passenger Terminal Building during his visit to

Cebu, June 29, 2015. (PIA Cebu)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Atty. Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli, a member

of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel

(GPNP) legal team explains the salient

provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)

during a briefing and forum held

Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Iloilo Grand Hotel

here. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

BACOLOD CITY, June 30 (PIA6) -- With a national rice sufficiency level of 96 to 97 percent, the country will still continue to

import rice to fill in the gap.

PH registers highest increase in palay

production

Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

I n a recent press conference here, DA

Sec. Proceso Alcala said although the

target of achieving 100 percent

sufficiency level in 2013 was not reached, yet the

United States Department of Agriculture

recognized the Philippines for registering the

greatest increase in palay in the whole world for

the last five years.

This proves the government is doing

something right regarding palay production, he

told the local media.

Alcala noted that in 2010, the country‘s

sufficiency level was only 82 percent, steadily

rising to its present level.

One of the factors he mentioned for failing

to reach the sufficiency target were the disaster

the country suffered; although he clarified it is not

the only reason.

A big factor was in the failure to have

additional irrigated areas for planting palay.

Because of this, he said, there is a need to

import rice citing as example the harvest right

after the dry season reaching to a maximum

harvest of only 42 percent.

Although, the Aquino administration is still

importing rice, he pointed out the combined

figure of rice importation of the present

government from 2011 through 2014 is only

equivalent to one year importation of the

previous administration. (JCM/Lljr-PIA6)

ILOILO CITY, July 1 (PIA6) - - The Department on Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Public Works and

Highways in Western Visayas have agreed to further enhance their joint tree planting and growing along roadsides.

D ENR 6 Director Jim Sampulna and DPWH

6 Director Edilberto Tayao formalized the agreement with the signing of the

memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, June

30, at the DPWH 6 Conference Room here. DENR

Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio Ignacio, Jr. and DPWH Undersecretary for Technical Services Raul Asis also signed as witnesses to the

MOA. In his message, Ignacio commended the DPWH

for the initiative and hoped that this will be

replicated nationwide. He said roadside tree cutting has become a

major issue in infrastructure projects ―maraming

infrastructure projects natin, yong pinakamalalaki yan po ay naantala, nadedelay yan dahil sa isyu ng tree cutting and the roadside tree planting activity of the

DPWH is an ideal solution to the roadside tree cutting problem.

―Mawawala ang problema sa tree cutting sa

roadside kung ang DPWH ang magtatanim dahil alam niyo kung saan magtatanim,‖ said Ignacio.

Under the agreement, DENR shall assist the

DPWH in the survey and mapping of identified areas in the determination of appropriate species to be planted which it will provide.

It will also provide technical assistance

to the DPWH in their tree planting and growing activities and assist in the conduct of periodic monitoring and documentation of the said tree

plantation. On its part, DPWH in coordination with

DENR will identify and conduct survey and

mapping of roadsides that will be subjected to tree planting activities it will undertake as an integral part of its regular road maintenance program. It will also

maintain a close coordination with DENR in the implementation of the activity. Likewise, conduct a periodic monitoring and decumentation of the

established plantations. The initiative is also in accordance with DPWH

Department Order No. 15 series of 2000 and

DPWH being a partner of DENR in the implementation of the National Greening Program as

mandated under Executive Order No. 26 issued by

President Benigno Aquino III. DPWH Department Order No. 15

makes the planting of trees along national

roads as a standard component of all road

construction and improvement projects requiring the inclusion of said activity to the engineering design, program of work, estimates

budget, and bidding and contract documents of these projects.

All the provincial and city environment

and natural resources officers of DENR and district engineers of DPWH in the region are also involved to ensure that the

implementation of the program at the field level will be successful.

The joint efforts seek to address the

following: to add value to urban areas; to mitigate climate change; to enhance beauty of the roadside; to provide shed to commuters; and to minimize glare

from sunlight to drivers along the roads. (JCM/LAF/PIA-Iloilo)

DENR-DPWH Roadside tree planting answer to tree-cutting Lilibeth A. French

Programs for PWD need more improvement

SAN JOSE, Antique, July 2 (PIA6) - - The accessibility features for persons with disabilities (PWD) in several business

establishments and even in government offices do not comply with the guidelines stipulated under Batas Pambansa 344 (BP

344).

“ We still have a lot of areas to improve on in

the implementation of the law, and this

further delays the services intended for the

PWD,‖ Andres Rhudy B. Ravelo, Jr., National

Council on Disability Affairs representative said

during the PIA interview. BP 344, passed by the

Batasang Pambansa on December 7, 1982 is

otherwise known as an Act to enhance mobility

of disable persons by requiring certain buildings,

institutions, establishments and public utilities and

other devices.

Section 1 of BP 344 states that in order to

promote the realization of the rights of disabled

persons to participate fully in the social life and

the development of the societies in which they

live and the enjoyment of the opportunities

available to other citizens, no license or permit

for the construction, repair or renovation of

public and private buildings for public use,

educational institutions, airports, sports and

recreation centers and complexes, shopping

centers or establishments, public parking places,

work-places, public utilities, shall be granted or

issued unless the owner or operator

thereof shall install and incorporate in such

building, establishment, institution or public utility,

such architectural facilities or structural features

as shall reasonably enhance the mobility of

disabled persons such as sidewalks, ramps, railings

and the like.

Ravelo said that while some establishments

have accessibility features in their buildings, still it

does not follow the correct specifications and

forms of stairs, ramps, railings and other features

meant for persons with disabilities.

Ravelo was here in San Jose de Buenavista to

facilitate the two-day orientation seminar to

increase the level of awareness of the PWD

leaders, partner government agencies and

stakeholders on the various programs aimed at

improving the lot of the PWDs.

The National Council on Disability Affairs

(NCDA) representative discussed during the

two-day seminar the topics on NCDA update;

Disability inclusive and accessibility updates;

Review of NCDA Vision/Mission and Goals;

Review of Incheon Goals/Targets/PWD Republic

Act.

The activity also include the Review and

discussion of DSWD Administrative Order; and

updates on PWD programs and services. Ravelo

hoped that the community will give full support

and opportunities to the PWDs, so that they

can also enjoy their rights and as well contribute

to the society, and for such an attitudinal shift to

happen, they can go back to the mainstream like

anybody else. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

Vicente W. Villavert

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 2 (PIA6) – More than 1,000 Capiceños have availed of the free patents titles of the government.

U ndersecretary Demetrio Ignacio Jr. of

the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources with the Capiz

officials led the distribution of free patent land

titles to qualified recipients in Capiz, July 1.

Capiz DENR head Valentin Talabero said

that the more than 700 hectares of public land

were distributed to the 1,000 free patent

beneficiaries in Capiz who came from the

different towns here.

―This is the first time that we have the

Handog Titulo mass distribution of title in

Capiz and the fast tracking of the titling of said

lands was made possible with the help of the local

government officials of Capiz,‖ Talabero said,

citing among others the help of First District

Congressman Antonio del Rosario and Governor

Victor Tanco.

He said that the program aims to improve

the lives of the farmers here by providing them

land to call their own.

Governor Tanco likewise emphasized

the importance of having in the hands of the

farmers the land title that they have been waiting

for, pointing that the title is the evidence of their

ownership over said land where they have been

living for a number of years already.

He said that with such free patent title now,

they have something to leave to their children and

grand children later on, to improve their lives,

reminding the beneficiaries to take care of the

land given to them by the government.

For Congressman Del Rosario, the

distribution of free patent tiles to the landless

farmers here is an answered dream from the

government under the administration of President

Benigno S. Aquino III.

―Having in your hand the title showing your

ownership over the land which you have been

occupying, you will not be displaced anymore",

Del Rosario said. He said he hopes that the

Handog Titulo program of the government will

improve the lives of the marginalized farmers.

He also assured the Capiceños of the

continued support of the government

through various social services programs that

are geared towards improving the lives of the

people.

Aside from the free patent title, the

beneficiaries were also given free medicines and

vitamins courtesy of the Department of Health

and Capiz Provincial Health Office which was

facilitated by the Office of Congressman Del

Rosario.

Also present during the mass distribution of

titles at the Capiz Gymnasium were DENR

Executive Director Jim Sampulna, Vice Governor

Esteban Evan Contreras, Roxas City Vice Mayor

Ronnie Dadivas and some municipal and national

government officials here. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

1,000 Capiz farmers now proud landowners

Jemin B. Guillermo

4 Aklan nominees vie for Red Orchid award By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, July 1 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan has four (4) nominees for this year’s Red Orchid Award.

I n a recent meeting of the Provincial

Tobacco Control Network (PTCN) here,

the Provincial Health Office (PHO)

announced that these nominees include the

local government of Buruanga, the Philippine

Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth),

the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial

Hospital (DRSTMH) and the local government of

Ibajay.

Buruanga, Philhealth and the DRSTMH had

been Red Orchid awardees last year and are

nominated again for the second time, while this is

Ibajay‘s first time of being nominated. The first

three nominees, in fact, were Aklan's Red Orchid

awardees in 2014 and aims to get the same award

this year.

Ibajay, a municipality in the western side of

Aklan, is now a smoke-free municipality, by virtue

of an ordinance passed by the municipality.

Being smoke-free is the prime requirement/

criteria for a government agency, institution or

local government unit to be a Red Orchid

awardee.

According to Dr. Cornelio Cuachon,

Provincial Health Officer I, national validation for

these nominees in Aklan is scheduled either in

August or September while awarding will be in

November this year.

Meanwhile, PTCN coordinator Nuella

Zaldivar called on Aklan municipalities,

local government units and government

h o sp i t a l s a n d a g e n c i e s t o s t a r t

making their respective areas smoke-free

in order to qualify for the Red Orchid

Award.

―Let us protect everyone by being

smoke-free‖, Zaldivar said.

Presently, some municipalities in Aklan are

already preparing to be smoke-free.

According to the DOH and the PHO, Aklan

envisions to be smoke-free by 2020. (JCM/VGV

PIA6 Aklan)

NGP shifts strategy for sustainability

ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PIA6)—The government’s National Greening program has shifted strategy to ensure sustainability.

T he Department of Environment

and Natural Resources here has

focused more on community-driven

development approach which linked with

organized people‘s organizations near planting

sites.

Community Environment and Natural

Resources Officer Bernabe Garnace said that

during the initial stages they implemented the

NGP through mass social mobilization for tree

planting activities.

―Everybody, the whole bureaucracy,

members of the academe, private sector and

individuals were asked to plant trees,

hence, the high number of participants,‖

Garnace said.

DENR-6 records showed that in Western

Visayas, 131,342 individuals joined the NGP in

2011; 65,254 in 2012; 44,183 individuals

participated in 2013; and, 29,365 in 2014.

The decline, according to Garnace, was

due to the shift in approach.

―At present the POs do the planting, the

maintenance and the protection of the NGP

sites,‖ Garnace said.

He added that it is not only the planting

but tree growing as well, nurturing and

restoring the degraded forested areas, to

address in short term the poverty in the

uplands and coastal areas. ―The DENR has

contracts with the different POs, from seedling

production, site preparation, hauling of planting

materials, planting of seedlings and maintaining

plantation sites,‖ Garnace said.

Part also of the sustainability was the

infusion of planting of fruit-bearing trees and

other crops like coffee and cacao, including

fuelwood tree species, to create economic

activities or sources of livelihood for people in

the NGP sites.

He also noted that the planting sites

become farther and very distant as the years

pass, so the POs are serving a great role.

Meanwhile, the DENR-6 remains ahead of its

target in terms of areas planted for NGP, with

a total of 36,775 hectares, out of its target of

36,454 target, planted in the region from

2011-2014. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

By Elsa S. Subong

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

CABILAO ISLAND, Loon, June 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its Shared Service Facility

(SSF) funds handed in some P446,885.75 worth of equipment to improve the romblon mat weavers of Cabilao and their

craftsmanship in weaving for more viable market.

DTI hands in P446K facility for Cabilao 'bayong'

project

T he facility is housed at the Cabilao

Romblon Weavers' Network (CROWN)

Products Display Center in Pantudlan

near the Baluarte and is top-billed by a furnace

type batch active dryer, a wood fired industrial

brick stove and a 50 kg tank gas stove all for

shortening the drying time for the stripped

romblon (screw pine palm) leaves.

The facility, with CROWN as the

cooperator can be used by member weavers who

can also avail of dyeing equipment like cooking

vats, basic scales, precision balance scale, assorted

dyeing receptacles, beakers, steel tongs and

thermometers.

DTI-7 regional director Aster Caberte said

she has come back to finally respond to the

clamor of the weavers to make their product

better and more competitive in the opening

ASEAN markets.

This, she said is where everyone can

enjoy in the development, Caberte announced,

meaning the government's agenda for inclusive

growth.

The SSF in Cabilao is in line with DTI's ‗Big

Push‘ that aims to make microenterprises efficient

and help the government achieve the country's

development plans and ease poverty thus attain

the elusive inclusive growth, Caberte added.

Already impressed by the romblon

mat-based woven bags (bayong) which sells

mostly to tourists in the dive island of Cabilao,

Caberte noted that with a little product

development, Cabilao bayong is a fruit ready for

the taking.

She noted that the SSF still needs to be

complemented by some more equipment for a far

more efficient production.

"There is a huge market for our product out

there," Caberte said as she engages them to make

the SSF work like it is not just livelihood, but

business as well.

Meanwhile, Congressman Rene Relampagos,

who along with governor Edgar Chatto's

representative Isabelito Tongco and Loon local

officials, hinted their support to the facility, with

the solon even hinting additional fund support to

prop up CROWN's capital.

This is also the next aim of CROWN

president Leonila Mulato, who despite her

overflowing appreciation for the SSF, expressed

desire to be helped in financing aid to make the

Cabilao bayong even more relevant to the

economic struggle of the people in the island.

(mbcn/rahc/PIA7-/Bohol)

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, June 30 (PIA) -- A Boholano irrigation association (IA) cooperative came out as one of the country's

three most outstanding IAs in the National Irrigation System category.

Bohol irrigation group among country's best

A t the recently concluded three-day

National Irrigation Authority (NIA) 52nd

Anniversary Celebration June 22-24, San

D Mil Irrigators' Association Inc. came out strong

again following a less -than-stellar performance in

2013-2014 calendar year.

San D Mil IA of Malinao Irrigation System in

Pilar service area is now again recognized as

among the best, an honor it held in the last three

consecutive years.

"This is the third consecutive year that San

D Mil received the award despite dropping a spot

after finishing first runner up last CY 2013 and

2014," according to NIA Regional Director Mario

H. Sande.

The association headed by Tereso Cruda

proved that such distinction doesn't need a vast

service area.

"It is a huge distinction for us, a small

irrigation association like San D Mil because we

proved it is not about the size of the catchment

area," confessed Sande.

Bohol winning IA toppled down other

irrigation association giants like Upper Pampanga

River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS) and

NIA Region 12 nominees, according to NIA 7

sources.

With a service area of 124.4 hectares and a

117 registered members, this association is one of

the smallest in terms of area in this category, the

NIA source pointed out.

"But, we posted a high and stable collection

efficiency and with a well-disciplined operation

and maintenance system, we made it as one of the

country's best," NIA shared during the

Associat ion of United Development

information Officers (AUDIO) Meeting, Thursday

at the Reyna's Garden and haven in Tagbilaran

City.

Also making it to national recognition are

Ligaya IA of Magat River Irrigation System

(MARIIS) and Lower Tiparak Tambulig IA of

Region 9.

For the honor, Bohol's San D Mil

receives P30,000 cash award and a plaque of

recognition as the 2nd Most Outstanding IA.

(mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol/with reports fromTony

Alonzo-NIA/Bohol)

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY (PIA) -- Tagbilaran City celebrated its 49th Charter Day on July 1, which will also be in preparation for its

Golden Year Charter Day celebration in 2016. By virtue of Republic Act 8267, July 1 is a non-working special public holiday for

the city of Tagbilaran.

C ity Mayor John Geesnell ‗Baba‘ Yap

delivered the much awaited ―State of

the City Address‖ (SOCA), a

comprehensive report of a l l h is

accomplishments at the Bohol Cultural

Center.

It was his second SOCA amid

accomplishments topped by City Hall‘s high

collection of taxes and the impressive massive

improvement of city roads.

In tomorrow‘s event, the city government

will be giving awards to outstanding

Tagbilaranons who have contributed to the

growth and progress of the city.

Awarded were the outstanding city

hall officials and personnel who, per

evaluat ion of their performances,

have excelled in terms of efficiency and

dedication.

The 49th Charter Day celebration

started last Saturday with the holding

of a Job Fair at Galleria Luisa where 8

overseas and 18 local companies

recruited city residents to various jobs here

and abroad.

On June 29, the Visayas Health of USAID,

IMAP, PAMET and the City Health

Office conducted the first ever Family

Health Day at the ICM Activity

Center wherein free medical services such as

blood typing, pre-natal, and ultrasound

tests were given to pregnant women in the

city.

T h e r e w a s a l s o a B u n t i s

Congress, Father's interactive games,

A d o l e s c e n t Y o u t h H e a l t h

Development Program and the First Gandang

Buntis beauty pageant in Bohol. (mbcn/ecb/

PIA7-Bohol)

Tagbilaran City celebrates 49th charter day

Elvira C. Bongosia

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

NEGROS ORIENTAL, July 1 (PIA) – Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo today signed an Executive Order (E.O) directing

the provincial police to intensify its efforts to eliminate all forms of lawlessness and illegal activities in the province.

“ I hereby direct the Philippine National Police

(PNP), led by the current administration of

P/SSupt. Dionardo Carlos, and other law

enforcement agencies, to further intensify and its

campaign and efforts with the end in view of

totally suppressing and eliminating illegal gambling,

illegal quarrying, illegal drugs and all other

forms of criminality in the province,‖ Gov.

Degamo said.

The governor signed the E.O. 15-10 in the

presence of the local media and with Supt.

Dionard Carlos of PNP-Negros Oriental.

The E.O. was executed in response to the

need to continue the peace and order efforts

started by P/SSupt. Mariano Natu-el during his

term as former police director of the provincial

police which led to the decline of crime rate in

Negros Oriental.

Gov. Degamo puts his trust and confidence

to Supt. Carlos, the new officer in charge of the

provincial police office and believes the latter can

perform this new directive from the provincial

government.

―I believe in his courage, integrity and loyalty

to the people of Negros,‖ Gov. Degamo added.

In response, Supt. Carlos assured the

governor that he will do his best to lead the

police force in Negros Oriental to fulfill this new

directive.

―I will make some adjustment on the

deployment of personnel particularly focusing on

illegal drugs, illegal gambling and implementation

of special laws,‖ Supt. Carlos noted.

For now, the provincial police will continue

to enhance its intelligence network, Gov. Degamo

said.

Meanwhile, the governor sent a strong

warning against those who plan to use his name

to cover or as an excuse to get away with their

wrongdoings.

―No relative or brother can use my name.

The police are determined to apprehend all of

you. My strong warning to you is the police will

go after your,‖ Gov. Degamo concluded. (mbcn/

ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

NegOr guv signs EO to intensify efforts vs.

lawlessness

Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan

CEBU CITY, June 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) rescued three child laborers employed at

Pamcore Steel Corporation and Top Glass and Aluminum Construction recently.

DOLE-7 rescues three child laborers from two sub-contractors of SM Seaside

D OLE-7 Labor Communication Officer

Luchel Taniza said that Pamcore Steel Corporation and Top Glass and Aluminum

Construction are the two of the 42 subcontractors

doing operations at the SM Seaside Project at the South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.

According to DOLE 7 OIC regional director Exequiel Sarcauga that in the joint assessment

conducted by the DOLE‘s Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCOs), the three child laborers were all 17 years old and found working at the site.

―Two of them were employed by Pamcore Steel Corporation. The other one was assigned as a checker/spotter by Top Glass and Aluminum

Construction,‖ Sarcauga added. Sarcauga called for a mandatory conference

right after the issuance of the work stoppage which

likewise implicated Monolith Construction and Development Corporation, the project‘s general contractor.

―The law clearly prohibits the employment of children especially in the industries considered hazardous like one in the construction,‖ said Sarcauga, adding that the DOLE does not tolerate

such a misdemeanor and will make sure that erring establishments will be made accountable.

Upon the directive of Director Sarcauga, the

DOLE facilitated the whole child labor rescue operation through the Regional Child Labor

Protection and Elimination Program (CLPEP) chief

Rebecca Densing, focal and Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Efren Vito with the assigned LLCOs, Engr Rustico Levi Custorio and Engr

Kenneth James Burbos. On June 19, Densing said two of the three child

laborers were taken to their respective boarding houses in Tabada, Mambaling.

―On the same day, around 8:00 P.M, we took the first one to the New Cebu South Bus Terminal where he was turned-over and personally received

by the driver of the Ceres Bus who will take him to Negros Occidental,‖ Densing added.

The next day, the other minor was taken by

the same DOLE personnel to Pier One Terminal Building and turned-over to the captain of Ocean Jet, the fast craft to ferry the minor to Ormoc City.

Prior to the send-off, Sarcauga coordinated with Director Elias Cayanong of DOLE-8 and Director Ponciano Ligutom of DOLE-6 for the safe

transport of the minors. ―We asked for the assistance of our

counterparts in Regions 8 and 6 where the two rescued child laborers came from. We requested

them to help facilitate the children‘s safe return to their hometown,‖ said Sarcauga.

As for the minor who hailed from Balangiga,

Eastern Samar, the office requested DOLE-8 to fetch him in Ormoc City and arrange his safe return

to his place, Sarcauga told the media.

"We also requested DOLE-6 to fetch the other minor who travelled with an adult and arranged for his transport back to his family in

Matacay, Camingawan, Kabangkalan City, Negros Occidental," Sarcauga said.

The third minor who was employed by Top Glass and Aluminum Construction is now with his

relatives in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City. Sarcauga disclosed that concerned

subcontractors shouldered for the transportation

expenses of the children saying further that Pamcore Steel Corporation is likewise accountable for paying for the back wages to the minors they

employed. The work stoppage issued to both

subcontractors last June 18 was the 15th released

and served by DOLE-7 since January 2015. ―We issued a conditional lifting of the

stoppage order on June 22 after the removal of the

child laborers from the project site. We are giving them until June 29, 2015 to rectify the remaining deficiencies,‖ Sarcauga said.

Top Glass and Aluminum Construction and

Pamcore Steel Corporation are yet to submit their Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) license and provide for the social protection benefits

(SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-ibig) of the children. (mbcn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/ with reports from DOLE7)

Juju M. Empuerto

CEBU CITY (PIA)— The creation of the country’s first shark and ray sanctuary is in the offing in Cebu.

Shark and ray sanctuary to be declared in Cebu

V ince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner,

Greenpeace Philippines said that

government and local leaders together

with other environment stakeholders, gathered

on July 3 and declared the creation of the first

ever shark and ray sanctuary.

The event is held a few days before the

global celebration of shark week.

The Cebu Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force

met July 1 with conservationists and the tourism

sector to develop a stronger implementation

addressing the enforcement gaps in carrying out

last year‘s provincial ordinance.

―Sharks are extremely valuable in Philippine

ecology, tourism and economy,‖ Cinches said.

The Philippines is a signatory to the

Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to

ensure that international trade on

species of wildlife flora and fauna does

not threaten their survival. Cebu is

the only province in the country

that has a legislation to protect all

species of shark and ray from catching and

trading.

The province hosted the first Shark Summit

in the Philippines last year. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

Ferliza C. Contratista

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

Village lady chief joins 135 ALS passers

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 25 (PIA) - A female barangay captain of barangay Pinanag-an this city grabbed one

slot for the 135 other passers in this year’s Alternative Learning Program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

M rs. Nelly D. Andia, herself a

mother, did not let go of her

desire to continue learning even

through the informal way.

In her welcome address during the 3rd

ALS Graduation at the Luis Capito Cultural

Stage, the ―kapitana‖ urged other school

drop-outs, to enrol in the special class with a

special schedule, just catering to the available

time and place of the learners.

She also expressed hope that someday,

after completing her studies, she will find a

blue-collared job at least, to earn her and

her children a better income.

―Let us not loss hope, let us continue

dreaming,‖ was heard of Kapitana Nelly as

she continued saying her piece with

excitement.

City Schools Superintendent Judith

Boco confirmed the graduation of the

candidates.

In her message, she emphasized the

importance of education, which she said is

boundless and everybody‘s right.

― It‘s not just for a few, not just for a

few chosen few,‖ she stressed.

For her part, city Mayor Fe Abunda

congratulated the graduates, their parents,

husbands and wives for the men graduates,

as well as the DepEd personnel behind

them.

Abunda thanked likewise the City

DepEd Division for supporting one of her

priority thrusts, education, even ALS which

adopts an alternative mode of learning. (PIA

-08)

Bamboo eyed to address timber woes in EV

TACLOBAN CITY, Leeyte, June 30 (PIA) – Bamboos for house construction could possibly answer the lack of timber

materials for housing projects in Samar and Leyte.

T hus said Department of Science and

Technology 8 (DOST-8) Director,

Edgardo M. Esperancilla.

Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla was

appreciative of the DOST-FPRDI project and

in his inspirational message he shared his

hope to address the problem on the

limited construction materials for his

constituents.

There was his mention of some

980-thousand housing backlogs in Leyte but

after viewing the Bamboo House Model, he

realized that the problem on lumber

inadequacy could be answered by Bamboo

trees, which according to him abound in

Northwest Leyte and some parts of Eastern

Samar.

The DIY Bamboo House constitutes of

bamboo panels connected to each other.

It can be assembled and disassembled in

3-4 days by 4-medium built workers.

With a 24 sq.m floor area of a living

room, kitchen, bedroom, toilet and bath

with sink, the Bamboo house is decently

fitting a couple with two to three kids.

With the cost of P150,000.00 it

has a ready electricity and water

supply-ready, cost effective and environment

friendly.

Other DYI variants follow: without

toilet and bath-P130,000; without toilet

and finishing P120,000; Shell only with

utilities-P105,000.00; Shell only without

utilities-P90,000; Shell only without concrete

slab-P75,000.00.

Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla however,

suggested that the Bamboo house be

elevated a few feet higher from the ground,

not only that it could allay flooding but it can

also prevent the house roofing from strong

winds, as the space underneath could be a

good air passage, instead of slamming the

roof of its strength.

Asked if the Bamboo roof panels would

not leak, Esperancilla answered negatively,

saying the Bamboos were cleaned inside of

their obstructions so that, rain water would

flow down straight.(PIA-8)

SAMUEL D. CANDIDO

CRS turns over houses to ES 'Yolanda' survivors

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 25 (PIA) - The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) recently turned-over about 7,000

disaster-resilient homes to the six coverd municipalities namely, Balangkayan, Lawaan, Giporlos, Quinapondan and Salcedo,

this province.

T he ceremonial awarding of

Certificate of Donation to the

shelter beneficiaries, which was

attended by Mr. Joe Curry, a Country

Representative of CRS-Phiippines, was held

on June 22, 2015 at the Eastern Samar State

University (ESSU) Gym, Salcedo, E. Samar.

In his message, Mr. Curry said that CRS

aims to help people survive with dignity, get

back on their feet, rebuild their homes and

lives, and strengthen their long term stability

and resilience.

CRS revealed that based on the data of

their Shelter Team from Nov. 8, 2013 to

June 2015, they have built already

more or less 7,000 disaster-resilient homes

with the financial partners of Caritas

Norway, Canadian Catholic Organization

for Development and Peace and Shelter

Box.

Under their livelihood program, the

CRS has served more or less 4,300 partner

beneficiaries through livelihood training,

aquaculture, crops, livestock and nursery

projects.

CRS is the international humanitarian

agency of the Catholic community in the

United States of America (USA) and

provides assistance in nearly 100 countries

based on need, regardless of race,

nationality, or creed.

It has been supporting Filipino

communities in need since 1945. Today,

CRS focuses on disaster preparedness and

recovery, agro-enterprises and peace

building. (aen/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)

SAMUEL D. CANDIDO

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

DA earmarks P282M farm to market road concreting

MAASIN CIY, Southern Leyte, June 30 (PIA) - Farm products along Lilo-an -San Ricardo LGUs will soon be easily transported

once the long-awaited circumferential road in the whole Pana-on Island shall be completely connected with the windfull P282

M farm to market road project funds earmarked by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

D A8 Regional Executive Director

Leo Caneda confirmed this during

the Agri Fair and Garden Show

June 26. Caneda said that as an offshoot of

their recent Mancom meeting with DA Sec

Proceso Alcala Southern Leyte will be

recipient of the biggest chunk of Philippine

Rural Development Program (PRDP) even

throughout the country.

Provincial Governor Roger Mercado

earlier announced the good tidings that

funds for the Lilo-an – San Ricardo road

concreting to the tune of P282M will

eventually complete the circumferential road

along the Panaon Island.

Panaon island consist of the

municipalities of Lilo-an, San Francisco,

Pintuyan and San Ricardo, being the farthest

town upon entering the island. However,

with the completion of the concreting of the

said cimrfumferential road, San Ricardo shall

be reached sooner as they will be connected

to Lilo-an town, it was learned.

Gov. Mercado noted that the project

will attract more transport services to ply in

their location in order to get their

agricultural products due to the good

condition of the roads soon.

That means more food for the people

not only in the province but for the whole

nation as a whole, he added.

Mercado further announced that

another farm to market road project is in

the offing which is the concreting of St.

Bernard – Hinunangan road in the amount of

P170M.

RD Caneda also confirmed that the

mentioned multi-million road concreting

project proposal was also considered in

their earlier meeting with Sec. Alcala.

Gov. Mercado lauded the residents of

said towns, saying that their resolutions

seeking the need for accessibility for their

farm products reaching his office now bears

fruitful results. (esg/PIA8 SoLeye)

ERNA S. GORNE

NHA fast tracks permanent housing units in Region 8

D uring the Regional Development

Council (RDC) meeting held

Wednesday at Catbalogan City,

NHA regional manager Rizalde Mediavillo

reported that while much progress in the

construction has been made in various

housing sites, others are still ongoing or in

the process of bidding proposals.

According to him, a total of 32, 120

permanent housing units are in various

stages of development including

those which are bid-out for award and are

ongoing.

NHA was tasked to lead the

government‘s goal to provide permanent

housing units to 56, 140 families who have

lost homes in Eastern Visayas due to

typhoon Yolanda.

Said families were considered to be in

―high risk zones‖ in 43 cities and

municipalities in the region.

Under the Yolanda Permanent

Housing Program of the national

government, a total of 205, 128 is the

housing needs of displaced families in regions

4B, 5, 6, 7 and 8 including Dinagat Islands.

(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 25(PIA) – To address the shelter issues amid the demand among Yolanda survivors for

more efficient interventions from the government, the National Housing Authority (NHA) is working hard to complete the

implementation of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Program in the region.

CONSUELO B. ALARCON

EVisayas kicks off observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 1 (PIA) – The region's month-long celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month

this July kicked off with a motorcade followed by a short program at Robinson’s Activity Area today with the Office of Civil

Defense or the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) leading the activity.

T he activity, anchored on the theme

―Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa

Katuwang sa Pag-unlad‖ was

participated in by various national

government agencies, local government units

(LGUs), rescue volunteers, international non

-government organizations, media and other

stakeholders.

OCD-8 OIC regional director Rey

Gozon, chairman of the Regional Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Council

(RDRRMC) emphasized the essence of the

month-long observance which is to promote

public awareness on natural hazards and

how to go about mitigating its adverse

effects.

He likewise made emphasis on the

involvement of everyone-working together

in pursuing initiatives towards the vision of a

prepared population and a safe nation.

―We cannot stop natural disasters but

we can arm ourselves with knowledge so

that no life will be lost if there was enough

disaster preparedness‖, Gozon said.

On the other hand, Tacloban City

Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who was the

guest speaker, expressed support to this

endeavor.

―The city government stands committed

to support this endeavor whether it be

physical movement, mental preparedness but

most of all we fight that we can work

together and we can formulate a plan that is

effective and can directly respond and at the

same time very flexible and can adopt to the

situation that immediately occur,‖

Romualdez said.

As he shared some of his memories and

lessons during Yolanda, he said it is just

proper to commemorate November 8 not

to embrace bitterness or anger for what had

happened but to remember the real dangers

and prepare the next generations.

―If we can celebrate Leyte Landing and

we can commemorate that, I‘m sure we can

do November 8, one of the biggest storms

that ever hit our country and so many

people died and we should prepare the next

generations for that,‖ Romualdez said.

On the same occasion, the mayor also

lauded a number of agencies who led in the

retrieval of dead bodies after Yolanda struck

the city such as the Bureau of Fire

Protection, Philippine Army, the Philippine

Air Force, Philippine National Police, rescue

teams, volunteers, INGOs, among others.

(ajc/cba/PIA-8)

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