One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 35
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Transcript of One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 35
Vol 5 Issue 35 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2015
In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue APEC spells sales for Cebu entrepreneurs
Draw out the lingkod-bayani in you, civil servants urged
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
231 BuB projects in WV to start soon Lilibeth A. French
ILOILO CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA6) - - Local government units from the different provinces in Western Visayas were already
given the go-signal to proceed with the implementation of some 231 projects that will bolster agricultural productivity and
livelihood of farmers. The projects worth P313, 638, 739 are covered by
the Bottom-up Budgeting program of the Department of Agriculture 6 for 2015.
Dr. Joyce Wendam, Regional Technical Director for Admin, Research and Regulatory of DA 6 said Notices to
Proceed were already issued for the implementation of the projects. In fact, there are some projects which are now on the
procurement stage. Majority of the BuB projects to be implemented this year
are livelihood projects numbering to 124 worth more than P149 million. Other projects are 76 postharvest-related
projects worth more than P126 million and 31 Communal Irrigation Projects worth over P38 million.
Of the 124 livelihood projects, around 43 projects at a cost of P54,772,112.00 will be implemented in Negros
Occidental; 37 projects in Iloilo; 25 in Antique; 11 in Capiz; 7 in Aklan; and 1 in Guimaras.
Negros Occidental together with Iloilo got the most approved infrastructure projects with 31 each under BuB program this year.
Last year, DA 6 set aside P867,805, 679 for the
implementation of 607 BuB projects in the region. Out of the 607 projects, 149 are now completed, 91 are ongoing and 368
are in the pipeline. Wendam said poverty incidence is among the
considerations for selecting LGUs in the BuB program. “It is the people in the community who identify and
prioritize appropriate projects under the BuB program which adheres strictly to the principle of good governance
involving transparency, accountability and participation,” said Wendam.
She said civil society organizations (CSOs) have also an important role in the program as they participate in the
planning of the said poverty reduction projects. Also, the CSOs together with the religious groups constantly monitor the
implementation of the BuB projects regionwide. BuB is an approach to budget preparation by national
government agencies and government owned and controlled corporations with the participation of the basic sectors of the
community and CSOs. It aims to bring genuine equity, development and empowerment to poor households and
communities and make growth more inclusive and transparent. On its third year of implementation, the program’s
allocation slightly increased at P20.9 billion from P20.5 in 2014 to fund projects in 1,590 cities and municipalities nationwide. (JCM/LAF/PIA6 – Iloilo)
Ferliza C. Contratista
CEBU, September 2 (PIA) – The hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Cebu is infusing money
for local entrepreneurs. In yesterday's briefing held at the newly-opened APEC
Activity Center at the Capitol, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Asteria Caberte said there
are already several sectors benefitting from the delegates and their entourage.
Caberte said they peg the spending of the delegates at $100 daily, excluding the amount they pay for their
transportation and accommodation. “With around 6,000 delegates expected until end of
APEC and if they are spending 100 dollars a day, imagine the value adding to the province,” Caberte said.
As of the latest count, there are already almost 2,000 APEC delegates in Cebu province.
Caberte said the Exquisitely Filipino exhibit at the SM City North Wing, which showcases 18 of Cebu’s best
products, is earning P100,000 daily. “We will have 30 more stalls at the Exhibit Halls, all
Filipino/Cebu products from fashion to clothing to delicacies,” Caberte said.
She said the local furniture industry has already benefited from the orders of furnishings and decorations for the convention halls and lounges of hotels, restaurants, and the
Mactan Cebu International Airport. “We want the delegates to go out and enjoy the local
tours and businesses. The food served to delegates are coming from our farmers, this is an impact of APEC,” Caberte said.
On the other hand, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Rowena Montecillo reported that as of the
last ten days, there were already 49 tours availed by 107 delegates.
She said the most availed tour is the Cebu City tour
which would take only three hours, followed by the Twin City Tour (Mandaue and Cebu Cities) and then the south
countryside tour which will go as far as Carcar City. “The delegates want to sample local food, go to the spa
and massage,” Montecillo said. APEC also produced jobs since the hotels and
restaurants need to hire additional people as front liners, like waiters, bartenders, drivers and cooks.
Montecillo said they had received all praises and no complaint so far from the delegates.
“This APEC is also a learning experience on our front liners and how we can improve more. I want the
APEC delegates to have fond memories of Cebu, how they were treated by our drivers, servers,” Montecillo said.
APEC in Cebu runs from August 22 until September 11 with 87 meetings. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Also CLICK Here…
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
NINFA B. QUIRANTE
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, September 3 (PIA) - Samar civil servants joined the whole nation
in calling for the spirit of the Lingkod Bayani in every civil servant.
This, as some 500 civil servants gather at the capitol park to mark the 115th civil service anniversary on September 1,
2015. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) led by
Director Rey Albert Uy urged the civil servants to imbed in their hearts patriotism, integrity, excellence and
spirituality. He added that one doesn’t need to die to become a
hero, but just to be an ordinary public servant who values his
clients’ satisfaction and pursues means to deliver public service
with a smile. The 115th anniversary that drumbeats the theme:
“Kayang Kaya Mo, Lingkod Bayani” underscores ordinary tasks delivered with excellence and with clients’ utmost
satisfaction. One government official stated that being a (lingkod
–bayani) servant-hero is an opportunity to celebrate the bravery of any Filipino who has braved not necessarily
death but persecution for home, for nation, for justice or for freedom.
Other events for the 115th civil service anniversary include blood-letting, fun-run and sportsfest. (vrc/nbq/ PIA
8-Samar)
NAPOLCOM 8 acting regional director Danilo
Rosillo (left) presented the Community and
Service-Oriented Policing System (CSOP)
during the 2015 National Crime Prevention
Week and Tourism Week celebration kick-off
ceremony at the Eastern Visayas State
University (EVSU) Inner Court, Tacloban City,
September 1. (Vino R. Cuayzon/PIA8)
WESTERN VISAYAS
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. receives a
certificate of appreciation from National
Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA)-6 Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal for
hosting the 3rd Quarterly Meeting of the
Regional Development Council (RDC)-6 held
Friday, September 4, 2015, at the Casa Real
(Old Provincial Capitol) Building,, Iloilo City.
SOM3 Chair Usec. Laura Q. Del Rosario
answering questions during the press briefing
held September 4 at the International Media
Center, 2/F Bayfront Hotel, Cebu City. (vvv/
PIA Cebu)
DTI-7 Regional Diretor Asteria Caberte tells media that several
sectors are already benefiting from APEC delegates and entourage
during a briefing held at the APEC Activity Center, Cebu City. (PIA
Cebu)
WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222
KALIBO, Aklan, September 3 (PIA6) -- The province of Aklan should be at the forefront of competitiveness, as it caters to a
global community and receives the most number of tourist arrivals in this part of the country, according to Vice Governor Ga-
brielle Calizo-Quimpo.
Aklan urged to be more competitive
By Venus G. Villanueva
V ice Governor Calizo-Quimpo issued
this statement at the recent conduct
of an orientation meeting on Cities
and Municipalities Competitiveness Index
(CMCI) Survey held at the Conference Room
of the GRQG Building at the Provincial Capitol.
“Competitiveness is the challenge of the
day. We should be on our toes in terms of
being competitive. Our schools should also be
competitive”, she said.
She also welcomed the conduct of the
orientation as an opportunity for a wholesome
discussion to validate whether Aklan is
competitive or not.
The CMCI survey is conducted by the
National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and
is now on its third year of implementation
which aims to measure competitiveness at the
local government level using the indicators
under three categories: Economic Dynamism,
Government Efficiency and Infrastructure.
To make the approach more pro-active,
the Regional Competitiveness Committee
(RCC) has engaged the Provincial and City
Competitiveness Committees (PCC/CCC) to
facilitate the gathering of data in all cities and
municipalities of the region and the state
universities and colleges to validate outputs of
the survey.
At the orientation, Engr. Gilberto Altura,
Chief, Project Development Division, National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA)VI
and Henry D. Tampani, CMCI Regional Focal
Person, Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) 6, gave the Rationale of the CMCI Survey
and the Indicators of the CMCI Survey
respectively. Engr. Altura shared with the
orientation participants composed of members
of the Provincial Competitiveness Council and
17 CMCI focal persons that for 2015,
two Aklan municipalities entered the top ten in
the Regional Competitiveness Ranking.
In overall competitiveness, Kalibo ranked
5th and 5th also for Government
Efficiency. Malay, on the other hand, ranked
number 2 in Infrastructure and 10th in
economic dynamism.
Meanwhile, Aklan has now a Provincial
Competitiveness Committee (PCC) through
Executive Order No. 0201 series of 2015
April 10, 2015 by Governor Florencio T.
Miraflores.
The PCC, with 20 members coming from
various national government and provincial
offices, is chaired by Governor Miraflores and
vice chaired by the Provincial Administrator.
(JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The National Food Authority declared that Antique has sufficient supply of rice with the latest
inventory of 198,491 bags to last for 42 days.
N FA Provincial Manager Marianito
Bejemino sa id the tota l
inventory was derived from the
combined stocks of commercial rice dealers,
households and NFA.
Bejemino likewise said that palay
procurement is ongoing at NFA warehouses
in San Jose and Culasi at the price of P17 per
kilo for clean and dry palay. Incentives are
also given to farmers organizations.
For palay which do not pass the
required moisture content, NFA has seven
mechanical dryers with biomass furnace. It
charges a minimal amount of P12 per sack
(of 50 kilos) depending on the moisture
content of palay when it was brought to the
NFA warehouse.
Since last week of August, palay
procurement increased said NFA
Information Officer Elizabeth Salazar.
She said some farmers have taken
advantage of the change in climate by
planting early thus, harvest time started
early as well.
Salazar encouraged farmers to sell their
palay to NFA not just because of the higher
price but also to help government procure
enough buffer stocks.
Walk-in farmers will be paid in cash up
to P200,000 immediately after the
transaction is completed or they will be
given a ceiling of 200 bags of palay per
farmer per day for cash payment.
For subsequent delivery, farmers should
get a passbook at NFA office free of charge.
(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
Antique‘s rice stocks sufficient, NFA‘s palay procurement on
By Pilar S. Mabaquiao
Coco farmers form industry dev‘t council
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Sep. 1 (PIA6) – Coconut farmers in the province have formed the Local Coconut Industry
Development Council (LCIDC) with the help of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) during the Coconut Farmers‘ Forum
held in Bacolod City recently.
P rovincial Coconut Development
Manager Rodrigo Gamarcha said
the coco farmers made use of their
time during the forum as they gathered and
organized a development council that will
assist in the implementation of PCA’s
programs.
Some 50 coco farmers from the seven
districts in Negros Occidental, including the
Lone District of Bacolod City, attended
the forum held at PCA’s office in the
province which led to the formation of the
LCIDC.
“They will be concentrating on policies,
programs, implementations and monitoring
to assist our office for more effective and
efficient delivery of our programs in Negros
Occidental when it comes to the coconut
industry,” Gamarcha said.
They must know the programs in order
for them to be active participants as
partners in implementing PCA’s programs,
he added.
He said the council could further boost
the coconut industry because the coco
farmers have stayed in their areas for a long
time, hence, they know how the program
should be implemented to improve their
condition.
The members of the LCIDC are
leaders, presidents and active members of
their respective barangays.
The Coconut Farmers’ Forum was held
in relation to the observance of the National
Coconut Week held during the period of
August 24 to 30.
“Our main objective for this National
Coconut Week is to give due honor and
recognition to our coconut farmers, the
backbone and the main performers of the
coconut industry,” Gamarcha said. (JSC/CBA
-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
Carlson B. Alelis
WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333
ILOILO CITY, September 2 (PIA) -- Four talented and visionary filmmakers from Region 6 were recognized as the winning
filmmaker-grantees of the Western Visayas Film Grants Program spearheaded by the CineKasimanwa Film Festival and the
Department of Tourism (DOT)-6.
T he four selected filmmakers were
Aimee Apostol-Escala for Iloilo,
Noel Galon for Guimaras, Romart
Martesano for Aklan, and Ethel Mae Reyes
for Antique.
DOT-6 Regional Director Helen
Catalbas said that the Western Visayas Film
Grants Program was conceptualized to
promote tourist spots in the region citing
the power of films to attract young local and
foreign tourists.
“Region 6 has always been known for
its beautiful culture and spots but there is
more to see and we hope to see these other
spots and locations through films,” she said.
She said that the films will serve as
DOT-6 campaign to promote the region
which has generated more tourists in 2014
and 2015.
Meanwhile, Aimee Apostol-Escasa’s
“Ang Katapusan Nga Handum”, representing
Iloilo will be shot in Igbaras Waterfalls,
Mountain Biking area in Igbaras, Miagao
Church, San Joaquin Church, and the Coral
Gardens of San Joaquin.
Noel Galon’s “Sa Dapadapa sang Balaan
Bukid” will represent Guimaras with the film
to be shot at the Old Trappist Monastery,
Alubihod Beach areas, Roca Encantada, and
Suba Malawig Eco-Tour. The film will also
feature “Ang Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid”.
Romart Martesano’s “Sa Pagtunod It
Adlaw” from Aklan will be shot at the Aklan
Sampaguita Garden, Basura Garden, Jawili
Falls, Ariel’s Point, and in Boracay Island.
Ethel MaeReyes’ “Ang Panglakaton”
which will represent Antique will be shot in
Malalison Island in Culasi, Nogas Island in
Anini-y, Tibiao Eco-Adventure Park, Bugang
River and Malumpati Cold Spring, and
Igpasungaw Falls.
DOT-6 said that all winning short films
will have its premiere during the
CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film
Festival on December 1 to 6, 2015 at SM
Cinema 1, FDCP Iloilo Cinematheque and
the UPV Cinematheque.
Three winners will be selected by a
board of jury composed of national and
international film directors, actors and film
critics.
The Western Visayas Film Grants
Program, a pioneering projects, aimed at
strengthening Iloilo’s current status as the
country’s haven of local films with
CineKasimanwa’s record breaking editions in
2013 and 2014. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
4 WV filmmakers avail of grants program
Leonard T. Pineda I
1,043 houses built in Red Cross‘ ops in Capiz Alex A. Lumaque
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 28 (PIA6) – The ongoing typhoon Haiyan Operation of the Philippine Red Cross in the province has
already built and completed 1,043 core shelter units as of the Aug. 21 update report.
A lso, 97 houses are up for completion
in view of the operation’s overall
target of 2,458 housing units for
identified supertyphoon Yolanda victims.
Each of the core shelter unit costs
P105,000.00.
The PRC’s core shelter assistance is
implemented in the identified barangays of
Panay, Panit-an, Ivisan, Dao, Dumalag,
Dumarao and Tapaz towns.
A ceremonial turnover of the initial 32
housing units built was conducted by PRC to
identified beneficiaries in Barangay Capagao
in Panit-an town in time with the first
anniversary of supertyphoon Yolanda last
Nov. 8, 2014.
The infographic reports also
highlight the Shelter Repair Assistance of
P15,000 for each of the 4,658 identified
households province-wide. (JSC/AAL-PIA6
Capiz)
LGUs urged to implement rainwater harvesting
ILOILO CITY, Sept. 3(PIA) — The local government units should pass ordinances that require the public to practice rainwater
harvesting.
T his is in the wake of the dry spell
that hits Iloilo in the event of the El
Niño, according to the Climate
Resiliency Team of the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID).
Elizea Gozun, leader of the team, said
capturing and storing rain especially during
periods of heavy downfall in an area, is a way
of managing sources of available water.
Gozun was resource person during a
climate change forum in Iloilo City, where a
study showed Iloilo city will experience
below normal rainfall from October 2015 to
January 2016.
“You should be conscious that you will
have less water in the days to come, even if
you are still experiencing rains these days,”
Gozun said.
A study of the Manila Observatory and
Geographic Foundation, Inc. showed that
the city’s temperature will continue to go
up, which will result to more evaporation.
The USAID tapped the above entity to
conduct a study in temperature, rainfall,
projected water demand and vulnerability
assessment of water in Iloilo City amid the
impact of climate change.
“Water conservation and water
demand management should be strictly
practiced in preparation for the dry spell,”
Gozun said.
El Niño phenomenon, as a prolonged
warming of the Pacific Ocean sea surface
temperatures can constrain the supply of
rain-driven commodities and reduce
agricultural outputs.
The Water Security for Resilient
Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure)
Project of the USAID, facilitated the forum,
which included strategic planning for Metro
Iloilo Water District, development of new
water systems, supporting small scale
community-based water service providers
and supporting the national survey on water
utilities.
Gozun said that local government
officials and all stakeholders should
understand better the impact of climate
change.
“Make sure that you have water
sources and that water conservation and
storing should be a way of life,” Gozun
said, underscoring the need for rainwater
harvesting. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
Elsa S. Subong
CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444
DUMAGUETE CITY, August 29 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City will join the country in observing Family Week on September 20
to 27 with this year‘s theme ―Gender Equality and Children‘s Rights in Contemporary Families."
T he City Social Welfare and
Development Office and the Family
Steering Committee have lined up
activities for the weeklong celebration.
Among these activities that will
start on September 21 include an Ecumenical
service at 1:30 p.m. at the DCCCO
Multi-purpose hall and a symposium on Sept.
22 at the Women’s Center from 1:00 to 5:00
p.m.
A Kapihan sa PIA Forum will also be held
on Sept. 23 at 9:00 a.m. at Bethel Guest House
and in the afternoon, a skills training at the
facility of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints along Pinili Street will be
done from 1:30 pm to 5:00 p.m.
On Sept. 25 at 1:00 p.m., there will be a
family dialogue and poster making contest at
the Robinson mall.
The City Health Office will also hold a
medical and dental mission on Sept. 25 from 8
am to 12 noon at the Quezon Park.
Chairperson of the Family Week
celebration George Gilvero said the
celebration aims to highlight the importance of
families, enhance understanding of their
functions and problems, and focus attention on
the rights and responsibilities of all family
members.
Presidential Proclamation No. 60 dated
September 28, 1992 and Executive Order No.
241 dated June 9, 1995 declared the
observance of the National Filipino Family
Week on the last week of September and
every year thereafter.
It aims to strengthen family unity and
relationships through meaningful celebration
and promotion of Filipino values. (rmn/jct/PIA7
-Negros Oriental)
Dumaguete City to mark Filipino Family Week
Jennifer C. Tilos
CEBU CITY, August 31 (PIA) – Mental health is considered as an essential discussion in the Asia Pacific Economic Conference
(Apec) meetings.
Mental health as an economic issue discussed in APEC
S een as one factor that is vital to
economic deve lopment , hea l th
ministers and representatives from the
member-economies tackled mental health
during the APEC 2015 Health Working Group
(HWG) meeting.
In a press briefing at the International
Media Center, Department of Health
(DOH) Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go
said that mental health is a neglected
condition which has an impact on a developed
economy.
He said there are assessments conducted
about mental health not only in the Philippines
but among the member economies.
“Work pressures, stress, anxiety
affect ability to have income,” Go said, adding
that there are many institutions not capable of
handling mental sickness.
APEC is looking at a greater recognition
of mental health as a serious issue, according
to Peter Sheehan, Research Director of The
Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies
Australia.
“The cost of incidents and future
prevalence of non communicable diseases
and mental health is 5 to 6 percent of the
Philippines Gross Domestic Product (GDP),”
Sheehan said.
DOH Secretary Janette Garin, in her
keynote speech during the 5th APEC High
Level Meeting on Health and Economy, said
that mental illness is now considered as a
chronic disease.
She said that mental and physical
well-being are now equal partners.
“Many mental illnesses can be prevented
and all can be treated allowing a culture of
mental wellness to emerge and flourish,” Garin
said.
The Philippines, she said, is taking a
leadership role this year in the promotion of
mental well-being.
In the August 25 meeting in Manila, the
needs and priorities of economies were
assessed and it paved the way for the launch of
a digital hub which will promote innovative
collaborations between governments, academe
and private sector.
“More people are forced to retire early
because of ill health, the economy will become
less productive,“ Garin said.
There are 87 APEC meetings held in
Cebu.
As of August 30, 2015 there are more
than 1,500 delegates from the 21 member
economies. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
Ferliza Calizar-Contratista
CEBU City, September 2 (PIA) -- Four designer-makers from Cebu‘s crafts and furniture scene are now in Chiang Mai,
Thailand to represent the Creative Cebu Council in the ―Craft Connect! Project‖ First Workshop on Design and Marketing for
the Crafts and Furniture Industries in Southeast Asia from August 31 to September 4, 2015.
Four Cebu designers in Thailand creative workshop
T his after the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI)-Cebu successfully
held the Southeast Asian Creative
Cities (SEACCN) Forum in Cebu City last
June 25 to 26, 2015, according to Provincial
Director Nelia Navarro in a press statement.
Navarro bared that the designer-craft
makers from Cebu are Karla Maria Ana (Kae)
Batiquin, Manager at the Holistic Coalition of
the Willing (HoliCOW) and Design Ventures
Cebu; Anya Lim, Co-Founder and Managing
Director of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery; Koh
Martinez Onozawa, President/CEO and
Co-founder of Loudbasstard, Inc.; and Neil
Felipp San Pedro, Creative Director of Neil
Felipp.
The “Craft Connect” is a project
supported by the German Government via the
German International Cooperation (GIZ) to
promote collaboration, design development
and innovation among ASEAN crafts, furnitures
and decorative items makers/designers, said
Navarro.
Over the four month-period, the
invited designers, furniture makers, and craft
makers from Chiang Mai, Cebu, and other
cities in Southeast Asia will be working
together and exchange ideas to help promote
innovation and technology in ASEAN
countries.
Other project partners and supporters
include the handmade-chiangmai partners
(NOHMEX, CAMT, and the British Council),
the TCDC (Chiang Mai Branch) and the DITP
(Chiang Mai), as well as the partners of the
Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network
(www.seaccn.com), particularly the Creative
Cebu Council and DTU in Cebu.
Navarro added that on November
2015, Cebu will take the turn in hosting the
Second Workshop of the Craft Connect
Project, which will invite more local designers
and craft makers from Cebu along with
other designers, craft makers and furniture
makers in Chiang Mai and other Southeast
Asian Creative cities (Cebu, Bandung, Penang,
Chiang Mai). (rmn, jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with DTI7
report)
Juju M. Empuerto
CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555
CEBU CITY, September 1 (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) here reported that no APEC-related incidents were
reported since the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Cebu started this month.
No security threat, APEC-related crime reported in Cebu - PNP
P olice Superintendent Rey Lyndon
Lawas, spokesperson for Site Task
Group Cebu, said in yesterday's
briefing that there has been no reports of
crimes related to APEC.
“For the first week of August, there is
a decrease in crimes by six percent because
there are more policemen deployed out in the
field,” Lawas said.
Lawas said there has been no identified
security threats so far, but they are
continuously levelling up security measures
especially with more delegates expected to
come in the province until September 11.
“The peace and order is not only
attributed to the participation of all the
government agencies but also the
involvement of the community as a whole,”
Lawas said.
Lawas said there are so far, there
have been 1,492 delegates that arrived in Cebu
for the Apec meetings , of which more than
300 are local and more than 1,000 are
foreigners.
On the other hand, Lawas said they also
welcome any investigation to be conducted on
the allowance of the policemen detailed to
secure APEC meetings here.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV in his recent
visit to Cebu said he will call for an
investigation on the alleged discrepancy in the
allowance and benefits to the assigned
policemen.
“We understand the intentions of the
good senator and we are ready to answer
questions if need be, we are ready with the
documents,” Lawas said.
There are 3,000 policemen deployed in
Central Visayas and nearby regions for the
holding of the APEC meetings in Cebu.
The meetings will run from August 22
until September 11. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
Ferliza Calizar-Contratista
CEBU CITY, September 1 (PIA) — Cebuanos can now get a glimpse of what the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) is
all about with the opening of the Activity Center at the Capitol today.
C ebu Provincial Information Officer Ethel
Natera said the APEC Activity Center
is also open to media and bloggers who
were not able to obtain an accreditation at the
APEC International Media Center.
But more importantly, students, clubs,
civic and other non government organizations,
even those from the government, can drop by
and be able to get an idea or inputs on what
APEC is all about.
“This will be an avenue where we can help
each other in explaining APEC in layman’s
terms,” Natera said.
The Activity Center which is at the
Dignitaries Hall of the Cebu Provincial Capi-
tol will live stream some of the meetings
conducted during the day.
In today’s launching, Lito Maderazo of the
APEC Regional Operations Committee (ROC)
likened APEC to a neighbourhood scenario.
“You have to talk about traffic, about
health, about peace and order. In APEC, the
member-economies will talk about how to
easily transfer goods and services to
each other,” Maderazo said.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Regional Director Asteria Caberte emphasized
that APEC has a direct impact on the Micro
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
She said the furnitures and fixtures at the
Mactan International Airport and in the hotels
where the delegates meet and are billeted
were sourced from the local MSMEs.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional
Director Rowena Montecillo said the hotels
are hiring additional workforce even on
a temporary basis just for APEC.
Assistant Secretary Lito Nadal
encouraged the Cebuanos to put their best
foot forward.
“This is about Cebuanos owning APEC,
we need to show how hospitable the
Cebuanos are,” Nadal said.
APEC is now on its 10th day in Cebu
province. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
APEC Activity Center opens at Capitol
Ferliza Calizar-Contratista
NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 2 (PIA) – The province's current peace and order situation has helped the province achieve a
vibrant economy.
NegOr‘s peace and order situation leads to vibrant economy
N egros Or ienta l Gov . Roe l
Degamo said this in his message
before employees of the provincial
government as well as officers of the provincial
police office during the flag-raising ceremony
held yesterday at Freedom Park, Capitol Area,
Dumaguete City.
The flag-raising ceremony is the
kick-off activity for the celebration of
the National Consciousness Month this
September.
“Our economy became vibrant. A
lot of investors have put their confidence
in the province because we already
addressed peace and order (issues),” Degamo
stressed.
To recall, Negros Oriental has been
declared as a conflict-manageable and
development-ready province in 2014.
This means that the insurgency level in
the province is at manageable level and it no
longer poses a threat to the development of
the province.
Gov. Degamo said this achievement is
attributed to the collaborative efforts of
various stakeholders and by the means of
providing government services to the people in
the hinterlands and in the conflict areas.
Aside from Degamo, heads from different
law enforcement agencies also gave messages
for the observance of the National Peace
Consciousness Month.
Sr. Supt. Dionardo Carlos, officer in
charge and chief of the provincial police office,
encouraged everyone to do their share in
preserving, protecting, pursuing, and promoting
lasting peace.
Meanwhile , Col. Al lan Mart in ,
Commander of the 303nd Infantry Brigade of
the Philippine Army based here, said he is
hoping that province would no longer
celebrate Peace Month because everything is
already peaceful.
This year’s Peace Consciousness Month
carries the theme “Sama-samang Isulong,
Panatilihin at Pag-igtingin ang Kapayapaan sa
Ating Inang Bayan.”
Activities for this month’s celebration
include Run for Peace, Peace Forum,
Art Exhibit for Peace and a motorcade. (rmn/
ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666
Bigger cruise ship to visit Limasawa in
March next year
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- Inspired by the positive feedback of the first cruise ship that docked in
Limasawa in February this year, another one will be coming, this time a bigger one, and it will be in mid-March next year.
T his was announced by Nedgar
Garvez, Provincial Tourism Officer,
during the Action Center cable TV
program Tuesday.
The upcoming tour will have another set
of passengers, mostly moneyed, retired
foreigners, males and females, who enjoy
travelling by ship to select tourism sites in
many parts of the world.
In February 23, a cruise ship with around
100 passengers landed in Limasawa island,
virtually recreating a scene nearly 500 years
ago when the natives first made contacts with
travelling Europeans led by Ferdinand Magellan,
a Portuguese navigator under the services of
Spain.
But while Magellan and his men were
looking for famed islands in the orient that
were rich in spices -- and introduced a new
faith in the process -- the visiting foreigners in
February 23 simply relished every moment of
their fleeting stay in the island.
Garvez recalled that the guests broke
agreed guidelines for their interaction
with the townfolks of Limasawa, preferring
instead a free-wheeling mingle, such as
eating the prepared meals by hand, strolling
around freely, dancing the beat of the
Sinugdan tune, and stayed longer than the
allowed time.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) was
the agency arranging with cruise ship travels in
their destinations anywhere in the Philippines,
in coordination with the concerned local
government units of towns and provinces
where the tourists are expected to land.
Next year’s schedule, March 12, barring
unforeseen obstacles, is timed on the month in
which Magellan’s fleet celebrated Mass in the
shore of Limasawa, the day being an Easter
Sunday, on March 31, 1521, and accounts in
history books said it was the First Mass ever
celebrated on land in the Philippines.
Garvez said it was just fine that the
second cruise ship visit was set weeks earlier
that the First Mass anniversary so as not to
disturb the religious significance of the
event. (ajc/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
MARCELO M. PEDALINO
NCCA continues to give grants to deserving arts and cultural projects
E ncouraging artistic creation, the lead
national agency for arts and culture is
now accepting proposals for projects
to be implemented in 2016. This year, it is also
looking for implementers of projects which
have been conceptualized by the agency.
For 2016, the NCCA is providing venues
for the different regions to articulate their local
culture and development concerns which the
different programs and projects shall address.
In Catbalogan, the NCCA team composed
of Jayson Conda, Maritess Pitalbo, Henry
Kangleon and Anne Cabrera met the press at
the M Grand Royale Resort to seek their
assistance in disseminating the information as
regards the submission of project proposals.
The NCCA has set two categories of
proposals. Category A includes projects which
have been conceptualized during the various
levels of planning workshops by its various
national committees following the identified
needs of the locality and where specific outputs
and deliverables had been defined.
Projects in this category will have three or
more component activities. Proponents
interested to implement projects under this
category may submit a letter of intent.
On the other hand, Category B calls for
project proposals conceptualized by
proponents with due consideration to the
important concerns cited in the project brief
and aligned to the identified NCCA priorities
and outcomes. Interested proponents may
submit a project proposal. Project briefs as
well as guidelines and requirements can be
viewed and downloaded at the NCCA Web
site (www.ncca.gov.ph, http://ncca.gov.ph/about
-ncca-3/grants-program)
Deadline of submissions of letters of
intent and proposals is on September 30,
2015. It must be submitted to the Planning,
Policy Formulation and Programming Division
(PPFPD) led by its division chief, Ms. Marichu
Tellano, at Room 5-A, fifth floor, NCCA
Building, 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros,
Manila. It may also be submitted via email to
n c c a . l u z o n @ g m a i l . c o m ( f o r
Luzon); [email protected] (for the
Visayas); [email protected](for
Mindanao); and [email protected] (for
NCR).
For inquiries on the NCCA Grants
Programs, contact P/PFPD through direct
line 5272-214, trunkline no. 5272192, email
add [email protected], [email protected],
or [email protected]. (PIA 8-Samar with
NCCA PR)
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, September 3 (PIA) -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its
chairman Felipe M. de Leon Jr. and OIC-executive director Adelina M. Suemith, continues to fulfill its mandate of preserving,
developing and promoting Philippine arts and culture by giving grants to deserving arts and cultural projects.
23 DPWH-Southern Leyte employees tested positive on illegal drugs
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept. 1 (PIA) – An office-wide surprise random drug test was conducted to all budgetary and
Job Order field and office personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte Engineering Office
D PWH-SLEO District Engineer
Margarita Junia said that the activity
was planned and organized in
coordination with the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) and administered by a
Department of Health (DOH)-accredited
laboratory.
“The purpose of the random drug testing
is to cleanse the organization,” Junia
quoted. She believes that healthy-bodied and
healthy-minded personnel can satisfactorily
perform their duties and responsibilities which
forms an integral part of achieving the
department mandates, she added.
The activity was conducted right after the
flag raising ceremony. The employees were
directed to proceed to the function hall where
the drug testing took place. More than 300
personnel went through the drug test, the
source said.
Earlier, the lady district engineer pushed
for a mandatory drug testing after agents of the
Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDEA)
caught a DPWH-SLED regular employee for
illegal drugs trade last March this year.
The suspect alleged that drugs he
traded were intended for government
engineers.
“The suspect’s claim is alarming because it
brought shame to the whole organization,”
Junia said.
The surprise drug test found 23 DPWH
employees positive of drugs. Though a
confirmatory test is still sought and
what ac t ion to take w i th the
sa id employees who were found
positive is still being studied Junia
revealed.
The mandatory drug test is part of
DPWH-SLED’s drive to increase awareness on
the harmful effects and dangers of drug use/
abuse in workplaces. (jrc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
MA. REBECCA G. CADAVOS
EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777
EV PNP celebrates 114th Police Service Anniv
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 27(PIA) – PNP Chief Police Director General Ricardo C. Marquez visited the region yesterday
to join the celebration of the 114th Police Service Anniversary anchored on the theme ―Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa
Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas‖.
M arquez was accompanied by his wife
Luz Marquez; PNP Center for
Police Strategy Management
(CPSM) Director Police Chief Superintendent
Noel A Baraceros and Police Chief
Superintendent Rolando Ualat, DIPO-Visayas.
Likewise, Major General Jet Velarmino,
Commanding General of the 8th Infantry
Division, Philippine Army, heads of national
government agencies, local chief executives,
bus ines s leaders , non -government
organizations, private sector also joined in the
celebration.
In his message, Marquez commended his
men led by Police Chief Superintendent Asher
A. Dolina for the efforts made that have been
instrumental in helping the PNP organization in
the fulfillment of its mission. “I am pleased to
join today as we celebrate and pay tribute to
the 114 years of experienced service rendered by the gallant men and women of our
organization,” Marquez said.
As he commended his men, he expressed
commitment to serve the community and the
whole country with a hope that his men will
also be committed. The PNP official came not
only to thank and congratulate his men for the
accomplishments done particularly during the
Papal visit but also to ask each and every one
to rally the leadership of the organization and
to cross ranks so that they can better perform
their functions such as serving the community,
building state neighborhood and help
contribute in nation building.
This year’s celebration was highlighted by
the giving of awards and commendations to
deserving PNP personnel and units for service
excellence and exemplary performance.
Police Regional Office 8 bagged the Best
Performing Regional Office. Other unit award-
ees are the Tanauan Municipal Police Office for
the Achievement Award on the arrest
of Most Wanted Person and Malitbog Munici-
pal Police Station on the Achievement Award for the Solution of Sensational Criminal Case.
Meanwhile, Leyte Police Provincial Office
got two special unit awards namely the
Recognition for the Unit with the Most
Number of Firearms Accounted and the
Recognition for the Unit with Notable
Accomplishment in the Campaign Against
Illegal Drugs.
For individual awardees, two policemen
received the Achievement Award in the Field
of Police Operations namely Police Inspector
Benjamen B. Lodo Jr. for the Police
Commissioned Officer Level and PO3 Arvin M.
Caberte for Police Non-Commissioned Officer
Level while PO3 Allan D. Guimbaolibot got the
Achievement Award in the Field of Intelligence
and NUP Maria Edna A. Sande for the
Achievement Award in the Field of General
Support. Other Awardees are the Municipality
of Palo, Leyte as Outstanding Local
Government Unit of the Year and
PARDSS-Tacloban Command as Outstanding
Non-Government Organization of the
Year. In said celebration, PDG Marquez likewise turned over patrol cars to Police
Regional Office to be used in patrol operations.
(fej/cba/PIA-8)
2nd leg of RDC VIII peace and development caravan
CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept. 3 (PIA) - The Province of Northern Samar hosted the second leg of the Regional
Development Council VIII peace and development caravan in Las Navas, Northern Samar on September 1.
T he activity involves the conduct of
series of service missions of key
government services to conflict
vulnerable areas in the three Samar provinces
which aimed to bring government closer to the
people and help regain people’s trust and
confidence. Likewise the said activity served as
a platform for information campaign to
present the government programs, projects
and activities through the conduct of
consultations and dialogues.
As a manifestation of sincere commitment to
the government’s anti-insurgency campaign the
different line agencies such as OPPAP, DTI,
DepEd, DPWH, DAR, DENR, DA, DOST,
DOLE, TESDA,DILG, DSWD, DOH, FIDA,
DBM, NEDA, 803rd Birgade, 20th IB, and the
department heads and staff of the Provincial
Government were there to extend their
programs and services for development . (jrc/
tbc/PIA8-North Samar)
TERESITA B. CARDENAS
‗Bahandi‘ 2015 trade fair is back
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, September 1 (PIA) – ―Binagol,‖ ―moron,‖ ―sagmani,‖ and ―suman balintawak,‖ are only some of
the delicacies from the eastern part of the Visayas that will be showcased during the Bahandi 2015 Eastern Visayas Regional
Trade Fair on September 2 to September 6 at SM Megamall, Megatrade Hall 2, Mandaluyong City.
T his was announced by Regional
Director Cynthia R. Nierras of the
Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) during the recent Kapihan ha PIA dubbed
“Panginsayod” who said that after more than a
year of recovery and rehabilitation efforts, the
participating Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs) have started to rebuild their
enterprises towards expanded economic a
ctivity.
“We are happy that we are back in
Bahandi 2015 in Manila. This is also a result of
the assistance that we have been giving to
Yolanda-affected MSMEs for the past two
years,” Director Nierras said. The five-day
trade fair is expected to generate some
P13 million sales from 88 participating SMEs in
the region that will showcase products such as
processed food items, decors, handicrafts,
furniture, furnishings, fashion accessories as
well as tourism destinations. "When you buy
from Region 8, you are helping the 'Yolanda'
victims recover," she said.
Nierras even made special mention to the
“suman balintawak” of Naval, Biliran who told
the media that no less than DTI secretary
Gregory Domingo said it was the “best suman”
he ever tasted during the Bahandai 2012.
With the theme, “Products crafted with
hope and determination; moving forward and
beyond super typhoon Yolanda,” the holding of
Bahandi 2015 shows also their perseverance
and hope to bring out the message that they
are back into business, she said.
“This is also a venue to recognize the
programs of interventions and assistance
provided by the government and international
and local non-government organizations to
Yolanda-affected SMEs to build back better
their businesses aimed also at helping not only
the producers but also the people dependent
in them like the suppliers of raw materials as
well as the workers to get back also to their
source of income.” This year’s Bahandi, which
means treasure and wealth, is supported by the
United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) and the Regional
Development Council 8. (jrc/ldl/PIA-8)
NEIL D. LOPIDO
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.
One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail [email protected].
Editorial Consultants
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Alicia E. Nicart
Regional Director, PIA 7 Regional Director, PIA6 Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor
Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.
Contributors
All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8
Production and Layout
Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado
Regional Offices:
PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]
PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]
PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]