One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 45
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Transcript of One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 45
Vol 5 Issue 45 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 November 9 - 15, 2015
In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue DPWH highlights APEC-related infra projects
DOLE opens JobStart in D‘gte City
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
Tacloban Mayor thanks nat‘l gov‘t for Yolanda help
NEIL D. LOPIDO
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 12 (PIA) – Taclobanons and attendees responded with a resounding applause
when Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez thanked the national government in his reconciliatory message during
the commemorative program on the second year of Yolanda Memorial.
―In behalf of the city of Tacloban, we would like to thank the national leadership including our President, for all the help
given to Tacloban,‖ Mayor Romualdez said. Romualdez has been criticizing publicly the rehabilitation
and recovery efforts of the national government in Tacloban for the past two years but said recently that it did not mean
he was ungrateful for all the help that were poured in to Tacloban.
―Minsan po nakakapagsalita kami ng mga maaanghang na salita pero at no given time were we ungrateful for all
the help that was given to us. Pasensya nalang po kung nakakapagsalita kami ng mga maaanghang dahil kami‘y tao
lamang at kami po‘y labis na nasaktan dahil masakit talaga ang nangyari sa amin,‖ he said.
Meanwhile, in his homily, Bishop Filomeno Bactol said
that ―concentrating so much on our pains can turn our hearts harder like stones, but suffering can be an opportunity not only
because good can come from it but also because our pain can bring us closer to Him.‖
Romualdez, who led the ceremonial unveiling of the Astrodome Memorial, thanked everyone, called for unity, and
reassured to continue to fight for a strong and resilient Taclobanons.
―Let this memorial be a symbol to all the leaders of the world, let us work hard for the future for the next
generation and let‘s always remind ourselves that in times of desperation we have our duty not only to our people but to
God, to always bring out the best in us and always love one another.‖
Other commemorative activities held during the second year anniversary of Yolanda include the unveiling of the
Shipwreck Memorial in Anibong, commemorative walk, commemorative tablet unveiling at the DZR airport, Holy Mass
and blessing of the graves of Yolanda victims at the Holy Cross memorial in Brgy. Basper and candlelight memorial. (aen/PIA-8)
By Leonard T. Pineda I
ILOILO CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA6) --- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-6 highlighted several
infrastructure projects here which contributed to Iloilo City‘s successful hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) meetings in September and October. The Iloilo Convention Center (ICON), which served as
the venue for the APEC ministerial and side meetings, is the only stand-alone convention center within the Iloilo Business
Park in Iloilo City‘s Mandurriao district. The P700-million worth edifice is part of the effort to
ensure the development and promotion of tourism particularly in the city and province of Iloilo, in Region 6 and the other
Visayas provinces. The ICON aims to draw local and international guests
for large-scale conventions and other important events and put the country on the business tourism map.
The Sen. Benigno Aquino (SBA), Jr. Avenue project, which spans 15.60 kilometers from Jct. General Luna Street,
Iloilo City up to the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town, involved the widening of the concrete pavement in both
directions to expand to an eight-lane carriageway from the original six lanes.
The project also included the provision of bicycle/walk lanes, a two-lane service road, sidewalks, and drainage system.
The Dungon Bridge project, along Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. Avenue, is a component of the improvement/widening of
Iloilo-Jaro Diversion Road which is aimed to reduce traffic congestion.
This bridge project has provided a smooth access to the
new Iloilo International Airport and the rising Iloilo Business
Park being developed by Megaworld. The construction of Iloilo International Airport
Service Road in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara here provided unhampered flow of vehicles going in and out of the airport,
thereby ensuring smooth access to the New Iloilo International Airport.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Muelle Loney Bridge project, also known as Drilon Bridge located along Iloilo City-Lapuz Road
over Iloilo River, will provide additional access to the new Iloilo Ferry Terminal, making it more accessible to its
users. The project will also help decongest traffic along the
North Marginal Wharf Road, the only access road to the ferry terminal at present. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Also CLICK Here…
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
Leandria P. Pagunsan
DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA)—JobStart Philippines in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) Asian Development Bank (ADB), Government of Canada and the local government of Dumaguete City
through the Public Employment Service Office PESO) launched recently JobStart Phils at the Manhattan Suites Inn, Dumaguete
City. JobStart Phils rolled out the selection criteria in choosing
the regions with high unemployment and underemployment rates, presence of business establishments that provide
potential employment for the youth, must have an institutionalized PESO that will make JobStart as a priority
program, and commitment of Local Government Executives to support the program.
Director Dominique Rubia-Tutay of the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) said that JobStart is for young people
who are 18-24 years old, at least high school graduate, no job
experience or have no more than one year of experience and currently not employed or not enrolled in school or in any
training. Tutay further said JobStart aims to establish a modern
full-cycle employment services at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Dumaguete City, Maria Socorro Mira said that at least 8
employers signified to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DOLE-BLE for 100 JobStarters in Dumaguete
City. Though, employment situation in the country is
improving and to avoid job mismatch, Tutay said the jobStart program will help identify the right labor market and skills of
jobseekers in their respective locality. (mbcn/lpp/PIA7/Negros Oriental)
WESTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Private-Public Partnership: Provincial Planning
and Development Coordinator Julie Cepe
lauds the participation of Civil Society
Organizations (CSO) in local governance at a
Stakeholders Forum held to culminate the
project 'Strengthening Social Accountability
Mechanism in Local Governance in Antique', a
partnership project of Antique Federation on
Non-Government Organizations and European
Union. The 4-year project started in 2012,
covering nine towns namely San Remigio,
Laua-an, Valderrama, Barbaza, Bugasong,
Patnongon, Tibiao, Culasi and Hamtic. (PSM/
PIA6 Antique)
A press conference was held November 10 at
Radisson Blu Hotel with ( l-r) Philippine Ports
Authority General Manager Juan C. Sta Ana,
APEC Port Services Network (APSN)
President Tim Meisner, and Secretary General
Fei Weijun on Improving Port and Supply
Chain Connectivity after the Council meeting
and Workshop of APSN. (vvv/PIA Cebu)
Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez and wife,
Councilor Cristina Romualdez led recently the
unveiling of the Astrodome Memorial.
Tacloban City Astrodome housed the most
number of evacuees in Tacloban when super
typhoon Yolanda devastated the city and
Eastern Visayas two years ago. (PIA-8)
After the APEC meetings, the ICON will serve as venue for other big
conventions and major events until the end of this year, part of Iloilo’s
sustained drive to boost the local tourism sector. (PIA-6)
WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222
Yolanda victims assured of quality houses
By Elsa S. Subong
ILOILO CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA6) — The Iloilo Provincial Government assured that it has facilitated building and resettlement of
quality houses for Yolanda victims in Iloilo.
D r . Rau l Ban i a s , p rov i n c i a l
administrator made the assurance
in a radio interview, as the
province remembered the second anniversary
of the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda in
2013.
Banias said that through the
Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery
Program, the province received about
P26 billion for the building of some 42,000
houses.
The building and resettlement was
easier in towns where the local
government units had lots available or acquired
right away.
―The delay was due to problems in land
acquisition for resettlement,‖ Banias said,
adding that there are lots of clearances needed
for the acquisition of lots.e
―This is true for beneficiaries in the
‗no-build zone‘ that had to be relocated to a
safer area,‖ he further said.
Banias said the housing project was
not just for northern Iloilo but about 80
percent are in the fifth district hardest-hit by
Yolanda.
The towns of Dumangas, Banate, Passi,
San Enrique and Calinog also benefitted.
He revealed that the provincial
government has received housing assistance
from non-government organizations, civil
society groups and foreign governments,
like the British Red Cross, which turned
over 500 houses in Ajuy, Balasan, and San
Dionisio.
The Ayala Foundation has also
turned over permanent typhoon-resilient
houses in Estancia, while SM Cares
turned over the same in the town of
Concepcion.
Meanwhile, the National Housing
Authority said it has constructed
more or less 5 ,000 houses in
identified Yolanda-hit areas in Iloilo. (JCM/ESS/
PIA-Iloilo)
Social accountability boosts CSOs participation in local governance
SAN JOSE, Antique, Nov. 9 (PIA6) - - The social accountability mechanism crafted by the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
in partnership with Antique Federation on Non-government Organizations (AFON) and European Union has gained positive
results toward CSOs participation in Local Governance.
I n a f o r u m a t t e n d e d b y
stakeholders, Marilou Llavan,
Chair of the Board of AFON at
the same time Program Director of
the Antique Human Development
Program said the project ‗Strengthening
Social Accountability Mechanisms in
Local Governance‘ has enhanced
meaningful participation of CSOs
in the undertakings of the local
government.
T h e t h r e e - y e a r p r o j e c t
that commenced in 2012 has given
AFON and its member NGOs, Civil
Soc ie t y groups and peop le ‘ s
organizations capabi l ity building
activities and the opportunity to take
part in the affairs of the LGUs as
provided for under the Local Government
Code.
The nine towns involved in this
project are San Remigio, Laua-an,
Valderrama, Barbaza, Bugasong,
Patnongon, Tibiao, Culasi and Hamtic.
In a report, CSO‘s accreditation to
local special bodies in all towns have
increased from 178 in 2012 to 230 CSOs
in 2015. CSO‘s participation to local
development councils and local special
bodies is also a strategy to present the
needs of the grassroots/marginalized
sectors.
Particularly mentioned was the active
involvement of CSOs in the formulation of
Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan and
Bottoms Up Budgeting or BUB in their
respective municipalities.
Likewise, Provincial Planning and
Development Coordinator Julie Cepe
lauded the empowerment made by the
project to people‘s organizations in
lobbying for their needs to be included in
the local development and investment
programs.
AFON member NGOs involved in
this project are Antique Development
Foundation, Antique Human Development
Program, Antique Federation of
Cooperatives, Hantique Igkabuhi
Center-Hublag Evelio and PROCESS
Foundation. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
By Pilar S. Mabaquiao
PEMO: State of wildlife in Neg.Occ. is ‗in-between‘
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Nov. 10 (PIA6) - - Provincial Environment Management Officer lawyer Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa said
the state of the wildlife in the province is ―in-between‖.
P eñalosa said this in an interview after
the opening of the 11th Provincial
Wildlife Month Photo Exhibit at the
3rd Floor of the Robinsons Place Bacolod
which will run until November 15.
―There are parts that the biodiversity is
increasing while there are certain parts that it
is decreasing rapidly especially at the North
Negros Natural Park where most of the
photos used in the exhibit were taken,‖
Peñalosa said.
In the 80,000-hectare NNNP, according
to Peñalosa, there are areas that are very
strong in protecting the forest cover while, he
admits there are also areas that weak in
protection.
―The state now is 'in-between' and
so we need to balance the trend if not increase
biodiversity,‖ Peñalosa added.
According to Peñalosa, the 11th Wildlife
Month celebration is trying to involved as many
stakeholders as possible to save what is
endangered and protect what we have by
getting as many people involved.
The Photo Exhibit showcased works of
amateur to professional photographers, locals
to foreigners as well as volunteers of
Non-Government Organizations, bank
managers and pilots.
―We placed the photo exhibit inside the
mall because people go to the mall.
The photo exhibit is here because we
want to show people that anybody who has
the eye and the heart for nature can show and
tell a story on what it is all about,‖ Peñalosa
added.
The celebration‘s theme is ―Preventing
Extinction through Wildlife Education and
Awareness‖.
―I call on the Negrenses to be
involved especially in protecting the
environment.
Practical things can be done to
contribute to the change, small little things
for the environment can have multiplier
effect and the impact will be great,‖
Peñalosa added. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros
Occidental)
By Easter Anne D. Doza
WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 11 (PIA6) – Police officers are currently undergoing an intensive training to enhance their capability
and skills on investigation.
C apiz Police Provincial Director Robert
Rodriguez said that a total of 75 police
officers in Capiz are taking the 32-day
Criminal Investigation Course to improve their
investigation capabilities.
The police officers come from the
different municipal and city police stations
including those from the Capiz Police
Provincial Office here.
Rodriguez said that one of the priorities
of the Philippine National Police is to improve
the investigative skills and capabilities of the
police officers in order to attain the
highest degree of professionalism among all
PNP investigators.
In a message of PNP Regional
director Bernardo Diaz read by Regional
Investigation & Detection Management
Division Assistant Chief Jomil John Trio
during the recent opening ceremony here,
he s tres sed the impor tance o f
knowledge and skills in doing investigation
report.
The criminal investigation course is
being handled by the personnel from the PNP
Regional Office 6 and Capiz PPO. (JCM/CPPO/
JBG-PIA6)
Training for 75 police investigators on
Jemin B. Guillermo
KALIBO, AKLAN, Nov. 8 (PIA6) – The Philippines is ready to protect its consumers towards a single market by the end of 2015.
I n a press conference dubbed ―DTI
meets the media on Consumerism‖ held
recently at Hernani‘s Mix ‗n Match,
Kalibo, Aklan, Ronald Calderon, Trade Industry
Development Specialist of Consumer
Protection Advocacy Bureau, said that
Philippines is ready for the full implementation
of consumer protection in ASEAN Economic
Community by end of 2015.
―To be ready for the full implementation
of consumer protection in the integrated
market, there are three things that are need to
be doneby the ASEANMember States (AMS),‖
Calderon said.
To be ready for AEC 2015 in consumer
protection, the AMS should strengthen the
consumer protection in ASEAN through
establishment of the ASEAN Committee on
Consumer Protection (ACCP)
Recently, an ACCP meeting was held in
Jakarta, Indonesia, which the Philippines had
attended.
Calderon also said that AMS should
establish network of consumer protection
agencies to facilitate information sharing and
exchange.
In the Philippines, the Department of
Trade and Industry is the Focal Agency and the
country has been doing it since 2011.
The third requirement Calderon stated
was the ACCP should organize regional
training courses for consumer protection for
officials and leaders in preparation for the
integrated ASEAN market.
―Our country participates in the capability
building yearly and actually just last year I
attended the training in Vietnam,‖ Calderon
added.
The Philippines, according to Calderon,
had already met the aforesaid three
requirements making the country ready for
implementation.
―Our country has accomplished the
three objectives already, and having so,
I can say that we are ready in the AEC in
the aspect of consumer protection by the
end of 2015,‖ Calderon said. (JSC/SQP-PIA6
Aklan)
PHL set for AEC consumer protection
implementation
By Sheila Q. Patoza
ILOILO CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA6) - - The tourism industry of the island province of Guimaras has been flourishing for the past
three years.
Guimaras tourism industry thriving
By Lilibeth A. French
I n his State of the Province Address
(SOPA), Governor Samuel Gumarin
reported that tourist arrivals in the
province increased by 15.51 percent from 63,
921 in 2013 to 73, 833 in 2014 generating an
income of P1.2 billion which was spread among
various tourism stakeholders.
Just this year, from April 10 to May 22,
the province‘s Manggahan Festival and the
Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan recorded a total
of 55, 029 visitors‘ arrival bringing in tourism
receipts amounting to P27.5 million.
Correspondingly, the total gross sales of
the Manggahan Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair
rose from P7.3 million in 2014 against P10.7
million this year. In 2012, the fair‘s recorded
gross sales was P6.9 million and in 2013 some
P4.7 million.
Gumarin said the province remains
focused on improving its tourism industry, one of its major economic drivers, and in its bid to
become the agri-tourism capital of Western
Visayas.
Some of the recent initiatives undertaken
by the provincial government to boost the
industry include bringing its biggest
festival, Manggahan Festival, to the five
municipalities of the province starting last
year.
In the third quarter of this year, seven
hotels in the island were accredited by the
Department of Tourism.
Roads leading to the recognized
tourism sites in the province were also
improved.
―And with the equally strong leadership of
Congressman JC Rahman Nava, through the
Department of Public Works and Highways,
most of our national roads are now concretely
paved and will be 100% functional by 2016,‖
said Gumarin.
Activities were also implemented to
help improve the competitiveness and
sustainability of Guimaras economy through
the Guimaras Investment Code, its
Implementing Rules and Regulations, technical
assistance and capacity enhancement, and scaled up market linkages which resulted to
more than 600% increase from its 2013
recorded investments.
The primary investors were the Trans
Asia Renewable Energy Corporation with their
wind farm in San Lorenzo and the gasoline
stations in the five municipalities.
There were also 2,182 registered
businesses including 329 new enterprises.
Gumarin said the province also has helped
local entrepreneurs to participate in 13 trade
fairs nationwide to showcase their locally made
products which generated total gross sales of
P2.8 million.
Recognizing its strong commitment to a
holistic eceonomic development, the
Department of Labor and Employment has
declared the province as a Labor Law
Compliant Tourist Destination. Certificates of
Compliance on Labor Standards and
Occupational Safety and Health Services were
also awarded to its five municipalities.
The Association of Tourism Officers of
the Philippines (ATOP) also cited two projects
of Guimaras during its recent 16th National
Convention in Davao City. Awarded 1st
runners-up were the Bike Paradise of the Philippines Project for Best Tourism Event
(Adventure Category) and Barangay San
Roque Community-Based Rural Tourism
(CBRT) Suba Malawig Eco-Tour project
for the Community-Based Responsible
Tourism-Enterprise Category. (JCM/LAF/
PIA6-Iloilo)
CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444
BOHOL, Nov. 6 (PIA) – Environmental activists and members of the Bohol Nature Conservation Society (BONACONSO)
calls for accountability and responsibility from concerned agencies on the issues of environmental violations from resort
establishments along the foreshores of Tagbilaran Channel.
Activist calls for accountability on foreshore violations
I n a r e c e n t K a p a i h a n s a
PIA, environmental act iv ist Pat
Ruiz pointed out that the gross
violations along the foreshores of Tagbilaran
Channel should have been acted long
ago. Ruiz alleged that the environment
department in Bohol is shuffling its feet.
Ruiz said, "We have already sent our
letter of opposition to the ongoing reclamation
projects by establishments in Tagbilaran
years back."
Its opposition however, did not merit
any response from the mandated
agency. Ruiz along with another city
resident Zen Darunday pointed out that every
delayed action means more and more
violations.
BONACONSO a lso wants to
exact responsibility from the environmental
abuse for the widening reclamation that would
soon close the public access to recreational
and livelihood areas in shorelines.
In 2012 BONACONSO, along with the
DENR and some interest environment groups,
non-government organizations and some
private citizens conducted a delineation
survey and found that about 22.02% of the
entire foreshore areas have been reclaimed
that amounted to 8.369 hectares, Ruiz pointed
out.
The subject reclamations then were all
applied for permits but the nature conservation
society members cited gross violations in the
actual reclamation from the applied area.
When the Alturas Group of Companies
applied for .398 hectares then, it has now
reclaimed about .5 hectares already, according
to Ruiz.
She also named Bohol Quality
Corporation that applied for 2.327 hectares
but actually dumped wider with 5.6 hectares of
reclaimed land.
This year, the group that came to the
Kapihan urged government to help them do
another survey, considering that they have
noticed more blatant violations, which can be
considered bad precedent.
―Where are the environment perspectives
of our leaders, why have they not acted on
these [violations], Ruiz asked and pleaded for
local government units to look at the
environment vis a vis development so as not to
deprive the next generations to come. (mbcn/
rahc/PIA7-Bohol)
Rey Anthony H. Chiu
CEBU CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) – The province of Cebu did well in its rehabilitation efforts after being wrecked by typhoon Yolanda
two years ago.
Cebu Capitol commemorates Yolanda
anniversary
C ebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale in
her opening remarks during the Yolanda
Commemoration at the Provincial Capitol
said Cebu had succeeded after being wrecked by
the typhoon.
―Cebu did very well in coping,‖ Magpale
said.
When asked whether it is right to
commemorate a catastrophe, Magpale answered
"Yes we will commemorate a catastrophe because
from there we knew strength, we gained friends
and we learned from our mistakes.‖
Ten national government agencies including
the Cebu Province took turns reporting
accomplishments and issues encountered in the
rehabilitation of the 16 affected local government
units. These include Department of Agriculture
(DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department
of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National
Housing Authority (NHA), Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), Department of
Health (DOH), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR) and the National Economic
Development Administration (NEDA).
The Mayors who attended were Bogo City
Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr., Borbon Mayor
Bernard Sepulveda, Tabogon Mayor Zigfred
Duterte, Madridejos Mayor Salvador de la Fuente
and Sogod Mayor Lissa Marie Monyeen Durano.
Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III in the
closing remarks defended the allocation of over
P24 million disaster risk reduction contingency
fund which has been criticized by opponents.
―That amount is barely P500,000 if divided
for the 51 municipalities and the component
cities, it will include plans and trainings which is
very vital for future use,‖ Davide said.
The province spent P269 million in 2014 and
P148 million for 2016 solely for Yolanda related
spending.
Most of those released were financial
assistance to affected barangays in the 16 LGU‘s
and for agriculture, livelihood, health and other
social services. The Mayors and other officials
were also able to ask and inquire directly to the
national agencies involved. The Yolanda
Commemoration with its theme ―Convergence:
Key to Shared Accountability and Commitment‖
was organized by the Provincial Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Office led by Baltazar
Tribunalo. (mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
Ferliza Calizar-Contratista
VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Nov. 9 (PIA) – About 50 children/participants from barangays Caidiocan, Malaunay,
West Balabag, Jawa, Palinpinon, Malabo, Pulang Bato, Balayagmanok, Puhagan, Dobdob, Balili, Bongbong and Sagbang
of Valencia town attended the two-day youth camp for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) organized by the municipal
government of Valencia.
Valencia LGU organizes 2-day youth camp for CICL
T he event dubbed ―Apil Pod Mi: I
believe I can,‖ was held on
November 7 and 8 at the Valencia
Central School but the opening ceremony was
conducted at the town‘s rural health unit.
According to Valencia town Councilor
Elsie Dagoy, the purpose of the event is
help these kids improve their self-esteem and
to make them feel that they are not neglected
and the municipal government also cares
for them. ―Most of them have no parents,
some live in parks and are always hungry,‖ she
noted.
Dagoy who chairs the municipal
g o v e r n m e n t ‘ s c o m m i t t e e o n
children underscored that they were
able to impart to these kids that they
have a brighter future rather than being
run after by police or getting chastised by
their barangay captains. ―We hope that with
this workshop, these kids will change,‖ she
added.
Apart from CICL, some of the
participants were also children with disabilities.
The two-day youth camp was facilitated
by the Gaba-an Youth Lead (GYL), an
organization that is expert on handling youth
camps.
GYL head Dennis Caballero said their
team will apply the self-worth ―Tatak Selfie‖
module in this youth camp to help kids boost
their self-confidence.
Part of the module is spiritual formation
of these kids. She then disclosed that another
batch of CICL will undergo the same youth
camp on December 7 and 8.
―This is just the beginning, maybe next
year we will conduct a leadership training
workshop for these kids,‖ Dagoy revealed.
Aside from this, Dagoy also is open to the
idea of interviewing these kids and ask them if
they are interested to go to school. She
shared that the municipal government has a
scholarship program which these kids can avail.
(mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)
Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555
CEBU CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) – Over 100 delegates from the Philippines and other APEC economies are in Cebu recently for the
three day workshop initiated by APEC Port Services Network (APSN) which reports to the APEC Transportation Working
Group.
C ebu hosts the 8th Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) Port
Services workshop on port and supply
chain.
The participants are seaport and supply
chain ministers of member economies including
50 decision makers from the Philippines.
Philippine Port Authority (PPA) General
Manager Juan Sta. Ana said this year‘s workshop is
an enhanced effort of APSN to explore the port
and supply chain connectivity that would contrib-
ute to APEC‘s priority of enhancing the regional
economic integration agenda.
He said it will also provide an excellent
platform for Asia-Pacific port authorities,
maritime industries and relevant international
organizations for information exchange and best
practice sharing.
Other than that Sta. Ana said the Workshop
also provides an invaluable opportunity to
network and discuss port and supply chain
connectivity with key governmental, industrial
and academic officials form a number of APEC
economies.
Tim Meisner, Council President of APSN
said that a common discussion among all member
economies is the establishment of green ports in
answer to the call of environment conservation.
Fei Weijun, of China and is APSN
Secretary General said other than green ports,
they are also discussing measures on port safety
and security.
Cebu Port Authority General Manager
Edmund Tan said the scheduled Workshop allows
for multiple opportunities for attendees to
learn more about the users perspective
on how to improve port and supply chain
connectivity.
―These would include users like shippers,
shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal
operators, railway companies, trucking
companies, inland waterway transport, feeder
service operators and international organization
for ports,‖ Tan said.
ASPN holds annual workshop in one
of the ASPN member economies in order to
present and discuss topics relevant to port and
port related sectors.
In 2014 the ASPN Workshop was held in
Seattle USA. Next year it will be in Indonesia.
(mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
Port and supply chain connectivity among
APEC members discussed in Cebu
Ferliza Calizar-Contratista
BOHOL, Nov. 9 (PIA) — Employer agencies seeking to fill in vacant positions are coming to Bohol on November 27 for a
Jobs' Fair at the Bohol Cultural Center (BCC) and intends to hire skilled workers related to fields of construction manning,
engineering, medical fields, business process outsourcing and call center operations.
Applicants to pre-register for Bohol jobs fair
T he fair also seeks to fill vacant posts
in hotel and restaurant operations
and management , sa les and
merchandizing, retailing, manufacturing and
general administrative tasks and operations,
according to Bohol Employment Placement
Officer (BEPO) in charge, Maria Vilma Yorong.
BEPO, a satellite office of the Office of the
Governor has been coordinating and
promoting jobs especially that Bohol still has in
its saddles a considerable unemployment and
underemployment issues. The fair which opens
from 8:00 to 4:00 PM Friday, November 27 at
the BCC, however, needs all the job applicants
pre-registered.
Pre-registration allows for the fair to run
smoothly as it operates on the assumption that
all those coming for the jobs fair have already
proper work documents and would be ready
for immediate deployment, BEPO said.
Pre-registration sites are located at the
GO-BEPO at the former DepEd Bohol Division
Office at the CPG Sports Complex, at the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
PEU at CPG North Avenue near Cocoa Cola
Plant and at the Public Employment Service
Office housed at the municipal halls of towns,
where registration cards can be had, according
to BEPO. At the pre registration, prospective
workers need to bring comprehensive resume
and biodata, 2 x 2 pictures, diploma, transcript
of records, school form 138, TESDA
certificates, training and employment
certificates, NBI Clearance, Police Clearance,
Barangay clearance and passports.
The November 27 jobs fair is sponsored
by GO-BEPO with the DOLE-POEA, DSWD-
SLP and BAPESOM, separate sources
said. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)
Rey Anthony H. Chiu
NEGROS ORIENTAL, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Dumaguete Branch has reiterated its call on the
public that the old peso bills can only be used for buying and payments until December 31 this year.
W ith this, Dr. Gregorio Baccay III of
BSP urged the public to exchange
their old money called New Design
Series (NDS) with the New Generation
Currency (NGC).
Baccay said the old banknotes or NDS
will no longer be accepted for monetary
transactions starting January 1, 2016.
―But these old banknotes can still be
swapped in commercial banks or here in BSP,
with the NGC Series at full face, without
charge,‖ said Baccay.
Thus, from January 1, 2016 until
December 31, 2016, NDS banknotes can no
longer be used in day-to-day transactions to
pay for goods and services.
Starting January 1, 2017 the NDS
will be fully demonetized or without monetary
value.
The NGC have more and enhanced security features to protect the safety of the
public against counterfeiters.
The demonetization process of the old
banknotes is in line with the provisions of
Section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653,
otherwise known as the New Central Bank
Act, which authorizes the BSP to replace
banknotes that are more than 5 years old.
The old banknotes have been in
circulation for almost three decades.
Meanwhile, Energy Development
Corporation (EDC) has presented the
highlights of its 2014 sustainability performance
as well as consulted the different stakeholder
groups in Negros Oriental on what they
want the company to disclose in its 2015
Performance Report.
According to EDC‘s corporate
communication officer Frances Ariola, the
stakeholder consultation and reporting are
voluntary and in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability
reporting framework that EDC is using in its
annual performance report.
―This integrates the company's
financial performance with its sustainability
(environmental, social and governance)
performance as measured through the GRI's
key performance indicators,‖ said Ariola.
The Amsterdam-based GRI organization
defines sustainability reports as the key
platform for communicating sustainability
performance and impacts – whether positive
or negative--to its stakeholders.
This integrated report represents
EDC's deep commitment to the inclusive
growth of its partner communities and the
preservation of the environment in areas
where it operates.
A copy of EDC's 2014 Performance
Report can be obtained from its sustainability
reporting site: http://www.energy.com.ph/sustainability. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
BSP says old peso bills good until December 2015
BY JENNIFER C. TILOS
EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666
Ombudsman leads 1st caravan of gov‘t services
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 7 (PIA) - In an effort to bring government services closer to the people, the Office of
Ombudsman Visayas led on Thursday the first caravan of government agencies in Region 8.
T he caravan was first held in Hernani,
Eastern Samar.
According to Atty. Eduardo
Kangleon, Acting Director, Ombudsman No.
VIII, the caravan which has become one of the
major activities of their agency, ―aims to
establish rapport and confidence so that,
people will see the government not as a distant
entity but as a caring body".
But why Hernani, when it is some three
hours land trip from Tacloban, besides, other
poor municipalities are there found along the
three-hour route to the place.
Atty. Kangleon said the direction to
Hernani spawned from the town mayor, Edgar
Boco‘s inquiry in their office, in behalf of the
―Yolanda‖ survivors who, after two years of
devastation, have not benefited yet from the
Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) as a
government program. ―It‘s been two years and it is sad to note
that there are still survivors wallowing in
abnormal living conditions in temporary
shelters and bunkhouses,‖ he said. ―However,
I was also informed that, such things happen
because the distribution of the ESA is in
accordance to certain guidelines which must be
followed, so, that‘s the main reason‖, he added.
Realizing that Hernani is second poorest
town in Eastern Samar, with 23.2% poverty
incidence, next to McArthur (53.4%), the
Ombudsman deemed it necessary to do the
caravan first in the area, adding that it was the
second most devastated town by super
typhoon ―Yolanda‖.
In effect, close to 800 patients before
noon on November 5, have availed of varied
health services, right at the town plaza where
military and police dentists did some tooth
extraction and consultations and referrals by
medical doctors.
Other services included granting of Postal
I.D.s by Philippine Post Office, PhilHealth
payments, distribution of vegetable seeds by
D.A., advices to barangay officials on their
Internal Revenue Allotment(IRA) by DBM,
correction of entries in school records by DepEd, offering of jobs to laborers and masons
by Yacal Construction through DPWH, and
selling of rice at P27.00 a kilo by NFA. TESDA
likewise offered free haircut to Hernani folks.
In his message, Deputy Ombudsman
for the Visayas, Atty. Paul Clemente said,
what can be more glorious than working to-
gether as a people, teaching each other, crying
for one another, laughing with one
a n o t h e r , h e a l i n g o n e a n o t h e r ,
entertaining one another, worshipping with
one another.‖
Director Leonardo Sibbaluca of
DENR 8 for his part, said that the Caravan
should be sustained so that, there can be
immediate check and balance between
government project implementors and
beneficiaries.
Sibbaluca said this during the conference
with the regional directors and project
implementors, where there was mention of a
number of permanent shelters which have not
been implemented.
It was learned later from the NHA
representative that the project had been
bidded out and ground breaking was soon to
follow. For a fifth class municipality like Hernani,
Ombudsman Clemente concluded that it is
never impossible to move the place to a better
strata.
With all the government entities gathered,
he figuratively compared the town to a child,
being reared by an entire village. (PIA-08)
DILG distributes patrol jeeps to 40 Leyte LGUs TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 9(PIA) – Brand new patrol jeeps were distributed Friday by the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) to 40 municipalities in the Province of Leyte that will be used in law enforcement and emergency
response operations.
S ecretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the
Department of Interior and Local
Government led the blessing and
distribution of the patrol jeeps at the DZR
Airport grounds, this city.
Sarmiento said the vehicles will help the
law enforcers in their one-time big time
operations to neutralize illegal activities
resulting to crime rate reduction.
For his part, Sr. Supt. Franco Simborio,
Leyte police provincial director, said that the
distribution of the brand patrol jeeps is very
timely for the realization of the PNP‘s ―Lambat
Sibat Program‖ which is proven to be very
effective in the integral operational function of
the PNP.
―We are very thankful that finally all
municipal police stations under Leyte police
provincial office will have the opportunity to
enhance their police operations through the
new patrol jeeps from the national
government,‖ Simborio said.
In behalf of the people of Leyte, Leyte
Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla
thanked the national government for the patrol
jeeps. He believes this will boost the
anti-criminality campaign of the PNP with
the hope to lessen the crime incidence in the
province.
The 40 brand new patrol jeeps are in
addition to the patrol jeeps procured by the
PNP to be distributed to 1, 490 police stations
in the country.(ajc/PIA8)
Red Cross completes 80% of projects in Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov.11 (PIA) --- Almost 80 percent of the projects/interventions undertaken by the Philippine Red
Cross in Yolanda affected areas in Leyte was accomplished two years after the super typhoon struck the region.
T he accompl ishments inc lude
humanitarian intervention through
emergency assistance, shelter,
livelihood, WASH, health and Education.
In his presentation report Sunday, PRC
Chairman Richard Gordon reported that of
the 66, 011 homes built for typhoon Yolanda
victims amounting to Php2.2 billion, half of
these equivalent to 30, 000 homes were
completed in Leyte.
Red Cross also provided livelihood
assistance to 59, 218 households in Yolanda
affected areas; 20, 198 families in Leyte
benefitted this, more than what is being target-
ed which is only 19, 161 families.
It also reached 90, 779 families
with cash relief assistance during the
emergency phase; rehabilitated and
constructed 410 classrooms amounting to
Php68, 593, 112. 65.
Of the 151 target classrooms in Leyte, 88
classrooms were completed.
Not only that, Philippine Red Cross also
extended assistance on healthcare, hygiene,
sanitation and disaster risk reduction.
But the work of the men and women of
PRC did not end there.
According to Gordon, PRC continues to
move forward in achieving its commitment to
countless families affected by Yolanda.
In the 2nd Yolanda anniversary
commemoration, PRC officials revisited the
various provinces hit by the typhoon to check
on the progress of its efforts which according
to them a ceaseless recovery and renewal to
all survivors. (ajc/PIA8)
CONSUELO B. ALARCON
EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777
Airline company considers So. Leyte
Panan-awan airport route
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- A subsidiary of an established airline company has declared its intention
to ply the Maasin-Manila air traffic as soon as the safety concerns of the Panan-awan airport in this city shall have been
addressed.
T his was learned from a letter dated
October 19, 2015 by Michael Ivan
Shau, President and CEO of Cebu
Pacific, addressed to Gov. Roger Mercado and
marked received by the Governor‘s Office
October 29.
Copies of the letter were distributed to
members of the local media in a press
conference with Gov. Mercado at the Kinamot
sa Abgao restaurant October 30.
―We wish to thank you for the letter sent
by your office to Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei
requesting Cebu Air, Inc. (‗Cebu Pacific‘) to
operate flights from Manila to Maasin using
turbo propeller aircraft.
―Cebgo, Inc. (‗Cebgo‘), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Cebu Pacific, would most likely
be the operator of flights from Manila to
Maasin and Maasin to Manila, with its fleet of
ATR 72-500 aircraft,‖ Shau wrote.
In his letter, Shau mentioned the
findings of Cebu Pacific‘s Safety and
Technical Team which conducted a survey
and inspection in September last year,
such as the provision of a Category 5 Rescue
and Fire Fighting Service, completion of airport
terminal building, and lengthening of airport
runway, among other safety concerns, that
should have been solved once they begin to
operate.
―The bulk of our new aircraft will be
arriving in late 2017 in line with our fleet
expansion plans and we hope that by then, the
safety concerns enumerated above would have
been already addressed and certified by the
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,‖
Shau said.
During the press conference, Gov.
Mercado said the concerns were already
looked into, adding that with a functional
airport, coupled with an alternate seaport
at nearby Guadalupe area, the tourism and
economic potentials of the province will
certainly get an uplifting boost. (mmp, PIA8-
Southern Leyte)
Special Moron adds up to Abuyog, EV‘s pride
O wned by Esmera lda Dior ico
Manaog, of ―Mary‘s Abuyog Special
Chocolate Moron at Iba Pa,‖ the
previously simply steamed ―Bakintol‖ in
Eastern Samar, but Moron in Leyte has now
levelled up in taste and packaging.
―There‘s butter in the Tableya and it is
better packed with a better leaf-wrapper,‖ she
informed.
The new decently wrapped and packaged
Moron is now available with other locally
produced products at the ―Bahandi Pasalubong
Center,‖ which was launched today by
Department of Trade and Industry(DTI).
Mary said, she has been making rolls and
rolls of the special chocolate Moron for the
past 23 years but she has not burned out of
the daily rigor, probably because the task is
both self-gratifying and financially rewarding.
―I enjoy the task my mother handed
down to me and I have considered it a family
heirloom. Over the years, it has given us so
much privilege to live a decent life,‖ she said.
She was modest to share that her
daily gross income is more than the whole
month salary of an ordinary-ranking school
teacher. ―But being gross, means, I still have to
pay for my workers and cooking materials,‖
Mary pointed out.
According to her, she buys Tableya
(Cacao-made chocolate) in Davao at P190.00 a
kilo and they still process it to fit to the taste
of her Moron product. Because of ―Yolanda,‖
she has also to import Banana leaves from
other provinces which were luckier to have
not been hit by the super typhoon.
A member of the Eastern Visayas
Producers Association that, through the
Department of Trade and Industry(DTI)
launched today, the ―Bahandi Pasalubong
Center at the VIP-Lounge of the Tacloban
Airport,‖ Mary takes pride to have recovered
with the assistance of DTI and AUSAID. She
has been awarded by DOLE as ―Best
ChocoMoron Maker‖ in Region 08.
The Moron maker shared that despite the
―Yolanda‖ devastation, she is on the way to
recovery because of the assistance also
of Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) which granted her a Steamer, Gas
Stove and Gas Tank.
―Without it, it would be hard for me to
cook in just one round, some 700 rolls of
the famous Chocolate Moron,‖ she shared
further. She admits though, that before
―Yolanda‖ struck, she would receive thousands
of orders, and there was even one V&G Fiesta
when she delivered multicab-load of Chocolate
Moron or to be exact, 6,000 pieces of the
native delicacy. (PIA-08)
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 11 (PIA) – It was first the ―Buyogan Festival‖ that brought Abuyog town to the center of
tourists attractions of Region 08, then the special Moron came next.
Basey bag designer opts to rise above odds TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 11 (PIA) – First was her father‘s death, two days after, all of the family‘s belongings were
washed out by ―Yolanda‖ storm surge, and two months later, she was diagnosed with the big C.
B ut neither of the three daunted Eva
Marie Adona to move on and let go of
those life‘s sad episodes. Now, she
and husband Patrick are slated for Germany to
join in the country‘s Trade Show, ―Abiente‖,
where they will bring and showcase native
products from Basey, Samar, particularly the
intricately yet beautifully woven bags with the
famous ―banig‖ made of Tikog.
In our brief talk at the Tacloban Airport
Lounge, during the launching today of the
Bahandi Pasalubong Airport, Eva looked so
spiritually blessed and inspiring.
She shared that his hubby was so
depressed at the knowledge in the ―Yolanda‖
aftermath, that all their equipment and the 200
boxes of bags for delivery to a Japanese
exporter were all gone to the sea.
Despite all the odds however, she opted
to be strong and stand up for her husband,
their four kids and even for the weavers who
were dependent in the family‘s industry.
The Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) came to their rescue and offered them
loan so they could restart a totally damaged
business.
Asked where they got the required
raw materials, since majority of the Basey
town was devastated, she informed, that they
import Tikog and Buri materials from San
Miguel, Leyte.
Slowly then, they moved forward and
started joining again in trade shows where
they would be given free booths by DTI
and shipment assistance as well, for their
products.
She recalled, that when she was having
chemotherapy sessions in Manila, she would
opt to be home immediately after, than be in
bed for days, because to her, designing bags
and supervising her weavers were better
therapies.
Last September, the Eva Marie Arts and
Crafts was named Best Dressed Booth in the
Bahandi Trade in Manila.
She further shared that today, an
estimate of 50% recovery could be said of
their cottage industry but it is far better, she
said.
She is thankful for her father, a Ramon
Magsaysay Awardee in Handicraft in 2001,
from whom she credits her innate passion,
expertise and mastery in bag designing and
weaving. (PIA-08)
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]