Vol 4 Issue 15 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 April 14 - 20, 2014

WESTERN VISAYAS

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue DILG-7 to release P82M to 13 Yolanda-hit areas in Cebu

P1.79-B available for Yolanda rehabilitation of public buildings

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

Light of Peace makes Guinness record, promotes world peace BY: JAIME S. CABAG, JR.

OTON, Iloilo, April 15 (PIA6) – For a moment, 5 seconds at the least, the Guinness world record for the largest

flaming image using candles was put up during the Light of Peace event organized by the Middle Way Meditation Institute

at Savannah City here April 14. The record-breaking image was formed courtesy of

thousands of volunteers from Iloilo, some nearby areas and other countries, who lighted the candles at the cue of a series

of countdowns on a 20-hectare open lot inside the premier subdivision project under a full moon which was partly veiled

by evening clouds swept over the site by a low pressure area. The image was that of the Philippine archipelago with the

inscriptions, The Philippines 2014 and the theme of the event “World Peace Through Inner Peace”.

Organizers of the event, guests and participants broke into loud cheers when Guinness World Record representative

Seyda Subasi Gemici announced that Middle Way Meditation Institute Iloilo has broken the existing world record of 35,478

lighted candles for an image held by Pakistan. “In order to qualify for this record all candles

transforming the image got to be aflame for at least 5 seconds,” explained Gemici before announcing the result from the huge

event stage where guests and officials of Middle Way stayed for the program.

The event was graced by Jaro Archbishop Angel

Lagdameo, Senators Manny and Cynthia Villar and family of Savannah township, Cabinet Secretaries Armin Luistro of

education, Ramon Jimenez of tourism and Joel Villanueva of TESDA, Iloilo vice governor Raul Tupas, Iloilo City vice mayor

Jose Espinosa III and other guests.

The event initiated by Middle Way Meditation Institute intended to promote world peace that starts with inner peace

in every person. The local participants comprised thousands of teachers

and students as well as volunteers from various public and private organizations. Foreign participants came from Australia,

Brunei, Cambodia, Estonia, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States of America,

United Kingdom and Vietnam. Archbishop Lagdameo, a Muslim religious leader and

Buddhist monk led the prayer at the start of the program.

Middle Way also organized the world record breaking event for the Philippines for the most number of sky lanterns,

15,185, lighted during an event held in Miag-ao, Iloilo in 2013. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN

CEBU CITY, April 12 (PIA) – Regional Director Ananias Villacorta of the Department of the Interior and Local

Government (DILG-7) announced the release of P82.28 million to fund the repairs of damaged public infrastructures in 13

Yolanda-hit localities in north Cebu. “The checks are ready for distribution to the 12

municipalities and one city in north Cebu that reported damages to public infrastructures,” said Villacorta during the

post-Yolanda Press Briefing: Rehabilitation Phase yesterday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Central

Command. Bantayan town in Bantayan Island got the biggest share of

the repair funding of the 13 localities with P26.82 million. Sta. Fe, another municipality in Bantayan Island came in

second with P12.02 million recovery assistance funding. The amount will cover for the repairs of its municipal hall

at P5 million and its public market with damage at P7.02 million, said Villacorta.

Daan Bantayan on the other hand, registered the third highest damage at P9.75 million. Repairs of its public market

would amount to P3.95 million, its civic center at P3.5 million

and its municipal hall at P2.3 million. Others in the list as recipients were the towns of

Borbon, Madridejos, Medellin, Pilar, San Remigio, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan and Tuburan and the City of Bogo.

Villacorta said at the press briefing initiated by the Philippine Information Agency -7 in partnership with

the AFP-CentCom that 16 localities in north Cebu were ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda but only 13 localities were

beneficiaries of the DILG‟s recovery assistance funding. “The three other LGUs either reported no significant

damage or reported total damage to its public infrastructures. For total or complete damage, these public infrastructures will

be referred to the Department of Public Works and Highways,” bared Villacorta.

According to Villacorta, the amount of P46 million will be turned over to the DPWH-7 for the total reconstruction of

the civic centers of the towns of Tudela and Madridejos. Villacorta said the second batch of recovery assistance

funding this year will be down to the barangay level to repair any partial damages to its public infrastructures. (PIA-7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

EASTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

PNP Catablogan also puts up their Summer

Vacation assistance desk for motorists this

summer season.

PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma Jr. doing the

ceremonial commitment to Bohol Bayani

Challenge 2014. Coloma defined what it

means to be a hero, which is to be courageous

and having the heart as he keynoted the

launch of Bohol Bayani Challenge 2014 on

April 9, 2014 at Bohol Island State University

Gymnasium. (ECB/PIA-Bohol)

Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Jose Luis

Oquiñena talks about volunteerism and

nation-building during the closing ceremonies

of the Bayani Challenge 2014 Iloilo City held

Tuesday at Jaro Gymnasium here. (LTP/PIA6)

BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

PALO, Leyte, April 15 – The National Government has made available almost 1.8 billion for the rehabilitation of vital

public buildings owned and operated by local government units in Yolanda-affected areas.

This was disclosed by Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas who recently toured the Yolanda

affected areas in Leyte to personally distribute the check for the rehabilitation fund to mayors of municipalities who have

submitted all the needed documents. Secretary Roxas noted that the P1.79-billion fund

comprises only the first batch of rehabilitation fund for LGU-owned buildings.

The second batch, amounting to P358,348,047.54, is still being processed by the Department of Budget and

Management (DBM), he said. The DILG Secretary explained that the special funding

was made possible through the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY), the national government‟s strategic

plan to guide the recovery and reconstruction of the economy, lives, and livelihoods in areas devastated by the Super

Typhoon. The objective of the plan is to restore the economic and

social conditions of Yolanda-affected areas to their

pre-typhoon levels, while also establishing a higher level of

disaster resilience. To recall, the DILG has instructed all LGUs affected by

Yolanda to submit their Program of Works (POW) for the rehabilitation of damaged public buildings in their respective

areas, particularly the provincial, city, and municipal halls, public markets and civic centers.

The biggest chunk of the rehabilitation fund for cities and municipalities will go to Tacloban City, which was allocated

P230,687,979.22 for the repair of the city hall, public market, and civic center.

For the provinces, Leyte received the biggest funding with allocation amounting to P801,804,911.17, or about 45

percent of the total rehabilitation fund. Allocation for the other provinces in Region 8 include

P19,917,634.41 for Biliran; P100,219,564.57 for Eastern Samar; and P16,528,192.25 for Western Samar.

I n i t i a l do cum en t s r eq u i r ed i n c l u d e a Certificate from a Government Depository Bank

on the LGU Trust Account where Funds will be deposited, and SP/SB Resolut ion authoriz ing

the Local Chief Executive to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DILG Regional

Office. (PIA 8)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

ILOILO CITY, April 15 (PIA) --- Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Jose Luis Oquiñena said that volunteerism is the new

currency for development.

I n the closing ceremonies of the

Bayani Challenge 2014 held

Tuesday in Iloilo City, Oquiñena

said that volunteerism can tap massive

resources from people that even the

poorest can contribute.

“When we work together and we

join hands together, what is built is not

the school or a house but the sense of

nationhood,” he said.

He said that the phrase “Walang

Iwanan” (leaving no one behind) is used as

this year‟s tagline for the Bayani Challenge

event because there is a need for us to be

intimately connected to each other.

“We cannot be disassociated from

the pains or issues of the people from

Luzon or Mindanao nor they can be

disassociated from the sufferings of the

people here in the Visayas,” he said.

He said that Filipinos should expect

help from one another when disaster

strikes or when issues are being faced by

our fellow countrymen.

He also lauded the 100 percent

participation of the 180 barangays during

the city-wide do day clean up activity held

Saturday as part of the Bayani Challenge

here in Iloilo City.

Aside from the city-wide clean up

activity, the Bayani Challenge 2014 event

has also accomplished the following:

path walk build, house build, crochet

workshop, health mission, and the

paraisong pambata workshop.

The Bayani Challenge 2014 is

considered the largest volunteer action in

history with one million expected

volunteers in 12 provinces for two

months of nation-building slated

from April 11 to June 12. (JCM/LTP/

PIA-Iloilo)

Volunteerism now new currency for development Typhoon Yolanda damages in the Typhoon Yolanda damages in the Typhoon Yolanda damages in the

province of Capizprovince of Capizprovince of Capiz

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I

ILOILO CITY, April 14 (PIA 6) - - The Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6) rekindled hopes of more than 600

marginal farmers, fisherfolk and women from the northern part of the province of Iloilo to rebuild their lives and livelihood

after the devastation caused by typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ in November last year.

D OLE Undersecretary Ciriaco

Lagunzad assisted by DOLE 6

Director Ponciano Ligutom turned

over four checks amounting to

P3,609,821.00 to affected local government

units from the northern part of Iloilo under

the Reconstruction Assistance for Yolanda

(RAY), its convergence program with the

Department of Science and Technology on

April 11.

Lagunzad was here in Iloilo City to

lead the launching/re-launching of the

various programs and services of the

department.

The first check worth P874, 371,00 was

awarded to the LGU of Ajuy to fund the

commercial native chicken production of its

117 marginal farmers and fisherfolk.

Another check amounting to

P737,500.00 was handed in to the

LGU of Lemery to finance the proposed

swine fattening project of its 110

women which was approved under the

program.

Some P998,000.00 worth of check was

also awarded to Brgy. Alipato, Sicogon Island

in the municipality of Carles for the

restoration of the livelihood of 253

fisherfolk through the provision of cargo

vessels and small fishing boats.

The local government unit of San

Dionisio received the fourth check worth

P999,950,000 for the restocking of farm

animals such as swine, native chicken and

goat of its 150 marginal farmers.

RAY formerly named as Rebuilding

through Innovation, Sustainable Employment

and Enterprise (RISE) aims to provide

temporary means of livelihood to survivors

of the super typhoon to be able to rebuild

their lives.

Also, former overseas Filipino

workers, laborers, Pantawid Pamilya

beneficiaries and other marginal farmers in

the province received their checks for their

approved livelihood projects under the

DOLE‟s programs such as the Reintegration

program for OFWs, Grassroots

Participatory Budgeting formerly called BUB,

and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program

during the launching activity.

Ligutom said, all in all, a total of

P5,872,724.00 worth of checks was

released on that date to finance the

implementation of the 13 approved

projects that will provide employment and

livelihood to some 1,001 beneficiaries in

the city and province of Iloilo to ensure the

attainment of inclusive growth. (JCM/LAF/

PIA6)

DOLE gives ‘RAY’ of hope to Yolanda victims BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH

Silay prov’l hospital gets medical equipment

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 15 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Super Lucky Beagler, Inc.

turned over several advanced medical equipment worth P1.2 million to Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.

G ov. Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr.

received the donated equipment

from PCSO General Manager, Atty.

Jose Ferdinand Rojas, II in a ceremony

held at the hospital, together with Silay

City Mayor Jose Montelibano and Chief of

Hospital, Dr. Girlie Pinongan.

Marañon said he is grateful to PCSO

because such donation is a great help to

the hospital operations, especially in

assisting the needs of the indigents.

Meanwhile, Rojas said they are

mandated to raise funds and help those

who are in need, as part of the PCSO‟s

corporate social responsibility.

Among the donated medical

equipment were operating table with

complete accessories, suction machine,

wheelchairs for adults and children,

anaesthesia machine, and obstetric

delivery and operating tables.

Economic Enterprise Development

Department Head, Atty. Japhet Masculino,

Hospital Operations Division Chief Dr.

Rhoel Mogul, and Provincial Planning

and Deve lopment Coordinator,

Dr. Marlin Sanogal witnessed the turn

ove r r i t e s a t t h e ho sp i t a l .

*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Capitol News Negros

Occidental)

BY: EASTER ANNE. D. DOZA

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

BFP reminds public to be careful with candles

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Bureau of Fire Protection is reminding the public to be careful in their use of candles

especially this Holy Week because it can cause fire.

S FO2 Alex L. Ortiaga , Municipal

Fire Marshall of San Jose Fire

Station said it is a common practice

among Christians to light candles during

procession, in prayers, be in church , in

roads where processions are held, in the

stations of the cross or in households.

This should be used with caution

because when left unattended it can cause

fire and can destroy life and properties, he

said.

The public are also reminded, he

said to put off lamps when leaving the

house. Electrical appliances such as fans,

stoves, television, cellphones, among

others should be unplugged when not in

use to avoid overheating that spark the

fire. It is also during Holy Week, said

Ortiaga that native delicacy such as

„ b i b i n g k a ‟ i s s o l d n e a r

churches.Preparation of this requires fire

from firewood or charcoal and when not

handled carefully can blow up into a big

fire. Ortiaga said, a fire truck in San Jose

will be stationed near San Jose Cathedral

and the other one will be mobile and

ready in case of emergencies from other

places.

For the towns of Anini-y, Tobias

Fornier and Hamtic, there are assigned

personnel designated as Fire Safety

Inspectors ready to wire the station when

needed. The source urged the public to be

vigilant and be proactive in helping the

campaign on fire prevention.

The BFPs „Oplan Iwas Sunog

ngayong Tag-init‟ needs the support of

everyone, Ortiaga said. (JCM/PSM/PIA6

Antique)

BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO

Typhoon Yolanda damages in Canas Island, Typhoon Yolanda damages in Canas Island, Typhoon Yolanda damages in Canas Island, Northern IloiloNorthern IloiloNorthern Iloilo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 15 (PIA6) – Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said that the

government will provide a free hybrid palay seeds for the 15-hectare rice fields initially served by the Maayon Communal

Irrigation Project (CIP) for the upcoming planting season.

Capiz farmers get additional ‘freebies’ to boost production

T his was disclosed by Alcala during

the inaugurat ion of the

P201-million Maayon CIP at the

project‟s dam site in Brgy. Jebacca in

Maayon town last April 11.

The hybrid palay variety could double

rice production of farmers every cropping

season.

The palay seeds and the

multi-million irrigation project are

expected to contribute to the increase of

the province‟s annual rice production

from 3.572.40 metric tons to 6.193.20

MT.

Maayon CIP was fast track upon the

advice of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III to

agriculture officials during his visit for a

consultation dialogue with local officials

and Capiceños last February 2013 in the

municipality of Sigma.

The DA official has also directed the

seeding of native hito (catfish) in the dam

a s a d d i t i o n a l l i v e l i h o o d f o r

farmer-beneficiaries.

“Within this month we must release

native hito fingerlings in the area,” Alcala

stressed.

The pronouncement of Alcala for a

big tractor for the agriculture-based town

also drew applause from the local officials

and farmer-beneficiaries during the

program.

Cong. Antonio A. Del Rosario and

Maayon mayor Wilfredo E. Borres led the

local officials who witnessed the

inauguration rites.

Alcala has also pushed for

intercropping in the vicinity of the dam

and coverage areas of the CIP.

The project will benefit some 843

farmers in barangays Batabat, Piña, Salgan,

Poblacion Ilaya, Poblacion Ilawod

and Fernandez in Maayon and Cabugao

and Cabanganhan in the adjacent town of

Panit-an.

The project deems to irrigate an

area of 780 hectares. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6

Capiz)

BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE

French volunteers laud Pinoy bayanihan spirit

ILOILO CITY, April 14 (PIA) --- Student volunteers from France praised the Filipino bayanihan spirit demonstrated during the

Bayani Challenge 2014 here.

K assia Habarek, 24, a student from

Paris, said that she admired how

Filipinos gather together to show

their solidarity as one community and

render help to others in need.

She said that this was her first time to

take part in an activity like Bayani

Challenge where volunteers give the best

of themselves and work together toward

the goal of expressing love for country

and care for the poor.

“In France, we are used to just

thinking for our self and not for other

people so this activity has opened my

mind,” she said.

She said that she enjoyed

doing activities for the event including

constructing the path walk in one of the

Gawad Kalinga villages, helping build

houses for the needy, health missions, and

interacting with children.

She said that when she returns to

France she will share these experiences to

her friends and think of similar activities

that they could do in their place.

“I will ask my friends to come

with me to the Philippines and also

experience the Bayani Challenge next

year,” she said.

Meanwhile, Katarina Jevtic, 22, also

from Paris, said that Filipinos should

continue to be united and to be of service

to others.

She said that she agrees with one of

the slogan of the Bayani Challenge event

that “if you have a dream, just build it.”

Habarek and Jevtic are volunteers

from Aide Mondiale (World Relief), a

humanitarian association from the Institut

Supérieur de Commerce (ISC) de Paris

which operates in three different

continents.

Each year, students from ISC Paris go

on humanitarian mission in countries

where the organization operates providing

moral, financial and material support to

disadvantaged people. (JCM/LTP/

PIA-Iloilo)

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

DUMAGUETE CITY, April 11 (PIA) --- With the continued strengthening of peace efforts in Negros Oriental, a joint

declaration of "Conflict-Manageable and Development Ready Province" will be held on April 28 at the Perdices Memorial

Coliseum, this city.

NegOr to be declared ‘conflict-manageable, development-ready’

A ccording to Deputy Commander Col.

Cristopher Estella of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, with the Oplan Bayanihan and

military combat operations, the New Peoples‟ Army

(NPA) forces continue to dwindle fast. A recent encounter between NPA forces and

government troops in Pamplona town resulted to two rebels killed and a number of them wounded

and the recovery of high-powered firearms. Col. Estella said the military has reduced the

level of the enemy‟s capabilities to threaten the

stability of the government and for the civil authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Negrenses.

He added that based on some parameters, the

NPA‟s support system has been greatly reduced in

the hinterland barangays, as the residents themselves informed the military through text messages the presence of unidentified armed men in the area.

“Once a province is declared as conflict manageable and development-ready, there are advantages that enhance the general feeling of security for the Negrenses, and the province will

experience development in its economic and boost tourism industry,” Col. Estella explained.

Expected to sign the joint declaration in a

formal ceremony include Gov. Roel Degamo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Commander of 3ID Major General Aurelio Baladad, and Regional Director P/

CSupt. Danilo Constantino of Police Regional

Office-7.

Meantime, more Bayanihan Team Operations and combat focus operations will be conducted by the Army to stop insurgents.

Instead of engaging in armed conflict, the Army also encourages militants to consider different avenues in returning to the “folds of the law” such as asking for assistance from local government units,

the military official said. Col. Estella said the Army continues its efforts

to collaborate with the LGUs, government agencies,

non-government organizations, and the local communities in pursuing the goal of the province to become insurgency-free. (rmn/JCT/MMB/

PIA7 Negros Oriental)

BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS

CEBU CITY, April 11 (PIA) --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) in the region intensified its consumer welfare

campaign on the rights and responsibilities of the public to be vigilance in addressing illegal trade practices or the selling of

inferior and unsafe goods and services in the marketplace.

DTI-7 intensifies consumer welfare campaign

A ccording to Jojie Villamor, Information

Officer of DTI-7 during the Association of Government Information Off icers

(AGIO-7) Forum, the consumers must learned to

fight and protect their rights for the benefit of all. Villamor enumerated the eight basic consumer

rights. The very first is Right to Basic Needs which guaranteed survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter,

health care, education and sanitation. Second, Right to Safety to protect the

consumers against the marketing of goods or the

provision of services that are hazardous to health and life.

Third, Right to Information – the right to

protect against dishonest or misleading advertising or labeling and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed choice.

Fourth, Right to Choose for the products at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.

Fifth, Right to Representative – this is the right to express consumer interest in the making and execution of government policies.

Sxth, Right to Redress to be compensated for

misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

Seventh, Right to Consumer Education which is

to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed customer.

Eighth, Right to a Healthy Environment with the right to live and work in an environment which is

neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of dignity and well-being.

Villaor said, these rights have accompanying

responsibilities. She added that to effectively assert the consumers rights, the public must take on five duties.

Critical awareness--this is the responsibility to stay alert and questioning on the use of, and the price and quality of good and services we procure

for ourselves. Action-- to assert ourselves and act to ensure

that we get a fair deal. If we remain passive, we can

become prime targets for exploitation, Villamor added.

Social concern -- as responsible citizens, we

should always bear in mind the impact of our

consumption on other citizens especially the disadvantaged sector of our society.

Environmental awareness-- this is the

consumers‟ responsibility to understand the environmental consequences of our consumption and to conserve our natural resources and protect the Earth for future generations to enjoy as

well. Lastly, Villamor said, Solidarity to organize

together as consumers to develop the strength and

influence to promote and protect our interest. In a related development, DTI-7 will roll out its

small and medium enterprises (SME) Roving

Academy starting in March with a series of entrepreneurship briefings and sessions to include various business development services.

DTI-7 targets 98 SME Roving Academy for this year. The program is a continuous learning for the development of micro, small and

medium enterprises to become competitive in the domestic and international markets. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7)

BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA

Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Bantayan Island, CebuBantayan Island, CebuBantayan Island, Cebu

CEBU --- More and more Filipino women are now breaking the mold dictated by gender stereotypes which perceive Filipinas

to stay home and care for the family instead of entering the workforce, especially in industries considered "manly"

or dominated by men.

More women in "manly" industries BY: JUJU MANUBAG-EMPUERTO

O ne such woman is Shemvie Malinao, 30, a

welder now working at Metaphil Corporation in Tipolo, Mandaue City.

Malinao said that since she joined the company,

she has been upgraded three times, from Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) to Slux Cord Arc Welding (SCAW), then to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).

Every time she gets an upgrade, she uses different kinds of electrode sticks, while her pay also increases.

"Right now, I am receiveing a salary that

is above the daily minimum wage rate," she said. Malinao acquired and honed her welding skills

from the welding course offered by Technical

Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-7) which she finished in 2007.

The course is good for 268 hours, or 15 days.

Malinao said she did not have a hard time seeking employment since she was hired at Metaphil shortly after her graduation.

Last year, 38 women finished the course

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II at TESDA-7, while 163 women completed the same course from private facilities.

Now, Malinao dreams of working abroad for

she believes that women welders like her are preferred at the international market.

In a data released by TESDA-7, there were a

total of 14,386 women graduated from private technical vocational institutions while 2,545 women graduated from the regional training center and four

others provincial training centers in Cebu Province last year.

TESDA's training centers in Cebu are located in Minglanilla, Toledo, Carmen and Daanbantayan.

TESDA is encouraging more women to avail of the technical courses they are currently offering.

As TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva said, "Jobs

come easy when one possesses the knowledge and

skills relevant to what the industries and employers need." (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu)

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA)— A five million peso road improvement project and several other infrastructures were inaugurated

recently in Guihulngan City with Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo leading the event.

Infra projects in Guihulngan City inaugurated

C apitol information officer Adrian Sedillo said

Gov. Degamo allocated funds for the road improvement project a long the

Luz-Linantuyan road since he is aware that the road

is very vital for the people in the hinterland barangays of Guihulngan which have been cited to have the presence of armed groups.

Sedillo said the governor highlighted the

importance of Barangay Luz road as it hosts the community primary hospital and Barangay Linantuyan

which have been recently taken back by the

government forces from the hands of the New People‟s Army.

The other infrastructures that were

inaugurated included a road concreting project along some portions of the Linantuyan road funded by the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), another road

concreting project in Barangay Tinayunan worth P300,000.00 and the 1.5 million-peso drainage system

in Barangay Poblacion.

He explained that the Luz-Linatuyan road is considered a national highway but he recognizes the need for the provincial government to provide

support as it is a very vital facility in order to bring about various developments in the hinterlands of Guihulngan City.

Gov. Degamo said all these projects were made

possible in cooperation with the city government of Guihulngan. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

By: JENNIFER C. TILOS

SIQUIJOR, April 11 (PIA) -- As everyone prepares for the Holy week, so is Siquijor province for the ―Healing Festival‖ come

April 16 to 19 at the Bandilaan Mountain View Park in Cantabon, Siquijor, Siquijor.

D uring these days, folk healers,

herbalists, hilots (masseurs), locals,

domestic and foreign tourists gather

once again to join and witness the showcase of

traditional healing products and methods

indigenous to the mystical island of Siquijor.

Siquijor provincial tourism officer, Jossette

Almirola said, the festival is the time for Siquijor

Island to boost its tourism potentials as more and

more people coming every year to witness the

gathering and preparation of medicinal potions or

observe the healing session or simply need to get

healed.

What used to be just a customary gathering

of healers and herbalists from the island and some

from Visayas and Mindanao, the „Healing Festival‟ is

now attracting a number of tourists and is

popularized to become one of the island‟s

attractions.

The provincial government tags it as „Healing

Festival‟ to bring positive twist on the island‟s

mystical repute in line with its thrust to promote

Siquijor as a „Healing Island‟.

Now on its fifth year, the „Healing Festival‟

once again showcases the alternative and

traditional healing to include “Pangalap” or the

gathering of various kinds of herbs for seven

Fridays from March 7 – April 18 of the Lenten

season.

“Pag-adlep” or chopping of gathered herbs on

Maundy Thursday, April 17; and “Pagluto” or herb-

al brewing by the San Antonio healers and herbal-

ists group on Black Saturday, April 19.

Several other activities also spice up the

whole festivity that is opened on April 16 (Holy

Wednesday) with a Holy Mass with Msgr.

Candelario Catubig as the Celebrant.

Opening program follows with presentations

from the Cantabon Elementary School and the

Local government unit of Siquijor.

Product display and activities dubbed

“exploring Cantabon Cave”, “Sikihod” Spa Massage,

“Bolo-bolo” healing and Healing Sessions with

various healers at their designated spots are also

open on this day until the end of the festival.

On the 17th (Maundy Thursday), Siquijor

Tennis Club will have the TUNGAS 2014, a 10K

Reflection Walk to the Cross at Mt. Bandilaan

while the Tribu Walof Mountaineers Club will have

its “Angat Panaad 2014,” a Holy Trek from the

Queengate Center in Larena, Siquijor to Mt.

Bandilaan.

Presentations from the local government

units of Maria and Larena are also lined up with the

Performing Acoustic Band dubbed “Bolo-Bolo

Roots” in the evening.

Good Friday (April 18) is when the Via Crucis

(The Way of the Cross) is made at 7:30 in the

morning. It will be followed with a presentation

from LGU Lazi.

Black Saturday (April 19) the pack-up day but

several other local entertainments are also done

prior to ending the festival.

According to the Provincial Tourism Office, in

the past festivals, love potions are the island‟s tops

selling products.

They come in a couple of variants, either in

oil or non-liquid form, to be stirred with your

favorite perfume and cologne.

Herbal potion, on the other hand, is

accordingly, what Siquijor‟s host of folk healers use

for many, many years.

It is especially-brewed medicinal liniment to

treat physical ailments, which they believe are

either brought about by natural and or

supernatural causes. It‟s a kind of festivity that also

spells the Siquijor magic.

Mystifying in every angle, Siquijor is a

destination of picturesque sunsets, unexplored

coves, and stunning sites just waiting to be

discovered. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO

CEBU CITY, April 11 (PIA) --- Security measures are now in place in Cebu province for the Holy Week period.

I n yesterday's Talakayan sa Isyung Police (TSIP)

forum at the Police Regional Office (PR0-7), police officials assured the public that it's all

systems go when it comes to safety and security

concerns for the whole province and the surrounding islets.

P/SSupt. Edwardo Carranza, Regional Chief Directorial Staff, said starting this week, all police

units in the region are strictly following a Memorandum Circular covering security plans for the summer vacation and Holy Week observance.

Carranza said they already prepared for the influx of domestic and international tourists who will troop to the leisure spots or go back home in

the provinces. “We are directing all units to focus on areas of

convergence such as ports and seaports, terminals,

churches, hotels and resorts. Cellular phone

numbers of police personnel assigned in those areas

are also noted from the unit commanders to the PRO7 headquarters,” Carranza said,

In Cebu City, P/SSupt. Arnel Banzon said that

other than the churches, they also dispersed personnel in the venue of "Buhing Kalbaryo" in Brgy. Guadalupe as well as in the Good Shepherd mountains where devotees will be doing the Stations

of the Cross. In Mandaue City, P/Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino,

representing Mandaue City Police Office, said they

are monitoring ten churches, three seaports, and four malls in the vicinity.

Banks are also being monitored. Mandaue City

had so far launched a new digital close circuit televisions in target areas.

In Lapulapu City, P/Supt. Percival Zorilla said

under their jurisdiction are one jeepney, two

van-for-hire terminals, four wharves, one airport, and

six churches considered as Areas of Concern. He said they are setting up more than 20

tourist and police assistance centers in Lapulapu

including two at the foot of the first Mandaue Mactan Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Zorilla said they used security guards in the hotels and resorts as force multipliers.

For Cebu Provincial Police Office, P/Supt. Resty Santos said they are focusing on seven areas when it comes to tourist convergence.

These are Moalboal, Badian, Oslob, San Fernando, Santa Fe, and Madridejos.

He said in Bantayan island, where there are

festivities during Holy Week, they are expecting lesser cases of snatching after they implemented the distribution and posting of pamphlets with the

photos of snatchers. (rmn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)

Cebu police ready for Holy Week, vacation months BY: FERLIZA CALIZAAR-CONTRATISTA

Earthquake damages in BoholEarthquake damages in BoholEarthquake damages in Bohol Siquijor magic spells ‘Healing Festival’

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

Young people pitch in Yolanda-hit communities recovery, rebuilding

B eing the president of the Palo Culture

and the Arts Organization (PCAO),

Rhuel organized young people in the

municipality to help their fellow survivors.

Before the disaster, the group provided

trainings and workshops in arts, theater, music,

and dance in their community. These activities

stopped in the aftermath of Yolanda.

“Our equipment were destroyed. At

one point, we thought it was the end of our

group.

We focused on what our families needed

but, later on, we realized we could do more

together. We can bring hope to everyone

again,“ he said.

Using scrap materials, Rhuel and his

friends started setting up signages that bring

messages of courage and optimism such as

Tindog Palo (rise Palo) and Huwag kang susuko

(don‟t give up) in public areas.

Their efforts didn‟t go unnoticed. UNFPA,

the United Nations Population Fund, and its

partner Save the Children, tapped Rhuel‟s

group when they launched a Youth-Friendly

Space (YFS) in front of the Palo Municipal Hall

last March 27.

YFS is a venue for young people to be

themselves, where they can freely speak about

their personal issues and concerns about the

community.

It provides a full range of services and

information related to adolescent sexual and

reproductive health, gender-based violence,

psychosocial counseling, and referral

linkages to other youth programmes and

services. Seeing the positive impact of the YFS

among Palo‟s youth and their potential in

helping rebuild disaster-affected communities,

the local government decided to allot a more

permanent space for the activities in the

municipal building. Ronnel Villas, UNFPA

humanitarian coordinator for Tacloban, said

involving the youth in the recovery process is a

key element in the humanitarian response.

“It is important to support them because

the decisions they make today will determine

the quality of life of future generations,” he

said.

There are eight YFS set up by UNFPA

through Save the Children in Leyte province of

Leyte. (PIA 8)

PALO, Leyte, April 15 (PIA) – When some people felt there was no more hope left in the province of Leyte, they started to

leave, but a young man of 20, Rhuel Malquisto opted to stay in his hometown Palo.

DILG orders LGUs to gear up security, safety preparations for Holy Week

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 15 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on all

local chief executives to convene their respective local peace and order councils to ensure the safety and security of the

populace in churches, plazas, malls, and transport terminals.

T his directive is line with the expected

exodus of people to the provinces

and other places of interest during

Holy Week.

DILG Director Pedro Noval Jr. said in a

directive to provincial governors, city and

municipal mayors, and punong barangays, DILG

Secretary Mar Roxas exhorted the local

executives to formulate proper courses of

action in order to anticipate the expected

heavy movement of people from different

places, putting their safety as a top priority.

According to the DILG chief, local

government officials should also deploy

barangay tanods who can serve as force

multipliers and assist the Philippine National

Police (PNP) in keeping peace and order in

their own barangays, as well as in making sure

that traffic is well-managed.

The SILG also directed the LCEs to

conduct cleanup operations in all public

recreation areas, religious locations, and

transport terminals in their areas, and to

mobilize all necessary resources for the

collection and disposal of garbage.

Moreover, SILG Roxas called on the PNP

to continue to implement police visibility,

mobile patrols and checkpoints to

prevent crimes and other threats to peace and

order.

He said the PNP should patrol

crime-prone areas and be on guard for Akyat

Bahay Gang members who are on the lookout

for unattended houses, as well as pickpockets

in places of public convergence.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is always

ready to prevent and respond to fires and

other accidents that may happen during the

Holy Week, Secretary Roxas said.

Roxas advised the public to be more

cautious and observe fire prevention measures

like closing LPG valves, unplugging unused

electrical devices, and switching off the main

source of power when leaving their houses.

(PIA 8)

Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Tacloban, LeyteTacloban, LeyteTacloban, Leyte BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU

DPWH-4th LED road improvement projects advantageous to travelers

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, April 15 (PIA) – The various road improvement projects of the Department of Public Works and

Highways (DPWH) – Leyte Fourth Engineering District (4th LED) is a great advantage to travellers because according to some

drivers it is more easier for them to drive in an improved, rehabilitated and widened roads than in the previous rough and

narrow roads.

D PWH-4th LED District Engr. Lino

Francisco C. Gonzalez informed that

to date, their office is concentrating

in various road projects in their area and

these are: the repair, rehabilitation and

improvement along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc

Road; improvement of the off carriageway

along National Road Ormoc-Albuera Diversion

Road; widening of the national road along the

Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road; and the asphalt

overlay along Libungao-Matag-ob-Palompon

Road.

In the repair, rehabilitation and

improvement along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc

Road, it was bared that the project started last

November 28, 2013 with a contract cost of

P9,516,458.44 under the contractor Premium

Megastructure.

For the improvement of the off

Carr iageway along Nat ional Road

Ormoc-Albuera Diversion Road Gonzalez

shared that the target date for the completion

of the project was supposed to be last

February 3, 2014 but until now said project,

which has a contract cost of P3,500,000.00, is

still ongoing.

With regards to the widening of the

National Road along Palo-Carigara-Ormoc

Road, the project which took off last February

7, 2014, is already 65.77% accomplished.

Under the contractor RJIR Enterprises the

project is expected to benefit some 5,000

commuters.

And to provide safety to the travelling

public and an protect the pavement from

further damage, Dist. Engr. Gonzalez disclosed

that an asphalt overlay along Libungao-Matag0b

-Palompon Road is also currently being

conducted. (PIA-8)

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

DAR-8 addresses the effects of Yolanda to tenants on coconut lands

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 14 (PIA) - In order to address and mitigate the effects of typhoon Yolanda to agricultural

tenants of coconut lands devastated by the calamity, an Administrative Order No. 02 series of 2014 has been passed and is

now in effect.

I n a press conference held recently at

Ritz Tower de Leyte, this city,

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

Region 8 Director Eliasem Castillo explained

the pertinent provisions particularly on the

coverage, policy statements and operating

procedures of Administrative Order no. 2

series of 2014.

It applies to all tenanted coconut

landholdings, with or without a leasehold

agreement which have been affected by natural

calamities like what happened when Yolanda

struck the region.

Castilllo has emphasized that a

tenant-lessee cannot be ejected anytime from

his farm holding for his failure to pay lease

rentals as a result of the devastation brought

by super typhoon Yolanda or any calamity

except upon order of the court or an

authorized body.

In case the coconut plantations were

totally destroyed, it does not mean that the

tenancy relationship has been extinguished by

the fortuitous event or natural disaster.

“A tenant shall have the right to

renegotiate a new leasehold agreement with

the landowner specifying the new terms and

conditions of their tenancy relations or

agreement particularly with respect to the

payment rentals, planting of crops and change

of crops if necessary, and upon agreement,”

Castillo said.

“A.O. no. 2 series of 2014 is clear. It only

covers those tenanted coconut lands affected

by Yolanda and other natural calamities”, the

DAR official said.

To date, the total coconut land area

tenanted in Leyte alone is 4, 881 hectares.

It can be recalled that coconut farmers

in the region were among those who

suffered following the destruction of

their plantations in November last year

when super typhoon Yolanda wrought

havoc in Eastern Visayas and other regions.

(PIA-8)

First environment summit to highlight Earth Day celebration in SoLeyte

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 14 (PIA) - The provincial government of Southern Leyte will conduct the first

environment summit to highlight the Earth Day Celebration come April 22, 2014 in Maasin City.

A ccording to Provincial Environment

and Natural Resources Management

Off ice (PENRMO) Department

Head Dr. Eva Abad, “the Provincial

Government of Southern Leyte through the

leadership of environmentalist Governor

Roger Mercado will gather all key

stakeholders to listen, share and discuss

major milestones in the protection

and conservation of environment in Southern

Leyte.”

With the theme: “Protecting and

Sustaining Southern Leyte's Web of Life”, the

summit aims to promote the best practices,

identify present issues and challenges for more

advocates and pro-active stewards of Mother

Nature, Abad further said.

The best practices that PENRMO wish to

present are the successful forest management

by the YISEDA experience, the integrated

coastal management by the Macrohon Marine

Park experience, solid waste management of

the Macrohon LGU experience and Sustainable

& Integrated for Local Government

Ecosystems (SIMPLE) of the Silago LGU

experience also, she added.

Aside from the best practices, there will

be also a plenary session on the Ridge to Reef

approach in environment and rural

development, she said.

Dr. Abad said the Southern Leyte

Environment Code will also be presented

during the said summit.

There will breakout session on the

following topics: Forest, Biodiversity and

Climate Change, ICM for Food Security,

Biodiversity and Climate Change, Waste

Management and Climate Change, Mineral

Resources Management and Climate Change

and SIMPLE for Good Environmental

Governance, all with respective resource

persons to facilitate the discussions, she

noted.

Towards the end of the summit,

Governor Roger Mercado will lead in the

legitimization of the Southern Leyte Sustainable

Development Council, it was learned. (PIA8

SoLeyte)

BY: ERNA GORNE

Town Mayor in Leyte commends WFP

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 14 (PIA) – A local official of the Municipality of Dulag Leyte, one of the municipalities hit by

super typhoon Yolanda has expressed his heartfelt thanks to several international organizations who are continuously helping

in the recovery efforts of the government.

I n a press conference held recently at the

municipal ground of the town, Mayor

Manuel Sia que of Dulag, Leyte

mentioned some international organizations

particularly the World Food Programme

(WFP) who has been providing support

to the Yolanda survivors starting from the

distribution of relief goods to the recovery

efforts.

The World Food Programme distributed

ready- to-eat supplementary food and

micronutrient powder to children aged

between 6 to 59 months in Dulag, Leyte with

the participation of WFP Philippines National

Ambassador against Hunger KC Concepcion, a

popular celebrity who has been in the WFP for

six (6) years now.

“In behalf of the people of the municipality

of Dulag we are very much thankful today of

the presence of the World food

Programme.

A total of 34 thousand metric tons of

foods have already reached the Yolanda

affected communities including hi-energy

biscuits, rice, among others.

About 3 million people have been

suppor ted by the Wor ld Food

Programme (WFP) through their various

programs in coordination with the

government.

It can be recalled that during the early

days following Yolanda‟s wrath, WFP has

immediately mobilized its logistic assets to

support the government and the humanitarian

communities in the delivery of humanitarian

assistance.

It was learned that WFP feeds an average

of more than 90 million people in 70 countries

each year. (PIA-8)

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Tacloban, LeyteTacloban, LeyteTacloban, Leyte

BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON

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) 3378718/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Editorial Consultants

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

Regional Director, PIA 7 Regional Director, PIA6 Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor

Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

Contributors

All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8

Production and Layout

Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado

Regional Offices:

PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com

PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com

PIA 8, Children‟s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com