Vol 5 Issue 34 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 August 24 - 30, 2015

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue DAR to distribute additional 3,500 has. in Iloilo

P23-B infra projects in Cebu under PNoy’s term

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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2 provinces, 5 towns earn 2014 Seal of Good Local Governance

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 25 (PIA) -- Two provinces

and five towns in Eastern Visayas passed the 2014 Seal of Good

Local Governance (SGLG) of the Department of the Interior and

Local Government (DILG).

DILG-8 Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. revealed today

that the SGLG awardees in Region 8 are the provinces of

Biliran and Northern Samar, and the municipalities of Barugo,

Carigara and Jaro in Leyte; Limasawa in Southern Leyte; and

Gandara in Samar.

The seven winning LGUs passed all three (3) SGLG Core

Indicators namely, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection,

and Good Financial Housekeeping; and at least one (1) other

Essential Indicator (either Business Friendliness and

Competitiveness, Peace and Order, and/or Environment) to earn

the highly coveted award.

Dir. Noval expressed happiness that seven local government

units (LGUs) here were able to pass the high standards of the

SGLG in its first year of implementation. He is optimistic that more

will be able to earn the SGLG nod in the coming years.

―Most LGUs in Eastern Visayas are actually passers of the Seal

of Good Financial Housekeeping (SGFH), and if they are able to

maintain that and perform well on DRRM and other indicators, it

would enable them to cop the SGLG award, ― Dir. Noval said. He

said LGUs in the region could improve more on Social Protection,

particularly on compliance to the Accessibility Law for persons with

disabilities.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas launched SGLG in 2014 to build

on the successful run of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) that

was introduced by his predecessor the late Secretary Jesse M.

Robredo. SGLG challenges LGUs to continue good governance

practices and improve basic services, in addition to measuring their

compliance to the Full Disclosure Policy and observance of COA

guidelines.

To ensure objectivity, DILG cross-posted DILG field officers

during the evaluations. The SGLG criteria is a product of a series of

workshops and consultations with trained DILG personnel.

Dir. Noval said DILG shall hold appropriate awards rites this

September in each winning LGU, where the SGLG Marker will be

formally conferred and installed in a conspicuous area in the

municipal hall.

Further, SGLG recipients will have the opportunity to avail

of the DILG Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to be used for

development projects. Under SGLG, the PCF incentive fund for

each winning province is seven (7) million pesos, while for

municipalities it is now three (3) million pesos each - up from 1

million pesos under SGH.(DILG-8/PIA-8)

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA6) - - The Department of Agrarian

Refrom (DAR) in Iloilo is hopeful to distribute an additional 3,500

hectares to farmers in the province this year.

Provincial Agrarian Program Reform Officer II Dr. Enrique C.

Paderes said they have already documented the landholdings

comprising 2,700 hectares to be submitted to the Land Bank of the

Philippines for valuation as of August 26.

He said DAR-Iloilo has also finished the survey for the 600

hectares and prepares for another 200 hectares.

They will try to accomplish the necessary documents of these

landholdings to be submitted to Land Bank before its cut-off period

on September 30.

To date, DAR-Iloilo has distributed a total of 67,565 hectares

to 45,476 farmer beneficiaries in the province under the

Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) which was

strengthened by Republic Act 9700 or known as the

Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms

(CARPER) in 2009 that extended the land acquisition and

distribution of agricultural lands for five years.

The number is about 79.9 percent of 84,461 hectares, the

targeted landholdings to be distributed in Iloilo through

CARPER. From July 2009 to date, land distribution balance is

16,896, mostly through compulsory acquisition.

Paderes said resistance of land owners and technical

documents remain their major challenges in the implementation of

CARPER in Iloilo.

He said Land Tenure Improvement which is operationalized

through land acquisition or leasehold operations is just one of the

key program components of CARP. The agency also ensures that

lands distributed are made by beneficiaries more productive or as

their source of livelihood through the support services provided to

them not only in agriculture but up to their households.

Some of these support services include Farm to Market Road

(FMR), irrigation system, water system, financial assistance,

insurance to crops, and day care center.

Per DAR-Iloilo data, some P209,886,485.00 were provided to

fund FMR projects in 5 Agrarian Reform Communities in the

province. This is aside from the 45 foreign assisted infrastructure

projects implemented worth P353,579, 164.00.

A total of P47,711,760,00 credit line was also approved under

the Agrarian Production Credit Program and portion of the fund

was already released to five farmer organizations in the province.

To date, some 557 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries have already

availed of the loan assistance. (JSC/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Ferliza C. Contratista

CEBU, Aug. 25 (PIA)—The province of Cebu has benefited

from P23 billion worth of infrastructure projects, the biggest among

the provinces in Central Visayas under the administration of

President Benigno ―Noynoy‖ Aquino III.

In a project briefing held at Department of Public Works and

Highways (DPWH-7) in Cebu City, Public Works and

Highways Sec. Rogelio Singson informed the President that in the

last six years, Cebu received more than half of the infrastructure

budget for Central Visayas.

Since 2010 until 2015, P43 billion were allocated and

implemented for Region 7, of which Cebu province received P23

billion, he said.

He reported that in 2010, Cebu’s budget was merely P2.1

billion, in 2015 it is now more than P7B, and to reach P9 billion by

2016, used mainly for the improvement and rehabilitation of more

than 950 kilometers of bridges and roads in the province.

In the last six years, there are 2,652 infrastructure projects

with only 209 yet to be completed while 85 are yet to start.

These also include over P8 billion worth of infrastructure

projects implemented through the funding of other agencies like the

Department of Agriculture's (DA) Farm to Market Roads;

Department of Education’s (DEPED) Basic Educational Facilities

Fund; Department of Health’s (DOH) Health Facilities

Enhancement Program, and the convergence project with the

Department of Tourism (DOT).

Singson noted the completion of the major thoroughfare in

the city, which is the 2.5 kilometer Serging Osmena Boulevard Port

Corridor costing P289 million.

Another project he also cited is the widening of Mactan

Circumferential Road which is earmarked a total of P150 million.

Pres. Aquino made a windshield inspection of said two

projects before facing the crowd gathered at the DPWH

Motorpool in Cebu City.

In his speech, Aquino said the report of the DPWH

Secretary goes to show that Cebu has not been neglected by the

administration.

The President lauded DPWH for having adhered to a

purpose-driven administration.

Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III for his

part thanked the President for not neglecting the province and for

taking time in letting the public know about the projects

implemented. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

ISUZU IML Sr. Counsellor Yoshimora Ida led

other guests in observing the skills

demonstration done by the trainees after the

welcome and recognition ceremony at the

TESDA Auto-Mechanic Training Center in

Brgy. Abucay, Tacloban City, August 24. (Vino

R. Cuayzon/PIA8)

WESTERN VISAYAS

Senate President Franklin Drilon leads the

distribution of a total of 1,184 free patents

under the Handog Titulo program of the

DENR at Casa Real de Iloilo, August 21.

Assisting him during the ceremonial

distribution are Governor Arthur Defensor,

Congressman Richard Garin and DENR 6

Director Jim Sampulna.

President Benigno S. Aquino III visit in Cebu,

August 24, 2015 at the DPWH -7 for the

briefing by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson on the

major infrastructure projects in Cebu and a

media inter-action. The President and party

proceed to Cebu Coliseum for the "Gathering

Of Friends". (vvv/PIA Cebu)

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson reports that the province of

Cebu has benefited from P23 billion worth of infrastructure

projects under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III

during the President’s recent visit to Cebu City. (PIA Cebu)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

President Manuel L. Quezon ParkPresident Manuel L. Quezon ParkPresident Manuel L. Quezon Park---Corregidor IslandCorregidor IslandCorregidor Island

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 26 (PIA6) — The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas earned the―Best Practice‖ rating in the

evaluation recently conducted by the Compliance Evaluation Process Team from Camp Crame.

PRO-6 gets 'Best Practice' rating

By Elsa S. Subong

I n a press release, PO3 Francisco

L i n d e r o , P R O - 6 S t r a t e g y

Communication and Alignment Officer,

said the evaluation was part of the

Performance Governance System (PGS)

certification and reporting in the

implementation of the good governance

system. Lindero said the evaluation process

was composed of the Strategic Readiness Test

and Performance Audit.

In a five-point rating system, the

evaluators gave PRO-6 a rating above 4.21

points or a scale equivalent to ―Best Practice‖.

The evaluation team, headed by Police

Director Wilfredo Franco of the Directorate

for Police Community Relations, used focus

group discussion, personnel interview,

documents review and field visit as

methodologies. ―The methods determined the

compliance of PRO-6 with the elements of the

second level of the PGS pathway, which is the

Compliance Stage,‖ Lindero said.

The PRO-6 seeks to attain the compliant

status by formalizing its advisory council,

cascading its strategy to individual personnel,

aligning its budget to strategy, institutionalizing

the use of balanced scorecard, implementing a

responsive communication plan, and collating

its emerging best practices on crime

prevention and solution. ―PRO-6 is set to

complete the evaluation process on September

11, 2015, with an oral presentation before a

panel from Camp Crame,‖ Lindero further

said. Last year, PRO-6 was conferred with PGS

-Initiated Status and was given the Silver Eagle

Award.

For Compliance Stage, PRO-6 is vying for

a higher rating as confirmation for the litany of

tangible things achieved in adopting good

governance through the implementation of the

PNP Peace and Order Agenda for

Transformation and Upholding the Rule-of-Law

(P.A.T.R.O.L) Plan 2030. PRO-6 Regional

Director Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz said this

year’s rating showed the efforts and innovative

approaches of the office towards the

attainment of a highly capable, effective and

credible police service. (JSC/ESS-PIA Iloilo)

SAN JOSE, Antique, Aug. 24 (PIA6) - - The Executive Briefing recently conducted in the province of Antique took to the

forefront the development reforms of the administration of Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao.

S peaking before the 31 directors of

different national agencies in Region 6,

Cadiao emphasized that Antique

deserves to be given priority just like other

provinces in the region as she said it in Kinaray

(local dialect) ―kami naman‖.

―We are not here only to update the

regional directors regarding our plans and

programs we intend to undertake during

our term of office but also to have a

dialogue on how we could work together and

complement each other in addressing the

pressing issues faced by the province,‖ Cadiao

said.

The Governor mentioned the growth

map which the executive and legislative bodies

of the province have to work for the following

reforms political, administrative, legislative,

cultural & tourism, education, peace and order,

economic and social reform.

―My administration is a government for

every Antiqueno wherein all opportunities and

privileges will be delivered in a long aspired

economic growth and self-sufficiency,‖ Cadiao

said.

During the forum Regional Director Atty.

Ma. Janet C. Mesa of the Philippine Information

Agency 6 said this is the reason why the

Executive Briefing was organized, and that is to

bring national government agencies closer and

work hand in hand with the provincial

government. ―It’s not easy to convene the

Regional Directors particularly those whose

agencies have no programs for the province.

If we think of inclusive growth, that is

precisely the reason why we should come to

Antique because development is not only for

certain areas but all provinces in the region,‖

Mesa said.

The Executive Forum was conducted

August 18 at Adelaide Inn, San Jose was

attended by more than 70 participants , 31 of

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

representatives and local counterparts.

―Executive Briefing, Mesa said, was

started way back in 2001 by PIA6 in

partnership with the different provinces in the

Region and the Office of the then Presidential

Assistant.

In Antique, the briefing was conducted

during the time of former Governors Salvacion

Z. Perez and Exequiel B. Javier. The last

Executive briefing was held in Guimaras with

Gov. Samuel Gumarin. (JSC/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

Executive Briefing highlights Antique’s dev’t reforms

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

Scholarships for NegOcc IPs available

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Aug. 26 (PIA6) – Some 21 scholarship slots for school year 2016-2017 are available for the

Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of the province, according to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Negros

Occidental.

H azel Acse, NCIP Head of Provincial

Community Service Center, said IPs

who are currently in senior high

school, out-of-school youth, or have once

studied in college for a year can avail of the

scholarship.

The scholarship forms are available at the

NCIP’s office located at the Provincial

Administration Center in Bacolod City, and the

deadline for submission of applications is set

August 31.

Some forms have been distributed to

different IP communities in the province, Acse

told the Philippine Information Agency.

The scholarship includes free tuition,

uniform allowance and book allowances per

semester with monthly stipend of P 2,500, he

said.

The applications will be evaluated by the

Committee on Scholarship for Indigenous

Peoples in the province, and short-listed

applicants will be notified of the date and

venue of the exam.

Applicants must not have a grade average

not lower than 80, Acse said.

Birth certificate, certification of the school

principal, and certification of the barangay

captain, among others, are the requirements

for the application, he added.

A total of 21 scholarship slots

were made available for this school year

2015-2016.

―I hope that you’ll make an effort to

prioritize your education because it can help

you find well-paying jobs in the future,‖ Acse

urged IPs. (JSC/CBA-PIA6 Negros Occ.)

By Carlson B. Alelis

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

KALIBO, Aklan, Aug. 26 (PIA6) -- Projects in the municipality of Ibajay implemented through the Kapit-Bisig Laban Sa

Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) of the Department of Social of

Welfare and Development (DSWD) were recently visited by officials of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the

Millennium Challenge Account Philippines (MCA) and the National Project Management Office.

T he projects in Ibajay are funded under the

MCC. The projects visited included a two

-classroom building in Barangay Bagacay

and three bridges in Monlaque, Ibajay.

Prior to the site visit, an orientation on the

completed and ongoing KALAHI-CIDSS projects

was held at the Ibajay Function Hall, where the

visitors were welcomed by Mayor Ma. Lourdes

Miraflores, who thanked the visitors profusely for

the projects in Ibajay.

The visitors included Jim Mazarella, Managing

Director, Congressional and Public Affairs, MCC;

William P. Cole, Office Management and Budget,

US government; John Polk, Country Director,

Thomas Cabuenos, Jr., Deputy National Program

Manager, MCC; Andy Moll, Director for

KALAHI-CIDSS, Andy Saracho, Communication

Specialist; Belen Gebusion, Deputy Regional

Program Manager, MCC; Leo Quintilla, Deputy

Regional Program Manager, NCDDP, and Beth

Ferraris, Regional Community Development

Specialist. ―With the implementation of the

badly-needed projects in Ibajay provided through

KALAHI-CIDSS, the lives of the people here were

uplifted‖, Mayor Miraflores said.

Mayor Miraflores related how, in 2012, the

KALAHI-CIDSS program was expanded and Ibajay

was one of the 5 lucky towns chosen through

drawing of lots.

The other towns under the expanded

program are Tangalan, Makato, Batan and New

Washington. The site visits came with interactions

with community volunteers in the two respective

barangays – Bagacay and Monlaque; and

installation of project markers.

The 2-room school building in Barangay

Bagacay, according to barangay and school

officials, will cater to Grade 6 pupils of both

Bagacay and Unat, a neighboring barangay.

Community volunteers of Barangay Bagacay, who,

from the very start, participated in the selection

of the much-needed project in their barangay up

to the implementation and construction, were

one in saying that planning and execution of the

project made them feel that they can contribute

to something useful for their barangay.

The same sentiment was echoed in Barangay

Monlaque, where the barangay officials and

residents said the three bridges solved their

problems in their daily lives – the school children,

who are able to go to school even if the creeks

are flooded, and the residents and those from

neighboring barangays who use the bridge in

transporting their agricultural products to the

town.

Ibajay town has 35 barangays with a total

population of 45,279. Forty (40) sub-projects had

been implemented there through KALAHI-CIDSS

with a total project cost of P47,250,000.00.

Projects included school buildings, roads, bridges,

pathway, seawall, drainage, slope protection,

harvest facility and artificial reef. (JSC/VGV-PIA6

Aklan)

KALAHI-CIDSS’ projects in Aklan town visited

By Venus G. Villanueva

20 Capiz MSMEs get DOST Awards By Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 27 (PIA6) – Micro, small and medium enterprises in Capiz were again provided help by the

Department of Science and Technology.

C apiz DOST Information Officer Juafe

Abareles disclosed that 20 micro, small

and medium enterprises in the

province were recently awarded new and

improved product label designs with

appropriate packaging materials.

Abareles said that the DOST has provided

an initial volume of printed label designs which

is ready for immediate implementation in the

market.

―They were likewise given a soft copy of

the design in a CD for future printing and initial

volume of recommended packaging material

and structure,‖ she said. Abareles said that the

enterprises-beneficiaries are into food

production business.

She explained that the packaging

improvement will enhance their product

presentation and comply with the Philippine

regulatory requirements on food product

labeling.

This will also enable the firms to

penetrate better and wider market of their

products, she said. Abareles added that

appropriate packaging materials will also

protect product quality and even prolong

product shelf-life. (JSC/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

Light of Peace to highlight San Enrique’s progress

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA6) --- The local government unit of San Enrique, Iloilo is looking forward to inviting more tourists

and potential investors with its hosting of the Light of Peace 2015 event this year.

I n a press conference, Mayor Ramona

Palabrica-Go said the event will benefit

the populace not only in attaining inner

peace but contribute in developing the town’s

agro/eco-tourism potentials and strengths and

open doors to tourists and investors.

―I will do my best to bring peace,

progress, and development to my hometown,‖

Go said.

The Light of Peace 2015 event is slated on

August 29, 2015 at the San Enrique Central

School oval which can accommodate 10,000

participants who will light the Candles for

Peace for the municipality, the province, the

country, and the world.

―We are confident everything is in place

for the big day and San Enrique will not be the

same after the Light of Peace,‖ she said.

Venerable Burin Thitakusalo, Director of

the Middle Way Meditation which spearheads

the event, said the highlights of the event

include the meditation activity and the lighting

of 10,000 candles.

―The participants sit and meditate

together for 30 minutes and will perform the

flaming image by using 10,000 lit candles,‖ he

said.

He said the candles will depict the Light of

Peace in San Enrique 2015’s logo and motto

―Progress through Inner Peace‖ as well as the

map of the Iloilo province with emphasis on

San Enrique.

Meanwhile, Go said that the event is

aimed to make San Enriquenhons aware of the

importance of genuine peace starting from

their family more than the desire to expose the

municipality to the outside world.

―The five universal goodness of

cleanliness, orderliness, politeness, punctuality,

and meditation have been implemented in San

Enrique in a bid to promote the municipality to

be the first Inner Peace Town in the world,‖

she said.

On one hand, Department of Tourism

(DOT)-6 Regional Director Helen Catalbas

said that San Enrique could potentially be the

next tourism destination in Iloilo province with

its diverse natural wonders.

―Tourism should be developed as a

vehicle to improve livelihood in San Enrique,‖

Catalbas added. (JSC/LTP-PIA Iloilo).

By Leonard T. Pineda I

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

Cebu City, August 22 (PIA) -- Delegates attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Cebu now have

access to a handy guide on where the top attractions and latest activities in the province are with the release of the updated

travel app Cebu Guide.

M ade available by InnoPub Media and mobile

leader Smart Communications (Smart) in partnership with the Cebu Provincial

Government, the mobile app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store for Android devices and

Apple App Store for iOS. The app can also be downloaded from apps.myguide.ph/cebu/.

The guide lists island attractions - from heritage structures like ancient houses and centuries-old stone

churches to white sand beaches and island-hopping destinations, a wide range of land and water activities,

the best accommodations, food to try, and important contact numbers.

―Cebu is working to make APEC 2015 meetings a success. One of the initiatives is tapping existing

partnerships like the Digital Tourism program with SMART and InnoPub,‖ said Cebu Governor Hilario

Davide III. ―By providing delegates with information through

the Cebu Guide app, we make their visits meaningful. By using the platform for announcements, we are also

helping Cebuanos get the latest updates on APEC

activities,‖ said Gov. Davide.

The app directory also provides a complete listing of Department of Tourism-accredited tour guides, tour

operators, transport services as well as consular offices and emergency contacts like police and hospitals.

Tourist attractions, hotels and other locations featured in the app have GPS data and users need only

to tap the "check location" link to be guided on how to get to a place. Contact details are also active and users

need only to tap on phone numbers to call a guide, tour operator, police station or any person or organization

listed on the app. ―We are happy to support the Cebu Provincial

Government in promoting what Cebu can offer to the APEC delegates. A comprehensive and handy guide to

Cebu, the Cebu Guide can help the delegates maximize their stay in the country. This is aligned with our digital

tourism program which aims to enhance the delivery of tourism information through the use of mobile and

digital technologies,‖ said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

A chapter of the travel guide will carry important

Cebu updates, such as developments pertaining to the

anticipated APEC meetings scheduled from August to October. The locally-relevant APEC updates will be

provided by the Cebu Provincial Government. The mobile app has a notification function that

allows users to immediately receive information on such things as traffic changes like rerouting and road closures

for the duration of the APEC 2015 meetings in Cebu. ―We are excited to collaborate with SMART and

the Cebu Provincial Government to help tourists and APEC delegates make the most of their Cebu visit by

providing them with important information on where to go and what to do when in Cebu,‖ said Max Limpag,

InnoPub Media co-founder. The app is released as part of the nationwide

Digital Tourism program by SMART and InnoPub Media in collaboration with local government units and private

organizations. The program started in Cebu and is now in Iloilo, Baguio, Albay and Bohol and is set for expansion

in key tourism areas in the country. The program was given an Anvil Award of Merit in

February 2014.(mbcn/PIA7/PIO-Provincial Office)

Smart, Innopub Media, and Cebu Capitol

provide Cebu Guide app for APEC delegates

Amor Y. Saludar President Manuel L. Quezon ParkPresident Manuel L. Quezon ParkPresident Manuel L. Quezon Park---Corregidor IslandCorregidor IslandCorregidor Island

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Aug. 26 (PIA) – The need for a multi-sectoral participation to grow and manage forests for a greener

Negros Island was tackled in a Stakeholder Consultation for Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) expansion BINHI

program, August 27 in Dumaguete City.

EDC to tackle community participation under BINHI program in NegOr

E DC believes that it takes more than planting

a tree seedling to nurture the future with other stakeholders.

This EDC realized in the six years that it has

been implementing its own BINHI greening legacy program.

EDC launched its Binhi in 2008, which aims to reforest 1,000 hectares per year for the next

ten years. At the Southern Negros Geothermal Project

(SNGP) located in Negros Island, most of the trees

that the company planted were in the towns of Valencia, Dauin, and Zamboangita in the Mt. Talinis

area where it was able to reforest 935 hectares.

Beyond doing its share to help address climate

change, BINHI wants to ensure that the diversity of

our Philippine forests and its vanishing native tree species are restored.

Led by the company's dedicated Watershed

Management and Corporate Social Responsibility

teams, BINHI revolutionized corporate greening by using science to achieve its sustainable broad-scale reforestation and biodiversity conservation goals.

EDC Watershed Management head in Negros Island Abba Grace Sanchez said BINHI's Tree for Life aims to bridge forest gaps, biodiversity research and rehabilitation of forestlands covering key biodiversity

areas in the country. This is done either through assisted natural

regeneration or through rainforestation to continue

providing ecological services while being safeguarded, Sanchez said.

With almost 1,100 hectares of total

reforestation in the Mt. Talinis area from 1998 to 2014 for combined non-BINHI and BINHI projects, EDC was able to plant almost one million

trees. EDC's 15 farmers' associations in Negros

Oriental have been helping the company protect and

maintain its BINHI areas for their livelihood.

Sanchez said the farmers get compensated so they can provide for their family's needs.

Among the company's institutional

partners are Bencab Art Foundation,Inc., the local government Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental, Philippine Science High School, and the provincial government of Southern Leyte and the

University of the Philippines-Diliman that both set up an arboretum of threatened species with EDC last year.

EDC employees from its geothermal business units also make it a habit to join each BINHI tree

planting in their partner schools and public parks.

EDC is the country’s leading producer of geothermal energy and a multi-awarded Filipino company in the areas of geothermal development,

environmental excellence, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug. 26 (PIA) – Business booth spaces are now available for rental for this year’s

Buglasan Festival at the Capitol Area and at the Sidlakang Negros Village (SNV).

NegOr's Buglasan Festival stalls now open for business

N egros Oriental Tourism Council

(NOTC) announced this for interested

concessionaires for Buglasan Festival on October 16 to 25.

Concessionaires for the festival specifically for commercial, dry goods, and corporate booths including the Negros Oriental Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants (NOHHR) may set up to sell and display

their products and services. The following rates for each type of booth in

the Capitol area covering the entire duration of the

Buglasan Festival include: fruit and food stands for

P2,500; small stalls booth, P5,000; dry goods, P7,500;

and corporate booth, P25,000. Under the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ordinance,

for the rates of NOHRR A and B booths, the provincial government will charge P30,000 and P15,000, respectively, as these occupy right beside the Capitol jet fountain.

However, a commercial booth with sponsorship will cost P50,000.

Right now small stalls and food stands fronting

the capitol building stage and along Kagawasan

Avenue are also available.

Rates for restaurants, small stalls and fruit and foods stands located at SNV are at P7,200,

P2,500 and P1,500, respectively. The rent is based on fixed rates that include

location, type of booth or stall, area, size, electricity and water consumption. Interested concessionaires

may do their booking and pay directly to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Capitol building for available slots. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Jennifer C. Tilos

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 24 (PIA) --- The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental and Siquijor Council is

focusing its activities on disaster preparedness on this year’s 33rd cadet encampment from September 17 to 20 at Camp Lily I.

Gamo Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

GSP to hold camp on disaster preparedness

A ctivities lined up during the event include

disaster preparedness lecturettes, first aid, earthquake drill, waste segregation, tree

planting, and adventure games.

However, as part of the activity, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will also conduct a video documentary presentation on West Philippine Sea to show to the campers China’s

massive reclamation activities which may have caused destruction to marine environment and fishing industry.

Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces expect

to gather more than 3,000 Girl Scouts delegates for

the four-day encampment. Council President Mariant Villegas said this

year’s event banners the theme ―I imagine, I achieve,

I serve‖. The campers will be divided into the Junior or

elementary level, Senior or high school level, and Cadet or the college category.

In an encampment committee meeting, the local government unit of Sibulan is tasked to provide electrician for the installation of light in the campsite,

water supplies, an ambulance and additional doctor

from its Rural Health Unit to augment the medical

team of the Provincial Health Office (PHO). The police personnel team also keeps all

security measures on alert 24/7 for the duration of

the encampment. The Provincial Health Office will provide

medical health services including spraying the camp area to maintain sanitation and safety.

The young scouters are expected to learn some skills to be responsible, progressive, dynamic and patriotic through outdoor activities. (rmn/jct/

PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Jennifer C. Tilos

NEGROS ORIENTAL, August 25 (PIA) -- Land Bank of the Philippines has awarded CARD Bank, member of CARD Mutually

Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI, recently as one of its 2015 outstanding accredited client-countryside financial institution

(CFI).

A microfinance-oriented rural bank,

CARD Bank won first place in the

category of Rural Bank in the national

level and a special award, Best CFI Availer-Agri

-Agra Loans.

CARD Bank has the highest loan portfolio

on agri-agra based on its submitted report to the

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

According to CARD Bank president and

CEO Dolores Torres CARD Bank "will never tire

helping people living in the countryside to help

them uplift their quality of life.‖

CARD Bank is one of the financial

institutions of CARD MRI that helps empower

millions of Filipinos especially people who are

excluded in the mainstream financial system.

Land Bank president and CEO Gilda Pico

commended CARD Bank for its noble mission to

help the poor communities during the Gawad

Award ceremony held in Manila.

Torres said ―CARD Bank will continue to

partner with appropriate institutions, like Land

Bank, that share the same mission as ours to

achieve our mutual goal of eradicating poverty in

the country.‖

Land Bank’s Outstanding CFI-clients

awarding is being done annually to recognize

CFIs that modelled excellence in rural financial

services.

This recognition aims to maintain a good

partnership between Land Bank and CFIs in

providing financial access to marginalized sectors

and development players in the countryside. The

cash prizes received by the institution will be

added to the calamity loan fund of CARD MRI.

Present during the awarding include officials

and representatives from the Rural Bankers

Association of the Philippines, Chamber of Thrift

Banks, key officers and leaders of SMEs and

Corporations, other government agencies and

senior officers of Land Bank. (rmn/jct/PIA7

-Negros Oriental)

CARD Bank is LandBank’s 2015 outstanding

CFI

Jennifer C. Tilos

TAGBILARAN CITY, August 24 (PIA) -- The control strategy recommended as the most cost-effective way to stop the spread

of tuberculosis in communities would soon be available even in private hospitals in Bohol, according to the Department of

Health (DOH).

Private hospitals in Bohol to open TB DOTS centers

B ohol TB program coordinator Polizena

Rances bared this at the recent Kapihan

sa PIA as the whole country

commemorates the death of former President

Manuel L. Quezon, whole life was nipped by the

disease in August.

Tuberculosis or TB, a lung disease that still

ranks among the six diseases with a high

morbidity and mortality rates in the Philippines, is

getting world attention that the World Health

Organization (WHO) recommended a strategy

called Directly Observed Treatment Short

Course (TB DOTS).

This came after health authorities noted

program failures in the past and these were

largely due to the perception that the patient

stops the treatment when he feels well after a few

days of medical regimen. .

This, according to the health experts, only

makes a bigger problem out of the disease

because the bacteria could morph into a

multi-drug resistant TB, a rather complicated

case.

In some instances, patients undergoing

treatment sometimes forget to take the

medicines that they have unwittingly strengthened

the bacteria enough to become resistant to

other medicines in the treatment package, Rances

said.

To be able to reach out to the patients,

TB DOTS employs five components:

government commitment, case detection,

standard length of treatment observed by a

health care worker for at least the first two

months, a reliable drug supply and a standard

reporting and monitoring that allows results

assessment.

Already with free drug treatment for TB,

the government extended its programs to the

localities by setting up TB DOTS Centers in Rural

Health Units and government health facilities and

hospitals, Rances said.

To get to those in need of treatment just as

Bohol suffers a sub par 67% case detection rate

which is far from the international standard of

90%, the government is set to open up treatment

centers even in private hospitals.

Provincial health authorities believe this can

help them increase their cure rate, that as soon as

a case is detected, the stigma of going to the

public treatment centers can be minimized by

opting for the more secretive private hospitals.

Even then, Rances, who is a nurse by

profession, reminds Boholanos that TB is never

something one must be ashamed of, because

there are already treatments available.

All they need to do is go to the nearest PHU

or private hospital of choice offering TB DOTS

and then treatment can start, he said.

In private hospitals however, while drugs are

free, diagnostic examinations and medical supplies

used in the drug administration may be charged.

(rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

60 ES police officers promoted

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 24 (PIA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP), Eastern Samar Police Provincial

Office (ESPPO) conducted mass oath taking ceremony to 60 Police Non-Commissioned Officers who were promoted to the

next higher rank. The activity is in line with the approved Memorandum in August 4, 2015 from Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte

on August 17, 2015. The oath taking was held in Camp Asidillo, ESPPO, this City.

S ome 11 police personnel were promoted

from PO1 to PO2, six from PO2 to PO3,

16 from PO3 to SPO1, 14 from SPO1 to

SPO2, one from SPO2 to SPO3 and 12 from

SPO3 to SPO4.

The newly promoted PNP personnel

took their mass oath in front of Police Senior

Superintendent Romeo P. Campomanes,

Provincial Director, ESPPO their families and

the guest of honor, Hon. City Councilor

Estanislao Quiletano, Jr.

I n h i s message , P /Sr . Sup t .

Campomanes said that there are challenges

that face them upon accepting their well

deserved promotion. ―I encourage you to

continue working for your career advancement

and for the good of the people so that they can

deliver your services to Estehanons effectively

and efficiently,‖ Campomanes said, while Hon.

Quiletano said, ―Keep up the good work.‖

―Your promotion is a result of your

exemplary performance with equal services to

the people,‖ Quiletano added.

Meanwhile, some five PNP Commissioned

Officers were also promoted to the next

higher rank and took their oath before Police

Chief Supt. Asher A. Dolina, PRO-8 Regional

Director. The newly promoted PNP officers

are: from Police Inspector to Police Senior

Inspector, P/Sr. Inspector. Benjamin B. Lodo; P/

Sr. Ins. Ivan Frank C. Gabornes; and P/Sr. Ins.

Mark Lester B. Uminyad.

Other PNP officers are: from P/Sr. Ins. to

P/Chief Ins., P/Chief Ins. Cerilo R. Nicart, Jr.

and P/Chief Ins. Sulpicio G. Jabagat, Jr. (ajc/sdc/

PIA8-ESamar)

Investment, economic promotions office

conceptualizes Biliran 2020

NAVAL, Biliran, August 26 (PIA) – Think and picture out what the province of Biliran will be in the next five years. Nobody

gets the idea that far, except the brilliant concept of the head of the newly reinvigorated Biliran Investment and Economic

Promotions Office (BIEPO).

“ I’m happy that I am now in the right office

where my educational background,

trainings, work experiences and

networks are most useful‖ said Diana

Bernardes-Chawdhury, the newly designated

head of the BIEPO, in her radio appearance at

the PIA Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan at

Radyo Natin-Naval. Diana or Diane, as she is

fondly called by her close friends and circle of

associates in Biliran province, presented a

concept in a matrix of what the province of

Biliran will be come year 2016 up to 2020.

She conceptualized a f ive-year

development framework plan called Biliran

2020 anchored on Biliran Paraiso

Movement which incorporated major

development components ranging from

infrastructure, tourism, environment, trade and

commerce, support services and the whole

development perspective including that of

human capital development. Based on the

matrix of Biliran 2020, the year 2016 will be

the launching year of the plan with its

groundworks already being worked out by her

office manned by just three personnel.

In 2017, it is envisioned that zero waste

management and the province’ investment

code are already implemented; 2018,

architect’s perspective of the Biliran Paraiso

ready, reforestry program thriving and coconut

integrated processing industry also thriving;

2019, infrastructure of the Biliran Paraiso

evident, support service and industries set up,

physical beautification evident and wholistic

tourism systm set up; and in 2020, Biliran is

envisioned to become a first class province

where unemployment rate and poverty levels

are low while its gross domestic product

increase and the province as an important

tourism destination.

She emphasized that the vision of Biliran

2020 is quite a big thing but with the people’s

cooperation as well as the different sectors

collaboration, the vision is within everybody’s

reach coupled with the full support of the

provincial leadership. Chawdhury, who has

been the guest in one regular and one special

episodes of the PIA Kapihan forum this month

of August just to fully promote the concept of

Biliran 2020, expressed full optimism that

Biliran 2020 will be realized.

―Let us erase negativity and passitivity and

avoid that crab mentality which pull us down

everytime somebody espouses a good idea for

Biliran province’s development‖ she said.

The new head of BIEPO further called

on all the stakeholders in the province to rally

and support the idea of Biliran 2020 since after

all, every Biliranon will reap the benefits after

it will be realized. (ajc/fj/rsv/PIA8-Biliran)

RODRIGO S. VICTORIA

PNP-Borongan creates advisory council for police reform and dev't

T he purpose of the Council is to

encourage the participation of

different stakeholders, both internal

and external to support the implementation

and to share the gains and victories of the

PNP-Integrated Transformation Program –

Performance Governance System (ITP-PGS).

According to Police Supt. Matthe L. Aseo,

Chief of Police, ITP-PGS serves as the

organization’s roadmap to lasting change

aimed to transform PNP into a more

capable, effective and credible police

service by 2030 through the development of

individual scorecards/dashboards.

He further said, that the ITP-PGS relies

upon four different yet integrated perspectives

namely:

Community Stakeholder Satisfaction;

Resource Management – organization’s

financial requirements and performance;

Process Excellence – core functions of the

organization; and Learning and Growth –

focuses on how the organization train and

educate its personnel.

The PNP has instituted the ITP-PGS

program last January 2009 in order to measure

the effectiveness of the PNP organization in

preventing crimes and solving those that has

already been committed.

Invited to the creation of the said

Council are: Mrs. Salome Calinaya –

Senior Citizen, Mrs. Gilda Rodeles, City

Welfare and Development Officer (CWDO),

Mr. Samuel D. Candido – PIA (Media),

Atty. Goldelisa Cesista, Judicial (PAO), Hon.

Anadel Sual – Women Sector, Hon. Edsel

Casillano, LGU, Mr. Conrado Uy – Business

and Ms. Marissa Acoren – Tourism. (ajc/sdc/

PIA8-ESamar)

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug. 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP), Borongan City will create a City

Advisory Council for Police Reform and Development (CACPRD) on August 21, 2015 at the Borongan City Police Station.

SAMUEL D. CANDIDO

President Manuel L. Quezon ParkPresident Manuel L. Quezon ParkPresident Manuel L. Quezon Park---Corregidor IslandCorregidor IslandCorregidor Island

SAMUEL D. CANDIDO

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

BSP demonetizes Philippine currency

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, August 24 (PIA) - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will be replacing the current currencies

with the issuance of new banknotes.

T his was announced by the regional BSP

in a presentation during the regular

monthly meeting of the Regional Law

Enforcement Coordinating Committee 8

(RLECC 8) in August 20, 2015 at the Matapat

Hall, PRO 8 Headquarters, Camp Kangleon,

Palo, Leyte.

Accordingly, the replacement of

banknotes known as demonetization is aimed

to safeguard the integrity of the currency for

protection against counterfeiters.

The BSP will be issuing the ―New

Generation Currency‖ (NGC) banknotes as

replacement for the ―New Design

Series‖ (NDS) banknotes. The NDS banknotes

according to BSP need to be replaced as it has

been in use as the country’s currency for

twenty nine years.

The NGC banknotes have been in

circulation and used as the legal tender since

its launch in December 16, 2010 in ceremonies

led by President Benigno S. Aquino III at

Malacañang Palace.

Currently, the NGC banknotes in

circulation are in the denomination of 20-piso,

50-piso, 100-piso, 500-piso, and 1000-piso.

The design elements included in the NGC

banknotes feature important people who have

played significant roles in shaping Philippine

history, politics and democracy. Added

features are world heritage sites and iconic

natural wonders of the country.

BSP wants the public to know that

demonetization schedule is from January 1

to December 31, 2015 though the old

banknotes or NDS is still being used for daily

transactions until expiry schedule which is end

of this year.

From January 1 to December 31, 2016,

the NDS banknotes can no longer be used for

daily transactions but can be exchanged in

authorized agent banks and BSP Cash

Department or any of its regional offices or

branches. Authorized agent banks of the BSP

are those banking institutions under the

supervision of the BSP.

In addition BSP says that starting January

1, 2017, the old banknotes are demonetized

and considered of no monetary value. Only the

new banknote series will remain as legal tender

in the country. (AJC/PIA-8)

AURORA J. CASIMPAN

Army upholds rule of law in combat operations

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 25 (PIA) – The recent encounter of army troops with suspected members of the New

People’s Army bespeaks of our troops respect to the Rule of Law, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, said 8th

Infantry Division Commanding General Jet Velarmino.

T his , a f ter some army troops

encountered NPA members in a

remote area of Barangay Bunga,

Motiong Samar on August 19, 2015.

Based on the initial report of Lt.

Col. George M. Domingo, Commanding

Officer, 87th Infantry Batallion, 8th Infantry

Division, Philippine Army, his troops were

conducting combat operations to check the

presence of NPA members in the outskirts of

the barangay.

While approaching the area, the troops

encountered a group of heavily armed NPA

rebels. Firefight ensued for some 15 minutes

then the rebels withdrew from their

temporary lair made of assorted leaves and

wooden poles.

Government troops immediately

scoured the area which led them to a

wounded NPA rebel left behind by his fleeing

comrades.

He was identified by the barangay council

of Bunga as Michael Gabane aka Lagbo. The

troops provided first aid to the wounded rebel

and transported him to Camp Lukban Station

Hospital.

After the encounter, troops recovered

one caliber .45 pistol with live ammunition,

one caliber .38, empty shells of AK47, two

civilian backpacks containing NPA personal

belongings and subversive documents with high

intelligence value.

Domingo reported that there were no

casualties on the government side, while one

NPA rebel identified as Jenny Gabane aka

Dacles was killed in action.

The troops, with the assistance of the

barangay official, brought the cadaver

to Motiong Funeral Homes for proper

disposition.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander

of the 8th Infantry Division, extended his

appreciation to the troops for abiding the

rules of engagement particularly in situation

warranting attendance to wounded enemy

combatants.

―These local NPA combatants are just

victims themselves of communist leaders who

take advantage of them just to pursue their

personal motives. As an abider of International

Humanitarian Law (IHL), even a wounded

enemy deserves immediate medical care. This

was manifested by our troops despite of the

volatile situation, when they provided

immediate medical attention to the wounded

combatant,‖ he added. (PIA-8-Samar with

reports from 8th ID Presscorps)

Ecoblast in Leyte launched

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 24 (PIA) -- The Saint Paul School of Business and Law (SPSBL), a prestigious college institution

in the Province started its tree planting activity in support to the 1 Billion Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project of

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

D ubbed as ―Ecoblast‖, an estimated

500 mangrove seedlings were

planted Friday near the beaches of

Brgy. Cabuynan in Tanauan and Brgy. Tanghas,

Tolosa, both in Leyte.

―This activity is a product of the

belief of the institution on the tri-focal

function of an educational institution that it

must not only focus on instruction but must

also focus on research and community

service,‖ said SPSBL President Erwin Vincent

G. Alcala.

―That is the reason why we

conceptualized this beach forest rehabilitation

in various areas in Eastern Visayas,‖ Alcala

added.

The Ecoblast is a classic representation of

the SPSBL’s high regard for service and care for

the environment.

Aside from Tanauan and Tolosa

Leyte, other local government units

that were initially identified as recipients

of the tree planting activity are the

municipalities of San Juan in Southern

Leyte, Naval in Biliran and Guiuan in Eastern

Samar.

The seedlings planted during the first

phase of the Ecoblast shall be maintained and

cared by each local government unit in

cooperation with DENR.

The ecoblast was initiated by SPSBL in

cooperation with DENR, the five LGUs and

Ms. Earth Foundation Inc. (ajc/cba/PIA-8)

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) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Editorial Consultants

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Alicia E. Nicart

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

Managing Editor

Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

Contributors

All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8

Production and Layout

Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado

Regional Offices:

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

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

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