onevisayasenewslettervol6issue12 20160323 r6
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The official e-Newsletter of PIA VisayasTRANSCRIPT
Vol 6 Issue 11 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 March 14-20, 2016
In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue BIR intensifies tax campaigns to meet target
NHA erects 478 units in five Bohol towns
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
Attitude, passion important in going into business, says DTI
By Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 17 (PIA) -- Aside
from financial capital, a person‘s behavior and interests are
also prime factors to consider if one is seriously
contemplating to try the challenges of having a business one
can call his or her own.
Money should not be ruled out, but then again, this
does not mean anyone who lacks cash cannot venture and
take risks, said Mike Nunez, provincial director of the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Personality traits or habits like working beyond the
regular 8-hour day, willingness to be on 24/7 time mode, and
a burning desire for a hobby, skill, service, or idea to acquire
life and bring fair monetary returns are as vital as having a
capital to invest, Nunez said during the live dydm Kapihan sa
PIA last week.
It is for this purpose, on enlightening prospective
entrepreneurs, that the Negosyo Center was opened, to
give advice for those really interested, Nunez added.
He said the first Negosyo Center in the province
opened in the city in November last year, and since then the
two business counselors assigned there, Ivy Balinkit and
Hazel Miro, has been interacting with some groups and
individuals.
Republic Act 10644 authored by Sen. Bam Aquino and
passed in July last year mandated the creation of a Negosyo
Center in every municipal or city local government unit.
For Southern Leyte province, three more Negosyo
Centers are slated to open this year, and these are in Liloan
next month- April , Sogod in May after the elections, and at
Hinunangan in August, Nunez informed.
Nunez stressed that Negosyo Centers act like a
professional entity where people can go for consultation,
much like instances when people get sick so they go to a
doctor, or for legal matters, to a lawyer.
Nunez said they will be referred to financial institutions
where they can possibly borrow money in addition to their
savings, or they may have relatives that have money to burn,
looking for anything worth investing.
Or they may tap OFW friends or family members with
extra funds, Nunez also advised. (mmp, PIA8-Southern
Leyte)
ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA6)—The Bureau of Internal
Revenue Region 11 said it is intensifying the implementation
of its tax campaign programs to neet the target for 2016.
BIR Region 11 covers Iloilo City and Guimaras and the
provinces of Aklan, Roxas City in Caoiz and San Jose in
Antique.
It recently launched its 2016 tax campaign themed
―Angat Pa Pinas‖ calling on all taxpayers to pay taxes
correctly and on time.
―With the theme, we seek to instil in the Filipinos the
importance of playing a major role in shaping the future of
the country,‖ BIR-11 Director Esmeralda Tabule said during
the launch.
―This year‘s campaign is also our way of showing that
we are grateful for the cooperation of the tax payers,‖
Tabule added.
She said that BIR-11 has collected over P9-billion in
2015, about seven percent higher compared to the region‘s
collection of almost P8.5-billion in 2014.
As of the first two months of this year, the region has
already collected a total of 1,714,704,014.96, which is 36.01
percent higher than last year‘s collection of
P1,260,674,698.03, for the same period.
BIR-11 is keeping the momentum by intensifying
implementation of its various programs, like Oplan Kandado,
Run After Tax Evaders, monitoring the withholding tax
compliance of Withholding Agents, updating of BIR form
2305, Oplan AIR or the Ako Isyu Resibo and Resibo Mo
Buasdamlag Ko.
Director Tabule said that taxpayers are not just
paying taxes for their generation but for the next
generations.
Meanwhile, Nelson Aspe, BIR deputy commissioner for
Operations, said a total of 29 million taxpayers are
registered with the BIR and about 9.8 are income taxpayers.
The BIR targets to collect P2.026-trillion to augment
the three P3-trillion budget of the national government for
2016. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Also CLICK Here…
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
By Rey Anthony H. Chiu
TAGBILARAN CITY, March 21 (PIA) — The National Housing Authority (NHA) completed 478 housing units in Bohol, allocating P40.7 million for five Bohol
towns aside from the P378 million it spent for implementing housing projects for families affected by the 2013 earthquake.
In an NHA Visayas Management Office report as of
February 29, 2016 which was furnished to the Philippine Information Agency, the government‘s lead housing assistance agency said from 2011-2016, they have facilitated
the construction of housing units in Tangnan, Panglao, Barangay Remedios Danao, Talibon, Getafe and Carmen.
A housing project set to rise in Dagohoy with the
NHA committing to build 125 housing units however encountered problems.
The cost of construction has considerably risen,
necessitating an updated unit cost estimates based on the prevailing prices of construction materials, stated the report submitted by NHA 7 Regional Manager Gavino
Figuracion. For this, the project stalled. The People‘s Organization implementing the project
for NHA however has reportedly prepared the proposed variation order for his approval and are now preparing the
documents for the re bidding process, Figuracion said. The project is expected to cruise on as soon as the
NHA GM approves and the bidding is done and successful.
In Tangnan Panglao, NHA has completed 42 housing units for Tangnan District Housing Project in December of 2012.
The Tangnan Project had the government housing
agency setting aside P2.44 million for the 42 units, to which the Local Government Unit is paying quarterly amortization for the loan amount of P81, 549 for ten years,
according to the NHA report. In Barangay Remedios in Danao, NHA also put up in
its phase 1 some 141 housing units for Bag-ong Paglaum
Resettlement Project and allocated P9.315 million.
Right now, the NHA awaits the survey approval for the 100 physically completed project so it can facilitate a fast awarding of the houses to future beneficiary occupants.
In Talibon, NHA set up CPG Ville Housing Project building 153 housing units putting in P6.944 million. An LGU subdivision survey and titling is now on,
NHA said. In Getafe, the Kapit-Bahayan Resettlement Project
costs the government P10.011 million for the 101 housing
units earmarked for the town. To date, only 99 of the housing units is completed while the first progress billing is stalled due to failure of the LGU as yet to comply with the
DENR‘s environmental compliance certificates. On the other hand, Carmen Resettlement Project is
still ongoing and the NHA is set to complete 191 units, as only 43 have been completed. The NHA also assured that
land development in the area is ongoing, and the works include road concreting projects.
All in all and with Dagohoy set for completion in
2016, plus the balance of houses in Getafe and Carmen, Bohol would be getting 753 housing units by the year-end. (mbcn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
WESTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
The P ro v i n c i a l Com m i s s i on on
Women-Negros Oriental has organized and
facilitated a workshop to voice out women's
opinions and contribute some advocacies in
public services in celebration of Women's
Month this March held at the Provincial
Convention Center, Dumaguete City.
(PIA7-NEGOR)
DOH Sec Janette Loreto-Garin in Southern
Leyte, March 22, 2016 holding a ceremonial
turn-over of Tsekap (Tamang Serbisyo para sa
Kalusugan ng Pamilya) to Barangay Health
Stations through their BHWs, Barangay
Captains, among other health personnel.
DENR - EMB 6 Director Atty. Jonathan Bulos,
DENR 6 ARD Jesse Vego, 2015 Gawad EMB
Awardee Sr. Carolina Agravante, SPC and
Robinsons Place Mall Operations Manager
Kristin Hortelano lead the ceremonial
switching off of lights for the Earth Hour 2016
at Robinsons Place Iloilo Fountain Area, March
19. (PIA Iloilo)
WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222
PRO-6 intensifies security for Lent
ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA6) --- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 said that security measures are in full swing for the Holy
Week commemorations.
I n a med i a in te rv i ew , PRO -6
spokesperson Supt. Gilbert Gorero said
that a major event security framework is
implemented by PRO-6 Regional Director
Bernardo Diaz to ensure peace and order and
public safety during the observance of the Holy
Week.
He said that more police personnel will be
deployed in areas where major activities are
conducted such as the famous reenactment of
the crucifixion of Jesus Christ dubbed ―Ang
Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid‖ in the island-province
of Guimaras.
He said that there will be strict
enforcement of security measures in the
entrance and exit of identified areas including
the Parola Wharf where personnel from the
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are also
deployed.
Additional policemen from the Iloilo City
Police Office will also help in the maintenance
of peace and order in Guimaras.
Aside from the PCG, the PRO-6 is also
coordinating with the Land Transportation
Office, Land Transportation Franchising
Regulatory Board, Department of Public
Works and Highways, and the Maritime
Industry Authority to ensure comprehensive
security coverage and other necessary public
safety services this Holy Week.
Meanwhile, the local government
unit of Jordan in Guimaras said that
they are expecting a huge volume of local and
foreign tourists to witness the 41st edition of
their religious event on Good Friday, March
25.
Pagtaltal sa Guimaras is an annual Lenten
presentation staged by the townspeople of
Jordan patterned to Oberammergau in South
Bavaria, Germany.
Considered as a Good Friday
highlight, it depicts the final act of
play when Jesus was taken off from the cross
and laid on his mother's lap. (JCM/LTP/
PIA-Iloilo).
By Leonard T. Pineda I
Earth Hour should be done everyday, says DENR-EMB
By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.
ILOILO CITY, March 21 (PIA6) – Earth Hour should not be celebrated for just an hour once a year but everyday as we take
actions against climate change, according to DENR-Environmental Management Bureau-6 Director lawyer Jonathan Bulos in
his message at the Earth Hour 2016 event on March 19 here.
T o DENR Assistant Regional Director
for Technical Services Jesse Vego,
going beyond the one-hour event
also means taking other efforts to really
complete the satisfaction over actions to
address climate change.
The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI and EMB
here together with the World Wildlife Fund
for Nature and local partners and stakeholders
led the local observance of Earth Hour at
Robinsons Place Iloilo, March 19.
Bulos added that Earth Hour is not just
switching off of lights but it is the switching on
of our minds, development of awareness,
spreading of knowledge on climate change and
acceptance of our role and taking action
against climate change.
We are part of the climate change
problem through our daily activities that
contribute to emission of greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere and part of the action is
to control these activities, Bulos said.
Sister Carolina Agravante, president
of St. Paul University Iloilo and recipient
of EMB-6‘s ―1st Lunhaw Dahon Award‖ last
year for being an environmental hero, said that
by damaging Mother Earth we seemed
to be moving towards the darkness that once
covered the Earth during the time of
Creation.
It is a darkness, according to Sister
Carolina, of darkened hearts, careless hearts
that have been darkened by the abuse and
misuse of creation caused by our sins against
the Commandments of God, against Nature,
and against the commandment of love that
Jesus endorsed to us before He died on the
cross.
Sister Carolina was recognized by EMB-6
for her greening initiatives and for empowering
the youth to make environmental changes.
The event was highlighted by a
countdown for the start of the hour-long event
at 8:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of candles
forming the Earth Hour + logo in front of the
mall at the downtown here accompanied by a
live musical entertainment.
DENR-EMB6 a l so awarded a
Certificate of Recognition to Robinsons
Place Iloilo through Mall Operations
Manage r Ma . Kr i s t i n Sep tember
Hortelano in acknowledgement of the 700 tree
seedlings donated by the chain business
establishment to DENR-6 for the Earth Day
tree planting activity on April 22. (JCM/
JSC-PIA6)
PhilHealth affirms stability of funds
SAN JOSE, Antique, March 22 (PIA6) - - PhilHealth Antique affirmed that the financial standing of Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (PhilHealth) is robust and stable despite reports of doubts on the capacity of PhilHealth to sustain its funds to pay
the benefits of the members.
J unie Sabusap, Social Health Insurance
Officer (Provincial Head) of PhilHealth
Antique affirmed the statement of
President and Executive Officer Alexander
Padilla that PhilHealth funds are robust, healthy
and substantial as ever.
As long as we are doing our jobs in the
collection of premium contributions from the
stakeholders, private and government sector
PhilHealth will remain stable Sabusap said
As mentioned by Padilla PhilHealth has
reserved funds for the payment of our
premiums, thus the public should not panic,
said Sabusap.
PhilHealth is trying to look into the
implications of the issue and double their
efforts to ensure PhilHealth members will
enjoy the benefits that they deserve.
As of January 31, 2016, PhilHealth
coverage summed up to 107 percent with
the total of 634,804 covered members based
on the projected population for 2016 of
595,291.
All 12 hospitals in Antique both public and
private are accredited by PhilHealth plus the 18
Rural Health Centers which are accredited for
some basic services such as Primary Health
Care, TB DOTS and Maternity Benefit Package.
With the accreditation of these Health
Service Providers, we assured the members
that we are capable of paying the benefit
package that the members are entitled to once
they are confined or need to avail of the
services of the health facility.
In 2015, PhilHealth Antique has paid the
total of P311, 834,943.35 benefit payment to
the members while in January 2016 Antique
has a total benefit payment of P34, 241,258
with 3,169 claims paid.
PhilHealth Antique has satellite office in
Culasi, Antique at the compound of the Culasi
District Hospital. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
By Pilar S. Mabaquiao
WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 21 (PIA6) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has start-
ed to issue a the P100 peso banknote with a darker color.
B SP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigun-
do said that they heeded the sugges-
tions of the public to make the color
of the P100-Piso banknote darker to avoid
confusion and to make it more distinct from
the P1000-Piso banknote.
On February 1 this year, the 100-Peso
banknote has already a darker mauve or violet
color, he said.
―Compared to the current color of the
100-Piso banknote in circulation, the new
100-Peso banknote will have darker mauve or
violet color on the obverse and reverse sides,‖
Guinigundo said, adding that all the other fea-
tures of the said banknote will remain the
same.
He also urged the public not to rely on
the color of the banknotes but to read the
figure contained therein so that they will not
be confused.
The BSP has been conducting financial
literacy program to various sectoral groups to
provide the public with the distinctive features
of the New Generation Currency banknotes.
Guinigundo, who was recently here in
Capiz for a financial literacy program to
multi-purpose sectoral groups in the province,
appealed to the media to help in the
dissemination of important information and
advocacies of the BSP. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)
Darker colored P100 banknotes now in
circulation
By Jemin B. Guillermo
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 21 (PIA6) – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is countering the effects of El
Niño which has already resulted in a total more than 220.1 million worth of damages to valued crops and production losses, as
of March 15.
P rovincial Senior Agriculturist Dina
Genzola said OPA is regularly
monitoring the fields in the province,
along with the mobilization of the agricultural
extension workers, crop management team
and the activation of the Bantay Peste
Brigades.
In terms of mitigating measures, OPA
continues to conduct its orientation on climate
change and on how to mitigate and address the
dry spell, she said.
OPA has already linked with some
National Government Agencies, particularly
the Department of Agriculture and the
Department of Labor and Employment.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala led
the distribution of P 425 million-worth of farm
projects and assistance earlier this month at
Bago City, where 5,000 farmers attended the
Farmers‘ Congress at the Manuel Y. Torres
Memorial Coliseum.
Meanwhile, OPA has coordinated with
DOLE to validate the number of farmers
affected by El Niño so that they can implement
the Cash for Work Program, DOLE's
emergency employment program.
Of the P 220.1 million of damages to
valued crops and production losses, 6,174
hectares of land and 7,063 farmers were
affected.
The breakdown of the damages and loses
are as follows: rice – P 212 million, corn – P3
million, high-valued crops (vegetables and
orchard) P 4.661 million and fishery
- P985,000. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros
Occidental)
Activities to counter El Nino effects intensified
By Carlson B. Alelis
ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA6)—The Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine deserves to be a tourism zone because
of the story of heroism and gallantry that visitors should know.
PVAO proposes turning memorial shrine a tourism zone
By Elsa S. Subong
S peaking during the 71st anniversary of
the Liberation of Panay, Veterans Affairs
Office Administrator Ernesto Carolina
said Ilonggos should lobby to make the
Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine
a place where tourists go and visit to
experience their history.
―Let those who visit find the common link
between history and people, those who fought
for freedom in this corner of the country,‖
Carolina said.
He told Ilonggos, war veterans, their
families and the police and the military, to visit
the place often.
―The lives of your heroes are here told in
the memorial shrine and yours is the obligation
to preserve them,‖ Carolina added. In recalling
history, Carolina said that the Balantang Shrine
was built in honor and memory of the gallant
men and women of the 6th Military District
under the command of Gen. Macario Peralta,
who liberated the island of Panay from the
Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
It is the only military cemetery built
outside of Metro Manila and the site of the
bloodiest revolution, which lasted for more
than a month.
It was declared a national shrine in 1994.
Its features include the 64 feet MD Pylon
which stands at the center of the shrine
bearing the National Historical Commission
Marker dedicated to the freedom fighters of
Panay; the Wall of Memories unveiled in 2008,
which bears the name of 2,421 freedom
fighters who perished Iduring the Pacific War.
Further, there is also the Museum which
displays World War II documentary pictures,
relics and ammunitions, a bust of Gen. Peralta
and his personal memorabilia.
In the shrine is the Peralta Hall which
houses the administration building and the
Veterans Hall, and at the far end is the tomb of
Gen. Peralta and his wife Natividad.
Meanwhile, Carolina, who is also the
Defense Undersecretary, asked Ilonggos to
maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of the
shrine and preserve it for the next
generations.
―On top of it, I urge you to be
ambassadors of the shrine, tell people about it,
let them learn of real love of country as shown
by our heroes buried in this place and those
who are still living to tell their stories,‖ he
added. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444
SIQUIJOR, March 17 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority—Lazi Technical Institute
(TESDA-LTI) now accepts scholarship applicants for summer classes under the Training for Work Scholarship Program
(TWSP).
TESDA-LTI to offer scholarship programs for
summer 2016
T his is a good news to the out of
school youth, the returning Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs), college
undergraduates and college graduates who
would wish to acquire knowledge and skills in
technical vocational education and thereafter
be part of the Filipino workforce, says Elsa
Apiag of the LTI here.
The TWSP is designed towards filling up
the skills gaps and job requirements of priority
industries and sectors with high employment
demand, improving the reach of quality TVET
to the grassroots and encouraging
technical-vocational institutions to offer pro-
grams in higher qualifications catering to
in-demand industry requirements. This shall be
supportive of the government‘s thrust of rapid,
inclusive and sustained economic growth, she
said.
The LTI has just received the approved
Qualification Map for TWSP with the following
registered programs and schedule to offer:
Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC II (April
4, 2016 to June 3, 2016); Housekeeping NC II
(April 4, 2016 to June 17, 2016); Bartending
NC II (April 11, 2016 to June 10,
2016); Bread and Pastry Production NC
II (April 25, 2016 to May 20, 2016); and,
Cookery NC II (May 16, 2016 to July 8, 2016).
The scholarship is of free training and
assessment fees, but definitely no allowances
given. Applicants must be at least highsSchool
or Alternative Learnins Sytem (ALS) graduates.
He or she has not been a TWSP scholar for
two times before, nor a PESFA grantee.
LTI is the only TESDA supervised school
in Region VII. For more details about
enrollment requirements please visit us at
Tigbawan, Lazi Siquijor. You may also reach us
thru our official cel #09177792429 or thru our
LTI facebook account.(EApiag-LTI) (rac/
PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from EAApiag/LTI)
By Rizalie Anding Calibo
SIQUIJOR, March 21 (PIA) -- In a move to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) increase their productivity and
enhance competitiveness, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here signed agreements with several entrepreneurs
for technology upgrading of processing equipment and other relevant assistance through the Small Enterprise Technology
Upgrading Program (SETUP).
DOST Siquijor, entreps ink MOAs on tech upgrading, assistance
T he agreements were signed by
Provincial Science and Technology
Director Engr. Mario E. de la Peña
and parties of the identified firms.
Elena Ibera, proprietor of Elena's Bakery
and Pasalubong Center, and witness Teresita
Maglangit signed the MOA with DOST for the
project "Improving the Baking Technology of
Elena's Bakery and Pasalubong Center for
Efficiency and Quality Products".
Dongon Balababa Enterprises, through
its proprietor Ernesto D. Balababa II and
witness Genara Dongon, signed the MOA with
DOST for the project "Technology Upgrading
for Furniture Products of Dongon N
Balababa Enterprises in Tacloban, Siquijor,
Siquijor".
Siquijor Island Cable TV Systems
Corporation through its President Elvie R.
Villaver and Manager Raul Villaver
signed the MOA with DOST for the
project "Upgrading the information
a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s t e c h n o l o g y
equipment of Siquijor Island Cable
TV Systems Corporation in Pangi, Siquijor,
Siquijor".
On the other hand, Larena Triad Coffee
Shop through its proprietor Dr. Elena Masayon
and manager Maricar Masayon signed the MOA
with DOST for the project entitled "Upgrading
the Baking Technology of Larena Triad Coffee
Shop in Larena, Siquijor".
The signing of the MOAs will seal the
assistance of DOST to this enterprises.
The event was held at the Provincial
Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of
DOST and witnessed by DOST Siquijor PSTC
staff.
Also present during the ceremony was
Assistant Regional Director of DOST-7 for
Technical Operations Division Engr. Jesus F.
Zamora, Jr.
The firms had been registered
to the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR), and the respective local government
units.
They were also operating for the last
three years as evident in the submitted audited
financial statements.
SETUP is one of the flagship
programs of DOST. (rmn/rac/PIA7
-Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing/
DOST-Siquijor)
By Rizalie Anding Calibo
NEGROS ORIENTAL, March 18 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here has set the date
for the conduct of the first simultaneous barangay assembly in the province on March 26.
T he DILG is reminding all barangay
captains as well as city and municipal
chief executives throughout the
province to hold a barangay assembly on the
abovementioned date. According to Chapter 5, Section 397 of
the Local Government Code, all barangays in
should conduct barangay assembly at least
twice a year to discuss different programs,
achievements and other issues concerning the
barangay. According to DILG-Negros Oriental
information officer Kate Ayroso, barangay
assemblies aim to strengthen the relationship
between the government and community for
more efficient delivery services to residents of
the community. Aside from the ―actual residents‖
of the barangay, those who are
residing there within 6 months and residents
15 years old and above, members of church
groups and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
can also participate in the barangay assembly. Meanwhile, Ayroso disclosed that the
DILG has identified four showcase or model
barangays throughout the province. She explained these barangays have
exhibited good governance, active citizen
participation in governance and strong
relationship with religious organizations to
boost grass roots participation based on the
guidelines set by the department. The four barangays are Barangay Motong
and Mangnao in Dumaguete City, Barangay
Trinidad in Guihulngan City and Barangay
Bagtic in Mabinay town. The schedule of barangay assemblies
in these v i l lages is as fol lows:
March 14, for Brgy. Bagtic, March 21 for Brgy.
Trinidad, March 26 for Brgy. Motong, March 27
for Brgy. Mangnao.(mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros
Oriental)
DILG-NegOr sets sked for simultaneous barangay assembly
By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555
TAGBILARAN CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin turned over yesterday the
Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya or TSeKap package to 418 accredited barangay health stations in Bohol.
T he TSeKap package contains digital
b l o o d p r e s su r e app a r a t u s ,
n o n - c o n t a c t t h e r m o m e t e r ,
glucometer, nebulizer, stethoscope, and
dressing set.
Garin was the guest speaker during the
Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Congress
2016 on March 21 held at the Bohol Wisdom
School Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.
The health secretary assured that DOH is
also providing the TSeKaP package in
school-based stations for those towns where
there are no barangay health stations for now.
Garin also reminded BHWs on the
availability of maintenance medication for
Hypertensive and Diabetic patients at rural
health centers.
She emphasized that these health
programs display the national government‘s
will, under the leadership of President Benigno
‗Noynoy‘ Aquino III, to reach out and
empower citizens to become active
participants in governance.
During the congress, Gov. Edgar Chatto
underscored the role of BHWs in the
community.
Barangay health workers are the frontline
in primary health care as they keep a data
board and spot map for health condition of
residents, as well as monitor and report health
issues and concerns to health authorities,
according to Chatto. (rmn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol/
with reports from EdcomBohol)
DOH turns over TSeKap package to health
stations
By Elvira C. Bongosia
NEGROS ORIENTAL, March 18 (PIA) – Energy Development Corporation (EDC) reported that through its cloning facility, it
produced more than 30,000 native tree species in Negros Island.
NDC preserves threatened native trees in Negros Island
C orporate Communications Officer
Frances Ariola of EDC said almost
2,000 of native trees were planted in its
25 partner schools in Negros Island.
Two Yakal-saplungan trees that were
planted in RM Araneta Elementary School in
Mailum, Bago City, Negros Occidental in 2009
have already produced seeds in 2014 and
2015.
Ariola said EDC has used science and
relied heavily on healthy watersheds in its
geothermal reservations not only to protect
the environment but also to sustain its
geothermal source.
In Negros Island alone, the company has
already planted 1.5 million trees on 2,300
hectares from 1983 to 2008.
In 2009, EDC stepped up its reforestation
efforts through its BINHI greening legacy and
made use of science to focus on planting at least 10,000 hectares of premium native tree
species in 10 years.
From 2009-2015, EDC was able to plant
close to two million trees on 2,700 hectares in
different areas of Negros Oriental and Negros
Occidental under its BINHI program.
This was done with the help of its
farmers' associations that all share the same
passion for environmental preservation.
Through BINHI, EDC is able to create
more carbon sinks for climate change
mitigation.
This further lowers the company's CO2
emissions and helps the country get closer to
its target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 70%
in 2030.
"Our country is one of the most
vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change. We all need to work together to save
our planet. Greening Negros Island by growing
native trees and getting more power from geothermal energy is the way to do it," said
Norreen Bautista, head of EDC's Community
Partnerships, External Relations and
Watershed Management (CREW) group in
Negros Island.
With its Biodiversity Conservation
and Monitoring Program (BCMP) that
it began in 2008 in partnership with
the University of the Philippines Institute of
Biology, Ariola said the company was able to
identify endangered native trees within the
company's watershed areas in its areas of
operation and have taken the necessary
measures to preserve them and bring them
back to abundance.
It is said the BCMP results indicate that
more than 70 of these 96 threatened species
were preserved through our watershed
management efforts in Negros Island, including
our BINHI greening legacy and
Adopt-a-Wildlife Species program. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
By Jennifer C. Tilos
NEGROS ORIENTAL, March 21 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC-7) awarded the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its implementation of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and
Integrated Delivery of Social Services – Millennium Challenge Corporation (KC-MCC).
DSWD7 receives award, Kalahi-CIDSS inaugurated
D SWD 7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn
Macapobre accepted the best
implemented project 2015 award for
KC-MCC in recent RDC meeting.
DSWD7 has been implementing
Kalahi-CIDSS MCC since 2011 in the provinces
of Bohol and Negros Oriental.
A total of 716 Kalahi-CIDSS community
sub-projects in 25 municipalities in the region
were funded by the MCC with a total funding
support of P641,237,493.50.
The sub-projects include day care centers,
school buildings, water systems, drainage
facilities and basic access facilities like Farm to
Market Roads, footpaths and footbridges.
Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven
development project implemented by the
Department of Social Welfare and
Development.
Meanwhile, three Kalahi- CIDSS
sub-projects were inaugurated and
handed-over to communities of Candoni, Ne-
gros Occidental.
The projects include the Barangay Health
Center of Barangay Cabia-an, the kindergarten
building of Galicano Temporosa-I Memorial
Elementary School (GTIMES) and the solar
dryer with warehouse of Barangay Caningay.
Social marketing officer Beb Christelle
Barot of DSWD-NIR said Candoni Vice Mayor
Diomedes Magada said expressed appreciation
for the projects that can help the barangay
residents of Candoni.
The community volunteers also expressed
their gratitude for the projects, Julieta
Gambalan Barangay Sub-Project Management
Committee (BSPMC) chair said they helped
each other in implementing project despite not
having a salary.
Barot said the volunteer-beneficiaries and
officials are hopeful that the Kalahi-CIDSS
program will continue helping the barangays
where the priority problems and needs are
addressed. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental/
DSWD-7)
By Jennifer C. Tilos
EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666
LTO - Eastern Samar spearheads Road Safety Dialogue
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 18 (PIA) --- The Land Transportation Office (LTO), Borongan District Office Chief
Narcisa Tabarnero disclosed that their office is happy about the response of the Eastern Samar Peace and Development
Forum (ESPDF) on the issue of road safety during the Road Safety Dialogue in March 09, 2016.
By Samuel D. Candido
Groups call on adults to ‗Discipline Children
without Harm‘
By Samuel D. Candido
Full blast rehab of NMP‘s facilities set this year
I n the 1st Quarterly NMP-Media
Partnership Forum held Thursday at
NMP conference room, NMP Training
Complex, Cabalawan Tacloban City, NMP
Executive Director Manuel C. Roldan said one
of its target is the full rehabilitation or
restoration of all facilities destroyed by super
typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Included in the list for repair are the
perimeter fence amounting to P75 million, staff
houses worth P4.5 million, general services
motorpool building, ratings dormitory worth
P11.2 million, officers dormitory, school
buildings and fire fighting building.
He expressed optimism that all projects
will be fully implemented within this year to
provide the seafarers a good training venue to
ensure that graduates of the institution possess
the skills and training as required in the
Standard of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping Convention (STCW).
Meanwhile, 95 percent of the equipments
donated by Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) were already completed and
delivered to the maritime institution such as
the enclosed lifeboat, safety equipments, the
communication equipment to the high seas and
the engine simulator.
What is lacking is the rescue boat which is
expected to arrive soon.
The estimated cost of equipments
donated by JICA to NMP amounts to 265
Million Yen. (ajc/PIA-8)
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte March 17(PIA) – In its continued effort to provide excellent maritime training courses for Filipino
seafarers and other maritime allied personnel, the National Maritime Polytechnic based here has set goals for this year.
By Consuelo B. Alarcon
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 18 (PIA) ---- Advocates urge parents, teachers, community leaders, and other
adults in Eastern Samar to practice positive and non-violent methods of disciplining children without harm.
T he Positive and Non-Violent
Discipline Approach helps in
nurturing life-long skills such as
critical thinking, healthy management of
emotions, effective communication and
empathy. It opposes the use of harmful
disciplining methods that create fear, generate
anger, lower the child‘s self esteem, and train
the child to use violence.
In an interview with PIA, Mrs. Shirley
Valdez, Coalition of Advocates for Children‘s
Rights in Eastern Samar (CARES) said ―violent
methods have negative effects. Children do
not want to experience violence, just as much
as adults do not want to be hit, pinched, or
humiliated.‖
Communication plays a vital role in the
Positive and Non-Violent Discipline
Approach. Parents and teachers need to
practice proper explanation and active
listening. They also need to put themselves in
the child‘s situation in order to properly
communicate with the child.
According to Jayson Lozano, Plan
International‘s Project Manager for the Positive
Discipline Project Manager, Positive and
Non-Violent Discipline Approach varies from
situation to situation and from child to child. It
requires time and understanding from the
adults. Hurting the children seems to be the
convenient way because it provides immediate
‗solution‘, but this method harms the children‘s
physical, social, emotional and mental state.
The Positive Discipline Project is a
three-year initiative that aims to encourage
families, teachers, barangay officials and other
members of the community to practice
non-violent means of guiding children‘s
behavior. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
A ccording to her, the group
recognizes that road accidents are
one of the serious humanitarian
disasters. The road and the activities that
happens in it are already a part of our lives,
that‘s why road accidents should be given a
proper solution — hence, the dialogue was
realized.
She further said that road safety mandates
to ensure that laws will be agreed upon,
discussed, and implemented so as to guarantee
its efficiency and effectiveness.
In line with the road safety dialogue, it is
but timely since the mortality rate of road
accidents is now higher than the mortality
rate of malaria. An immediate negotiation
should be done and legal instruments such
as construction and technical inspections, road
signs and signals, and traffic rules should be
implemented and be followed by the public.
Meanwhile, LTO- Regional Office 08
Director Edgar Catarongan said that
traffic rules should be obeyed not just
because it is stated by the law but because it is
a part of our social responsibility.
―Poverty should not be an excuse to do
illegal deeds and if everybody is united in
obeying traffic laws, the peace and
development of the province will be achieved‖
Catarongan further said. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777
‗Juanas‘ hold parade to close Women‘s Month
celebration
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 17 (PIA) – Around 128 women (―Juanas‖ in GAD parlance) in Maasin City participated
the Women‘s Month Culmination Program held March 16, 2016 at the city‘s gymnasium. The event was spearheaded by the
city's Social Welfare Services Office.
A parade around the city proper
participated by the PNP, BFP-Maasin
Fire Station women fire officers, the
social Welfare office staff and personnel, kicked
off the day activity followed by a celebration of
a Holy Mass before the short program proper.
The women‘s Month celebration for this
year carries the theme, ―Kapakanan ni Juana,
Isama sa Agenda."
One of the highlights of the month's long
celebration was the booth display competition
of different products produced in the province.
The participating women, clustered
in 4 teams displayed their products for the
booth display competition featuring food
products like bocarillo, salvaro, sortidos,
banana/java chips, ensalada, home-made peanut
butter, to name a few; farm products such as
sweet potatos, banana, kamoteng kahoy, and
the like; and souvenir items such as headbands,
baskets, rosary beads, candle holder, among
others.
The products display competition was
based on the criteria as follows: Physical
Appearance – 30%; Number of Products
displayed – 30%;and 40% for the number of
women-participants for each of the team. The
judges of the competition were
Children/Women‘s Desk Officer Jennifer Pagu-
la of the PNP-Maasin Police Station, BFP Fire
Officer III Ma. Elena Galeon and
Department of Social Welfare and
Development -8 Planning Officer Gilbert
Villamor, who delivered the inspiration
message.
The CSWDO led by Ma. Febe Sta Cruz
also prepared prizes for the booth
display winners such as P2,000 for the 1st
prize, P1,500 for the 2nd and P1,000
for the 3rd prize winner and a P500
consolation prize for the 4th winner, CSWDO
Women Focal Person Jhade Maturan
informed.
Villamor, in his inspirational message said
that the Philippines have plenty of laws
concerning women. He asked the crowd to
identify their concerns ―kung ano-ano ang mga
kapakanan ninyo (referring to the
women-participants) na pwedeng isama sa
Philippine Agenda.‖
He added that every woman should
learn how to develop her potentials in
order to help other women, particularly those
who are in need. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
Adolescent and Youth Development Center opens in Taft
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar (PIA6) -- The Adolescent and Youth Development Center (AYDC) spearheaded by the
Commission on Population-Regional Office 08 (POPCOM-RO-8) in Taft this province was opened recently.
I t is the first in Eastern Visayas said
POPCOM RO 08 Information Officer
Reyan Arinto because of the
commitment indicated by the Local
Government Unit (LGU) to have the Teen
Center built in their municipality since it has a
record of high prevalence of teenage
pregnancy.
Through this center, POPCOM RO 08
hopes that they will be able to spread the
knowledge on early sexual engagement — that
oftentimes results in an early pregnancy and
early marriage of adolescents.
POPCOM had given the center some
communication materials, interactive materials,
musical instruments, and sports equipment.
Arinto however clarified that based on
the 2002 Young Adult Fertility Survey, Region
08 had the second highest prevalence of
teenage pregnancy in the country.
But this data gradually lowered in the
2013 survey. He disclosed further that this
could be the result of the
intervention programs that POPCOM
implemented.
―However, this does not mean that we
will stop our advocacy campaign on teenage
pregnancy so that the region can
maintain the downtrend standing‖, Arinto
further said.
Arinto calls on LGUs to coordinate with
their office if they want to have a teen center
built in their respective municipalities, just like
the one in Taft.
The teen center is located inside the
municipal health office where there are
available counselors and wherein trainings will
be held as well for the peer educators. (SDC/
PIA-E. Samar).
By Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos
Leyte candidates sign Integrity Pledge for SAFE elections
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 22 (PIA) – Local candidates in the Province of Leyte expressed their commitment to
peaceful elections by signing an Integrity Pledge, Monday at Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, Palo Leyte.
T he joint peace covenant signing
for SAFE elections on May 9
2016 was initiated by Leyte Provincial
Election Office with the support of the
Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of
the Philippines and the church through the
Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting
(PPCRV).
Lawyer Maria Corazon Montallana, Leyte
Provincial Election Officer said the signing of
the peace covenant is one way of showing
commitment and support to attain a peaceful,
orderly and fair and honest elections.
―If candidates will commit this into their
hearts, it will be a big help in achieving a
credible elections,‖ Montallana said.
Local candidates vying for governor,
vice-governor, board members and
congressmen from 1st to 5th district
in Leyte attended the covenant signing
except for a few who had prior
commitments.
Said covenant was followed with the
COMELEC's briefing the candidate at Palo
Municipal Hall where updates on the
rules in filing of statement of expenditures and
other campaign finance rules were taken. A
demo on vote counting machine was also
conducted.
To date, Montallana informed that of the
five congressional districts in Leyte, no election
hotspot area was considered by the Comelec.
(ajc/PIA-8)
By Consuelo B. Alarcon
By Samuel Candido
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.
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Managing Editor
Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.
Contributors
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Production and Layout
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Regional Offices:
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