onevisayasenewslettervol6issue27 20160708 r6
DESCRIPTION
The official e-Newsletter of PIA VisayasTRANSCRIPT
Vol 6 Issue 27 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 July 4 - 10, 2016
In this Issue MGB-7 cautions residents in mountain brygs vs landslides
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
Social media help save lives - MovePH
ILOILO CITY, July 8 (PIA) --- Government agencies,
local government units, and even the private sector are encouraged to utilize social media platforms for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
In the Emergency Telecommunications Summit led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-6 and Smart Communications, Rupert Ambil, executive director of MovePH, said that social media has been instrumental in
mobilizing different sectors of society and ordinary citizens during emergencies and disasters.
―Using mobile and web technologies and social media
ensures the flow of critical and actionable information to those who need it before, during, and after disasters and connects those who need help directly with those who can
truly help,‖ he said. He said that the emergence of social media tools has
changed the landscape in information delivery that involved
three processes namely news gathering, processing, and broadcasting.
―There are free applications on smart phones that can
perform these major processes,‖ he said. He shared that social media provides opportunities
for engaging citizens in times of disasters and emergencies by both disseminating information to the public and
accessing information from them.
―Ang kultura ng Pilipino ay likas na matulungin. They are just waiting for the opportunity to help,‖ he added.
MovePH is the citizen journalism arm of the social
news network Rappler. It aims to build, nurture and engage communities
that want to bring about change, through intelligent conversations and stories that can move people to act.
(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Also CLICK Here…
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
CEBU, July 4 (PIA) – Residents in mountain barangays
must be vigilant against landslide with the onset of the rainy season and the threat of a La Niña that could bring heavy downpour of rains.
Engr. Al Emil Berador, chief geologist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas warned of severe landslides and flooding that
could result due to the La Niña phenomenon. Berador said families living in disaster-risk areas like
those prone to landslides and flooding must take
precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their loved ones.
There is already an 85 percent chance that La Niña
will occur starting late quarter this year, earlier bared Engr. Oscar Tabada, chief of the PAGASA-Visayas citing the forecast of international weather forecasting centers.
According to Tabada, La Niña will start by October until February of 2017 but its peak will be from October until December.
―We expect way above normal rainfall level by December and that our Christmas will be extremely rainy,‖ said Tabada.
Berador likewise claimed that the Philippines is one of
the top five countries vulnerable to hazards and this fact
should prompt us to take action for our safety.
The MGB-7 chief geologist specifically warned residents in all the mountain barangays of Cebu City saying all city upland barangays are landslide-prone areas.
Regional Director Olivia Luces of the Office of Civil Defense who is also the chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) said disaster preparedness should be
family-based and that every household should immediately recognize the signs of danger and knows what to do in case of emergency.
―Residents must be mindful of three days continuous rains and if water in their area turns murky with small stones cascading from the mountains,‖ said Luces which
could signal an impending landslide. Luces said they are checking on the updating of
contingency plans of the local government units (LGUs)
amid the threat of La Niña. Berador also said LGUs have been given a copy of the
1:10,000 scale geo-hazard map for their guidance for
disaster preparedness measures. The month of July is annually observed as National
Disaster Consciousness Month as the government‘s priority objective is zero fatality in times of disaster. (rmn/
fcr/PIA7)
WESTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Lt. Col. Edwin Sadang, officer-in-charge of the
NDRRMC Operations Division, presents the
overview of the ICT Bayanihan during the
Emergency Telecommunications Cluster
Summit which kicked off July 7 at Seda Atria
Hotel, Iloilo City. (PIA Iloilo)
Leonard T. Pineda I
ATM: Members of RDRRMC 8 meet during a
Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment to
determine the respective agencies' and LGUs'
preparedness measures relative to the possible
effects of Typhoon Butchoy (international
name: Nepartak) held at OCD 8, June 5, 2016.
(PIA 8)
Fayette C. Riñen
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, JULY 6 (PIA) - The Office
of Civil Defense thru the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) led on July4, the month-long celebration of the National Disaster
Consciousness Month this July. The kick off ceremony included a Eucharistic
Celebration at Leyte Provincial Grounds followed by a motorcade around the city and parts of Palo town ending
with a short program at Robinsons Mall, Tacloban City. OCD-8 regional director Edgar L. Posadas said, the
month-long celebration is designed to promote disaster
resiliency in the region.
He added that super typhoon ―Yolanda‖
brought great devastation to several places in the region, thus the need for the people to be equipped with knowledge and skills in order to mitigate dangers in the
future. Other activities in the kick-off program included the
recognition of some stakeholders who put their level best in the effort of bringing disaster awareness and mitigation
to the public. In line for the entire month celebration is the regional
rescue jamboree, 2-day communication summit, mangrove
planting, among others.(Sol Alarcon)
Sol Alarcon
OCD-08 leads disaster consciousness month celeb
Kapihan sa PIA was held in observance of National
Kidney Month this June with guest speakers Dr.
Kenneth Coo, Nephrologist from Holy Child Hospital
and Judith Vailoces, Renal Disease Control Program
(ReDCoP) focal person of IPHO. Dr. Coo said that
based on World statistics 70% of patients on
hemodialysis is caused by diabetes and 30%
due to hypertension. Most of patients affected with
kidney disease are on the working age
class. # malusognabatoyamanatbuhayko
Rupert Ambil, MovePH executive director, explains the role of
social media during disasters during the Emergency
Telecommunications Cluster Summit which kicked off July 7 at Seda
Atria Hotel here. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
WESTERN VISAYAS 2
Guimaras pilots mass de-worming
ILOILO CITY, July 8(PIA)—The province of Guimaras is laying the ground work for the pilot implementation of the mass
de-worming of the Department of Health.
A n initial step taken, according to the
province‘s Information Officer Jaypee
Entredicho, was the training on War on
Worms of some 200 Early Childhood Care and
Development workers in Guimaras, part of
their annual capability building.
Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin
cited the interagency effort in the holding of
the training as an initial move towards the pilot
implementation of the program.
―Our province is going to be the pilot in
this endeavour so we are very glad for this
headstart,‖ Gumarin said.
The day care workers and supervised
neighbourhood play workers were provided
capability-building activities to enhance their
skills in service delivery and prepared them for
the Center-Based Drug Administration of the
DOH Information Officer Entredicho said
Guimaras aims to be role model in the
implementation of the program.
Asst. Provincial Social Welfare and
Development Officer Shirly Gabutin said when
the project succeed, it will truly be a role
model in Western Visayas.
The program aims to enhance awareness
on WOW program and make accessible
its services to pre-school children, and
address issues and concerns affecting these
services.
John Paul de los Trinos, Sr. Research
Assistant, University of the Philippines, and one
of the lecturers during the training, said the
activity is an augmentation support to the
frontliners in ECCD, as the social workers and
day care workers are prepared for bigger roles
in the community.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
By: Elsa Subong
SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Community Environment and Natural Resources in southern Antique has inaugurated its
new office in Belison, now called CENRO Belison.
F rom its former location at San Jose,
it is now located adjacent to the
Municipal Building of Belison standing
at a 432 square meter lot of the municipality
under the Deed of Usufruct Agreement
signed between the DENR and the LGU
Belison.
CENRO Louie Laud during the
inauguration program thanked Mayor Darell
dela Flor and the top officials of DENR for the
new office that will make CENRO services
more accessible to the 11 towns under their
coverage.
CENRO Belison covers the towns of
Laua-an, Bugasong, Valderrama, Patnongon,
Belison, San Remegio, Sibalom, San Jose,
Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, and Anini-y.
Asst. Regional Director for Technical
Concerns Jesse Vego said the selection of
CENRO offices was based on the three
considerations - jurisdiction, convenience,
access of the public or the communities it
covers.
It is fitting that the CENRO office in the
south was located in Belison to provide equal
access to the clients of the covered towns,
according to Vego.
Likewise, he challenged the DENR
employees that with the inauguration
of the new office, they are expected to give
comprehensive services in terms of ―Ridge to
Reef‖ approach in environmental conservation
and protection.
Vego also lauded the leadership of
PENRO Ruel delos Reyes who have facilitated
numerous projects in Antique.
Antique has two CENROs, aside from the
newly inaugurated office in Belison, the other
one is in Culasi that covers the towns of
Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan,
Libertad and Island Municipality of Caluya.
(JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)
CENRO opens office in Belison
Pilar S. Mabaquiao
2 rebels back to folds of the law
Jemin Guillermo
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 11 (PIA) - Two more rebels in Capiz have embraced the government for a better and peaceful life.
t wo rebels availed of the government‘s
ass istance after turning over
themselves to the folds of the
government and after going through the
process that was facilitated by the Philippine
Army.
Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Ray
Tiongson of the Philippine Army‘s 3rd Infantry
Division disclosed that the two have turned to
the folds of the government through the 61st
Infantry Battalion.
Tiongson said that a total of 18 members
of the New People‘s Army, 15 of whom are
from Panay Island and 3 in Negros, have
already turned their backs from the armed
violence in the first semester of 2016.
During the meeting of the Provincial
Peace and Order Council meeting here last
June, two former NPA members availed of
their benefits under the Department of
the Interior and Local Government‘s
Comprehensive Local Integration Program of
P65,000 each, while another former rebel who
was already given the said assistance received
P30,000 as a remuneration for the turned-over
firearm.
Aside from the DILG‘s CLIP
assistance, the provincial government had also
given them earlier a P10,000 each financial
assistance.
For his part, 3ID Commander Brig. Gen.
Harold Cabreros reiterated the call of all the
stakeholders for NPA remnants to go back to
the folds of law, take the opportunity of the
government‘s integration program and be part
in building a better community instead of
fighting the government authorities.
Cabreros said that NPA members who
want to go down and live normally are
welcome as he assured that the Armed
Forces of the Philippines with the local
government officials and other stakeholders
are always willing to help and assist them for
the better future of their families. (JCM/JBG/
PIA6-Capiz)
WESTERN VISAYAS 3
ILOILO CITY, July 7 (PIA) --- The giant ‗tornado-like‘ cloud formation which was recently spotted over Tacloban City Airport,
Leyte could also occur in Western Visayas.
E ngr. Oscar Tabada, OIC of PAGASA
(Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical
a n d A s t r o n o m i c a l S e r v i c e s
Administration)-Visayas, said that the
enormous cloud formation which signaled a
severe thunderstorm may happen in areas near
the ocean and other large bodies of water.
―Thunderstorms are getting stronger
because of the warming of our country,‖ he
said.
He said that warm surface is favorable
and may strengthen thedevelopment of
cumulonimbus clouds which are associated
with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation.
―During the event in Tacloban, they
accumulated rainfall of 60 millimeters during a
period of about 45 minutes only,‖ he said.
He said that the Iloilo Doppler Radar and
Synoptic Station located in WESVIARC,
Barangay Hamungaya, Jaro district here will be
helpful in the conduct of evaluation which
cloud is a thunderstorm cloud.
―Through the radar operations,
we will be able to determine which clouds are
thunderstorm clouds or tornado clouds,‖ he
said.
The PAGASA put up the Iloilo station in
May 2015 to provide more accurate
weather data for the Visayas. (JCM/LTP/
PIA-Iloilo)
PAGASA warns of ‗tornado-like‘ clouds in WV
Leonard T. Pineda I
Day Care kids to benefit from supplemental feeding
KALIBO, Aklan, 7 July (PIA6) -- Aklan‘s 14,716 Day Care kids with ages ranging from 3 to 4 years old and enrolled at various
Day Care centers in the province will be benefiting from the government‘s Supplementary Feeding Program this year with a
total fund allocation of P26,488,800.00 at P15.00 per child per day.
T he a l located f unds inc lude
P19,425,120.00 for viand at P11.00
per child per day, and P7,063,680 for
rice at P4.00 per child per day, as revealed by
the Department of Social Welfare and
Deve lopment Reg iona l F ie ld Un it
(DSWD-RFU)-6 during the recent conduct of a
Media Forum here with the local media.
The activity, dubbed Media Forum on
Social Pension and Other Government
Programs, was held at the Niños Ihaw-Ihaw in
Kalibo and attended by more than 20
practitioners in the province from the print
and broadcast media, and covered by Aklan‘s
two cable television networks.
This year‘s supplementary feeding
program is in the 6th Cycle for Calendar Year
2016-2017.
Of Aklan‘s 17 municipalities, Ibajay town
has the biggest number of beneficiaries with
1,745 – followed by Kalibo, with 1,502;
Libacao, with 1,159; Nabas, with 1,057, and
Makato, with 954.
Other towns and their respective
beneficiaries are Madalag, with 898; New
Washington, with 820; Malay, with 818; Banga,
807; Batan, 728; Balete, 700; Malinao, 666;
B u r u a n g a , 6 5 8 ; T a n g a l a n , 6 3 3 ;
Altavas,Numancia, 512, and Lezo, 462.
Prov incia l Socia l Welfare and
Development Officer (PSWDO) Evangelina
Gallega said the Day Care children will
undergo supplemental feeding for 120 days,
consuming hot meals prepared by parents and
volunteers following a weekly menu guide.
Gallega said beneficiaries of the feeding
program will be weighed before and after the
feeding schedule to know the impact of the
program to the children. Under the program,
rice will be provided by the National Food
Authority (NFA) which will be paid by the
DSWD and delivered to local government
units (LGUs) to be received respectively by the
Municipal Social Welfare and Development
Officers (MSWDOs).
Fund for viand, on the other hand, will be
downloaded to the LGUs to be duly liquidated.
Gallega said that in cooking the hot meals,
parents are encouraged to utilize indigenous
but nutritious vegetables found just in the
vicinity of the centers like malunggay, alugbati
and other leafy vegetables.
Using indigenous vegetables for the
feeding program, according to her, will help in
familiarizing the palate of the children to the
taste of the food, as well as to motivate
parents to plant vegetables in their backyards
for use in the feeding program and as
component their household meals too. (JCM/
VGV PIA6 Aklan)
By Venus G. Villanueva
Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 8 (PIA6) – The Negros Occidental provincial government received a dental health
bus from the Department of Health (DOH), recently.
NegOcc gets dental health bus
Carlson B. Alelis
T he bus is intended to augment
the dental outreach program in
the province, a press release
from the Provincial Information Office
said.
The unit is air-conditioned, with two
dental chairs and dental facilities and
instruments.
It will be under the management of
the Provincial Health Office under its
chief, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, the press
release added.
Dr. Tumimbang said the bus will be
sent to the various cities and
municipalities in the province, while the
provincial government will provide the
dentist and dental supplies.
I n a t t endan ce du r in g the
turnover were Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr.,
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members
Renato Malabor, Jr., Jose Maria Alonso,
and Salvador Escalante, Jr., Executive
Assistant to the Governor Angel
Verdeflor, and Provincial Consultant Roy
Balicas, among others. (JCM/CBA/PIA6/
Capitol-Negros Occidental)
CENTRAL VISAYAS 4
TAGBILARAN CITY, July 6 (PIA) – Candijay town has posted the largest number of drug personalities who surrendered to
authorities and swore to permanently stop their illegal trade.
Candijay, Bohol posts largest number of drug
surrenderees
T his as 431 drug personalities, the biggest so
far among Bohol towns, surrendered today and took their solemn oath befor Mayor
Christopher Tutor, Rev. Fr. Paulito Amplayo,
PInspector Geral Luna and local officials and representatives of the academe.
Local police authorities ushered the surrenderees to the St. Joseph Parish Church, where
church and state leaders received them, acording to netizen Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes.
In an interview at his station, PInspector Luna
on Tuesday said they were set to finish rounding up the 21 Candijay barangays by late afternoon, the day after he announced the police implementation of
Oplan Tokhang. Of the total number of drug personalities who
surrendered, six admitted to pushing while 425 said
they are or were users and several have stopped years back.
Owing to the seriousness of the police
campaign initiated by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Ronald dela Rosa himself,
Bohol police stepped up its operations and have
neutralized top drug personalities.. Of the surrenderees, and based on their
affidavits, 49 have stopped using drugs since 2012, 58
stopped since 2013, 79 since 2014 and 103 stopped using drugs since 2015.
Among them were 136 active users who promised to stop using drugs, as attested by their
signed affidavits. Among those who surrendered, Cogtong owns
the biggest number of drug personalities with 76,
followed by Poblacion at 53, Can-olin at 42 and Boyo-an at 39.
Luna also revealed that in his town, there are
still some barangays who are not drug affected, but they still await for more drug personalities coming out anytime soon.
Other barangays with surrenderees include Lungsodaan 34, Panas 35, Tugas: 30, La Union: 25, Mahangin: 25, Tambongan 16, Abihilan 15, Anoling:
13, Canawa: 11, Tawid: 9, Tubod: 6 and Panadtaran 2.
Luna also reported that in the past year,
Candijay Police implemented 38 buy-bust operations and hailed suspects to court with violations of anti-drug law, specifically section 5.
He also considers his station lucky as the local chief executive himself is personally supporting the drive with cash incentives to police operatives.
As the operations go on, Luna appeals to drug personalities who remain in hiding to surrender or be implemented with ―Oplan Double Barrel.‖
After Oplan Tokhang, we are to implement Double Barrel and would pursue operations against hard and soft targets, he said.
At the swearing in rites inside the St Joseph Church, Mayor Tutor advised the surrenderees to seriously keep their promise.
Even with the sworn statements and affidavits, police operatives bared that any indication of reverting to drugs would be a ground for intense
police operations, which might end up not as desired. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
Rey Anthony H. Chiu
CEBU, July 4 (PIA) – In celebration of its 447th founding anniversary, the province of Cebu will be holding its first founding
anniversary run on August 28.
Cebu to hold 1st Founding Anniversary Run
T he race features three categories, namely:
Open, Grassroots, and one for Capitol employees only.
The event, organized by the Cebu Provincial
Sports Commission (CPSC), highlights the participation of young athletes from several municipalities in the grassroots category as part of the commission‘s grassroots sports development
program. CPSC Executive Director Ramil Abing said that
the run started last year but it was exclusive only to
Capitol employees. ―We decided in this founding anniversary that
we‘ll have an open category. We intend to do this
annually,‖ Abing said. Winners of the race will receive cash
prizes ranging from P500 to P10,000, and a commemorative medal for the Top 10 winners of all
categories. Participants may register at the Cebu Provincial
Office or at the Cebu City Sports Center until
August 26. The race will start at 5:00 A.M. at the Cebu
Provincial Capitol Compound.
R e g i s t r a t i o n f e e c o s t s P 3 0 0 for the 10K category and P500 for the 20K category.
For more details, please contact CPSC at
cebuprovince.cpsc@gmail .com (rmn/mjpap/ PIA7- Cebu)
TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) — Be honest in responding to the questionaires.
PSA rolls out Annual Poverty Indicator Survey
T his was the appeal of Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA) Bohol Statistician Jessamyne Anne Alcazaren during the recent Kapihan
sa PIA.
PSA will conduct between July 11 to August 2 the Labor Force Survey-Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (LFS-APIS) with trained enumerators extracting the data from heads of families or their
spouses as respondents. ―No one in the household is more
knowledgeable in the family‘s spending patterns,‖ she
explained. PSA is primarily responsible for the
implementation of the provisions of R.A. 10625,
especially in planning, developing, prescribing, disseminating and enforcing policies, rules and regulations and coordinate government-wide
programs governing the production of official statistics, general-purpose statistics, and civil registra-tion services, according to the PSA website.
PSA is responsible for all national censuses and
surveys, sectoral statistics, consolidation of selected administrative recording systems and compilation of national accounts.
The APIS is a nationwide sample survey designed to provide information on the different indicators related to poverty.
―APIS aims to provide inputs to the
development of an integrated poverty indicator and monitoring system which would enhance timely, accurate and consistent production of
poverty-related data that can be used at the national levels,‖ the website states.
APIS supplements identification of the poor
families through the use of non-income indicators, providing information on the socio-economic profile of families and other information relating to their
living conditions. According to the PSA, the data from the survey
are demographic and economic characteristics,
health status and education of the family members;
awareness and use of family planning methods; housing, water and sanitation condition of the families; availment of credit to finance the family
business or enterprise; and income and expenditures of the family.
In survey enumerations like the APIS, PSA knows that many respondents find it inconvenient to
respond to the questions thinking it entails income and expenditures.
―It is not for taxation purposes,‖
assured Alcazaren. The PSA chief assured that their enumerators
would treat survey responses with a high degree of
confidentiality. ―This treatment also puts enumerators in the
risk of imprisonment should they be proven to have
shared vital information,‖ Alcazaren said. ―These people are bound by law to maintain
strict confidentiality,‖ she said. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
Rey Anthony H. Chiu
Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
CENTRAL VISAYAS 5
CEBU, July 5 (PIA) – Local government units (LGUs) should institutionalize the position of local disaster risk reduction and
management officers (DRRMOs) as mandated under the law for the continuity of disaster preparedness measures and disaster
risk reduction programs.
R egional Director Olivia Luces of the Office
of Civil Defense (OCD-7) said under RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Reduction
and Management Act, the position of local DRRMOs
should be permanent and not co-terminus with the local chief executive.
―Making the DRRMO position permanent is to
ensure continuity of disaster risk reduction and
management programs of the LGU. Also, it is a waste of government money
sending the DRRMO to various trainings to upgrade
his or her technical skills and then he or she is just replaced after the term of the local chief executive ends,‖ said Luces.
Luces said it is very important for the LGU to understand this and appoint somebody who has the expertise and experience to the permanent
post.
Luces however, lauded the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental which have appointed a permanent provincial DRRMO.
But Luces who also chairs the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) lamented that only a few LGUs have
complied with the provision of the law.
Disaster preparedness and similar programs should be given priority by the LGUs, said Luces which could make a huge difference if
the DRRMO is given the responsibility to continually implement the programs and not be hindered by the end of the term of the city or
municipal mayor. ―We want to achieve the goal of being a
disaster-resilient region,‖ which is deterred by the
termination of the local DRRMO sans the
permanence of the position, said Luces. Luces expressed hopes the local chief
executives will take action on their end amid
the identification of the Philippines as among the top five disaster-prone countries worldwide by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction.
The RDRRMC-7 chair further said LGUs should make their DRRM council functional down to the barangay level and undertake proactive measures
amid the threat of La Niña. La Niña is said to occur at a probability of 85
percent according to PAGASA-Visayas citing
international weather forecasting centers which could hit the country beginning October until February of next year. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
OCD-7: LGUs to make position of DRRMO
permanent
Fayette C. Riñen
TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- Efforts from the government to offer viable local alternatives for work and income for
overseas Filipino workers (OFW) has extended to those eager to maximize their capital laying idle in their bank accounts.
N ow comes Bohol OFW Negosyo Expo, a
two-day event in the middle of the Sandugo festivities and in anticipation of
the homecoming season for Boholano OFWs and
locals who have carved a name in business and other endeavors across the country.
Set on July 5 to 6 at the Bohol Cultural Center, the OFW Expo will feature information on the
latest innovation and trends presented in an interactive program via seminars, fora, product presentations, and other activities that provide
growth and business opportunities, said Bohol
Investment Promotion Center (BIPC) Chief Maria Fe Dominese
Catering especially for OFWs and also for locals who are eager to invest their hard-earned savings but are still looking for viable ventures, the
OFW Negosyo expo happens to be a local intervention to plug the leaking exodus of highly
qualified workforce.
"The prospect of OFWs engaging into business will not only maximize the negative effects of disunited families but will definitely boost local
investment and employment," Dominese said. Event organizers hope the OFW Negosyo Expo
will change the pervading mindset that working abroad is a life-long endeavor and the only viable
means to survive. Bohol, home for over 20,000 OFWs who
have hugely contributed to the country's economic
growth, keeps a widespread and largely accepted
truth: the prospect of working abroad is the only sustainable and viable way for a comfortable life.
That, however has been slowly worked up, with BIPC and in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as private partners
opening up venues for business facilitation and advisory services in the three Negosyo Centers in
Bohol.
Earlier, another venue opened with the triennial Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), where business options are presented at the
institutionalized Investment Forum as part of the TBTK events. The move for the TBTK was among the options Bohol explored to generate sufficient capital pouring into the poverty-ravaged province
then, shared then governor Rene Relampagos. After the TBTK, local businesses enjoyed a
soaring boost, which resulted to a fast-tracked
development highlighted by Bohol recording a reach
into the billion peso investments years back. With the country as among the top exporters
of skilled workers and brains churning out to move economies abroad, building opportunities by laying the local infrastructure support could be a worthy
move, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry head Albert Uy said. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Bohol)
Bohol spreads Negosyo Expo for OFWS
Rey Anthony H. Chiu
Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
CEBU CITY, July 5 (PIA) – Over 300 drug affected individuals surrendered in four cities and four towns in Cebu the last two
days.
Over 300 drug users surrender to authorities
T he numbers were reported by the public
information officers (PIO) of the local goverment units the moment the drug-
affected individuals approached the police, mayor, or
barangay captain. Based on the Cebu Association of City and
Mun ic ipa l Pub l ic In format ion Of f i cers (CAOCAMPIO) News Bits, a total of 313 were
recorded to have surrendered from July 4 until July 3.
These drug affected individuals include drug
pushers and users. Highest was the City of Mandaue which had a
total of 160 individuals surrendering in the police
stations, according to Information Officer Jeany Eve Inot.
Second was the report of Information Officer
Candice Acuna of Carcar City with 50 individuals last Monday.
The town of Tabogon led by Mayor Zigfred
Duterte had 35 drug personalities vowing to change their lives, according to Information Officer Mercedette Toling.
Alma Mondigo, information office associate of
Santa Fe town in Bantayan Island, reported 30 persons who surrendered from Barangays Pooc, Poblacion, and Talisay.
In San Remigio town, Information Officer Nino Ybanez said there were 15 individuals including four minors who faced Mayor Mariano Martinez today.
Mayor Kristine Chiong witnessed the signing of a covenant of 11 drug affected individuals in Naga
City, while seven surrendered in Danao City and five
in Asturias town. All those who surrendered were made to sign
a document or a covenant pledging not to use or sell
drugs. Since the assumption of President Rodrigo
Duterte and the appointment of new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald dela Rosa,
―Oplan Tukhang‖ was implemented nationwide. This involves the police going to the homes of
suspected drug personalities and asking them to stop
all their drug-related activities. Under the plan, they are given time to pack up
and stop their illegal trade, or have the option to
leave the city and go somewhere else. (rmn/fcc/PIA7 -Cebu)
Ferliza C. Contratsta
EASTERN VISAYAS 6
55 families in Ormoc City now have permanent homes
ORMOC CITY, Leyte, July 4(PIA) – Within this month 55 Yolanda affected families in Ormoc City will move to their
respective homes after the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) formally
hand over on Wednesday the resettlement housing units to the city government of Ormoc.
E U First Counsellor and Head
Development Cooperat ion
Achim Tillesen and UNDP
Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra
led the turnover ceremony in Brgy.
Cabuhangin, Ormoc City.
Tillesen said we are pleased to see
the first batch of 55 families completing
their houses which have been designed to
be more disaster-resilient.
―We hope that EU‘ support
through UNDP will help secure a better
and safer future for the families,‖ Tillesen
said.
On the otherhand, Mitra assured the
beneficiaries that the permanent houses
can withstand a 300 kph winds or a
Yolanda-like typhoon.
The beneficiaries of the housing units
will move to their new houses once the
water system and electric connection will
be completed.
The construction of the housing
units is part of the package of the EU‘s
assistance implemented through the
Project Recovery of the UNDP to
Yolanda affected families in the cities of
Tacloban and Ormoc and some
municipalities in the province of Eastern
Samar.(ajc/cba/PIA-8)
Consuelo B. Alarcon
SoLeyte honors outstanding citizens for 2016
T hey were chosen by a select
committee based on the impact
their works, or even by being
themselves, have on the community,
inspiring others in their respective
professions, careers, or vocations.
The awarding ceremony was held at
the Legislative building Thursday last
week, with incoming Governor, Cong.
Damian Mercado, handing the citations,
the event part of the week-long activities
that marked the 56th anniversary
celebration of the province which is July 1.
The awardees included the
following: Bernardo Humangit Tocmo, for
retails banking and management. A native
of Hinunangan town, Tocmo, formerly an
executive from Metrobank, now handles
certain divisions of the Philippine National
Bank, overseeing 630 branches with 4,800
employees.
Dr. Rosette Gaditano Pagpaguitan,
from Bontoc, was cited in the field of
academics. She was a first placer in the
recent Dentistry Board.
Dr. Mina Sirikit Claridad Tagra, from
Liloan, was recognized for her
humanitarian services, especially her
dedication, initiative, and efforts in helping
the victims of typhoon Yolanda in
Tacloban City.
Francisco Mapa Lim, in Arts, Painting,
and Education. He admitted being born in
Naval, Biliran, but since 1954 has lived and
resided in Maasin City. Lim has produced
renowned artists whose works won
national awards. He taught painting on
weekends with school children at the
Plaza Anatalio Gaviola.
Jay Yap Yuvallos, from Saint Bernard,
excelled in business leadership, a known
champion of Small and Medium
Enterprises. He vows to mentor and
support struggling micro, small, and
medium enterprises in the province in
coordination with the provincial
government.
Lourd Ernest Hanopol De Veyra,
whose father is from Hilongos, Leyte, but
his mother is from Macrohon, made his
name in journalism and literature. Mr.
De Veyra is connected with TV 5
station. Among his many awarded works
were pieces of literary crafts that won the
Palanca Literary Prize.
Milagros Laraga Gaviola Vda. De
Castro, the ―dreamer‖, was cited for
leadership in Social, Cultural, and Tourism
Development. It was Mrs. De Castro‘s
vision in the 1980s and 1990s that
resulted in the construction of the now
famous Mama Mary Shrine overlooking
the city proper, up a short mountain in
barangay Mantahan.
Two other awardees were given
plaque of recognition as Young
Achievers -- Marieliz Abucayan Jayma, in
the field of sports, being a gold medalist in
the Palarong Pambansa, and Engr. Reih
Mark Tatad Salomon, for passing the
Electrical Engineering Board as second
placer. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 4 (PIA) -- Seven individuals mostly natives from 18 towns and one city of this province
received the Rajah Kolambu Award as this year‘s harvest of Most Outstanding Southern Leyteños.
Marcelo M. Pedalino
Nutrition Council's 42nd year focuses on
baby's health
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 6 (PIA) - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Eastern Visayas spearheaded recently, the
42nd National Nutrition Month celebration this July with the theme ―First 1000 days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na
kinabukasan‖.
T he kick off activity started with a
motorcade and a short program
at Tacloban City Astrodome
which was participated in by various
government agencies and other
stakeholders.
NNC regional nutrition coordinator
Catalino P. Dotollo Jr. said this year‘s
objective is to increase awareness on the
importance of proper nutrition of the first
1000 days of life, the pregnant women and
children less than 2 years old.
In Eastern Visayas, malnutrition is still
prevalent. Hence, Dotollo is encouraging
the local chief executives to give focus on
health and nutrition programs in order to
reduce malnutrition among children.(Sol
Alarcon)
Sol Alarcon Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
EASTERN VISAYAS 7
New Eastern Samar Officials sworn-in to office
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 4, 2016 (PIA) --- The Eastern Samar Provincial Legislative Department — through
their newly re-elected provincial officials — took their oath of office in June 30, 2016 at the Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol
Lobby, Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city.
T he said officials took their oath of
office in front of Regional Trial
Court Branch 2 (RTC Branch 2)
Judge Nathaniel E. Baldono.
The provincial officials who were
sworn in to office were: Hon.
Vice-Governor Marcelo Ferdinand A.
Picardal, First District Sangguniang
Panlalawigan Members Hon. Celestino A.
Cabato, Hon. Joji N. Montallana, Hon.
Byron M. Suyot, Hon. Karen D. Alvarez,
and Hon. Annabelle A. Capito.
While for the Second District
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, the
following were sworn in to office: Hon.
Jonas B. Abuda, Hon. Gorgonio B.
Cabacaba, Hon. Nestorio O. Cablao, Hon.
Maricar Sison Goteesan, and Hon. Jaime S.
Ty.
After their oath-taking, each SP
Member was given a chance to say a word
of thanks to their constituents in the first
and second districts of Eastern Samar.
I n h i s i n augura l message ,
Vice-Governor Picardal said that, ―I would
like to assure you that our good plans —
which are supported by the people of
Eastern Samar — will be fulfilled‖.
The Vice-Governor outlined the plans
as: the improvement of health services,
agricultural sector, and tourism of Eastern
Samar; and to have a region for Samar
Island. Picardal also assured that he —
together with the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan Members — will start on the
plans on their first day of office and
that the plan had been discussed between
him, Congressman Ben Evardone
and Governor Nicart.
―When I assumed office on 2013, all
of us provincial Vice Governors went to
the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)
to have a special course. In there, I only
came to know that Eastern Samar is the
2nd poorest province in the country.
I was asked incessantly — especially
by my professor — on that. I told her
that, ‗Ma‘am, our province has a great
chance as the US Government‘s
Millennium Challenge Corporation grants
US $ 250 M.‘ I also told her that this could
jumpstart the progress of the province.
Our Planning and Development
Officer then told me much later that we
are now on the 3rd place among the
poorest provinces in Eastern Visayas.
Afterwards, I also learned in our
discussion that Northern Samar is already
on top of that list. The plan will be a
manifestation of the result of the
unification done by Cong. Evardone and
Gov. Nicart. With this, I‘ve told myself
that we did the right thing and we‘ll
continue the progress of Eastern Samar
and unite‖, Picardal said.
In the recent May 9 Elections, the
Liberal Party of Eastern Samar dominated
and won all three major elective provincial
positions, namely: Congressman,
Governor, and Vice-Governor.
Majority of the elected Sangguniang
Panlalawigan Members (SP Members) also
came from LP slate — with five SP
Members from the first district and
four SP Members from the second
district. Completing the set of SP
Members is Hon. Nestorio O. Cablao
from the opposition. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
Samuel D. Candido
Leyte SP sworn-in, holds inaugural session
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, JULY 6 (PIA) - Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte took their oath of office today
at the legislative building, Tacloban City before the conduct of their inaugural session.
T he oath taking was administered
by Vice-Governor Carlo P.
Loreto in the presence of Leyte
Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla
who also delivered his message and
inaugural speech.
Petilla, in his speech, emphasized
on cooperation and unity as most
important factor to progress and
in providing quality service that their
constituents deserve. In the said occasion,
nameplates were also distributed to the
new members namely Maria Corazon
Remandaban of the 3th district of Leyte,
Emmanuel Vicente Torres of the 4th
district, Trinidad Apostol of the 2nd dis-
trict and Noli C. Cana, the new ABC
President.(Sol Alarcon)
Sol Alarcon
Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
41 drug personalities of Catbalogan surrender
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 4 (PIA) – Some 41 drug personalities in Catbalogan voluntarily surrendered to the police in
July 1, 2016.
T he Catbalogan City Police
Station under PSupt Edwin
Barbosa implemented the Project
―TOK/HANG‖ (Toktok and Hangyo)
under the Project ―DOUBLE BARREL‖ in
coordination with the Barangay Anti-Drug
Abuse Council (BADACs) in the city.
They did house-to-house visitation on
all illegal drug personalities in the watch
list.
Barbosa with some police elements
together with the members of BADAC,
Barangay Tanods, media, Catbalogan City
local government and other civilian
volunteers conducted Project ―TOK/
HANG‖ in the barangays of this City.
This project aims to encourage the
populace who are identified as pushers
and users of illegal drugs to return to the
fold of law.
Those who surrendered filed
affidavits of undertaking with conditions
that they will no longer engage in illegal
drug activities. They will be monitored
closely by the police if they conformed
with the conditions as regards illegal
drugs.
As the police drew positive results
from this project ―TOK/HANG‖ , it will
continue implementation, likewise a
massive illegal drug operation will be
launched in this city. (with reports from
Catbalogan police)
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.
One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail [email protected].
Editorial Consultants
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Alicia E. Nicart
Regional Director, PIA 7 Regional Director, PIA6 Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor
Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.
Contributors
All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8
Production and Layout
Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado
Regional Offices:
PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]
PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]
PIA 8, Children‘s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]