Vol 2 Issue 43 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 October 22 — 28, 2012

WESTERN VISAYAS  

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Oct 24 (PIA) – Fifty-two Eastern Visayas policemen directly assigned and involved in protecting and looking after the welfare of tourists participated in a day-long “Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection” (TOPCOP) training from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

DOT Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said that the training on October 23 was held at the Parole & Provision Office, Community Correction Development Center, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Tacloban City.

Done in cooperation with the Philippine National Police Region 8 and the Tacloban City Police Office, the training involved handling and approaching tourists, basic courtesy, securing tourist destinations, and differences in culture and traditions.

The training participants included five Tourist Police each from the Police Provincial Offices in

Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar and Ormoc City Police Office and 27 Tourist Police from Tacloban City Police Office.

Director Tiopes said that safety and security are key ingredients to a successful tourism industry. These are primary factors that influence potential visitors in choosing a destination.

Hence, the DOT Region 8 has stepped up efforts to strengthen its Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOP COP) Program in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police(PNP).

The TOPCOP Program entails training of tourist police and deployment to main tourist destinations in the Region to enhance visibility in these areas and to effectively address safety and security concerns of local and foreign tourists. (PIA-8)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

By Rachelle M. Nessia DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 22 (PIA) -- Negros

Oriental State University (Norsu) received P29.9 million from its partners and several stakeholders for the implementation of the university’s development projects.

In a statement, Norsu President Don Vicente Real Perez said the highest donor is the Commission on Higher Education which gave P15 million.

Of the amount, P8 million is allotted for business process outsourcing while P7 million is for the Training Center for Industrial Electronics of the College of Industrial Technology, she said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources also gave P3.5 million for the forestry development project in Brgy. Dauis in Bais City, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources turned over P2.8 million for the fisheries development project of Norsu Bais City Campus.

The local government of Guihulngan City gave

P2.3 million for the building of classrooms at the Norsu Guihulngan Campus that were hit by the February earthquake while Gov. Roel Degamo extended P2 million for the enhancement of the crime laboratory of the Criminology Department at Norsu Main Campus I in Dumaguete City.

Other sources of funds came from the following: City Government of Bais with P1 million for different university projects in Norsu Bais; City Government of Bayawan with P1 million for projects at the Norsu Bayawan-Sta. Catalina campus; Third District Cong. Pryde Henry Teves with P1 million for classrooms at the Norsu Bayawan-Sta. Catalina campus; Federation of University Parents Teachers Association with P1 million for the university clinic at the Norsu Main Campus 1 in Dumaguete; and the local government of Sta. Catalina with P300,000 for several projects at Norsu Bayawan-Sta. Catalina. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)*

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, Oct 23 (PIA) -- Smoking effects

are all bad and deadly--there's no midway whether one smokes a single stick or packs daily.

Tobacco cannot be taken in “moderation” as alcohol, said Dr. Julia Villanueva, head of the Non-Communicable and Lifestyle Diseases Control of the Department of Health (DOH-6) in Western Visayas.

“Cigarette smoking has only bad effects, there is no compromise as to the amount as the chemicals and hazardous substances pose big health risks to smokers,” Villanueva said.

The detrimental effects of smoking, Villanueva said, extend to even non-smokers and the environment itself.

“There is not only first hand smoke, but there is also second hand and even third hand smoke,” Villanueva said.

Second hand smoke is almost equally hazardous, as non-smokers who are within reach of a smoker breathe in smoke into their lungs as well, she said.

Third hand smoke, she said, also badly affects even a household that does not smoke, as a member

who has been within an area where there are smokers, bring with him remnants of smoke and other substances, found either in clothing, accessories, hands and hair.

DOH is pushing for a Sin Tax Law to deter the people, especially the youth and the poor from smoking as well as drinking alcohol and be protected from a lifetime consequences, said Villanueva.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

No such thing as moderation in smoking – DOH

Negros Oriental school gets P29.9-M for development projects

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…

More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…

DOT orients tourist police on TOPCOP program EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

Tony Lacorte Ehera (extreme left, seated) of Mabinay LGU answers questions from the judges as he prepares his dish "Chicken Pork with Lemon Grass" during the 7th Buglasan Festival Lutong Garbo cookfest held recently at Sidlakang Negros Village. Ehera's recipe was adjudged this year's grand prize winner during the annual competition that seeks out original, healthy and organic recipes using native ingredients that best represent the unique flavor of Negros Oriental. (RMN/PIA NEGOR)

World-class masks and costumes were presented to the public in a fashion show dubbed, “MassKara Preview”, at the Bacolod public plaza held recently. These masks and costumes will be used by the participants in the street dance competitions, both school and barangay categories, on Oct. 20-21.(D. Jimenea/PIA6-LOL)

Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay (2nd from left) awards the special plaque of recognition to WWII hero, “Katakana” man, Alfred Jack Brown (right) and wife as Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla (left) and Aurora Villarante join him during the commemorative program of the 68th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Candahug, Palo, Leyte, recently. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

Negros 1st Cybercentre to create thousands of jobs, earn P1-B in salaries for workers By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ., Oct 24 (PIA6) -- The province of Negros Occ. will create thousands of jobs and earn P1 billion in annual salaries of workers once the Negros 1st Cybercentre operates, Gov. Alfredo Maranon said during the building’s recent dedication and laying of capsule.

A ssisted by Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Lilia B. De Lima, DOST Deputy Executive

Director for Information Communication Technology, Alejandro Melchor III and other local and private officials in the ICT sector, the governor laid the time capsule of the Cybercentre before government employees and private employees and other stakeholders in the industry.

Maranon said the huge economic and job generating potentials in ICT clearly makes it an alternative to the province ‘struggling sugar industry.

Negros 1st Cybercentre building will house the first Technology Business Incubation Center in the Visayas, he added.

It will also host other facilities like BPO/call center workstations, creative process studio, research development facility, cloud data center, ICT exhibitions and conference hall, investor lounge, leasable virtual offices and commercial section.

Director De Lima announced PEZA has already been accredited last September 11 last year and is awaiting presidential proclamation.

She cited Negros Occ. and Bacolod City in ICT for having strong local government and private support from its people and the presence of workforce that speak ‘pure English’ when other regions, like people in Manila speaking ‘Taglish.’ De Lima further

said the Philippines is now the best invest-ment area in ICT in Asia.

The infrastructure is a 3-storey building in a 22,000 sq. meters provincial Information Technology, IT, located at corner Lacson- Hernaez Sts.

Bacolod ranks 100th city in Tholons Top 100 cities in the World for Outsourcing. In the country, it ranks 3rd as the Top Ten Next Wave Cities for Off-Shoring and Out-sourcing.

Once completed, the 2nd and 3rd floors will consist of more than 12,000 square me-ters of Business Processing Outsourcing, BPO, that will provide space for IT-BPO locators. (PIA6-LOL/JCM)

KALIBO, Aklan, Oct 23 (PIA6) -- Kalibo’s senior citizens underwent a three-day training on organic agriculture with the help of the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) based in Banga, Aklan.

T he training, which was fully supported by the loca l government unit of Kalibo, was

held to teach the town’s elderly in planting vegetables the easiest way, even in their own backyards.

Besides learning to grow vegetables the organic way, the training also served as an opportunity for the elderly to be oriented on alternative medicine, pythotheraphy, health and wellness

perspective on organic food, and detection and management of diseases.

The town’s elderly will soon be receiving free vitamins and medicines from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) said Kalibo Mayor William Lachica said.

To provide Aklan’s senior citizens with proper health care, Arnaldo Tejada, Sangguniang Bayan member of Kalibo and an official of the Senior Citizens

Federation in Aklan, filed a resolution at the Sangguniang Bayan for the establishment of a geriatric ward in the province.

The ward will cater to the elderly to provide them proper health care and will be a means for them to maintain their good health and for the early detection and treatment of diseases, Tejada said. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

Kalibo senior citizens train on organic agri, alternative medicine By Venus G. Villanueva

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct 23 (PIA6) -- Everyone must be resilient to the hazards brought about by different disasters.

C apiz Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial head Maria Teresa Valencia said that the

conduct of preparedness training and drill will provide the public with the needed knowledge and skills in mitigating the impacts of both man-made and natural disasters.

A drill was held on Monday. Valencia said they have been conducting continuous lectures and earthquake and fire drill to their employees in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council here for their safety and the safety of their family members.

Valencia likewise said that their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan was mainstreamed in their Gender and Development Plan to have a more comprehensive and realistic plan.

“This is already the second time that we conduct the fire and earthquake drill and we see some improvements in our preparedness skills,” she said, pointing out that the same has been included in their regular annual activities.

The PDRRMC has also been leading other national and local government agencies, schools and private entities in Capiz in the conduct of orientation and fire as well as earthquake drill.

The conduct of disaster orientation and drill is in consonance with Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 which aims among others the upholding of the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country's institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the resilience of local communities to disasters including c l i m a t e c h a n g e i m p a c t s . (JCM/ JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

DAR partners with PDRRMC for disaster preparedness By Jemin B. Guillermo

Visayan spotted dear (Visayan spotted dear (Visayan spotted dear (Rusa alfrediRusa alfrediRusa alfredi))) --- can can can only be found in the islands of Panay and Negrosonly be found in the islands of Panay and Negrosonly be found in the islands of Panay and Negros

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

ILOILO CITY, Oct 22 (PIA6) -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Western Visayas is operating a One Stop Public Assistance Center (Ospac) where the public can easily refer their complaints or inquiries on the services of the telecom service providers.

T he center acts on complaints of the public on vanishing cell phone loads, text scams and other

malpractices by companies, Ospac In-Charge Engr. Dygee Gallega said.

With the Ospac and their massive information campaign for the public to be aware and vigilant, cases of reported scams have lessened, he said.

Through the Ospac, the office also accommodates cases of contested billings, where the NTC can mediate and explain the technology, NTC-6 Director Nestor

Antonio Monroy said. For the complaints or queries they

receive, which they cannot answer from their end, NTC immediately forwards these to companies concerned.

Monroy said NTC on the whole, also sees to it that telecom companies undertake appropriate upgrading of their systems to serve their clients best and the public in general.

Besides issuing permits, NTC supports by way of participating in public hearings when needed, and regulates

operations by way of seeing to it that there is no monopoly of use, the public can choose and that telecom companies are doing “their best to give the best.”

Monroy said NTC is keen on monitoring cell phone dealers and repair shops whether these have permits to operate, centering this monitoring and licensing not only in urban centers but also in far flung areas. (JCM/ESS-PIA6 Iloilo)

NTC opens assistance center in Western Visayas By Elsa S. Subong

Iloilo to mark Local Gov’t Code anniversary with 4 big events

ILOILO CITY, Oct 24 (PIA6) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Region 6 will highlight the 21st anniversary of the Local Government Code with four major events on Thursday, October 25.

By Lilibeth A. French

D ILG-6 Director Evelyn Trompeta has invited heads of local government units (LGU), national government

agencies, academe, non-government organizations and other stakeholders for the day-long celebration, which will be held at the Rose Memorial Hall of Central Philippine University.

The four major events are Regional Land Use Forum, launch of Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium, Develop-ment Talk and Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Awarding Ceremony.

The 2nd Regional Land Use Forum will be a venue for sharing LGU best practices on mainstreaming biodiversity, climate change and

disaster risk reduction and management in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) as basis for local investment programming.

Aside from the presentation of the Consortium’s programs and services, Local Government Academy Executive Director Marivel Sacendoncillo deliver a message during the launch of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium.

The consortium is a partnership between the DILG and four universities in Iloilo City, namely, University of the Philippines-Visayas, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, and the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology. The gains of the coun-try’s advocacy for transparency and account-

ability in local governance, which is anchored on the theme “Strengthening the Journey of Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad,” will be showcased in the Development Talk.

There will be five speakers in the event, mostly local chief executives from the region, who will be talking on various areas such on Solid Waste Management, administrative governance, environmental management, social service, and the importance of Local Policy Support in the implementation of Development Programs.

The awarding of Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Reg i ona l w i nne r s w i l l c a p t he celebration. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

T his IMT program is a core program of NIA in its various irrigation systems wherein the

operation and maintenance (O&M) responsibilties for portions of its canal facilities is being transferred to the organized Irrigator's Association.

It is stipulated in the Magna Carta of Small Farmers (R.A. 7607) that it shall promote participation of farmers to develop their capabilities and eventually assume management of irrigation systems and the responsibility of collecting fees

from individual members and remitting such to NIA.

In Antique, this program is now ongoing with the Sibalom-Hamtic-San Jose Association (SIHAMSA) North and South already entering into IMT agreement with NIA.

On Tuesday the CASIBO North IA comprising the barangays of Sibalom 1,2,3,4, Odiong, Bari, Alangan, Cubay, and Bongsod also entered into agreement to assume the responsibilty of managing the operation and maintenance of all

communal irrigation canals. The assumption was formalized

through a contract signing held at the Barangay plaza of Alangan wherein the presidents of the nine farmer's organization pledged to their support to make this model work.

A total of 256 farmers are beneficiaries of the project covering a total of 247 hectares of farmlands in the said area. Sibalom town is considered the r i c e g r a n a r y o f A n t i q u e . (JCM/MLG/PIA6-Antique) 

NIA partners with farmer's associations to improve irrigation services By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE,Antique, Oct. 24 (PIA6) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is implementing the "Irrigation Management Transfer" program in all national irrigation systems (NIS) in the country with the hope of improving the delivery of irrigation services to the farmers.

Visayan spotted dear (Visayan spotted dear (Visayan spotted dear (Rusa alfrediRusa alfrediRusa alfredi))) --- can only be can only be can only be found in the islands of Panay and Negrosfound in the islands of Panay and Negrosfound in the islands of Panay and Negros

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

I n a forum for the observance of National Indigenous Month, Gov. Roel Degamo said that in support

of the IP sector, there will be a representation in the local council for the promotion of their rights.

Degamo also requested the natives to assist the military in peacekeeping in their respective communities to make Negros Oriental insurgency-free.

The 302 Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army with the provincial government of Negros Oriental, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)

initiated the forum to orient the IPs on the implementation of the new mining Executive Order 79.

The EO reiterates the state policy on the recognition of IP rights and the NCIP has drafted and issued its revised guidelines for the free, prior, and informed consent process.

NCIP, DSWD and the DENR are directed to ensure that social preparation for IPs to be affected by mining will be conducted.

In his briefing, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Penro) Oscar Magallones said EO 79 imposes stricter measures to ensure responsible

mining and environmental protection as well as seeking higher revenue sharing scheme for the government through legislation.

The Penro identified three large scales mining in Negros Oriental located in the municipalities of Ayungon, Basay, and Tayasan, including with some small scales mining operating in the province.

This month’s celebration anchors ton he 15th year anniversary of RA 8371 known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act with the theme “IPRA ay Gabay sa Kaunlaran. Isa is ip , Ipabat id at Isakatuparan.” (mbcn/JCT-PIA7, Negros Oriental)

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 25 (PIA) -- The governor of Negros Oriental asked some 60 tribal chieftains of indigenous peoples (IPs) to support and cooperate in addressing peace and order in the communities.

NegOr guv asks IPs to help in peacekeeping, promoting new mining order

T he policy is enforced to ensure the active and intensified campaign against all forms of

illegal activities in the province especially on illegal gambling, loose firearms and illegal drugs, said SPO1 Edilberto Euraoba III of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO).

Euraoba said the order was reiterated by PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt. Edward Carranza during a command con-ference held at NOPPO on October 21

and attended by all chiefs of police in the province.

The One-Strike policy seeks to reinforce and invigorate the anti-illegal logging drive according to the spirit and intent of Executive Order No. 23 issued by President Benigno Aquino III as part of his flagship program on environment protection.

Carranza also called for aggressive action on the capture of Wanted Persons in the province particularly those involved

in illegal activities of Partisan Armed Groups and organized crime syndicates, added Euraoba.

The provincial police director also warned the police chiefs that they will face the possibility of relief from post if another PNP unit can confirm of the continued existence of illegal gambling, illegal logging, illegal drugs and wanted persons are confirmed in their area of jurisdiction. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 24 (PIA) -- The provincial director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province reiterated the standing order for all chiefs of police in Negros Oriental to aggressively implement the “one-strike” policy.

PNP Negros Oriental reiterates 'one strike' policy By Rachelle M. Nessia

CEBU, Oct 21 (PIA) -- Children ages 8 to 15 from various public elementary and secondary schools in Cebu province recently showcased their musical talents in strumming guitar, singing, and rondalla in a showdown during this year’s sixth "Halad sa Kabataan (Gift to the Children)" on October 13 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), Mandaue City.

C ebu first district provincial board member Julian Daan in his opening remarks said, this is a yearly event mounted by the

Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC) to highlight the Cebuano children’s talents in guitar duet, vocal solo and rondalla in observance of October as children’s month.

For the guitar duet category 12 pairs strummed their way to get the championship, the prize money of P10,000, P8,000 and P6,000 for the first, second, and third winners respectively. All winners were also given trophies and plaques.

The tandem of Rondoe Abonales and Rodger Cotillas from Mandaue City with their rendition of “Rosas Pandan” won the first prize while the pair of Ian Mark Belocura and Allan Barcoma from Barili got the second place.

The combined performance of Jason Herebias and Jose Jacob Milleza with their chosen piece “Sakayanon” won third prize. The

non-winners were also given a consolation prize of P4,000 and a plaque.

For the vocal solo competition, there were also 12 contestants and they all sang Cebuano compositions. Both 12 pairs from the guitar duet and the 12 vocal solo contestants were the finalists from the elimination rounds by district held from August 30 to September 25.

Mariel Minglanilla from San Fernando town with here inspiring rendition of a Visayan song “Kami ang Kabataan” won the championship while Mariel Montellano from Tabogon with her song “Bunga” got the second prize and Rhett James Malazarte of Aloguinsan with his song “Sa Pangandoy Lang” won third.

Winners of the vocal solo contest got P5,000, 1st prize; P4,000 for second; and P3,000 for the third placer plus a trophy and plaque for each. The non-winners were given P2,000 each plus a plaque.

The biggest highlight of the Halad sa Kabataan was the rondalla where three groups, the Argao Rondalla, Sisters of Mary-Girls Town Rondalla, and Pooc National High School Rondalla battled it out in a showdown competition of pop, modern, and folk categories.

The Pooc National High School Rondalla from Talisay City grabbed the championship while the Sisters of Mary – Girls Town Rondalla also from Talisay City got the second prize and the Argao Rondalla of Argao won third place.

The champion got P30,000 while the second and third placers received P25,000 and P20,000 respectively plus a trophy and plaque for each winner.

For six years now, Cebu Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children has sustained the Halad sa Kabataan event as its way of supporting and promoting the talents of the Cebuano children. (mbcn/AYS-PIA-7/PCWC)

Cebu’s 6th ‘Halad sa Kabataan’ showcases musical talents By Minerva BC. Newman

Philippine Tarsier (Philippine Tarsier (Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichtaCarlito syrichtaCarlito syrichta) ) ) --- is is is commonly be found in the island of Boholcommonly be found in the island of Boholcommonly be found in the island of Bohol

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

N egOr Police Senior Superintendent Edward Caranza in a Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting

on October 15 reported that there were 684 crimes committed from July to September, a decrease of 108 incidents or lower than 792 crime volume of the same period of last year.

Carranza said the reduction of the number of crimes can be attributed to the PNP's intensified police visibility and relentless campaign against all forms of illegal and unlawful activities throughout the province.

PNP accomplishments showed that index crimes recorded 391 and 293 for non-index crimes this year compared to 531 incidents and 261 cases respectively for the same period last year.

For the period covered (3rd quarter of

2012), theft had the highest incidence with 137 cases or 15.95 percent followed by physical injuries with 88 or 29.03 percent.

Robbery on the other hand was at 62 or 54.07 percent, murder with 44 or 4.54 percent, carnapping with 34 or 44.4 percent, homicide with 12 or 50 percent, rape with 11 or 38.8 percent, and 3 cases or 50 percent for cattle rustling.

Index crimes are those crimes committed against persons while non-index crimes are violations of special laws such as illegal logging or local laws or ordinances.

For the campaign against loose firearms, the PNP confiscated and recovered 116 loose firearms with 44 persons arrested in 116 operations conducted within the quarter this year. On anti-illegal drugs operations, PNP

NegOr arrested 51 persons and confiscated 111.57 grams of shabu, 6.92 dried marijuana leaves worth P1,317,084 in 39 operations conducted.

Campaign against illegal gambling for the same period arrested 105 persons, filed 43 cases in court and seized P140,084 bet money in 96 operations conducted.

The PNP reported also that its crime solution rate was 35.23 percent against 31.81 percent and crime clearance efficiency is at 32.6 percent versus 33.08 percent for the period covered.

The provincial police office assessed the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental as generally peaceful based on the crime statistics. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Oct 18 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental reported a decrease in crime incidents in the third quarter of this year as compared to the same period in 2011.

PNP NegOr reports crime incidents down

Fish Conservation Week recognizes partners in fishery, aquatic campaign

CEBU CITY Oct 23 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 and the Department of Agriculture in the region have given recognition to individuals, groups and Local Government Units (LGUs) who made a big contribution to the fishery and aquatic campaign.

BOHOL, Oct 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) has called anew for the continued protection and preservation of the mangrove plantations within the Getafe Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve and Wilderness Area (GMSFRWA) in Getafe, Bohol.

DENR-7 encourages protection and preservation of mangrove plantations in Bohol By Hazel F. Gloria

G MSFRWA is one of the oldest mangrove areas that straddle seven island barangays of Jandayan Norte,

Jandayan Sur, Handumonon, Banacon, Alumar, Mahanay, Getafe and Mahanay, Talibon with 3441.5 hectares.

DENR-7 Executive Director Isabelo R. Montejo said mangroves offer shelter for local and migratory wildlife and serve as roosting and foraging grounds this is why there is a need to vigorously protect them.

Montejo explained that mangroves

provide nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs and support fisheries production in coastal waters.

Studies showed that mangrove areas had reduced from 450,000 hectares in 1918 to 117,700 hectares based in the 1995 statistics.

This has been attributed to the con-version to fishponds, prawn farms, salt ponds, reclamation and other forms of industrial development.

Meanwhile, GMSFRWA has eight existing mangrove reforestation and

rehabilitation projects with a total of 368 hectares covering five barangays.

Mangroves contribute between 1,800 to 4,200 grams of carbon per square meter per year, which is approximately the contribution of the tropical rain forest and 10 times higher than primary production in the open ocean.

It was in December 1981 that GMSFRWA became a protected area through Presidential Proclamation Numbers 2151 and 2152. (HFG/DENR7-PIA 7)

T he recognition was done through the awarding of Gawad Saka national, regional, and provincial winners

during the culminating activity of the 49th Fish Conservation Week in the region last October 14 to 19 with the theme “Maunlad na Pangisdaan Makakamtam sa Matatag na Balikatan."

Gawad Saka comprises 7 categories, namely: outstanding fisherfolk aquaculture and capture; outstanding fish warden; outstanding fisherfolk association; outstanding fishery tech-nician; outstanding farm M/C farmC and very supportive LGU to fisheries programs and projects.

Bayawan C FARMC of Negros Oriental was declared Gawad Saka National Achiever.

Winners for the outstanding fisherfolk aquaculture were Natalio N. Baja from Garcia Hernandez, Bohol; Wilfredo Y. Pino of

Dalaguete, Cebu; Juventud V. Chavez from Siaton Negros Oriental and Randy E. Bacleon of Siquijor, Siquijor.

For the outstanding fisherfolk capture winners include: Roger B. Navarro of Balamban, Cebu; Willy M. Pineda from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and Joven A. Gargar of Siquijor, Siquijor.

Jesus V. Alolor of Bantayan , Cebu; Buenaventura Apostol from Talibon Bohol; Vito E. Banlaygas of Dauin Negros Oriental; and Dominador Banlos of Maria Siquijor were declared outstanding fish warden.

Tagged as outstanding fisherfolk association were Lambaklad Fisherfolk Association from Siaton Negros Oriental, Alejawan and Naatang Fishermen Association of Jagna Bohol; MRDA/MAFIA Fisherfolk Association from San Juan, Siquijor and Sta. Monica Fisherfolk Association of Dalaguete,

Cebu. Faith A. Napigkit from Bayawan City

Negros Oriental; Marlon Marande of Bantayan Cebu; Augustina Espera from Tagbilaran Bohol and Joseph Marijess Dondee Pactor of Siquijor, Siquijor were considered outstanding fishery technician.

Outstanding M/C FARMC include; Dalaguete MFARMC, of Dalaguete, Cebu; Dumiao MFARMC, Dimiao, Bohol; Guihulngan CFARMC, Guihulngan, City Negros Oriental ; and Lazi MFARMC from Lazi, Siquijor.

Considered very supportive LGU to fisheries programs / projects were: Dumaguete City from Negros Oriental; Jagna from Bohol; Talisay City from Talisay Cebu and Siquijor.

Winners were given plaque of recognition and an eighty thousand cash as project aid provided winners will provide a proposal of their projects. (AYS/PIA,CEBU)

By Amorganda A. Saludar

By Jennifer C. Tilos Philippine Tarsier (Philippine Tarsier (Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichtaCarlito syrichtaCarlito syrichta) ) ) --- is is is commonly be found in the island of Boholcommonly be found in the island of Boholcommonly be found in the island of Bohol

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

Navaleños excel in Banda Rayhak 2012 competition

MANILA, Oct 23 (PIA) -- Four marching band entries from the municipality of Naval province of Biliran took home the bacon in this year’s Banda Rayhak competition held at RTR Plaza, Tacloban City, on October 20, 2012 on the occasion of the 68th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 21 (PIA) -- Sixty eight years ago, a promise was realized in Leyte beach--the deliverance of a nation from the clutches of terror, and a redemption that came after much struggle.

T his was the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III--read for him by former Senator Ramon

Magsaysay--during the 68th anniversary celebration of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Memorial Park in Barangay Candahug, Palo, Leyte.

Aquino said the event “is a reconsecration of what we live for and what we fought for, for freedom and the chance to shape our destiny with our hands.”

The years following the restoration of the country after that famous promise asked from the people to make the most

difficult sacrifices where they “marched on in the name of the fallen and the brave”.

The lessons from that era of the nation’s history were the guide upon which the government anchored to uphold the law and institute justice and accountability among the publics..

Today’s ultimate objective of the government is “to be our brothers keepers” and forward the agenda of peace, compassion and positive engagement.

The government is now the partner, guide and protector of people.

Gracing the celebration were Group

Captain Craig White, Defense Attache, Embassy of Australia; Trever Lewis, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Minister Setsuko Ohmori, Head of Chancery, Embassy of Japan; Bryan Goldbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America and Alfred Jack Brown, “Katakana” Man, WWII Hero who was awarded the Special Plaque of Recognition to W.W.II Hero.

War veterans were also given tribute for their participation in the restoration of democracy in the country. (PIA-8)

Lessons from Leyte Gulf Landings

Construction of $434 Samar road project commences

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct 20 (PIA) -- The long-awaited dream of the people of Eastern Samar to obtain a cemented road will finally become a reality. This, when the 220-kilometer, four-lane road project from Wright, Western Samar to Guiuan, Eastern Samar is completed.

T he competition was divided into junior and senior categories where seven elementary schools and nine

secondary schools from the entire Eastern Visayas region vied in the competition.

In the junior category were Naval Central School in the municipality Naval, the capital town of Biliran;n San Jose Central School in Tacloban City; Dolongan Elementary School in Samar; Eugenio S. Daza Pilot School in Samar; Cabacungan Central School in Dulag, Leyte; Naval SPED Center also in Naval, Biliran and Rizal Central School also in Tacloban City.

In the senior category were San Jose National High School (Dulag, Leyte); Naval State University (Naval, Biliran), Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (Samar), St. Therese Child Development

Center (STCDC) of Tacloban City (Tacloban), Samar National School, Burgos Integrated High School (Samar), Cathedral School of La Naval (Biliran), St. Mary’s Academy (Palo), and Licio Del Verbo Divino (Tacloban).

The Naval SPED Center bagged the 1st place making it their grand slam this year. Dolongan Elementary School ranked second and Naval Central School ranked third for the junior category.

Naval State University bagged the 1st place followed by Licio Del Verbo Divino and the Cathedral School of La Naval for the senior category.

Of the eight special awards, Naval SPED Center earned seven of the awards for Best in Marching Routine, Best in Color Guard, Best in Musicality, Best in Uniform, Best

Interpretation of the Pintados Theme, Most Inspiring Majorette, and Best Band Leader; and Naval Central School won one award for Most Disciplined.

Naval State University bagged three special awards for Best in Color Guard, Best Interpretation of the Pintados Theme, and Best Band Leader; Cathedral School of La Naval two awards for Best in Musicality and Most Inspiring Majorette; Licio Del Verbo Divino one award for Best in Marching Routine; and Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School one award for Most Disciplined.

Banda Rayhak is a yearly band competition in commemoration of the Leyte Landing Anniversary. It is sponsored by the provincial government of Leyte and the Pintados Foundation, Inc. (PIA-Biliran)

T he road project, costing $434 million, is funded by the U.S. g o v e r n m e n t u n d e r t h e

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) fund.

No less than the chief executive officer of the MCC, Daniel Yohannes led the groundbreaking ceremony at Barangay Locso-on, this city. Yohannes himself led 15 other guests and consultants in the

ceremonial mixing of sand and gravel. He too started the engine of a heavy equipment.

In his message, Yohannes said that driving the car he boarded from Tacloban gave him the opportunity to see the beauty of Eastern Samar. “Your place is the most beautiful place I have ever visited," Yohannes said, adding that it looks like the paradise of Adam and Eve.

“We are extremely happy to be your partner. One day I will be back to see that your road is completed which will open to you commerce, trade and a lot of business opportunities,” he said. Locso-on Barangay Chairman Nelson Capones assured Yohannes their full support on the pro-ject because according to him, it will pave the way for more development opportunities. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

By Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz

By Alicia E. Nicart

Visayan Broadbill (Visayan Broadbill (Visayan Broadbill (Eurylaimus samarensisEurylaimus samarensisEurylaimus samarensis) ) ) --- is is is endemic to Eastern Visayasendemic to Eastern Visayasendemic to Eastern Visayas By Aurora J. Casimpan

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

4Ps in 7 Samar towns receive funds through PhilPost

War veteran recounts Leyte Gulf Landings experience

“ Kon manunumdoman ta ha paypay hit history, hadton October 20, nakanhi hi MacArthur han 1944 pero

antes makanhi, paglakat niya ha Corregidor hadton Marso 11, 1942 nagsaad hiya kan Gen. George Moore, ‘I Shall Return,’ (If we would remember in the pages of history, on October 20, MacArthur arrived here in 1944 but before he came, when he left to Corregidor on March 11, 1942 he promised to Gen. George Moore, ‘I Shall Return),” said District Commander Apolonio Canillas of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Leyte Chapter.

Canillas recounted that the promise of General Douglas MacArthur was

fulfilled at 10 a.m. of October 20, 1944 at the Red Beach in Palo, Leyte.

He said that they were so very happy, especially the people of Palo, as the war between the Japanese and Americans did not last that long in the municipality.

“An mga baryohanon gindara nganhi ha poblacion (han Palo) ngatanan san-o mag-advance an American forces ngadto ha kabarobarangayan (the barrio people were brought to the poblacion (of Palo) before the American forces advanced to the barangays),” he said.

Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla saluted the heroism of the WWII veterans and the Filipino people who fought for peace.

That, she said is worth celebrating.

The peace we have now will not happen without the veterans, the sacrifices of many people, our allies and the Filipino people in this part of the world, Deputy Chief of Mission Trevor Lewis of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said.

Brig. Gen. Joel Joseph Cabides, VFP-SDAI regional president was hopeful “that the celebration of victory will lead to do the things we would like to project to the generations to come and the task of carrying on to continue the legacy and pursuing that elusive peace entails a united effort.” This year’s 68th Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary celebration carries the theme, “Leyte Gulf Landings: A Celebration of Victory.” (PIA-8)

PALO, Leyte, Oct 20 (PIA) -- A World War II (WWII) veteran has recounted his experience of the Leyte Gulf Landings.

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 20 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in seven municipalities in Samar can now withdraw funds through the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost).

By Leonilo D. Lopido

T here are 9,074 Pantawid or conditional cash grant (CCT) beneficiary families from Calbiga,

Gandara, Paranas, San Jorge, San Sebastian, Sta. Rita and Villareal, 4Ps Provincial Link Gina Omillo said.

Cash transfer through the post office started on October 19.

“The mode of payment has been modified for the convenience of the beneficiaries,” she said. In Samar, there are

now three modes of payment for the grantees.

It is G-cash for Almagro, Tagapul-an, Sto. Nino, San Jose de Buan, Pagsanghan, Daram, Zumarraga, Matuginao and Talalora. Meanwhile, those nearer the business growth centers of Calbayog, Catbalogan and Tacloban can withdraw their grants over the counter or through the use of cash cards at Land Bank of the Philippines near their towns.

These are Catbalogan, Tarangnan, Sta. Margarita, Calbayog, Pinabacdao, Hinabangan, Jiabong, Motiong, Marabut and Basey.

To date, the government has paid out P483,301,283 to Samarnons under the program.

Another set of beneficiaries from the upland barangays of Calbayog will be added to avail themselves of the program. (PIA-Samar)

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

Visayan Broadbill (Visayan Broadbill (Visayan Broadbill (Eurylaimus samarensisEurylaimus samarensisEurylaimus samarensis) ) ) --- is is is endemic to Eastern Visayasendemic to Eastern Visayasendemic to Eastern Visayas

LGU-Limasawa wins Best Implementer in breastfeeding

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 24 (PIA) -- The Local Government of Limasawa in Southern Leyte was recently awarded as the Best Implementer in Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and Breastfeeding programs in Eastern Visayas.

T he awarding ceremony initiated by the Department of Health (DOH) recognized efforts and

initiatives of different institutions including schools, hospitals, other workplaces throughout the country for their support in the infant and young child feeding program and promoting exclusive breastfeeding for children aging 6 months. It was held in Manila, October 18, this year.

This is the third national award received by the said local government this

year. “ Earlier, Limasawa was also awarded the Galing Pook Award (January 2012 ) and Rabies - free Municipality in Region VIII ( September 2012),” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Noel Lumen said.

It was learned that the other awards given during the ceremony were Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital for workplace and community categories, Mother-Baby Friendly School, among others.

IYCF is a global strategy for infant and Young Child Feeding that was issued

jointly by WHO and UNICEF. It is aimed to improve the nutritional

status and health of children especially the under-three and consequently reduce infant and under-five mortality.

Moreover, the specific objectives of IYCF programs are to improve, protect and promote infant and young child feeding practices, increase political commitment and ensure its sustainability. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

By Rebecca S. Cadavos

One Visayas e‐newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.  One Visayas e‐newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378718/3377301 or e‐mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.   

Editorial Consultants Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu Regional Director, PIA 7 Regional Director, PIA6 Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

Contributors

All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8

Production and Layout Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado

Regional Offices:

PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com