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The official e-Newsletter of PIA Visayas
Citation preview
Vol 4 Issue 12 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 Mar. 24 - Mar. 30, 2014
WESTERN VISAYAS
In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue Sec. Abad: RDC-7 project proposals must be in line with BPF
PNoy commends PIA for steadfast information dissemination especially in times of disasters
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
DOST: Use S&T to make communities safer BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH
ILOILO CITY, March 25 (PIA6) - - The Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday called on local chief
executives and disaster managers in this part of the country to
develop the capacity to understand and use science and technology
in making their communities safer and more prepared for disasters.
“In our communities, you the local chief executives and
disaster managers serve as the first receivers of information and
warnings and act as first responders during calamities. It is
therefore, imperative that you develop that capacity to understand
and translate these science based information and warnings into
response strategies, policies and actions within your local area of
responsibility,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.
Montejo who is also the National Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Council Vice-Chair for Prevention and Mitigation
said that while the occurrence of natural hazards cannot be
prevented, potential disaster risk in communities can be
mitigated. In his message during the opening ceremonies of a
conference workshop conducted by the department here until
March 26, Montejo highlighted that use of science to better
understand and improve disaster planning and preparations at the
national and local levels.
“Applying science, we can draw up scenario-based strategies
and protocols in dealing with calamities: from emphasizing early
warning and early action to achieve minimum loss that can then lead
to quick recovery,” said Montejo. The two-day conference
workshop participated in by almost 300 local chief executives and
DRRMOs, heads and representatives of national government
agencies and other stakeholders in Western Visayas is part of the
launching activity of DOST‟s „Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer
Communities‟ program in the region.
Montejo said „Iba na ang Panahon‟ embraces the change in
seasonal climate and weather patterns as well as the severity of the
impact of weather-related natural hazards in the country.
It also highlights the availability of new tools such as the latest
high-resolution maps, flood modeling solutions and advanced weath-
er forecasting tools, among others, to allow scientists to study
hazards and bring better forecast warnings down to communi-
ties.
The workshop also included presentations on local geologic
hazards and warning systems and hydrometeorological and geologi-
cal hazards in the region, as well as those meant to allow provincial
and municipal chief executives to better understand their communi-
ties and the risks present therein.
In Western Visayas, DOST has teamed up with the regional
offices of Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and
Local Government and Philippine Information Agency in
implementing the program. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)
BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN
CEBU CITY, March 25 (PIA) – Budget Secretary Florencio
“Butch” Abad told members of the Regional Development Council
(RDC-7) that projects for proposed funding should be aligned with
the Budget Priority Framework (BPF) of the National Government.
Abad was the special guest during the recent RDC-7 1st
quarterly Full Council Meeting held in Cebu City.
Abad said the BPF determines the priorities of the Aquino
Administration until the end of the President‟s term in 2016.
“Projects that are submitted for funding that are not tuned in
to the Budget Priority Framework will never be approved,” bared
Abad to over 40 attendees that include local chief executives within
the four provinces of Central Visayas, heads and representatives of
regional line agencies, private sector, civil society groups and media.
According to Abad, there are four thrusts under the BPF
which the administration believes is essentially critical to maintain
the Philippines positive economic performance -- huge investments
in social protection, generating employment and livelihood,
continue expanding the economy and investments in climate change
mitigation and adaptation.
Abad cited some priority programs under the social services,
primary of which is the anti-poverty alleviation program Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino or 4Ps whose annual budget is increasing year
after year.
Second priority under the BPF is generating employment and
livelihood programs, foremost of which is the increased budget for
infrastructure development to spur investments that create jobs
such as in the area of tourism and agri-business, said Abad.
Abad said the third is continuing the economic expansion
found in certain sectors such as tourism, a high performer of
economic growth. Other areas he cited here are the business
process outsourcing, agri-business and infrastructure.
The fourth priority area under the BPF is investments in
climate change mitigation and adaptation such as geohazard mapping
and the 18 major river basins given priority under the government‟s
National Greening Program.
Abad said the four thrusts underline the priority programs
that fulfill President Aquino‟s social contract with the Filipino people
that ultimately redound to inclusive social growth. (rmn/FCR/PIA-7)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
EASTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
United Nat ions Devt Programme
Administrator Helen Clark leads the
ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new UNDP
and other UN offices building located at
Balyuan grounds, Tacloban City, March 26.
(Photo by Raul Tiozon/PIA-8)
National Tuberculosis Program (NTP)
Regional Coordinator Jocelyn Tabotabo (far
left) presents the status of National
Tuberculosis Program Implementation and
Future Plans before the guests, awardees, and
representatives of partner agencies of TB
program in Region -7 during the World TB
Day with the theme "Stop TB. Magpakabana.
Dali Na!" at the Cebu Parklane International
Hotel on March 25, 2014. (VVV/PIA CEBU)
Gawad Kalinga (GK) Iloilo Head Mary Rose
Cacho and GK Special Projects Head Jose
Maria “Boy” Montelibano (2nd and 3rd from
L) together with Ajuy Mayor Juancho Alvarez
hands in the replica of the 55 motorized banca
to Brgy. Captain Dan Labid (L) during the GK
Balangay program turnover ceremony held in
Brgy. Punta Buri National High School, Ajuy,
Iloilo, March 25. (PIA 6/EJB)
By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu
MANILA, March 23 (PIA) - President Benigno S. Aquino III
commended the Philippine Information Agency for its steadfast
dissemination of timely, relevant and useful information especially in
times of calamities, which in turn has saved lives many Filipinos
caught in disasters.
The President made the pronouncement in his keynote
speech during the 16th Philippine Quality Award
(PQA)-Recognition for Commitment to Quality Management award
rites held on March 20 at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace where
PIA is among the recipients of the PQA.
Four other institutions, namely the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST)- Region XI; Lyceum of the Philippines
University (LPU)-Manila; Philippine Association of Colleges and
Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA); and
Zamboanga Polymedic Hospital, Inc. were also bestowed the same
recognition.
President Benigno S. Aquino III presented the trophy to the
recipients, assisted by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, Development Academy of the
Philippines (DAP) President Antonio D. Kalaw, and Philippine
Society for Quality, Inc. President Florendo Maranan, among
others.
In his keynote speech, President Aquino (PNoy) also lauded
all PQA awardees for their pursuit of quality in their processes,
services, and organizational management as it "would greatly
contribute to the improvement of the quality of lives of Filipinos."
The President exhorted this year‟s recipients to “continue to
uphold a culture of quality and competence, and shun mediocrity, as
this would help Filipinos achieve empowerment, progress, and
prosperity, in a society of inclusiveness and opportunity.”
Meanwhile, PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena, who
received the award together with PCOO USEc Syliangco
representing Secretary Sonny Coloma, said that the award is a
recognition of PIA‟s excellence in providing the Filipino people with
the right information that they need in decision-making and in
becoming empowered citizens. “The PQA is a recognition of this
(PIA‟s) core value”, he said, adding that all the Staff and Regional
Directors and the PQA support staff were present during the
awarding.
DG Oquiñena cited the Agency's task during super typhoon
Yolanda where PIA, through its Text Blast facility, website, and
social media accounts such as the Weather Watch, provided
advance information to the public about the incoming typhoon.
The aftermath of the typhoon was also a crucial time for the
agency, he said, as it served as information hub for inquiries on lost
relatives, instructions on how to avail of government services, and
for inquiries on other government services as well.
The Philippine Quality Award Program is a global
competitiveness template that aims to encourage and engage public
and private organizations and other stakeholders to strive for and
attain performance excellence.
It is a national award program that recognizes achievements
of public and private sector organizations in their journey towards
performance excellence.
The PQA, which was created through Executive Order 448
on Oct. 3, 1997 and was institutionalized in 2001 through Republic
Act 9013, provides for a standard of excellence to help Filipino
organizations achieve world-class performance in quality
management and overall organizational performance and industry
competitiveness.
The PQA Committee is composed of leaders from respected
government agencies and private entities, with the Department of
Trade and Industry as the Award Implementing Agency. (PIA 8)
Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad. (PIA file photo)
WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222
SAN JOSE, Antique, (PIA6) – As summer vacation nears, students are again looking forward to a break from school
activities. For low-income families, summer break is also an opportunity to work and earn income in preparation for the
opening of classes come June.
T o help these families, the
Department of Labor and
Employment has a l lot ted
P1,993,200 for Special Program for
Employment of Students (SPES) for the
Province of Antique.
The total allocation of DOLE
according to Provincial Director Rene
Santamena is intended for 964 students
following the minimum wage rate or
amount determined by the local
government units concerned.
Provincial Director Rene Santamena
said 18 employers have committed to join
the SPES program wherein 60 percent of
the wages of these economically
marginalized students be paid by the
participating employers and 40 percent by
DOLE.
The 18 employers who have
committed to join are Provincial
Government of Antique, 12 municipal
governments, two private schools, one
un i ve r s i t y and two bu s i n e s s
establishments.
DOLE enjoined the employers to
submit the necessary requirements for the
release of funds to avoid delay especially
during payment time. Likewise, Santamena
urged the students to save their earnings
and give priority to their school needs
once they receive their wages. (JCM/PSM/
PIA6 Antique)
DOLE sets P1.9M for Antique SPES Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz
LGUs train on climate change software
ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PIA6) --- Some 30 participants from the local government units of Dumangas, Passi City, and Zarraga
in Iloilo trained recently on the use of Climate Change Exposure Database (ClimEx.DB) software to better equip them on
disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.
T he training conducted by the
Climate Change Commission
(CCC), in partnership with the
University of the Philippines Visayas, was
part of the Resilience Capacity Building for
Cities and Municipalities to Reduce
Disaster Risks from Climate Change and
Natural Hazards or Project ReBUILD
Phase 1.
The ClimEx.DB is a computer
software developed to assist local
government units in crafting their
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for
it can locate the exact position of houses,
buildings, farm field, or any economic and
industry-related infrastructure with the
use of the Global Positioning System.
The computer software can also
determine if a structure is located in a
disaster-prone area such as being within a
flood-risk zone, in an earthquake-prone
area, or in sites that are easily affected by
calamities.
The software also contains the list of
geo-hazard compliant evacuation sites
where evacuation centers can be
established, and policies and ordinances
regarding disaster planning, response,
rehabilitation and recovery.
The participants were introduced to
Project ReBUILD and the Climex.DB
exposure database, the Climex.DB server
set-up and operation, tablet operation,
and survey planning operation.
They also underwent field operations
for the onsite testing of the Climex.DB
survey application in Brgy. Balud 1,
Zarraga town.
Project ReBUILD is funded by the
New Zealand Aid Programme and
administered by the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP).
The project aims to assess the
disaster vulnerabilities of the cities and
municipalities surrounding the Jalaur River
Basin here to geological, meteorological
and meteorologically-induced hazards due
to climate change. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)
BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I
BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO
AJUY, Iloilo, March 26 (PIA6) – Gawad Kalinga broke ground for a new GK Village and turned over motorized bancas for
beneficiaries who were affected by typhoon “Yolanda” in northern Iloilo, during a two-day event held March 24-25.
T he new GK Village, the “Maria
Assumpta Gawad Kalinga Village”,
will provide houses to 40 families at
the Ruth Tirol Jarantilla GK Site at Barangay
Bacjawan Sur in Concepcion town.
Mrs. Jarantilla donated the lot for the
project.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by
GK Special Projects In-Charge Jose Maria
Montelibano from the national headquarters,
GK Iloilo head Mary Rose Cacho, Sister Mary
Sheryl Reyes, Provincial Superior of the
Assumption Sisters, Concepcion town Mayor
Milliard Villanueva, Ms. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, and
Punong Barangay Nonie Villarias.
The also represent the sectors that are
the main proponents of the project. It will
become the fourth GK village to be put up in
the municipality.
Cacho said the new village will be included
in the Bayani Challenge 2014 multi-activity
event slated to start in Iloilo, April.
The volunteerism showcase will include
home rebuilding activities.
Mayor Villanueva said the municipal
government will support the soon-to-rise
village with basic necessities such as electricity
and water supply.
On March 25, GK‟s Montelibano and
Cacho turned over 55 units of motorized
bancas to small fishermen of the island
barangay of Punta Buri in Ajuy whose fishing
boats, their chief means of livelihood, were
damaged by the November 2013 super
typhoon.
GK provided the funds for the
construction of the fishing boats that ranged
from P15, 000 to 20,000 each under its GK
Balangay Project.
With the two GK officials for the
turnover were Ajuy Mayor Juancho Alvarez,
Punong Barangay Dan Labid and other
municipal and barangay officials.
Mayor Alvarez acknowledged Gawad
Kalinga which he said was one of the
first who responded to the call for help of his
town.
The local chief executive thanked
GK not only for the relief goods,
repair of damaged GK houses and fishing boats
but also for lifting the dignity of the people of
Ajuy through their help. Punong Barangay Labid
said that because of the help people in his ba-
rangay are gradually getting back on their feet.
It was also learned from the GK officials
that they are also helping 45 typhoon-affected
fishermen in Barangay Tagubanhan, also an
island barangay of Ajuy, to have new fishing
boats. (JSC-PIA6)
GK launches new village, turns over fishing boats in N. Iloilo
WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333
‘Dugtong Buhay 5’ collects 60 blood bags
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 26 (PIA6) – Sixty voluntary blood donors have successfully donated blood during the 5th
bloodletting activity of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Capiz Association of Government Public Information
Officers, Inc. (CAGPIO) last March 14 at the Capiz Medical Society (CMS) Building here.
T he day-long mass blood donation
dubbed “Dugtong Buhay 5” is in
response to the urgent need for
blood in the province due to dengue cases
and other clinical and hospital
necessities to save lives.
Most of the voluntary blood donors
were policemen, soldiers and government
employees, said PIA Capiz Infocen
Manager Jemin B. Guillermo.
“This also forms part of PIA‟s
activities in view of the Women‟s Month
celebration,” she stressed.
The Dugtong Buhay project of PIA
and CAPGIO has been a consistent
awardee of the Philippine Red Cross
– Capiz chapter for its regular
contribution to the supply of blood at the
local blood bank.
The first of the on-going series of
bloodletting partnership of PIA and
CAGPIO dates back to October 2011.
The recent mass blood donation was
made successful through the support of
CAGPIO outgoing president and Capiz
Police Provincial Office Public Information
Officer SPO1 Donna B. Asmod as well as
the association‟s incoming president
and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Officer Esperedion C.
Pelaez.
CMS has also been supportive to the
endeavor along with some CAGPIO
member agencies, local government units
and private individuals. (DOST/AAL-PIA6
Capiz)
BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 24 (PIA6) - - More activities are lined up for this year‟s Panaad sa Negros Festival 2014 slated
March 31 – April 6, to be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, with the theme, “Organik na
Negros: Rising to the Challenge of Globalization in 2015”.
All systems go for Panaad Festival
T he first day of the festival will kick-off
with a thanksgiving mass at the Panaad
Stadium at 8 a.m. followed by the
ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Tourism and
Agri-Trade Fair and Exhibits, Livestock and Dairy
Products Fair and Eco-Garden Show.
At 2 p.m., a motorcade/Floats Parade will
start from the Provincial Capitol to Panaad Park
while the Opening Ceremony will start at 4:00
p.m. followed by the Festival Dances Competition
and Fireworks Display at the Panaad Stadium.
GMA Network‟s “Kapuso” Night at the
Panaad Stadium and RMN‟s Panaad Hip Hop
Challenge 2014 at the Panaad Park Stage will be
showcased at 8:00 p.m.
The Paindis-indis sa Composo kag Rondalla at
the Panaad Stadium will start 6 p.m. on the
second day of the festival, to be followed by the
Organic Agriculture Advocacy Night at the
Panaad Park Stage.
On the third day of the festival, Latin
Dancesport Competition will start at 3:00 p.m. at
the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity
Center, and Philippine Folk Dances Competition
7:00 p.m. at the Panaad Stadium.
There will be a Livelihood Skills Olympics on
the fourth day spearheaded by TESDA starting 8
a.m. at the Panaad Covered Court while the
Organic Agriculture Forum will be held at 9 a.m.
at the Organic Village located at the LGU Pavilion
Grounds.
The Little Lin-ay sang 2GO Pageant will be
held at the Panaad Park Stage on the same day
followed by the GMA Network‟s Kapuso
Barangayan.
The Lin-ay sang Negros Pageant, showcasing
22 candidates, will be held on April 4, 2014 at the
Panaad Stadium.
A Farmer‟s Day Celebration and Farmers
Forum at the Panaad Covered Court
starting 8:00 a.m. as well as the Outstanding
Farmers, Fisherfolk and Livestock Raisers Awards
with ABS-CBN Network at the Panaad Stadium at
4:00 p.m. will highlight the Panaad sa Negros
Festival celebration on April 5, to be followed by
ABS-CBN‟s Kapamilya Fiesta Caravan featuring
famous celebrities and artists from Manila at 6:00
p.m.
The Drum and Bugle Competition at the
Panaad Football Field and the PAWS FOR A
WHILE Dog Show at the Panaad Covered Court
will be held simultaneously at 1:00 p.m. on the last
day of the festival.
The Closing Ceremony, Awarding and
Presentation of Winners will start 5:00 p.m. at the
Panaad Stadium.
It will be capped by the traditional Fireworks
Display and Panaad Drumbeating Showcase, and a
band concert of the 303rd IB Philippine Army.
Panaad brings together the 32 local
government units of Negros Occidental in an
array of themed pavilions that showcase their
history, arts and culture, tourism, commerce,
trade and industry, at the Panaad Park and Sports
Complex.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Capitol News Negros
Occidental)
Aklan typhoon victims get P5.3M check from PCSO
KALIBO, Aklan, March 26 (PIA6) -- A belated Christmas gift came the way of Typhoon Yolanda victims in Aklan with the visit
here recently of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Ferdinand Joy Rojas bearing a check
amounting to P5,321,000.00 which he turned over to the Provincial Government.
I n a radio interview over a local
radio station here, GM Rojas said
the check represented the charity
share of the province of Aklan under the
PCSO project “9 Days of Christmas” in
December 2013.
Under the project, GM Rojas said
proceeds of draws conducted by the
PCSO 9 days before Christmas were
earmarked for donation to the country‟s 9
provinces greatly devastated by Typhoon
Yolanda.
Aklan‟s draw date schedule fell on
December 22, which realized the said
check amount.
Rojas said Aklan is the first province
to receive the check under the project.
In the same interview over Barangay
92.9 Super Radyo Kalibo, Rojas said the
PCSO has already purchased a lot in
Kalibo where the agency could erect its
own building.
He said this development will be a big
help to Aklanons, as those needing
medical or financial assistance from the
PCSO no longer have to go to Iloilo City
or to Manila.
For his part, Aklan Governor
Florencio T. Miraflores expressed his
elation with the visit of GM Rojas in Aklan,
saying he bore two good news – the
delivery of Aklan‟s one-day Charity share
and the establishment of a PCSO office in
the province so its services will be
accessible to indigent Aklanons. (JCM/
VGV-PIA6 Aklan)
BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA
BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA
CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, March 26 (PIA) --- The Negros Oriental Tourism Road Map was presented Friday to
about 100 local stakeholders here to ensure support to the development of tourism as guide for sustainable and inclusive
economic growth in the province.
NegOr launches Tourism Roadmap
W ith this blueprint, Governor Roel
Degamo said his administration is
bent on using tourism industry as
the main component for creating both
livelihood and employment opportunities for
Negrenses.
“What is positive about NegOr
tourism now, based on the data gathered
the international tourist arrivals reached
463,359 in 2013, a 50 percent increase
compared to 2012,” said Department of
Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Rowena
Montecillo.
Negros Oriental placed second in tourist
arrivals in Central Visayas, next to Cebu
province, Montecillo said.
The top ten foreign tourist visitors
recorded in the province were Americans,
Germans, French, Canadians, Britons,
Australians, Chinese, Koreans, and Swiss nationals.
With the growing number of tourist
arrivals or markets, the DOT director said the
tourism action plan will also have to align with
the National Tourism Development Plan
(NTDP) and identify the priority tourism
development areas in the country.
The key development strategy-plan
include product development, marketing and
promotion which the stakeholders propose
and continue to promote include diving in Apo
Island; sun and beach; cruise and nautical
tours; nature adventures; educational, sports
and medical tourism; events and conventions
and cultural heritage tours.
The roadmap was presented for the
stakeholders to help make the plan work.
Different heads and representatives from
government agencies, business and academe
sectors, non-government organizations and
local government units are asked in a
workshop to push tourism programs and
projects forward on three key strategies: product development and marketing and
promotions; market access, connectivity and
destination infrastructure; and tourism
institutional, governance and human resource
capacities.
Subsequently, the local tourism players
endorsed the first Negros Oriental Tourism
Action Plan, as the governor thanked to the
stakeholders for the support in the promotion
of tourism industry in the province.
Meanwhile, some 4, 200 job opportunities
are awaiting for Filipina skilled workers in
Dubai up to 2016, Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Provincial Information Officer Geraldine Delos
Reyes announced yesterday.
Delos Reyes said these jobs include
electrical installation and maintenance,
plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning for
government institutions, hospitals and
universities in the said country.
“These are male-identified jobs but the
government of Dubai in Manila prefers woman especially TESDA certified female workers,”
Delos Reyes said. (rmn/JCT/RAL/PIA7-Negros
Oriental)
BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS Cansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu
Central Visayas, March 24 (PIA) --- In celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDY), more than 6,000 mangrove
propagules covering about six hectares in various coastal areas in the four provinces in Central Visayas were simultaneously
planted.
6,000 mangrove propagules planted in CV on Int’l Day of Forests
S aid initiative was held March 21 which
has been declared by the United Nations
as IDY to increase the level of
awareness on the importance of forests.
In a press release, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7)
Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo
Montejo said that “we have been organizing a
mangrove planting and growing to ensure our
coastal communities from the threats of storm
surges and big waves as typhoon Yolanda
taught us a lesson to improve our coastal areas
with vegetation such as mangroves and other
beach forests.”
Montejo said ”mangroves are salt tolerant,
woody, seed-bearing plants ranging in size from
small shrubs to tall trees.
They occur along sheltered intertidal
coastlines and in association with estuaries and
lagoons.”
In the province of Cebu alone, more than
2,000 mangroves were planted in Barangay
Talaga, Argao town.
The mangrove plantation in Argao was
participated in by nearly 200 participants from
DENR-7, students, and some Argao local
government unit personnel.
Montejo revealed that out of 70 mangrove
tree species in the world, 34 occur in the
Philippines, and one hectare of mangrove
trees produces up to 3.6 tons of litterfall
annually and one hectare of healthy mangrove
ecosystem produces about 1.08 tons of fish per
year.
Mangroves provide nursery grounds for
fish, prawns and crabs, and support fisheries
production in coastal waters; protect the
environment by protecting coastal areas
and communities from storm surges, waves,
tidal currents and typhoons; produce
organic biomass (carbon) and reduce organic
pollution in nearshore areas by trapping or
absorption.
Meanwhile, a lecture on the importance of
forests was conducted in Yanaya National High
School in Bilar, Bohol with more than 200 high
school students.
Community Environment and Natural
Resources Officer (CENRO) Tagbilaran City
Eusalem Quiwag served as a resource
person. (rmn/AYS/PIA 7/DENR 7)
BY: AMORGANDA Y. SALUDAR
CEBU CITY, March 24 (PIA) --- Airport personnel at Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will undergo a disaster
preparedness workshop dubbed “Get Airports Ready for Disaster (GARD).”
D eutsche Post DHL (DPDHL)
partnered with United Nations
Deve lopment Programme
(UNDP) to conduct the workshop that
will kick off on March 31, 2014.
The workshop aims to prepare
airport personnel for emergencies caused
by natural disasters, such as handling high
volumes of incoming goods and
passengers in the aftermath of a disaster.
DPDHL and UNDP will train MCIA
personnel to make post-disaster airport
scenes less chaotic with the airport staff
better prepared to facilitate relief.
GARD trainers and materials
are provided for free by DHL while
UNDP manages the project, leads
the coordination with government
authorities, and provides funds
to shoulder workshop costs. (RMN/PIA
Cebu)
Cebu airport staff to undergo disaster preparedness training BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA
CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555
Cansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu
SIQUIJOR, March 24 (PIA) ---- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Provincial Science and Technology
Center (PSTC) has released P980,000 to one of the beneficiaries of its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program
(SET-UP).
DOST releases P980T to meat processor in Siquijor
N R Food Shop owned by Imelda
Rubio of Poblacion, Siquijor
received the check from DOST
OIC-ARD for Technical Services Engr. Jesus F.
Zamora, Jr. and Provincial Director Mario de la
Pena on March 14 at Larena Triad in Nonoc,
Larena, Siquijor.
The turnover was witnessed by DOST 7
Inventory Team which conducted the
inventory of equipment at Larena Triad.
The financial aid is intended for the
upgrading of its production specifically the
upgrading of meat processing equipment, said
Provincial Director Mario de la Pena of DOST
here.
He said that upgrading of NR meat
processing equipment will enhance efficient
processed meat products, increase production,
product diversification and maintain quality
processed meat products.
Rubio said that she was happy with the
DOST SETUP assistance because it
helps Siquijor SME‟s in their quest to further
improve their production, increase
productivity, and enhance product quality.
De la Peña said that this is the second
round of assistance they availed from
DOST-SETUP.
The first was on metals and engineering
sector.
DOST will allow more than one assistance
as long as the firm is a good payor, never
requested for re-alignment, and submit reports
on time.
Under the SETUP program, the agency
gives technology assistance and innovation
support to Micro Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) to upgrade their production
equipment, said de la Pena.
It is a nationwide strategy to encourage
and assist MSME‟s to adopt technological
innovations to improve their operations and
thus boost their productivity and
competitiveness, he said. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor w/
reports from MEP/DOST-Siquijor)
BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO
NEDA to hold geo-tagging training in Cebu
CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in Region 7 held a geo-tagging training on
March 25 to 26, 2014 at the NEDA-7 Conference Room, this city.
N EDA is holding the training in line
with its secretariat role at the
Regional Development Council
(RDC) to promote the use of geo-tagging as a
tool in project monitoring.
The training hoped to encourage the use
of geo-tagging as a common tool in monitoring
development projects for greater efficiency and
transparency.
It also aimed to provide a venue for the
Regional Project Monitoring Committee
(RPMC) to share with the local government
units, line government agencies, and the private
sector their experience in geo-tagging.
RPMC under the RDC is currently
adopting geo-tagging as a tool in monitoring
development projects around the region.
Geo-tagging is the process of adding
geographic information such as longitude and
latitude to a digital photograph which can be
viewed on a map published in a website.
The training was attended by
representatives from the cities of Carcar,
Naga, Talisay, Danao, Cebu, Mandaue,
LapuLapu and from the provinces of Bohol,
Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, as well as
the private sector. Representatives from the
following national government agencies in the
region are also expected to attend, namely:
Department of Public Works and Highways,
Department of Trade and Industry,
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Agrarian Reform, Department
of Health, Department of Social Welfare and
Deve lopment , Na t iona l I r r i g a t i on
Administration, Department of Education,
Department of Budget and Management,
Department of Interior and Local
Government, and the Office of the
President-Presidential Management Staff.
(RMN/PIA Cebu)
DAUIS, BOHOL, March 24 (PIA) – Bohol hosted the first International Agro-Forestry Congress, which organizers claim as the
perfect event to recognize the potentials of agro-forestry in addressing the wide girthed bole of the country‟s development
issues.
Bohol hosts int’l agri-forestry congress in 2014 BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU
BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA
H eld at the Bohol Plaza Resort March
19-22, the congress hailed a variety
of development issues where
agro-forestry is evidently poised to make a
good chance at impression, especially as the
country attempts to battle environmental
degradation, food security and climate
change.
Philippine Agro-Forestry Education and
Research Network Chair Dr. Roberto
Visco said, he believes that sustainable
development can only be achieved if the
country can address the environmental,
economic and social dimensions of
development.
“Agroforestry strikes a balance among
these three dimensions and it addresses
socioeconomic productivity of farmer foresters
while ensuring ecological stability,” he said in
an after event interview. The 16th congress in the Philippines and
the first in the region, Visco also said the
decision to hold it in Bohol came even before
the earthquake in October of 2013.
The earthquake, which left thousands of
hilly agroforests and forest timberlands scarred
as Bohol limestone cliffs could barely hold the
trees on them, did not dampen the spirits of
the country‟s agro foresters who has seen
Bohol‟s forest cover.
Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, who could
not attend the Congress, in his sent message
hailed the activity as such that it parallels with
the Provincial vision and adopted strategies
towards environment protection, natural
heritage conservation and promotion of
eco-cultural tourism.
In Bohol, where there has been a
historical proof of agro-forestry with the Bohol
Tree Enterprise Project and the Manmade
Forests, there is a widespread understanding that agro-forestry addresses not just the
economic needs of the people, it also responds
to the need to immediately provide the green
cover and solve the problem of soil-run-off.
And just as mono-species agroforests
were a trend in the 1970‟s, recent years
opened up for Boholanos the need to go back
to the indigenous species which have
diminished drastically through the years.
With the introduction of a World Bank
project called Assisted Natural regeneration
(ANR) Bohol has seen the option to simply go
for the indigenous and re-claim the forest
cover it has lost within the last decades.
If only to assure people that Bohol still
maintains a nursery for Bohol‟s famed
dipterocarps and monocarps, the a nursery for
indigeous trees stand proudly in Bilar.
Boholanos eager to replant trees can withdraw
stocks and start re-growing the forests,
sources at the Bohol Environment Management Office said. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)
EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666
Soliman: Yolanda brings many lessons to DSWD
S ecretary Soliman, speaking before more
than a hundred stakeholders both local
and foreign in the recently held Yolanda
Transparency Forum in Tacloban City, said that
these lessons will pave the way for an
enhanced relief goods handling, warehousing
and logistics, development of surge capacity
teams, better disaster response system, and
building safer and better-equipped evacuation
centers that can withstand strong winds.
Secretary Soliman added that the
Department is also looking into new
approaches such as buy-back of
foreign-donated tents from the internally
displaced persons before moving to alternative
transitional houses, construction of additional
alternative shelters for displaced families
especially those living in „no-dwelling zones‟,
and building of resilient core shelter units.
The Department will also enhance its
policies on monitoring and distribution of
donations and emergency procurement,
Secretary Soliman said.
“We need to develop what we call
„surge-capacity team‟, that can respond quickly
to disaster-stricken areas.
The national government will also
strengthen its quick response plan in crisis
situation through regular review of previous
disaster responses,” Sec. Soliman said.
The forum which carried the theme,
“Enhancing In formation -Shar ing and
Transparency in the Assistance to Yolanda
Areas” aimed to look into the convergence and
financing of multi-sectoral efforts for
reconstruction.
It was convened by the UP Visayas
Tacloban College and the UP School of Health
Sciences, with the support of The Asia
Foundation. It was undertaken in close
coordination with the Department of Budget
and Management (DBM), one of the agencies
tasked to monitor the Foreign Aid
Transparency Hub (FAiTH) and the NEDA.
(PIA 8).
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 24 (PIA) - Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman disclosed that
although the magnitude of „Yolanda‟ tested the national government‟s disaster management response system, the disaster has
also brought many lessons to the Department.
Top UNDP official visits Tacloban
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 27 (PIA) – In an effort to advance the United Nation‟s support to the development of the
country particularly in typhoon Yolanda hardest hit areas, an official of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
has visited the City of Tacloban, one of the areas hit by last year‟s super typhoon.
U NDP Administrator Helen Clark,
former New Zealand Prime
Minister, visited UNDP projects
in Tacloban Wednesday where she met
with some recipients of the livelihood
assistance from the United Nations
Development Program at Fisherman‟s
Village Brgy. 88.
She also dropped by at San Jose
Central Elementary School where the
UNDP has provided assistance in the form
of learning kits, water and sanitation
facilities.
In her quick tour, Clark saw the
progress where UNDP had been
instrumental in debris clearing in many
areas in the city.
In a brief interview with the local
media, Clark said she was impressed the
way people quickly recover from the
devastation considering the severity
brought by the super typhoon.
“I‟m impressed with what I‟ve seen…
I know how deep the scars in the people‟s
hearts are. And there‟s a lot of trauma to
deal with…My heart goes out to
everybody.” Clark said.
Clark‟s visit paved the way for the
opening of a new hub for UN agencies at
Balyuan Building across the Tacloban City
Hall.
With the opening of a new office,
Mayor Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban
seeks to consolidate and focus all
endeavors in the rehabilitation and
reconstruction of Tacloban City.
“It is also now that we see that we‟re
all working as one, the international, the
national and of course, the local
government… altogether and all the other
NGOs.
So we can work together and assure
our people that we care for them and
we want to get things done”, Romualdez
said.
Clark‟s visit assures the agency‟s
commitment to stay in three years to
c o n t i n u e w o r k i n g w i t h t h e
Yolanda-affected communities throughout
the recovery process in the region
particularly in Tacloban City. (PIA-8)
AgasAgasAgas---Agas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern Leyte
3 island towns in Samar ready for tourism
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 27 (PIA) – The three island towns in Samar located off the Calbayog Coast are now
ready to venture into tourism.
T his, after the army and the local
peace and order council declared
the three municipalities as
„peaceful and ready for development‟ on
Tuesday.
“We are thankful to the army for
their efforts, now we are ready for a
better economy and tourism,” said Sto
Nino Mayor Lilia Conejos.
Sto Nino has two islands named Pilar
and Camandag, it boosts of nature, rich
marine life and friendly locals.
The commanding general of the 8th
Infantry Division, Philippine Army based
in Catbalogan, Jet Velarmino expressed
enthusiasm to visit the islands.
As each island town unveiled their
tarpaulins on the sights of the islands,
Velarmino was visibly awed by the beauty
of the islands.
“I am a scuba diver, I can see from
these pictures that you have potential
diving sights which I plan to visit very
soon, I just hope that your corals are still
intact, ” said the general.
As for Almagro, like other island
towns Sto Nino and Tagapul-an, it boosts
of fresh sea foods that can delight the
most discriminating palate, says a local
Almagrohanon.
As for its tourist potential, it has
Kerikite Diving Resort where the fish,
corals and other marine life have remained
undisturbed.
Presently though, much is still to be
done for tourists to come, but said
challenge can easily be hurdled as
peace is the beginning of it all. (NBQ/PIA
8-Samar)
BY: NINFA ILUMINDA B. QUIRANTE
By: Consuelo B. Alarcon
By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu
EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777
Irish agri minister brings humanitarian aid to Olotan farmers
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 21 (PIA) – The government of Ireland was one of several European countries which acted
swiftly to help Yolanda stricken communities in Leyte. Ireland is thousands of miles from Brgy. Olotan, in Jaro town in Leyte,
but the distance was not a deterrent in the country‟s effort to bring humanitarian aid meant as intervention for the hunger
facing the farmers after Yolanda erased properties and livestock.
H istory would tell that Ireland‟s
developed state was borne out of
years of struggle, hence, the
country‟s empathy with the plight of the
Filipino farmers considered as the backbone of
agricultural products sustainability.
In March 20, this year, an Irish delegation
led by Honorable Joe Costello, Minister of
State for Trade and Development, Fionnuella
Callanan, Private Secretary to Minister of State,
H.E. Joe Hayes, Ambassador, Singapore
Embassy, Kevin Kelly, Director, Emergency and
Recovery, Elizabeth McEneany, Singapore
Embassy, Lisa Dougherty, Deputy Director,
Emergency and Recovery, Michael Treacy, Irish
Aid Press Officer and Paul O‟Flynn, RTE Video
Journalist, were in Brgy. Olotan, Jaro, Leyte to
oversee their country‟s development assistance
and bring humanitarian aid to the farmers of
the area. The Honorable Joe Costello told the
gathered crowd of farmers that their
humanitarian aid of 500 thousand Euro dollars
were for seeds and farm tools for rice farmers
of Brgy. Olotan. In addition, the aid would also
be used the sustainability of planting crops feed
families.
Meantime, coconut farmers were to
receive seedlings but intercropping will be
undertaken while farmers wait for the
newly planted coconuts to bear fruits in 6 to 8
years.
It was learned that Ireland gave 4 million
Euro dollars to the national government after
Yolanda struck.
Honorable Costelo also said their
government will be giving an additional amount
of 3 million Euro dollars for the recovery and
rehabilitation efforts of the government.
The humanitarian efforts of the Irish
government is aimed to restore income generation of rice and coconut farmers and for
sustainable development of the agriculture
sector in an area identified to receive aid.
European donor councils coursed their
humanitarian aid through the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United
Nations which fills the gap in rice and seed
requirement identified by the Department of
Agriculture and other related agencies of the
Philippines.
FAO has been closely supporting
government-led efforts in the country‟s
agriculture sustainability.
Aside from seed distribution, FAO is also
providing farmers with tools and fertilizers and
other vital agricultural equipment not only in
region 8 but other regions which suffered the
wrath of Yolanda.
The Honorable Costello ended his visit on
a note that his country will be involved for
another 2 to 3 years in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the Philippines. (PIA-8)
AgasAgasAgas---Agas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern Leyte
Women’s best practices in Southern Leyte bared
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 26 (PIA) – Women‟s groups in the municipality of Tomas Oppus bared their best
practices last year, Tomas Oppus Women‟s Federation President Felisa Esclamado disclosed in her opening message during
the Women‟s Month Culmination activity in the province of Southern Leyte.
S he said that out of 29 active women‟s
groups in the municipality, 15 of which
are in backyard gardening, 3 are into pot
holders making, some are into rice
trading, while others are into manicure/pedicure
business.
“These women are not depending
from their husbands‟ income, we have our own
income, though in a little way,” Esclamado
revealed.
The women‟s month which carries this
year‟s theme as , “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag
Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” connotes
women‟s journey towards disaster recovery, she
noted.
Meanwhile, one of the speakers,
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chair on
Women Hon. Aileen Estrera, bared that wom-
en‟s values “remind us how amazing women
are,” saying that a woman can do more than
men, who brings joy and hope with compas-
sion.
She even inspired all the “Juanas” present
to do things such as to smile when you want to
cry; laugh when your nervous; stand up for
injustice; love unconditionally; do hugs and kisses
to cure the heartbroken , among other traits of
a woman that a man cannot.
The day activity initiated by the Provincial
Social Welfare and Development Office through
Provincial head Luzviminda Rosete was in close
coordination with the DPWH-Southern Leyte
Engineering District.
It was held at the DPWH function Hall,
Friday.
PSWDO Focal Person for women, Anita
Gildo informed that there were two
representatives from the women‟s group in each
municipality who were invited to attend the
celebration.
Among other speakers include SP
Member Hon. Daisy Gamale and DPWH
representative Engr. Leonides Olarte.
An election of Provincial Kalipon ng
mga Liping Pilipina officers and Zumba
exercises were among the activities conducted
during the women‟s month culmination activity
in the province. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
BY: REBECCA CADAVOS
DSWD releases P73M for 2nd CFW in 9 EV LGUs
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 24 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released as of
March 19 approximately P73.1 million to nine local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas for the continuing
implementation of the cash-for-work program (CFW) for Typhoon Yolanda survivors in the region.
D S W D S e c r e t a r y C o r a z o n
Juliano-Soliman said that this fund
release is meant for the second wave
of Cash For Work in the region.
The first wave of CFW from November 9,
2013 to February 10 was availed of by some
16,234 individuals, Secretary Soliman said.
She said the beneficiaries worked mostly
in the different relief hubs, seaports, and at the
airport assisting in the hauling of goods.
The second wave of CFW which will
begin this month of March will benefit more
than 37,000 individuals from Barugo, Burauen,
Dulag, San Isidro, Santa Fe, Tabontabon and
Tanauan in the province of Leyte; Guiuan in
Eastern Samar; and Basey and Hinabangan in
Western Samar.
The LGUs will be responsible in
identifying priority activities such as clearing
and cleaning roads of debris, rehabilitation of
farm-to-market roads, cleaning of coastal areas,
digging and dredging of canals, rehabilitation of
basic agricultural infrastructure, and communal
gardening.
The participants to the CFW will work
for 15 days and will receive P260 per day.
It was learned that the DSWD is also
currently processing the release of the
remainder of the total CFW budget allocation.
(PIA 8)
By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu
By: AURORA J. CASIMPAN
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
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Contributors
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Regional Offices:
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