One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 15
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Transcript of One Visayas e-Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 15
Vol 4 Issue 15 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 April 14 - 20, 2014
WESTERN VISAYAS
In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue DILG-7 to release P82M to 13 Yolanda-hit areas in Cebu
P1.79-B available for Yolanda rehabilitation of public buildings
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
Light of Peace makes Guinness record, promotes world peace BY: JAIME S. CABAG, JR.
OTON, Iloilo, April 15 (PIA6) – For a moment, 5 seconds at the least, the Guinness world record for the largest
flaming image using candles was put up during the Light of Peace event organized by the Middle Way Meditation Institute
at Savannah City here April 14. The record-breaking image was formed courtesy of
thousands of volunteers from Iloilo, some nearby areas and other countries, who lighted the candles at the cue of a series
of countdowns on a 20-hectare open lot inside the premier subdivision project under a full moon which was partly veiled
by evening clouds swept over the site by a low pressure area. The image was that of the Philippine archipelago with the
inscriptions, The Philippines 2014 and the theme of the event “World Peace Through Inner Peace”.
Organizers of the event, guests and participants broke into loud cheers when Guinness World Record representative
Seyda Subasi Gemici announced that Middle Way Meditation Institute Iloilo has broken the existing world record of 35,478
lighted candles for an image held by Pakistan. “In order to qualify for this record all candles
transforming the image got to be aflame for at least 5 seconds,” explained Gemici before announcing the result from the huge
event stage where guests and officials of Middle Way stayed for the program.
The event was graced by Jaro Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo, Senators Manny and Cynthia Villar and family of Savannah township, Cabinet Secretaries Armin Luistro of
education, Ramon Jimenez of tourism and Joel Villanueva of TESDA, Iloilo vice governor Raul Tupas, Iloilo City vice mayor
Jose Espinosa III and other guests.
The event initiated by Middle Way Meditation Institute intended to promote world peace that starts with inner peace
in every person. The local participants comprised thousands of teachers
and students as well as volunteers from various public and private organizations. Foreign participants came from Australia,
Brunei, Cambodia, Estonia, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States of America,
United Kingdom and Vietnam. Archbishop Lagdameo, a Muslim religious leader and
Buddhist monk led the prayer at the start of the program.
Middle Way also organized the world record breaking event for the Philippines for the most number of sky lanterns,
15,185, lighted during an event held in Miag-ao, Iloilo in 2013. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)
BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN
CEBU CITY, April 12 (PIA) – Regional Director Ananias Villacorta of the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG-7) announced the release of P82.28 million to fund the repairs of damaged public infrastructures in 13
Yolanda-hit localities in north Cebu. “The checks are ready for distribution to the 12
municipalities and one city in north Cebu that reported damages to public infrastructures,” said Villacorta during the
post-Yolanda Press Briefing: Rehabilitation Phase yesterday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Central
Command. Bantayan town in Bantayan Island got the biggest share of
the repair funding of the 13 localities with P26.82 million. Sta. Fe, another municipality in Bantayan Island came in
second with P12.02 million recovery assistance funding. The amount will cover for the repairs of its municipal hall
at P5 million and its public market with damage at P7.02 million, said Villacorta.
Daan Bantayan on the other hand, registered the third highest damage at P9.75 million. Repairs of its public market
would amount to P3.95 million, its civic center at P3.5 million
and its municipal hall at P2.3 million. Others in the list as recipients were the towns of
Borbon, Madridejos, Medellin, Pilar, San Remigio, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan and Tuburan and the City of Bogo.
Villacorta said at the press briefing initiated by the Philippine Information Agency -7 in partnership with
the AFP-CentCom that 16 localities in north Cebu were ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda but only 13 localities were
beneficiaries of the DILG‟s recovery assistance funding. “The three other LGUs either reported no significant
damage or reported total damage to its public infrastructures. For total or complete damage, these public infrastructures will
be referred to the Department of Public Works and Highways,” bared Villacorta.
According to Villacorta, the amount of P46 million will be turned over to the DPWH-7 for the total reconstruction of
the civic centers of the towns of Tudela and Madridejos. Villacorta said the second batch of recovery assistance
funding this year will be down to the barangay level to repair any partial damages to its public infrastructures. (PIA-7)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
EASTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
PNP Catablogan also puts up their Summer
Vacation assistance desk for motorists this
summer season.
PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma Jr. doing the
ceremonial commitment to Bohol Bayani
Challenge 2014. Coloma defined what it
means to be a hero, which is to be courageous
and having the heart as he keynoted the
launch of Bohol Bayani Challenge 2014 on
April 9, 2014 at Bohol Island State University
Gymnasium. (ECB/PIA-Bohol)
Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Jose Luis
Oquiñena talks about volunteerism and
nation-building during the closing ceremonies
of the Bayani Challenge 2014 Iloilo City held
Tuesday at Jaro Gymnasium here. (LTP/PIA6)
BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU
PALO, Leyte, April 15 – The National Government has made available almost 1.8 billion for the rehabilitation of vital
public buildings owned and operated by local government units in Yolanda-affected areas.
This was disclosed by Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas who recently toured the Yolanda
affected areas in Leyte to personally distribute the check for the rehabilitation fund to mayors of municipalities who have
submitted all the needed documents. Secretary Roxas noted that the P1.79-billion fund
comprises only the first batch of rehabilitation fund for LGU-owned buildings.
The second batch, amounting to P358,348,047.54, is still being processed by the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), he said. The DILG Secretary explained that the special funding
was made possible through the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY), the national government‟s strategic
plan to guide the recovery and reconstruction of the economy, lives, and livelihoods in areas devastated by the Super
Typhoon. The objective of the plan is to restore the economic and
social conditions of Yolanda-affected areas to their
pre-typhoon levels, while also establishing a higher level of
disaster resilience. To recall, the DILG has instructed all LGUs affected by
Yolanda to submit their Program of Works (POW) for the rehabilitation of damaged public buildings in their respective
areas, particularly the provincial, city, and municipal halls, public markets and civic centers.
The biggest chunk of the rehabilitation fund for cities and municipalities will go to Tacloban City, which was allocated
P230,687,979.22 for the repair of the city hall, public market, and civic center.
For the provinces, Leyte received the biggest funding with allocation amounting to P801,804,911.17, or about 45
percent of the total rehabilitation fund. Allocation for the other provinces in Region 8 include
P19,917,634.41 for Biliran; P100,219,564.57 for Eastern Samar; and P16,528,192.25 for Western Samar.
I n i t i a l do cum en t s r eq u i r ed i n c l u d e a Certificate from a Government Depository Bank
on the LGU Trust Account where Funds will be deposited, and SP/SB Resolut ion authoriz ing
the Local Chief Executive to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DILG Regional
Office. (PIA 8)
WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222
ILOILO CITY, April 15 (PIA) --- Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Jose Luis Oquiñena said that volunteerism is the new
currency for development.
I n the closing ceremonies of the
Bayani Challenge 2014 held
Tuesday in Iloilo City, Oquiñena
said that volunteerism can tap massive
resources from people that even the
poorest can contribute.
“When we work together and we
join hands together, what is built is not
the school or a house but the sense of
nationhood,” he said.
He said that the phrase “Walang
Iwanan” (leaving no one behind) is used as
this year‟s tagline for the Bayani Challenge
event because there is a need for us to be
intimately connected to each other.
“We cannot be disassociated from
the pains or issues of the people from
Luzon or Mindanao nor they can be
disassociated from the sufferings of the
people here in the Visayas,” he said.
He said that Filipinos should expect
help from one another when disaster
strikes or when issues are being faced by
our fellow countrymen.
He also lauded the 100 percent
participation of the 180 barangays during
the city-wide do day clean up activity held
Saturday as part of the Bayani Challenge
here in Iloilo City.
Aside from the city-wide clean up
activity, the Bayani Challenge 2014 event
has also accomplished the following:
path walk build, house build, crochet
workshop, health mission, and the
paraisong pambata workshop.
The Bayani Challenge 2014 is
considered the largest volunteer action in
history with one million expected
volunteers in 12 provinces for two
months of nation-building slated
from April 11 to June 12. (JCM/LTP/
PIA-Iloilo)
Volunteerism now new currency for development Typhoon Yolanda damages in the Typhoon Yolanda damages in the Typhoon Yolanda damages in the
province of Capizprovince of Capizprovince of Capiz
BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I
ILOILO CITY, April 14 (PIA 6) - - The Department of Labor and Employment 6 (DOLE 6) rekindled hopes of more than 600
marginal farmers, fisherfolk and women from the northern part of the province of Iloilo to rebuild their lives and livelihood
after the devastation caused by typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ in November last year.
D OLE Undersecretary Ciriaco
Lagunzad assisted by DOLE 6
Director Ponciano Ligutom turned
over four checks amounting to
P3,609,821.00 to affected local government
units from the northern part of Iloilo under
the Reconstruction Assistance for Yolanda
(RAY), its convergence program with the
Department of Science and Technology on
April 11.
Lagunzad was here in Iloilo City to
lead the launching/re-launching of the
various programs and services of the
department.
The first check worth P874, 371,00 was
awarded to the LGU of Ajuy to fund the
commercial native chicken production of its
117 marginal farmers and fisherfolk.
Another check amounting to
P737,500.00 was handed in to the
LGU of Lemery to finance the proposed
swine fattening project of its 110
women which was approved under the
program.
Some P998,000.00 worth of check was
also awarded to Brgy. Alipato, Sicogon Island
in the municipality of Carles for the
restoration of the livelihood of 253
fisherfolk through the provision of cargo
vessels and small fishing boats.
The local government unit of San
Dionisio received the fourth check worth
P999,950,000 for the restocking of farm
animals such as swine, native chicken and
goat of its 150 marginal farmers.
RAY formerly named as Rebuilding
through Innovation, Sustainable Employment
and Enterprise (RISE) aims to provide
temporary means of livelihood to survivors
of the super typhoon to be able to rebuild
their lives.
Also, former overseas Filipino
workers, laborers, Pantawid Pamilya
beneficiaries and other marginal farmers in
the province received their checks for their
approved livelihood projects under the
DOLE‟s programs such as the Reintegration
program for OFWs, Grassroots
Participatory Budgeting formerly called BUB,
and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program
during the launching activity.
Ligutom said, all in all, a total of
P5,872,724.00 worth of checks was
released on that date to finance the
implementation of the 13 approved
projects that will provide employment and
livelihood to some 1,001 beneficiaries in
the city and province of Iloilo to ensure the
attainment of inclusive growth. (JCM/LAF/
PIA6)
DOLE gives ‘RAY’ of hope to Yolanda victims BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH
Silay prov’l hospital gets medical equipment
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 15 (PIA6) - - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Super Lucky Beagler, Inc.
turned over several advanced medical equipment worth P1.2 million to Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
G ov. Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr.
received the donated equipment
from PCSO General Manager, Atty.
Jose Ferdinand Rojas, II in a ceremony
held at the hospital, together with Silay
City Mayor Jose Montelibano and Chief of
Hospital, Dr. Girlie Pinongan.
Marañon said he is grateful to PCSO
because such donation is a great help to
the hospital operations, especially in
assisting the needs of the indigents.
Meanwhile, Rojas said they are
mandated to raise funds and help those
who are in need, as part of the PCSO‟s
corporate social responsibility.
Among the donated medical
equipment were operating table with
complete accessories, suction machine,
wheelchairs for adults and children,
anaesthesia machine, and obstetric
delivery and operating tables.
Economic Enterprise Development
Department Head, Atty. Japhet Masculino,
Hospital Operations Division Chief Dr.
Rhoel Mogul, and Provincial Planning
and Deve lopment Coordinator,
Dr. Marlin Sanogal witnessed the turn
ove r r i t e s a t t h e ho sp i t a l .
*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Capitol News Negros
Occidental)
BY: EASTER ANNE. D. DOZA
WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333
BFP reminds public to be careful with candles
SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Bureau of Fire Protection is reminding the public to be careful in their use of candles
especially this Holy Week because it can cause fire.
S FO2 Alex L. Ortiaga , Municipal
Fire Marshall of San Jose Fire
Station said it is a common practice
among Christians to light candles during
procession, in prayers, be in church , in
roads where processions are held, in the
stations of the cross or in households.
This should be used with caution
because when left unattended it can cause
fire and can destroy life and properties, he
said.
The public are also reminded, he
said to put off lamps when leaving the
house. Electrical appliances such as fans,
stoves, television, cellphones, among
others should be unplugged when not in
use to avoid overheating that spark the
fire. It is also during Holy Week, said
Ortiaga that native delicacy such as
„ b i b i n g k a ‟ i s s o l d n e a r
churches.Preparation of this requires fire
from firewood or charcoal and when not
handled carefully can blow up into a big
fire. Ortiaga said, a fire truck in San Jose
will be stationed near San Jose Cathedral
and the other one will be mobile and
ready in case of emergencies from other
places.
For the towns of Anini-y, Tobias
Fornier and Hamtic, there are assigned
personnel designated as Fire Safety
Inspectors ready to wire the station when
needed. The source urged the public to be
vigilant and be proactive in helping the
campaign on fire prevention.
The BFPs „Oplan Iwas Sunog
ngayong Tag-init‟ needs the support of
everyone, Ortiaga said. (JCM/PSM/PIA6
Antique)
BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO
Typhoon Yolanda damages in Canas Island, Typhoon Yolanda damages in Canas Island, Typhoon Yolanda damages in Canas Island, Northern IloiloNorthern IloiloNorthern Iloilo
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 15 (PIA6) – Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said that the
government will provide a free hybrid palay seeds for the 15-hectare rice fields initially served by the Maayon Communal
Irrigation Project (CIP) for the upcoming planting season.
Capiz farmers get additional ‘freebies’ to boost production
T his was disclosed by Alcala during
the inaugurat ion of the
P201-million Maayon CIP at the
project‟s dam site in Brgy. Jebacca in
Maayon town last April 11.
The hybrid palay variety could double
rice production of farmers every cropping
season.
The palay seeds and the
multi-million irrigation project are
expected to contribute to the increase of
the province‟s annual rice production
from 3.572.40 metric tons to 6.193.20
MT.
Maayon CIP was fast track upon the
advice of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III to
agriculture officials during his visit for a
consultation dialogue with local officials
and Capiceños last February 2013 in the
municipality of Sigma.
The DA official has also directed the
seeding of native hito (catfish) in the dam
a s a d d i t i o n a l l i v e l i h o o d f o r
farmer-beneficiaries.
“Within this month we must release
native hito fingerlings in the area,” Alcala
stressed.
The pronouncement of Alcala for a
big tractor for the agriculture-based town
also drew applause from the local officials
and farmer-beneficiaries during the
program.
Cong. Antonio A. Del Rosario and
Maayon mayor Wilfredo E. Borres led the
local officials who witnessed the
inauguration rites.
Alcala has also pushed for
intercropping in the vicinity of the dam
and coverage areas of the CIP.
The project will benefit some 843
farmers in barangays Batabat, Piña, Salgan,
Poblacion Ilaya, Poblacion Ilawod
and Fernandez in Maayon and Cabugao
and Cabanganhan in the adjacent town of
Panit-an.
The project deems to irrigate an
area of 780 hectares. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6
Capiz)
BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE
French volunteers laud Pinoy bayanihan spirit
ILOILO CITY, April 14 (PIA) --- Student volunteers from France praised the Filipino bayanihan spirit demonstrated during the
Bayani Challenge 2014 here.
K assia Habarek, 24, a student from
Paris, said that she admired how
Filipinos gather together to show
their solidarity as one community and
render help to others in need.
She said that this was her first time to
take part in an activity like Bayani
Challenge where volunteers give the best
of themselves and work together toward
the goal of expressing love for country
and care for the poor.
“In France, we are used to just
thinking for our self and not for other
people so this activity has opened my
mind,” she said.
She said that she enjoyed
doing activities for the event including
constructing the path walk in one of the
Gawad Kalinga villages, helping build
houses for the needy, health missions, and
interacting with children.
She said that when she returns to
France she will share these experiences to
her friends and think of similar activities
that they could do in their place.
“I will ask my friends to come
with me to the Philippines and also
experience the Bayani Challenge next
year,” she said.
Meanwhile, Katarina Jevtic, 22, also
from Paris, said that Filipinos should
continue to be united and to be of service
to others.
She said that she agrees with one of
the slogan of the Bayani Challenge event
that “if you have a dream, just build it.”
Habarek and Jevtic are volunteers
from Aide Mondiale (World Relief), a
humanitarian association from the Institut
Supérieur de Commerce (ISC) de Paris
which operates in three different
continents.
Each year, students from ISC Paris go
on humanitarian mission in countries
where the organization operates providing
moral, financial and material support to
disadvantaged people. (JCM/LTP/
PIA-Iloilo)
BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I
CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444
DUMAGUETE CITY, April 11 (PIA) --- With the continued strengthening of peace efforts in Negros Oriental, a joint
declaration of "Conflict-Manageable and Development Ready Province" will be held on April 28 at the Perdices Memorial
Coliseum, this city.
NegOr to be declared ‘conflict-manageable, development-ready’
A ccording to Deputy Commander Col.
Cristopher Estella of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, with the Oplan Bayanihan and
military combat operations, the New Peoples‟ Army
(NPA) forces continue to dwindle fast. A recent encounter between NPA forces and
government troops in Pamplona town resulted to two rebels killed and a number of them wounded
and the recovery of high-powered firearms. Col. Estella said the military has reduced the
level of the enemy‟s capabilities to threaten the
stability of the government and for the civil authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Negrenses.
He added that based on some parameters, the
NPA‟s support system has been greatly reduced in
the hinterland barangays, as the residents themselves informed the military through text messages the presence of unidentified armed men in the area.
“Once a province is declared as conflict manageable and development-ready, there are advantages that enhance the general feeling of security for the Negrenses, and the province will
experience development in its economic and boost tourism industry,” Col. Estella explained.
Expected to sign the joint declaration in a
formal ceremony include Gov. Roel Degamo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Commander of 3ID Major General Aurelio Baladad, and Regional Director P/
CSupt. Danilo Constantino of Police Regional
Office-7.
Meantime, more Bayanihan Team Operations and combat focus operations will be conducted by the Army to stop insurgents.
Instead of engaging in armed conflict, the Army also encourages militants to consider different avenues in returning to the “folds of the law” such as asking for assistance from local government units,
the military official said. Col. Estella said the Army continues its efforts
to collaborate with the LGUs, government agencies,
non-government organizations, and the local communities in pursuing the goal of the province to become insurgency-free. (rmn/JCT/MMB/
PIA7 Negros Oriental)
BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS
CEBU CITY, April 11 (PIA) --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) in the region intensified its consumer welfare
campaign on the rights and responsibilities of the public to be vigilance in addressing illegal trade practices or the selling of
inferior and unsafe goods and services in the marketplace.
DTI-7 intensifies consumer welfare campaign
A ccording to Jojie Villamor, Information
Officer of DTI-7 during the Association of Government Information Off icers
(AGIO-7) Forum, the consumers must learned to
fight and protect their rights for the benefit of all. Villamor enumerated the eight basic consumer
rights. The very first is Right to Basic Needs which guaranteed survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter,
health care, education and sanitation. Second, Right to Safety to protect the
consumers against the marketing of goods or the
provision of services that are hazardous to health and life.
Third, Right to Information – the right to
protect against dishonest or misleading advertising or labeling and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed choice.
Fourth, Right to Choose for the products at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.
Fifth, Right to Representative – this is the right to express consumer interest in the making and execution of government policies.
Sxth, Right to Redress to be compensated for
misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.
Seventh, Right to Consumer Education which is
to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed customer.
Eighth, Right to a Healthy Environment with the right to live and work in an environment which is
neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of dignity and well-being.
Villaor said, these rights have accompanying
responsibilities. She added that to effectively assert the consumers rights, the public must take on five duties.
Critical awareness--this is the responsibility to stay alert and questioning on the use of, and the price and quality of good and services we procure
for ourselves. Action-- to assert ourselves and act to ensure
that we get a fair deal. If we remain passive, we can
become prime targets for exploitation, Villamor added.
Social concern -- as responsible citizens, we
should always bear in mind the impact of our
consumption on other citizens especially the disadvantaged sector of our society.
Environmental awareness-- this is the
consumers‟ responsibility to understand the environmental consequences of our consumption and to conserve our natural resources and protect the Earth for future generations to enjoy as
well. Lastly, Villamor said, Solidarity to organize
together as consumers to develop the strength and
influence to promote and protect our interest. In a related development, DTI-7 will roll out its
small and medium enterprises (SME) Roving
Academy starting in March with a series of entrepreneurship briefings and sessions to include various business development services.
DTI-7 targets 98 SME Roving Academy for this year. The program is a continuous learning for the development of micro, small and
medium enterprises to become competitive in the domestic and international markets. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7)
BY: HAZEL F. GLORIA
Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Bantayan Island, CebuBantayan Island, CebuBantayan Island, Cebu
CEBU --- More and more Filipino women are now breaking the mold dictated by gender stereotypes which perceive Filipinas
to stay home and care for the family instead of entering the workforce, especially in industries considered "manly"
or dominated by men.
More women in "manly" industries BY: JUJU MANUBAG-EMPUERTO
O ne such woman is Shemvie Malinao, 30, a
welder now working at Metaphil Corporation in Tipolo, Mandaue City.
Malinao said that since she joined the company,
she has been upgraded three times, from Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) to Slux Cord Arc Welding (SCAW), then to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
Every time she gets an upgrade, she uses different kinds of electrode sticks, while her pay also increases.
"Right now, I am receiveing a salary that
is above the daily minimum wage rate," she said. Malinao acquired and honed her welding skills
from the welding course offered by Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-7) which she finished in 2007.
The course is good for 268 hours, or 15 days.
Malinao said she did not have a hard time seeking employment since she was hired at Metaphil shortly after her graduation.
Last year, 38 women finished the course
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II at TESDA-7, while 163 women completed the same course from private facilities.
Now, Malinao dreams of working abroad for
she believes that women welders like her are preferred at the international market.
In a data released by TESDA-7, there were a
total of 14,386 women graduated from private technical vocational institutions while 2,545 women graduated from the regional training center and four
others provincial training centers in Cebu Province last year.
TESDA's training centers in Cebu are located in Minglanilla, Toledo, Carmen and Daanbantayan.
TESDA is encouraging more women to avail of the technical courses they are currently offering.
As TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva said, "Jobs
come easy when one possesses the knowledge and
skills relevant to what the industries and employers need." (rmn/JSME/PIA-Cebu)
CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555
DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA)— A five million peso road improvement project and several other infrastructures were inaugurated
recently in Guihulngan City with Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo leading the event.
Infra projects in Guihulngan City inaugurated
C apitol information officer Adrian Sedillo said
Gov. Degamo allocated funds for the road improvement project a long the
Luz-Linantuyan road since he is aware that the road
is very vital for the people in the hinterland barangays of Guihulngan which have been cited to have the presence of armed groups.
Sedillo said the governor highlighted the
importance of Barangay Luz road as it hosts the community primary hospital and Barangay Linantuyan
which have been recently taken back by the
government forces from the hands of the New People‟s Army.
The other infrastructures that were
inaugurated included a road concreting project along some portions of the Linantuyan road funded by the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), another road
concreting project in Barangay Tinayunan worth P300,000.00 and the 1.5 million-peso drainage system
in Barangay Poblacion.
He explained that the Luz-Linatuyan road is considered a national highway but he recognizes the need for the provincial government to provide
support as it is a very vital facility in order to bring about various developments in the hinterlands of Guihulngan City.
Gov. Degamo said all these projects were made
possible in cooperation with the city government of Guihulngan. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
By: JENNIFER C. TILOS
SIQUIJOR, April 11 (PIA) -- As everyone prepares for the Holy week, so is Siquijor province for the ―Healing Festival‖ come
April 16 to 19 at the Bandilaan Mountain View Park in Cantabon, Siquijor, Siquijor.
D uring these days, folk healers,
herbalists, hilots (masseurs), locals,
domestic and foreign tourists gather
once again to join and witness the showcase of
traditional healing products and methods
indigenous to the mystical island of Siquijor.
Siquijor provincial tourism officer, Jossette
Almirola said, the festival is the time for Siquijor
Island to boost its tourism potentials as more and
more people coming every year to witness the
gathering and preparation of medicinal potions or
observe the healing session or simply need to get
healed.
What used to be just a customary gathering
of healers and herbalists from the island and some
from Visayas and Mindanao, the „Healing Festival‟ is
now attracting a number of tourists and is
popularized to become one of the island‟s
attractions.
The provincial government tags it as „Healing
Festival‟ to bring positive twist on the island‟s
mystical repute in line with its thrust to promote
Siquijor as a „Healing Island‟.
Now on its fifth year, the „Healing Festival‟
once again showcases the alternative and
traditional healing to include “Pangalap” or the
gathering of various kinds of herbs for seven
Fridays from March 7 – April 18 of the Lenten
season.
“Pag-adlep” or chopping of gathered herbs on
Maundy Thursday, April 17; and “Pagluto” or herb-
al brewing by the San Antonio healers and herbal-
ists group on Black Saturday, April 19.
Several other activities also spice up the
whole festivity that is opened on April 16 (Holy
Wednesday) with a Holy Mass with Msgr.
Candelario Catubig as the Celebrant.
Opening program follows with presentations
from the Cantabon Elementary School and the
Local government unit of Siquijor.
Product display and activities dubbed
“exploring Cantabon Cave”, “Sikihod” Spa Massage,
“Bolo-bolo” healing and Healing Sessions with
various healers at their designated spots are also
open on this day until the end of the festival.
On the 17th (Maundy Thursday), Siquijor
Tennis Club will have the TUNGAS 2014, a 10K
Reflection Walk to the Cross at Mt. Bandilaan
while the Tribu Walof Mountaineers Club will have
its “Angat Panaad 2014,” a Holy Trek from the
Queengate Center in Larena, Siquijor to Mt.
Bandilaan.
Presentations from the local government
units of Maria and Larena are also lined up with the
Performing Acoustic Band dubbed “Bolo-Bolo
Roots” in the evening.
Good Friday (April 18) is when the Via Crucis
(The Way of the Cross) is made at 7:30 in the
morning. It will be followed with a presentation
from LGU Lazi.
Black Saturday (April 19) the pack-up day but
several other local entertainments are also done
prior to ending the festival.
According to the Provincial Tourism Office, in
the past festivals, love potions are the island‟s tops
selling products.
They come in a couple of variants, either in
oil or non-liquid form, to be stirred with your
favorite perfume and cologne.
Herbal potion, on the other hand, is
accordingly, what Siquijor‟s host of folk healers use
for many, many years.
It is especially-brewed medicinal liniment to
treat physical ailments, which they believe are
either brought about by natural and or
supernatural causes. It‟s a kind of festivity that also
spells the Siquijor magic.
Mystifying in every angle, Siquijor is a
destination of picturesque sunsets, unexplored
coves, and stunning sites just waiting to be
discovered. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO
CEBU CITY, April 11 (PIA) --- Security measures are now in place in Cebu province for the Holy Week period.
I n yesterday's Talakayan sa Isyung Police (TSIP)
forum at the Police Regional Office (PR0-7), police officials assured the public that it's all
systems go when it comes to safety and security
concerns for the whole province and the surrounding islets.
P/SSupt. Edwardo Carranza, Regional Chief Directorial Staff, said starting this week, all police
units in the region are strictly following a Memorandum Circular covering security plans for the summer vacation and Holy Week observance.
Carranza said they already prepared for the influx of domestic and international tourists who will troop to the leisure spots or go back home in
the provinces. “We are directing all units to focus on areas of
convergence such as ports and seaports, terminals,
churches, hotels and resorts. Cellular phone
numbers of police personnel assigned in those areas
are also noted from the unit commanders to the PRO7 headquarters,” Carranza said,
In Cebu City, P/SSupt. Arnel Banzon said that
other than the churches, they also dispersed personnel in the venue of "Buhing Kalbaryo" in Brgy. Guadalupe as well as in the Good Shepherd mountains where devotees will be doing the Stations
of the Cross. In Mandaue City, P/Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino,
representing Mandaue City Police Office, said they
are monitoring ten churches, three seaports, and four malls in the vicinity.
Banks are also being monitored. Mandaue City
had so far launched a new digital close circuit televisions in target areas.
In Lapulapu City, P/Supt. Percival Zorilla said
under their jurisdiction are one jeepney, two
van-for-hire terminals, four wharves, one airport, and
six churches considered as Areas of Concern. He said they are setting up more than 20
tourist and police assistance centers in Lapulapu
including two at the foot of the first Mandaue Mactan Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge.
Zorilla said they used security guards in the hotels and resorts as force multipliers.
For Cebu Provincial Police Office, P/Supt. Resty Santos said they are focusing on seven areas when it comes to tourist convergence.
These are Moalboal, Badian, Oslob, San Fernando, Santa Fe, and Madridejos.
He said in Bantayan island, where there are
festivities during Holy Week, they are expecting lesser cases of snatching after they implemented the distribution and posting of pamphlets with the
photos of snatchers. (rmn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)
Cebu police ready for Holy Week, vacation months BY: FERLIZA CALIZAAR-CONTRATISTA
Earthquake damages in BoholEarthquake damages in BoholEarthquake damages in Bohol Siquijor magic spells ‘Healing Festival’
EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666
Young people pitch in Yolanda-hit communities recovery, rebuilding
B eing the president of the Palo Culture
and the Arts Organization (PCAO),
Rhuel organized young people in the
municipality to help their fellow survivors.
Before the disaster, the group provided
trainings and workshops in arts, theater, music,
and dance in their community. These activities
stopped in the aftermath of Yolanda.
“Our equipment were destroyed. At
one point, we thought it was the end of our
group.
We focused on what our families needed
but, later on, we realized we could do more
together. We can bring hope to everyone
again,“ he said.
Using scrap materials, Rhuel and his
friends started setting up signages that bring
messages of courage and optimism such as
Tindog Palo (rise Palo) and Huwag kang susuko
(don‟t give up) in public areas.
Their efforts didn‟t go unnoticed. UNFPA,
the United Nations Population Fund, and its
partner Save the Children, tapped Rhuel‟s
group when they launched a Youth-Friendly
Space (YFS) in front of the Palo Municipal Hall
last March 27.
YFS is a venue for young people to be
themselves, where they can freely speak about
their personal issues and concerns about the
community.
It provides a full range of services and
information related to adolescent sexual and
reproductive health, gender-based violence,
psychosocial counseling, and referral
linkages to other youth programmes and
services. Seeing the positive impact of the YFS
among Palo‟s youth and their potential in
helping rebuild disaster-affected communities,
the local government decided to allot a more
permanent space for the activities in the
municipal building. Ronnel Villas, UNFPA
humanitarian coordinator for Tacloban, said
involving the youth in the recovery process is a
key element in the humanitarian response.
“It is important to support them because
the decisions they make today will determine
the quality of life of future generations,” he
said.
There are eight YFS set up by UNFPA
through Save the Children in Leyte province of
Leyte. (PIA 8)
PALO, Leyte, April 15 (PIA) – When some people felt there was no more hope left in the province of Leyte, they started to
leave, but a young man of 20, Rhuel Malquisto opted to stay in his hometown Palo.
DILG orders LGUs to gear up security, safety preparations for Holy Week
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 15 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on all
local chief executives to convene their respective local peace and order councils to ensure the safety and security of the
populace in churches, plazas, malls, and transport terminals.
T his directive is line with the expected
exodus of people to the provinces
and other places of interest during
Holy Week.
DILG Director Pedro Noval Jr. said in a
directive to provincial governors, city and
municipal mayors, and punong barangays, DILG
Secretary Mar Roxas exhorted the local
executives to formulate proper courses of
action in order to anticipate the expected
heavy movement of people from different
places, putting their safety as a top priority.
According to the DILG chief, local
government officials should also deploy
barangay tanods who can serve as force
multipliers and assist the Philippine National
Police (PNP) in keeping peace and order in
their own barangays, as well as in making sure
that traffic is well-managed.
The SILG also directed the LCEs to
conduct cleanup operations in all public
recreation areas, religious locations, and
transport terminals in their areas, and to
mobilize all necessary resources for the
collection and disposal of garbage.
Moreover, SILG Roxas called on the PNP
to continue to implement police visibility,
mobile patrols and checkpoints to
prevent crimes and other threats to peace and
order.
He said the PNP should patrol
crime-prone areas and be on guard for Akyat
Bahay Gang members who are on the lookout
for unattended houses, as well as pickpockets
in places of public convergence.
The Bureau of Fire Protection is always
ready to prevent and respond to fires and
other accidents that may happen during the
Holy Week, Secretary Roxas said.
Roxas advised the public to be more
cautious and observe fire prevention measures
like closing LPG valves, unplugging unused
electrical devices, and switching off the main
source of power when leaving their houses.
(PIA 8)
Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Tacloban, LeyteTacloban, LeyteTacloban, Leyte BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU
BY: ERLINDA OLIVIA P. TIU
DPWH-4th LED road improvement projects advantageous to travelers
ORMOC CITY, Leyte, April 15 (PIA) – The various road improvement projects of the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) – Leyte Fourth Engineering District (4th LED) is a great advantage to travellers because according to some
drivers it is more easier for them to drive in an improved, rehabilitated and widened roads than in the previous rough and
narrow roads.
D PWH-4th LED District Engr. Lino
Francisco C. Gonzalez informed that
to date, their office is concentrating
in various road projects in their area and
these are: the repair, rehabilitation and
improvement along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc
Road; improvement of the off carriageway
along National Road Ormoc-Albuera Diversion
Road; widening of the national road along the
Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road; and the asphalt
overlay along Libungao-Matag-ob-Palompon
Road.
In the repair, rehabilitation and
improvement along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc
Road, it was bared that the project started last
November 28, 2013 with a contract cost of
P9,516,458.44 under the contractor Premium
Megastructure.
For the improvement of the off
Carr iageway along Nat ional Road
Ormoc-Albuera Diversion Road Gonzalez
shared that the target date for the completion
of the project was supposed to be last
February 3, 2014 but until now said project,
which has a contract cost of P3,500,000.00, is
still ongoing.
With regards to the widening of the
National Road along Palo-Carigara-Ormoc
Road, the project which took off last February
7, 2014, is already 65.77% accomplished.
Under the contractor RJIR Enterprises the
project is expected to benefit some 5,000
commuters.
And to provide safety to the travelling
public and an protect the pavement from
further damage, Dist. Engr. Gonzalez disclosed
that an asphalt overlay along Libungao-Matag0b
-Palompon Road is also currently being
conducted. (PIA-8)
EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777
DAR-8 addresses the effects of Yolanda to tenants on coconut lands
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 14 (PIA) - In order to address and mitigate the effects of typhoon Yolanda to agricultural
tenants of coconut lands devastated by the calamity, an Administrative Order No. 02 series of 2014 has been passed and is
now in effect.
I n a press conference held recently at
Ritz Tower de Leyte, this city,
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
Region 8 Director Eliasem Castillo explained
the pertinent provisions particularly on the
coverage, policy statements and operating
procedures of Administrative Order no. 2
series of 2014.
It applies to all tenanted coconut
landholdings, with or without a leasehold
agreement which have been affected by natural
calamities like what happened when Yolanda
struck the region.
Castilllo has emphasized that a
tenant-lessee cannot be ejected anytime from
his farm holding for his failure to pay lease
rentals as a result of the devastation brought
by super typhoon Yolanda or any calamity
except upon order of the court or an
authorized body.
In case the coconut plantations were
totally destroyed, it does not mean that the
tenancy relationship has been extinguished by
the fortuitous event or natural disaster.
“A tenant shall have the right to
renegotiate a new leasehold agreement with
the landowner specifying the new terms and
conditions of their tenancy relations or
agreement particularly with respect to the
payment rentals, planting of crops and change
of crops if necessary, and upon agreement,”
Castillo said.
“A.O. no. 2 series of 2014 is clear. It only
covers those tenanted coconut lands affected
by Yolanda and other natural calamities”, the
DAR official said.
To date, the total coconut land area
tenanted in Leyte alone is 4, 881 hectares.
It can be recalled that coconut farmers
in the region were among those who
suffered following the destruction of
their plantations in November last year
when super typhoon Yolanda wrought
havoc in Eastern Visayas and other regions.
(PIA-8)
First environment summit to highlight Earth Day celebration in SoLeyte
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 14 (PIA) - The provincial government of Southern Leyte will conduct the first
environment summit to highlight the Earth Day Celebration come April 22, 2014 in Maasin City.
A ccording to Provincial Environment
and Natural Resources Management
Off ice (PENRMO) Department
Head Dr. Eva Abad, “the Provincial
Government of Southern Leyte through the
leadership of environmentalist Governor
Roger Mercado will gather all key
stakeholders to listen, share and discuss
major milestones in the protection
and conservation of environment in Southern
Leyte.”
With the theme: “Protecting and
Sustaining Southern Leyte's Web of Life”, the
summit aims to promote the best practices,
identify present issues and challenges for more
advocates and pro-active stewards of Mother
Nature, Abad further said.
The best practices that PENRMO wish to
present are the successful forest management
by the YISEDA experience, the integrated
coastal management by the Macrohon Marine
Park experience, solid waste management of
the Macrohon LGU experience and Sustainable
& Integrated for Local Government
Ecosystems (SIMPLE) of the Silago LGU
experience also, she added.
Aside from the best practices, there will
be also a plenary session on the Ridge to Reef
approach in environment and rural
development, she said.
Dr. Abad said the Southern Leyte
Environment Code will also be presented
during the said summit.
There will breakout session on the
following topics: Forest, Biodiversity and
Climate Change, ICM for Food Security,
Biodiversity and Climate Change, Waste
Management and Climate Change, Mineral
Resources Management and Climate Change
and SIMPLE for Good Environmental
Governance, all with respective resource
persons to facilitate the discussions, she
noted.
Towards the end of the summit,
Governor Roger Mercado will lead in the
legitimization of the Southern Leyte Sustainable
Development Council, it was learned. (PIA8
SoLeyte)
BY: ERNA GORNE
Town Mayor in Leyte commends WFP
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 14 (PIA) – A local official of the Municipality of Dulag Leyte, one of the municipalities hit by
super typhoon Yolanda has expressed his heartfelt thanks to several international organizations who are continuously helping
in the recovery efforts of the government.
I n a press conference held recently at the
municipal ground of the town, Mayor
Manuel Sia que of Dulag, Leyte
mentioned some international organizations
particularly the World Food Programme
(WFP) who has been providing support
to the Yolanda survivors starting from the
distribution of relief goods to the recovery
efforts.
The World Food Programme distributed
ready- to-eat supplementary food and
micronutrient powder to children aged
between 6 to 59 months in Dulag, Leyte with
the participation of WFP Philippines National
Ambassador against Hunger KC Concepcion, a
popular celebrity who has been in the WFP for
six (6) years now.
“In behalf of the people of the municipality
of Dulag we are very much thankful today of
the presence of the World food
Programme.
A total of 34 thousand metric tons of
foods have already reached the Yolanda
affected communities including hi-energy
biscuits, rice, among others.
About 3 million people have been
suppor ted by the Wor ld Food
Programme (WFP) through their various
programs in coordination with the
government.
It can be recalled that during the early
days following Yolanda‟s wrath, WFP has
immediately mobilized its logistic assets to
support the government and the humanitarian
communities in the delivery of humanitarian
assistance.
It was learned that WFP feeds an average
of more than 90 million people in 70 countries
each year. (PIA-8)
BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON
Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Typhoon Yolanda damages in Tacloban, LeyteTacloban, LeyteTacloban, Leyte
BY: CONSUELO B. ALARCON
One Visayas e-newsletter is published weekly by the Visayas Regional Cluster of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) comprising Region 6, 7 and 8. Its main editorial office is located at PIA Region 6, Iloilo City.
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