Vol 6 Issue 28 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 July 11 - 17, 2016
In this Issue JICA gives SMACHS-EV project to DOH, LGUs
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
PPA-7 strengthens rehab programs for criminal offenders
CEBU CITY, 13 July (PIA) – The Parole and Probation
Administration (PPA-7) under the Department of Justice (DOJ) is strengthening their rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders.
DOJ PPA-7 Assistant Regional Director Rosana Solite said during the Association of Government Information Officers – Philippine Information Agency (AGIO-PIA) said they are fortifying their programs on
therapeutic community, restorative justice, and volunteerism.
There are currently 4,000 clients who seek PPA’s
assistance here for probationary action. ―PPA is the least known agency in our country
because we are dealing with criminal offenders. Our agency
is more on the restorative justice not in the retributive justice,‖ said Solite.
Therapeutic Community is a treatment environment
where members interact with each other within the context of the norms that require for each to play the dual role of client-therapist.
On the other hand, restorative justice restores
relations after the crime has been committed between the
offender and the victims through dialogue, encounters, and conferences.
Volunteerism is a program aimed at generating
maximum, effective and efficient citizen participation and community involvement in the process of client rehabilitation, prevention of crime and the overall administration of criminal justice.
Solite said volunteerism is to mobilize the community thru the volunteer assistance to help in the reformation and rehabilitation of the offenders.
Believing that criminal offenders should be given a second chance, PPA is mandated to help rehabilitate offenders.
―We believe that a person has a dignity, has a divine destiny and the offenders should be treated positively,‖ she explained.
Mostly of the PPA officials are undertaking missionary work in order to uplift the lives of criminal offenders and become more productive members of the society. (rmn/
hfg/PIA-7/AGIO-7 Forum)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Also CLICK Here…
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
PALO, Leyte, July 13 (PIA)—With the project for
Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Services in Eastern Visayas known as the SMACHS-EV set to end this July, the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) did a formal handover of the project to the Department of Health and various local government units in Leyte.
This, after six years of providing technical assistance
to 44 rural health units and 2 community hospitals in Leyte
and 6 district health centers in the City of Ormoc. DOH regional director Minerva P. Molon is
optimistic about the sustainability of the project. ―A different health statistics, especially those related
to maternal and child health have improved a lot given the
logistics support and capacity building provided by the project to transform the service delivery at the different levels of health facilities into a more enhanced quality
services within the reach of everyone in the community,‖
Molon said. At the end of its term, the project has somehow
achieved its overall target to reduce the incidence of
maternal and child mortality in the region. Data showed that from 2011, the neonatal
mortality rate decreseased from 5.44 to 4.15 percent, a decreased rate of 23.71 percent while infant mortality rate
decreased from 9.93 to 6.85 percent with 31.01 percent
reduction. Meanwhile, children under five years old has
decreased the mortality age from 13.48 percent to 9.53 percent.
A slow decline was also noted relative to maternal
mortality rate for the past three years from 2013-2015 with an average of 95 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births in the region. (ajc/PIA-8)
WESTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
Emiljohn C. Santillas of DepEd Policy Research and
Development Division- Planning Service briefs participants regarding the Basic Education
Research Agenda during the Research Caravan
held July 15 at Centennial Resort Hotel, Iloilo
City. # DepEdResearchAgenda
# DepEdResearchCaravan # pia6
Hazel F. Gloria
Consuelo B. Alarcon
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 14 (PIA6) - - The
World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) named San Carlos City here as the 4th Most Lovable City in the World as a result of its online We Love Cities campaign.
The We Love Cities campaign is an online initiative to raise awareness of the entries as well as give the
public a chance to celebrate, vote for and suggest improvements for their home cities done from May 13 to
June 26 this year. San Carlos City once again made this laudable
triumph landing in the 4th spot among 47 competing cities
in 20 countries all over the world, a release from San Carlos City Information Office said.
Engr. Loreto Sanchez, Supervising Environmental
Specialist and head of City Environment Management Office said that it was a big honor for San Carlos City to be included in the top 5 considering it was a global
competition. ―San Carlos City must continue and sustain its
good environmental practices so the next time it is invited
to join, it will have a better chance at winning since said campaign is already a yearly competition,‖ Sanchez added.
Engr. Arthur Batomalaque, Environmental
Management Specialist II of CEMO also said the city is a first-timer at said contest while Indonesia which
bagged the first three major places was already an old
contender. According to WWF-Philippines, the country’s
representatives put up a good fight since the other two
representatives Santa Rosa in Laguna also got the 5th place while Makati City at 19th among the 47 cities all over the
world. Major winners as Most Lovable Cities in the World
include Bogor City of Indonesia which won by a landslide, followed by its two other representatives Balikpapan City being 2nd, and Jakarta City as third.
Five years ago, San Carlos City was also hailed 2nd Most Livable City in the World at Songpa, South Korea during the 2011 International Awards
for Livable Communities. *(JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)
By Easter Anne D. Doza
San Carlos is 4th Most Lovable City
Coming in full force, PSA information officer
Emmanuel Galab, statisticial specialist Coleta
Montoya, PSA Bohol chief statistician Jessamyne
Anne Alcazaren and Leopoldo Alfanta Jr.,
announced the upcoming census on APIS at
Kapihan sa PIA. (PIABohol)
Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol spent the
whole day of July 13, 2016 with Samar farmers, fisher folks, leaders and the media and vowed
visible results in the anti-poverty program of Pres
Duterte, which aims to reduce poverty in Samar
by 25% in two years. (PIA8)
WESTERN VISAYAS 2
WV tourism should meet ASEAN standards
ILOILO CITY, July 14 (PIA6) --- The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 said that tourism destinations and stakeholders in
Western Visayas must project ASEAN-standard services and products to be at par with the international market.
H elen Catalbas, DOT-6 regional
director, said the tourism regional
office here is doing its best to create
tourism awareness and participation at the
grassroots level and adapt and integrate new
ideas and trends through trainings and
seminars.
―In Western Visayas, we ensure that
tourism stakeholders and destinations meet
the standard that makes our region in the local,
domestic and international tourist markets,‖
she said.
She said the agency will focus on local
grassroots level tourism and exert more
efforts to upgrade services and products in
developing tourism destinations.
DOT-6 also rolled out programs, projects
and activities (PPAs) the agency will be
initiating, conducting, assisting and
implementing from July to September 2016.
―We are full for the first 100 days of the
Duterte administration‖, she said.
The events for the first three months
include financial assistance to tourism-related
activities and assistance to multiple
familiarization tours of international and local
groups in Boracay Island and Negros
Occidental.
Activities will also include cruise ship
arrivals, training and seminars for eco-guides,
port authorities, local tour operators, tourism
officers, police and community-based groups,
participation in various international business
missions, national travel fairs and exhibits and
ongoing accreditation/survey campaigns.
―All tourism programs, projects and
activities are meant to promote tourism as a
medium for a strong regional economy and
raise the quality of life of the people in the
Western Visayas countryside community‖
Catalbas stressed.
She emphasized that DOT-6 ensures that
Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and
Negros Occidental be equitably promoted on
the basis of attractions, facilities and services
available.
She added that each province is
unique and urged local government tourism
offices to highlight these assets when
promoting their respective areas. (JCM/LTP/
PIA-Iloilo)
Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com By Leonard T. Pineda I
KALIBO, Aklan, July 14 (PIA6) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here confirmed the conduct of the Barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections October 31 of this year and that voters registration for those interested to participate in
this electoral activity has been set from July 15 to 31 at various municipal and election offices in the province.
I n a recent interview over a local
radio station here, COMELEC-Aklan
Information Officer Chrispin Raymund
Gerardo said the Barangay and SK elections
will be held October 31, 2016, which falls on
the last Monday of October, as stipulated by
law.
Qualified to register for the SK elections
are individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 30
years old, according to Gerardo, but only
those with ages from 18 to 24 can run for SK
chairman and 7 Kagawads.
This, according to Gerardo, is based on
Republic Act 10742.
Those with ages from 15 to 17 are not
qualified to run.
Gerardo advised those planning to
register to bring their birth certificates in
order to have accurate references regarding
spelling of their names and other needed
information.
He as sured the pub l i c that
COMELEC-Aklan is ready for the scheduled
voters’ registration.
The scheduled Barangay and SK elections,
according to him, will be conducted manually.
(JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
COMELEC-Aklan braces for barangay, SK polls
By Venus G. Villanueva
Change needed to make communities resilient By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.
ILOILO CITY, July 13 (PIA6) -- Office of Civil Defense Director Rosario T. Cabrera rallied the people of Concepcion to
join hands with the government to work toward safe, adaptive and resilient communities anchored on a change in perspective
and consciousness in coping with disasters.
T his change was already started with the
implementation of Republic Act No.
10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Act of 2010,
according to Cabrera in her message at
the Disaster Preparedness and Response
Information, Education and Communication
(IEC) Caravan held July 12 in Concepcion,
Iloilo. The new law veers has shifted efforts
from disaster response and relief to disaster
risk reduction and management and from a
reactive posture to a proactive one, said
Cabrera.
She also enjoined Local Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Councils and
Municipal DRRM Officers to look back and
devise strategies and plans in order to craft a
better chemistry of resiliency among
communities.
Likewise, the OCD official Disaster
reiterated that preparedness is everybody’s
responsibility – my responsibility, your
responsibility, our responsibility.
The caravan kicked off a series of
advocacy activities which will be organized in
the region by the Department of the Interior
and Local Government in its capacity as head
of the Disaster Preparedness Committee of
the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (RDRRMC). The council
is chaired by OCD Director Cabrera.
DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Teodora
Sumagaysay said the IEC caravan was
conceived to spread the key messages of
disaster preparedness and response in the light
of the potential hazards resulting from the La
Nina phenomenon.
According to PAGASA, the country’s
weather bureau, La Nina is expected in the
second half of this year, as suggested by climate
models the agency has mentioned in earlier
reports.
Sumagaysay also thanked the local
government unit of Concepcion for hosting the
initial IEC caravan, which also served as one of
the highlights of this year’s National Disaster
Consciousness Month in the region.
The caravan focused on the potential
hazards in a La Nina episode and the
preparations that should be made by
communities as presented by the
member-agencies of the RDRRMC disaster
preparedness committee.
On hand to welcome the IEC caravan
team was Concepcion Vice Mayor Rainier N.
Balida in behalf of Mayor Milliard Villanueva.
The caravan was attended by other local
officials, barangay chairmen, local government
employees, students, and other sectoral
representatives. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)
WESTERN VISAYAS 3
ILOILO CITY, July 13 (PIA6) — There is very low incidence of illegal wildlife trading in Western Visayas, according to the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
T he Conservation and Development
Division of the DENR-6 said that
there were 23 animals on record,
released back to their wild habitats, three were
turned over for custody to Racso’s Wildlife
Farm in Guimbal while one is still with PENRO
-Guimaras.
Racso’s is a DENR-accredited animal
rescue center.
The 27 animals represented 11
species, namely, Asian box turtle, Reticulated
python, Palm civit, Philippine sailfin
lizard, Bhraminy kite, Red-footed booby,
Brown-footed booby, King cobra, Malay
monitor lizard, Grass owl and Common flying
lizard.
DENR Regional Director Jim Sampulna
said the low record of releases showed that
people, especially in the uplands have become
highly aware of the prohibition.
―This is so because of the massive
information, education and communication
campaigns we have conducted in areas where
illegal wildlife trading is rampant,‖ sampulna
said.
―Western Visayas shares the country’s
rich natural resources and we all must be
protective of these,‖ Sampulna also said.
He added that in Central Panay mountains
alone, wild flora and fauna are still flourishing
despite being already fragmented.
Sampulna further said that the forest
rangers, forest protection and extension
officers, deputized wildlife enforcement
officers, Bantay Dagat and Bantay Gubat patrol
teams and the LGUs forged a collective action
in monitoring and enforcing environmental
laws.
―This gave a strong warning to violators
and somehow deterred them from engaging in
illegal wildlife trading,‖ Sampulna said.
Sampulna, likewise, said that there is a
strong link between protecting and conserving
wildlife and combating the effects of climate
change.
Meanwhile, Dr. Emelyn Peñaranda of the
DENR-Conservation and Development
Division, said the Philippine is the most diverse
among the mega-diverse countries in the
world.
―But we are also the hottest among the
hotspot countries and there lies the need to be
really vigilant about illegal wildlife trade,‖
Peñaranda said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
Illegal wildlife trade in WV not rampant
By Elsa S. Subong
Roxas City mulls 24/7 Action Center
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 14 (PIA6) – A round-the-clock operation Action Center will be established by the Roxas City
government at the City Hall here to accommodate public and emergency concerns that need immediate and appropriate
actions.
T his was disclosed by Roxas City Mayor
Angel Alan Celino during a Peace and
Order Council meeting July 11 as he
stressed that the center will be equipped with
a three to four digit hotline number that is
accessible to the public to facilitate faster
response time for authorities like policemen,
firemen and volunteer groups to respond
during emergency situations.
―It will also accommodate complaints
against the administration,‖ he noted, adding
that he will read all the complaints everyday
for reference and proper action of the local
government unit and other concerned national
government agencies The chief city executive
has coordinated with Roxas City Council
Committee on Police, Fire and Peace and
Order chairperson lawyer Powell Del Rosario
regarding the assignment of personnel to man
the center in accepting telephone as well as
radio communication calls and in assisting
walk-in clients. The center, located at the
ground floor near the stairway of the City Hall,
will closely work with the Roxas City Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Office which
boasts of its newly organized volunteers
dubbed Roxas City Emergency Response Team
(RCERT).
Celino also said that the center will make
use of the members of the city’s tricycle
operators and drivers association as informants
and network of information aside from the
Traffic Management Unit and the law
enforcement auxiliary group Bantay Bayan,
among others. The initiative, generally aimed to
improve government services delivery, will be
patterned on the 911 emergency response
system of Davao City and other cities in the
country. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)
By Alex A. Lumaque
Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
SAN JOSE, Antique, July 14 (PIA6) - - The filariasis prevention program of the Department of Health is gaining ground for the
mass drug administration activity in the province set to be conducted on July 18, 2016.
Antique to launch filariasis campaign
By Vicente W. Villavert
“ Four schools in the province will
serve as launching sites for the mass
drug administration on in San Jose,‖
said Provincial Health Office Information
Officer Irene Dulduco during the PIA Radio
program.
These schools are Delegate Angel Salazar
Jr. Memorial School, Atabay Elementary
School, San Pedro Barangay High School
on July 18 and Antique National School on July
19.
Dulduco said that government
employees will also join in the mass drug
administration after the flag raising program at
the EBJ Freedom Park in San Jose.
Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused
by a thread-like round worms and is
transmitted from host to host by
mosquitoes.
The disease is also known as elephantiasis,
a painful and disfiguring disease causing
disability or irreversible deformities in
humans.
―The disease can cause severe swelling in
arms, legs and genitals,‖ Dulduco said as she
emphasized that anyone should not wait these
deformities to happen, but seek early
prevention.
The drug to be administered during the
synchronized mass drug administration all
throughout the province, is Albendazole and
Diethylcarbamazine citrate or DEC.
Dulduco said that six years ago, nine towns in
the province were affected by Filariasis. These
towns are: Laua-an, Bugasong, Culasi, Sibalom,
San Remegio, Valderrama, Belison, and
Patnongon.
Some 17 cases of genital swelling were
recorded from the municipalities of San
Remegio, Patnongon and Valderrama; while 10
cases for elephantiasis were from Laua-an,
Bugasong, Culasi, Sibalom, and Belison.
The health department is giving free
medicines to stop the spread of the disease.
(JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
CENTRAL VISAYAS 4
NEGROS ORIENTAL, July 10 (PIA) -- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Dumaguete Branch has called on the public with
relatives abroad or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who failed to exchange their old banknotes that they are given an
extension to register at BSP website starting October 1 this year.
E conomic and financial learning center
manager Dr. Greg Baccay of BSP issued the reiteration during the stakeholders’
recognition on its 23rd anniversary celebration
Thursday, saying that they have given OFWs more time to change their demonetized old bills with new banknotes.
The registered new design series (NDS)
banknotes at www.bsp.gov.ph shall be submitted for exchange with new generation currency (NGC) bills within one year from date of registration at any BSP
Office, said Baccay. Under BSP Circular 910, OFWs who are
currently living abroad and cannot come home soon
may register their old bills on the BSP website. It is said from January 1, 2016 until December
31, 2016, the NDS banknotes can no longer be used
in day-to-day transactions to pay for goods and services.
However, Baccay said the public can still exchange the old bills to NGC through any banks
including BSP as they are still required to accept until the end of this year.
By January 1, 2017, old banknotes shall cease to
be a liability of the BSP and will no longer bear any monetary value.
Meanwhile, Baccay said the local BSP held the
stakeholders recognition to give appreciation or acknowledge partner agencies which help BSP’s mandated programs, advocacies, and projects.
BSP also coordinated with DSWD for the conduct of financial literacy forum during the family development sessions (FDS) with Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the hinterland barangays.
DSWD-NIR OIC Director Shalaine Lucero said the Pantawid recipients learned the value of money as a result of BSP’s advocacy that created also
awareness on how to budget and save. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
BSP advises OFWs to register
old banknotes online
By Jennifer C. Tilos
SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here announced the availability of scholarship
slots for regular third year college students who are enrolled in priority science and technology (S&T) courses and who are
willing to teach in the secondary schools in the country thru the DOST Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS).
DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship now available
T o qualify, one must be Filipino citizen, a
regular third year college students who are enrolled in identified priority S&T courses in
any state college or private college, has a general
weighted average of at least 83% (or its equivalent) in his/her first and second years in college, qualify in the JLSS written examination, and agrees to teach in the secondary level of basic education in public or
private high school as their return of service (ROS), among other requirements.
Applicants should be enrolled in
CHED-compliant science and technology priority courses, the list of which can be obtained from DOST.
Required documents to submit are accomplished JLSS information sheet (Form A),
accomplished certification regarding course
and year level (Form B), accomplished Return of Service (ROS) Conditions (Form C), Birth Certificate and Official Transcript of Records or
Certified True Copy Grades (of first year and second year).
The application form can be obtained at the
DOST Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (DOST Siquijor PSTC) and can be d o w n l o a d e d a t t h i s w e b s i t e :
www.science-scholarships.ph. Accomplished application forms and the required documents should be submitted also in DOST Siquijor PSTC on or before September 9, 2016. Date of examination is
on October 16, 2016. Privileges of a DOST JLSS qualifier include:
tuition and other school fees not to exceed P10,00/
semester or P8,000/trimester/term; P5,000 book allowance/semester; monthly allowance of P5,000 (P5,000 for those who take BS-Physics, Applied
Physics, Physics Teaching, Geology, Mining Engineering, Agriculture, and Fisheries); and group
insurance coverage of P200,000.
After graduation, when the DOST scholar-graduate has been hired by the Department of Education (DEPED) or private school, he/she will
be employed with a position equivalent to Special Science Teacher I in the Philippine Science High
School.
He/she will be given priority for job placement in high school in the country and will also receive a one-time relocation allowance should he/she
be assigned in a place other than his/her permanent residence.
He/she will be provided scholarship in identified teacher education institutes for Science and
education Courses and be allowed to teach even without Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) eligibility but to pass the LET within five years from
date of hiring. The JLSS is governed by Republic Act
10612, dubbed as ―Fast-Tracked Science and
Technology Scholarship Act of 2013‖ which aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology
education by fast-tracking graduates in Sciences,
Mathematics and Engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout country. (rmn/rac/PIA7 -Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek
Y. Abing, DOST-Siquijor)
Rizalie Anding Calibo
Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
NEGROS ORIENTAL, July 10 (PIA) – A total of 3,331 drug pushers and users as of July 8 have voluntarily surrendered to police
authorities in different municipalities and cities in the province.
Over 3T drug pushers, users in NegOr surrender
A ccording Police Senior Supt. Harris Fama of
Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO), the campaign is part of
intensified government crackdown against illegal drug
problem in the country dubbed Project TokHang (Toktok-Hangyo).
TokHang is part of Oplan Double Barrel aligned with the objective of President Rodrigo Duterte on
anti-drug campaign aimed at drug pushers, users, and protectors of illegal drugs to curb and stop their illicit activities, said Col. Fama.
―However, the first approach is to have the list and validation of the suspects and reach out to them by communicating and explain for them to voluntarily
surrender,‖ Fama explained. Under TokHang (knock and talk or negotiate),
law enforcers also convince drug personalities to
never be involved again in the illegal drug trade. Fama said the next line of attack is the police
operation where a search warrant will be served and
a buy-bust operation will be done. However, the police director issued a
warning against vigilante groups claiming that they help law enforcers on the anti-illegal drugs
operation. ―We will not allow the vigilantes groups to
have their own operation, the possibility that
they may just shoot the pusher, the public should be alarmed on this and report to the authorities for we have to arrest them,‖ warned
Fama. ―This already happening in one of the cities
here, we arrested four persons in the check point
bringing weapons and their mission to shoot the drug pushers and and I am very confident that vigilante group is existing," said Fama.
Of over 3,000 drug pushers and users voluntarily surrendered in the province, these include the following cities and municipalities: Canlaon City, 22; Vallehermoso, 75; Guihulngan City,
576; La Libertad, 57; Jimalalud, 70; Tayasan, 96; Ayungon, 64; Bindoy, 39; Manjuyod, 26; Mabinay, 70; Bais City, 171; Tanjay City, 376; Pamplona, 20;
Amlan, 203; San Jose, 237; Sibulan, 576; Dumaguete City, 56; Valencia, 23; Bacong, 12; Dauin, 154; Zamboanguita, 64; Siaton, 66; Sta. Catalina, 73;
Bayawan City, 140; and Basay, 58. (rmn/jct/ PIA7-NegrosOriental)
Jennifer C. Tilos
CENTRAL VISAYAS 5
SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) - - Local officials here are pushing for the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in the
barangay levels for fast and efficient delivery of services to their constituents.
T his was raised during the training on
Barangay e-Systems and Tools (BeST) conducted by the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST) and the Central Visayas
Information Systems and Network (CVISNET) for officials and staff of selected barangays in the municipality of Siquijor.
In each message, former Siquijor mayor and
newly elected Vice-Governor Mei Ling Quezon and Provincial Administrator Pedro Samson urged the participants to embrace change and adopt to
technological advances, specifically by utilizing ICT to fast track and efficiently conduct or perform services in the barangay level.
Quezon said that BeST could be used as starting point in the implementation of ICT in the
governance.
Punong barangay of Poblacion, Siquijor Dr. Peck Cortes also gave positive insights and feedback on the use of the Barangay e-Systems and Tools.
He said that BeST has been instrumental in the crafting and implementation of certain projects in the barangay.
Barangay Poblacion of Siquijor became a
recipient of the Grant-in-Aid Program from DOST for the project "Harnessing the ICT Capability of Barangay Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor for
Empowerment and Transformation". One of the components of the GIA Project is
the promotion BeST and training personnel from
other barangays on the operation of BeST. Provincial Science and Technology Director
Engr. Mario de la Peña urged the participants to
adopt the system in their respective barangays and use Barangay Poblacion as reference.
BeST is a project initiated by the Central
Visayas Information Sharing Network Foundation Inc., (CVISNET) to provide the community with solutions for planning, monitoring and document generation for the barangay.
This includes a computerized record keeping system that manages the residents' information, judicial information and permit generation in the
barangay. BeST also allows integration of the barangays
data accessible at the municipal level. (rmn/rac/
PIA7-Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing, DOST -Siquijor)
Siquijor officials push ICT use to improve
services
Rizalie Anding Calibo
Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
SIQUIJOR, July 12 (PIA) - - A total of PhP1, 401,511 was turned over recently by the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) Siquijor to various Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Grant-in-Aid beneficiaries.
DOST gives P1.4M to SETUP, GIA beneficiaries
T he turn over ceremony held at the DOST
Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center was spearheaded by Provincial
Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la
Peña and witnessed by DOST Siquijor staff. Elena's Bakery and Pasalubong Center of
Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor through its proprietor Elena Ibera received the check
worth P300,000 while Manager of Larena Triad Coffee Shop Mariecar Masayon received P600,000 and proprietor Ernesto Balababa II of Dongon N
Balababa Enterprises, P156,628. With the a im of he lp ing these
beneficiaries become more competitive,
DOST Siquijor conducted technology needs assessment.
Technology upgrading in terms of processing
equipment was recommended. With the turned over amount, the beneficiaries
can now purchase the recommended
processing equipment stipulated on the notarized MOAs.
For 36 months, the SETUP beneficiaries will pay the financial assistance without interest.
On another development, Brgy Poblacion of Siquijor, Siquijor and San Antonio Women's Association for Better Environment (SWABE)
received PhP 258, 000 and P86,883, respectively. The beneficiaries were reminded to spend the
money based on the approved Line Item Budgets of
the respective MOAs. Prior to the turnover of checks, DOST
Siquijor and the beneficiaries signed a Memorandum
of Agreement for the corresponding SETUP and GIA projects in March 2016.
In an interview, Provincial S&T Dir. Engr. Mario
de la Peña is optimistic that these SETUP projects could bring additional employment and/or revenue while the GIA projects result positive development to beneficiaries.
The Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is one of the core programs of DOST which aims to capacitate the MSMEs to be
more competitive and productive while the Grant-in-Aid Program provides grants for the implementation of programs/projects identified in the
current S&T priorities. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing, DOST-Siquijor)
Rizalie Anding Calibo
DUMAGUETE CITY, July 12 (PIA) – The City Nutrition Council here has lined up a series of activities in observance of
Nutrition Month this July.
Dumaguete City council sets activities for nutri month
T his year, the celebration of Nutrition
Month aims to create more awareness on the importance of proper infant and young
child feeding practices, particularly exclusive
breastfeeding for the first 6 months and giving appropriate complementary food after six months while continuing breastfeeding through its theme ―First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog
na kinabukasan.‖ To further promote this advocacy in
the city, City Nutrition Officer Lourdes Taburaza
said part of their programs for the celebration
of Nutrition Month is the conduct of three nutrition caravans in selected elementary schools in
the city. The first caravan was held on July 7 at the
West City Elementary School while the two other
caravans will be held today and on July 14 at West City Elementary School and Calindagan Elementary
School, respectively.
―We invite our mothers, would be mothers, breastfeeding females and pregnant women to attend so they will be taught on the importance of first
1,000 days of the baby,‖ she said. On July 18, there will be a Nutrition Quiz bowl
which will held at Silliman University-Nutrition and Dietetics Department.
Taburaza disclosed that participants of this contest are the mothers who joined the caravan.
She explained that two mothers will be
selected in each caravan and they will participate in the quiz bowl.
On July 28, the City Nutrition Council will organize a food fair, inter-barangay complementary food cooking contest, inter-barangay
booth contest and Buntis Pageant, and a nutrition clinic.
Aside from this, the council will also
spearhead different contests this July which include ―Well Baby Contest‖ also sponsored by the City Health Office on July 22 at Robinson’s
Place Dumaguete and other contests such as Day Care Nutrition Corner contest, Day Care School Garden Contest, Barangay Nutrition Scholar and Cooperator Home Gardening Contest and
Sustainability Garden Contest. Moreover, Taburaza also announced that
they will conduct a forum arthritis prevention,
control and nutritional management for City Hall
employees. With this, Taburaza appealed to the public to
be nutrition advocates. ―Let’s be advocates on nutrition not only in our
families but also to our co-workers and to our
community,‖ she added. (rmn/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
EASTERN VISAYAS 6
3-Child Policy seen to boost FP programs
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 11(PIA) – ―We will certainly support President Rodrigo Duterte’s program on family planning
particularly his ―three child policy‖ if indeed it will be mandated.‖
S o said POPCOM Deputy Executive
Director, Rosalinda Marcelino during the
open forum today, on the launching of
the Sixth State of the Philippine Population
Report (SPPR6), Leyte Provincial Capitol.
Marcelino flew to the city to deliver the
keynote address and meet the population
program stakeholders in the region.
Foremost she shared information on the
status of maternal health in the country and
the world.
According to her, 800 women around the
world die everyday from pregnancy and
childbirth-related complications, and, across
the country, latest WHO data (2013) reveal of
120 maternal deaths per 100,000 live
birth, while DOH-facility based data tell of 67
maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
To her, such statistical data is challenging
that needs further and more in depth research.
She added that maternal deaths is an
indication of the health system in a country
particularly the developing ones.
Among others, direct causes of
mothers dying from childbirth account from
haemorrhage, hypertension, infections, vascular
accident and pre-eclampsia.
This can be prevented with the
establishments of health-facilities in areas that
are accessible to people from far-flung
barangays.
It is also considerable that some mothers
decide late in seeking quality health care,
specially when there are other children to
care in the home in her absence in addition to
the financial constraint that they have to deal
with.
―Thus, this poses a challenge to local
government units whose constituents’ health
largely depend upon‖, she pointed out.
With the new administration, POPCOM is
hopeful that their programs gearing toward
healthy family living with healthy mothers will
be realized.
Mrs. Marcelino who is retiring from
government service on July 15, stressed that,
mothers health should be a concern of all,
because it is bad for a baby to loss her mother,
and greatly, a problem to a father whose sole
responsibility of child-rearing may rest in him.
Better yet, she said, the three-child policy
c o u l d b e t t e r s p e l l m o t h e r s '
health, improved living condition and better
economy.
In closing, she quoted UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-Moon’s quote that ―No woman
should die while giving life‖.(PIA-08)
Samuel D. Candido
Ignore text scams, NTC tells public
“ Do not reply,‖ Teresita Seno, the
NTC officer in the province, emphasized
during the dydm Kapihan sa PIA live
Friday.
Seno explained that text scams usually
come from the normal 11-digit cellphone
numbers telling the receiver any of the three
scenarios: winning a huge sum or an expensive
item in an electronic raffle draw, requesting for
a load supposedly mis-sent to be sent back,
or an emergency life and death situation of a
relative in a disaster area or accident.
She shared that she almost became a
victim in the first instance, when she tried to
engage the texter out of sheer curiosity,
in which she was informed of winning an
Avanza vehicle in Mandaue, Cebu.
Luckily for her, her husband was in
Cebu, and the two worked together
purportedly in the process to claim the
―prize‖ -- only to realize after so many careful
background check that the ―company‖ was non
-existent.
The caller/texter was not heard again,
probably sensing he was set up.
Had she ignored it offhand, the ―deal‖ will
not reach the almost finish stage, although she
acted more of a willing victim than an innocent
one, Seno qualified.
The second scenario on share or pass a
load would have the sender ask the receiver to
follow some instructions and if followed, one’s
electronic load would be slashed, probably
without one knowing it.
The third scenario on emergencies may
cause the receiver to panic and do what was
instructed at once, but Seno cautioned this
must be carefully validated first for credibility
and accuracy.
She cited an actual case of a neighbor who
was informed her daughter met an accident
and money was needed immediately for blood
transfusion.
The concerned mother, near tears,
borrowed money from her, but skeptic on the
story she tried to verify, and found out that
her daughter was, in fact, in the office at that
very moment. (mmp, PIA8-Southern Leyte)
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 12 (PIA) -- To avoid being fooled and victimized by messages texted from unfamiliar
numbers, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) advised to just let it pass.
Marcelo M. Pedalino
Language assessment for grades 3 and 7 up
CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 12 (PIA) - The Department of Education (DepEd) Northern Samar Division will
administer Language Assessment for Primary Grades (LAPG) and National Achievement Test (NAT)in all public and private
schools for grade 3 on July 13 and for grade 7 on July 15, respectively.
A ccording to Mr. Julito Lagrimas,
educat ion program supervisor,
the activity aims to evaluate the
effectiveness of the mother tongue-based
multilingual education instruction across 19
languages and establish mother-tongue
language development across Philippines
languages in the context of the MTB-LME
program implementation. The assessment will
also compare the performance of grade three
learners on English and Filipino essential skills
and correlate language development across
early grades reading assessment (EGRA), early
grades mathematics assessment (EGMA) and
language literacy, he said.
The essential skills coverage includes book
and print knowledge, alphabet knowledge,
vocabulary, phonics and word reading, spelling,
grammar, reading comprehension, study skills,
listening comprehension, computation
(math), attitude towards reading, phonological
awareness, fluency, oral language, hand writing,
and composing, he concluded. (ajc/tcardenas/
PIA-Catarman)
Teresita B. Cardenas Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
EASTERN VISAYAS 7
481 drug users, pushers surrender to PNP
CAMPETIC, Palo, Leyte, July 8(PIA) — The anti-drug campaign of the Philippine National Police in the region has encouraged
more than 400 people allegedly involved in illegal drugs to voluntarily surrender to police authorities.
T his, as the Philippine National Police in
Eastern Visayas intensifies its fight
against illegal drugs through project
―Tokhang‖ and project ―High Value
Target‖ (HVT). A copy of a press release
from Police Regional Command 8 stated
that the reported 271 users and 210 pushers
have voluntarily surrendered to police
from June 29 to July 3, 2016.
Newly assumed acting regional director
police chief superintendent Elmer Cruz Beltejar
said they will continue their operations against
drug personalities as they joined hands with
the barangay officials in carrying out a tough
anti-drug program initiated by President
Rodrigo Duterte.
―The PNP anti-drug campaign operations
have no timeline and it will never stop until
said menace is totally eradicated in Region 8,‖
Beltejar said.
Relative to this, police authorities
urged the public to support the PNP in the
campaign against illegal drugs and report
immediately to the nearest police stations or
through social media Facebook Page-Pulis ha
RehiyonOtso or text 09173114794 or
09478907155. (ajc/PRO8)
Consuelo B. Alarcon
Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com Samar population reaches 780,000 in 2015
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 5 (PIA) — Samar population has now reached 780, 481 in August 1, 2015. This is higher by
47,104 or 6.4 percent higher than the census count in May 2010 when Samarnons numbered 733, 377.
T his is according to the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA) based on the
2015 Census of Population (Popcen
2015), this was declared official by then
President Bengino Aquino lll under
Proclamation Number 1269 dated 18 May
2016.
The report added that population growth
slowed down as the annual population growth
posted 1.19 percent during the period 2010 to
2015. In 2000-2010 the population growth was
1.35.
Of the 24 municipalities and two cities,
Calbayog City registered the biggest population
at 183,851 or 23 percent of the total
population. Matuginao registered the
smallest increase at 0.9 percent or 7, 288
population.
Aside from Calbayog, the top five
most populous city/municipality are:
Catbalogan with 103,879; Basey with
55, 480; Daram with 42, 879 and Sta Rita with
41, 591.
The least populous municipalities are:
Matuginao with 7, 288; San Jose de Buan with
7, 769; Pagsanghan 7, 945, Talalora with 8,057
and San Sebastian with 8, 057.
Samar province accounted for
about 17.6 percent of the 4.4 M total
population.
The province ranked second among the
six provinces with high population count. (PIA8
-Samar with PSA report)
Ninfa B Quirante
Employee in buy-bust not neglected -- DPWH
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 11 (PIA) – He was not left alone, in fact we extended help, but despite it, he still opted to
proceed with his illicit practice.
T hus said DPWH Southern Leyte
District Engineer, Ma. Margarita C.
Junia in a report received by PIA.
DPWH-SLDEO referred to the recent
arrest of one Roel Adobas, 45, a permanent
employee as heavy equipment operator who
was recently nabbed in a buy-bust operation.
DPWH-SLDEO did its best to help an
employee prior to the recent arrest for illegal
drugs trade, but the suspect opted not to
abandon the illicit practice.
Roel Adobas, 45, heavy equipment
operator accepted the offer to submit himself
to treatment and rehabilitation, but he only
joined four weekly sessions for a period of
seven months, the report added.
―In fact, Adobas was not one of the 23
employees who tested positive during our
surprise drug test in August 2015. He did not
show up in our general assembly, sensing that a
drug test was to be conducted,‖ recalled
District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.
In a letter, the suspect confessed that he’s
a drug dependent, prompting the DPWH field
office to include him in the outpatient program
of the Department of Health Treatment and
Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) in Dulag,
Leyte.
―Despite efforts to help him abandon
illegal drugs, he always tested positive of drugs
use in every random test that followed and he
resorted to absenteeism, the report added.
In a May 2016 progress report, the
DOH-TRC categorized Adobas’ addiction as
―severe‖ and he’s not anymore fit to undergo
the outpatient program.
On July 6, operatives of the Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the
Maasin City Police arrested Adobas in a
buy-bust operation in Combado village, this
city.
A PDEA agent, who acted as
pusher-buyer, purchased from the suspect two
pieces of plastic sachet containing shabu,
ending his comfort trade from then on.
At present, Adobas is temporarily
detained at the Maasin City police station jail,
while, facing a case for violation of Republic
Act 9165 of the Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002.
Junia lauded President Rodrigo Duterte
for ordering a crackdown of illegal drug
activities in the country.
The district office has been pushing for a
drug-free workplace.
On August 17, 2015, 23 employees were
found positive of illegal drugs use – 17 were on
job order contracts and six were permanent
employees. It was then, the first drug test
initiated by a DPWH field office in the
country. Junia initiated assistance in the
recovery process of the workers who were
found positive of the illegal drug, and gave
them ―chances to change‖.
However, only 16 of them opted to join
the weekly outpatient service program (OPS)
sessions which was done by DOH-TRC.
Today, the district office requires all
permanent employees to undergo a mandatory
rehabilitation program while dismissed job
order workers are given the option to go
through the recovery process.
The SLDEO provided a space at the
SLDEO Area Equipment Service compound for
the conduct of weekly session for drug users.
The session, which started on October 2015,
will conclude on August 2016, according to
DOH-TRC.(PIA08/DPWH08)
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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Editorial Consultants
Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Alicia E. Nicart
Regional Director, PIA 7 Regional Director, PIA6 Regional Director, PIA8
Managing Editor
Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.
Contributors
All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8
Production and Layout
Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado
Regional Offices:
PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]
PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]
PIA 8, Children’s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]
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