one visayas e-newsletter vol 4 issue 48
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The official e-Newsletter of PIA VisayasTRANSCRIPT
Vol 4 Issue 48 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 December 1 - 7, 2014
WESTERN VISAYAS
In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue APEC 2015 to focus on building inclusive economies
Israeli trade mission in Cebu a success
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
Also CLICK Here...
Sec. Mar assures ESamarenos of gov‘t help
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Dec. 6 (PIA) –
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas assured the people of Eastern Samar of government assistance, should typhoon ―Ruby‖ render
serious damages here. This he said during the emergency meeting held at
8:00AM, December 6, at the Governor’s Conference room, Eastern Samar Provincial Capitol.
Roxas who flew to this coastal province braved the approaching typhoon with Presidentia l Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, in order to ensure the local
government units’ preparation to mitigate the impact of typhoon ―Ruby‖.
In the first emergency meeting that he called for,
Sec. Roxas checked on the statistics of the Provincial
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) particularly on the total number of families
living in coastal areas and danger zones who must be evacuated to safer grounds due to the possible storm surge.
He then stressed to the PDRMMO to ensure the pre-emptive evacuation of all families living along coast lines. He was happy to note however, that Mayor Fe Abunda informed him that residents living in all coastal
barangays of the city have been evacuated earlier . The two top ranking government official were met at
the Borongan city airport by local officials led by Governor
Conrado Nicart, Jr., Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda, Congressman Ben Evardone and other local officials.
He shared to them President Benigno Aquino’s
message to cooperate with one another and in each other in order to strengthen the coordination effort of the national government.
Sec. Roxas assured the Estehanons of national gov-ernment’s assistance. In fact, he said, other LGUs are poised to share theirs. Initially he said, some 2,000 sacks of rice have been shipped to Samar island from DSWD
national office. Talking over national television, Roxas informed
that the province has several other evacuation centers,
to include the office of the mayors, governor, the legislative building and the Eastern Samar State University(EVSU). In parting, he said that all are in God’s hands, but
God helps those who help themselves , thus it is always
better to be prepared for any eventuality. (PIA-8)
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) --- The Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) to be hosted by the Philippines in 2015 will focus on building inclusive economies to build a better world.
In a press briefing during the Climate Change Summit held Tuesday at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ B. Coloma Jr. said that
President Benigno S. Aquino III has chosen ―Building Inclusive Economies and Building a Better World‖ as the theme for APEC 2015.
―This is very appropriate because our own Philippine Development Plan is anchored upon the concept of inclusive growth,‖ he said.
He said that inclusive growth is seen to be a prerequisite to building a better world and we have a
concrete basis.
―We believe that we have concrete achievements to demonstrate the efficacy of this program,‖ he said.
The PCOO Secretary said that the APEC hosting is
going on full speed ahead and all the concerned agencies of government working in partnership with the private sector are determinedly pursuing their respective tasks and
assignments.
―We can assure the delegates from all the member countries of APEC that we will be ready for these events and they will discover for themselves that indeed it is more
fun in the Philippines,‖ he said. He said that the APEC hosting will be a good
opportunity to show what the Philippines and what the Filipinos are like.
―This is the second time the Philippines hosted APEC with the first one in 1996 which was eighteen years ago,‖ he said.
He said this is an opportunity to show our fellow APEC-member countries how much we have progressed and what are our contributions to building a stronger
APEC. Meanwhile, Iloilo City has been assigned to host two
meetings by the APEC National Organizing Committee
(NOC). This city will host the Small Medium Enterprises
(SME) meeting on September 21-25, 2015 and the Food
Security Week (High Level Policy Dialogue on Food Securi-ty and the Blue Economy) on September 28 to October 6, 2015. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
Also CLICK Here…
More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
Also CLICK Here…
EASTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS CEBU CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) --- The recent trade
mission held by the Economic and Trade Mission of the Israeli Embassy in Cebu was described by a top Israeli economic official as a "complete success‖.
Officials from leading Israeli companies involved in water and agro-technology sectors met with Cebu businessmen recently to explore possible partnerships.
"The recently concluded inbound mission of Israel
agro-technology and water companies to Cebu was a complete success. The high number of attendees from both the provincial government and Cebu business sector
made the event dynamic and engaging," said Doron Hemo, head of Israel Economic and Trade Office at the Embassy
of Israel in the Philippines.
During the business event attended by representatives of businesses from Cebu and around the region, seven Israeli companies involved in water and
agro-technology pitched their products and services by
illustrating their diverse and cutting edge technologies on
dairy production, turnkey projects fro livestock, post-harvest treatment, crop protection, agronomy, greenhouse technology, water system control, and water
management. Hemo told the Philippine Information Agency that
they are extremely delighted to see the receptiveness of stakeholders from Region 7 who were eager to explore
potential collaboration with each company. Israeli companies Netafim, Topgreenhouses, and
Eshet Eilon were among those who received positive
feedbacks and even immediately scheduled site visits after the trade event.
The trade mission put Cebu and the rest of the
region as a prime and ideal place for collaboration for water and agro-technology sectors.
"We are eager to continue this promising relationship
with the Visayas region," said Hemo. (rmn/PIA Cebu)
"There will be no inclusive growth
without SMEs. SMEs are becoming an
important part of trade agreements" - - Dr. Ramon Clarete of USAID during
the multi-sectoral regional briefing on AEC Game plan. (Rmn)
Presidential Communications Operations
Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" B. Coloma
Jr. answers queries from the members of the
media during the press briefing for the climate
change summit held Tuesday at Iloilo Grand
Hotel here. Also in the photo is Philippine
Information Agency (PIA)-6 Regional Director
Atty. Ma. Janet Mesa.
RDRRMC-8 meeting : Orientation on
Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA); Update on Weather Situation; Presentation of Plan of Action of
Technical Government Agencies; Preparedness Agencies and Response Agencies. (PIA8)
Sec. Mar Roxas. (DILG File photo)
WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222
Coloma honors WVisayas best info officers
By Lilibeth A. French
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) - - Philippine Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma led
the awarding ceremonies for the Best Performing Information Officers and Best Performing Information Office in Western
Visayas on Tueday, December 2 here.
T his year, eleven information officers
from the different regional line agencies
and local government units and seven
information offices were recepients of the awards
given by the Philippine Information Agency every
year.
Named as Best Performing Information
Officers were: Ma. Xenia Serio of the
Commission on Population; Joeffry Espiritu,
HEPO I of the Department of Health, Capiz;
James Earl Ogatis of the Department of
Agriculture; Evangeline Ganibe-Nunal of the
Office of the Ombudsman 6; Esperedion Pelaez of
the PDRRMO Information Office of Capiz; and
Ma. Alicia Soledad Salazar of the Department of
Science and Technology 6.
Also awarded were Olive Seruelo of PEMO,
Negros Occidental; PO3 Nida Gregas of PPO,
Aklan; Janimhe Cam of PhilHealth 6; Ramon
Alvanez, Community Development Information
Officer of La Carlota City; and Engr. Lynn Joy
Cardinal of the Department of Trade and Industry
-Antique.
PIA Iloilo Information Manager Elsa S.
Subong said awardees’ exemplary performance in
the field of development communication, their
continuous and consistent promotion of the
thrusts and programs of the government through
the mandates of their agency and for
endeavouring to bring government closer to the
marginalized and vulnerable segments of society
were among the major factors why they won the
award.
Nunal, one of the awardees, said the
recognition is an affirmation that she has been
effective in her designation as the Information
Officer of the Office of the Ombudsman.
She is so glad that her humble contribution
in bringing the government programs and services
closer to the people was recognized. She
likewise, thanked the PIA for all the support given
to her in promoting the programs and services of
her office.
For her part, Salazar said to be included in
this year’s recipients is a great honor. She shared
the recognition to her team and to the DOST top
management for their cooperation and support
for all their efforts to deliver S&T information in
the region.
Nunal and Salazar were accompanied by
their respective Regional Directors Philip
Camiguing and Engr. Rowen Gelona when they
accepted their trophies and certificates of
recognition during the awarding ceremonies.
Recipients of the Best Performing
Information Office Award were: Capiz Provincial
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office;
Capiz Provincial Press Bureau; Capiz
Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit
– Provincial Health Office Capiz; PhilHealth Public
Affairs Unit, Region 6; Negros Occidental Public
Information Division-Office of the Governor,
Metro Bacolod District Jail with SICA, Bacolod
City; and Philippine Statistics Authority-Aklan
Provincial Office.
Subong said these information offices were
recognized for consistent, diligent and committed
service to the public through information,
education and communication programs, activities
and services. Also for their relentless efforts in
mobilizing the communities and in responding to
the needs of the clients and constituents to be
informed, educated and involved in the process of
good, accountable, responsible governance. (JCM/
LAF-PIA Iloilo)
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 1 (PIA6) – Director General Jose Marie Oquinena of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has
called on college student writers in the region to become channels of inspiration to fellow Filipinos.
“ You should write to inspire a
nation, unite the people that have
been longing to be united and bridge the
islands of the Philippines so that once and for
all the future generation can say we are one
people,‖
Oquinena said before hundreds of campus
paper writers attending the annual College
Press Conference (COPRE) last week in Iloilo
City.
The PIA official has also reminded the
aspiring journalists to consider how the
readers are influenced by the way articles are
written for publication.
COPRE, a PIA regional office 6 pet
project in the last 40 years, has become a
training ground for student writers who have
become mainstream media practitioners,
among others.
Oquinena and National Youth
Commiss ion (NYC) Commiss ioner
representing the Visayas Jo Jan Paul Peñol
graced the awarding of student publications, on
-the spot writing contests and recognition of
outstanding school paper publication advisers
in the region.
Peñol, a COPRE – moulded youth
leader and the gathering’s resource speaker
on the role of the youth on climate
change mitigation and adaptation and nation
building, has cited PIA regional office for its
campus journalism initiative after his
presentation.
The citation was received by PIA
6 director Ma. Janet C. Mesa. (JCM/AAL/PIA6
Capiz)
PIA chief urges student writers to be channels of inspiration
SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 3 (PIA6) - - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines pioneered the organization of Antique
Energy Press Corps on Friday.
New Antique Press Corps formed
N elson Bautista, Regional Head of
Communications National Grid
Corporation of the Philippines
in his message before the local media said,
Antique media has been supportive of the
endeavors of the energy sector even before
the organization of the Press Corps.
With the organization of the
Antique Energy Press Corps, local media
will have easy access to information on
electricity and the power industry in general,
said Bautista.
He assured the group of NGCP’s support
particularly providing opportunity to learn and
understand the power industry through
trainings and facility tours.
The set of officers includes Lorie
Marcelino, reporter of Voice FM, who was
elected president while Eva Abajencia of Iloilo
Metropolitan Times and Teody Siesa were
elected vice president for print and broadcast
respectively.
Other officers are: Megan Sanchez of
Voice Radio – Secretary, Galileo Magbanua of
Radyo Natin San Jose – Treasurer, Paul
Petinglay of Bombo Radyo – Auditor, Arnold
Sastrado of Voice Radio – PIO , Stephen Checa
of Radyo Natin San Jose as Bus. Manager.
Marcelino in his message after the
election said to the members of the media
that we will unite for the common good and
give the Antiquenos the information they
deserve.
He pledged to level up the
organization and establish rapport with
various agencies of government and private
organization.
The organization of the Antique Energy
Press Corps was facilitated by Bautista and
Michelle Vicera, Communications Officer of
NGCP for Western Visayas. (JCM/
PSM-Antique)
By Pilar S. Mabaquiao
By: Alex A. Lumaque
WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333
Kalibo tour guides form association
KALIBO, Aklan, Dec. 3 (PIA6) -- In order to have a legitimate name, the two batches of Kalibonhons who underwent a free
training on community tour guiding program recently merged and formed themselves into an association.
A ccording to the Tourism and
Cultural Affairs Division of the local
government of Kalibo, this merged
group will now be called Association of Kalibo
Guides, Incorporated or AKGI.
These community guides were trained
recently through the efforts of the local
government of Kalibo and the Department of
Tourism (DOT).
Officer of the association from President
to Press Relations Officers (PROs) were
elected, while representatives per sector were
also named.
Elected President was Gerwin Garcia of
the Garcia Mansion.
Rhea Rose Meren, Municipal Tourism
Operations Officer (MTOO) also convinced
them to register their group with the municipal
government and get occupational permit so
they will be recognized in the municipality as
community tour guides.
As community tour guides, the
group is planning to meet regularly
to identify and study the various tourist
spots in the municipality in order to
formulate a single script. (JCM/VGV PIA6
Aklan)
Youth Commissioner shares tips to campus writers
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) --- National Youth Commission (NYC) Assistant Secretary Jo Jan Paul ―JP‖ Peñol shared
leadership lessons to some 400 campus editors and writers during the College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards 2014
held recently at Diversion 21 Hotel here.
I n his keynote message, Peñol said that
the task of campus editors and writers,
who are also considered as leaders, is to
produce more leaders than followers.
―The best gift that we could give ourselves
is to produce people better than us,‖ he said.
The NYC commissioner provided advice
derived from the book he authored at a young
age of 18, ―Leadership Next: A Guide for
Emerging Leaders of the Next Generation‖.
―My first advice is that do not wait until
the situation is perfect because nothing is
perfect; if you wait for the perfect situation,
you can never start,‖ he said.
His second advice is that an individual
should not wait for other people to agree with
him.
―For as long as you have a point and you
believe in a principle, go ahead and fight for it,‖
he stressed.
His third advice is that young people
should not wait until their skill is good since
each day is a learning process.
―For as long as we exert our effort, we
improve every day. The best time to start is
now, not later and not tomorrow,‖ he
emphasized.
He also stressed that student writers
should always believe in themselves, to be
honest and should never pretend.
―We are equipped with the capacity to
change the opinion of people through the gift
of writing,‖ he said.
He added that campus writers should
always aim to be the best writers. (JCM/
LTP-PIA 6Iloilo)
By Leonard T. Pineda I
By: Venus G. Villanueva
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Dec. 4 (PIA6) -- Negros Occidental‘s emerging homestay industry will be highlighted once more as
the Province of Negros Occidental hosts the First Homestays of the World Summit on December 3 to 5 at the Nature‘s
Village Resort in Talisay City.
T he three-day event aims to foster
networking among individuals and
institutions involved in homestay
programs; upgrade services provided to homestay
guests; and to create a database for the industry
to strengthen marketing efforts.
The Summit is organized by the Department
of Tourism (DOT), Homestay Philippines, Inc.
(HPI), Homestay Philippines Services Cooperative
(HPSC), and the International School of
Sustainable Tourism (ISST).
Partner government agencies are the
Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), and the city governments of
Bacolod and Talisay.
Ms. Angeles Alarco Canosa, Presidenta
Consejara Delagada of Paradores de Turismo de
España and DOT Undersecretary Hon. Bong
Bengzon addressed the participants on the
contribution of homestay to cross-cultural
understanding and inclusive growth.
According to ISST president and former
tourism secretary Dr. Mina Gabor, Negros
Occidental was chosen to be the host because of
the consequence of all elements for a successful
homestay experience: good organic food, happy
and caring people, availability of medical and
security services, accessibility of tourism sites,
good guides, and clear surroundings.
Currently, the province has three key
homestay facilities, namely, Rapha Valley in Don
Salvador Benedicto, May’s Garden Homestay in
Bacolod City and Peñalosa Organic Farm in
Victorias City which will be visited by the
conference delegates and speakers.
The confab will bring together international
experts of homestay Standards, namely Malaysian
consultant Prof. Dr. Zainab Binti Khalifah, Turihab
Board Secretary Mr. Arq.º Manuel José Costa de
Carvalho e Sousa of Portugal, University of
Denver President Rebecca Chopp of the United
States.
There will also be country presentations
from Mr. Chirag Tolia, Marketing and Information
Supervisor of Nepal’s Kapan Monastery &
Homestay Village; Rashidi Hasbullah, Deputy
Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Ministry of
Tourism and Culture; Patrick Farjas, Director for
International Relations of ―Gites de France‖,
and Rose Libongco, President of Homestay
Philippines, Inc. (HPI)
Other presenters are Domingo Ramon
Enerio, Chief Operating Officer of the DOT’s
Tourism Promotions Board; Ms.Angeles Alarco
Canosa, President of Spain’s Paradores de
Turismo de España; Jean-Luc Petit, General
Manager of France’s Alize Voyages & Adventures,
Inc., and F. Widayanto, Proprietor of Indonesia’s
Rumah Tana Baru.
Gov. Alfredo Marañon will host
the Governor’s Night which will feature a ―Noche
de los Bailes de Luces‖ cultural show.
Maranon said that the Summit affirms the
province’s rising status as a convention center.
Negros Occidental hosted two major
tourism-related conferences this year—the third
Community-Based Rural Tourism Conference
which was also organized by ISST and the
16th National Convention of the Association of
Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP).
Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan
and Rep. Alfredo Benitez will host ―Talisay by
Night‖ which will include a visit to The Ruins,
Negros’ iconic tourist attraction, and dinner at
Campuestohan Highlands.
Moreover, there will be breakout sessions
on the topics of organizing and pricing of
homestays, as well as security and safety concerns
to identify the key concerns in the industry.
The Summit draws to a close with an
interactive plenary session and Partner’s Time
which will tackle the business aspect of homestays
on the third day. *(JSC/EAD-PIA6/Capitol News
Negros Occidental)
NegOcc. hosts Homestays World Summit
By: Easter Anne D. Doza
CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444
CEBU CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) --- With the Philippines eyeing to maximize economic gains under the ASEAN regional integration,
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is aggressively pushing the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) agenda to ensure that
local enterprises can participate in the regional and global value chains.
‗SMEs vital to inclusive growth in RP‘
I n a regional multi-stakeholders briefing on
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) held today in Cebu City, DTI Regional Operations
Group Undersecretary Zenaida Malaya said that rural
communities, particularly the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), can benefit from the ASEAN integration.
Maglaya cited the passage of Negosyo Act 2014
or Republic Act No. 10644 which aims to strengthen SMEs by making their services more accessible with the creation of Negosyo Centers.
―The law requires the establishment of Negosyo Centers in provinces, cities, and municipalities. We’re working closely with the local
government units, the mayors, the governors and the
private sector on this,‖ said Maglaya. She said Cebu is one of the six pilot areas
where Negosyo Centers will be put up this year.
Around 100 centers will be put up around the country next year.
Maglaya said they’re also looking into amending trade rules and regulations to make them
more suitable not just for big businesses but also for SMEs.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Ministerial Meetings next year will also carry the SME agenda, the trade official added.
United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) Senior Adviser Dr. Ramon
Clarete in his message stressed that SMEs are becoming an important part of trade agreements.
―There can be no inclusive growth without the
SMEs,‖ he said. The briefing held at Marco Polo Hotel gathered
more than 200 stakeholders from the private sector, government, and the academe.
It aims to improve understanding of AEC and the Philippines' part in ASEAN integration and how to harmonize the public and private efforts in making
sure the country can maximize economic gains under AEC, according to DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte. (rmn/PIA Cebu)
DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) – After the success of the 1st Negros Oriental 100 Kilometer Ultramarathon from
Dumaguete City to Bayawan City, Negros Oriental Sports Development Program (NOSDEP) will once again hold this running
event on December 13 – 14.
2nd Negros Oriental 100 KM Ultramarathon Set
A round 97 runners from Bacolod, Negros
Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Zamboanga Sibugay, Manila, Malaysia and Ilolilo will have the
opportunity to run along the asphalted highway of Negros Oriental starting at 5:00 pm of Dec. 13, through
the sunset, and meeting the sunrise the next day until about 5:00 pm, giving a breathtaking view between the
Mindanao Sea and the Cuernos de Negros mountain range.
Speaking in a Kapihan Forum today, NOSDEP head Paultom Paras mentioned that this is a way of promoting
sports tourism in the province and at the same time attract more runners and inform them that Negros
Oriental can host marathons and big running events. ―We can offer a good run with our good roads,‖
Paras said. Paras explained that the idea of holding
ultramarathon came after Gov. Roel R. Degamo on what sports activities can the provincial government do in
support to the province’s tourism program. He suggested having adventure sports like
kayaking and zipline and other multi-sports activities like triathlon and distance running can also entice sports
enthusiasts to spend more time in Negros Oriental. The 2nd Negros Oriental 100KM Ultramarathon
was organized with the help of Metro Dumaguete
Runners Club together with Dumaguete Amateur Riders and Striders Club and commitment from local
government units (LGUs) from towns that are part of
the marathon route. Maripol Tecson, registration coordinator of the
marathon said the runners can compete in various categories like solo, relay for four, relay for two,
barefoot category and the married man and woman tandem.
―We also have the age category. It’s for 20- 29 yrs. old, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and up which means
runners are competing within their age bracket,‖ Tecson adds.
The ultramarathon will start at the kilometer 0 in front of the Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete City.
Runners will then have to pass five towns that include Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton and Sta. Catalina
before reaching the finish line which is in Bayawan City. Paras revealed organizing the running event
requires partnership LGUs who signified to counterpart in augmenting security force and in welcoming runners.
He disclosed that Bayawan City LGU, the ultramarathon’s main sponsor will provide tents, ice
bath, food and bus ride for runners who will go back to Dumaguete City.
Other LGUs will provide food and refreshments in water stations every two kilometers along the way. On the other hand, a food station awaits runners every
10km of the marathon. By nightfall, runners can rest at a pitsop in Siaton
town before continuing the course of the marathon the
next day. Tecson further said that runners will have to run
an additional 3 kilometers in Bayawan City because the finish line is at the city boulevard area.
―It’s 50km to 53km (for relay by two category) and 25km-25km-25km-23 for the relay by four
category,‖ Tecson said. Meanwhile, for the security operations, event
organizers are set to meet officials from the provincial police office and from the Philippine Army to finalize the
security plan. But Col. Allan Martin, Commander of 302nd
Infantry Brigade assured that the army will be there to provide security to runners.
―We will be in strategic where we can react,‖ Martin said. However, he assured organizers that there
is no rebel operation on the route of the marathon. Also, the provincial police have notified its local
police stations so that they can escort runners as they make their way to the next town.
Supt. Reynold Andot told the organizers that the police provide road security and has also tapped
barangay tanods to augment the security force during the event.
With preparations in place, NOSDEP hopes that
the marathon will be conducted peacefully and successfully. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)
SIQUIJOR, Dec 1 (PIA)—Budget Secretary Butch Abad and his family visited Siquijor recently with National Anti-Poverty
Commission Secretary Joel Rocamora and talked about ―unprecedented gains‖ the country has achieved, in two separate
occasions here.
I n his talks during the welcome dinner hosted
by the Liberal Party and another dinner on the second day by representative Marie Anne
Pernes, Abad thanked the people of Siquijor for the
support they give to the present leadership. ―You made that decision in an unprecedented
way to elect a leadership that will care for you and for our country especially the poor,‖ said Abad.
He said that because of the people’s support and President Aquino’s good management, ―we have made unprecedented improvements in the way we
govern our country.‖ He cited the government’s Conditional Cash
Transfer (CCT) program which when they started in
2010, had only 800,000 household beneficiaries with a budget of P10 billion. This year, he reported, the budget is raised six times higher to P64 billion
covering some 4.4 million families. Budget for education sector has also increased
from P225 billion in 2010 to P450 billion in 2015 so
that the 66,000 classrooms gap and teachers were
closed at the end of 2013, he added.
Health sector budget has also increased three times higher from P30 billion in 2010 to P90.5 billion next year with Philhealth getting P35.5 billion to
cover some 50.7 million poor people. There will be no more charity wards in
hospitals while district, provincial hospitals and even rural health centers will become viable, Abad said.
Infrastructure budget has also increased from P165 billion in 2010 to P600 billion in 2016 so that in 2016, all roads should have been rehabilitated and
paved, he said. Abad assured the LGUs that in 2016 budget
will be allocated for provincial roads citing the
bottom-up budgeting (BUB) that the administration has launched as a way of getting the local government units (LGUs) and the communities
involved and improve their capacity to undertake more complicated projects.
He said that the increased government
spending on projects is only made following vigorous
anti corruption campaigns made during the initial
period. As a result, the administration has increased
spending in 2012 starting with Disbursement
Acceleration Program (DAP) that enabled the economy to grow by 6.8% and by 7.2% in 2013, Abad noted.
All these is also attributed to the increase in
tax collections that increased by 50% in three years from P1 trillion in 2010 to P1.5 trillion last year.
He said investors and investment analyst have
seen that this country will continue to lead the growth in the region through President Aquino’s leadership.
With it, he said, collection of taxes will increase and the local governments Internal revenue Allotment (IRA) will also increase.
The room for improvement is huge. If we continue helping each other there is so much that
this country and we as a people can do, he said.
(mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
Budget, NAPC Secretaries visit Siquijor, talk about country‘s gains
CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555
SIQUIJOR, Dec. 1 (PIA)—Lone congressional district representative ―Doc‖ Marie Anne Pernes hailed the owners and
management of Cocogrove Beach resort for its expansion saying, it‘s a big boost to the island‘s tourism industry and local
economy.
“ It is Siquijor’s contribution, no matter how small, to
the development of our country’s tourism sector towards meeting the growing demand for more
accommodation facilities,‖ says Pernes in a keynote speech during the grand opening of its newest Casa
Coco Villa and blessing and inauguration of the Coco Princess, an 80-seater yacht that will soon ply
Siquijor-Dumaguete. Pernes said there is good reason to celebrate—
and even better reason for great expectations citing that Siquijor is among the best destinations in region 7 for
foreign and domestic tourists. In 2013, she cited that out of 2,138,861
domestic tourist arrivals in the region, 17,959 went to Siquijor. Cebu had 1,439,247; Negros Oriental 401,696;
and Bohol 279,959. Among foreign tourists, 15,472 visited Siquijor out
of the 1,351,733 arrivals in Region 7, she stated. San Juan town, where Cocogrove is, of course is
the number one destination in Siquijor with 10,979 foreign and 6,113 domestic tourists in 2013 that made it
to rank 6th among the top ten municipalities in the region in terms of tourist arrivals, she also said.
But while the island has some of the best natural wonders in the country, Pernes noted that if we go by the numbers, tourist arrivals in Siquijor account
for just about one percent of the total foreign and local
tourist arrivals in the region.
―This is understandable due to the island’s limited facilities for tourists,‖ she added.
Pernes accounted the data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) that showed Siquijor
province had only 62 tourism establishments and 417 rooms in 2012—representing less than two percent of
the facilities in the entire region. ―Which is why Coco Grove’s investments in new
facilities really matter a lot in terms of being able to draw in more tourists to the province,‖ she said.
Admitting the island’s limitations, in size and on other industries like agriculture and manufacturing,
Pernes sees the need to focus on the province’s strength— tourism, which she said requires good and
efficient infrastructure. The island offers some of the best attractions and
because it is an island, it needs to develop its seaports and airport to make it accessible to the rest of the
country and the rest of the world, she said. She thanked Budget Secretary Butch Abad for
coming to Siquijor to see for himself what and how the island needs budget for expansion and
development. She added that she also lobbied with the
Department of Transportation and Communication
(DOTC), Secretary Abaya, to include in the list of
projects for development the Ports of Larena and
Siquijor. Pernes included in her request to the national
government the improvement of airport which according to her gained support from the
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in region 7.
If all these come true, she said tourists will all the more increase and investors will be attracted to bring in
more development for the province. ―Hangad po natin na mailagay sa mapa ng
turismo ang Siquijor. It is our goal that Siquijor be among the ―new, exotic destinations‖ for local and international
tourism. Coco Grove had done its share. We are looking for more investments in tourism—and assistance
from the National Government for the development of vital infrastructure, Pernes concluded.
Budget Secretary Butch Abad graced the grand opening with National Anti-Poverty Commission
(NAPC) Secretary Joel Rocamora, representative Pernes and several other provincial and local personalities,
expats, resorts owners, tourism stakeholders in Siquijor and Negros Oriental.
Cocogrove is the biggest accommodation establishment owned by Mr. & Mrs. Mike Butler and the first to be accredited by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) in Siquijor. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
Cong. Pernes hails resort expansion as big
boost to Siquijor tourism
CEBU CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH-7) said there are more male drug dependents in Central
Visayas compared to female drug dependents.
DOH-7 says there are more male than female drug dependents in CV
H ea l th program researcher of
DOH-7, Myrna Nuñez said during the Association of Government Information
Officers (AGIO-7) Forum, more men will go into
drugs out of curiosity or experiments, or in dealing with any problems or difficult circumstances, with friends who are drug users and even using it occasionally that could lead them to be drug
dependent.
In Cebu, there are only two government facilities for drug rehabilitation treatment.
For females, it is in Eversley Childs Sanitarium in Jagobiao, Mandaue City with 23 drug dependents while for males are in Argao Rehabilitation Center in
southern Cebu with 150 drug dependents.
Nuñez also said that drug dependents
commonly use shabu, marijuana and even milkshake with a combination of shabu and Nubain.
Venice Inihao, social worker of the Cebu
Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, reported that most drug dependents are aged 23 to 35 years old who have stayed at the rehab centers for seven months to complete the rehabilitation program.
Most of them are coming from regions 6 and 7.
Inihao also said, intervention programs are being implemented at the centers such as counseling,
therapeutic approach and other medication that will help and guide the patients to live a normal life again.
Nuñez emphasized that the support of the
family is very important in order for the patient to
pass through the recovery process.
Although DOH-7 officials said that most of the time, there were families that would pull out their dependents even if the seven month term is not yet
completed. If the families would realized that sending their
drug dependents to a rehabilitation center is a big help for the patients to be motivated to live a life for
a purpose and to become a better person, Nuñez
concluded. DOH-7 is also celebrating the Drug Prevention
and Control Week with its theme, ―A Message of Hope: Drug Use Disorders are Preventable and Treatable‖ on November 16-22, 2014. (mbcn/HFG/
PIA-7/AGIO-7 Forum)
VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Nov. 23 (PIA) – Thirty-four college student leaders from Negros Oriental and Occidental
converged in a weekend environmental youth camp on November 20-22, to learn about the advantages of renewable energy,
climate change adaptation and their role in using social media.
34 Negros Is. student leaders attend environmental youth camp
D ubbed as ―Binhi Youth Camp,‖ this activity
was organized by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and was held at their
sprawling camp facility in Barangay Puhagan, Valencia. Campers were engaged in various experiential
learning activities that underscored the importance of protecting the environment. Campers were also taught
on how essential it is for the said renewable energy firm to plant trees to recharge the reservoirs for its
geothermal operations. ―We train them here not only to see the beauty of
nature but also how to relate themselves to the environment. They have actual planting (activity) and
they have a philosophical way on how to plant it. They pray on the trees. At the same time, we also teach
them leadership values,‖ Dr. Ted Esguerra, EDC’s crisis team head said.
Esguerra was one of the speakers of the youth camp where he gave a lecture on preventing disasters
and accidents from happening and how to deal with them in case they happen.
The youth camp kicked-off with a lecture on the youth’s role in social media which was delivered by
Philippine Information Agency-7 regional director Minerva Newman.
In her talk, Newman emphasized that youths
should be responsible handlers of social media since it can be a tool to inform others and influence opinions.
She advised them to post only positive things and things which have purpose that can bring good information to
others. She also shared to them some applications she
uses to maximize the use of social media accounts. Aside from this, campers also had a briefing on the
advantages of renewable energy with EDC official Carlo Borromeo.
Borromeo gave a lecture on the different kinds of renewable energy including geothermal energy. He also
told them renewable energy is the good source of power to meet the increasing power demands brought
by the expansion of hotels, malls, other commercial establishments and industries since it is available, free
and has less negative environmental impact. Moreover, campers were also given a briefing on
EDC’s environmental conservation program which is ―BINHI.‖
BINHI is part of EDC’s corporate social responsibility that aims to plant indigenous forest trees
to restore denuded forestland due to EDC activity and that will later on become new forests and attract
bio-diversity of species.
―We are doing this BINHI youth camp to train these student leaders to instill environmental awareness.
Ito ang mga stakeholders natin na very energetic so malakas ang influence ng mga bata,‖ Abba Grace Sanchez
of EDC said. Sanchez is the Watershed Management Head of
EDC’s Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit Head (NIGBU). One of the highlights of the youth camp is the
planting of 34 indigenous tree species (equivalent to the number of participants) to EDC’s tree planting site in
Nasulo. Meanwhile, Engr. Dwight Maxino, Vice President
of EDC-NIGBU disclosed that the renewable energy firm opened is BINHI youth camp for college student
leaders so that they will know the company’s environmental practices in watershed management.
Some participants of the youth camp expressed their gratitude to EDC for organizing a three-day youth
camp. Another highlight of the activity was the ―Amazing
BINHI Race‖ where campers were engaged in physical games like rappelling, slide for life zipline, wall climbing
and other mental puzzles to test their leadership and camaraderie skills. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)
EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666
OXFAM to launch SURGE in Tacloban
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 27 (PIA) – OXFAM, an international non-government organization who has been helping
Haiyan-affected areas since last year, is set to launch the Scaling up Resilience in Governance in Region 8 (SURGE) Friday at
Hotel Alejandro, this city.
T he activity which is a consortium
of Christian Aid, Handicap
I n t e r n a t i o n a l a n d P l a n
International aims to increase the
resilience of more communities in the
region.
In a press statement released to
Philippine Information Agency, Rhea
Catada, Media Manager of Typhoon
Haiyan Response, OXFAM in the
Philippines said, the launching extends the
learnings on inclusive community-based
disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) to more
communities and advocates improvements
in disaster risk management policies and
practices.
Cantada further said that given the
lessons from Yolanda and from the
perspectives of the marginalized sectors
considered vulnerable due to poverty,
disability, language, location, among
others, Region VIII is deemed critical for
this project.
The lessons brought about by the
typhoon are equally important In the
light of the review of the Philippine
Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act
of 2010.
Among those who are invited
to attend are Office of Civil
Defense Region 8 Director Blanche
T. Gobenciong, Marco Savio, Deputy
Country Director for Programs, Plan
International in the Philippines and the
DRR champions and exemplars
among municipal disaster risk reduction
offices.
The launching will be preceded by a
roundtable discussion focusing on
Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Act of 2010. (ajc/cba/pia8)
Stakeholders converge for DepEd‘s Abot Alam Program
C i t y S c h o o l s D i v i s i o n
Superintendent Dr. Manuel P.
Albaṅo disclosed during the
convergence meeting that DepEd will
serve as a link with the other
implementing partner agencies and
stakeholders that include the Department
of Trade and Industry, department of
Science and Technology, Department of
Interior and Local Government, Technical
Education and Skills Development
Authority, the Philippine Information
Agency including the city government of
Maasin, among other government
and non-government organizations.
DepEd spearheads the Abot Alam
Program advocacy campaign and is
expecting to generate support from the
implementing partner agencies and other
stakeholders for the successful
implementation of the said program,
Albaṅo said.
He presented the plans for each
agency for the implementation of the said
program which include advocacy,
communication and social mobilization;
data gathering; monitoring and evaluation.
Meanwhile, Provincial Liga Federation
President Nacional V. Mercado who
represented Cong. Damian G. Mercado in
an inspiring message said that they already
started mapping out OSYs from barangays
throughout the province, saying, ―our role
is to help find OSYs in the barangays and
submit the list to DepEd.‖
―With the convergence of different
stakeholders, there’s no reason why we
cannot successfully implement the Abot
Alam program, this is one way where we
can give hope to our out-of-school youths,
offering them basic education,‖ he
stressed.
Abot Alam Program is a national
strategy to locate the out-of-school
youths who are 15-30 years old and
who have not completed basic/higher
education or who are unemployed and to
mobilize and harmonize program which
will address the OSYs’ needs and
aspirations.
The convergence meeting was also
graced by Mayor Maloney Samaco for the
city government of Maasin, Sangguniang
Member Committee Chair for Education
Atty. Teopisto Rojas, among other
different stakeholder-representatives.
A ceremonial signing of the
Memorandum of Agreement was also
conducted before the meeting end-
ed. (ajc/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Different stakeholders in Maasin City converged for the Abot Alam Program
implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Maasin City Division, November 25, 2014 at the City Division
Learning Center in Maasin City.
East Samar gymnasium up
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec. 1 (PIA) --- The long dream to have a Gymnasium for Eastern Samar was
materialized when it was inaugurated by Governor Conrado ―Aklan‖ Nicart, Jr. on November 6, 2014 during the 49th
Founding Anniversary of Eastern Samar.
I n his inaugural message, the
Governor emphasized that "this
project will not benefit him.
This will benefit the people of
Eastern Samar and will be a great help to
the Eastern Samarenos whenever there is
a big affair in the province."
The inauguration of the said
Gymnasium was witnessed by the
Provincial Officials and Employees of
Eastern Samar and some City Officials
from the City of Borongan.
According to Engr. Thomas
Campomanes, Provincial Engineer, the
size of the Gymnasium is 45 meters long
and 32 meters wide with an estimated
project cost of P35-M.
He further said that the physical
features consists of two (2) comfort
rooms, two (2) visitors lounge, two
(2) bleachers (left and right), stage, one
(1) administrative office, rubberized
flooring, one (1) parking area and three
wide opening doors entrance (left, center
and right).
The Gymnasium which will be
named Eastern Samar Multi-Purpose
Gymnasium is located at the Provincial
grounds, Barangay Alang-Alang,
Borongan City. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)
EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777
ARAW contingent completes rehab work in
Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 2 (PIA) – In support to the recovery efforts undertaken by the national government in Yolanda
-stricken areas in Leyte, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Support Group Philippines (Araw Contingent) has accomplished
more than what is expected from them.
T he latest data released by the
ROK revealed that the Araw
contingent has completed the
reconstruction or repair of 66 facilities
including 37 schools, 8 hospitals, 17
public offices, 8 Korean war veterans’
houses in Leyte and other welfare
facilities.
In addition, the Korean soldiers also
help in clearing facilities and debris caused
by the typhoon, supplied water, provided
vehicle maintenance, removed fallen
telegraph poles, provided medical
treatment to local residents and
conducted fumigation activities in different
areas.
Not only infrastructure, the Korean
soldiers likewise established a Vocational
Training Center located at the
Government Center, Brgy. Candahug,
Palo Leyte in coordination with the
Technical Education Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) where 490 residents
from various areas in Leyte including
Tacloban, City have availed the skills
training provided by the Korean
trainers recognized by the Philippine
government.
Furthermore, ROK has also offered
free Korean language lessons to190
students and entertained the youths
through a K-Pop dance competition and a
basketball tournament.
With these accomplishments, the
Provincial Government of Leyte sincerely
thanks the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint
Support Group Philippines (ROK) known
as the ARAW contingent for being
instrumental in getting back things into
normal.
In his message read by Leyte Board
Member Bob Abellanosa during the
graduation of 59 students in Heavy
Equipment Operation Course (HEO) at
ROK Vocational Training Center, Leyte
Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla
said, Leyte was truly blessed for having the
Araw contingent because the ROK not
only supported in the rehabilitation efforts
but also set up a Vocational Training
Course.
―We would like to extend our
s i n c e r e a pp re c i a t i on t o t h e
efforts made by the South Korean
government.
Through the support of the Korean
soldiers, everything became easy for the
people to recover despite the destruction
of the strong typhoon last year,‖ Petilla
said. (jrc/cba/pia8)
DPWH-4th LED strengthens maintenance activities
ORMOC CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Leyte Fourth Engineering District,
headed by District Engineer Francisco C. Gonzalez is currently concentrating on strengthening its maintenance work in its
area of coverage.
A ccording to a report from
DPWH-4th LED machine grading
along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc
Road Dayhagan Shoulder is currently
being done in order to widen the road
way and provide safety to the
residents in the area as well as the riding
public.
Patching of potholes on concrete
pavements in said area is also being
conducted.
Another regular activity also currently
being concentrated upon is the lush
vegetation control which dual is to
provide the drivers a clear sight of the
distance they are travelling and a clean
environment.
Included in the report is the
repainting of the bridge along
Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte Boundary
Road plus the instal lat ion of
w a r n i n g s i g n s a l o n g t h e
Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road Simangan
Section.
The Department of Public Works &
Highways concentrates on strengthening
its maintenance activities for the
safety of the residents of the
communities covered by Leyte Fourth
Engineering District. (ajc.maa/PIA-8)
SIPPAD convenes in Borongan
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov. 28 (PIA) --- The Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD),
a partnership of the Church, Government, and Civil Society (NGOs, Academe, Youth etc.), in the three provinces of
Samar Island will hold its 28th Assembly on December 2, 2014 at the Marian Hotel, St. Mary‘s College, this city.
S IPPAD with its main Conveners, the
Bishops of the three Diocese of
Borongan, Calbayog, and Catarman
continues its hope and untiring effort to
advocate on concerns regarding Peace and
Development.
The SIPPAD aimed to provide a
venue for different stakeholders from
different affiliations to freely express ideas
and opinions on pertinent issues of the Sa-
mar Island.
The theme for this assembly is
―Reaffirming Our Collective Call for a Gen-
uine Susta inab le , and Equ itab le
Development of the Samar Island.
According to Most Rev. Crispin B.
Varquez, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of
Borongan, invited to the said assembly
are representatives of the National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA),
Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) and Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) to talk
about the theme and share their
insights of the bigger scheme of
th ings for the development of
Samar Island in the context of the
Med ium- te rm Deve lopment P lan
recently approved by the national
government.
The Bishop is expected to come
up with ways by which he could
effectively coordinate and collaborate
for a continuing involvement in a
collective journey towards genuine,
sustainable, and equitable development
of Samar Island that can be felt
by the people especially the poor and
marginalized.
The 27th SIPPAD was hosted by the
Diocese of Catarman last September 19,
2014. (ajc/sdc/PIA8-E. Samar)
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