Vol 6 Issue 26 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 June 27 - July 3, 2016

In this Issue President Duterte issues first marching orders to Cabinet

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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PCARI scholarships to US have 200 available slots

CEBU, June 30 (PIA) – Two hundred slots are available

nationwide for eligible applicants to the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI) Scholarship Project with

the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as the government implementing agency.

The PCARI Project is a capacity-building, technology-generating collaborative initiative designed to

upgrade to global standards the research, development and innovation capabilities and competencies of the

faculty, students and staff of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The project is a new approach to enhance the skills and expertise of faculty, students, and staff of Philippine

universities through scholarships, trainings, and research partnerships with top-notch research universities in California,

USA initially with the University of California San Francisco and the University of California Berkeley in the priority areas

of Information Infrastructure Development and Health Innovation and Translational Medicine.

This year, the PCARI is set to conduct a nationwide series of roadshows in selected Philippine HEIs in order to

attract scholarship applicants from all over the country for its

200 scholarship slots. General qualifications are: Filipino citizen, not over 45

years of age, degree in relevant disciplines and research proposal aligned with PCARI priority areas.

The objective of this Project is to develop the critical mass of scientists, technologists and innovators

in Philippine HEIs capable of generating and translating technologies into innovations that will address societal

problems. Scholars under this project will have an opportunity to

interact with the elite researchers of the University of California and will be part of the top talents in the country who

are active in fundamental and applied research relevant to the country‘s socio-economic development and the long-term

competitiveness of the Philippines, according to the project website.

Chosen scholars will enjoy a number of privileges including tuition and other school fees, transportation

allowance, stipend, book allowance, travel and medical insurance, and thesis or special project grant. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

Iloilo City, June 30 (PIA6) - - President Rodrigo Roa

Duterte, the country‘s 16th President, made his policies I clear in ensuring efficiency and transparency in government

transactions and accountability of public officials. Duterte‘s first marching order to his department

secretaries and heads of agencies was to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission

to the release. ―I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies

to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all‖,

said President Duterte in his inaugural message. He likewise directed all his cabinet officials and heads of

agencies to refrain from changing and bending the rules on government contracts, transactions and projects already

approved and awaiting implementation. ―I abhor secrecy and instead advocate transparency in all

government contracts, projects and business transactions from submission of proposals to negotiation to perfection and finally,

to consummation,‖ Duterte said. He further warned his cabinet officials ―Do them and we

will work together. Do not do them, we will part sooner than later‖.

These are the policies which President Duterte specifically mentioned in his speech anchored on the quotations of two Presidents of the United States of

America. The first quotation was that of US President Franklin

Delano Roosevelt: ―The test of government is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is

whether we provide for those who have little‖.

From Abraham Lincoln: ―You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by

discouraging the rich; You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further brotherhood

by inciting class hatred among men.‖ Duterte was sworn in by Supreme Court Associate

Justice Bienvenido Reyes at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace attended by his family and more than 600 guests.

He was the second President to take his oath at the Rizal Hall after former President Ferdinand Marcos. (JCM/laf/

PIA6-Iloilo).

WESTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

BSP-Cebu Regional Director Atty. Dess Sumbi

talked about the Clean Note Policy, the

commemorative coins, and a quick advisory

against text scams during the first activity

conducted by PIA Cebu under the Duterte

Administration with a #iBLOGforBSP Bloggers

Forum at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Cebu. (PIA 7)

Pag-IBIG Fund Molo Branch Marketing

Specialist Mark Ken Carmelita reminds private

and government employers with at least ten

employees to start paying their remittances

online using the Electronic Payment and

Collection Facility platform of the agency in an

interview at Radyo ng Bayan Iloilo for the PIA

Kapihan Regionwide program anchored by

Lilibeth Aguilar French.

Fayette C. Riñen

EU First Counsellor and Head Development

Cooperation Achim Tillesen and UNDP

Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra led

on Wednesday, June 29, the turnover

ceremony of EU-funded housing units to the

local government unit of Ormoc City. (Photos

by Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8) #pia8

By Lilibeth A. French

(Screenshot courtesy of RTVM live streaming)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 28 (PIA) ---The elected

officials of the Province of Leyte took their oath of office Sunday at the Leyte Academic Center Gym, Pawing Palo

Leyte. Court of Appeals Associate Justice Edgardo Delos Santos

administered the oath of Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla while regional trial court judges took turn in inducting

into office the mayors, vice-mayors, councilors and members of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan of Leyte.

As he congratulated everyone for the victory last election, Governor Petilla, in his inaugural speech

reminded them of the public trust bestowed upon them by the people who choose them to be elected

again into office.

He likewise emphasized the importance of setting aside

politics instead be united to achieve prosperity and development in the province.

―It is in unity that we will succeed and it is in unity that we will move forward,‖ the governor said.

Petilla also promised to sustain the programs he started in his first term particularly on the aspect of economy,

agriculture, infrastracture, education, social services and other priority programs for the good of all his constituents and the

province. Petilla was flanked by his family, his wife Sharon and his

parents-former governor Leopoldo Petilla and Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla and brother former Energy Secretary

Carlos Jericho L. Petilla. (/PIA-8)

Consuelo B. Alarcon

Guv reminds fellow officials to uphold public trust

WESTERN VISAYAS 2

Drilon confident of continued development

in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PIA6) --- Outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon is confident that the new administration under

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will be supportive of the economic developments in the city and province of Iloilo.

U nder the Aquino administration,

Iloilo‘s progress has been

remarkable and has caught the

attention of the rest of the country.

Even the reputable Channel

News Asia of Singapore featured the

accomplishments of Iloilo in its program

―Money Mind‖ last month.

―I am hopeful and confident

that we will be able to transcend

different political affiliations for the greater

good of the city and province of Iloilo,‖

Drilon said.

For 2016, a total of P12.5 billion

worth of infrastructure projects have been

allocated for Western Visayas covering

614 projects that include roads and

bridges among the five provinces in the

region.

―Iloilo has the biggest share with

P3 billion worth of infrastructure

projects,‖ he said.

Drilon also said that foreign investors

and businessmen expressed interest in

establishing economic zones in Iloilo.

― I l o i l o h a s p o t en t i a l f o r

agro-economic activity with the

construction of the P11.2-billion Jalaur

River Multipurpose Project,‖ he said.

He added that there is also a need to

develop and expand the Dumangas Port to

further boost our trading in the province.

(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

SAN JOSE, Antique, June 29 (PIA6) - - The importance of seaweeds culture is one of the many highlights of the

Technology Caravan and Fisher folks Dialogue which the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Antique

Provincial Fishery Office is set to conduct in the two Barangays of Culasi, Antique.

Technology transfer on seaweeds culture for Antique fisher folks up

By Vicente W. Villavert

B FAR Antique OIC Provincial

Fishery Officer Erwin I. Ilaya

said the activity wil l be

conducted on July 4 to 5, 2016 in

Barangay Batbatan and Mararison

w i th var ious government and

non-government agencies participating in

the activity.

―The technology caravan and

fisherfolks dialogue is part of the

government‘s initiative to bring

government agencies including their

services closer to the people,‖ Ilaya said.

The activity aims to disseminate

technical information about BFAR

services, and to identify issues and

problems related to fisheries and provide

some inputs and assistance to the poor

fisherfolks in the area.

The discussion on seaweeds culture is

expected to gain interest of the fisherfolks

as it will help boost their livelihood

activity and income.

Aside from the presentation of

technology transfer of seaweeds culture,

the BFAR will also discuss the importance

of fisheries post-harvest and Commercial

Fishing Vessel licensing and registrations

including illegal, unreported and

unregulated fishing.

The BFAR Antique Provincial Fishery

Officer expects that the technology

caravan will help increase the knowledge

of the fisherfolks on the various

interventions of the government on the

fishery sector, and at the same time

increase awareness on the protection and

conservation of fisheries and aquatic

resources. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)

7 Aklan farmers' groups to get mechanized equipment

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, June 29 (PIA6) -- Seven (7) farm associations from various towns in Aklan are set to acquire facility

equipment from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit 6 for the implementation of the Rice Mechanization

Program.

T he acquisition of farm equipment

– 1 unit Mini 4WD tractor, 3

units hand tractor and 3 units

floating tillers was made possible through

a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

entered into by DA RFU 6 and Aklan

governor Florencio T. Miraflores,

and with with farmers associations.

The authority for the province to

enter into a MOA was provided by the

Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP)

through a resolution upon the request of

the Provincial Governor.

The total bidded amount of the farm

equipment reached P1,365,100.00 while

the total Provincial Local Government

Unit Counterpart (PLGU) of 15% each per

equipment reached P204,765.00.

The 1 unit Mini 4WD tractor will be

received by the Agbago Farmers

Organizations of Ibajay, Aklan while the

Muguing Farmers Association of Banga,

Naile Small Farmers Association of Ibajay

and Dongon West Farmers Association

of Numancia will each get 1 unit hand

tractor.

On the other hand, the PUJAMA

Irr igators Associat ion of New

Washington, the Laguinbanwa West

Farmers Association of Numancia and

the Sibalew Farmers Association will each

get 1 unit floating tiller.

It was also stipulated in the SP

resolution that the Office of the

Provincial Agriculture (OPA) should

implement serious monitoring of the

utilization, maintenance and impact of the

use of the farm implements. (JCM/VGV

PIA6 Aklan)

WESTERN VISAYAS 3

BACOLOD CITY, June 30 (PIA6) – The color of a person’s urine is one of the indicators in knowing the health of one’s kidneys,

according to the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI).

N ational Program Manager

D r . S u s a n J o r g e o f

NKTI‘s Renal Disease Control

Program (Redcop), said that a person's

urine has a variety of colors which can

help determine if one already needs to

consult a doctor.

―May ara sang variation, nga daw kita

mo ang tsaa nga brownish red. May

deperensya na imo kidney,‖ (There is a

variation in color where you can see that

your urine is brownish-red. It means you

have kidney problems), Jorge said in

dialect during a radio interview here with

DYRL‘s Edgar Lucasan.

Likewise, excessive bubble formation

produced after urinating is also a sign of

unhealthy kidneys, Jorge said.

―Ina pa guid bala kung damu bubbles

sang imo ihi, magpatan-aw ka na sang imo

ihi para mas temprano, mas dali siya

bulongon,‖(When there is excessive

bubbles in your urine, you should have

it checked so that can be addressed

early) she said.

Meanwhile, urine that is pale-yellow in

color indicates that your kidneys are

properly taken care of and are healthy,

she added.

However, Jorge said that

yellowish-colored urine means the lack of

water intake.

Jorge said people must have their

kidneys checked once a year through

urinalysis.

June is observed as the National

Kidney Month, and NKTI-Redcop,

together with the Philippine Information

Agency – Negros Occidental, conducted a

three-day renal disease prevention

campaign here.

Free urinalysis, blood sugar test, and

blood pressure checking were held at the

Negros Occidental Multi-purpose Activity

Center and at Corazon Locsin

Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital

as part of the campaign. (JCM/CBA/

PIA6-Negros Occidental)

Urine color indicates health of kidneys

By Carlson B. Alelis

ILOILO CITY, June 30 (PIA6) — Bucari, dubbed the ―little Baguio‖ located in the town of Leon, Iloilo, has been identified one

of the sites for the establishment of an arboretum, or a garden for biodiversity, with an area of 2.8 hectares.

T he Department of Environment

and Natural Resources here

said that the establishment of

arboretum sites is aimed at combating

biodiversity loss.

―It is also a strategy for

climate change adaptation and mitigation,‖

DENR Regional Director Ji, Sampulna

said.

He added that an arboretum in each

province will help hasten the restoration

of original forest vegetation.

―At least 50 species of native trees

and people‘s aaawareness about the

importance of biodiversity conservation,‖

Sampulna said.

Aside from planting indigenous tree

species in each arboretum area, there will

also be Bambusetum or different species

of bamboo, Palmetum or different

varieties of palm, Herbarium or collection

of different varieties of herbs and

Orchidarium or variety of orchids. An

infrastructure component is also part of

the project to complement the tourism

potentials of the local government units.

This includes the improvement or

establishment of road network, provision

of solar panels to ensure a sustained

source of renewable power supply, and a

gazebo.

Meanwhile in the province of

Gumaras, the proposed arboretum site is

within the National Greening Program site

in Barangay Tanglad, Sibunag with an area

of 27.0 hectares. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

Bucari eyed as 'garden for biodiversity'

By Elsa S. Subong

Capiz’ 4Ps get P448M in 2015

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 30 (PIA6) – An accumulated amount of P448,027,500.00 was disbursed to the province of Capiz in

2015 for the implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

B ased on the records of the

Department of Social Welfare and

Development (DSWD), the

amount was allocated on a quarterly basis

for the beneficiaries in Roxas City and 16

towns.

The province is 100 percent covered

by the program.

Capiz has 38,325 active beneficiaries

a s o f Mar ch 18 t h i s ye a r

according to DSWD – Pantawid Capiz

Provincial Operations Office Grievance

Officer Joanne M. Gequilasao – Dediles

during a recent media interaction

After eight years of implementation,

since its inception in 2008, the CCT has

expanded to cover 41,519 barangays in

144 cities and 1,483 municipalities in 80

provinces nationwide.

One great accomplishment of the

CCT program is that it helped

families send children to school.

In 2015, 863,046 elementary and

333,673 high school students were 4Ps

beneficiaries, according to a review of

accomplishments on Human Development

and Poverty Reduction of Pres. Benigno S.

Aquino III‘s administration.

The pro-poor initiative also intends

to improve preventive health care

assistance among pregnant women and

children, reduce incidence of child labor,

raise the average consumption rate in

food expenditure of poor households and

encourage parents to invest in their

children‘s human capital through

investments in health and nutrition,

education and participation in community

activities. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

By Alex Lumaque

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CENTRAL VISAYAS 4

VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, June 29 (PIA) – Environmental groups in Negros Oriental handed over a copy of more than

3,000 petition signatures to Mayor Edgar Teves to stop Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) 60 megawatt geothermal

expansion project at Cuernos de Negros or Mt. Talinis.

Environmental groups submit petition vs

geothermal expansion

A ccording to 350 Pilipinas coordinator

Zephan ie Repol lo , the mayor

showed support to the groups and

committed to ensure transparency of the

project.

With this, the Office of the Mayor will

likewise arrange a dialogue among the

complainants, officials from the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

and EDC.

This dialogue aims to bring answers to

questions raised by the different environmental

groups regarding EDC‘s alleged non-disclosure

of its development plans, said Repollo.

EDC is waiting for an Environmental

Compliance Certificate (ECC) for its proposed

development block which covers additional

60MW.

However, in a recent media briefing,

Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit

(NIGBU) Senior Manager Engr. Vicente

Omandam of EDC explained that this latest

expansion will utilize approximately 30

hectares within the ―development block‖ of

the EDC's Southern Negros Geothermal Field

in Valencia and not at Mt. Talinis as claimed by

the environmental groups.

Omandam said the expansion will be

distributed in at least six sites within EDC's

existing geothermal fields and power plants.

The groups have clamored for full

transparency of EDC‘s proposed development

block and demanded that there will be no

more expansion at Cuernos de Negros.

Forest Management Bureau Director

Ricardo Calderon of DENR recently

clarified that EDC has not yet applied

for a tenure for a particular area which needs

clearance from a local government and

endorsement from concerned agencies

before a project will push through. (rmn/jct/

PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Jennifer C. Tilos

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 29 (NIA) --Two Bohol irrigation associations again brought glory for Bohol in the recently

concluded search for the Most Outstanding Irrigators’ Associations which National Irrigation Administration (NIA) conducts

annually through its Institutional Development Division.

2 Bohol irrigation associations among country’s best

T he San D Mil Irrigators‘ Association

(IA) in Dagohoy town and the

Kawasan-Cayacay IA in Alicia claimed

their spots in the national limelight during the

celebration of the 53rd Anniversary of the NIA

on June 22, 2016 at the National Irrigation

Administration Central Office, Diliman,

Quezon City.

Nominated for the National Irrigation

System (NIS) Category, San D Mil IA garnered

a rating of 99.50% bagging 4th place.

On top of the Plaque of Recognition, San

D Mil IA through its President Tereso Cruda

also received a check amounting Php 30,000

from NIA.

Rounding the top three in the NIS

Category are Ligaya IA of MARIIS with a rating

of 99.97 percent, LOWTIPTAM IA from

Region 9 with 99.98 percent, and San Isidro IA

of Region 11 with a 100.00 percent rating.

The search for Most Outstanding IAs is an

annual NIA undertaking to give recognition to

the IAs in NIS, CIS and CARP categories which

show an excellent performance in operation

and maintenance of irrigation facilities, financial

performance and viability index and the

initiative to uplift the status of their respective

associations through various programs.

Meanwhile, a total of P221 million has

been allotted by the government for Bohol

under the Department of Social Welfare and

Development's (DSWD) livelihood support for

the underprivileged. Of the total, P4.8-M is

available for each town here.

The program, called Sustainable Livelihood

Program (SLP), is a micro-enterprise

development and employment facilitation that

aims to provide sufficient and sustainable

source of income for the poor for them to get

opportunities and feel the inclusive growth and

recover from poverty. (rmn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol/

Tony Alonzo/NIA)

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 29 (PIA) – Health experts in Negros Oriental are reminding the public to be careful in taking herbal

supplements because this may bring negative effects to the kidneys.

Be careful when taking herbal supplements, doctors warn

S peaking in Kapihan sa PIA forum on

renal health care today, Dr. Kenneth

Coo, a nephrologist of Holy Child

Hospital, noted that the primary function of

the kidney is to filter wastes from the blood.

When a person drinks herbal capsules, its

particles enter the blood and the kidneys will

have to filter that.

The risk comes in if the kidneys are

already weak and it gets overworked because

it have to filter waste residues coming from

the herbal supplement that got mixed with the

blood.

―Your kidneys deteriorate easily if it gets

overworked,‖ Dr. Coo said.

He advises the public to regulate their

intake of herbal supplements and not to get

enticed by commercials that feature people

claiming that these products have cured them

from their ailments.

―The term ‗Maayo ko‘ is cure. The way

we say it in Bisaya is ‗Naayo ko.‘ That‘s cure,

that‘s medicine. It‘s not supplement.

Supplement and medicine are two different

things,‖ he added.

However, he clarified that nephrologists

are not totally against the idea of taking herbal

supplements, saying that they have a neutral

stand on the issue.

―On our part as kidney specialists, we do

not tell you herbal medicines are bad for the

kidneys but we cannot tell you that herbal

medicines are good for your kidneys,‖ he

pointed out.

Dr. Coo advises that herbal capsules can

still be taken if creatinine level is normal but if

it shoots up then it is the time to go to the

doctor and have a check-up.

On the other hand, he also cautioned

kidney patients in taking pain relievers because

some pain relievers, like all non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs, are not good for

people with kidney problems.

Meanwhile, Integrated Provincial Health

Office (IPHO) Renal Disease Control Program

(REDCOP) Focal Person Judith Vailoces also

underscored that part of keeping kidneys

healthy is avoiding the intake of herbal

supplements and other medicines that can

harm the kidneys.

Vailoces disclosed that some of these can

leave a negative side effect to the human

kidney.

She noted people should be more careful

since some food products like coffee are mixed

with some herbal components. (rmn/ral/

PIA7-Negros Oriental)

Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan

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CENTRAL VISAYAS 5

CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is opening a new test center in Bogo City for the Career

Service Examination Paper and Pen Test (CSE-PPT) professional and sub-professional levels on October 23, 2016.

T his is in addition to the test centers

in Cebu City, Dumaguete City, and

Tagbilaran City, said CSC-7 Chief of

the Examination Services Division Dixie

Gonzales.

According to Gonzales, applicants

who are interested to take the CSE-PPT

exam and are residing near the

northern part of Cebu may now have an

easier access when taking the exam in Bogo

City.

Application filing for the exam will also be

accessible and convenient since CSC personnel

will conduct an offsite processing in Bogo, she

added.

The schedule for the offsite processing

of CSE-PPT exam application forms will only

be during office hours or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

at the following dates and places: August 12 in

Borbon, Cebu; August 18 in Medellin

and Daanbantayan, Cebu; August 19

in Bantayan, Cebu; and August 30, 31

and September 1 in Bogo City.

Application for the CSE-PPT examination

is ongoing at the CSC regional and field offices

until September 1, 2016.

However, acceptance of applications may

be closed earlier than the deadline date of

September 1, 2016 as soon as available testing

rooms will be filled-up by examinee-applicants,

the civil service official said.

The application forms are available at said

o f f i ce s or may be down loaded

at www.csc.gov.ph.

For more information and details,

please call CSC Regional Office-7 at Sudlon,

Lahug, Cebu City at telephone numbers

2539050, 4147676, 4147488. (rmn/jsme/

PIA7-Cebu)

CSC opens new test center in Bogo City

Juju M. Empuerto

CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) – The Listahanan database show that over 60,000 households in Central Visayas are no longer

identified as poor.

Over 60T CV households no longer poor – DSWD

T his was revealed in the recent

launching of the 2015 Listahanan

Database of Poor in Central

Visayas attended by off icia ls and

representatives of different local government

units and national government agencies here.

Dr. Dennis Mapa, dean of the University

of the Philippines School of Statistics, said

there are now more than 61,000 households

who were included in the first survey in 2009

but are no longer included in the list of

identified poor in 2015.

Mapa, who has been the consultant at the

start of Listahanan, said there were over

800,000 households who were surveyed in

2009 and 314,000 plus were identified as poor

in 2009. This figure still includes the province

of Negros Oriental.

In the recent Listahanan, however, Mapa

noted an increase in the number of identified

poor at 385,534 out of 843,275, which now

excludes figures from Negros Oriental.

He explained there are four reasons

behind the increase of households based on

the Family Assessment Form (FAS).

This can be due to the expanded coverage

of assessed households, increase in the

population since 2009, shocks experienced by

the households, and the use of a survey

instrument which is more biased to the poor.

―The shocks experienced include the

calamities experienced by the households

including earthquake and typhoon Yolanda,‖

Mapa said.

The instrument used is Proxy Means Tests

(PMT) which has only a 6.9 error

rate compared with the 20 percent error in

2009.

Grace Subong, Listahanan deputy regional

manager, said there were eight characteristics

asked in indicating a poor household in the

four-page FAS.

Rosa Hubahib, representing National

Economic and Development Administration

(NEDA) Reg iona l D irector E fren

Carreon, said the Listahanan is accurate and

essential in the coming up of evidence based

decision.

The PMT methodology, she said, is more

convincing and has lesser occurrence of

errors.

―This will be a strong basis for

stakeholders in the crafting of plans directly to

target beneficiaries,‖ Hubahib said.

Listahanan used to be called as the

National Housing Targeting System for Poverty

Reduction.

It is a database to be used for targeting of

beneficiaries of social programs. (rmn/fcc/

PIA7-Cebu)

Ferliza C. Contratsta

CEBU CITY, 24 June (PIA) -- With newly-elected public officials set to assume office on June 30, the Central Visayas Regional

Development Council (RDC) is preparing to reorganize its membership.

M ajor parts of the reorganization

is the assumption of these newly

-elected Local Chief Executives as

RDC members, and the selection of

RDC- Private Sector Representatives (PSRs)

for the new term.

RDC full council approved the PSR

Selection Guidelines for the July 2016 to June

2019 term during its meeting on June 15 in

Tagbilaran City.

The guidelines includes, among others, the

qualifications of PSRs, the priority sectors to

be represented, nomination procedures and

selection process, and schedule of activities

leading to the confirmation of newly selected

PSRs, their oath-taking and assumption of

duties.

The schedule of the reorganization

process is as follows:

a) June 2016 - Qualification of

Nominating Private Sector Organizations

(PSOs)

b) July 2016 - Nomination by these PSOs

of their Nominees for PSRs

c) August 2016- Selection of RDC-Private

Sector Representatives in each Province thru a

PSR Convention

d) September 2016 RDC Full Council

Meeting – Confirmation of RDC-PSRs by

ex-officio members from LGUs and regional

line agencies; and, nomination to the President,

the names of prospective candidates for RDC

chairperson and co-chairperson from among

ex-officio LGU and PSR members.

The PSR Selection Guidelines for the July

2016-June 2019 term can be downloaded

from www.rdc7.net.ph. National Economic

Development Authority (NEDA-7), as RDC

Secretariat, will be conducting an orientation

on the Guidelines for the Qualified Nominating

PSOs of Bohol and Cebu on June 28, 1:30

to 3:30 pm at NEDA7 office in Cebu City.

The orientation for the Qualified

Nominating PSOs of Siquijor is scheduled on

the first week of July. (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/NEDA-7)

RDC prepares for members' reorg in CV

Hazel F. Gloria

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EASTERN VISAYAS 6

UP Heritage Center explains meaning

of fiestas

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, June 28 (PIA) - The UP Leyte Samar Heritage Center conducted a forum on cultural and heritage

last June24, 2016 at the UP Tacloban Library hall.

P rofessor Joyce Dorado Alegre,

Director of Leyte Samar Heritage

Center imparted her knowledge on

the significance of celebrating fiestas by

identifying the history, culture and pride of

the Filipino heritage, the Taclobanons in

particular.

The forum primarily enlightened the

participants on the meaning of the Sto. Nino

Fiesta Celebration, as spiritual tradition of the

people, rituals and feast activities such as

parade, cultural entertainment shows and

festivals.

Alegre said that aside from the foods,

entertainment, the Fiesta is an event that is

celebrated for a significant historical, social,

cultural and religious occasion, like what the

people of Tacloban and parts of Leyte are

celebrating , the feast of Sto. Nino.

Likewise, Rev. Father Gilber Urbina

and Rev. Father Alvin Nicolasora,

comprehensively talked on the history, ―the

phenomenal religious devotion to the Sto Nino

de Leyte: the mystery, miracle and practice of

Faith‖.

He also said that, the ―reflection of Faith

through the iconic beauty of the Sto Nino

image‖, is most observed by the His followers.

The forum was attended by seminarians,

church deacons, students of four different High

Schools in Tacloban City, media TV/Radio

outlets, DOT representative and priests as

speakers of forum.

The City of Tacloban will be celebrating

the Feast of the icon Sto. Nino de Leyte come

June 30, 2016.(Del Servande)

Re-elected Guv to continue high impact projects

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 28 (PIA) — Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan as she earned a fresh mandate, vowed to

continue her projects on health, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

G aining her final term, Tan also

mentioned drawing investors to the

capital city of Samar, Catbalogan.

She takes pride in the rehab works

her administration did for Samar Provincial

Hospital and Calbayog District Hospital.

The young governor who was sworn-in

with mother Representative Milagrosa Tan

added that she is happy that incoming

Secretary of Agriculture Emmanuel Pinol has

given priority to the country‘s 10 poorest

provinces, Samar included.

Tan said that the department will help

Samar in irrigation projects to boost rice

production.

Agriculture RD Leo Caneda was among

the guests in the oath-taking ceremonies.

As to the Bottom up Budgetting (BUB)

projects, Tan said that the provincial

government will work with the municipal local

governments for the BUB projects to push

through. BUB projects in some municipalities

were not implemented as they did not have

the seal of good housekeeping.

She praised the Department of Tourism

(DOT) for realizing her tourism plans for

Samar.

The governor said that the road network

she is pursuing for Samar will help in the issue

of insurgency and peace and order.

She acknowledged the support of the

security forces, the army and the police in

making Samar more peaceful these days.

She vowed to continue her other projects

which she said has helped many young

Samarnons like her scholarship program.

Tan has gained a final term as governor

amidst challenges in her leadership. (nbq/

PIA8-Samar)

Ninfa B Quirante

ESamar holds successful NSED drill

T he students and teachers of LNHS

had done the ―duck, cover, and hold‖

technique and after a few seconds,

the command center of school had called up

the government agencies and rescue units

involved in order to ask for help.

Next scenario had been the quick exit of

the students to flee towards the assigned

evacuation site — a mountain in Brgy. Cabong

— in order for them to escape an expected

tsunami as responders had started to arrive.

The Eastern Samar Provincial Research

and Rescue Team (ESPRRT) and Borongan

City Research and Rescue Team (BCRRT)

— bringing in ambulance and fire truck — had

cooperated with the Borongan City Health

Unit (BCHU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),

and Philippine National Police (PNP) in order

to respond to wounded victims as well as to

conduct a medical service and rescue. According to LNHS Principal Mr. Jessie

Abunda, responding to the aftermath of the

earthquake had been quick due to the

participation of the different government

agencies and the students. He had said that

they had taken the activity seriously since its

primary purpose is in order for the students

and the teachers to be prepared in case a

strong earthquake strikes the province.

He had further said that it is written in

their school implementation plan in case an

earthquake strikes the Borongan City.

"LNHS is not far from the sea as the

province is facing the Pacific Ocean as well.

Hence, an activity such as this should be taken

seriously due to the possibility of a tsunami.

Five to seven minutes after a strong

earthquake, a tsunami is likely to occur

afterwards. That‘s why a quick flee towards an

elevated area is important", he added.

Abunda further said that, he can assess

that the earthquake drill had been a success

due to the cooperation of different agencies. Same is true with the assessment of

Department of Interior and Local Government

-Eastern Samar Disaster Preparedness Focal

Person Mrs. Jemma May Lobrio. According to

her, the partnership of various agencies had

been strong that‘s why the results of this year‘s

earthquake drill had been positive compared to

the 1st Nationwide Earthquake Drill.

According to Eastern Samar Assistant

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction

Management Officer (APDRRMO), Mr. Levi

Nicart, a series of earthquake drills is still to be

expected in Eastern Samar and he had assured

that the weaknesses and suggestions pointed

out in in the drill will be taken with a proper

action — especially the construction on an

evacuation site in Brgy. Cabong.

In line with this, Borongan City DRRM

Officer Engr. Jaime Voces had disclosed that

Borongan City Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda had a

positive feedback on the activity.

Meanwhile, the members of the Technical

Working Group rated the earthquake drill with a 9 in a scale of 1-10. Various towns of the

province had conducted the earthquake drill as

well. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 29 (PIA) ---- At exactly 09:00 A.M. of June 22, 2016, the sound of a fire truck’s siren

had been heard at Lalawigan National High School (LNHS) as the pilot area of Eastern Samar— signaling the start of the 2nd

National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.

Samuel D. Candido

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EASTERN VISAYAS 7

ESamar newly-elected provincial officials take oath

BORONGAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) --- The newly-elected officials of the Province of Eastern Samar took their oath of office,

June 30 at the Provincial Capitol Lobby, this city.

T he oath-taking ceremony started

with a mass at 8:00 A.M., presided by

Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez

— Bishop of the Diocese of Borongan — as

the main celebrant.

Borongan City Regional Trial Court

Branch 2 (RTC Branch 2) Hon. Judge

Nathaniel E. Baldono administered the oath of

office of the newly-elected officials of Eastern

Samar.

The newly-elected provincial officials are

the following: Hon. Governor Conrado

―Aklan‖ B. Nicart, Jr.; Hon. Vice-Governor

Marcelo Ferdinand A. Picardal; 1st District

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon.

Celestino A. Cabato, Hon. Joji N. Montallana,

Hon. Byron M. Suyot, Hon. Karen D. Alvarez,

and Hon. Annabelle A. Capito; and 2nd District

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon. Jonas

B. Abuda, Hon. Gorgonio B. Cabacaba, Hon.

Nestorio O. Cablao, Hon. Maricar Sison

Goteesan, and Hon. Jaime S. Ty.

After their oath of office, the

newly-elected Governor and Vice-Governor

delivered their inaugural messages while the

newly-elected SP Members delivered their

words of thanks to the people of Eastern

Samar for the trust and confidence given to

them.

A thanksg iv ing party at the

Eastern Samar Prov inc ia l Cap ito l

Gymnasium in the evening followed. (SDC

- PIA/E. Samar)

Samuel D. Candido

SoLeyte celebrates 56th Anniversary

with Agri-fair, garden show

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 29 (PIA) – As the province of Southern Leyte will celebrate its 56th Founding

Anniversary come July 1st, an Agri Fair and Garden Show will highlight the week-long celebration that kicked-off Monday,

June 27.

T he agricultural fair which showcased

different veggies, fruits produced

throughout the province, including

flowers and plants of different kinds,

hand-made products, locally produced

"kakanins', among other food products, opened

Monday with Governor-elect Damian G.

Mercado and V ice -Governor -e lec t

Chrisopherson Yap as the guests who

conducted the ribbon-cutting.

In his message, Mercado vowed to

continue the priority programs started by his

brother, Congressman-elect Roger G.

Mercado, such as education, health and

agriculture, and infrastructure development

programs to follow.

He said that ―since Southern Leyte is an

agricultural rich province, I am urging the

farmers to come and visit me in my office to

lay your plans for the development of our

agriculture. Let us unite for the good of the

province and for you (farmers) to live with

your abundant supply.‖

Mercado mentioned cacao and coffee as a

good harvest since it will grow faster for only

three years, not to include coconut as the main

product supply of the province. ―Definitely,

Southern Leyte will become a supplier of cacao

and coffee.‖

He told that top suppliers of cacao in

Africa cannot anymore supply the demands

worldwide because of some problems, he said.

This year‘s theme is dubbed as, ―Ipadayon

ang Panaghiusa alang sa Kalambuan sa

Probinsya.‖

Meanwhile, Yap, a neophyte at the

provincial level informed the farmers that he is

willing to support all the endeavors of the

provincial leaders and asked the farmers to

approach him anytime because ―we can do a

lot of things since I am also into farming,‖ he

added.

The agri fair spearheaded by the Office of

Provincial Agriculture is supported by at least

17 municipalities and 1 city of the province,

among other non-government organizations

and national line agencies who also displayed

their own products. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Rebecca Cadavos

GSIS-Maasin holds dialogue with members

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 29 (PIA) – Around 40 Public Sector Union members participated the consultative

meeting conducted by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)– Maasin Branch, June 28, 2016.

T h e d i a l o g u e w a s a i m e d

to get feedbacks, among other issues

and concerns from its members to

develop policies that are just exact for the

needs of its members, GSIS Board of Trustee

Prof. Mario J. Aguja said, telling the participants

that, ―starting May up to June, GSIS is

conducting dialogues to get issues and

concerns then consolidate them and report it

to the board of trustees for action.‖

He informed that the reason for paying or

contributing to GSIS is to invest our money so

that when your contingency comes such as

retirement from government service, GSIS will

be there to help, to provide the members‘

needed benefits.

Aguja added saying, that ―GSIS will take

care of you for the rest of your life because

even if you expire, your spouse/beneficiary will

continue to receive monthly pension.‖

It was learned that a total of 9% will be

deducted from the member as personal share,

and 12% from the governments‘ share. 2% of

it for the life insurance and 7% for retirement

premium and another 2% for life insurance and

10% for retirement premium, respectively.

Agu ja further h igh l ighted the

accomplishments within 6 years of the Aquino

administration where the reduction in

volumes of unreconciled or unposted payments

decreased from P30-Billion to P2.5-Billion from

2010-2015, respectively. He reported that the

posting efficiency was improved, from 83.5% in

2010 compared to 96% for the year 2015.

Among other topics expounded included

the members‘ claims and benefits, life insurance

benefits, financial performance, GSIs total

assets from property and investments,

collections efficiency, death benefits, employees

compensation, among the few.

Under the new GSIS, members are the

focus without compromising GSIS abilities,

Aguja informed. ―GSIS has total assets of

P989.028-B for the 1st quarter of 2016 and at

the end of March 2016 GSIS reached P1.03-T

in total assets,‘ he added.

GSIS-Maasin Branch include the whole

province of Southern Leyte and some Leyte

municipalities including Matalom, Bato,

Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan and the city of

Baybay. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Rebecca Cadavos

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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

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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

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