Vol 2 Issue 24 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 June 11 - 17, 2012

WESTERN VISAYAS  

By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, June 11(PIA) -- The Department

of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is implementing this year the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program.

DAR-7 Regional Director Rodolfo Inson explained that this program aims to improve farm productivity, improve the net income of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and sustain their livelihood by improving the organizational capacities of participating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in agri-enterprise development.

ARCCESS is an inter-sectoral partnership led by the government and participated in by state universities and colleges, civil society organizations, and private institutions. DAR-7 has 10 ARCESS projects identified for the program in 2011, and it

shall be implemented this year. There are three projects for Bohol, four in

Negros Oriental, two for Cebu and one project for Siquijor. The projects identified are rice, palm oil, coffee, sugarcane and coco-sugar that will benefit 17 ARBO’s, 7,185 ARBs and 2,522 non-ARBs.

DAR-7 Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) Chief Alex Relova said for 2012, 11 projects were identified which will benefit 42 ARBOs, 4,106 ARBs and 3,363 non-ARBs.

For 2013, 11 projects are identified that will benefit 22 ARBOs, 2,142 ARBs and 1,101 non-ARBs.

Inson expressed appreciation to the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officers for their submission of the project proposals, which were reviewed by the DAR regional office and are now at the national level for approval and funding. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7/ & DARPO-7)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occ., June 14 (PIA) -

- The governor of Negros Occidental praised the bravery of the nation’s heroes that led to the independence of the country from the clutches of foreign dominance as well as lauded today’s unsung heroes including civil servants and overseas foreign workers (OFWs).

In his speech during 114th Independence Day anniversary at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon here, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said many workers today especially OFWs, found in 228, are working in isolated and difficult areas, braving loneliness abroad in order to send money to their families and whose remittances help the Philippine economy grow.

“Today, we have also hundreds, thousands of unsung heroes who are working silently in the far

flung places of our country like teachers sacrificing hardships in the far flung barangays and isolated islets of our country,” he said.

He believes that if graft and corruption is minimized, the country will not suffer economically and the gap between the rich and poor is narrowed.

The governor said he is proud that it was Negros Occidental that declared the first republic in the country more than 100 years ago, the Republic of Negros. The Americans, however, convinced Negrense leaders to join the whole country.

He thanked the military, police, civil servants and provincial employees for their cooperation and for sincerely serving the provincial government, which is striving to secure the welfare of the people. (JCM/LOL-PIA6 NegOcc.)

PALO, LEYTE, June 12 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo launched in Palo, Leyte, the “Seal of Disaster Preparedness” which aims to recognize the performance and efforts of local governments in institutionalizing disaster preparedness.

Speaking before local government executives, heads of government offices, non-government organizations and leaders of civil society during the Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Management summit on June 11at the DPWH Multi-Purpose Hall in Palo, Leyte, Robredo said there are three

prerequisites for a local government unit to qualify for a seal of disaster preparedness.

First, according to Secretary Robredo, is the institutionalization of the organization; the organization of the disaster risk reduction and management council and the setting up of the disaster risk reduction and management office; Guide to Action (risk assessment and mapping, and institutionalized planning and budgeting); Disaster Preparedness contingency planning, early warning and evacuation alert system, preemptive evacuation, stockpiling and equipping, technical competency and community awareness.

Second is the operationalization of the disaster management plan, early warning and evacuation systems, and acquisition of equipment needed for disaster management and the presence of capable rescue groups.

The third requirement is the mainstreaming of disaster preparedness and management in local government plans.

Robredo has issued Memorandum Circulars 79 and 73 to guide local governments in the assessment of capabilities and in the use of the calamity fund. (PIA 8)

Robredo launches ‘Seal of Disaster Preparedness’ in Eastern Visayas

Negros guv praises past, present heroes

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

More on Region 7, pages 4-5. Also CLICK Here…

More on Region 6, pages 2-3. Also CLICK Here…

DAR-7 implements ARCCESS program EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

Jobseekers flock at the Ormoc Superdome, Ormoc City, June 12 for the Kalayaan Jobs and Livelihood Fair in connection with the 114th Philippine Independence Day celebration. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

A Holy mass officiated by Monsignor Robert Alesna of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral starts the celebration of the 114th Philippine Independence Day in Cebu City led by Mayor Michael Rama and other city officials and employees at Plaza Sugbo, Cebu City Hall Grounds.(FCR/AS/PIA-7, CEBU)

Interior and Local Government secretary Jesse Robredo (center) answers questions from the media during a press conference held at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Campitic, Palo, Leyte, June 11. The secretary was in the region for the Tapatan Roadshow on Disaster Preparedness. Also in photo are PNP 8 regional director Arnold Revilla and DILG 8 regional director Pedro Noval. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Janiuay Mayor Frankie Locsin inducts the new set of officers of the Association of Government Information Officers in Iloilo headed by its President DA 6 Information Division Chief Juvy Gaton in Damires Hills, Janiuay, June 8. Other officers are DENR 6’s David Israel Sinay-VP for NGAs, Pavia’s Susan Jovero – VP for LGUs, DSWD 6’s May Castillo- Secretary, Janiuay’s Cesar Recabar – Asst. Secretary, PhilHealth 6’s Larry Tabsing – Treasurer, Leganes’ Jerry Anas – Auditor. (LAF/PIA6)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222 UPV chancellor stresses healthy co-existence between man and environment By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, June 13 (PIA 6) -- Chancellor Rommel A. Espinosa of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) underscored during the 114th Philippine Independence Day the need for a healthy co-existence between humans and the environment.

“ True independence starts with respect,” said Chancellor Espinosa who was guest speaker of the Iloilo City government

during the observance of independence day as he emphasized that “self respect emanates from the true value of being what is right”.

“Right in knowing that you do not take advantage of the other person, but instead offer something that will uplift him from his economic or social misery,” Espinosa said noting that respect should also be afforded to “the beliefs of people and their individual freedom to choose what to believe in, that is for as long as such belief does not harm you or any other person”.

The UPV Chancellor said that respect for the environment should also be given emphasis “by taking care of the resource by not wasting

it, by planting trees and by lessening our garbage.

Espinosa said that a healthy co-existence between humans and the environment becomes imperative in the light of developments in the last 114 years in terms of a growing population and a magnitude of anthropogenic activities that somehow strained the capacity of our natural resources.

He said that as we go forward to claim a fully independent nation “let us carry with us the aspirations of our heroes, and wherever the diaspora takes us, our commitment and loyalty to country must come first”.

Espinosa noted in his speech that corruption also prevailed in our society, in politics and in the economy under different leaders that were at the helm of the country,

yet the indomitable Filipino spirit remain. The Filipinos stood their ground, remained steadfast and still continued to wave the flag proudly.

“A hundred years after 1898, even less than that we were teaching the world how to change peacefully through the l986 People’s Power Revolution,” Espinosa said. The 114th Philippine Independence anniversary theme is “ Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan Para sa Tuwid Na Daan”.

“Our heroes’ quest for freedom will always be remembered and we will continue to honor them by rededicating ourselves to good government and service to our country and our people,” Espinosa concluded. (JCM/VWV/PIA 6/Iloilo)

SAN JOSE, Antique, June 11 (PIA6) -- The local government units (LGUs), schools, and communities are urged to brace for disasters and calamities with the onset of rainy season.

“ With the onset of rainy season, we need to be prepared for possible flash floods, landslides, and related disasters especially

in high risk and vulnerable areas,” said Broderick Train, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction (PDRR) Management Officer.

Disaster preparedness trainings like rescue, earthquake, and fire drills is a year round campaign but schools need to prioritize the preparedness of their facilities plus the fact that schools also serve as evacuation centers according to Train.

With the opening of classes, children spend most of their time in schools, thus

campaign for disaster preparedness should also begin in Day 1, the source said.

“We bank on the schools to teach children some basic guidelines on disaster preparedness at the same time encouraged parents to reinforce some insights at home,” he added.

Train likewise disclosed that a number of communities in Antique are high risk areas and vulnerable to disaster and calamities. These barangays are located in the towns of San Remigio, Hamtic, Sibalom, Culasi, Barbaza, Valderrama, and Pandan.

PDRRMC enjoined all local officials, (barangays, municipalities, and provinces) to activate their risk reduction councils and implement disaster risk reduction and mitigating measures as provided for in Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.

The province of Antique has about P36-million calamity fund, 70 percent of which could be used for disaster risk reduction and mitigation programs while the remaining 30 percent will be used for rescue and relief operations. (JCM/PSM-PIA 6, Antique)

Disaster council urges local gov’t, schools to be prepared for calamities

ILOILO CITY, June 14 (PIA6) -- The Social Security System has opened its six-month Loan Penalty Condonation Program, starting April 2, for delinquent borrowers to settle their overdue loans.

S SS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the program offers delinquent borrowers discounted

penalties of 50 to 100 percent and ensure their settlement to the full amount of SSS benefits in the future.

De Quiros and some top SSS officials were in Iloilo today for a press briefing and for consultation meetings with employers, pensioners and workers’ groups to gather feedback on the condonation program.

He said there were over a thousand members in Western Visayas with a combined loan delinquency of about P17 million have applied so far.

“We hope other borrowers will file their applications before the program ends on September 30,” De Quiros said.

The program covers delinquent borrowers whose employers failed to remit

their loan payments to SSS; beneficiaries of members who died with unpaid loans; those with at least three paid amortizations; and members filing retirement or total disability claims within the availment period.

The SSS CEO said members have the option to pay in full or settle in monthly installments of up to 36 months, while beneficiaries of deceased delinquent borrowers can apply for the condonation program until March 31, 2013.

Meanwhile, the SSS has released a total of P132.89 million for salary loans of some 10,200 members in Western Visayas.

De Quiros said the amount was disbursed during the first quarter of the year, a five percent increase from its P126.89 million loan release for the same period in 2011.

He said said salary loans are granted as a privilege to actively-paying SSS members, so they are encouraged to ensure regular payment of contributions to become eligible for salary loans.

Members with a minimum of 36 contributions and at least six premiums within the 12-month period prior to application qualify for a one-month salary loan payable in 24 equal monthly installments, and those with 72, are eligible for a two-month loan.

SSS has 2.15 million members under its Western Visayas Division, which supervises SSS branches in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Bais, Dumaguete, kabankala, Sagay, San Carlos, Victorias, Iloilo and Roxas and in the towns of Kalibo, Aklan and San Jose, Antique. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SSS urges members to avail of Loan Penalty Condonation Program By Elsa S. Subong

MANGO (Mangifera indica), GUIMARAS

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333 Kalayaan job fair lures hundreds of job hunters in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, June 12 (PIA6) - - Just like the May 1 Labor Day,job fair, the 2012 Kalayaan Job Fair held June 12 here lured hundreds of jobseekers from the city and province of Iloilo.

By Lilibeth A. French

KALIBO, Aklan, June 15 (PIA6) -- Medical service in the province is sure to be upgraded as government pours P113. 5 million for the upgrade and repair of different health centers in Aklan.

A s takeholders ’ Orientat ion and Advocacy Forum on Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) was recently held

here for Aklan’s local chief executives at the GRQG Memorial Building, Provincial Capitol.

The orientation was aimed at orienting mayors on KP and the impact it will be bring in their respective areas like health services and improved/enhanced hospitals, rural health units (RHUs), and Barangay Health Stations.

The orientation was spearheaded by the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Western Visayas through Regional Director Susana Madarieta and in coordination with the Aklan Provincial Health Office.

In the orientation, Madarieta said that for 2012, eight hospitals in Aklan are being upgraded, repaired, renovated, and improved

while eight RHUs located in various municipalities, will also be undergoing upgrading, improvement, expansion, repair, or renovation.

Madarieta said a total of P113,511,000 will be spent by government for the Health Facility Enhancement Program under KP for the province.

Other speakers in the orientation included DOH - CHD assistant regional director Emilia Municimpo, Joni Dichosa of Healthgov, and Ana Carolina Gargoli of the Department of Interior and Local Government , who represented regional director Evelyn Trompeta.

For his part, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez in his message, cited the importance of KP for poor constituents through PhilHealth coverage – one of the vital components of the program.

Marquez said Aklan has a high poverty threshold and it is important to give the poor much-needed health assistance.

KP or Universal Health Care is an approach strengthening the National Health Insurance Program to improve financial risk protection, generate resources to modernize and sustain health facilities and improve public health services delivery to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

In support of this program as mandated by the Aquino Health Agenda, the province has currently an existing Executive Order organizing the Task Force on KP, as well as a proposed ordinance to establish systems and mechanisms to ensure implementation of KP in the province sustain support for the operations of Community Health Teams. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

P113.5-M for Kalusugan Pangkalahatan in Aklan

T he doves were released by provincial government officials and employees, led by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco,

Sr. as a symbol of freedom after the singing of “Malaya Ka Pilipino.”

Pigeons were provided by the Roxas City Pigeon Racing Association (RCPRA).

“This is the greatest legacy that the previous generation of Filipinos who came before had given us,” said Tanco.

He also underscored the fight for freedom from poverty which is also the priority agenda

of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III’s administration as embodied in his social contract with the Filipino people.

The simple program also included flag raising, recitation of the oath to the national flag, and wreath laying at Dr. Jose Rizal’s monument at the Provincial Capitol grounds.

On the part of the Roxas City government, an early morning motorcade that was participated in by various department

employees, national government agencies, barangays and non-government organizations.

The motorcade was followed by the flag raising rites and recitation of “Panunumpa sa Katungkulan” by government employees and officials.

The city’s observance of the country’s independence ended with the awarding of winners in the various categories of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Roxas City Division’s school garden contest. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

Capiz top officials celebrate I-Day By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 14 (PIA6) -- A flock of doves flying over Capiz Provincial Capitol Building here ended the provincial government’s simple commemoration of the 114th Philippine Independence Day, Tuesday.

T he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office No. 6 here disclosed that 404 of the

more than 2,000 applicants were hired-on-the-spot (HOTS).

Speaking during the opening program of the one-day job fair in Iloilo City, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the activity is a beautiful way of commemorating the 114th Philippine Independence Day anniversary by providing job opportunities for those who do not have jobs and those who do not like their present jobs.

DOLE 6 Assistant Regional Director Dax Villaruel also acknowledged the contribution of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo, Iloilo Business Club, Public Employment Service Offices of the city government and the provincial government of Iloilo, workers’ group and concerned

government agencies to the agency’s organized job fairs.

“With the support of our partners in the private sector, through public-private partnership, we are here and we will continue to bring our services to those who need them,” said Villaruel.

PCCI-Iloilo Chapter President Joe Marie Agriam said the 2012 Kalayaan Job Fair is again a proof of a very strong partnership between the government and the private sector in their desire to provide job opportunities for the unemployed sector.

“This is also in response to the call of President Benigno Aquino as well as of Mayor Mabilog that we must offer job opportunities to our unemployed sector because we all know that providing jobs means income to our people and when we say income it also means expenditures which is good for

businessmen, and if there is enough money in the city it also means a progressive city, a progressive economy towards a better life for all of us,” said Agriam.

The Iloilo job fair participated in by 34 local companies and 30 overseas recruitment agencies also featured job help desks manned by DOLE attached agencies such as Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Professional Regulation Commission, National Labor Relations Commission, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other concerned agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education. (JCM/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

By Venus G. Villanueva

KAMUNSIL (Pithecellobium dulce), ILOILO

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

T he celebration kicked off with a solidarity run at 5 a.m. from the Provincial Capitol Grounds to

Plaza Sugbo followed by a mass officiated by Msgr. Robert Alesna of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Opening the program after the mass was a religious song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, which set the tone of Rama’s message on unity and peace as important components to progress.

A dance presentation depicting love of country in “Pil ipinas Kong Mahal” witnessed the making of the Philippine Flag by women in gold-inspired Filipiniana costume that ended with the death of Filipino hero Dr. Jose Rizal by the popular San Diego Dance Company.

Mayor Rama then raised the Philippine Flag as the band from

AFP-Central Command played the Philippine National Anthem while in attendance was five other city councilors.

Two young children of city hall employees did the ‘Panunumpa sa Watawat,’ and the ‘Panatang Makabayan.’

In his message, Rama espoused the need for unity citing the popular adage ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall.’ “In my political view, avoidance of political quarrel is a must not only for the city of Cebu but the entire world in order to build a better world for all of us,” bared Rama. It has been common knowledge that Rama is at odds with former ally Rep. Tomas Osmeña who used to be the city mayor while both are contending for the mayoralty seat in the 2013 elections.

Rama cited former City Mayor Ronald Duterte who once said that we can never

be free from the bondage of oppression if political obstinacy and political stubbornness continues to exist adding that “the general welfare of the people is the supreme law”.

Rama also said urged the people to reflect on whether one should exist merely to serve oneself or to serve one's fellowmen.

After the mayor’s message, a fancy drill was conducted by the Boys Scouts of the University of San Jose Recoletos, National Science High School.

The climax of the program was the releasing of butterflies that signified freedom in observance of today’s historical event where the nation gained independence from foreign rule over a century ago. (PIA-Cebu)

By Fayette C. Rinen

CEBU CITY, June 12 (PIA) -- Unity and peace are essential elements of prosperity and development. This was the message of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama during the 114th Independence Day celebration last June 12 here at the Plaza Sugbo before a crowd of more than 1,500 people.

Rama says unity and peace vital to dev’t

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- A livelihood training center that will benefit sugar workers and their families in Negros Oriental is set to be built in Dumaguete City.

Livelihood center for NegOr sugar workers to rise in Dumaguete By Rachelle M. Nessia

T his after the city government of Dumaguete, led by Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, on Wednesday inked an

agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the construction of the Negros Oriental Sugar Workers’ Livelihood Training Center.

DOLE Region 7 Director Atty. Ma. Gloria Tango signed the agreement in behalf of the labor department.

The center will sit on a 400-square meter area within the premises of the Dumaguete City High School. The memorandum of agreement between DOLE and the city

government is good for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years.

DOLE has allocated a total of P6 million for the construction of said center, taken from the Special Project Funds (SPF) from Unclaimed Cash Bonus Funds of sugar field workers.

The District Tripartite Councils (DTC) of the Central Azucarera de Bais (CAB) in Bais City, the Universal Robina Sugar Milling Corporation (URSUMCO) in Manjuyod town, and the Herminio Teves Company Inc. (HTCI) passed a resolution in March this year expressing their appreciation of Mayor

Sagarbarria for “being instrumental in the fulfillment of the project.”

In 2009, the DTCs of CAB, URSUMCO, and HTCI requested the Sugar Tripartite Council to allocate P6.1 million for the construction of the livelihood training center here.

The center aims to offer skills trainings for sugar workers and their families to provide them with support livelihoods.

This is in line with the Social Alleviation Program in the Sugar Industry that intends to uplift the living conditions of sugar workers and their families. (RMN/PIA 7, Negros Oriental)

MANGO (Mangifera indica), CEBU

SIQUIJOR, June 11 (PIA) -- The province of Siquijor posted a total population of 91,066 persons as of May 2010, according to a report from the National Statistics Office (NSO) here.

I n a press release submitted to the Ph i l ipp ine In format ion Agency , NSO-Siquijor officer-in-charge Leopoldo

P. Alpanta, Jr. said the figure shows an increase of 9,468 persons or 11.6 percent over the total population of 81,598 in 2000 census.

The annual population growth rate (PGR) recorded in the province for the period 2000 to 2010 was 1.10 percent, which shows an increase of 0.11 percentage points from the 0.99 percent annual PGR noted for the period 1990 to 2000, he said.

Among the six municipalities in the province, the capital town of Siquijor showed the biggest population with a total of 25,231, comprising more than one-fourth at 27.71

percent to the total population, the report said.

This is followed by the town of Lazi with a total population of 20,024, which is 21.99 percent.

The third and fourth spot was a close contest between the towns of San Juan and Maria at 13,525 and 13,383 respectively, which is an equivalent share of 14.85 and 14.70 percent, respectively, of the total population, Alpanta said in the report.

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Proclamation No. 362 on March 30, 2012 declaring the 2010 Population of the Philippines by province, city/municipality, and barangay, based on the 2010 Census of Population and

Housing (2010 CPH) conducted by the NSO, as official.

The census of population is the source of information on the size and distribution of population as well as information about the demographic, social, and economic characteristics.

This information is vital for making rational plans and programs towards national and local development, the NSO said. The 2010 CHP is the 13th series of Census of Population in the country since 1903.

Official results can be downloaded in the NSO website www.census.gov.ph. (rmn/RAC/PIA-7,Siquijor with reports from LPAlpanta Jr./NSO-Siquijor)

Siquijor population shows increase of 11.6% By Rizalie A. Calibo

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

B ohol Department of Education (DepEd) officials assured concerned parents that the two more years in

school, which begins this year, would make high school graduates earn the competency, better able to land jobs, and take a better standing among the country’s and international labor force.

According to Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, the old system allows students to graduate high school while they are yet too young to find work, and if they do, they could not demand for just wages as they are under-aged and are technically working illegally.

This year, education officials implement the basic educational system reform agenda (BESRA), which will add more years in high school to keep graduates globally competitive.

“They will be at the right working age (when they finish),” pointed out Dr. Bongalos, meaning after the additional two years of

technical and vocational training in the senior high school.

She also pointed out that the country should keep up with other countries in adopting an educational program that maximizes training for work competency.

The reforms implemented in grade 1 digs into the pupil’s lingual resources- the mother tongue- to get pupils in a better position to grasp education concepts, she said.

Dr. Bongalos, along with Education Supervisor Pablito Villalon explained the K to 12 at the Kapihan sa PIA recently.

After taking kindergarten and 12 years, students would have learned skills to allow them to determine their future trade or profession when they graduate from senior high school, according to Dr. Bongalos.

Mother tongue is the language the kids use at home. She explained that the mother tongue will be used in the kid’s first three years

in the elementary. The teacher will slowly introduce Filipino towards the fourth year.

Other than the use of the mother tongue, pupils also get introduced to four more subjects: Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, Edukasyon at Pagpakatao, Music, Arts Physical Education at Health (MAPEH).

With the BESRA, students will find two more years of school after their completing their first four years in high school. Now called the senior high school, this is where technical and vocational trainings are introduced.

According to the Division Office, those who finish the junior high school need to proceed to senior high school before they are accepted in college.

As they graduate from high school, they would have learned some skills that would enable them to be hired.(mbcn/rahc-PIA 7, Bohol)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 11 (PIA) -- Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K to 12) starts this year.

K to 12 implemented this school year

Maria town endorses bet for Dangal ng Bayan Award

SIQUIJOR, June 11 (PIA) -- The town of Maria in Siquijor has nominated a clerk-cum-medical technologist to the Dangal ng Bayan Award.

T he nominee is Nanette Lingo-lingo-Gumahad, 38 years old. In a press release from the Civil

Service Commission (CSC) here, Gumahad voluntarily worked as the town’s Medical Technologist for about nine years without extra remuneration and despite the inherent hazards of the job.

Sometime in 2006, the report said, Gumahad was instrumental in arresting the dengue outbreak in the town of Maria by working overtime in order to finish the voluminous laboratory examinations.

Maria town Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) designate Bienvenida Daug said the rural health unit in Maria was able to quickly treat infectious diseases because of the prompt laboratory confirmation of Gumahad.

With her services, blood typing in the town’s 22 barangays was completely conducted, she said.

Gumahad has also set up the work processes and systems in the laboratory and designed forms and data retrieval systems.

Despite her opportunities to find a better-paying employment abroad, she chose to serve Siquijodnons despite her modest pay, great responsibilities and serious hazards that entail a lot of sacrifice, the report said.

Per records, Maria’s tuberculosis cure rate also improved by 63 percent and detection rate to confirm diagnosis rose to 81 percent, the CSC release said.

The rural health unit (RHU) of Maria is accredited as Sentrong Sigla, which means

that the RHU has attained a higher level of quality service.

The center is also accredited by the Philhealth where clients can avail of Philhealth service while availing RHU services.

Nanette is quiet but brilliant, as she bested other medical technologists in Region 7 by perfecting the examination at the DOH Reference Laboratory, CSC report also said.

The Dangal ng Bayan is the CSC’s annual search for hero-public servants throughout the country who have consistently lived out the eight norms of conduct: Commitment to Public Interest, Professionalism, Justness and Sincerity, Political; Neutrality, Responsiveness to the Public, Nationalism and Patriotism, Commitment to Democracy, and Simple living. (RMN/RAC-PIA Siquijor with CSC reports)

D ENR set a 1.3 million seedling target for Negros Oriental for 2012. To date, the province has

already prepared about 1.9 million seedlings ready for planting in its NGP sites.

“This involves a total budget of about P18 million involving 30 people’s organizations here,” DENR Region 7 executive director Maximo Dichoso said about the massive undertaking.

The seedlings will be planted in the province’s target area of 2,619 hectares for this year, which is double than the

1,900 hectares set by DENR for the province last year.

The seedlings are from the more than 100 mother trees that were marked in the province’s seed production areas.

“We are ensuring that the seedlings being produced for our NGP planting must come from these mother trees in order to have high quality planting materials,” said Dichoso.

NGP’s national target last year was 100,000 hectares, and the number is hiked to 200,000 hectares this year.

Negros Oriental’s total land area covers 540,203 hectares, of which only 5.6 percent or 30,000 hectares are existing natural forest cover. About 4.9 percent or 22,085 hectares of the total land area are plantation forest and man-made forest areas.

President Benigno Aquino III declared NGP as a government priority in Executive Order No. 26 with the goal of planting some 1.5 billion trees in about 1.5 million hectares across the country from 2011 to 2016. (RMN-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- The province of Negros Oriental has already surpassed the seedling requirement set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the National Greening Program (NGP) this year.

NegOr exceeds seedlings requirement for this year’s NGP By Rachelle M. Nessia

By Rizalie A. Calibo

LANKA (Artocarpus heterophyllus), DUMAGUETE CITY By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

12 tour guides to boost EV tourism

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 14 (PIA) -- Tourists bound for Eastern Visayas will definitely have more fun and more memorable moments of the region with the able help of professional service providers in the region.

E Visayas observes 114th anniversary of PH Independence

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 14 (PIA) -- Local government units in Eastern Visayas joined the entire country in the observance of the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12 with the theme, “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan.”

PILI NUT (Canarium ovatum), SORSOGON

Disaster preparedness on for LGUs

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, June 12 (PIA) -– The number of local government units in Eastern Visayas which have well-planned and active disaster preparedness measures is about 80 to 85 percent.

T he provincial government of Leyte started the commemorative activities with a Thanksgiving Mass

officiated by Fr. Ramil Costibolo followed by the flag raising and wreath laying ceremonies.

Leyte governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla has designated vice governor Mimyette Bagulaya to read his message in the said activity at the Provincial Capitol Terrace. Leyte provincial officials and employees, Philippine National Police (PNP)-Leyte officers also attended the ceremonies, wherein balloons were also released as highlight of the program.

Petilla urged the present generation to bear in mind the bravery and heroic deeds of the country’s heroes just so the country could gain independence that is now being enjoyed by the present generation.

The governor stressed that to be a hero does not mean one has to lose his life. One can become a modern hero by being a

good citizen, a good neighbor, a good worker, a good person.

“Let us ensure that democracy, freedom and independence which they secured for us be kept alive and well,” governor Petilla said.

In Catbalogan City, Samar vice governor Stephen James Tan led the provincial celebration of the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence which was marked with a motorcade around the major thoroughfares of Catbalogan City, a short commemorative program and a Samar Job Expo. Vice governor Tan expressed hope for the country to truly enjoy the fruits of real independence as he exhorted all gov-ernment officials in Samar to move and act as one in order to achieve their common goal of a progressive province.

In Southern Leyte, the local government of the Maasin City had their flag raising and wreath laying ceremonies at 7:00 a.m. In Sogod town, also in Southern Leyte, the

local government unit (LGU), in collaboration with the Philippine Army Detachment Troop headed by 1Lt. Jimson Masangkay, observed Kalayaan 2012. During the short program, Municipal Administrator Martin Lagmay represented Mayor Sheffered Tan.

Ormoc City marked the Kalayaan 2012 by conducting the kick-off activities for their City Fiesta. The City was also the venue of the Kalayaan Job and Livelihood Fair spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment.

In Palo, Leyte, Mayor Remedios L. Petilla informed the Philippine Information Agency that Philippine flags were displayed around and at the entrance of Palo Municipal gym which is now being used temporarily as the LGU office as the municipal hall is undergoing a major renovation. In deference to the municipal employees, the Independence Day flag-raising was done on Monday, Mayor Petilla said. (EOT/PIA8)

D epartment of the Interior a nd l o c a l Gove rnmen t (DILG) regional director Pedro

Noval announced this during the weekly media forum at the Leyte Park Resort Hotel.

Aware that Eastern Visayas is among the regions in the country prone to natural disasters, all local government units in the region are required to institutionalize disaster preparedness and management.

DILG has taken the task to remind the importance of disaster preparedness among the local government units and its officials through program campaigns, the latest of which is the seal of disaster preparedness.

DILG Secretary Jose Robredo emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness through Memorandum Circular 20127-79 issued last April 25 this year, addressed to all local officials across the country relative to the seal of disaster preparedness.

The circular bared the objectives of the seal of disaster preparedness which are to assess performance gaps, link gaps to policy or program intervention and monitor improvement on disaster preparedness and for local governments to institutionalize disaster preparedness.

Covered by the seal of disaster preparedness are areas considered to be high risk for natural calamities like typhoon and flooding. (PIA-8)

By Aurora J. Casimpan

T o boost the tourism industry in the region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) undertook the

21-day intensive training for 12 professional service providers on May 7-27 this year. The training held at the Leyte Sports Development Center was in partnership with the DOT Office of Tourism Services and the Leyte provincial government.

Karina Rosa Tiopes, DOT regional director, proudly said the

government-accredited pioneering batch will raise the quality of tour guiding services across the region.

The participants, aside from passing the examination needed to get the official accreditation from the DOT, learned how to plan, conduct and manage sightseeing tours and deliver the tour guide component of tour packages in accordance with current best practices of the tour guiding profession on a regional level in

general and within a specif ic destination in a competent and professional manner.

With the inculcation of information on important subject areas and the conduct of research for script materials, the 12 successful graduates as tour guides would be able to satisfy potential questions from visitors and enjoy their visit to the region. (PIA-8)

By Aurora J. Casimpan

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

DSWD-8 hires 800 youths to GIP in Southern Leyte

7 LGUs receive P1M Performance Challenge Fund

T he local government units are recipients of the second round of assessment for the Seal

of Good Housekeeping in Easterm Visayas, DILG Director Pedro Noval, Jr., informed.

Noval identified the LGUs as Alang-Alang, Burauen, Jaro, all from the province of Leyte; Naval from Biliran province; Hinungan in Southern Leyte; Guiuan in Eastern Samar; and Laoang in Northern Samar , which were stamped the seal for their good housekeeping or excellent performance in good governance.

The checks were personally received by the local chief executives of the respective local government units.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping for LGUs is in line with the agency’s commitment to aggressively scale up interventions to elevate the practice of governance that values transparency, accountabi l ity, participation and performance into an institutionalized status.

The project aims to further enhance governance and promote transparency and accountability in local government operations.

Through the project, the LGUs will be open for monitoring on the utilization and management of their local revenues to ensure that all LGU funds are used for the development of the LGU and their con s t i t u en t s , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e implementation of projects that truly respond to the needs and problems of their communities.

The SGH is given to LGUs that have excelled in key government areas which include planning, fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and valuing performance management. (PIA 8)

PALO, LEYTE, June 12 PIA) –- Seven local government units in Eastern Visayas received Performance Challenge Fund of P1 million each from Secretary Jesse M. Robredo June 11, during the Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Management in Eastern Visayas held at the DPWH Multi-Purpose Hall.

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 12 (PIA) -- The provincial government unit of Samar tapped various government agencies for its Resource Mapping Activity. This was to form part of the Local Integration Program (LIP) of Samar during the activity held recently at the Governor’s Office, Capitol, Catbalogan City.

T he resource mapping activity aims to tap government and private agencies in identifying available services within

their respective organizations to be included in the LIP package for former rebels.

The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division of the Philippine Army actively participated in the activity that yielded positive results for former rebels who wish to join mainstream society.

Part of the activity was the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Local Social Integration Plan of Samar with Lt Col Cerilo C Balaoro Jr, Commander, 87IB heading the 8th ID delegation.

Member agencies like the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Philippine National Police provincial office.

Provincial health Office (PHO) , Office of the Governor, TESDA, DpEd, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Emy Bonidacio of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) met for the purpose.

Recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Samar passed a resolution adopting the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the province and created/functionalized the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee under Executive Order No. 02, Series of 2012 as a sub-committee of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order council.

“The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army will fully support the Local Integration Program of the Provincial Government of Samar in order to attain a genuine peace in the

Province,” BGen Gerardo T Layug, commander of 8th ID, PA said.

“We also call on the rebels who want to join the peace and development efforts of the government to avail of the Provincial Government’s Program for former rebels,” added Layug.

The Samar Local Integration Program patterned its IRR from Northern Samar. It is said to have advanced the cause of former rebels.

Also noteworthy is the passing of an ordinance by the provincial government, granting monetary rewards to facilitators of the voluntary surrender of an NPA member in May 2011. (PIA 8-Samar with DPAO 8th ID)

Samar taps various agencies for support to former rebels

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office - 8 hired 810 young people across the province under the Government Internship Program (GIP).

PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus ), LEYTE

By Erna S. Gorne

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

“ The GIP, which is one of the components of the government’s initiative, aims to initiate the youth to

public service and extend possible financial assistance for this school year,” Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Senior Officer Amelia Malazarte disclosed.

The beneficiaries which are spread across the province were as follows: Maasin City- 128, San Juan- 32, Sogod– 72, Hinunangan- 64, Hinundayan- 24, Silago- 24, St. Bernard- 48, Bontoc-64, San Francisco- 27, Tomas Oppus- 44,

Macrohon- 49, Anahawan- 24, Libagon- 24, San Ricardo- 24, Pintuyan-40, Lilo-an- 29, Malitbog- 68, Limasawa- 8, Padre Burgos-17, she said.

The government interns shall be deployed either at the mayor’s offices or barangays and each will receive P253.00 per day based on the provincial daily wage rate, she added.

“In Maasin City, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) have deployed the 128 interns at their respective barangays since June 5,

“ CSDWO Social Welfare Aide Ariel Kirong reported.

Kirong said the deployed interns will assist in the social work program imp lementat ion such as food supplementation, social pensions updates for the senior citizens, disaster preparedness activities, among others at the barangays.

The deployment was designed so that the government interns need not shell out from their pockets for fare and meals anymore, he added. (PIA8 SoLeyte)

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

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