Vol 4 Issue 12 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 Mar. 24 - Mar. 30, 2014

WESTERN VISAYAS

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue Sec. Abad: RDC-7 project proposals must be in line with BPF

PNoy commends PIA for steadfast information dissemination especially in times of disasters

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

DOST: Use S&T to make communities safer BY: LILIBETH A. FRENCH

ILOILO CITY, March 25 (PIA6) - - The Department of

Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday called on local chief

executives and disaster managers in this part of the country to

develop the capacity to understand and use science and technology

in making their communities safer and more prepared for disasters.

“In our communities, you the local chief executives and

disaster managers serve as the first receivers of information and

warnings and act as first responders during calamities. It is

therefore, imperative that you develop that capacity to understand

and translate these science based information and warnings into

response strategies, policies and actions within your local area of

responsibility,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

Montejo who is also the National Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Council Vice-Chair for Prevention and Mitigation

said that while the occurrence of natural hazards cannot be

prevented, potential disaster risk in communities can be

mitigated. In his message during the opening ceremonies of a

conference workshop conducted by the department here until

March 26, Montejo highlighted that use of science to better

understand and improve disaster planning and preparations at the

national and local levels.

“Applying science, we can draw up scenario-based strategies

and protocols in dealing with calamities: from emphasizing early

warning and early action to achieve minimum loss that can then lead

to quick recovery,” said Montejo. The two-day conference

workshop participated in by almost 300 local chief executives and

DRRMOs, heads and representatives of national government

agencies and other stakeholders in Western Visayas is part of the

launching activity of DOST‟s „Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer

Communities‟ program in the region.

Montejo said „Iba na ang Panahon‟ embraces the change in

seasonal climate and weather patterns as well as the severity of the

impact of weather-related natural hazards in the country.

It also highlights the availability of new tools such as the latest

high-resolution maps, flood modeling solutions and advanced weath-

er forecasting tools, among others, to allow scientists to study

hazards and bring better forecast warnings down to communi-

ties.

The workshop also included presentations on local geologic

hazards and warning systems and hydrometeorological and geologi-

cal hazards in the region, as well as those meant to allow provincial

and municipal chief executives to better understand their communi-

ties and the risks present therein.

In Western Visayas, DOST has teamed up with the regional

offices of Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and

Local Government and Philippine Information Agency in

implementing the program. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN

CEBU CITY, March 25 (PIA) – Budget Secretary Florencio

“Butch” Abad told members of the Regional Development Council

(RDC-7) that projects for proposed funding should be aligned with

the Budget Priority Framework (BPF) of the National Government.

Abad was the special guest during the recent RDC-7 1st

quarterly Full Council Meeting held in Cebu City.

Abad said the BPF determines the priorities of the Aquino

Administration until the end of the President‟s term in 2016.

“Projects that are submitted for funding that are not tuned in

to the Budget Priority Framework will never be approved,” bared

Abad to over 40 attendees that include local chief executives within

the four provinces of Central Visayas, heads and representatives of

regional line agencies, private sector, civil society groups and media.

According to Abad, there are four thrusts under the BPF

which the administration believes is essentially critical to maintain

the Philippines positive economic performance -- huge investments

in social protection, generating employment and livelihood,

continue expanding the economy and investments in climate change

mitigation and adaptation.

Abad cited some priority programs under the social services,

primary of which is the anti-poverty alleviation program Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino or 4Ps whose annual budget is increasing year

after year.

Second priority under the BPF is generating employment and

livelihood programs, foremost of which is the increased budget for

infrastructure development to spur investments that create jobs

such as in the area of tourism and agri-business, said Abad.

Abad said the third is continuing the economic expansion

found in certain sectors such as tourism, a high performer of

economic growth. Other areas he cited here are the business

process outsourcing, agri-business and infrastructure.

The fourth priority area under the BPF is investments in

climate change mitigation and adaptation such as geohazard mapping

and the 18 major river basins given priority under the government‟s

National Greening Program.

Abad said the four thrusts underline the priority programs

that fulfill President Aquino‟s social contract with the Filipino people

that ultimately redound to inclusive social growth. (rmn/FCR/PIA-7)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

EASTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

United Nat ions Devt Programme

Administrator Helen Clark leads the

ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new UNDP

and other UN offices building located at

Balyuan grounds, Tacloban City, March 26.

(Photo by Raul Tiozon/PIA-8)

National Tuberculosis Program (NTP)

Regional Coordinator Jocelyn Tabotabo (far

left) presents the status of National

Tuberculosis Program Implementation and

Future Plans before the guests, awardees, and

representatives of partner agencies of TB

program in Region -7 during the World TB

Day with the theme "Stop TB. Magpakabana.

Dali Na!" at the Cebu Parklane International

Hotel on March 25, 2014. (VVV/PIA CEBU)

Gawad Kalinga (GK) Iloilo Head Mary Rose

Cacho and GK Special Projects Head Jose

Maria “Boy” Montelibano (2nd and 3rd from

L) together with Ajuy Mayor Juancho Alvarez

hands in the replica of the 55 motorized banca

to Brgy. Captain Dan Labid (L) during the GK

Balangay program turnover ceremony held in

Brgy. Punta Buri National High School, Ajuy,

Iloilo, March 25. (PIA 6/EJB)

By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

MANILA, March 23 (PIA) - President Benigno S. Aquino III

commended the Philippine Information Agency for its steadfast

dissemination of timely, relevant and useful information especially in

times of calamities, which in turn has saved lives many Filipinos

caught in disasters.

The President made the pronouncement in his keynote

speech during the 16th Philippine Quality Award

(PQA)-Recognition for Commitment to Quality Management award

rites held on March 20 at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace where

PIA is among the recipients of the PQA.

Four other institutions, namely the Department of Science

and Technology (DOST)- Region XI; Lyceum of the Philippines

University (LPU)-Manila; Philippine Association of Colleges and

Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA); and

Zamboanga Polymedic Hospital, Inc. were also bestowed the same

recognition.

President Benigno S. Aquino III presented the trophy to the

recipients, assisted by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, Development Academy of the

Philippines (DAP) President Antonio D. Kalaw, and Philippine

Society for Quality, Inc. President Florendo Maranan, among

others.

In his keynote speech, President Aquino (PNoy) also lauded

all PQA awardees for their pursuit of quality in their processes,

services, and organizational management as it "would greatly

contribute to the improvement of the quality of lives of Filipinos."

The President exhorted this year‟s recipients to “continue to

uphold a culture of quality and competence, and shun mediocrity, as

this would help Filipinos achieve empowerment, progress, and

prosperity, in a society of inclusiveness and opportunity.”

Meanwhile, PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena, who

received the award together with PCOO USEc Syliangco

representing Secretary Sonny Coloma, said that the award is a

recognition of PIA‟s excellence in providing the Filipino people with

the right information that they need in decision-making and in

becoming empowered citizens. “The PQA is a recognition of this

(PIA‟s) core value”, he said, adding that all the Staff and Regional

Directors and the PQA support staff were present during the

awarding.

DG Oquiñena cited the Agency's task during super typhoon

Yolanda where PIA, through its Text Blast facility, website, and

social media accounts such as the Weather Watch, provided

advance information to the public about the incoming typhoon.

The aftermath of the typhoon was also a crucial time for the

agency, he said, as it served as information hub for inquiries on lost

relatives, instructions on how to avail of government services, and

for inquiries on other government services as well.

The Philippine Quality Award Program is a global

competitiveness template that aims to encourage and engage public

and private organizations and other stakeholders to strive for and

attain performance excellence.

It is a national award program that recognizes achievements

of public and private sector organizations in their journey towards

performance excellence.

The PQA, which was created through Executive Order 448

on Oct. 3, 1997 and was institutionalized in 2001 through Republic

Act 9013, provides for a standard of excellence to help Filipino

organizations achieve world-class performance in quality

management and overall organizational performance and industry

competitiveness.

The PQA Committee is composed of leaders from respected

government agencies and private entities, with the Department of

Trade and Industry as the Award Implementing Agency. (PIA 8)

Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad. (PIA file photo)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

SAN JOSE, Antique, (PIA6) – As summer vacation nears, students are again looking forward to a break from school

activities. For low-income families, summer break is also an opportunity to work and earn income in preparation for the

opening of classes come June.

T o help these families, the

Department of Labor and

Employment has a l lot ted

P1,993,200 for Special Program for

Employment of Students (SPES) for the

Province of Antique.

The total allocation of DOLE

according to Provincial Director Rene

Santamena is intended for 964 students

following the minimum wage rate or

amount determined by the local

government units concerned.

Provincial Director Rene Santamena

said 18 employers have committed to join

the SPES program wherein 60 percent of

the wages of these economically

marginalized students be paid by the

participating employers and 40 percent by

DOLE.

The 18 employers who have

committed to join are Provincial

Government of Antique, 12 municipal

governments, two private schools, one

un i ve r s i t y and two bu s i n e s s

establishments.

DOLE enjoined the employers to

submit the necessary requirements for the

release of funds to avoid delay especially

during payment time. Likewise, Santamena

urged the students to save their earnings

and give priority to their school needs

once they receive their wages. (JCM/PSM/

PIA6 Antique)

DOLE sets P1.9M for Antique SPES Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

LGUs train on climate change software

ILOILO CITY, March 26 (PIA6) --- Some 30 participants from the local government units of Dumangas, Passi City, and Zarraga

in Iloilo trained recently on the use of Climate Change Exposure Database (ClimEx.DB) software to better equip them on

disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.

T he training conducted by the

Climate Change Commission

(CCC), in partnership with the

University of the Philippines Visayas, was

part of the Resilience Capacity Building for

Cities and Municipalities to Reduce

Disaster Risks from Climate Change and

Natural Hazards or Project ReBUILD

Phase 1.

The ClimEx.DB is a computer

software developed to assist local

government units in crafting their

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for

it can locate the exact position of houses,

buildings, farm field, or any economic and

industry-related infrastructure with the

use of the Global Positioning System.

The computer software can also

determine if a structure is located in a

disaster-prone area such as being within a

flood-risk zone, in an earthquake-prone

area, or in sites that are easily affected by

calamities.

The software also contains the list of

geo-hazard compliant evacuation sites

where evacuation centers can be

established, and policies and ordinances

regarding disaster planning, response,

rehabilitation and recovery.

The participants were introduced to

Project ReBUILD and the Climex.DB

exposure database, the Climex.DB server

set-up and operation, tablet operation,

and survey planning operation.

They also underwent field operations

for the onsite testing of the Climex.DB

survey application in Brgy. Balud 1,

Zarraga town.

Project ReBUILD is funded by the

New Zealand Aid Programme and

administered by the United Nations

Development Program (UNDP).

The project aims to assess the

disaster vulnerabilities of the cities and

municipalities surrounding the Jalaur River

Basin here to geological, meteorological

and meteorologically-induced hazards due

to climate change. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

BY: LEONARD T. PINEDA I

BY: PILAR S. MABAQUIAO

AJUY, Iloilo, March 26 (PIA6) – Gawad Kalinga broke ground for a new GK Village and turned over motorized bancas for

beneficiaries who were affected by typhoon “Yolanda” in northern Iloilo, during a two-day event held March 24-25.

T he new GK Village, the “Maria

Assumpta Gawad Kalinga Village”,

will provide houses to 40 families at

the Ruth Tirol Jarantilla GK Site at Barangay

Bacjawan Sur in Concepcion town.

Mrs. Jarantilla donated the lot for the

project.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by

GK Special Projects In-Charge Jose Maria

Montelibano from the national headquarters,

GK Iloilo head Mary Rose Cacho, Sister Mary

Sheryl Reyes, Provincial Superior of the

Assumption Sisters, Concepcion town Mayor

Milliard Villanueva, Ms. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, and

Punong Barangay Nonie Villarias.

The also represent the sectors that are

the main proponents of the project. It will

become the fourth GK village to be put up in

the municipality.

Cacho said the new village will be included

in the Bayani Challenge 2014 multi-activity

event slated to start in Iloilo, April.

The volunteerism showcase will include

home rebuilding activities.

Mayor Villanueva said the municipal

government will support the soon-to-rise

village with basic necessities such as electricity

and water supply.

On March 25, GK‟s Montelibano and

Cacho turned over 55 units of motorized

bancas to small fishermen of the island

barangay of Punta Buri in Ajuy whose fishing

boats, their chief means of livelihood, were

damaged by the November 2013 super

typhoon.

GK provided the funds for the

construction of the fishing boats that ranged

from P15, 000 to 20,000 each under its GK

Balangay Project.

With the two GK officials for the

turnover were Ajuy Mayor Juancho Alvarez,

Punong Barangay Dan Labid and other

municipal and barangay officials.

Mayor Alvarez acknowledged Gawad

Kalinga which he said was one of the

first who responded to the call for help of his

town.

The local chief executive thanked

GK not only for the relief goods,

repair of damaged GK houses and fishing boats

but also for lifting the dignity of the people of

Ajuy through their help. Punong Barangay Labid

said that because of the help people in his ba-

rangay are gradually getting back on their feet.

It was also learned from the GK officials

that they are also helping 45 typhoon-affected

fishermen in Barangay Tagubanhan, also an

island barangay of Ajuy, to have new fishing

boats. (JSC-PIA6)

GK launches new village, turns over fishing boats in N. Iloilo

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

‘Dugtong Buhay 5’ collects 60 blood bags

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 26 (PIA6) – Sixty voluntary blood donors have successfully donated blood during the 5th

bloodletting activity of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Capiz Association of Government Public Information

Officers, Inc. (CAGPIO) last March 14 at the Capiz Medical Society (CMS) Building here.

T he day-long mass blood donation

dubbed “Dugtong Buhay 5” is in

response to the urgent need for

blood in the province due to dengue cases

and other clinical and hospital

necessities to save lives.

Most of the voluntary blood donors

were policemen, soldiers and government

employees, said PIA Capiz Infocen

Manager Jemin B. Guillermo.

“This also forms part of PIA‟s

activities in view of the Women‟s Month

celebration,” she stressed.

The Dugtong Buhay project of PIA

and CAPGIO has been a consistent

awardee of the Philippine Red Cross

– Capiz chapter for its regular

contribution to the supply of blood at the

local blood bank.

The first of the on-going series of

bloodletting partnership of PIA and

CAGPIO dates back to October 2011.

The recent mass blood donation was

made successful through the support of

CAGPIO outgoing president and Capiz

Police Provincial Office Public Information

Officer SPO1 Donna B. Asmod as well as

the association‟s incoming president

and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Officer Esperedion C.

Pelaez.

CMS has also been supportive to the

endeavor along with some CAGPIO

member agencies, local government units

and private individuals. (DOST/AAL-PIA6

Capiz)

BY: ALEX A. LUMAQUE Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz Agbalo Bridge in Pontevedra, Capiz

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 24 (PIA6) - - More activities are lined up for this year‟s Panaad sa Negros Festival 2014 slated

March 31 – April 6, to be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, with the theme, “Organik na

Negros: Rising to the Challenge of Globalization in 2015”.

All systems go for Panaad Festival

T he first day of the festival will kick-off

with a thanksgiving mass at the Panaad

Stadium at 8 a.m. followed by the

ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Tourism and

Agri-Trade Fair and Exhibits, Livestock and Dairy

Products Fair and Eco-Garden Show.

At 2 p.m., a motorcade/Floats Parade will

start from the Provincial Capitol to Panaad Park

while the Opening Ceremony will start at 4:00

p.m. followed by the Festival Dances Competition

and Fireworks Display at the Panaad Stadium.

GMA Network‟s “Kapuso” Night at the

Panaad Stadium and RMN‟s Panaad Hip Hop

Challenge 2014 at the Panaad Park Stage will be

showcased at 8:00 p.m.

The Paindis-indis sa Composo kag Rondalla at

the Panaad Stadium will start 6 p.m. on the

second day of the festival, to be followed by the

Organic Agriculture Advocacy Night at the

Panaad Park Stage.

On the third day of the festival, Latin

Dancesport Competition will start at 3:00 p.m. at

the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity

Center, and Philippine Folk Dances Competition

7:00 p.m. at the Panaad Stadium.

There will be a Livelihood Skills Olympics on

the fourth day spearheaded by TESDA starting 8

a.m. at the Panaad Covered Court while the

Organic Agriculture Forum will be held at 9 a.m.

at the Organic Village located at the LGU Pavilion

Grounds.

The Little Lin-ay sang 2GO Pageant will be

held at the Panaad Park Stage on the same day

followed by the GMA Network‟s Kapuso

Barangayan.

The Lin-ay sang Negros Pageant, showcasing

22 candidates, will be held on April 4, 2014 at the

Panaad Stadium.

A Farmer‟s Day Celebration and Farmers

Forum at the Panaad Covered Court

starting 8:00 a.m. as well as the Outstanding

Farmers, Fisherfolk and Livestock Raisers Awards

with ABS-CBN Network at the Panaad Stadium at

4:00 p.m. will highlight the Panaad sa Negros

Festival celebration on April 5, to be followed by

ABS-CBN‟s Kapamilya Fiesta Caravan featuring

famous celebrities and artists from Manila at 6:00

p.m.

The Drum and Bugle Competition at the

Panaad Football Field and the PAWS FOR A

WHILE Dog Show at the Panaad Covered Court

will be held simultaneously at 1:00 p.m. on the last

day of the festival.

The Closing Ceremony, Awarding and

Presentation of Winners will start 5:00 p.m. at the

Panaad Stadium.

It will be capped by the traditional Fireworks

Display and Panaad Drumbeating Showcase, and a

band concert of the 303rd IB Philippine Army.

Panaad brings together the 32 local

government units of Negros Occidental in an

array of themed pavilions that showcase their

history, arts and culture, tourism, commerce,

trade and industry, at the Panaad Park and Sports

Complex.*(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Capitol News Negros

Occidental)

Aklan typhoon victims get P5.3M check from PCSO

KALIBO, Aklan, March 26 (PIA6) -- A belated Christmas gift came the way of Typhoon Yolanda victims in Aklan with the visit

here recently of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Ferdinand Joy Rojas bearing a check

amounting to P5,321,000.00 which he turned over to the Provincial Government.

I n a radio interview over a local

radio station here, GM Rojas said

the check represented the charity

share of the province of Aklan under the

PCSO project “9 Days of Christmas” in

December 2013.

Under the project, GM Rojas said

proceeds of draws conducted by the

PCSO 9 days before Christmas were

earmarked for donation to the country‟s 9

provinces greatly devastated by Typhoon

Yolanda.

Aklan‟s draw date schedule fell on

December 22, which realized the said

check amount.

Rojas said Aklan is the first province

to receive the check under the project.

In the same interview over Barangay

92.9 Super Radyo Kalibo, Rojas said the

PCSO has already purchased a lot in

Kalibo where the agency could erect its

own building.

He said this development will be a big

help to Aklanons, as those needing

medical or financial assistance from the

PCSO no longer have to go to Iloilo City

or to Manila.

For his part, Aklan Governor

Florencio T. Miraflores expressed his

elation with the visit of GM Rojas in Aklan,

saying he bore two good news – the

delivery of Aklan‟s one-day Charity share

and the establishment of a PCSO office in

the province so its services will be

accessible to indigent Aklanons. (JCM/

VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

BY: EASTER ANNE D. DOZA

BY: VENUS G. VILLANUEVA

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, March 26 (PIA) --- The Negros Oriental Tourism Road Map was presented Friday to

about 100 local stakeholders here to ensure support to the development of tourism as guide for sustainable and inclusive

economic growth in the province.

NegOr launches Tourism Roadmap

W ith this blueprint, Governor Roel

Degamo said his administration is

bent on using tourism industry as

the main component for creating both

livelihood and employment opportunities for

Negrenses.

“What is positive about NegOr

tourism now, based on the data gathered

the international tourist arrivals reached

463,359 in 2013, a 50 percent increase

compared to 2012,” said Department of

Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Rowena

Montecillo.

Negros Oriental placed second in tourist

arrivals in Central Visayas, next to Cebu

province, Montecillo said.

The top ten foreign tourist visitors

recorded in the province were Americans,

Germans, French, Canadians, Britons,

Australians, Chinese, Koreans, and Swiss nationals.

With the growing number of tourist

arrivals or markets, the DOT director said the

tourism action plan will also have to align with

the National Tourism Development Plan

(NTDP) and identify the priority tourism

development areas in the country.

The key development strategy-plan

include product development, marketing and

promotion which the stakeholders propose

and continue to promote include diving in Apo

Island; sun and beach; cruise and nautical

tours; nature adventures; educational, sports

and medical tourism; events and conventions

and cultural heritage tours.

The roadmap was presented for the

stakeholders to help make the plan work.

Different heads and representatives from

government agencies, business and academe

sectors, non-government organizations and

local government units are asked in a

workshop to push tourism programs and

projects forward on three key strategies: product development and marketing and

promotions; market access, connectivity and

destination infrastructure; and tourism

institutional, governance and human resource

capacities.

Subsequently, the local tourism players

endorsed the first Negros Oriental Tourism

Action Plan, as the governor thanked to the

stakeholders for the support in the promotion

of tourism industry in the province.

Meanwhile, some 4, 200 job opportunities

are awaiting for Filipina skilled workers in

Dubai up to 2016, Technical Education and

Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Provincial Information Officer Geraldine Delos

Reyes announced yesterday.

Delos Reyes said these jobs include

electrical installation and maintenance,

plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning for

government institutions, hospitals and

universities in the said country.

“These are male-identified jobs but the

government of Dubai in Manila prefers woman especially TESDA certified female workers,”

Delos Reyes said. (rmn/JCT/RAL/PIA7-Negros

Oriental)

BY: JENNIFER C. TILOS Cansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

Central Visayas, March 24 (PIA) --- In celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDY), more than 6,000 mangrove

propagules covering about six hectares in various coastal areas in the four provinces in Central Visayas were simultaneously

planted.

6,000 mangrove propagules planted in CV on Int’l Day of Forests

S aid initiative was held March 21 which

has been declared by the United Nations

as IDY to increase the level of

awareness on the importance of forests.

In a press release, Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7)

Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo

Montejo said that “we have been organizing a

mangrove planting and growing to ensure our

coastal communities from the threats of storm

surges and big waves as typhoon Yolanda

taught us a lesson to improve our coastal areas

with vegetation such as mangroves and other

beach forests.”

Montejo said ”mangroves are salt tolerant,

woody, seed-bearing plants ranging in size from

small shrubs to tall trees.

They occur along sheltered intertidal

coastlines and in association with estuaries and

lagoons.”

In the province of Cebu alone, more than

2,000 mangroves were planted in Barangay

Talaga, Argao town.

The mangrove plantation in Argao was

participated in by nearly 200 participants from

DENR-7, students, and some Argao local

government unit personnel.

Montejo revealed that out of 70 mangrove

tree species in the world, 34 occur in the

Philippines, and one hectare of mangrove

trees produces up to 3.6 tons of litterfall

annually and one hectare of healthy mangrove

ecosystem produces about 1.08 tons of fish per

year.

Mangroves provide nursery grounds for

fish, prawns and crabs, and support fisheries

production in coastal waters; protect the

environment by protecting coastal areas

and communities from storm surges, waves,

tidal currents and typhoons; produce

organic biomass (carbon) and reduce organic

pollution in nearshore areas by trapping or

absorption.

Meanwhile, a lecture on the importance of

forests was conducted in Yanaya National High

School in Bilar, Bohol with more than 200 high

school students.

Community Environment and Natural

Resources Officer (CENRO) Tagbilaran City

Eusalem Quiwag served as a resource

person. (rmn/AYS/PIA 7/DENR 7)

BY: AMORGANDA Y. SALUDAR

CEBU CITY, March 24 (PIA) --- Airport personnel at Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will undergo a disaster

preparedness workshop dubbed “Get Airports Ready for Disaster (GARD).”

D eutsche Post DHL (DPDHL)

partnered with United Nations

Deve lopment Programme

(UNDP) to conduct the workshop that

will kick off on March 31, 2014.

The workshop aims to prepare

airport personnel for emergencies caused

by natural disasters, such as handling high

volumes of incoming goods and

passengers in the aftermath of a disaster.

DPDHL and UNDP will train MCIA

personnel to make post-disaster airport

scenes less chaotic with the airport staff

better prepared to facilitate relief.

GARD trainers and materials

are provided for free by DHL while

UNDP manages the project, leads

the coordination with government

authorities, and provides funds

to shoulder workshop costs. (RMN/PIA

Cebu)

Cebu airport staff to undergo disaster preparedness training BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

Cansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in CebuCansaga Bay Bridge in Cebu

SIQUIJOR, March 24 (PIA) ---- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Provincial Science and Technology

Center (PSTC) has released P980,000 to one of the beneficiaries of its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program

(SET-UP).

DOST releases P980T to meat processor in Siquijor

N R Food Shop owned by Imelda

Rubio of Poblacion, Siquijor

received the check from DOST

OIC-ARD for Technical Services Engr. Jesus F.

Zamora, Jr. and Provincial Director Mario de la

Pena on March 14 at Larena Triad in Nonoc,

Larena, Siquijor.

The turnover was witnessed by DOST 7

Inventory Team which conducted the

inventory of equipment at Larena Triad.

The financial aid is intended for the

upgrading of its production specifically the

upgrading of meat processing equipment, said

Provincial Director Mario de la Pena of DOST

here.

He said that upgrading of NR meat

processing equipment will enhance efficient

processed meat products, increase production,

product diversification and maintain quality

processed meat products.

Rubio said that she was happy with the

DOST SETUP assistance because it

helps Siquijor SME‟s in their quest to further

improve their production, increase

productivity, and enhance product quality.

De la Peña said that this is the second

round of assistance they availed from

DOST-SETUP.

The first was on metals and engineering

sector.

DOST will allow more than one assistance

as long as the firm is a good payor, never

requested for re-alignment, and submit reports

on time.

Under the SETUP program, the agency

gives technology assistance and innovation

support to Micro Small and Medium

Enterprises (SMEs) to upgrade their production

equipment, said de la Pena.

It is a nationwide strategy to encourage

and assist MSME‟s to adopt technological

innovations to improve their operations and

thus boost their productivity and

competitiveness, he said. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor w/

reports from MEP/DOST-Siquijor)

BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO

NEDA to hold geo-tagging training in Cebu

CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in Region 7 held a geo-tagging training on

March 25 to 26, 2014 at the NEDA-7 Conference Room, this city.

N EDA is holding the training in line

with its secretariat role at the

Regional Development Council

(RDC) to promote the use of geo-tagging as a

tool in project monitoring.

The training hoped to encourage the use

of geo-tagging as a common tool in monitoring

development projects for greater efficiency and

transparency.

It also aimed to provide a venue for the

Regional Project Monitoring Committee

(RPMC) to share with the local government

units, line government agencies, and the private

sector their experience in geo-tagging.

RPMC under the RDC is currently

adopting geo-tagging as a tool in monitoring

development projects around the region.

Geo-tagging is the process of adding

geographic information such as longitude and

latitude to a digital photograph which can be

viewed on a map published in a website.

The training was attended by

representatives from the cities of Carcar,

Naga, Talisay, Danao, Cebu, Mandaue,

LapuLapu and from the provinces of Bohol,

Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, as well as

the private sector. Representatives from the

following national government agencies in the

region are also expected to attend, namely:

Department of Public Works and Highways,

Department of Trade and Industry,

Department of Environment and Natural

Resources, Department of Agriculture,

Department of Agrarian Reform, Department

of Health, Department of Social Welfare and

Deve lopment , Na t iona l I r r i g a t i on

Administration, Department of Education,

Department of Budget and Management,

Department of Interior and Local

Government, and the Office of the

President-Presidential Management Staff.

(RMN/PIA Cebu)

DAUIS, BOHOL, March 24 (PIA) – Bohol hosted the first International Agro-Forestry Congress, which organizers claim as the

perfect event to recognize the potentials of agro-forestry in addressing the wide girthed bole of the country‟s development

issues.

Bohol hosts int’l agri-forestry congress in 2014 BY: REY ANTHONY H. CHIU

BY: RACHELLE M. NESSIA

H eld at the Bohol Plaza Resort March

19-22, the congress hailed a variety

of development issues where

agro-forestry is evidently poised to make a

good chance at impression, especially as the

country attempts to battle environmental

degradation, food security and climate

change.

Philippine Agro-Forestry Education and

Research Network Chair Dr. Roberto

Visco said, he believes that sustainable

development can only be achieved if the

country can address the environmental,

economic and social dimensions of

development.

“Agroforestry strikes a balance among

these three dimensions and it addresses

socioeconomic productivity of farmer foresters

while ensuring ecological stability,” he said in

an after event interview. The 16th congress in the Philippines and

the first in the region, Visco also said the

decision to hold it in Bohol came even before

the earthquake in October of 2013.

The earthquake, which left thousands of

hilly agroforests and forest timberlands scarred

as Bohol limestone cliffs could barely hold the

trees on them, did not dampen the spirits of

the country‟s agro foresters who has seen

Bohol‟s forest cover.

Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, who could

not attend the Congress, in his sent message

hailed the activity as such that it parallels with

the Provincial vision and adopted strategies

towards environment protection, natural

heritage conservation and promotion of

eco-cultural tourism.

In Bohol, where there has been a

historical proof of agro-forestry with the Bohol

Tree Enterprise Project and the Manmade

Forests, there is a widespread understanding that agro-forestry addresses not just the

economic needs of the people, it also responds

to the need to immediately provide the green

cover and solve the problem of soil-run-off.

And just as mono-species agroforests

were a trend in the 1970‟s, recent years

opened up for Boholanos the need to go back

to the indigenous species which have

diminished drastically through the years.

With the introduction of a World Bank

project called Assisted Natural regeneration

(ANR) Bohol has seen the option to simply go

for the indigenous and re-claim the forest

cover it has lost within the last decades.

If only to assure people that Bohol still

maintains a nursery for Bohol‟s famed

dipterocarps and monocarps, the a nursery for

indigeous trees stand proudly in Bilar.

Boholanos eager to replant trees can withdraw

stocks and start re-growing the forests,

sources at the Bohol Environment Management Office said. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol)

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

Soliman: Yolanda brings many lessons to DSWD

S ecretary Soliman, speaking before more

than a hundred stakeholders both local

and foreign in the recently held Yolanda

Transparency Forum in Tacloban City, said that

these lessons will pave the way for an

enhanced relief goods handling, warehousing

and logistics, development of surge capacity

teams, better disaster response system, and

building safer and better-equipped evacuation

centers that can withstand strong winds.

Secretary Soliman added that the

Department is also looking into new

approaches such as buy-back of

foreign-donated tents from the internally

displaced persons before moving to alternative

transitional houses, construction of additional

alternative shelters for displaced families

especially those living in „no-dwelling zones‟,

and building of resilient core shelter units.

The Department will also enhance its

policies on monitoring and distribution of

donations and emergency procurement,

Secretary Soliman said.

“We need to develop what we call

„surge-capacity team‟, that can respond quickly

to disaster-stricken areas.

The national government will also

strengthen its quick response plan in crisis

situation through regular review of previous

disaster responses,” Sec. Soliman said.

The forum which carried the theme,

“Enhancing In formation -Shar ing and

Transparency in the Assistance to Yolanda

Areas” aimed to look into the convergence and

financing of multi-sectoral efforts for

reconstruction.

It was convened by the UP Visayas

Tacloban College and the UP School of Health

Sciences, with the support of The Asia

Foundation. It was undertaken in close

coordination with the Department of Budget

and Management (DBM), one of the agencies

tasked to monitor the Foreign Aid

Transparency Hub (FAiTH) and the NEDA.

(PIA 8).

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 24 (PIA) - Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman disclosed that

although the magnitude of „Yolanda‟ tested the national government‟s disaster management response system, the disaster has

also brought many lessons to the Department.

Top UNDP official visits Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 27 (PIA) – In an effort to advance the United Nation‟s support to the development of the

country particularly in typhoon Yolanda hardest hit areas, an official of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

has visited the City of Tacloban, one of the areas hit by last year‟s super typhoon.

U NDP Administrator Helen Clark,

former New Zealand Prime

Minister, visited UNDP projects

in Tacloban Wednesday where she met

with some recipients of the livelihood

assistance from the United Nations

Development Program at Fisherman‟s

Village Brgy. 88.

She also dropped by at San Jose

Central Elementary School where the

UNDP has provided assistance in the form

of learning kits, water and sanitation

facilities.

In her quick tour, Clark saw the

progress where UNDP had been

instrumental in debris clearing in many

areas in the city.

In a brief interview with the local

media, Clark said she was impressed the

way people quickly recover from the

devastation considering the severity

brought by the super typhoon.

“I‟m impressed with what I‟ve seen…

I know how deep the scars in the people‟s

hearts are. And there‟s a lot of trauma to

deal with…My heart goes out to

everybody.” Clark said.

Clark‟s visit paved the way for the

opening of a new hub for UN agencies at

Balyuan Building across the Tacloban City

Hall.

With the opening of a new office,

Mayor Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban

seeks to consolidate and focus all

endeavors in the rehabilitation and

reconstruction of Tacloban City.

“It is also now that we see that we‟re

all working as one, the international, the

national and of course, the local

government… altogether and all the other

NGOs.

So we can work together and assure

our people that we care for them and

we want to get things done”, Romualdez

said.

Clark‟s visit assures the agency‟s

commitment to stay in three years to

c o n t i n u e w o r k i n g w i t h t h e

Yolanda-affected communities throughout

the recovery process in the region

particularly in Tacloban City. (PIA-8)

AgasAgasAgas---Agas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern Leyte

3 island towns in Samar ready for tourism

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 27 (PIA) – The three island towns in Samar located off the Calbayog Coast are now

ready to venture into tourism.

T his, after the army and the local

peace and order council declared

the three municipalities as

„peaceful and ready for development‟ on

Tuesday.

“We are thankful to the army for

their efforts, now we are ready for a

better economy and tourism,” said Sto

Nino Mayor Lilia Conejos.

Sto Nino has two islands named Pilar

and Camandag, it boosts of nature, rich

marine life and friendly locals.

The commanding general of the 8th

Infantry Division, Philippine Army based

in Catbalogan, Jet Velarmino expressed

enthusiasm to visit the islands.

As each island town unveiled their

tarpaulins on the sights of the islands,

Velarmino was visibly awed by the beauty

of the islands.

“I am a scuba diver, I can see from

these pictures that you have potential

diving sights which I plan to visit very

soon, I just hope that your corals are still

intact, ” said the general.

As for Almagro, like other island

towns Sto Nino and Tagapul-an, it boosts

of fresh sea foods that can delight the

most discriminating palate, says a local

Almagrohanon.

As for its tourist potential, it has

Kerikite Diving Resort where the fish,

corals and other marine life have remained

undisturbed.

Presently though, much is still to be

done for tourists to come, but said

challenge can easily be hurdled as

peace is the beginning of it all. (NBQ/PIA

8-Samar)

BY: NINFA ILUMINDA B. QUIRANTE

By: Consuelo B. Alarcon

By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

Irish agri minister brings humanitarian aid to Olotan farmers

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 21 (PIA) – The government of Ireland was one of several European countries which acted

swiftly to help Yolanda stricken communities in Leyte. Ireland is thousands of miles from Brgy. Olotan, in Jaro town in Leyte,

but the distance was not a deterrent in the country‟s effort to bring humanitarian aid meant as intervention for the hunger

facing the farmers after Yolanda erased properties and livestock.

H istory would tell that Ireland‟s

developed state was borne out of

years of struggle, hence, the

country‟s empathy with the plight of the

Filipino farmers considered as the backbone of

agricultural products sustainability.

In March 20, this year, an Irish delegation

led by Honorable Joe Costello, Minister of

State for Trade and Development, Fionnuella

Callanan, Private Secretary to Minister of State,

H.E. Joe Hayes, Ambassador, Singapore

Embassy, Kevin Kelly, Director, Emergency and

Recovery, Elizabeth McEneany, Singapore

Embassy, Lisa Dougherty, Deputy Director,

Emergency and Recovery, Michael Treacy, Irish

Aid Press Officer and Paul O‟Flynn, RTE Video

Journalist, were in Brgy. Olotan, Jaro, Leyte to

oversee their country‟s development assistance

and bring humanitarian aid to the farmers of

the area. The Honorable Joe Costello told the

gathered crowd of farmers that their

humanitarian aid of 500 thousand Euro dollars

were for seeds and farm tools for rice farmers

of Brgy. Olotan. In addition, the aid would also

be used the sustainability of planting crops feed

families.

Meantime, coconut farmers were to

receive seedlings but intercropping will be

undertaken while farmers wait for the

newly planted coconuts to bear fruits in 6 to 8

years.

It was learned that Ireland gave 4 million

Euro dollars to the national government after

Yolanda struck.

Honorable Costelo also said their

government will be giving an additional amount

of 3 million Euro dollars for the recovery and

rehabilitation efforts of the government.

The humanitarian efforts of the Irish

government is aimed to restore income generation of rice and coconut farmers and for

sustainable development of the agriculture

sector in an area identified to receive aid.

European donor councils coursed their

humanitarian aid through the Food and

Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United

Nations which fills the gap in rice and seed

requirement identified by the Department of

Agriculture and other related agencies of the

Philippines.

FAO has been closely supporting

government-led efforts in the country‟s

agriculture sustainability.

Aside from seed distribution, FAO is also

providing farmers with tools and fertilizers and

other vital agricultural equipment not only in

region 8 but other regions which suffered the

wrath of Yolanda.

The Honorable Costello ended his visit on

a note that his country will be involved for

another 2 to 3 years in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the Philippines. (PIA-8)

AgasAgasAgas---Agas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern LeyteAgas Bridge in Southern Leyte

Women’s best practices in Southern Leyte bared

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 26 (PIA) – Women‟s groups in the municipality of Tomas Oppus bared their best

practices last year, Tomas Oppus Women‟s Federation President Felisa Esclamado disclosed in her opening message during

the Women‟s Month Culmination activity in the province of Southern Leyte.

S he said that out of 29 active women‟s

groups in the municipality, 15 of which

are in backyard gardening, 3 are into pot

holders making, some are into rice

trading, while others are into manicure/pedicure

business.

“These women are not depending

from their husbands‟ income, we have our own

income, though in a little way,” Esclamado

revealed.

The women‟s month which carries this

year‟s theme as , “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag

Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” connotes

women‟s journey towards disaster recovery, she

noted.

Meanwhile, one of the speakers,

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chair on

Women Hon. Aileen Estrera, bared that wom-

en‟s values “remind us how amazing women

are,” saying that a woman can do more than

men, who brings joy and hope with compas-

sion.

She even inspired all the “Juanas” present

to do things such as to smile when you want to

cry; laugh when your nervous; stand up for

injustice; love unconditionally; do hugs and kisses

to cure the heartbroken , among other traits of

a woman that a man cannot.

The day activity initiated by the Provincial

Social Welfare and Development Office through

Provincial head Luzviminda Rosete was in close

coordination with the DPWH-Southern Leyte

Engineering District.

It was held at the DPWH function Hall,

Friday.

PSWDO Focal Person for women, Anita

Gildo informed that there were two

representatives from the women‟s group in each

municipality who were invited to attend the

celebration.

Among other speakers include SP

Member Hon. Daisy Gamale and DPWH

representative Engr. Leonides Olarte.

An election of Provincial Kalipon ng

mga Liping Pilipina officers and Zumba

exercises were among the activities conducted

during the women‟s month culmination activity

in the province. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

BY: REBECCA CADAVOS

DSWD releases P73M for 2nd CFW in 9 EV LGUs

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 24 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released as of

March 19 approximately P73.1 million to nine local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas for the continuing

implementation of the cash-for-work program (CFW) for Typhoon Yolanda survivors in the region.

D S W D S e c r e t a r y C o r a z o n

Juliano-Soliman said that this fund

release is meant for the second wave

of Cash For Work in the region.

The first wave of CFW from November 9,

2013 to February 10 was availed of by some

16,234 individuals, Secretary Soliman said.

She said the beneficiaries worked mostly

in the different relief hubs, seaports, and at the

airport assisting in the hauling of goods.

The second wave of CFW which will

begin this month of March will benefit more

than 37,000 individuals from Barugo, Burauen,

Dulag, San Isidro, Santa Fe, Tabontabon and

Tanauan in the province of Leyte; Guiuan in

Eastern Samar; and Basey and Hinabangan in

Western Samar.

The LGUs will be responsible in

identifying priority activities such as clearing

and cleaning roads of debris, rehabilitation of

farm-to-market roads, cleaning of coastal areas,

digging and dredging of canals, rehabilitation of

basic agricultural infrastructure, and communal

gardening.

The participants to the CFW will work

for 15 days and will receive P260 per day.

It was learned that the DSWD is also

currently processing the release of the

remainder of the total CFW budget allocation.

(PIA 8)

By: Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

By: AURORA J. CASIMPAN

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.

One Visayas e-newsletter is part of the online news and information dissemination services of PIA and is powered by www.issuu.com. For inquiries and suggestions, call Tel. Nos. (033) 3378718/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Editorial Consultants

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

Regional Director, PIA 7 Regional Director, PIA6 Regional Director, PIA8

Managing Editor

Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

Contributors

All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8

Production and Layout

Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado

Regional Offices:

PIA 6, 2/F RC Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City, Iloilo 5000, Tel. Nos. (033) 337-8719/3377301/509-0993, Fax No. (033) 337-8719/509-0993, e-mail: r6_pia@yahoo.com/ piaamo6@yahoo.com

PIA 7, Room 304, 3/F Machay Bldg., Garardo Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Telefax No. (032) 232-4062/232-4126, e-mail: pia7_cebu@yahoo.com.ph/r7_pia@yahoo.com

PIA 8, Children‟s Park Compound, Sen. Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Tel. No. (053) 325-5124, Telefax No. (053) 321-2029, e-mail: pia_ev@yahoo.com/r8_pia@yahoo.com