Vol 6 Issue 11 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 March 14-20, 2016

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue BIR intensifies tax campaigns to meet target

NHA erects 478 units in five Bohol towns

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

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Attitude, passion important in going into business, says DTI

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 17 (PIA) -- Aside

from financial capital, a person‘s behavior and interests are

also prime factors to consider if one is seriously

contemplating to try the challenges of having a business one

can call his or her own.

Money should not be ruled out, but then again, this

does not mean anyone who lacks cash cannot venture and

take risks, said Mike Nunez, provincial director of the

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Personality traits or habits like working beyond the

regular 8-hour day, willingness to be on 24/7 time mode, and

a burning desire for a hobby, skill, service, or idea to acquire

life and bring fair monetary returns are as vital as having a

capital to invest, Nunez said during the live dydm Kapihan sa

PIA last week.

It is for this purpose, on enlightening prospective

entrepreneurs, that the Negosyo Center was opened, to

give advice for those really interested, Nunez added.

He said the first Negosyo Center in the province

opened in the city in November last year, and since then the

two business counselors assigned there, Ivy Balinkit and

Hazel Miro, has been interacting with some groups and

individuals.

Republic Act 10644 authored by Sen. Bam Aquino and

passed in July last year mandated the creation of a Negosyo

Center in every municipal or city local government unit.

For Southern Leyte province, three more Negosyo

Centers are slated to open this year, and these are in Liloan

next month- April , Sogod in May after the elections, and at

Hinunangan in August, Nunez informed.

Nunez stressed that Negosyo Centers act like a

professional entity where people can go for consultation,

much like instances when people get sick so they go to a

doctor, or for legal matters, to a lawyer.

Nunez said they will be referred to financial institutions

where they can possibly borrow money in addition to their

savings, or they may have relatives that have money to burn,

looking for anything worth investing.

Or they may tap OFW friends or family members with

extra funds, Nunez also advised. (mmp, PIA8-Southern

Leyte)

ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA6)—The Bureau of Internal

Revenue Region 11 said it is intensifying the implementation

of its tax campaign programs to neet the target for 2016.

BIR Region 11 covers Iloilo City and Guimaras and the

provinces of Aklan, Roxas City in Caoiz and San Jose in

Antique.

It recently launched its 2016 tax campaign themed

―Angat Pa Pinas‖ calling on all taxpayers to pay taxes

correctly and on time.

―With the theme, we seek to instil in the Filipinos the

importance of playing a major role in shaping the future of

the country,‖ BIR-11 Director Esmeralda Tabule said during

the launch.

―This year‘s campaign is also our way of showing that

we are grateful for the cooperation of the tax payers,‖

Tabule added.

She said that BIR-11 has collected over P9-billion in

2015, about seven percent higher compared to the region‘s

collection of almost P8.5-billion in 2014.

As of the first two months of this year, the region has

already collected a total of 1,714,704,014.96, which is 36.01

percent higher than last year‘s collection of

P1,260,674,698.03, for the same period.

BIR-11 is keeping the momentum by intensifying

implementation of its various programs, like Oplan Kandado,

Run After Tax Evaders, monitoring the withholding tax

compliance of Withholding Agents, updating of BIR form

2305, Oplan AIR or the Ako Isyu Resibo and Resibo Mo

Buasdamlag Ko.

Director Tabule said that taxpayers are not just

paying taxes for their generation but for the next

generations.

Meanwhile, Nelson Aspe, BIR deputy commissioner for

Operations, said a total of 29 million taxpayers are

registered with the BIR and about 9.8 are income taxpayers.

The BIR targets to collect P2.026-trillion to augment

the three P3-trillion budget of the national government for

2016. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

More on Region 7, pages 4-5.

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More on Region 6, pages 2-3.

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EASTERN VISAYAS

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, March 21 (PIA) — The National Housing Authority (NHA) completed 478 housing units in Bohol, allocating P40.7 million for five Bohol

towns aside from the P378 million it spent for implementing housing projects for families affected by the 2013 earthquake.

In an NHA Visayas Management Office report as of

February 29, 2016 which was furnished to the Philippine Information Agency, the government‘s lead housing assistance agency said from 2011-2016, they have facilitated

the construction of housing units in Tangnan, Panglao, Barangay Remedios Danao, Talibon, Getafe and Carmen.

A housing project set to rise in Dagohoy with the

NHA committing to build 125 housing units however encountered problems.

The cost of construction has considerably risen,

necessitating an updated unit cost estimates based on the prevailing prices of construction materials, stated the report submitted by NHA 7 Regional Manager Gavino

Figuracion. For this, the project stalled. The People‘s Organization implementing the project

for NHA however has reportedly prepared the proposed variation order for his approval and are now preparing the

documents for the re bidding process, Figuracion said. The project is expected to cruise on as soon as the

NHA GM approves and the bidding is done and successful.

In Tangnan Panglao, NHA has completed 42 housing units for Tangnan District Housing Project in December of 2012.

The Tangnan Project had the government housing

agency setting aside P2.44 million for the 42 units, to which the Local Government Unit is paying quarterly amortization for the loan amount of P81, 549 for ten years,

according to the NHA report. In Barangay Remedios in Danao, NHA also put up in

its phase 1 some 141 housing units for Bag-ong Paglaum

Resettlement Project and allocated P9.315 million.

Right now, the NHA awaits the survey approval for the 100 physically completed project so it can facilitate a fast awarding of the houses to future beneficiary occupants.

In Talibon, NHA set up CPG Ville Housing Project building 153 housing units putting in P6.944 million. An LGU subdivision survey and titling is now on,

NHA said. In Getafe, the Kapit-Bahayan Resettlement Project

costs the government P10.011 million for the 101 housing

units earmarked for the town. To date, only 99 of the housing units is completed while the first progress billing is stalled due to failure of the LGU as yet to comply with the

DENR‘s environmental compliance certificates. On the other hand, Carmen Resettlement Project is

still ongoing and the NHA is set to complete 191 units, as only 43 have been completed. The NHA also assured that

land development in the area is ongoing, and the works include road concreting projects.

All in all and with Dagohoy set for completion in

2016, plus the balance of houses in Getafe and Carmen, Bohol would be getting 753 housing units by the year-end. (mbcn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

WESTERN VISAYAS

CENTRAL VISAYAS

The P ro v i n c i a l Com m i s s i on on

Women-Negros Oriental has organized and

facilitated a workshop to voice out women's

opinions and contribute some advocacies in

public services in celebration of Women's

Month this March held at the Provincial

Convention Center, Dumaguete City.

(PIA7-NEGOR)

DOH Sec Janette Loreto-Garin in Southern

Leyte, March 22, 2016 holding a ceremonial

turn-over of Tsekap (Tamang Serbisyo para sa

Kalusugan ng Pamilya) to Barangay Health

Stations through their BHWs, Barangay

Captains, among other health personnel.

DENR - EMB 6 Director Atty. Jonathan Bulos,

DENR 6 ARD Jesse Vego, 2015 Gawad EMB

Awardee Sr. Carolina Agravante, SPC and

Robinsons Place Mall Operations Manager

Kristin Hortelano lead the ceremonial

switching off of lights for the Earth Hour 2016

at Robinsons Place Iloilo Fountain Area, March

19. (PIA Iloilo)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

PRO-6 intensifies security for Lent

ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA6) --- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 said that security measures are in full swing for the Holy

Week commemorations.

I n a med i a in te rv i ew , PRO -6

spokesperson Supt. Gilbert Gorero said

that a major event security framework is

implemented by PRO-6 Regional Director

Bernardo Diaz to ensure peace and order and

public safety during the observance of the Holy

Week.

He said that more police personnel will be

deployed in areas where major activities are

conducted such as the famous reenactment of

the crucifixion of Jesus Christ dubbed ―Ang

Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid‖ in the island-province

of Guimaras.

He said that there will be strict

enforcement of security measures in the

entrance and exit of identified areas including

the Parola Wharf where personnel from the

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are also

deployed.

Additional policemen from the Iloilo City

Police Office will also help in the maintenance

of peace and order in Guimaras.

Aside from the PCG, the PRO-6 is also

coordinating with the Land Transportation

Office, Land Transportation Franchising

Regulatory Board, Department of Public

Works and Highways, and the Maritime

Industry Authority to ensure comprehensive

security coverage and other necessary public

safety services this Holy Week.

Meanwhile, the local government

unit of Jordan in Guimaras said that

they are expecting a huge volume of local and

foreign tourists to witness the 41st edition of

their religious event on Good Friday, March

25.

Pagtaltal sa Guimaras is an annual Lenten

presentation staged by the townspeople of

Jordan patterned to Oberammergau in South

Bavaria, Germany.

Considered as a Good Friday

highlight, it depicts the final act of

play when Jesus was taken off from the cross

and laid on his mother's lap. (JCM/LTP/

PIA-Iloilo).

By Leonard T. Pineda I

Earth Hour should be done everyday, says DENR-EMB

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY, March 21 (PIA6) – Earth Hour should not be celebrated for just an hour once a year but everyday as we take

actions against climate change, according to DENR-Environmental Management Bureau-6 Director lawyer Jonathan Bulos in

his message at the Earth Hour 2016 event on March 19 here.

T o DENR Assistant Regional Director

for Technical Services Jesse Vego,

going beyond the one-hour event

also means taking other efforts to really

complete the satisfaction over actions to

address climate change.

The Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI and EMB

here together with the World Wildlife Fund

for Nature and local partners and stakeholders

led the local observance of Earth Hour at

Robinsons Place Iloilo, March 19.

Bulos added that Earth Hour is not just

switching off of lights but it is the switching on

of our minds, development of awareness,

spreading of knowledge on climate change and

acceptance of our role and taking action

against climate change.

We are part of the climate change

problem through our daily activities that

contribute to emission of greenhouse gases

into the atmosphere and part of the action is

to control these activities, Bulos said.

Sister Carolina Agravante, president

of St. Paul University Iloilo and recipient

of EMB-6‘s ―1st Lunhaw Dahon Award‖ last

year for being an environmental hero, said that

by damaging Mother Earth we seemed

to be moving towards the darkness that once

covered the Earth during the time of

Creation.

It is a darkness, according to Sister

Carolina, of darkened hearts, careless hearts

that have been darkened by the abuse and

misuse of creation caused by our sins against

the Commandments of God, against Nature,

and against the commandment of love that

Jesus endorsed to us before He died on the

cross.

Sister Carolina was recognized by EMB-6

for her greening initiatives and for empowering

the youth to make environmental changes.

The event was highlighted by a

countdown for the start of the hour-long event

at 8:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of candles

forming the Earth Hour + logo in front of the

mall at the downtown here accompanied by a

live musical entertainment.

DENR-EMB6 a l so awarded a

Certificate of Recognition to Robinsons

Place Iloilo through Mall Operations

Manage r Ma . Kr i s t i n Sep tember

Hortelano in acknowledgement of the 700 tree

seedlings donated by the chain business

establishment to DENR-6 for the Earth Day

tree planting activity on April 22. (JCM/

JSC-PIA6)

PhilHealth affirms stability of funds

SAN JOSE, Antique, March 22 (PIA6) - - PhilHealth Antique affirmed that the financial standing of Philippine Health Insurance

Corporation (PhilHealth) is robust and stable despite reports of doubts on the capacity of PhilHealth to sustain its funds to pay

the benefits of the members.

J unie Sabusap, Social Health Insurance

Officer (Provincial Head) of PhilHealth

Antique affirmed the statement of

President and Executive Officer Alexander

Padilla that PhilHealth funds are robust, healthy

and substantial as ever.

As long as we are doing our jobs in the

collection of premium contributions from the

stakeholders, private and government sector

PhilHealth will remain stable Sabusap said

As mentioned by Padilla PhilHealth has

reserved funds for the payment of our

premiums, thus the public should not panic,

said Sabusap.

PhilHealth is trying to look into the

implications of the issue and double their

efforts to ensure PhilHealth members will

enjoy the benefits that they deserve.

As of January 31, 2016, PhilHealth

coverage summed up to 107 percent with

the total of 634,804 covered members based

on the projected population for 2016 of

595,291.

All 12 hospitals in Antique both public and

private are accredited by PhilHealth plus the 18

Rural Health Centers which are accredited for

some basic services such as Primary Health

Care, TB DOTS and Maternity Benefit Package.

With the accreditation of these Health

Service Providers, we assured the members

that we are capable of paying the benefit

package that the members are entitled to once

they are confined or need to avail of the

services of the health facility.

In 2015, PhilHealth Antique has paid the

total of P311, 834,943.35 benefit payment to

the members while in January 2016 Antique

has a total benefit payment of P34, 241,258

with 3,169 claims paid.

PhilHealth Antique has satellite office in

Culasi, Antique at the compound of the Culasi

District Hospital. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 21 (PIA6) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has start-

ed to issue a the P100 peso banknote with a darker color.

B SP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigun-

do said that they heeded the sugges-

tions of the public to make the color

of the P100-Piso banknote darker to avoid

confusion and to make it more distinct from

the P1000-Piso banknote.

On February 1 this year, the 100-Peso

banknote has already a darker mauve or violet

color, he said.

―Compared to the current color of the

100-Piso banknote in circulation, the new

100-Peso banknote will have darker mauve or

violet color on the obverse and reverse sides,‖

Guinigundo said, adding that all the other fea-

tures of the said banknote will remain the

same.

He also urged the public not to rely on

the color of the banknotes but to read the

figure contained therein so that they will not

be confused.

The BSP has been conducting financial

literacy program to various sectoral groups to

provide the public with the distinctive features

of the New Generation Currency banknotes.

Guinigundo, who was recently here in

Capiz for a financial literacy program to

multi-purpose sectoral groups in the province,

appealed to the media to help in the

dissemination of important information and

advocacies of the BSP. (JCM/JBG/PIA6)

Darker colored P100 banknotes now in

circulation

By Jemin B. Guillermo

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 21 (PIA6) – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is countering the effects of El

Niño which has already resulted in a total more than 220.1 million worth of damages to valued crops and production losses, as

of March 15.

P rovincial Senior Agriculturist Dina

Genzola said OPA is regularly

monitoring the fields in the province,

along with the mobilization of the agricultural

extension workers, crop management team

and the activation of the Bantay Peste

Brigades.

In terms of mitigating measures, OPA

continues to conduct its orientation on climate

change and on how to mitigate and address the

dry spell, she said.

OPA has already linked with some

National Government Agencies, particularly

the Department of Agriculture and the

Department of Labor and Employment.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala led

the distribution of P 425 million-worth of farm

projects and assistance earlier this month at

Bago City, where 5,000 farmers attended the

Farmers‘ Congress at the Manuel Y. Torres

Memorial Coliseum.

Meanwhile, OPA has coordinated with

DOLE to validate the number of farmers

affected by El Niño so that they can implement

the Cash for Work Program, DOLE's

emergency employment program.

Of the P 220.1 million of damages to

valued crops and production losses, 6,174

hectares of land and 7,063 farmers were

affected.

The breakdown of the damages and loses

are as follows: rice – P 212 million, corn – P3

million, high-valued crops (vegetables and

orchard) P 4.661 million and fishery

- P985,000. (JCM/CBA/PIA6-Negros

Occidental)

Activities to counter El Nino effects intensified

By Carlson B. Alelis

ILOILO CITY, March 22 (PIA6)—The Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine deserves to be a tourism zone because

of the story of heroism and gallantry that visitors should know.

PVAO proposes turning memorial shrine a tourism zone

By Elsa S. Subong

S peaking during the 71st anniversary of

the Liberation of Panay, Veterans Affairs

Office Administrator Ernesto Carolina

said Ilonggos should lobby to make the

Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine

a place where tourists go and visit to

experience their history.

―Let those who visit find the common link

between history and people, those who fought

for freedom in this corner of the country,‖

Carolina said.

He told Ilonggos, war veterans, their

families and the police and the military, to visit

the place often.

―The lives of your heroes are here told in

the memorial shrine and yours is the obligation

to preserve them,‖ Carolina added. In recalling

history, Carolina said that the Balantang Shrine

was built in honor and memory of the gallant

men and women of the 6th Military District

under the command of Gen. Macario Peralta,

who liberated the island of Panay from the

Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

It is the only military cemetery built

outside of Metro Manila and the site of the

bloodiest revolution, which lasted for more

than a month.

It was declared a national shrine in 1994.

Its features include the 64 feet MD Pylon

which stands at the center of the shrine

bearing the National Historical Commission

Marker dedicated to the freedom fighters of

Panay; the Wall of Memories unveiled in 2008,

which bears the name of 2,421 freedom

fighters who perished Iduring the Pacific War.

Further, there is also the Museum which

displays World War II documentary pictures,

relics and ammunitions, a bust of Gen. Peralta

and his personal memorabilia.

In the shrine is the Peralta Hall which

houses the administration building and the

Veterans Hall, and at the far end is the tomb of

Gen. Peralta and his wife Natividad.

Meanwhile, Carolina, who is also the

Defense Undersecretary, asked Ilonggos to

maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of the

shrine and preserve it for the next

generations.

―On top of it, I urge you to be

ambassadors of the shrine, tell people about it,

let them learn of real love of country as shown

by our heroes buried in this place and those

who are still living to tell their stories,‖ he

added. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

SIQUIJOR, March 17 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority—Lazi Technical Institute

(TESDA-LTI) now accepts scholarship applicants for summer classes under the Training for Work Scholarship Program

(TWSP).

TESDA-LTI to offer scholarship programs for

summer 2016

T his is a good news to the out of

school youth, the returning Overseas

Filipino Workers (OFWs), college

undergraduates and college graduates who

would wish to acquire knowledge and skills in

technical vocational education and thereafter

be part of the Filipino workforce, says Elsa

Apiag of the LTI here.

The TWSP is designed towards filling up

the skills gaps and job requirements of priority

industries and sectors with high employment

demand, improving the reach of quality TVET

to the grassroots and encouraging

technical-vocational institutions to offer pro-

grams in higher qualifications catering to

in-demand industry requirements. This shall be

supportive of the government‘s thrust of rapid,

inclusive and sustained economic growth, she

said.

The LTI has just received the approved

Qualification Map for TWSP with the following

registered programs and schedule to offer:

Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC II (April

4, 2016 to June 3, 2016); Housekeeping NC II

(April 4, 2016 to June 17, 2016); Bartending

NC II (April 11, 2016 to June 10,

2016); Bread and Pastry Production NC

II (April 25, 2016 to May 20, 2016); and,

Cookery NC II (May 16, 2016 to July 8, 2016).

The scholarship is of free training and

assessment fees, but definitely no allowances

given. Applicants must be at least highsSchool

or Alternative Learnins Sytem (ALS) graduates.

He or she has not been a TWSP scholar for

two times before, nor a PESFA grantee.

LTI is the only TESDA supervised school

in Region VII. For more details about

enrollment requirements please visit us at

Tigbawan, Lazi Siquijor. You may also reach us

thru our official cel #09177792429 or thru our

LTI facebook account.(EApiag-LTI) (rac/

PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from EAApiag/LTI)

By Rizalie Anding Calibo

SIQUIJOR, March 21 (PIA) -- In a move to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) increase their productivity and

enhance competitiveness, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here signed agreements with several entrepreneurs

for technology upgrading of processing equipment and other relevant assistance through the Small Enterprise Technology

Upgrading Program (SETUP).

DOST Siquijor, entreps ink MOAs on tech upgrading, assistance

T he agreements were signed by

Provincial Science and Technology

Director Engr. Mario E. de la Peña

and parties of the identified firms.

Elena Ibera, proprietor of Elena's Bakery

and Pasalubong Center, and witness Teresita

Maglangit signed the MOA with DOST for the

project "Improving the Baking Technology of

Elena's Bakery and Pasalubong Center for

Efficiency and Quality Products".

Dongon Balababa Enterprises, through

its proprietor Ernesto D. Balababa II and

witness Genara Dongon, signed the MOA with

DOST for the project "Technology Upgrading

for Furniture Products of Dongon N

Balababa Enterprises in Tacloban, Siquijor,

Siquijor".

Siquijor Island Cable TV Systems

Corporation through its President Elvie R.

Villaver and Manager Raul Villaver

signed the MOA with DOST for the

project "Upgrading the information

a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s t e c h n o l o g y

equipment of Siquijor Island Cable

TV Systems Corporation in Pangi, Siquijor,

Siquijor".

On the other hand, Larena Triad Coffee

Shop through its proprietor Dr. Elena Masayon

and manager Maricar Masayon signed the MOA

with DOST for the project entitled "Upgrading

the Baking Technology of Larena Triad Coffee

Shop in Larena, Siquijor".

The signing of the MOAs will seal the

assistance of DOST to this enterprises.

The event was held at the Provincial

Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of

DOST and witnessed by DOST Siquijor PSTC

staff.

Also present during the ceremony was

Assistant Regional Director of DOST-7 for

Technical Operations Division Engr. Jesus F.

Zamora, Jr.

The firms had been registered

to the Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue

(BIR), and the respective local government

units.

They were also operating for the last

three years as evident in the submitted audited

financial statements.

SETUP is one of the flagship

programs of DOST. (rmn/rac/PIA7

-Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing/

DOST-Siquijor)

By Rizalie Anding Calibo

NEGROS ORIENTAL, March 18 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here has set the date

for the conduct of the first simultaneous barangay assembly in the province on March 26.

T he DILG is reminding all barangay

captains as well as city and municipal

chief executives throughout the

province to hold a barangay assembly on the

abovementioned date. According to Chapter 5, Section 397 of

the Local Government Code, all barangays in

should conduct barangay assembly at least

twice a year to discuss different programs,

achievements and other issues concerning the

barangay. According to DILG-Negros Oriental

information officer Kate Ayroso, barangay

assemblies aim to strengthen the relationship

between the government and community for

more efficient delivery services to residents of

the community. Aside from the ―actual residents‖

of the barangay, those who are

residing there within 6 months and residents

15 years old and above, members of church

groups and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

can also participate in the barangay assembly. Meanwhile, Ayroso disclosed that the

DILG has identified four showcase or model

barangays throughout the province. She explained these barangays have

exhibited good governance, active citizen

participation in governance and strong

relationship with religious organizations to

boost grass roots participation based on the

guidelines set by the department. The four barangays are Barangay Motong

and Mangnao in Dumaguete City, Barangay

Trinidad in Guihulngan City and Barangay

Bagtic in Mabinay town. The schedule of barangay assemblies

in these v i l lages is as fol lows:

March 14, for Brgy. Bagtic, March 21 for Brgy.

Trinidad, March 26 for Brgy. Motong, March 27

for Brgy. Mangnao.(mbcn/ral/PIA7-Negros

Oriental)

DILG-NegOr sets sked for simultaneous barangay assembly

By Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

TAGBILARAN CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin turned over yesterday the

Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya or TSeKap package to 418 accredited barangay health stations in Bohol.

T he TSeKap package contains digital

b l o o d p r e s su r e app a r a t u s ,

n o n - c o n t a c t t h e r m o m e t e r ,

glucometer, nebulizer, stethoscope, and

dressing set.

Garin was the guest speaker during the

Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Congress

2016 on March 21 held at the Bohol Wisdom

School Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.

The health secretary assured that DOH is

also providing the TSeKaP package in

school-based stations for those towns where

there are no barangay health stations for now.

Garin also reminded BHWs on the

availability of maintenance medication for

Hypertensive and Diabetic patients at rural

health centers.

She emphasized that these health

programs display the national government‘s

will, under the leadership of President Benigno

‗Noynoy‘ Aquino III, to reach out and

empower citizens to become active

participants in governance.

During the congress, Gov. Edgar Chatto

underscored the role of BHWs in the

community.

Barangay health workers are the frontline

in primary health care as they keep a data

board and spot map for health condition of

residents, as well as monitor and report health

issues and concerns to health authorities,

according to Chatto. (rmn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol/

with reports from EdcomBohol)

DOH turns over TSeKap package to health

stations

By Elvira C. Bongosia

NEGROS ORIENTAL, March 18 (PIA) – Energy Development Corporation (EDC) reported that through its cloning facility, it

produced more than 30,000 native tree species in Negros Island.

NDC preserves threatened native trees in Negros Island

C orporate Communications Officer

Frances Ariola of EDC said almost

2,000 of native trees were planted in its

25 partner schools in Negros Island.

Two Yakal-saplungan trees that were

planted in RM Araneta Elementary School in

Mailum, Bago City, Negros Occidental in 2009

have already produced seeds in 2014 and

2015.

Ariola said EDC has used science and

relied heavily on healthy watersheds in its

geothermal reservations not only to protect

the environment but also to sustain its

geothermal source.

In Negros Island alone, the company has

already planted 1.5 million trees on 2,300

hectares from 1983 to 2008.

In 2009, EDC stepped up its reforestation

efforts through its BINHI greening legacy and

made use of science to focus on planting at least 10,000 hectares of premium native tree

species in 10 years.

From 2009-2015, EDC was able to plant

close to two million trees on 2,700 hectares in

different areas of Negros Oriental and Negros

Occidental under its BINHI program.

This was done with the help of its

farmers' associations that all share the same

passion for environmental preservation.

Through BINHI, EDC is able to create

more carbon sinks for climate change

mitigation.

This further lowers the company's CO2

emissions and helps the country get closer to

its target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 70%

in 2030.

"Our country is one of the most

vulnerable to the impacts of climate

change. We all need to work together to save

our planet. Greening Negros Island by growing

native trees and getting more power from geothermal energy is the way to do it," said

Norreen Bautista, head of EDC's Community

Partnerships, External Relations and

Watershed Management (CREW) group in

Negros Island.

With its Biodiversity Conservation

and Monitoring Program (BCMP) that

it began in 2008 in partnership with

the University of the Philippines Institute of

Biology, Ariola said the company was able to

identify endangered native trees within the

company's watershed areas in its areas of

operation and have taken the necessary

measures to preserve them and bring them

back to abundance.

It is said the BCMP results indicate that

more than 70 of these 96 threatened species

were preserved through our watershed

management efforts in Negros Island, including

our BINHI greening legacy and

Adopt-a-Wildlife Species program. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

By Jennifer C. Tilos

NEGROS ORIENTAL, March 21 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC-7) awarded the Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its implementation of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and

Integrated Delivery of Social Services – Millennium Challenge Corporation (KC-MCC).

DSWD7 receives award, Kalahi-CIDSS inaugurated

D SWD 7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn

Macapobre accepted the best

implemented project 2015 award for

KC-MCC in recent RDC meeting.

DSWD7 has been implementing

Kalahi-CIDSS MCC since 2011 in the provinces

of Bohol and Negros Oriental.

A total of 716 Kalahi-CIDSS community

sub-projects in 25 municipalities in the region

were funded by the MCC with a total funding

support of P641,237,493.50.

The sub-projects include day care centers,

school buildings, water systems, drainage

facilities and basic access facilities like Farm to

Market Roads, footpaths and footbridges.

Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven

development project implemented by the

Department of Social Welfare and

Development.

Meanwhile, three Kalahi- CIDSS

sub-projects were inaugurated and

handed-over to communities of Candoni, Ne-

gros Occidental.

The projects include the Barangay Health

Center of Barangay Cabia-an, the kindergarten

building of Galicano Temporosa-I Memorial

Elementary School (GTIMES) and the solar

dryer with warehouse of Barangay Caningay.

Social marketing officer Beb Christelle

Barot of DSWD-NIR said Candoni Vice Mayor

Diomedes Magada said expressed appreciation

for the projects that can help the barangay

residents of Candoni.

The community volunteers also expressed

their gratitude for the projects, Julieta

Gambalan Barangay Sub-Project Management

Committee (BSPMC) chair said they helped

each other in implementing project despite not

having a salary.

Barot said the volunteer-beneficiaries and

officials are hopeful that the Kalahi-CIDSS

program will continue helping the barangays

where the priority problems and needs are

addressed. (rmn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental/

DSWD-7)

By Jennifer C. Tilos

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

LTO - Eastern Samar spearheads Road Safety Dialogue

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 18 (PIA) --- The Land Transportation Office (LTO), Borongan District Office Chief

Narcisa Tabarnero disclosed that their office is happy about the response of the Eastern Samar Peace and Development

Forum (ESPDF) on the issue of road safety during the Road Safety Dialogue in March 09, 2016.

By Samuel D. Candido

Groups call on adults to ‗Discipline Children

without Harm‘

By Samuel D. Candido

Full blast rehab of NMP‘s facilities set this year

I n the 1st Quarterly NMP-Media

Partnership Forum held Thursday at

NMP conference room, NMP Training

Complex, Cabalawan Tacloban City, NMP

Executive Director Manuel C. Roldan said one

of its target is the full rehabilitation or

restoration of all facilities destroyed by super

typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Included in the list for repair are the

perimeter fence amounting to P75 million, staff

houses worth P4.5 million, general services

motorpool building, ratings dormitory worth

P11.2 million, officers dormitory, school

buildings and fire fighting building.

He expressed optimism that all projects

will be fully implemented within this year to

provide the seafarers a good training venue to

ensure that graduates of the institution possess

the skills and training as required in the

Standard of Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping Convention (STCW).

Meanwhile, 95 percent of the equipments

donated by Japan International Cooperation

Agency (JICA) were already completed and

delivered to the maritime institution such as

the enclosed lifeboat, safety equipments, the

communication equipment to the high seas and

the engine simulator.

What is lacking is the rescue boat which is

expected to arrive soon.

The estimated cost of equipments

donated by JICA to NMP amounts to 265

Million Yen. (ajc/PIA-8)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte March 17(PIA) – In its continued effort to provide excellent maritime training courses for Filipino

seafarers and other maritime allied personnel, the National Maritime Polytechnic based here has set goals for this year.

By Consuelo B. Alarcon

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 18 (PIA) ---- Advocates urge parents, teachers, community leaders, and other

adults in Eastern Samar to practice positive and non-violent methods of disciplining children without harm.

T he Positive and Non-Violent

Discipline Approach helps in

nurturing life-long skills such as

critical thinking, healthy management of

emotions, effective communication and

empathy. It opposes the use of harmful

disciplining methods that create fear, generate

anger, lower the child‘s self esteem, and train

the child to use violence.

In an interview with PIA, Mrs. Shirley

Valdez, Coalition of Advocates for Children‘s

Rights in Eastern Samar (CARES) said ―violent

methods have negative effects. Children do

not want to experience violence, just as much

as adults do not want to be hit, pinched, or

humiliated.‖

Communication plays a vital role in the

Positive and Non-Violent Discipline

Approach. Parents and teachers need to

practice proper explanation and active

listening. They also need to put themselves in

the child‘s situation in order to properly

communicate with the child.

According to Jayson Lozano, Plan

International‘s Project Manager for the Positive

Discipline Project Manager, Positive and

Non-Violent Discipline Approach varies from

situation to situation and from child to child. It

requires time and understanding from the

adults. Hurting the children seems to be the

convenient way because it provides immediate

‗solution‘, but this method harms the children‘s

physical, social, emotional and mental state.

The Positive Discipline Project is a

three-year initiative that aims to encourage

families, teachers, barangay officials and other

members of the community to practice

non-violent means of guiding children‘s

behavior. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

A ccording to her, the group

recognizes that road accidents are

one of the serious humanitarian

disasters. The road and the activities that

happens in it are already a part of our lives,

that‘s why road accidents should be given a

proper solution — hence, the dialogue was

realized.

She further said that road safety mandates

to ensure that laws will be agreed upon,

discussed, and implemented so as to guarantee

its efficiency and effectiveness.

In line with the road safety dialogue, it is

but timely since the mortality rate of road

accidents is now higher than the mortality

rate of malaria. An immediate negotiation

should be done and legal instruments such

as construction and technical inspections, road

signs and signals, and traffic rules should be

implemented and be followed by the public.

Meanwhile, LTO- Regional Office 08

Director Edgar Catarongan said that

traffic rules should be obeyed not just

because it is stated by the law but because it is

a part of our social responsibility.

―Poverty should not be an excuse to do

illegal deeds and if everybody is united in

obeying traffic laws, the peace and

development of the province will be achieved‖

Catarongan further said. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

‗Juanas‘ hold parade to close Women‘s Month

celebration

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 17 (PIA) – Around 128 women (―Juanas‖ in GAD parlance) in Maasin City participated

the Women‘s Month Culmination Program held March 16, 2016 at the city‘s gymnasium. The event was spearheaded by the

city's Social Welfare Services Office.

A parade around the city proper

participated by the PNP, BFP-Maasin

Fire Station women fire officers, the

social Welfare office staff and personnel, kicked

off the day activity followed by a celebration of

a Holy Mass before the short program proper.

The women‘s Month celebration for this

year carries the theme, ―Kapakanan ni Juana,

Isama sa Agenda."

One of the highlights of the month's long

celebration was the booth display competition

of different products produced in the province.

The participating women, clustered

in 4 teams displayed their products for the

booth display competition featuring food

products like bocarillo, salvaro, sortidos,

banana/java chips, ensalada, home-made peanut

butter, to name a few; farm products such as

sweet potatos, banana, kamoteng kahoy, and

the like; and souvenir items such as headbands,

baskets, rosary beads, candle holder, among

others.

The products display competition was

based on the criteria as follows: Physical

Appearance – 30%; Number of Products

displayed – 30%;and 40% for the number of

women-participants for each of the team. The

judges of the competition were

Children/Women‘s Desk Officer Jennifer Pagu-

la of the PNP-Maasin Police Station, BFP Fire

Officer III Ma. Elena Galeon and

Department of Social Welfare and

Development -8 Planning Officer Gilbert

Villamor, who delivered the inspiration

message.

The CSWDO led by Ma. Febe Sta Cruz

also prepared prizes for the booth

display winners such as P2,000 for the 1st

prize, P1,500 for the 2nd and P1,000

for the 3rd prize winner and a P500

consolation prize for the 4th winner, CSWDO

Women Focal Person Jhade Maturan

informed.

Villamor, in his inspirational message said

that the Philippines have plenty of laws

concerning women. He asked the crowd to

identify their concerns ―kung ano-ano ang mga

kapakanan ninyo (referring to the

women-participants) na pwedeng isama sa

Philippine Agenda.‖

He added that every woman should

learn how to develop her potentials in

order to help other women, particularly those

who are in need. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)

Adolescent and Youth Development Center opens in Taft

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar (PIA6) -- The Adolescent and Youth Development Center (AYDC) spearheaded by the

Commission on Population-Regional Office 08 (POPCOM-RO-8) in Taft this province was opened recently.

I t is the first in Eastern Visayas said

POPCOM RO 08 Information Officer

Reyan Arinto because of the

commitment indicated by the Local

Government Unit (LGU) to have the Teen

Center built in their municipality since it has a

record of high prevalence of teenage

pregnancy.

Through this center, POPCOM RO 08

hopes that they will be able to spread the

knowledge on early sexual engagement — that

oftentimes results in an early pregnancy and

early marriage of adolescents.

POPCOM had given the center some

communication materials, interactive materials,

musical instruments, and sports equipment.

Arinto however clarified that based on

the 2002 Young Adult Fertility Survey, Region

08 had the second highest prevalence of

teenage pregnancy in the country.

But this data gradually lowered in the

2013 survey. He disclosed further that this

could be the result of the

intervention programs that POPCOM

implemented.

―However, this does not mean that we

will stop our advocacy campaign on teenage

pregnancy so that the region can

maintain the downtrend standing‖, Arinto

further said.

Arinto calls on LGUs to coordinate with

their office if they want to have a teen center

built in their respective municipalities, just like

the one in Taft.

The teen center is located inside the

municipal health office where there are

available counselors and wherein trainings will

be held as well for the peer educators. (SDC/

PIA-E. Samar).

By Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos

Leyte candidates sign Integrity Pledge for SAFE elections

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 22 (PIA) – Local candidates in the Province of Leyte expressed their commitment to

peaceful elections by signing an Integrity Pledge, Monday at Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, Palo Leyte.

T he joint peace covenant signing

for SAFE elections on May 9

2016 was initiated by Leyte Provincial

Election Office with the support of the

Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of

the Philippines and the church through the

Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting

(PPCRV).

Lawyer Maria Corazon Montallana, Leyte

Provincial Election Officer said the signing of

the peace covenant is one way of showing

commitment and support to attain a peaceful,

orderly and fair and honest elections.

―If candidates will commit this into their

hearts, it will be a big help in achieving a

credible elections,‖ Montallana said.

Local candidates vying for governor,

vice-governor, board members and

congressmen from 1st to 5th district

in Leyte attended the covenant signing

except for a few who had prior

commitments.

Said covenant was followed with the

COMELEC's briefing the candidate at Palo

Municipal Hall where updates on the

rules in filing of statement of expenditures and

other campaign finance rules were taken. A

demo on vote counting machine was also

conducted.

To date, Montallana informed that of the

five congressional districts in Leyte, no election

hotspot area was considered by the Comelec.

(ajc/PIA-8)

By Consuelo B. Alarcon

By Samuel Candido

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) 3378719/3377301 or e-mail piaamo6@yahoo.com.

Editorial Consultants

Ms. Minerva BC Newman Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Ph. D. Ms. Alicia E. Nicart

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

Managing Editor

Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

Contributors

All PIA Information Officers of Regions 6, 7 & 8

Production and Layout

Edson J. Bañares Lynnor C. Regalado

Regional Offices:

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