Vol 3 Issue 17 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 April 22 - 28, 2013

WESTERN VISAYAS  

By Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY (PIA) – President Benigno Simeon C.

Aquino III said Cebu will further enhance its image as a tourist and investment destination with the widening of the Mactan Island Circumferential Road (MICR). The President led the groundbreaking ceremony last Friday.

Aquino in his 15-minute speech before a more than 200 crowd said the widening of the MICR opens additional opportunities for the Cebuanos in tourism and investments as the widening of the 26.3 kilometer MICR stretch can ease traffic and cut travel time by 15 minutes from Cebu City to Mactan Island.

Putting investments at the Mactan Economic Zone also becomes a worthy endeavor as transport of products and services is more accessible, added the President.

The President also took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s accomplishments in domestic tourist arrivals having surpassed its 2016 target of 35 million tourists by 2016.

“Domestic tourist arrivals sa una po nating target 35 million per year. Ang nagawa na po natin ng 2011 ay 37 million domestic tourists. Ang target po sa 2016, 35 million tourists. So lumampas na po tayo doon sa target,” Aquino proudly reported.

The President said the government’s new target in domestic tourist arrivals is now 56 million by 2016 as volume of domestic tourists sharply increases bringing new jobs to the country.

The MICR aims to provide easy access from the Mactan International Airport to the various world-class resorts and other tourist destinations in Mactan Island .

Total cost of the project is P3.72 billion including road right of way acquisition. Of the amount, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has

poured P300 million for the construction of a 2.15 km four-lane asphalt pavement.

Another P113 million will be sourced from the Department of Tourism-DPWH Convergence Program and the remaining P3.31 billion to complete the four-lane road will be considered in the DPWH 2014 budget and succeeding budgets or will be sourced from any available funds.

Aquino said the DPWH initiatives in transparency have resulted in P16.35 billion saving for the agency.

DPWH Usec Romeo Momo added that for Region 7, the DPWH Regional Office likewise had a total savings of P437 million in 2013. (PIA7)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

By: Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 25 (PIA6) – Various concerns

and interventions were tackled in the consultation workshops held to update the Philippine Development Plan.

The workshops were participated in by over 160 r ep r e s en t a t i v e s f r om t h e n a t i o n a l l i n e agencies, government financial institutions, police and the military, civil society and the academe.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) initiated the updating workshops to enhance the indicators that would serve as basis for tracking performance.

NEDA-6 Information Officer Cynthia Lumampao said the updated national and regional development plans will serve as reference of the Aquino administration in accelerating the economic growth of the country.

The participants worked on the different chapters of the PDP in separate workshop groups, namely: Economic Development, Infrastructure Development, Peace and Security, Good Governance and Rule of Law, Human Development and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.

The workshops were facilitated by resource persons from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Usec Luisito Montalbo; Usec. Manuel Gerochi, DENR; Asec Jesus Mateo, DepEd; Director Monica Pagunsan, Department of Justice; OIC Director Milagros Say, Department of Tourism; and Kathreen Miralles, NEDA-Infra staff.

NEDA said the updating of the PDP is mandated for the agency to lead in the initiatives based on President Aquino’s Memo Circular No. 43, dated February 4, 2013. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

By Rebecca S. Cadavos SOUTHERN LEYTE, April 25 (PIA) -- The

municipality of Saint Bernard, this province is one of the nominees for this year’s Sasakawa Award 2013 initiated by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) Public Information Committee Chair Rosalinda Jane Araneta said.

“The UNISDR recognized the nomination which is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), placing Saint Bernard once again in the international spotlight,” Araneta disclosed.

The Rockhopper TV based in the United Kingdom, one of the world’s most popular documentary makers traveled to Saint Bernard relative to the UNISDR’s Sasakawa Award nominees, she said in a press statement.

The Rockhopper TV was headed by Lucille Sodipe, Araneta added. She interviewed Saint Bernard

Mayor Rico Rentuza who gave importance of “Acting As One” by practicing participatory community-based approach, good governance, political will and strengthening public-private partnerships.

Araneta recalled that Saint Bernard has been a recipient of various awards including disaster risk reduction programs.

Araneta acknowledged various non-government orgs that continue to work together as partners with LGU-Saint Bernard such as GIZ, ACCORD, CARE, Gawad Kalinga, Plan International, Habitat for Humanity, JICA, the Red Cross, to name a few.

The prestigious 2013 UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction is made possible by an endowment from the Nippon Foundation of Japan, Araneta said.

The winner will be announced during the Fourth Global Platform for DRR in Geneva, Switzerland. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Saint Bernard is nominee for UN Sasakawa Award 2013

Regional issues, concerns, tackled in PDP updating

More on Region 8, pages 6-7.

Also CLICK Here...

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

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

PNoy says widening of MICR to further boost Cebu ’s image as tourist, biz haven

EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

Rural folks savor the beginning construction of the P14 M Payapa ta Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project aimed to make the roads concrete for San Jose de Buan folks and all other barangays of Motiong and Paranas towns located in the road to San Jose de Buan, the road project is a dream come true for this remote town located some 34 kilometers away from the national highway. (PIA8-Samar/OPAPP)

President Benigno S. Aquino III lowering the time capsule in Brgy. Ibo, Lapu-lapu City, marking the groundbreaking ceremony for the widening of the Mactan Island Circumferential Road project costing around P3.7 billion. PNoy is assisted by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas (left) and DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo (2nd from right). (VVV/PIA Cebu)

Fiberfest Ribbon-Cutting. Department of Trade and Industry - Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr., (extreme left), adjusts a portion of the ribbon about to be cut by Mrs. Elizabeth Marquez (3rd from left), wife of Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez (2nd from left). Others in photo are Rose Nepomuceno and Amelia Rentillo of Hugod Aklanon and Aklan Representative Florencio T. Miraflores and Kasangga Partylist Rep. Teodorico Haresco. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

President Benigno S. Aquino III giving an inspirational message during the groundbreaking of the widening of the Mactan Island Circumferential road project in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu on April 19. Photo also shows (from R-L, seated): DPWH Usec. Romeo Momo, Energy Sec. Jericho Petilla, and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas. (VVV/PIA Cebu)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

ILOILO CITY, April 24 (PIA) --- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) here staged a musical play dubbed “Rizal: Senador” to educate voters for the upcoming midterm polls.

P PCRV Archdiocesan Coordinator Msgr. Meliton Oso said that the musical presentation is a unique

way to intensify their voters’ education campaign.

The musical presentation portrays some of the known heroes in Philippine history highlighting Dr. Jose Rizal, the

country’s national hero who embodies the qualities of an ideal senator.

The PPCRV said that it is the goal of the play to make the electorate discern the qualities of political candidates and elect those who truly deserve government posts.

The musical play was written and directed by Prof. Alfredo B. Diaz featuring the University of the Philippines Visayas Alumni Community Theatre (UPV ACT).

It was staged at the UPV Auditorium. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

Musical play to heighten voters' education on elections By: Leonard T. Pineda I

KALIBO, Aklan, April 24 (PIA) -- The formal opening of the 14th Piña and Fiber Festival and the Agri-Industrial Fair at the Provincial Capitol Grounds on April 22 officially kicked-off this year’s celebration of Aklan’s 57th anniversary as a separate province from Capiz.

T he Piña and Fiber Festival, with venue at the Trade Hall, and the Agri-Industrial Fair at the

Provincial Capitol Grounds will be open to the public from April 22-30, 2013 as two of the major activities of the province in the celebration of its 57th anniversary.

Joining this year’s showcase are 55 exhibitors featuring piña wearables and high fashion apparels, gifts and housewares, furniture and furnishings, and agr i -and aqua-based processed foods. Abaca will be featured in the Fiberfest as an emerging industry sector

showcasing its various uses and applications too.

In his message at the opening of the Fiberfest, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez said the abaca industry in the province, raised on 4,000 hectares of land in various municipalities here, have earned millions for abaca farmers and at the same time provided employment to 8,000 Aklanons.

Meanwhile, besides the 55 exhibitors composed of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Aklan’s 17 municipalities will also be exhibiting their products under the One Town, One

Product (OTOP) program along with their other respective agricultural and industrial produce.

The exhibits start daily from April 22-30 from 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

From 6:00 p.m., food lovers and music enthusiasts will then be treated and entertained nightly during the same dates at the Provincial Capitol Grounds through the “Tsibugan Sa Kapitolyo”, a counterpart project of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Aklan Chapter. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Aklan opens 57th anniversary with piña, fiber fest Cabin Reef Marine Sanctuary, Sagay CityCabin Reef Marine Sanctuary, Sagay CityCabin Reef Marine Sanctuary, Sagay City

By Venus G. Villanueva

DSWD6 intensifies “Bawal Ang EPAL dito” drive

ILOILO CITY, April 24 (PIA) - - The Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 (DSWD 6) is intensifying its “Bawal Ang EPAL dito” information campaign. The main message is that only the DSWD can delist a beneficiary from the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino program.

D SWD 6 Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said they will come up with radio and TV plugs aside

from the tarpaulins which are hung at the municipalities emphasizing the message during the meeting of the Regional Sub Committee for the Welfare of Children 6 held here in Iloilo City, April 23, 2013.

“Bawal Ang EPAL dito” was launched by DSWD to insulate the programs and activities of the department, especially the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino program from being taken advantaged of during the

election campaign period. It also seeks to increase the awareness of the public on the correct information on the selection and delisting of the beneficiaries from the program.

She told RSCWC 6 members that if there are still local officials who use the program to boost their campaign they could inform the DSWD and better still if the report will be backed up by evidence for speedy action.

She further said that they have already received complaints with evidence

such as letters addressed individually to the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries coming from politicians and were already sent to their Central Office in Manila.

The complaints will be given to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas through Secretary Dinky Soliman and as agreed, the former will call the attention of the erring local officials because the DSWD has no police power over the LGUs.. (JCM/LAF/PIA6)

By Lilibeth A. French

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

Farmers’ groups get P.885M incentive from NFA

SAN JOSE, Antique April 25 (PIA) – Farmer’s organization (FOs) play an important role in the palay procurement of the National Food Authority.

A ccording to Hedy Jardeleza, Manager of NFA Antique, FOs delivered 35 percent of last year’s

procurement target of NFA Antique while the remaining 65 percent were supplied by individual farmers.

Farmers ’ organ izat ion have collectively availed of P855,442.72 Coop Development Incentive Fee (CDIF) from NFA in 2012, disclosed Jardeleza.

CDIF is derived from every kilo of palay sold by registered FOs to NFA at P.20 per kilo over and above the P17.00 per kilo buying price of palay, she added.

Like the farmers’ organization in Brgy. Egana, Sibalom, Antique where they got almost P200,000 CDIF.

They used the fund to buy fertilizer and sell it to members at a subsidized cost, shared Jardeleza.

So far, as of March 2013, NFA has bought a total of 45,847 kilos of palay or about 25 percent of this year’s procurement target of 180,000 kilos.

Just like last year where NFA Antique has accomplished 106 percent of its target, Jardeleza is optimistic that procurement target for the province will

be achieved during harvest season in September and October for first cropping while November and December for 2nd cropping.

Farmer leaders during their meeting recently held at NFA Office in San Jose committed the support of their organization to the procurement program of NFA.

Aside from the CIF that they could gain, they can also help in attaining the rice buffer stock of the province. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique)

Boracay Island, Malay, AklanBoracay Island, Malay, AklanBoracay Island, Malay, Aklan

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 24 (PIA) -- The Charlie Company of the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Brgy. Carabalan, Negros Occidental was awarded as Outstanding Animal Raiser for Public- Private Partnership- Peace Advocate Partner.

1 Lt. Jimrhic Obias, the Company Commander, received the trophy and P10,000 cash prize from

Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. during the awarding ceremony of the “Pasidungog sa mga Manugsagod sang Kasapatan 2013” (Recognition of Animal Raisers) held at the Panaad Park and Stadium as part of the Panaad sa Negros Festival.

Panaad is a Hiligaynon term which means a promise or vow which is considered the festival of festivals in the province.

Twenty other individuals and organizations won the awards in various categories for their outstanding contribution in establishing food security in the province. Categories include outstanding performances in sheep, goat, hog, carabao, cattle and poultry-raising, and outstanding implementation of Provincial Veterinary Office Programs and Projects among others Obias said Charlie Company was nominated in the category after its successful implementation of its company livelihood project and animal dispersal program.

The soldiers and the CAFGU Active Auxilliaries reaped their first income when they sold 20 full- sized hogs that earned them P71, 030.00.

“Our goal is to help in securing a decent source of livelihood for our soldiers and CAAs and their families.

Hopefully, we can do more and help out other people in the community especially former rebels who really want to go back to the mainstream society,” Obias added. (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

Army unit bags outstanding award for animal dispersal program By Easter Anne D. Doza

Capiz PNP undertakes 4,094 checkpoints by Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 25 (PIA6) – About 4,094 checkpoints have been conducted by the police authorities province wide since Jan. 13 to April 19 in view of the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

T he checkpoints and other police operations nabbed 21 gun ban violators who have been arrested

and charged in court. This was among the accomplishments

of the Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) presented by CPPO Operations Officer Police Insp. Niño Leonard Amar during the second Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center (PJSCC) meeting last week.

The 61st Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army also presented its accomplishments in the implementation of COMELEC Resolutions and election laws.

The meeting was presided by COMELEC Provincial Election Supervisor and PJSCC Chairperson lawyer Elizabeth D. Doronila, Cabillan and Capt. Joselito Dalida who represented 61st IB commander Christopher Sab-it.

Doroni la sa id that proper coordination in the transportation of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to the municipalities will be made to secure the units and other election paraphernalia.

With regard to the PNP deployment, Cabillan said that the augmentation personnel from the Police Regional Office

(PRO) – 6 will be distributed equally to meet the required ratio of two policemen per polling center.

“Special Action Force (SAF) troopers will be utilized as Quick Reaction Force in high risk police stations.

The deployment plan will be finalized and presented for the next conference,” he explained.

The campaign was highlighted by the local candidates peace covenant signing that was successfully completed provincewide last month. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

BOHOL (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas brings to Bohol, 11 ASEAN countries representatives for its 2nd Conference on Working toward a Cyber Pornography and Cyber Prostitution-Free Southeast Asia on April 23-25 at Bohol Tropics in Tagbilaran City .

D SWD7 information officer Jaybee Binghay said the Bohol conference is an offshoot of the

ASEAN first conference in Manila in June 2012 that tackled the dynamics and realities of cyber pornography and cyber prostitution as well as the development of a comprehensive and responsive interventions to address this issue..

The 3-day event will include a variety of methodologies: lectures, group discussions and workshops, she said.

The 21st century technological

advancement facilitated the production, storage and distribution of information and at the same time, brought in new forms of human exploitation through cyber pornography and cyber prostitution.

Aggravating the proliferation of cyber pornography and cyber prostitution are: public’s lack of information on the p r o b l e m a n d a d d r e s s i n g cyber-pornography and cyber prostitution as well as non-cooperation of cyber café owners and operators in disclosing any information of their users, Binghay said as

she cited the results of various researches. This makes tracking of victims and

perpetrators almost impossible, DSWD noted.

Participating ASEAN countries in the Bohol conference include: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia , Indonesia , Lao PDR, Malaysia , Myanmar , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam , Korea and the Philippines . (mbcn/RAHC/PIA7-Bohol & JB/DSWD7)

Bohol to host ASEAN cyberporno, prostitution gab By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

Mactan Island Beach ResortMactan Island Beach ResortMactan Island Beach Resort

SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The biblical message about Jesus and political authority provides endless inspiration for Christian reflection on political power, recalling that it comes from God and is an integral part of the order that He created.

NAMFREL commits to protect elections

P arish priest of Lazi, Siquijor and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)

chair, Rev. Fr. Leonard Tan in his message during the Peace Covenant signing in Lazi recently shared the church perspectives on election and the Biblical Aspects of Political Community.

Fr. Tan said human person as the foundation and purpose of political life must be given priority before all else.

This he said as he calls on the candidates for May 13 elections to reflect as food for thought the church teachings through the social doctrine of the church specifically from the pontifical council for

justice and peace. It means, working to recognize and

respect human dignity thru defending and promoting fundamental and inalienable human rights, Tan said.

This common good, is chiefly guaranteed when personal rights and duties are maintained.

The political community, he added, pursues the common good when it seeks to create a human environment that offers citizens the possibility of truly exercising their human rights and of fulfilling completely their corresponding duties.

Touching on the concept of democratic system, Tan also said that

authentic democracy is possible only in a state ruled by law and on the basis of a correct conception of the human person.

He called on the candidates to make this election be a sense of service to our God, country and fellowmen.

Proclaiming the NAMFREL’s pledge for a free, honest elections, he quoted some lines, “without fear or favor, we, the NAMFREL volunteers, commit to remain strong and constant in our vigilance to protect, preserve and enhance democratic institution and practices and to actively promote honesty in governance as his meaningful message for the candidates' covenant. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)

By Rizalie A. Calibo

CEBU CITY (PIA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III led the groundbreaking and the lowering of the time capsule for the widening of the Mactan Cebu Circumferential Road at barangay Ibo, Lapulapu City on April 19, in time for his visit and political events in Cebu.

PNoy ground breaks the P3B Mactan road widening project

T he Mactan Island Circumferential Road is an existing paved road of 26.334 kilometers and needs to

be expanded/widened to cope with the growing needs of more spaces and easy access to the airport.

The project also involves the improvement and widening of the three bridges with a total length of 49.02 meters covering barangay Gabi, Pilipog 1 and Pilipog 11.

The road widening project will provide easy access from Mactan International Airport to the various

tourist destinations in the Island and in the city of Lapu-lapu.

Mactan Island is noted for its class hotels, spa and resorts, beaches and other places mostly look up to by tourists.

He added that the construction of the Mactan Circumferential Road will cut time travel by about 15 minutes to the neighboring cities of Mandaue, Cebu, the municipality of Cordova and other areas within Lapu-lapu City.

The President also said that the evidence is that more and more tourists are already coming in and what is needed

then is to provide them convenience and easy access to every places they want to visit.

Traversing the municipality of Cordova with three bridges, barangay Gabi, Pilipog 1 and Pilipog 11, the project starts at barangay Pajo and ends at barangay Poblacion in Lapulapu City .

To include the acquisition of the right of way, the project costs P3.7 billion in which P300 million of it is taken from the DPWH FY2012 budget. (mbcn/AYS/PIA7 )

By Amorganda A. Saludar

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

A quino issued the statement in his message to over 5,000 crowd that gathered inside the Barba Sports

Gym in Toledo City yesterday afternoon during his meeting with local leaders and the community.

The President said that Cebu has a lot to offer tourists, especially the various beaches, adding that one tourist corresponds to one job for the Filipino, may it be as a tourist guide or being employed in tourism-related sector such as souvenir shops, accommodations and restaurants.

He then cited government’s accomplishment that domestic tourist arrivals had surpassed its 2016 target of

35 million since in 2011, domestic tourists arrivals have already reached 37 million.

The President cited the P17.5 billion Mactan Cebu International Airport Passenger Terminal Project and the P3.7 billion widening of the Mactan Island Circumferential Road Project as two major projects of his administration to expand facilities in Cebu to boost tourism and investments.

Funding of the airport terminal project has already been approved as of November last year while at present, the project is in the process of bidding out with 11 interested bidders already signifying its intention, claimed Aquino.

The President also took the

oppor tun i t y t o h i gh l i g h t h i s administration’s achievements on anti-poverty, education and in agriculture.

"At present, 3.8 million poorest of the poor families nationwide have benefited from the conditional cash transfer program while our target is to expand the coverage to 4.6 million households.

And this we are doing without raising taxes,” disclosed the President.

The President stayed in Toledo City for an hour before rushing to his fourth and last engagement at the Capitol attended by a 65,000 crowd at peak as he rallied the people to support and elect his local bets. (PIA7)

By Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY (PIA) – President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III said his administration is working on expanding facilities in Cebu to boost tourist arrivals and prop up tourism-related investments in the province.

PNoy: Gov’t to expand Cebu’s facilities for tourism development

Panglao, Bohol ResortsPanglao, Bohol ResortsPanglao, Bohol Resorts

By Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY , Bohol (PIA) -- Voters who wish to be enlightened about the recent developments on the upcoming midterm elections can now listen and interact as government election education campaign goes on the air.

Voters’ education goes “on air” at DyRD, DyTR

CEBU CITY (PIA) –- Cheers and shouts met President Aquino after he casually mingled with ordinary residents in Barangay Ibo in Mactan, Lapulapu City prior to his departure for the next engagement in northern Bogo City in Cebu province.

PNoy mingles with ordinary folks in Mactan, Cebu By Fayette C. Riñen

M ixed disbelief, happiness and awe were written in the faces of ordinary people that

crowded outside the small barangay hall of Ibo where Pres. Aquino conducted a media interaction inside with members of the Cebu media and the Malacañang Press Corps.

Prior to the media interaction, the President led the groundbreaking of the widening of the 26.3-kilometer Mactan Island Circumferential Road that will take

off in Barangay Ibo. Despite the noonday heat, island folks

braved the humidity to watch the President lower the time capsule and listened to his speech on stage right on the road in front of the barangay hall.

Even after the program, spectators who were mostly residents in the nearby area did not leave but opted to wait for the President finished his interview with the press inside the barangay hall.

When Pres. Aquino finally emerged,

he did not go to his waiting vehicle but instead casually interacted with the crowd and gave out yellow ballers bringing forth cheers from the residents and spectators.

The small gesture of the President which lasted for less than 10 minutes was surely an unforgettable experience for these ordinary people who can only get to meet the most influential person of the country once in a lifetime. (FCR/PIA7)

D ubbed then as Comelec Hour, the pre-election government run voter’s education campaign

is now back on air with three anchors willing to process everybody’s questions and clarify issues.

Anchored by City Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Registrar Atty. Jonas Biliran, Provincial Comelec information officer Juvenal Beniga and Philippine Information Agency-Bohol, this year’s voters’ education segment has just

turned interactive. The program, “Mga gutlo sa Kaalam

Uban sa Comelec” can be heard over DyRD AM from 9:30 to 10:00 AM Monday to Thursday and at 11:00 to 11:30 every Fridays.

The same program and radio anchors shift to DyTR in the afternoon at 2:00 – 2:30 every Monday through Friday.

In the light of the automation and the Precinct Count Optical Scanners (PCOS) the radio program is a source of

information and clarification on the new technology, said Atty Biliran during one of the segments last week.

People and voters can interact with anchors of Mga Gutlo sa Kaalam through the usual landlines at DyRD and DyTR.

The PIA also opens its usual textline for interactors who may not have an access to the landlines. The Mga Gutlo sa kaalam text line hotline is 0920-954-5482. (mbcn/RAHC/PIA7-Bohol)

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

DSWD allots P165M for feeding program in EVisayas

TACLOBAN CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the region has allocated P165 million, the third cycle of its Supplemental Feeding Program.

M ore than 110,000 children will be listed under the program this year—higher than last

year’s 106,000, where they will be served “one hot meal” for 120 days, DSWD-8 Assistant Regional Director Virginia Idano said.

The program aims to help not only malnourished children, but maintain the nutritional status of those who have ideal weight.

The feeding program, to be implemented in LGU-managed day care centers, caters to children aged three to five.

DSWD aims to improve parental attitudes and knowledge on children’s nutritional needs.

The department however, was quick to clarify that the feeding program is not seen as a replacement to the three meals supposedly taken at home.

“The augmentation through the program only represents a third of the recommended energy and nutrient intakes (RENIs) of the children,” Pauline Nadera of DSWD-8 said.

In a re-launching ceremony held on April 23, 2013, media practitioners, some day care workers and children gave

testimonies as to how the feeding program helped them.

“Some kids skip school because ‘waray hira balon (They have no food allowance).’ With the feeding program, they no longer have to worry about their ‘balon,’” Ederita Ejada, Day Care worker from Naga-naga, Palo said.

In the town of Palo, the feeding program has even spiked an increase in enrolment for the day care centers.

“We hope that you continue this program to finally put an end to malnutrition,” Ejada told DSWD officials. (PIA-Samar)

Philhealth re-imposes penalty interest for late payment of premium

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) announced it will resume charges for late or non-remittance of monthly dues. The agency said the renewed imposition of interest was aimed to further enhance collection of premium contribution for actuarial sustainability of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).

T he re-imposition of interest charges for delayed payments, which was the subject of

Philhealth Circular number 0004 s. 2013, will take effect starting April.

Officer-in-Charge Henry Madula of Philhealth-Southern Leyte revealed the penalty was re-imposed after it was waived for quite a long time. Based on the general guidelines of Circular 0004, all

premium contributions paid beyond the routine deadline “on or before the tenth calendar day of the month following the applicable month for which the payment is due and applicable” will be automatically charged two percent monthly interest.

“In case of remittances made prior to the deadline but were later found to be insufficient, the balance or deficit amount

shall be charged with interest,” the Circular said.

The Circular, signed by Health Secretary Enrique Ona March 19, 2013, in his capacity as Chairman of the Board, OIC-President and CEO, emphasized that it covers all employers as defined by law, specifically RA 7875, or the National Health Insurance Act of 1995, as amended by RA 9241. (PIA-Southern Leyte)

Leyte Park ResortLeyte Park ResortLeyte Park Resort

By Marcelo M. Pedalino

Foreign, Phl students conduct study on abaca in Biliran

T he foreign students who are taking up post-graduate studies at the University of Hohenheim in

Stuggart, Germany are Frederick Mills of Ghana; Felix Sattler of Germany; Alejandro Bonilla Cardona of Columbia; and Saeyon Park of South Korea.

On the other hand, the two Filipino post-graduate students from the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte are Litlen Dupar and Rossan Piamonte.

Mills and Dupar will conduct a study on the social aspects of abaca products; Piamonte and Sattler will study the kind of

soil planted to abaca; Park will study on the variety of abaca; and Cardona will study on the improvement of abaca post-harvest facilities used by the abaca farmers in Biliran province.

The students will stay in Biliran province for two months as they go through their study on the different aspects of the abaca products in the province before going to Catanduanes to conduct the same study of the abaca product of the province.

The six post-graduate students, their local research advisers from VSU together with Joseph S. Salas, provincial fiber officer

of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA)-Biliran and a staff the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Biliran visited the different abaca production sites in Biliran province on April 7-10, 2013 to identify potential abaca sites where they will conduct the study.

Dr. Marlito Bande, one of the research advisers who accompanied the group during the site visits, informed that the research study is a big help in the improvement of the abaca production in Biliran province. (PIA-Biliran)

NAVAL, Biliran, April 25 (PIA) -- Four foreign and two Filipino students are in the province of Biliran to conduct a study on abaca products.

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

Caluwayan Beach Resort, Marabut, SamarCaluwayan Beach Resort, Marabut, SamarCaluwayan Beach Resort, Marabut, Samar DENR advocates Basura-free election campaign in EVisayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 22 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas is implementing the “Basura-free Election 2013: Kalat Ko Sisinupin Ko” campaign in line with the forthcoming conduct of the May 13 mid-term elections.

T hrough this advocacy campaign, the DENR calls on candidates to show their care for Mother Earth

by being conscientious on where to place and throw their trash while campaigning, Ms. Purificacion Daloos, Regional Information Officer of DENR said.

The candidates must bid their supporters and campaigners not to tuck or nail their campaign posters on trees because this will destroy the health of the trees.

They must only post the same in the designated poster areas.

The DENR has joined forces with the COMELEC and the Department of

Interior and Local Government(DILG) to make sure that candidates will properly dispose of their garbage from campaign materials and also help in cleaning up the surroundings after the election.

A joint memorandum circular (JMC) was signed by the heads of the three agencies to make sure that local officials, political parties, party-list organizations, candidates and their supporters will adhere to the provisions of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, during the campaign period.

Civil society, youth groups and private individuals are also encouraged to report

any violations of the JMC and its guidelines which are enforced from Jan. 13 to June 12.

A study showed that nailing of the trees could infect them and eventually lead to their deterioration, Ms. Daloos said.

Ms. Daloos cited the Provincial Government of Leyte for passing an ordinance prohibiting the nailing of any materials on trees and for seeing to it that the same is implemented.

Thus, in the province of Leyte, one cannot see any poster tucked on trees, she said. (PIA-8)

DWSD inks MOA with UPFI to implement modified conditional cash transfer in 5 LGUs

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office inked a partnership with a non-government organization, United People of FOBI, Inc (UPFI) for the implementation of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program in four municipalities and the City of Maasin.

U PFI Program Coordinator Sofie Pono said “as an accredited non-government organization

with the DSWD based in Maasin City, we will implement the MCCT program as stipulated in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DSWD Central Office last March 22, 2013.”

She said, UPFI will cater to 1,000 indigent families in their covered areas of responsibility, namely in the municipalities in Macrohon, Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte and Matalom and Bato municipalities which are based in Leyte province.

CSWDO staff Fe Nida Sy disclosed that under the MCCT program, UPFI will

cater to indigent families giving priority to those with 0- 4 years old and those children with disabilities. Also to those indigent families who were not included with the identification by the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) in said municipalities.

The Modified CCT aims to bring back children from the streets to more suitable, decent and permanent homes and reunite with their families; bring back children to schools and facilitate their regular attendance including access to Alternative Delivery Mode and other special learning modes; facilitate availment of health and nutrition services through regular visit to

the health center; enhance parenting roles through attendance to Fami ly Development Sessions (FDS); and to mainstream families with children in need of special protection for normal psycho-social functioning through Pantawid Pamilya Program.

Formerly the Federation of Omega Beneficiaries, Inc (FOBI), the newly renamed NGO is still in the process of some requirements with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for their new status, afterwhich, the full implementation will immediately follow, Pono said. (PIA-SoLeyte)

By Erna S. Gorne

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 25 (PIA) -- A beneficiary of the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Agency graduated Cum Laude from the Naval State University in Naval, Biliran, Ms. Ma. Evangelina Filamor, Chief, Programs and Services Division of OWWA Region 8, said.

OWWA-ODSP scholar graduates cum laude in Biliran

M s. Filamor identified the scholar as Zenaida R. Abrigo, sister of an OFW working in the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She earned a degree in Bachelor of

Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management with a general weighted average of 1.52.

The OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFW-DSP) is granted to an eligible dependent of an active OFW with

a basic monthly salary of not more than $400.

The scholar receives a financial assistance of P10,000.00 per semester, Ms. Filamor said.

OWWA scholar Abrigo is the youngest among eight siblings who lost their parents years ago.

It was her brother, Gilbert R. Abrigo, an OWWA member who supported her all throughout her studies.

Abrigo expressed her sincere and heartfelt gratitude to OWWA for giving her the opportunity to be one of the OWWA Scholars.

Meanwhile, OWWA Region 8 Director Norma del Rosario expressed elation over the good news saying Abrigo will be the source of inspiration to other OWWA scholars. I pray that the other OWWA scholars will also do good, Director del Rosario added. (PIA-8)

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