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Vol 6 Issue 26 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 June 27 - July 3, 2016
In this Issue President Duterte issues first marching orders to Cabinet
More on Region 8, pages 6-7.
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PCARI scholarships to US have 200 available slots
CEBU, June 30 (PIA) – Two hundred slots are available
nationwide for eligible applicants to the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI) Scholarship Project with
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as the government implementing agency.
The PCARI Project is a capacity-building, technology-generating collaborative initiative designed to
upgrade to global standards the research, development and innovation capabilities and competencies of the
faculty, students and staff of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The project is a new approach to enhance the skills and expertise of faculty, students, and staff of Philippine
universities through scholarships, trainings, and research partnerships with top-notch research universities in California,
USA initially with the University of California San Francisco and the University of California Berkeley in the priority areas
of Information Infrastructure Development and Health Innovation and Translational Medicine.
This year, the PCARI is set to conduct a nationwide series of roadshows in selected Philippine HEIs in order to
attract scholarship applicants from all over the country for its
200 scholarship slots. General qualifications are: Filipino citizen, not over 45
years of age, degree in relevant disciplines and research proposal aligned with PCARI priority areas.
The objective of this Project is to develop the critical mass of scientists, technologists and innovators
in Philippine HEIs capable of generating and translating technologies into innovations that will address societal
problems. Scholars under this project will have an opportunity to
interact with the elite researchers of the University of California and will be part of the top talents in the country who
are active in fundamental and applied research relevant to the country‘s socio-economic development and the long-term
competitiveness of the Philippines, according to the project website.
Chosen scholars will enjoy a number of privileges including tuition and other school fees, transportation
allowance, stipend, book allowance, travel and medical insurance, and thesis or special project grant. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
More on Region 7, pages 4-5.
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More on Region 6, pages 2-3.
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EASTERN VISAYAS
Iloilo City, June 30 (PIA6) - - President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte, the country‘s 16th President, made his policies I clear in ensuring efficiency and transparency in government
transactions and accountability of public officials. Duterte‘s first marching order to his department
secretaries and heads of agencies was to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission
to the release. ―I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies
to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all‖,
said President Duterte in his inaugural message. He likewise directed all his cabinet officials and heads of
agencies to refrain from changing and bending the rules on government contracts, transactions and projects already
approved and awaiting implementation. ―I abhor secrecy and instead advocate transparency in all
government contracts, projects and business transactions from submission of proposals to negotiation to perfection and finally,
to consummation,‖ Duterte said. He further warned his cabinet officials ―Do them and we
will work together. Do not do them, we will part sooner than later‖.
These are the policies which President Duterte specifically mentioned in his speech anchored on the quotations of two Presidents of the United States of
America. The first quotation was that of US President Franklin
Delano Roosevelt: ―The test of government is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is
whether we provide for those who have little‖.
From Abraham Lincoln: ―You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by
discouraging the rich; You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further brotherhood
by inciting class hatred among men.‖ Duterte was sworn in by Supreme Court Associate
Justice Bienvenido Reyes at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace attended by his family and more than 600 guests.
He was the second President to take his oath at the Rizal Hall after former President Ferdinand Marcos. (JCM/laf/
PIA6-Iloilo).
WESTERN VISAYAS
CENTRAL VISAYAS
BSP-Cebu Regional Director Atty. Dess Sumbi
talked about the Clean Note Policy, the
commemorative coins, and a quick advisory
against text scams during the first activity
conducted by PIA Cebu under the Duterte
Administration with a #iBLOGforBSP Bloggers
Forum at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Cebu. (PIA 7)
Pag-IBIG Fund Molo Branch Marketing
Specialist Mark Ken Carmelita reminds private
and government employers with at least ten
employees to start paying their remittances
online using the Electronic Payment and
Collection Facility platform of the agency in an
interview at Radyo ng Bayan Iloilo for the PIA
Kapihan Regionwide program anchored by
Lilibeth Aguilar French.
Fayette C. Riñen
EU First Counsellor and Head Development
Cooperation Achim Tillesen and UNDP
Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra led
on Wednesday, June 29, the turnover
ceremony of EU-funded housing units to the
local government unit of Ormoc City. (Photos
by Raul S. Tiozon/PIA-8) #pia8
By Lilibeth A. French
(Screenshot courtesy of RTVM live streaming)
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 28 (PIA) ---The elected
officials of the Province of Leyte took their oath of office Sunday at the Leyte Academic Center Gym, Pawing Palo
Leyte. Court of Appeals Associate Justice Edgardo Delos Santos
administered the oath of Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla while regional trial court judges took turn in inducting
into office the mayors, vice-mayors, councilors and members of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan of Leyte.
As he congratulated everyone for the victory last election, Governor Petilla, in his inaugural speech
reminded them of the public trust bestowed upon them by the people who choose them to be elected
again into office.
He likewise emphasized the importance of setting aside
politics instead be united to achieve prosperity and development in the province.
―It is in unity that we will succeed and it is in unity that we will move forward,‖ the governor said.
Petilla also promised to sustain the programs he started in his first term particularly on the aspect of economy,
agriculture, infrastracture, education, social services and other priority programs for the good of all his constituents and the
province. Petilla was flanked by his family, his wife Sharon and his
parents-former governor Leopoldo Petilla and Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla and brother former Energy Secretary
Carlos Jericho L. Petilla. (/PIA-8)
Consuelo B. Alarcon
Guv reminds fellow officials to uphold public trust
WESTERN VISAYAS 2
Drilon confident of continued development
in Iloilo
ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PIA6) --- Outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon is confident that the new administration under
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will be supportive of the economic developments in the city and province of Iloilo.
U nder the Aquino administration,
Iloilo‘s progress has been
remarkable and has caught the
attention of the rest of the country.
Even the reputable Channel
News Asia of Singapore featured the
accomplishments of Iloilo in its program
―Money Mind‖ last month.
―I am hopeful and confident
that we will be able to transcend
different political affiliations for the greater
good of the city and province of Iloilo,‖
Drilon said.
For 2016, a total of P12.5 billion
worth of infrastructure projects have been
allocated for Western Visayas covering
614 projects that include roads and
bridges among the five provinces in the
region.
―Iloilo has the biggest share with
P3 billion worth of infrastructure
projects,‖ he said.
Drilon also said that foreign investors
and businessmen expressed interest in
establishing economic zones in Iloilo.
― I l o i l o h a s p o t en t i a l f o r
agro-economic activity with the
construction of the P11.2-billion Jalaur
River Multipurpose Project,‖ he said.
He added that there is also a need to
develop and expand the Dumangas Port to
further boost our trading in the province.
(JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)
Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
By Leonard T. Pineda I
SAN JOSE, Antique, June 29 (PIA6) - - The importance of seaweeds culture is one of the many highlights of the
Technology Caravan and Fisher folks Dialogue which the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Antique
Provincial Fishery Office is set to conduct in the two Barangays of Culasi, Antique.
Technology transfer on seaweeds culture for Antique fisher folks up
By Vicente W. Villavert
B FAR Antique OIC Provincial
Fishery Officer Erwin I. Ilaya
said the activity wil l be
conducted on July 4 to 5, 2016 in
Barangay Batbatan and Mararison
w i th var ious government and
non-government agencies participating in
the activity.
―The technology caravan and
fisherfolks dialogue is part of the
government‘s initiative to bring
government agencies including their
services closer to the people,‖ Ilaya said.
The activity aims to disseminate
technical information about BFAR
services, and to identify issues and
problems related to fisheries and provide
some inputs and assistance to the poor
fisherfolks in the area.
The discussion on seaweeds culture is
expected to gain interest of the fisherfolks
as it will help boost their livelihood
activity and income.
Aside from the presentation of
technology transfer of seaweeds culture,
the BFAR will also discuss the importance
of fisheries post-harvest and Commercial
Fishing Vessel licensing and registrations
including illegal, unreported and
unregulated fishing.
The BFAR Antique Provincial Fishery
Officer expects that the technology
caravan will help increase the knowledge
of the fisherfolks on the various
interventions of the government on the
fishery sector, and at the same time
increase awareness on the protection and
conservation of fisheries and aquatic
resources. (JCM/VWV/PIA Antique)
7 Aklan farmers' groups to get mechanized equipment
By Venus G. Villanueva
KALIBO, Aklan, June 29 (PIA6) -- Seven (7) farm associations from various towns in Aklan are set to acquire facility
equipment from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit 6 for the implementation of the Rice Mechanization
Program.
T he acquisition of farm equipment
– 1 unit Mini 4WD tractor, 3
units hand tractor and 3 units
floating tillers was made possible through
a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
entered into by DA RFU 6 and Aklan
governor Florencio T. Miraflores,
and with with farmers associations.
The authority for the province to
enter into a MOA was provided by the
Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP)
through a resolution upon the request of
the Provincial Governor.
The total bidded amount of the farm
equipment reached P1,365,100.00 while
the total Provincial Local Government
Unit Counterpart (PLGU) of 15% each per
equipment reached P204,765.00.
The 1 unit Mini 4WD tractor will be
received by the Agbago Farmers
Organizations of Ibajay, Aklan while the
Muguing Farmers Association of Banga,
Naile Small Farmers Association of Ibajay
and Dongon West Farmers Association
of Numancia will each get 1 unit hand
tractor.
On the other hand, the PUJAMA
Irr igators Associat ion of New
Washington, the Laguinbanwa West
Farmers Association of Numancia and
the Sibalew Farmers Association will each
get 1 unit floating tiller.
It was also stipulated in the SP
resolution that the Office of the
Provincial Agriculture (OPA) should
implement serious monitoring of the
utilization, maintenance and impact of the
use of the farm implements. (JCM/VGV
PIA6 Aklan)
WESTERN VISAYAS 3
BACOLOD CITY, June 30 (PIA6) – The color of a person’s urine is one of the indicators in knowing the health of one’s kidneys,
according to the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI).
N ational Program Manager
D r . S u s a n J o r g e o f
NKTI‘s Renal Disease Control
Program (Redcop), said that a person's
urine has a variety of colors which can
help determine if one already needs to
consult a doctor.
―May ara sang variation, nga daw kita
mo ang tsaa nga brownish red. May
deperensya na imo kidney,‖ (There is a
variation in color where you can see that
your urine is brownish-red. It means you
have kidney problems), Jorge said in
dialect during a radio interview here with
DYRL‘s Edgar Lucasan.
Likewise, excessive bubble formation
produced after urinating is also a sign of
unhealthy kidneys, Jorge said.
―Ina pa guid bala kung damu bubbles
sang imo ihi, magpatan-aw ka na sang imo
ihi para mas temprano, mas dali siya
bulongon,‖(When there is excessive
bubbles in your urine, you should have
it checked so that can be addressed
early) she said.
Meanwhile, urine that is pale-yellow in
color indicates that your kidneys are
properly taken care of and are healthy,
she added.
However, Jorge said that
yellowish-colored urine means the lack of
water intake.
Jorge said people must have their
kidneys checked once a year through
urinalysis.
June is observed as the National
Kidney Month, and NKTI-Redcop,
together with the Philippine Information
Agency – Negros Occidental, conducted a
three-day renal disease prevention
campaign here.
Free urinalysis, blood sugar test, and
blood pressure checking were held at the
Negros Occidental Multi-purpose Activity
Center and at Corazon Locsin
Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
as part of the campaign. (JCM/CBA/
PIA6-Negros Occidental)
Urine color indicates health of kidneys
By Carlson B. Alelis
ILOILO CITY, June 30 (PIA6) — Bucari, dubbed the ―little Baguio‖ located in the town of Leon, Iloilo, has been identified one
of the sites for the establishment of an arboretum, or a garden for biodiversity, with an area of 2.8 hectares.
T he Department of Environment
and Natural Resources here
said that the establishment of
arboretum sites is aimed at combating
biodiversity loss.
―It is also a strategy for
climate change adaptation and mitigation,‖
DENR Regional Director Ji, Sampulna
said.
He added that an arboretum in each
province will help hasten the restoration
of original forest vegetation.
―At least 50 species of native trees
and people‘s aaawareness about the
importance of biodiversity conservation,‖
Sampulna said.
Aside from planting indigenous tree
species in each arboretum area, there will
also be Bambusetum or different species
of bamboo, Palmetum or different
varieties of palm, Herbarium or collection
of different varieties of herbs and
Orchidarium or variety of orchids. An
infrastructure component is also part of
the project to complement the tourism
potentials of the local government units.
This includes the improvement or
establishment of road network, provision
of solar panels to ensure a sustained
source of renewable power supply, and a
gazebo.
Meanwhile in the province of
Gumaras, the proposed arboretum site is
within the National Greening Program site
in Barangay Tanglad, Sibunag with an area
of 27.0 hectares. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)
Bucari eyed as 'garden for biodiversity'
By Elsa S. Subong
Capiz’ 4Ps get P448M in 2015
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, June 30 (PIA6) – An accumulated amount of P448,027,500.00 was disbursed to the province of Capiz in
2015 for the implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
B ased on the records of the
Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), the
amount was allocated on a quarterly basis
for the beneficiaries in Roxas City and 16
towns.
The province is 100 percent covered
by the program.
Capiz has 38,325 active beneficiaries
a s o f Mar ch 18 t h i s ye a r
according to DSWD – Pantawid Capiz
Provincial Operations Office Grievance
Officer Joanne M. Gequilasao – Dediles
during a recent media interaction
After eight years of implementation,
since its inception in 2008, the CCT has
expanded to cover 41,519 barangays in
144 cities and 1,483 municipalities in 80
provinces nationwide.
One great accomplishment of the
CCT program is that it helped
families send children to school.
In 2015, 863,046 elementary and
333,673 high school students were 4Ps
beneficiaries, according to a review of
accomplishments on Human Development
and Poverty Reduction of Pres. Benigno S.
Aquino III‘s administration.
The pro-poor initiative also intends
to improve preventive health care
assistance among pregnant women and
children, reduce incidence of child labor,
raise the average consumption rate in
food expenditure of poor households and
encourage parents to invest in their
children‘s human capital through
investments in health and nutrition,
education and participation in community
activities. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)
By Alex Lumaque
Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Typhoon “Yolanda” Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
CENTRAL VISAYAS 4
VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, June 29 (PIA) – Environmental groups in Negros Oriental handed over a copy of more than
3,000 petition signatures to Mayor Edgar Teves to stop Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) 60 megawatt geothermal
expansion project at Cuernos de Negros or Mt. Talinis.
Environmental groups submit petition vs
geothermal expansion
A ccording to 350 Pilipinas coordinator
Zephan ie Repol lo , the mayor
showed support to the groups and
committed to ensure transparency of the
project.
With this, the Office of the Mayor will
likewise arrange a dialogue among the
complainants, officials from the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
and EDC.
This dialogue aims to bring answers to
questions raised by the different environmental
groups regarding EDC‘s alleged non-disclosure
of its development plans, said Repollo.
EDC is waiting for an Environmental
Compliance Certificate (ECC) for its proposed
development block which covers additional
60MW.
However, in a recent media briefing,
Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit
(NIGBU) Senior Manager Engr. Vicente
Omandam of EDC explained that this latest
expansion will utilize approximately 30
hectares within the ―development block‖ of
the EDC's Southern Negros Geothermal Field
in Valencia and not at Mt. Talinis as claimed by
the environmental groups.
Omandam said the expansion will be
distributed in at least six sites within EDC's
existing geothermal fields and power plants.
The groups have clamored for full
transparency of EDC‘s proposed development
block and demanded that there will be no
more expansion at Cuernos de Negros.
Forest Management Bureau Director
Ricardo Calderon of DENR recently
clarified that EDC has not yet applied
for a tenure for a particular area which needs
clearance from a local government and
endorsement from concerned agencies
before a project will push through. (rmn/jct/
PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Jennifer C. Tilos
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 29 (NIA) --Two Bohol irrigation associations again brought glory for Bohol in the recently
concluded search for the Most Outstanding Irrigators’ Associations which National Irrigation Administration (NIA) conducts
annually through its Institutional Development Division.
2 Bohol irrigation associations among country’s best
T he San D Mil Irrigators‘ Association
(IA) in Dagohoy town and the
Kawasan-Cayacay IA in Alicia claimed
their spots in the national limelight during the
celebration of the 53rd Anniversary of the NIA
on June 22, 2016 at the National Irrigation
Administration Central Office, Diliman,
Quezon City.
Nominated for the National Irrigation
System (NIS) Category, San D Mil IA garnered
a rating of 99.50% bagging 4th place.
On top of the Plaque of Recognition, San
D Mil IA through its President Tereso Cruda
also received a check amounting Php 30,000
from NIA.
Rounding the top three in the NIS
Category are Ligaya IA of MARIIS with a rating
of 99.97 percent, LOWTIPTAM IA from
Region 9 with 99.98 percent, and San Isidro IA
of Region 11 with a 100.00 percent rating.
The search for Most Outstanding IAs is an
annual NIA undertaking to give recognition to
the IAs in NIS, CIS and CARP categories which
show an excellent performance in operation
and maintenance of irrigation facilities, financial
performance and viability index and the
initiative to uplift the status of their respective
associations through various programs.
Meanwhile, a total of P221 million has
been allotted by the government for Bohol
under the Department of Social Welfare and
Development's (DSWD) livelihood support for
the underprivileged. Of the total, P4.8-M is
available for each town here.
The program, called Sustainable Livelihood
Program (SLP), is a micro-enterprise
development and employment facilitation that
aims to provide sufficient and sustainable
source of income for the poor for them to get
opportunities and feel the inclusive growth and
recover from poverty. (rmn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol/
Tony Alonzo/NIA)
Rey Anthony H. Chiu
DUMAGUETE CITY, June 29 (PIA) – Health experts in Negros Oriental are reminding the public to be careful in taking herbal
supplements because this may bring negative effects to the kidneys.
Be careful when taking herbal supplements, doctors warn
S peaking in Kapihan sa PIA forum on
renal health care today, Dr. Kenneth
Coo, a nephrologist of Holy Child
Hospital, noted that the primary function of
the kidney is to filter wastes from the blood.
When a person drinks herbal capsules, its
particles enter the blood and the kidneys will
have to filter that.
The risk comes in if the kidneys are
already weak and it gets overworked because
it have to filter waste residues coming from
the herbal supplement that got mixed with the
blood.
―Your kidneys deteriorate easily if it gets
overworked,‖ Dr. Coo said.
He advises the public to regulate their
intake of herbal supplements and not to get
enticed by commercials that feature people
claiming that these products have cured them
from their ailments.
―The term ‗Maayo ko‘ is cure. The way
we say it in Bisaya is ‗Naayo ko.‘ That‘s cure,
that‘s medicine. It‘s not supplement.
Supplement and medicine are two different
things,‖ he added.
However, he clarified that nephrologists
are not totally against the idea of taking herbal
supplements, saying that they have a neutral
stand on the issue.
―On our part as kidney specialists, we do
not tell you herbal medicines are bad for the
kidneys but we cannot tell you that herbal
medicines are good for your kidneys,‖ he
pointed out.
Dr. Coo advises that herbal capsules can
still be taken if creatinine level is normal but if
it shoots up then it is the time to go to the
doctor and have a check-up.
On the other hand, he also cautioned
kidney patients in taking pain relievers because
some pain relievers, like all non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, are not good for
people with kidney problems.
Meanwhile, Integrated Provincial Health
Office (IPHO) Renal Disease Control Program
(REDCOP) Focal Person Judith Vailoces also
underscored that part of keeping kidneys
healthy is avoiding the intake of herbal
supplements and other medicines that can
harm the kidneys.
Vailoces disclosed that some of these can
leave a negative side effect to the human
kidney.
She noted people should be more careful
since some food products like coffee are mixed
with some herbal components. (rmn/ral/
PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Roi Anthoni B. Lomotan
Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
CENTRAL VISAYAS 5
CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is opening a new test center in Bogo City for the Career
Service Examination Paper and Pen Test (CSE-PPT) professional and sub-professional levels on October 23, 2016.
T his is in addition to the test centers
in Cebu City, Dumaguete City, and
Tagbilaran City, said CSC-7 Chief of
the Examination Services Division Dixie
Gonzales.
According to Gonzales, applicants
who are interested to take the CSE-PPT
exam and are residing near the
northern part of Cebu may now have an
easier access when taking the exam in Bogo
City.
Application filing for the exam will also be
accessible and convenient since CSC personnel
will conduct an offsite processing in Bogo, she
added.
The schedule for the offsite processing
of CSE-PPT exam application forms will only
be during office hours or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
at the following dates and places: August 12 in
Borbon, Cebu; August 18 in Medellin
and Daanbantayan, Cebu; August 19
in Bantayan, Cebu; and August 30, 31
and September 1 in Bogo City.
Application for the CSE-PPT examination
is ongoing at the CSC regional and field offices
until September 1, 2016.
However, acceptance of applications may
be closed earlier than the deadline date of
September 1, 2016 as soon as available testing
rooms will be filled-up by examinee-applicants,
the civil service official said.
The application forms are available at said
o f f i ce s or may be down loaded
at www.csc.gov.ph.
For more information and details,
please call CSC Regional Office-7 at Sudlon,
Lahug, Cebu City at telephone numbers
2539050, 4147676, 4147488. (rmn/jsme/
PIA7-Cebu)
CSC opens new test center in Bogo City
Juju M. Empuerto
CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) – The Listahanan database show that over 60,000 households in Central Visayas are no longer
identified as poor.
Over 60T CV households no longer poor – DSWD
T his was revealed in the recent
launching of the 2015 Listahanan
Database of Poor in Central
Visayas attended by off icia ls and
representatives of different local government
units and national government agencies here.
Dr. Dennis Mapa, dean of the University
of the Philippines School of Statistics, said
there are now more than 61,000 households
who were included in the first survey in 2009
but are no longer included in the list of
identified poor in 2015.
Mapa, who has been the consultant at the
start of Listahanan, said there were over
800,000 households who were surveyed in
2009 and 314,000 plus were identified as poor
in 2009. This figure still includes the province
of Negros Oriental.
In the recent Listahanan, however, Mapa
noted an increase in the number of identified
poor at 385,534 out of 843,275, which now
excludes figures from Negros Oriental.
He explained there are four reasons
behind the increase of households based on
the Family Assessment Form (FAS).
This can be due to the expanded coverage
of assessed households, increase in the
population since 2009, shocks experienced by
the households, and the use of a survey
instrument which is more biased to the poor.
―The shocks experienced include the
calamities experienced by the households
including earthquake and typhoon Yolanda,‖
Mapa said.
The instrument used is Proxy Means Tests
(PMT) which has only a 6.9 error
rate compared with the 20 percent error in
2009.
Grace Subong, Listahanan deputy regional
manager, said there were eight characteristics
asked in indicating a poor household in the
four-page FAS.
Rosa Hubahib, representing National
Economic and Development Administration
(NEDA) Reg iona l D irector E fren
Carreon, said the Listahanan is accurate and
essential in the coming up of evidence based
decision.
The PMT methodology, she said, is more
convincing and has lesser occurrence of
errors.
―This will be a strong basis for
stakeholders in the crafting of plans directly to
target beneficiaries,‖ Hubahib said.
Listahanan used to be called as the
National Housing Targeting System for Poverty
Reduction.
It is a database to be used for targeting of
beneficiaries of social programs. (rmn/fcc/
PIA7-Cebu)
Ferliza C. Contratsta
CEBU CITY, 24 June (PIA) -- With newly-elected public officials set to assume office on June 30, the Central Visayas Regional
Development Council (RDC) is preparing to reorganize its membership.
M ajor parts of the reorganization
is the assumption of these newly
-elected Local Chief Executives as
RDC members, and the selection of
RDC- Private Sector Representatives (PSRs)
for the new term.
RDC full council approved the PSR
Selection Guidelines for the July 2016 to June
2019 term during its meeting on June 15 in
Tagbilaran City.
The guidelines includes, among others, the
qualifications of PSRs, the priority sectors to
be represented, nomination procedures and
selection process, and schedule of activities
leading to the confirmation of newly selected
PSRs, their oath-taking and assumption of
duties.
The schedule of the reorganization
process is as follows:
a) June 2016 - Qualification of
Nominating Private Sector Organizations
(PSOs)
b) July 2016 - Nomination by these PSOs
of their Nominees for PSRs
c) August 2016- Selection of RDC-Private
Sector Representatives in each Province thru a
PSR Convention
d) September 2016 RDC Full Council
Meeting – Confirmation of RDC-PSRs by
ex-officio members from LGUs and regional
line agencies; and, nomination to the President,
the names of prospective candidates for RDC
chairperson and co-chairperson from among
ex-officio LGU and PSR members.
The PSR Selection Guidelines for the July
2016-June 2019 term can be downloaded
from www.rdc7.net.ph. National Economic
Development Authority (NEDA-7), as RDC
Secretariat, will be conducting an orientation
on the Guidelines for the Qualified Nominating
PSOs of Bohol and Cebu on June 28, 1:30
to 3:30 pm at NEDA7 office in Cebu City.
The orientation for the Qualified
Nominating PSOs of Siquijor is scheduled on
the first week of July. (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/NEDA-7)
RDC prepares for members' reorg in CV
Hazel F. Gloria
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EASTERN VISAYAS 6
UP Heritage Center explains meaning
of fiestas
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, June 28 (PIA) - The UP Leyte Samar Heritage Center conducted a forum on cultural and heritage
last June24, 2016 at the UP Tacloban Library hall.
P rofessor Joyce Dorado Alegre,
Director of Leyte Samar Heritage
Center imparted her knowledge on
the significance of celebrating fiestas by
identifying the history, culture and pride of
the Filipino heritage, the Taclobanons in
particular.
The forum primarily enlightened the
participants on the meaning of the Sto. Nino
Fiesta Celebration, as spiritual tradition of the
people, rituals and feast activities such as
parade, cultural entertainment shows and
festivals.
Alegre said that aside from the foods,
entertainment, the Fiesta is an event that is
celebrated for a significant historical, social,
cultural and religious occasion, like what the
people of Tacloban and parts of Leyte are
celebrating , the feast of Sto. Nino.
Likewise, Rev. Father Gilber Urbina
and Rev. Father Alvin Nicolasora,
comprehensively talked on the history, ―the
phenomenal religious devotion to the Sto Nino
de Leyte: the mystery, miracle and practice of
Faith‖.
He also said that, the ―reflection of Faith
through the iconic beauty of the Sto Nino
image‖, is most observed by the His followers.
The forum was attended by seminarians,
church deacons, students of four different High
Schools in Tacloban City, media TV/Radio
outlets, DOT representative and priests as
speakers of forum.
The City of Tacloban will be celebrating
the Feast of the icon Sto. Nino de Leyte come
June 30, 2016.(Del Servande)
Re-elected Guv to continue high impact projects
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 28 (PIA) — Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan as she earned a fresh mandate, vowed to
continue her projects on health, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.
G aining her final term, Tan also
mentioned drawing investors to the
capital city of Samar, Catbalogan.
She takes pride in the rehab works
her administration did for Samar Provincial
Hospital and Calbayog District Hospital.
The young governor who was sworn-in
with mother Representative Milagrosa Tan
added that she is happy that incoming
Secretary of Agriculture Emmanuel Pinol has
given priority to the country‘s 10 poorest
provinces, Samar included.
Tan said that the department will help
Samar in irrigation projects to boost rice
production.
Agriculture RD Leo Caneda was among
the guests in the oath-taking ceremonies.
As to the Bottom up Budgetting (BUB)
projects, Tan said that the provincial
government will work with the municipal local
governments for the BUB projects to push
through. BUB projects in some municipalities
were not implemented as they did not have
the seal of good housekeeping.
She praised the Department of Tourism
(DOT) for realizing her tourism plans for
Samar.
The governor said that the road network
she is pursuing for Samar will help in the issue
of insurgency and peace and order.
She acknowledged the support of the
security forces, the army and the police in
making Samar more peaceful these days.
She vowed to continue her other projects
which she said has helped many young
Samarnons like her scholarship program.
Tan has gained a final term as governor
amidst challenges in her leadership. (nbq/
PIA8-Samar)
Ninfa B Quirante
ESamar holds successful NSED drill
T he students and teachers of LNHS
had done the ―duck, cover, and hold‖
technique and after a few seconds,
the command center of school had called up
the government agencies and rescue units
involved in order to ask for help.
Next scenario had been the quick exit of
the students to flee towards the assigned
evacuation site — a mountain in Brgy. Cabong
— in order for them to escape an expected
tsunami as responders had started to arrive.
The Eastern Samar Provincial Research
and Rescue Team (ESPRRT) and Borongan
City Research and Rescue Team (BCRRT)
— bringing in ambulance and fire truck — had
cooperated with the Borongan City Health
Unit (BCHU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),
and Philippine National Police (PNP) in order
to respond to wounded victims as well as to
conduct a medical service and rescue. According to LNHS Principal Mr. Jessie
Abunda, responding to the aftermath of the
earthquake had been quick due to the
participation of the different government
agencies and the students. He had said that
they had taken the activity seriously since its
primary purpose is in order for the students
and the teachers to be prepared in case a
strong earthquake strikes the province.
He had further said that it is written in
their school implementation plan in case an
earthquake strikes the Borongan City.
"LNHS is not far from the sea as the
province is facing the Pacific Ocean as well.
Hence, an activity such as this should be taken
seriously due to the possibility of a tsunami.
Five to seven minutes after a strong
earthquake, a tsunami is likely to occur
afterwards. That‘s why a quick flee towards an
elevated area is important", he added.
Abunda further said that, he can assess
that the earthquake drill had been a success
due to the cooperation of different agencies. Same is true with the assessment of
Department of Interior and Local Government
-Eastern Samar Disaster Preparedness Focal
Person Mrs. Jemma May Lobrio. According to
her, the partnership of various agencies had
been strong that‘s why the results of this year‘s
earthquake drill had been positive compared to
the 1st Nationwide Earthquake Drill.
According to Eastern Samar Assistant
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Officer (APDRRMO), Mr. Levi
Nicart, a series of earthquake drills is still to be
expected in Eastern Samar and he had assured
that the weaknesses and suggestions pointed
out in in the drill will be taken with a proper
action — especially the construction on an
evacuation site in Brgy. Cabong.
In line with this, Borongan City DRRM
Officer Engr. Jaime Voces had disclosed that
Borongan City Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda had a
positive feedback on the activity.
Meanwhile, the members of the Technical
Working Group rated the earthquake drill with a 9 in a scale of 1-10. Various towns of the
province had conducted the earthquake drill as
well. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, June 29 (PIA) ---- At exactly 09:00 A.M. of June 22, 2016, the sound of a fire truck’s siren
had been heard at Lalawigan National High School (LNHS) as the pilot area of Eastern Samar— signaling the start of the 2nd
National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.
Samuel D. Candido
Del Servande Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Typhoon “Ondoy”. Photo by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.comPhoto by skinnyjello.files.wordpress.com
EASTERN VISAYAS 7
ESamar newly-elected provincial officials take oath
BORONGAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) --- The newly-elected officials of the Province of Eastern Samar took their oath of office,
June 30 at the Provincial Capitol Lobby, this city.
T he oath-taking ceremony started
with a mass at 8:00 A.M., presided by
Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez
— Bishop of the Diocese of Borongan — as
the main celebrant.
Borongan City Regional Trial Court
Branch 2 (RTC Branch 2) Hon. Judge
Nathaniel E. Baldono administered the oath of
office of the newly-elected officials of Eastern
Samar.
The newly-elected provincial officials are
the following: Hon. Governor Conrado
―Aklan‖ B. Nicart, Jr.; Hon. Vice-Governor
Marcelo Ferdinand A. Picardal; 1st District
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon.
Celestino A. Cabato, Hon. Joji N. Montallana,
Hon. Byron M. Suyot, Hon. Karen D. Alvarez,
and Hon. Annabelle A. Capito; and 2nd District
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon. Jonas
B. Abuda, Hon. Gorgonio B. Cabacaba, Hon.
Nestorio O. Cablao, Hon. Maricar Sison
Goteesan, and Hon. Jaime S. Ty.
After their oath of office, the
newly-elected Governor and Vice-Governor
delivered their inaugural messages while the
newly-elected SP Members delivered their
words of thanks to the people of Eastern
Samar for the trust and confidence given to
them.
A thanksg iv ing party at the
Eastern Samar Prov inc ia l Cap ito l
Gymnasium in the evening followed. (SDC
- PIA/E. Samar)
Samuel D. Candido
SoLeyte celebrates 56th Anniversary
with Agri-fair, garden show
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 29 (PIA) – As the province of Southern Leyte will celebrate its 56th Founding
Anniversary come July 1st, an Agri Fair and Garden Show will highlight the week-long celebration that kicked-off Monday,
June 27.
T he agricultural fair which showcased
different veggies, fruits produced
throughout the province, including
flowers and plants of different kinds,
hand-made products, locally produced
"kakanins', among other food products, opened
Monday with Governor-elect Damian G.
Mercado and V ice -Governor -e lec t
Chrisopherson Yap as the guests who
conducted the ribbon-cutting.
In his message, Mercado vowed to
continue the priority programs started by his
brother, Congressman-elect Roger G.
Mercado, such as education, health and
agriculture, and infrastructure development
programs to follow.
He said that ―since Southern Leyte is an
agricultural rich province, I am urging the
farmers to come and visit me in my office to
lay your plans for the development of our
agriculture. Let us unite for the good of the
province and for you (farmers) to live with
your abundant supply.‖
Mercado mentioned cacao and coffee as a
good harvest since it will grow faster for only
three years, not to include coconut as the main
product supply of the province. ―Definitely,
Southern Leyte will become a supplier of cacao
and coffee.‖
He told that top suppliers of cacao in
Africa cannot anymore supply the demands
worldwide because of some problems, he said.
This year‘s theme is dubbed as, ―Ipadayon
ang Panaghiusa alang sa Kalambuan sa
Probinsya.‖
Meanwhile, Yap, a neophyte at the
provincial level informed the farmers that he is
willing to support all the endeavors of the
provincial leaders and asked the farmers to
approach him anytime because ―we can do a
lot of things since I am also into farming,‖ he
added.
The agri fair spearheaded by the Office of
Provincial Agriculture is supported by at least
17 municipalities and 1 city of the province,
among other non-government organizations
and national line agencies who also displayed
their own products. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
Rebecca Cadavos
GSIS-Maasin holds dialogue with members
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 29 (PIA) – Around 40 Public Sector Union members participated the consultative
meeting conducted by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)– Maasin Branch, June 28, 2016.
T h e d i a l o g u e w a s a i m e d
to get feedbacks, among other issues
and concerns from its members to
develop policies that are just exact for the
needs of its members, GSIS Board of Trustee
Prof. Mario J. Aguja said, telling the participants
that, ―starting May up to June, GSIS is
conducting dialogues to get issues and
concerns then consolidate them and report it
to the board of trustees for action.‖
He informed that the reason for paying or
contributing to GSIS is to invest our money so
that when your contingency comes such as
retirement from government service, GSIS will
be there to help, to provide the members‘
needed benefits.
Aguja added saying, that ―GSIS will take
care of you for the rest of your life because
even if you expire, your spouse/beneficiary will
continue to receive monthly pension.‖
It was learned that a total of 9% will be
deducted from the member as personal share,
and 12% from the governments‘ share. 2% of
it for the life insurance and 7% for retirement
premium and another 2% for life insurance and
10% for retirement premium, respectively.
Agu ja further h igh l ighted the
accomplishments within 6 years of the Aquino
administration where the reduction in
volumes of unreconciled or unposted payments
decreased from P30-Billion to P2.5-Billion from
2010-2015, respectively. He reported that the
posting efficiency was improved, from 83.5% in
2010 compared to 96% for the year 2015.
Among other topics expounded included
the members‘ claims and benefits, life insurance
benefits, financial performance, GSIs total
assets from property and investments,
collections efficiency, death benefits, employees
compensation, among the few.
Under the new GSIS, members are the
focus without compromising GSIS abilities,
Aguja informed. ―GSIS has total assets of
P989.028-B for the 1st quarter of 2016 and at
the end of March 2016 GSIS reached P1.03-T
in total assets,‘ he added.
GSIS-Maasin Branch include the whole
province of Southern Leyte and some Leyte
municipalities including Matalom, Bato,
Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan and the city of
Baybay. (rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte)
Rebecca Cadavos
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