Vol 2 Issue 14 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 April 2 - 8, 2012

WESTERN VISAYAS  

By Lilibeth A. French

I LOILO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- Ilonggos were urged to take extra steps to push common efforts towards conservation of energy and

preservation of the environment. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog told Ilonggos Saturday

that by switching off their lights for one hour they will not only save electricity but also support efforts to protect the environment against climate change during the ceremonial countdown and switch-off of lights held at SM City Iloilo in line with the Earth Hour 2012 observance here.

Mabilog said the city government is also doing its share along this line as the new city hall building is the first government “green” building in the country that uses solar assisted air conditioning units that provide cooling system in the city hall.

“We must get to work to put in place developmental plans to transform our environment into promising and great economic opportunities,” said Mabilog.

On the other hand, congressman Jerry P. Trenas, who also joined in the switch-off ceremony, said the sudden change in climate being experienced in the

country is a call to everyone to do his or her own contribution to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“We can do our little share in ensuring that the earth that we are going to leave to our children and grandchildren will be a better place for all of them,” said Trenas as he acknowledged the support and participation of Ilonggos in the Earth Hour since it started here in this city and now participated in by many cities in the country.

Engr. Randy Pastolero of the Panay Electric Cooperative (PECO) said in a radio interview that they have recorded a 29.9-megawatt drop in energy consumption during the one-hour switch-off this year. PECO is the sole distributor of power in this city.

Aside from Mabilog and Trenas, the Earth Hour event at SM City was also attended by Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III, Councilors Ely Estante and Dave Jamora, Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6–Environmental Management Bureau Director Jonathan Bulos, PIA 6 Director Ma. Janet Mesa, Responsible Ilonggo for Sustainable Energy’s Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim and SM City Iloilo Mall Manager Girlie Liboon, among others. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

T ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 30 (PIA) -- The Philippines has been declared by the Earth Hour organizers as a “Hero Country”, said

Atty. Gia Ibay, National Director of Earth Hour Philip-pines and World Wildlife Fund for Nature Philippines head for Climate Change and Energy Program.

Atty. Ibay said that that the Philippines has been rewarded as such for topping Earth Hour's global town and city participation levels for three straight years, from 2009 – 2011.

Atty. Ibay informed that Earth Hour began as a single-city initiative in 2007 when from 7:30 to 8:30 in the evening of March 31, 2.2 million people switched off their lights to celebrate Earth Hour in Sydney,

Australia. The power saved during the 60-minute switch-off was equivalent to removing 48,613 cars off Sydney roads for an hour.

Earth Hour became a global movement in 2008. The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to pledge full support.

Total power savings in 2008 amounted to 80MWh.In 2009, 611megawatt hours were saved equivalent to a temporary shutdown of a dozen coal-fired power plants.

In 2010, 1,076 Philippine towns and cities participated and 1,661 in 2011, making the country a three-time Earth Hour champion and an official Earth Hour “Hero Country”. (EOPT - PIA 8)

By Rachelle M. Nessia

D UMAGUETE CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government and each of the municipalities in Negros Oriental will soon

have its own roadmap for agricultural development following a recent workshop held by the Department of Agriculture in Region 7 for agricultural technologists (ATs).

The workshop taught the technologists coming from the towns' local government units (LGUs) here how to craft an agricultural roadmap that will identify the rice, corn, and high-value crops, livestock and other agricultural data such as production yield in their areas.

“The rationale behind this municipal road map is to consolidate all agricultural development plan initiatives of the municipalities into our provincial commodity program road map,” said Nittz Bangay, information officer of the Provincial Agricultural Office here.

The activity will likewise enhance the ATs’ knowledge on the agricultural data of their respective areas.

Bangay said the road map will also show an area’s commodity self-sufficiency, profitability and productivity in the agricultural sector.

“It will also provide an opportunity for the LGUs to implement interventions, strategies and funding mechanisms to attain their production goals,” she added. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

LGUs to craft agricultural development roadmap

Philippines is Earth Hour ‘Hero Country’

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…

Ilonggos urged to take steps to protect environment, conserve energy

COUNTDOWN TO EARTH HOUR 2012. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog (3rd from left) and Congressman Jerry Trenas lead the countdown and ceremonial switch-off of lights for Earth Hour 2012 at SM City Iloilo, March 31. Joining them are Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III, Councilors Ely Estante and Dave Jamora, PIA 6 Director Ma. Janet Mesa, RISE's Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim and SM City Iloilo Mall Manager Girlie Liboon. (LAF/PIA6)

EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

JCI Candahug Liberation leads participants in releasing sky lanterns after the parade around the city in observance of Earth Hour at the Balyuan Amphitheater, Tacloban City, March 31. Many individuals and organizations participated in the said activity compared to last year. (PIA-8/Vino R. Cuayzon)

Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young is flanked by Cebu North Representative Cutie del Mar and WWF-Philippines Climate Change Director Atty. Gia Ibay as the three lead the nationwide simultaneous one-hour power switch-off ceremonies in Cebu during the recent Earth Hour obser-vance last March 31 at the Plaza Inde-pendencia together with Davao City and Makati City. (AS/FCR/PIA-Cebu)

(L-R seated): DAR-7 Regional Director Rodolfo Inson, NORSU President Dr. Henry Sojor, Cong. Pryde Henry Teves and PARO Stephen Leonidas sign the memorandum of agreement for the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), a project that aims to increase farm productivity and income of the agrarian reform beneficiaries in Negros Oriental. (PIA/DAR PHOTO)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

Ilonggo women getting more empowered vs. climate change - OCD By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 1 (PIA) -- Ilonggo women are getting more empowered and able to cope with climate change by becoming more informed and educated on it, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

M a. Aletha A. Nogra, OCD-6 training head, said because of the new law on disaster risk

reduction and management, the women sectors have been part of planning and implementing disaster preparedness programs in their localities.

Nogra, who was guest during the weekly cable TV program “Hangpanay” anchored by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), said RA 10121 has included total care for vulnerable sectors, including women, who have specific needs in times of disasters.

Women now have asserted their special needs, especially when they find themselves in evacuation centers, when they are pregnant, lactating or having monthly periods. “Women are now active in participating during planning for

disasters,” Nogra said. She said they are able to determine their needs, identify their roles before, during and after disasters, because they are familiar with their communities, its hazards and coping abilities.

Mariana, 45 years old, and a village chief in a remote area in Iloilo, said they realized they are not to be considered victims only of disasters, because usually they end up “helpless” especially in evacuation centers during disasters.

OCD-6 said that with the disaster risk reduction and management law, evacuation centers are not just shelters to house victims of disaster but a place that can help those affected to recover better.

“We need to design a place where normal activities can go on, especially for

women whose role of housekeeping extends to the evacuation centers, as they assume roles of cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the children,” Nogra said.

On the other hand, Nogra said that part of the training government is doing on disaster preparedness is also encouraging women to organize themselves and be part of the on-going education on climate change.

“Not only women, but girls and children, who should be educated right in their classrooms,” Nogra said.

“This is because our disaster risk reduction and management agencies and the LGUs have become more aware of gender-based principles applied to climate change,” she said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

IT’S MORE FUN IN THE RUINS IN TALISAY, NEG. OCCIDENTAL

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA6) -- A “holding area” at the Caticlan Jetty Port designed for the comfort of tourists and visitors going to Boracay Island has been opened recently by the Provincial Government of Aklan.

T he holding area, according to Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, is fully air-conditioned with

complete toilet facilities which could be used by tourists while waiting for pump boats to take them to the island.

Governor Marquez emphasized the use of the holding area is free.

“The holding area was especially conceptualized by the province to avoid a repeat of the situation on December 25 and 26 last year when hundreds of

passengers were stranded at night time and had no place to stay due to unavailability of pumpboats to take them to Boracay Island,” Marquez told the public during his regular Governor’s Report to the People program aired over a local radio station here.

Marquez also explained that only 5 pumpboats can ferry passengers at a time with an average of 165 to 175 passengers. However, when passengers disembark from a RORO vessel, there will be more

passengers to accommodate, thus the need for a comfortable waiting or holding area.

The holding area can hold at least 250 persons.

Waiting passengers can also use the entrance area of the terminal which is also air conditioned.

Aklan is presently bracing for more visitors to Boracay Island especially in view of the Lenten season. (JSC/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

Aklan opens 'holding area' for visitors at jetty port

BACOLOD CITY, April 2 (PIA6) - - The task force that checks on the accuracy of the calibration of pumping machines of gasoline stations here conducted again another round of surprise inspections among gasoline stations in the city to check on the calibration of their dispensing pumps.

T he group headed by Bacolod City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson inspected six more gas stations

and unlike the first round, these stations were found to be in order.

However, three of the six stations were not able to present their Mayor’s Permit for their Liquefied Petroleum Gas retailing outlet.

The inspection covered six stations – Total Station at Bangga Cory; Caltex Oil Rig Gas Service Station, City Heights; Ember Shell Gas Station, City Heights; Shell Lacson-Hernaez Ext.; Reall Gas

Service Station, corner Lacson-Magsaysay Sts.; and Caltex Libertad Service Station or NIVRAM Marketing.

Sayson and Councilor Al Victor Espino were accompanied during the inspection by representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of the Building Officer, Public Information Office, Zoning, Department of Trade and Industry, Permits and Licensing Division, City Engineers Office, City Treasurer’s Office.

The transport sector was represented by the Director-General of the United

Negros Drivers and Operators Center Jesse Ortega and the President of the Federation of Bacolod City’s Drivers Association Elizabeth Katalbas.

Media entities were also able to cover the inspection with correspondents from ABS-CBN, GMA and DYRL.

Both Sayson and Espino underscored the vital importance of the inspection for the protection of consumers especially now that fuel prices are continuously increasing.*(EAD/JCM-PIA6/CMO Negros Occidental)

By Venus G. Villanueva

Bacolod City task force inspects gas stations anew By Easter Anne D. Doza

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333 OFWs attend briefing on financial literacy, migration

SAN JOSE, Antique, April 2 (PIA6) -- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families in Antique recently attended a one-day seminar on financial literacy and addressing barriers to reintegration conducted by the Antique Youth and Migrant Center (AYMC).

By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

ILOILO CITY, April 2 (PIA6) -- Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio S. Apostol reminded all government officials and employees not to use their service vehicles in their out-of-town family vacations for the Holy Week and on April 9, 2012 (Araw ng Kagitingan), which is also declared a holiday or face sanctions.

T hose found to have utilized the vehicles for personal purposes and/or have no duly issued trip

tickets to record the trips may be considered liable under the following laws: R.A. 3019, R.A. 6713, Revised Administrative Code of the Philippines, Commission on Audit (COA) Circulars, sections of the Government Accounting and Auditing Manual, and other executive issuances.

The Ombudsman-Visayas created an Inter-Agency Task Force on O-Plan Red Plate with partner agencies, the Commission on Audit (COA), Civil

Service Commission (CSC), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The convergence of efforts of the Inter-Agency Task Force has resulted to positive responses from the concerned agencies that now use Trip Tickets for their travels. Their vehicles also bear the office name or logo and “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” signs.

The Ombudsman-Regional Office here is appealing to the public to be vigilant and report any incidence of violation of the aforesaid laws to the Inter

- A g e n c y T a s k - F o r c e n u m b e r s 0 9 1 7 8 8 9 8 6 6 2 ( O m b u d s m a n ) ; 09155391957 (COA); 09215241312 (LTO); 09165412152 or 09087869948 (CSC); 09999955072 or 09173233809 (PNP); and 09209459384 (PIA).

To report, please send the plate number; color and type of the vehicle; place and time where the vehicle is spotted and picture (if available).

Records show that the government is losing at least P9-million weekly on government vehicles being used for unofficial purposes nationwide. (OMB6/JSC/JCM-PIA6)

Government vehicles not for private use - Ombudsman

C apiz NFA Information Officer Rose Andalecio disclosed that as of April 2, they were able to

release the 250 bags of rice to the province here and another 100 bags for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as augmentation assistance of the national government to the province.

Andalecio said that the 300 bags of government rice were released last week at the height of the flood, while the remaining 50 bags for the DSWD were released April 2. She also assured Capiceños that despite the recent flood

affecting many barangays in Capiz, the NFA still has sufficient supply of rice for public consumption.

She said that aside from the government stock, the households, wholesalers and retailers as well as millers have also their rice stocks.

During the emergency meeting of the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council last March 26, Gov. Victor Tanco directed the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to immediately provide relief assistance to residents who were affected by flood to augment the relief assistance given by their

respective barangays and municipal gov-ernments.

In particular, the PDRRMC authorized the use of the P5-million quick response fund for the purchase of food, water and medicines for the flood-affected residents.

On the other hand, report from the Capiz PDRRMC Action Office showed that as of April 2, the flood affected barangays totaled 171 involving 1 4 , 1 9 9 f a m i l i e s o r 6 6 , 2 2 8 individuals. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

NFA releases 350 bags of rice for Capiz flood victims By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 3 (PIA6) -- The National Food Authority has released a total of 350 bags of rice for the relief operation of the provincial government of Capiz for its residents who were victims of flooding.

D uring the seminar, participants discussed various economic and social issues on migration

including assessment of their financial condition and setting their goals towards stability.

Juliana Cepe, provincial planning and development coordinator and overseer of the AYMC, in an interview, said that AYMC hopes to provide OFWs with a venue where they can discuss issues affecting them and their families.

This activity, Cepe said, has given them the opportunity to lay out their financial plan, translating family goals into concrete savings and investment program.

As what has been underscored in the summit of OFWs in Antique sometime in February, OFWs are major players in our economy much more in their contribution in creating jobs in the countryside if their money is saved for investments, she added.

Likewise, Cepe explained, they need to have a well-planned reintegration program so that their earnings can go a long way after their retirement.

Participants of the workshop were mostly members of the Dao Overseas Workers Association who have been actively collaborating with AYMC on various programs for migration. Others

were from various OFW communities and organizations in Antique.

The speakers were from the inter-agency group trained by Atikha, a non-government organization from Laguna commiss ioned by In ternat iona l Organization for Migration to provide technical assistance to the center.

It will be recalled that AYMC was launched in early March at the Antique Development Center supported by IOM under the Youth Employment and Migration Program funded by the Spanish Government. (JCM/PSM-PIA6 Antique)

IT’S MORE FUN IN ROCA ENCANTADA, GUIMARAS

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

T he finalists taking up Math, Information and Technology and Sciences include Mark Anthony

and Anthena Gene Duran, both from Silliman University; Joshua Eleazar Domen of St. Paul University-Dumaguete (SPUD); and Ronnell Padillo of Cebu Institute of Technology University; for nursing and medicine students, Felix Mosqueda of Negros Oriental State University; Angelica Dwayne Young Ricardo of SPUD; Ma. Shiril Armero, Southwestern University; and Ramon Matthew Basabe of Cebu Doctors University.

Wilma Elizabeth Rada of St. Theresa's College; Michael Angelo Abarcar, U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u t h e r n Philippines-Foundation, both in business

and accountancy; for engineering and maritime, Raymond Sesican, University of San Jose-Recoletos; Darwin Neil Morano of University of Cebu - Main Campus and Irish Mae Anoos, Cebu Institute of Technology University.

Completing the 20 students are Nesie Fe Binatero of Bohol Wisdom School; Kenneth Regene Blasco of Mater Dei Col-lege; Leslie Ann Estaniel, University of Cebu; Jurene Renoblas of University of the Visayas; Regina Clarina Elmaco of SPUD; and Simplicio Gadugdug of Holy Name University; Ionell Jay Terogo, University of San Jose-Recoletos, all taking up in humanities and teacher education.

These 20 students who will represent their respective institutions will undergo a

transformation program from April 28 to May 2 in Dumaguete City, regional representative Rolando Villamero Jr., of TOSP7 said.

The formation week will be under a series of interviews and activities as part of the evaluation of the deserving students.

The TOSP is an annual search which recognizes the best and the brightest students in the provinces of Region VII who have excelled in academics, l e a d e r s h i p , a n d s o c i a l responsibility. (MBCN/JCT-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

IT’S MORE FUN IN TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Region 7 has released the 20 finalists from universities and colleges in Central Visayas who will vie for this year’s search for the TOSP.

20 Central Visayan students vie for TOSP

SIQUIJOR, April 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) allocated this year around P25 million for the upgrading of two hospitals in the province.

More funds pour to Siquijor hospitals By Rizalie A. Calibo

G overnor Orlando Fua Jr. said that out of the allocation, P20 million will be used for the construction of

a new wing for the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Siquijor, Siquijor while P5 million will be for the improvement of Lazi Medicare in Lazi, Siquijor.

On top of this, Fua said, the two hospitals also got the biggest slice in the provinces's annual budget. This year alone, P67,559,000 went to the IPHO while P9,166,065 went to the Medicare, he said.

Our total investment for the health sector is P76,725,065, he added.

Fua said the provincial government is also allocating 24 percent of its 2011 total income of P307,300,833.50 for health care and services for the province.

"This is more than 4 percent from the province’s 20 percent development fund allocation of P61,460,166.67," he said.

In the past two years, the province has also allocated some P4 million for the construction of six private rooms and renovation of the charity wards, he

reported. Some P4 million have also been

allocated for hospital medicines every year and not less than P3 million for charity patients from the congressional fund.

More health services and medical assistance are also expected for the province as he reported that the Philippine-American Medical Association of Georgia (PAMAG) has scheduled a medical mission this year. (MBCN/RAC-PIA 7, Siquijor)

D espite concerns regarding i n c re a se s i n Ph i lHea l t h premiums, Bohol governor

Edgardo Chatto signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on March 27, 2012 with PhilHealth Region 7 Vice President William Chavez at the Governor’s Mansion in Tagbilaran City.

PhilHealth recently adjusted its contribution rate which includes the annual premium of sponsored members. The Sponsored Program premium is now pegged at P2,400 per year effective January 1, 2012.

However, LGU-sponsored members whose coverage expired on December 31, 2011 were given an automatic

three-month extension of coverage ending on March 31, 2012.

As an additional incentive, PhilHealth is offering another three-month extension, ending on June 30, 2012 to the coverage of existing members whose LGUs are willing to renew their sponsorship until the end of 2013 and commits to do so before July 2012.

PhilHealth also offers a 50-percent discount on the premium to LGUs who will renew, add or enroll sponsored members for the first time before July 2012.

For renewal of sponsorship, LGUs will only be paying P1,800 per family for a two-year coverage instead of P2,400 per

year, on account of the six months total extension granted to existing enrollees.

For new or additional sponsorships, LGUs will only be paying P1,200 per family per year.

All these incentives are made available to LGUs that will commit to enroll poor families for CY 2012-2013 before the end of this semester.

B u d g e t a r y c o n s t r a i n t s notwithstanding, Governor Chatto understood the value of providing health i n s u r a n c e c o v e r a g e f o r h i s constituents. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & Philhealth)

CEBU CITY, April 1 (PIA) -- The Local Government of Bohol agreed to continue sponsoring the PhilHealth premiums of some 32,564 poor families for a two-year coverage ending on December 31, 2013.

Bohol inks two-year deal with PhilHealth By Hazel F. Gloria

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

DUMAGUETE CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- A total of 45 local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas recently inked a deal of partnership for the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

C onsequently, more than 148,000 beneficiary households have been added to the existing 61,700,

bringing the total head count for Region 7 to almost 210,000 4Ps beneficiaries.

The onset of Set 5 implementation in Negros Oriental added five towns namely: Bacong, Dauin, Valencia, Dumaguete, and Tanjay City with 6,580 households.

Information Officer Aileen Lariba of DSWD7 said the initial gains of the program in Negros Oriental's earlier implementation are likely to continue as the mayors of each of these areas personally graced the activity accepting the program with the full support of the provincial government through the presence of Provincial Social Welfare

Officer, Alicia Lagarde, in lieu of Governor Roel Degamo.

Pantawid Pamilya's implementation has also reached Tagbilaran City in Bohol with 17 more municipalities namely Balilihan, Calape, Catigbian, Loon, Clarin, San Isidro, Sagbayan, San Miguel, Talibon covering Districts 1 and 2.

For District 3, it included the towns of Anda, Batuan, Candijay, Duero, Guindulman, Lila, Sierra Bullones, and Valencia for a total of 17,836 households, said Lariba.

Cebu province has the most number of additional areas with 41,119 households from District 1-5 covering four cities and 17 municipalities.

The cities include Talisay, Toledo,

Bogo, and Danao while the municipalities are Carcar, Naga, Alcantara, Argao, Dalaguete, Moalboal, Ronda, and Santander. Other towns include Aloguinsan, Balamban, Pinamungahan, Medellin, Santa Fe, Carmen, Pilar, San Francisco, and Tudela as reported.

The MOA signing, held in the grand ballroom of Sarossa International Hotel, was graced by DSWD’s Undersecretary Mateo Montano.

Montano, in his message, said: “We will work together in breaking the inter-generational cycle of poverty by sending these children to school and providing them access to health services.". (RMN/JCT-PIA 7, Negros Oriental)

45 LGUs ink deal for anti-poverty program to benefit 210,000 By Jennifer C. Tilos

T he gathering of women was in observance of International Day for Women and National

Women’s Month that focused on the role of women in disaster risk reduction.

Women leaders from the 30 barangays in Dumaguete City and members of the Local Council for Women (LCW) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office attended the whole-day seminar-workshop which centered on the theme: “Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility”.

The Gender Studies Center (GSC) of Si l l iman University, headed by Coordinator Prof. Phoebe Tan, coordinated the said conference.

Tan said this year’s Women's Summit was intended to “help women adapt to climate change since they are the ones first affected by disasters and calamities, given their nature and traditional roles as homemakers and caretakers of family and children.”

Association of Barangay Captains in Dumaguete City chairman Albert Aquino presented an assessment on the

city’s disaster response during the Typhoon Sendong and related how the barangays were not prepared for such a natural calamity.

He later discussed the importance of disaster preparedness and the role of women as agents of change, capitalizing on their capabilities in addressing climate change.

Participants also had “role playing” activities. They were later requested to act out scenarios and their works were evaluated by some members of the LCW. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY, Apr. 1 (PIA) -- Over a hundred women leaders and advocates gathered for the Women’s Summit at Silliman University recently.

Women's summit tackles climate change By Jennifer C. Tilos

‘Brydes whale’ returns to Bohol seas BOHOL, April 1(PIA) –- Just in time for their migration, a Brydes Whale has been sighted calmly feeding off Pamilacan island in Baclayon town, a group of marine biologists and researchers reported recently.

S cientifically called balaenoptera brydei , brydes (pronounced broo-dess) whales are large

rorquals- whales with expandable, pleated throats that feed primarily on plankton and small fish.

A c c o r d i n g t o a w e b s i t e www.marinebio.org, Brydes Whales were earlier reported as possibly extinct in Bohol seas due to pressure in whale hunting in the late 1980s.

They are frequently found in areas of high fish abundance, along with seabirds, seals, sharks, and other cetaceans.

Brydes whales have also been classified “data deficient.” It means there is practically inadequate information to properly assess the extinct status of the second smallest tropical whales.

Dr. Alessandro Ponzo of Physalus said the Brydes Wales were hot target for Pamilacan whalers until the mid-1990s. Whaler fishermen allegedly landed a big one in 1993.

Physalus works for Bohol in a Large Marine Vertebrates Project, based in Jagna town, some 53 kilometers southeast of Tagbilaran.

Dr. Ponzo, a marine biologist bared that on their survey undertaken to verify whale sharks in Pamilacan, ideal sighting conditions prevailed which led them to identify the abundant cetaceans in the area.

“Spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, melon-headed whales, Fraser's dolphins, the most common cetaceans, which comprised whales and dolphins,

were spotted during the two days of surveying”, the staunch marine mammal protection advocate said in his email.

What caused the most excitement among the researchers, the marine biologist said, was their sighting of the Brydes whale on two days.

A local ordinance recently passed in Baclayon posts the minimum distance to observe these large animals at 100 meters.

The researchers were also able to take photos of the dorsal fin for identification purposes.

While this data collection was an exciting first step, much more information is needed to better understand and protect Bryde’s whales and other cetaceans in the Bohol Sea, he said. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

IT’S MORE FUN IN CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

Ginger producers anticipate more income

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 2 (PIA) -- With the recent clamor for health foods, Pinabacdao (Samar) ginger producers may just be able to rise from poverty. "Back to basics" is making people realize that ginger even simply boiled, could cure colds, is good for the immune system, and soothes itchy throats.

Leyte to showcase its rich culture at Aliwan 2012 TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 2 (PIA) -- Leyte is set to showcase the richness of its culture by sending two of its best festivals to participate in the Aliwan Festival on April 14 at the CCP complex.

IT’S MORE FUN IN THE LEYTE LANDING MEMORIAL, LEYTE

P6-M allotted for multi-purpose center in NSU

NAVAL, Biliran, April 2 (PIA) -- The representative of the lone district of Biliran announced during the 34th commencement exercises of Naval State University (NSU) that he will give funds for a new student multi-purpose center to the university.

G overnor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla said the contingents of the Lingganay Festival of Alangalang

town and Buyugan Festival of the town of Abuyog have been given financial assistance of P1 million each, by the provincial government of Leyte as they compete in the country’s biggest gathering of best of the best festivals.

Petilla said he is ready to provide support to the contingents of these festivals because an exposure in national contests a l so lures economic opportunities and tourism promotions.

The governor said it is very expensive to send contingents to the Aliwan but

Leyte has already made a mark in cultural activities that whenever Leyte is mentioned, people would always associate the province with award-winning festivals.

Lingganay Festival was proclaimed champion of the Sinulog Festival 2012 in Cebu in January 2012. It is also the r e i g n i n g c h a m p i o n i n t h e Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of the province of Leyte.

Buyugan Festival, on the other hand, has won in many festivals contests. In fact, for several times already, it was declared as Pintados-Kasadyaan champion. Moreover, it prides itself for being the Aliwan Festival Champion few years ago.

The highlight of this year’s Aliwan Fiesta 2012 event is the street dance competition with a total of 21 contingents from all over the country. These festivals often combine religion, tradition, and culture in amazing displays of color and craftsmanship.

The different cultural groups actually compete in parades that combine street dancing with giant floats that can only be described as works of art.

In addition, a beauty pageant is run, with competitors from the different cultural areas with pageant contestants wearing costumes representing their own festival. (EOT/PIA-8)

B iliran congressman Rogelio J. Espina said that he will allocate P6 mil l ion from his Prior ity

Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the construction of said student facility.

Espina made the pronouncement after observing the lack of ventilation and absence of air conditioning facilities inside the NSU Gymnasium which prompted him to issue such assurance for the construction of a new student facility for more convenience to the NSU students.

Meanwhile, Espina shared to the NSU graduates “to think out of the box” like what American businessman and inventor Steve Jobs has done to make a difference in the lives of people.

He encouraged them to reinforce the present workforce with their skills and knowledge acquired from NSU for the welfare of the nation. He also reminded the graduates the sacrifices of their parents for what they have achieved.

The first termer representative of Biliran also assured his continued support

to the welfare and development of NSU, the only tertiary school in the province of Biliran.

He mentioned 300 NSU students who availed of his scholarship program wherein some of those who availed have been part of this year’s graduates.

Espina assured that “more things have to be done” under his watch as representative of Biliran for the development of NSU. (EOT/RSV-PIA8 Biliran)

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

T he ginger industry will usher in a better income for Samarnons in Pinabacdao with the assurance

from a big Japanese buyer who will purchase the product in bulk.

So averred Mayor Mario Quijano in a recent informal interview at the Farmers’ Training Center in Pinabacdao as more than a hundred women from the Pantawid Pamilya program gathered to mark Women’s Day.

Quijano said that ginger production in the hills of Pinabacdao will go full throttle as he invested in farm implements and heavy equipments to ensure the best and biggest ginger production in this part of the region.

“Even Governor Sharee Ann Tan expressed support, because she knows the potential of the market,” Quijano enthused.

He added that they have a Japanese buyer whose identity he withheld for the time being, for the semi-processed product.

“We will ask them to provide the rhizomes, they plant, we will support their farm implements and heavy equipments to till the land, then they will get the net proceeds, later,” Quijano said.

“Of course, we will deduct their taxes from there,” Quijano added.

Presently, all preparations are being done in the hills of Pinabacdao and all

angles are scrutinized to ensure that investments generate the needed ‘fruits’.

From soil analysis to farm trappings to heavy equipments—these are being laid down carefully to ensure the best results for the program, according to Nelson Badolid, the municipal agriculturist.

P i n a b a c d a o i s a f a r m i n g municipality engaged in all crops, from bananas to rice and root crops including ginger, which are displayed in the Maharlika Highway for the travellers to see that all of these are from Pinabacdao farmers. (PIA 8-Samar)

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

NSamar builds 69 classrooms, 6 typhoon-resistant school buildings

2 OWWA scholars garner Cum Laude recognitions

“ We take pride in the achievements of our scholars. This makes evident that the financial assistance extended

to them as qualified beneficiaries of our OFW (overseas Filipino workers) clients is not put to waste,” said OWWA- RWO8 OIC-Director II Ma. Evangelina V. Filamor in a press release.

Filamor said after four years of struggle for academic excellence, it was worth the long wait for Ritzee Operio and Mark Geraldo when they graduated Cum Laude among 1,059 graduates.

The graduates are OWWA scholars under the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFW-DSP) whereby an eligible

dependent of an active OFW with a basic monthly salary of $400 and below receives financial assistance of P10,000 per semester, she said.

She further said Geraldo, with a grade of 1.55, and Operio, with 1.65, earned a double degree in Bachelor of Science in Secondary and Elementary Education major in English.

While in search for a private school to practice their profession, they plan to review for the September 2012 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Another OWWA scholar grabbed first honor award in the Commencement Exercises of the Sto. Nino SPED Center,

Tacloban City on March 31 - Danna Mheliza Mae D. Budano garnered 93.8 percent, topping the entire second grade level of the said school, Filamor further reported.

The achiever is an OWWA scholar under the education component of Education and Livelihood Assistance Program whereby an eligible dependent of deceased OFW who was an active OWWA member at the time of death receives financial scholarship grant until completion of a tertiary degree, Filamor said. (PIA 8-SoLeyte)

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 3 (PIA) -- Together with 44 other honor students, two Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) scholars graduated Cum Laude during the Commencement Exercises of the Leyte Normal University held March 26 in Tacloban City.

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 30 (PIA) -- Some 400 summer jobs are now available at the city government of Borongan, according to the office of City Mayor, Ma. Fe Abunda.

T he report added that these jobs are intended for students and out-of-school-youths(OSY), aged

15 to 25 whose income could be saved for the next school year opening.

At present, 289 have already applied where 10 of them are OSYs.

The program, which is better known as Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), is shared with the

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), where 40 percent of the SPES fee is being shouldered and 60 percent by the LGU.

Other than the monetary consideration for the beneficiaries, DOLE considers of equal importance, in instilling work ethics and values reorientation on the part of the SPES, as one special factor for a gainful

employment. This is also in parallel to the standards

of the Office of the City Mayor as a SPES partner, which is to inculcate the dignity of labor.

SPES applicants should bring IDs, baptismal certificate and current grades in report cards for students. (PIA-8 East-ern Samar)

400 summer jobs up for grabs at Borongan City LGU

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Northern Samar was able to build 69 classrooms and six more typhoon-resistant school buildings for the school year 2011-2012. This was learned from the office of Governor Paul Daza.

IT’S MORE FUN IN MARABUT, SAMAR

By Ailene N. Diaz

By Erna S. Gorne

T he said school buildings cost P 75 million: P45 million came from the fund of the provincial government

and P 30 million from School Building Program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The 69 school buildings were built in different towns of the province, while the six typhoon-resistant school buildings were for the Capul Elementary School, Catarman 1 Central Elementary School, Laoang 1 Central Elementary School, Las

Navas Central Elementary School, Lope de Vega Central Elementary School, and Salhag Elementary School town of San Roque.

According to Sylma Lutao, the provincial information officer, these t y p h o o n - r e s i s t a n t s c h o o l b u i l d i n g s c a n b e u s e d a s evacuation centers in times of calamity, as this was constructed complete with kitchen and toilets for such contingencies.

This initiative by the provincial government was in response to the shortage of classrooms and school buildings in the entire province, considering the opening of classes on June 2012 will already implement the K+12 program of DepEd.

Aside from school buildings, the provincial government through Governor Daza maintains its scholarship program for poor but deserving students of the province. (EOPT/PIA8-Northern Samar)

By Alicia E. Nicart

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