Vol 2 Issue 30 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 July 23 - 29, 2012

WESTERN VISAYAS  

By Lilibeth A. French ILOILO CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- Residents in

Western Visayas who listened to and watched the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno S. Aquino III said that they liked the SONA because it focused on programs and reforms implemented that have benefited the people.

In an informal survey conducted by PIA6, among the reforms identified by the respondents were in the sectors of health, education and military and programs such as the conditional cash transfer which is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development intended to help improve education, health and nutrition of poor Filipino households.

Some of those interviewed also noted the positive gains in the economy when President Aquino reported a 6.4 percent GDP growth rate and influx of investments. Others said the SONA

showed President Aquino’s sincerity, optimism and political will to institute reforms in governance that seem daunting but possible.

There were respondents who also lauded the President for giving due recognition to the Filipino people who worked hard to achieve the accomplishments he reported in his SONA and for his firm resolve to eradicate graft and corruption.

Some also expressed confidence that the President will fulfill his plans to distribute land before his term ends, provide textbook for every child and improve. the Armed Forces arsenal.

Respondents were also impressed that President Aquino delivered his speech using the national language so that ordinary people understood what he wanted to impart.

Of the 75 men on the streets interviewed, 68 percent or 51 respondents listened and watched the SONA. (JCM/LAF-PIA6 Iloilo)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- Malacañang is

urging Congress to prioritize measures that seek to amend the Human Security Act of 2007, to boost the government’s drive against terrorism, During the 7th ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Cebu City, July 25, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. told participants that the Executive Branch has asked lawmakers to prioritize a bill that seeks to amend the anti-terror law as part of its global commitment to counter terrorism.

“The goal of these amendments is to strengthen the law so that it can be used as a tool by law enforcement agencies to thwart terrorism,” Ochoa said.

In line with the Aquino government’s contribution to the global response to the terror threats as well as its thrust to intensify domestic capability in identifying and preventing financial transactions related to illegal activities, Ochoa said

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III signed two laws last week, namely: An Act to Further Strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering Law and the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

To complement these initiatives, the government put in place a three-pronged strategy to combat terrorism within Philippine borders, namely: a) effective law enforcement; b) stronger institutional mechanisms and enhanced capabilities of law enforcement agencies and security agencies, and active participation in international cooperation against terrorism; and c) de-radicalization or counter-radicalization of the intent to commit terror acts.

He also lauded Japan and the ASEAN member-states for taking the lead in organizing the dialogue on counter-terrorism, which he said is crucial to improving counter terrorism capacity. (PIA-7/CEBU)

By Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 21 (PIA) --

The province of Southern Leyte is set to receive five bridges funded by Spain which will be constructed in five barangays with river systems.

Rolando Asis, Public Works regional director, confirmed the construction of five Spanish-funded bridges in areas such as barangays Hibati-an, Lawa-an, and Bagacay, all of Silago and barangays Pinut-an and Bil-atan, in San Ricardo during the press conference held at Kinamot sa Abgao in Maasin City recently.

Asis added that the bidding for the Spanish-funded projects will be on August 3. A soft loan from the Spanish government in the amount of P135 million will be used for the construction of the mentioned bridges, he said.

Asis, together with Governor Damian Mercado and Mayor Maloney Samaco led in the recent inauguration and blessing of two vital bridges, the New Combado Slab Bridge in Barangay Combado, Maasin City and the New Tuburan Bridge in Barangay Tunga-tunga, Maasin City.

The replacement of the two vital bridges secures for the accommodation of more traffic with the increasing vehicles and people traversing in both narrow - old bridges which were centuries old structures.

The new bridges have a wider carriageway of 1.0 meter than the old bridge and both have safety sidewalks as wide as 0.80 meters for the pedestrians and motorists. (PIA-SoLeyte)

SoLeyte to receive 5 Spanish-funded bridges

Bill seeking changes in anti-terror law sought

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…

Western Visayans ‘Like’ reforms in SONA EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

The “1st Takbo Para sa Kaligtasan 2012” runners for the 3km, 5km and 12km on their way to the finish line. The fun run is one of the activities in connection with the National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration in Tacloban City, July 22. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

Atty. Zandro Ronnie Oriol (w/mic), Public Information Officer (PIO) of National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)-7, admits that helmet law is a big problem to the law enforcers and if Napolcom sees that the present specifications cannot address the security issues they can request from Department of Trade Industry (DTI)-7 being the lead agency to implement to implement the Helmet Law for the appropriate changes. Left is Supt Petronelli Baldebrin, chief of RPHRDD of PRO-7. (PIA-Cebu/VV foto/JSME)

Inauguration of the new Combado Bridge in Maasin City led by Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado (2nd from left), DPWH-8 regional director Rolando Asis (center) and Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco (5th from left). (ESGorne/PIA-Southern Leyte)

Fast Tracking Land for the Landless. From left, Himamaylan City Vice Mayor Carmencita Bascon, Mayor Agustin Bascon, DAR Undersec. Virgilio De los Reyes and a farmer beneficiary who smiles as he receives the Certificate of Land Ownership Award during a recent distribution program at Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occ. (PIA6-LOL)

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Iloilo guv says Aquino restored public confidence in gov’t By Vicente W. Villavert

ILOILO CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. lauded President Benigno S. Aquino III for restoring the people’s confidence in the government through his firm commitment to good governance, anti-corruption and in creating more projects that will uplift the standard of living of the Filipino people.

I n a media interview after the third SONA or State of the Nation Address of President Aquino,

Governor Defensor said that it was a good speech and he noted that the President gave the people good reasons to hope “that things will turn out to be better under his leadership as the President of the Philippines”.

Defensor said that President Aquino’s SONA has given a picture of the government’s efforts to fight corruption, to accelerate progress in improving agricultural production, implementing various kinds of infrastructure projects, programs in education, providing universal health care, improving maternal health,

and accelerated efforts to eradicate poverty.

President Aquino in his SONA said, “when we began office, there were 760,357 household-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Our target: 3.1 million within two years”.

By February of this year, the three millionth household-beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilya had been registered. Next year, we will enroll 3.8 million - five times of what we had at the beginning of our term."

In Western Visayas there are 253,245 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and of that figure Iloilo province has 67,510 beneficiaries.

The Iloilo province’s agriculture is also expected to produce a bigger yield when the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project is completed.

As for the education program, the President said that by the end of 2012, he expects the Department of Education to complete the more than two-million backlogs in chairs, including the 61.7 million textbook shortage.

President Aquino in his SONA also featured other continuing initiatives and the implementation of different developmental programs aimed at achieving efficient service to the Filipino people. (JCM/VWV-PIA6 Iloilo)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 25 (PIA) -- A public-private partnership project here will be made the learning case target for a training on Project Cycle Management.

T he training will make a case study of the “Watershed Reforestation a n d E n v i r o n m e n t

Education-Introduction to Ecotourism,” a joint project of the Silay local government and Ikaw-Ako Foundation, a Japan -Negros partnership for environmental protection.

The training has as participants the representatives of non-government organizations all over the country, and is sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Participants were made to grasp the project framework, define indicators, plan projects and monitor results of activities in the field from July 23 to 27.

Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano said that the rehabilitated mangrove area in Brgy. Balaring which is an awardee for its excellent ecotourism program has been converted into an eco-tourism park which is a classic example of public-private partnership as defined in Republic Act 9593 because Silay City works hand in hand with Ikaw-Ako Foundation.

Mari Kurata, the project coordinator, said that the participants interviewed the staff members of Silay Tourism Office, the officers, members and volunteers of Balaring Mangrove Planters’ Association on the collaborative efforts in the success of the project.

Kurata said that the learning insights and survey results will help the participants prepare their own data and improve their own areas when they go back to their regions. (JCM/EAD-PIA6 Silay Negros Occidental)

JICA's project cycle training boosts PPP

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, July 25 (PIA) -- Health officials are reminding Capiceños anew to observe cleanliness and proper sanitation in their surroundings to prevent dengue.

C apiz Provincial Health Information Officer Joeffry Espiritu said the number of dengue cases has risen

due to the rainy season. He explained 4S stands for 4S Search

and Destroy, Self-protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, and Say No to Indiscriminate Fogging.

He said that from January to July 14 this year, the Capiz Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit (Cesru) was able to record 214 suspected dengue cases, 176 cases of which are from Capiz

and the other 38 are patients from Aklan and Iloilo provinces.

Espiritu said two Capiceños have already died during the surveillance period and two residents from Aklan likewise died while being confined in the hospitals in Capiz due to dengue.

Compared to last year’s record of 44 cases during the same period, there is a 386-percent increase in the number of dengue cases this year, Espiritu said, pointing out that from January to December last year, the number of

dengue cases was recorded at 79 with two deaths.

It was in 2010 when the Cesru recorded 3,015 dengue cases, some 2,859 of whom are from Capiz and the remaining 156 came from the neighboring provinces, he said, pointing out that 20 Capiceños died of said disease, with the months of August and July recording the peak of dengue cases, respectively. (JCM/JBG-PIA6 Capiz)

By Easter Anne D. Doza

Health officials say cleanliness can prevent dengue By Jemin B. Guillermo

UPV Administration Bldg., Miag-ao Campus

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900,000 households in WVisayas benefit from PhilHealth

ILOILO CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- A total of 914,310 poor households in Western Visayas are now listed under the sponsored program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) .

By Lilibeth A. French

KALIBO, Aklan, July 23 (PIA) -- An ordinance banning charcoal-making in Balete for five years had been passed by the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Balete.

T his is in order to minimize if not prevent frequent flooding in the vicinity of the Jal-o River, a main

tributary in the town which is also a populated area.

According to the brief explanatory note of the ordinance, flooding has been considered as a natural phenomenon by the residents living near the Jal-o River before, treating the occasional inundation as part of their day-to-day existence.

However, recent floodings have alarmed the residents as even the usually high areas get submerged under phenomenal depths when floods occur. The ordinance also mentioned that

besides the traditional practice of slash and burn farming within the Jal-o River watershed, barangay officials have observed the dramatic denudation of the area due to unabated and unregulated charcoal-making, even as charcoal – makers claim of only using branches of trees in making charcoal.

With the declaration of a 5-year moratorium on charcoal-making, the Balete SB also embedded penalty clause for violators, thus: for charcoal makers, a fine of P2,500 will be imposed for every 5 sacks of charcoal found in their possession; for charcoal traders, a fine of P2,500 will be imposed for every two

sacks found in their possession; for vehicles transporting charcoal, a fine of P2,500 for every 3 sacks of charcoal caught in their haul.

Charcoals found on those concerned will also be confiscated in favor of the barangay where the charcoal is located, while 50% of the fine collected will go to the special fund of the municipality for reforestation activities and the remaining 50% will be divided between the ordinance officers.

The ordinance, published in the July 8-14 issue of a local newspaper here, will take effect 15 days after publication. (JCM/VGV-PIA6 Aklan)

Balete says no to charcoal-making for 5 years

T his will serve as the town's plan to improve their forest resources to become more productive and to

provide socio-economic benefits to the upland occupants in the area, said Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero during the MOA signing. witnessed by representatives from DENR regional and provincial offices, Land Bank of the Philippines representative Vivian Canonero, SB members of

Valderrama, barangay captains and village watchers, and department heads of the municipality.

Livino Duran, forester and regional technical director for forestry, lauded the efforts of the LGU in formulating the plan.

He said that Valderrama's FLUP was considered the best out of the 12 FLUPs drafted in Region 6.

Vivian Canonero of LBP Iloilo lending center said that the bank will grant a P10 million loan counterpart. She said that the loan component will be focused on the implementation of water supply system to support the expansion of water supply services in the town.

The FLUP will also ensure environmental safety and forest sustainability. (PENRO/JSC/MLG-PIA6,

Antique town inks MOA on Forest Land Use plan By Margie L. Gadian SAN JOSE, Antique, July 26 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Valderrama has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) of the town with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

Q ualified for the sponsored program are indigent Filipinos who belong to the lowest 25 percent of the

country’s population and those listed in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

PhilHealth-6 records show that of the 914,310 household members in the region as of July, 365,410 are enrolled under the NHTS-PR and the 548,900 are sponsored by the different LGUs under the program which is part of the efforts of the Aquino government to attain the universal health coverage in 2016.

In his State of the Nation Address on July 23, President Aquino said the coverage of the national health insurance program has now reached 85 percent.

The President said included in this increase are the 5.2 million poorest households identified through the NHTS-PR.

Among the benefits that sponsored members can now enjoy is the “No Balance Billing Policy” being implemented in all government hospitals.

Under the NBB, no out-of-pocket spending will be incurred by members or their dependent-patients admitted in government hospitals for illness which falls

under the 23 illnesses of the new case rate. Dengue is included in the case rate.

The NBB also applies to the new “Z” benefit package recently launched by PhilHealth covering acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in children, breast cancer (early stage), prostate cancer (low to intermediate risk) and kidney transplant (low risk).

Outpatient packages for treatment of tuberculosis, malaria and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome are also covered by the NBB. (JCM/LAF-PIA6)

By Venus G. Villanueva

UPV Administration Bldg., Iloilo City Campus

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

CEBU CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has deferred to October 8 or 10 this year the imposition of penalties for late submission of the required monthly sales report of taxpayers using cash register machines (CRMs), point of sales (POS), and other invoice or receipt-generating machines.

B IR Deputy Commissioner Nelson M. Aspe of the Operations G r o u p , a n d D e p u t y

Commissioner Lilia C. Guillermo of the Information Systems Group issued the deferment on the imposition of penalties in thru a memorandum order (OPM-TAS-TSPMD No. 2012-05-02) issued on July 13, 2012 to revenue district offices and concerned chiefs of Large

Taxpayer Service, and Taxpayer Service Sections.

This is in response to the numerous requests for the extension in the submission of monthly sales report by taxpayers as covered under Memorandum Order No. 12-2012. Memorandum Order 12-2012 prescribes the guidelines and procedures in the implementation of electronic sales reporting as provided

under Revenue Regulations No. 5-2005 as amended by Taxpayers Using CRM, POS and other invoice or receipt generating machines and for other purposes.

The issuance of the order took effect January 2012, but for non-large taxpayers, the initial reporting for the months of January to June was on July 8 or 10, whichever is applicable. (PIA-Cebu with BIR PR)

BIR defers penalties for late submission of monthly sales report

CEBU CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 with the Central Cebu River Basins Management Council (CCRBMC) identified six technical functional working committees for river management and rehabilitation.

Committees for river basin management, rehab up By Hazel F. Gloria

T his, after a strategic and action planning workshop was held recently at the Hagnaya Beach

Resort, San Remegio, Cebu. In a press statement from DENR-7,

the six committees are waste management, environmental security and safety, education and community development, river basin management and rehabilitation, water resources generation and utilization and institutional and operational systems development.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo R. Montejo emphasized the functions of the CCRBMC. These are the harmonization of the land use plans affecting the Central Cebu river basins and establishment of a working mechanism that would enhance collaborative

undertakings, simplification of bureaucratic procedures, standardization of processes, and promotion of participatory management.

Likewise, two major programs were cited by the environmental security and safety headed by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) to include environmental risk reduction and mitigation, and natural resource protection which involves pest management and control, fire suppression and control, and management of environmentally critical areas.

Two major activities under the river basin management and rehabilitation were planned with DENR as lead agency to include coastal and marine resource management, and land and forest resources management and development.

Metro Cebu Water District and DENR jointly chaired the three main programs of the water resources generation and utilization: water demand and supply management, water conservation and water quality management.

Jointly led by the National Economic Development Authority and DENR, the institutional and operational systems development has proposed five programs.

T h e s e a r e o r g a n i z a t i o n a l development, information network and knowledge management, land and resource use planning, research development and technology transfer, a n d r e s o u r c e s o u r c i n g a n d mobilization. (HFG-PIA7/DENR-7)

T he two-part event, entitled, “Smart Growth 102: From Theory to Practice” discussed the

applicability and practicability of the concept in the local context.

Smart growth is a theory on new urbanism that promotes economically, environmentally and socially responsible growth by looking at connections between development and the quality of life. It

advocates for the concentration of grown in compact, “walkable” urban communities to avoid urban sprawl.

Members of the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB), representatives from the local government units (LGUs), government & non-government offices (GOs & NGOs), urban planners, engineers, architects, academe, religious and senior citizens

tackled possible challenges and solutions in applying smart growth in Metro Cebu.

US-based architect Senen M.A. Antonio of the Duany-Plater Zyberk (DPZ) was the resource speaker during the one day session.

Antonio first introduced the smart growth concept during the Sustainable City Dialogues in Cebu in February 2012. (FCR/JSME/RAFI/PIA-Cebu).

CEBU CITY, July 25 (PIA) -- In line with the Mega Cebu Program, the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI), with the support of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), conducted a learning session on smart growth at the RAFI-EADSC building.

Smart Growth for Mega Cebu Program pushed By Juju Manubag-Empuerto

UPV Cebu College

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

T his was the statement of Ed Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (NOCCI), amidst concerns raised by local entrepreneurs over the impact of AFTA in local products and agricultural produce.

Du said DOST will help local businesses produce affordable yet quality products that can compete with imported goods once AFTA takes effect in 2015.

“We need DOST because if we continue to rely on the traditional methods of producing our goods, time will

come that we no longer have an agricultural industry in the Philippines because consumers will resort to buying imported products from other countries like China and Taiwan,” said Du during a recent forum held by the Philippine Information Agency in Dumaguete City.

The Philippines is one of the signatories of AFTA, a trade bloc agreement signed by member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the aim of increasing ASEAN’s competitive edge as a production base in the world market by

eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers within ASEAN countries.

Once AFTA is implemented in 2015, Du said local markets will be flooded by imported products from countries like Taiwan and China.

NOCCI earlier helped 10 of its members avail of DOST’s Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (Setup) which offers financial aid and science and technology interventions to small entrepreneurs for them to boost their productivity. (RMN-PIA7, Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will help local businessmen and farmers address the threat posed by the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) in 2015.

DOST to help local bizmen compete with imported products

Bohol holds Anti-dengue clean-up day

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 23 (PIA) -- The Province of Bohol through local executive order-25 dated July 9, 2012 declared July 23 as "Anti-Dengue Clean-up Day" in response to the recent spate of heavy rains and the rising reported incidence of suspected dengue cases in the province.

U pon the urging of Bohol governor Edgar Chatto , Boholanos c o n d u c t e d a c o n c e r t e d

community clean-up on the said day to help prevent the spread of the dreaded disease, keeping in mind to seek and destroy breeding places of dengue mosquitoes, such as discarded tires, drums, cans, bottles, gutters, and other places where there may be stagnant

water. Chatto has further pushed for the need for every member of the community to take part in the clean-up stressing that dengue may strike anyone, whether rich or poor.

The governor reminded the public of the Department of Health's 4S strategies against dengue: search and destroy breeding places of dengue mosquitoes; self-protection measures; seek early

consultation; and say "No!" to indiscriminate fogging.

It will be recalled that in a meeting at the Governor’s Mansion prior to the activity involving all sectors of the community, habit-forming activities against dengue were planned out to sustain efforts to eliminate dengue cases and deaths in the province after the clean-up day. (MCBN/ECB-PIA7 Bohol)

By Elvira C. Bongosia

UPV Cebu College Administration Bldg.

By Rachelle M. Nessia

N orsu President Don Vicente Real described President Benigno S. Aquino III’s announcement to

hike SUC’s budget next year as a “resounding development in higher education.”

President Aquino, in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday said he is proposing a 43.61 percent increase in the budget of SUCs next year.

Real, who was installed as Norsu president early this month said the budget

hike is long overdue since the total 107 state colleges and universities did not receive any allocation for capital outlay during the previous administration.

President Aquino, in his third SONA, reminded SUCs that the budget increase comes with a condition that students sponsored by the state are of top caliber.

Norsu, the only state university in the province, has long been producing top notchers in national licensure exams. Real attributed Norsu’s academic

improvement over the years to what he called as the “excellent management” of his predecessor, Dr. Henry A. Sojor, who he said practice conservative budgeting in savings and spending of incomes.

Norsu’s current student population is at 20,892 from its nine campuses in the following areas, namely: Guihulngan; Mabinay; Bais City (2); Pamplona; Dumaguete (2); Siaton; and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina. (RMN-PIA7 Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, July 24 (PIA) -- The newly-installed president of the Negros Oriental State University (Norsu) has lauded the move to increase the budget of state universities and colleges (SUC) in the country.

State U prexy lauds move to hike SUCs’ budget

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ESamar school gets new fully furnished lib

BORANGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 25 (PIA) -- Spouses Dr. Victor A. Gutierrez and Sesenia Candido–Gutierrez from Plainview Texas, USA donated a school library building to boost the school’s mission of promoting the students’ educational development.

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, July 19 (PIA) -- Two police officers from Eastern Visayas are strong contenders in the nationwide search for the Model Philippine National Police (PNP) Families, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said.

“ The commission is happy that PSupt. Orlando Senedrin Gardiola, chief of the Eastern Samar Provincial Police

Office Operations Division in Borongan, Eastern Samar, and his family is among the top five finalist in the family category of the search,” Jose said.

Jose said despite the responsibilities of PSupt. Gardiola as a police official, he sees to it that he spends quality time with his wife and children, and practices good family values.

He is also a good example of a PNP officer who uses initiative to maximize

family fund sourcing by maintaining an organic “odorless” backyard piggery for the family’s consumption and for extra income.

SPO2 Solita Miralles Canites, the deputy chief of police of the Quinapondan Municipal Police Station in Quinapondan, Eastern Samar is also a finalist.

SPO2 Canites was chosen as one of the top 6 in the solo police parent category.

SPO2 Canites has dedicated 26 years of meritorious police service and single-handedly reared her four children.

She struggled to live a life of sacrifice to fulfill every parent’s dream to have her children finish their college education. Her children are now young professionals.

Jose said the final evaluation and validation process will be until August 16. Jose said the winners will be announced as soon as the validation is completed.

The search is being organized in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), PNP and non-government organizations (NGOs). (PIA-8)

2 EVisayas cops finalists in Search for model PNP families UPV Tacloban Administration Bldg.

T he building, inside the premises of the Pedro E. Candido Memorial N a t i o n a l H i g h S c h o o l

(PECMNHS), Hernani, Eastern Samar is furnished with books and computers, furniture, even an aircon, and a restroom.

The well-equipped library will provide the students and teachers with an appropriate venue for learning outside the classroom, and for information-gathering and research work, Roseller L. Abletes, officer-in-charge of PECMNHS said. The project was realized when Mayor Edgar C.

Boco sought the financial support and assistance of the couple.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was drawn between the donor-couple, the high school, and the Eastern Samar Schools Division (ESSD).

Among the stipulations were that the PECMNHS school administration assumes the responsibility in maintaining the good order and condition of the PECMNHS school library, its facilities and premises, including the restroom. The ESSD from time to time will provide the library with

books, magazines, other reading materials and references, and tools for learning, like computers, when it has the capability to do so.

The former Hernani National High School (HNHS) was renamed through a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution renaming it in honor of its founder, the late Mayor Pedro E. Candido, into PECMNHS. The donor Mrs. Gutierrez is a sibling of the late mayor. The library cost P1.5 million and is targeted to be completed second week of August. (PIA8-Samar)

By Samuel D. Candido

Special Biliran suman generates good sales in nat’l food fair

NAVAL, Biliran, July 20 (PIA) -- A native delicacy in Biliran province garnered attention at the Micro Small Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Week Food Fair 2012 which was held at the SM Megamall in Manila last July 12-15.

A total of 231 MSMEs took part in the fair which showcased the best food processors and exhibitors in

the country. Ronelo G. Jamin, rural micro

enterprise promotion program officer (RUMEPP) from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Biliran said sales

generated by the special suman from Biliran reached P16,000 after two days.

Jamin said Biliran was represented by the Wincofel Special Suman owned by Felimon S. Abecia, vice-president of the Naval Suman Makers Association (NASUMA) based in this town. He said Wincofel Special Suman brought only 600

pieces to the fair including previous orders to be brought also to Manila.

Jamin said attendees of the fair and even co-exhibitors and processors from other regions took interest in the special taste and the packaging of the special suman made by Wincofel. (PIA-Biliran)

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

Former rebels receive financial aid under SIP

Guidelines for DPWH savings set

A ccording to Carlo C. Rivera, district accountant, savings derived from FY 2011 GAA, 70

percent of the total savings could be used to fund new projects of the same project category, within the same congressional district and implemented by the same i m p l e m e n t i n g o f f i c e , f u n d additional scope which is not in the original program of works.

Likewise, the fund may be used for the continuation of the same project which includes extension, widening of roads and installation of directional signs, road safety devices.

He added that the 30 percent of the FY 2011 GAA savings could be used for

new projects of the same category within the same category, within the same congressional district and implemented by the same implementing office; to fund additional scope which is not in the original program of work; and, to fund prel iminary and detai led engineering activities directly related to a project.

Requests for utilization of savings should be approved by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson while requests not in accordance with these guidelines after due evaluation will be forwarded to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approval.

Discussed also during a recent workshop were savings derived from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) , which shall be used solely for its intended project being a legislator’s allocation and the usage of project savings need the approval of the congressman.

Motor vehicle user charge (MVUC) savings shall be reverted back to the MVUC fund.

It was stressed in the workshop that utilization of savings other than the purpose for which it is originally intended must be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for approval. (PIA8-Samar/DPWH Samar 1)

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways has issued guidelines on how to use savings derived from restructured cost estimates and competitive bidding of projects.

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 23 (PIA) -- Five former rebels and militiamen were given financial assistance by the Northern Samar provincial government under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) recently at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

UPV Tacloban College

PhilHealth defers increase for individually paying members TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, July 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has deferred the implementation of increase in premium contributions for Individually Paying Members (IPMs) from July 1 to October 1, 2012.

By Ailene N. Diaz

M arimar Zabala, PhilHealth Tacloban information officer, said this includes those

covered under the Kalusugang Segurado at Abot Kaya sa PhilHealth Insurance (KASAPI) Program and the group enrollment scheme.

The deferment covers all IPMs, except self-employed professionals and other IPMs whose average gross monthly income is more than P25,000.

She said this deferment was made to give IPMs enough time to prepare for the

premium adjustment and to allow them to fulfill their obligations to the National Health Insurance Program.

Zabala added that to support members further and to ensure continuity of protection, a lock-in mechanism has been introduced.

The lock-in is a privilege granted to IPMs who would like to pay for their coverage until CY 2013 using the current rate of P1,200 per year, Zabala said.

Payment transactions made at Local Health Insurance Offices may be accepted

until the last working day of September 2012, while those made in accredited collecting institutions may be accepted until September 30, 2012. No additional premiums will be charged during the effective coverage.

IPMs who have paid P2,100 before June 30, 2012, valid from 2rd Quarter 2012 until 4th Quarter 2013, shall remain locked-in and covered.

For further inquiries, interested parties may visit or call the PhilHealth Offices nearest them. (PIA 8)

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

C armen Mejia, provincial social welfare and development officer, said this is the first in the region

and there are 15 former rebels who want to be reintegrated in society and avail of the program.

Valente Bajet, DILG director, in his message, expressed his gratitude to the returnees for trusting the government.

"Our government is giving all opportunities for you to have a good life to include financial and spiritual support," he said.

Bajet likewise conveyed his appreciation to all stakeholders especially those from the national and local agencies, and from the Social Action of the Diocese

of Catarman that made the program a successful one.

Col. Mario Lacurom, deputy commander of 803rd Brigade, said, “I am happy to see and witness the very noble activity which is pagbabalik-loob of our brothers who once lost trust in government. (PIA-Northern Samar)

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