Vol 2 Issue 11 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 Mar. 12—18, 2012

WESTERN VISAYAS  

C EBU CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- Filipino women are prone to prostitution and human trafficking syndicates, thus there is a need for education

campaigns and passing of legislation such as the local ordinance on cyber pornography.

This was the assessment of University of the Philippines-Cebu College associate professor Dr. Rhodora Bucoy who said that there is a definite link between poverty and these social ills. Thus, she said information and education campaigns are needed to help address such social issues.

“Though much have been achieved by Filipino women today compared to before, there is still a lot to be done to attain total women empowerment,” Bucoy stressed during a recent PIA forum that tackled the celebration of March as Women’s Month. She expressed hope that the ordinance on cyber pornography will be finalized this month.

Bucoy is also the coordinator of Sidlak–Gender Resource Center 7, a non-government organization that fights for the magna carta for women particularly on gender and development and women empowerment.

The pro-women advocate also hailed the active

involvement of the Cebu City Government on passing measures and initiating programs that promote the overall welfare of women.

Among the pro-women legislative ordinances passed in the Cebu City Council are those on anti-trafficking, kasambahay and the Gender and Development (GAD) Code of Cebu City.

According to Camila Santina of the Cebu City Women’s and Family Affairs Commission, “Cebu City Councilor Leah Japson is working hard to ensure that the rights of women are always recognized, that is why she made sure that local legislations for women are instituted.”

A public hearing on the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance was also held last March 14.

Among the activities that were organized for the observance of Women’s Month in Cebu City included a forum and information sharing on the “Rights of Migrant Workers” last March 9 and another forum on March 21 on Climate Change as the theme this year centers on “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility”. (PIA-Cebu)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

I LOILO CITY, March 14 (PIA6) -- The Department of Energy will conduct an orientation seminar on energy efficiency and

conservation on March 19 here to inspire the public to go beyond the Earth Hour and make long-term commitments to do more for the planet on the issue of global warming and as part of the Earth Hour 2012 observance in the country.

Representatives from various sectors including local government units, schools, business, non-government organizations, consumers groups and the media have been invited to participate in the orientation seminar.

DOE will undertake the activity in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines and in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

DOE said the Philippines will once again join the global community in observing Earth Hour on March

31 through the switching off of lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. to send an even stronger message to take action on global warming.

Three simultaneous Earth Hour switch-off ceremonies shall be held in the cities of Makati (Ayala Tower), Cebu (Ayala Plaza) and Davao (Ayala Abreeza).

Here in Iloilo, which was among the switch-off ceremonies sites before, SM City Iloilo said they will have a ceremonial switch-off event that will kick off with a program in the morning.

The Earth Hour, a global campaign designed to showcase what can and is being done all over the world to combat climate change, began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Succeeding events spread to more countries in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The Philippines ranked No. 1 in terms of participation during the Earth Hour events in 2009, 2010 and 2011. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

T ACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 13 (PIA) -- Some 100 women working in about 30 government agencies in Eastern Visayas signed

the Gender in Government Manifesto to show their support to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management efforts.

The signing of the manifesto highlighted the Gender Forum with the theme “Mobilizing Women in Government for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management," conducted on March 12 at the Governor’s Hall of the Leyte Provincial Capitol.

Aside from being government workers and mothers, the women in government are also members of their respective communities and they also have the responsibility to inform their respective communities about disaster resiliency.

The Eastern Visayas women in government also acknowledged the need for continuing national and local efforts to advocate for the implementation of the Magna Carta for Women.

The Eastern Visayas women in government further pledged their commitment to build women’s resilience and advocate the protection of the elderly,

women, and children who are most vulnerable in times of disaster.

The signing of the Manifesto of Support to disaster risk reduction and management was led by the President of Region Eight Administrators League DBM Director Imelda Laceras, PIA Director Olive Tiu who is the Gender Forum convenor and the other officers of REAL who were present.

Director Tiu said that the Manifesto will be presented to Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairman and OCD Director Rey Gozon during the full council meeting of the Council. (PIA-8)

EV women sign manifesto of support to DRRM

DOE: Go beyond Earth Hour

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…

Poverty and women's social issues linked, says Cebu prof

BSP GOV. TETANGCO IN CAPIZ. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. with other BSP officials answers questions from Capiz media during the inauguration and blessing of the newly completed BSP office here. (BSP/PIA-JBGuillermo)

EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

GUV FUA ON HILOTS: Siquijor Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua callled on traditional healers and herbalists to help promote Siquijor as the island of healing. (Right) The Association of Siquijor Healers during the Tourism and Entrepreneurship Awareness Seminar with facilitators from the Provincial Tourism Office, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and SP Chair on Tourism Arthur Chan. (RCalibo/PIA-Siquijor & PTO)

OCD 8 and RDRRMC chair Rey Gozon (left) talks on what women in government should do in disaster risk reduction and management during the gender forum in connection with the Women’s Month celebration held at Governor’s Hall, Leyte Provincial Capitol, Tacloban City, March 12. (PIA-8/Vino R. Cuayzon)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

Abused, abandoned girls get support By Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique, Mar 12 (PIA6) -- It was a special day for children of "Let's Care Home for Girls" when the provincial government of Antique turned over financial assistance in the amount of P70,000 as their support to the institution.

T he turnover was made as part of the celebration of International Women's Day last March 8.

Vice Governor Rosie A. Dimamay turned over a set of computer with printer, projector and a gas range to Edna Vinkers, executive director of the home shelter and to the management staff.

The equipment will be used for therapeutic activities, educational needs and recovery of girls, who were abused and abandoned, and now housed in the shelter.

"Let’s Care Home for Girls" has been in operation for the past three years supporting 14 girls under rehabilitation and undertaking community advocacy work.

Mary Ann Melancio, Program Administrator, of the “Let’s Care Home for Girls”, said that aside from medical and psychosocial services, educational assistance and values formation for children, they also do advocacy work in barangays and municipalities working for the re-activation of Barangay Council for

the Protection of Children. Mayor Rony Molina of San Jose said

the facility will not only cater to abused and abandoned children in Antique but also in other parts of Panay Island.

Vinkers expressed gratitude to the local officials and supporters of the home for girls and committed to continue caring for girls who need protection, care and shelter. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)

BACOLOD CITY CATHEDRAL, NEGROS OCC.

ILOILO CITY, March 12 (PIA6) -- Local government units may use part of their calamity funds to implement activities related to the operations of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office especially on disaster preparedness.

T his, pending the action of Congress on the resolution of the Regional Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Western Visayas on the latter’s request to exempt LGUs from the personnel services (PS) cap insofar as the establishment of the LDRRMO and creating plantilla positions for it is concerned.

This was the interim option offered by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) executive officer Ronald I. Flores to LGUs during the Local Chief Executives’ Forum on Geohazards organized by the

RDRRMC chaired by OCD6 Regional Director Rosario T. Cabrera here recently in response to the issue about the PS cap relative the creation of the LDRRMO.

It was based on the fact that the creation of the LDRRMO and plantilla positions for it would entail budgetary expenditure over or in excess of the mandatory PS cap as provided for in the Local Government Code. This keeps LGUs from creating the office and hiring people to man it. The PS cap is pegged at 50 percent of the LGUs’ annual budget.

Flores pointed out that given the

increasing number and intensity of disasters affecting the country nowadays LGUs can take the option so that they can make the necessary preparations for any contingent event.

He also told the local officials that the National Disaster Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and OCD will help the regional council in getting Congress' favorable action on their request for PS cap exemption.

With Flores at the forum were lawyer Priscilla Duque, Assistant Civil Defense Executive Officer and Chief of the Training Division of OCD. (JCM/JSC-PIA6)

LGUs may use calamity funds for LDRRMO, plantilla - OCD

ILOILO CITY, March 12 (PIA6) -- More native trees will be used in the reforestation campaign in Western Visayas this year.

T h i s , a s Dep a r tmen t o f Environment and Natural Resources-6 Executive Director

Julian Amador gave the direction for the raising of native tree species in clonal nurseries in the region.

He said native or endemic species (such as kamagong, mabolo, molave and narra) are well adapted to local conditions and have inherent ecological adaptability in the sites.

DENR noted that non-endemic species, like gmelina, mahogany and ipil-ipil previously planted, though fast

growing, had low survival rates because of soil incompatibility and the species’ susceptibility to pests and diseases.

The statement of Amador is in line with the thrust of the DENR wherein Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said the National Greening Program would include the planting of native species to push for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of reforestation projects, especially in the community level.

Amador said DENR-6 is encouraging seedling producers and contractors

here in the region to increase their production of the said seedlings.

In the recent public forum on the State of the Watershed Report, University of the Philippines professor and b i o l o g i s t J u r g e n n e P r i m a v e r a underscored the ill effects on biodiversity of planting exotic species like acacia mangium, mahogany, gmelina, jatropha and others, especially in watershed areas.(JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

Western Visayas opts for more native trees for NGP By Elsa S. Subong

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

MIAG-AO CHURCH, ILOILO

“ For as long as the people here will continue to oppose any mining operation in Capiz, I will likewise

support them by also being against said activity,” he said.

Roxas stressed that his continuous anti-mining stand is based on the fact that the livelihood of Capiceños are dependent on activities dependent on water such as farming and fishing. He said mining operat ions could destroy the environment.

His anti-mining stand, he said, started when he was elected Congressman of the

1st district of Capiz until he became a senator and will continue as long as Capiceños will be anti-mining, too.

Last March 4, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Capiz headed by its president and Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Maria Felipe Zoe Herrera approved a resolution strongly opposing any mining activity in the province.

Herrera cited the negative impact on environment, health and livelihood of the Capiceños who are mostly dependent on farming and fishing.

Capiz Governor Victor Tanco also stood by his anti-mining position.

In 2008, Tanco issued Executive Order No. 22 which suspended all application, processing and issuance of all small scale mining permits in the entire province of Capiz in support to the Capiz Sangguniang Panlalawigan which approved a resolution declaring a 50-year moratorium on mining operations in the province. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

No to mining in Capiz - Roxas

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 14 (PIA6) -- Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas vowed to oppose any mining operation in Capiz, citing its ill effects on livelihood of people here.

By Jemin B. Guillermo

BACOLOD CITY, March 15 (PIA6) -- A tripartite agreement has paved the way for the construction of a P6 - million tissue culture laboratory at the 288 - hectare property of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) College of Agriculture Research and Training Station in La Granja, La Carlota City.

T he project aims to collect varieties of high value crops that are disease-free and climate

change resilient and make them available to farmers. The facility is part of the Sustainable Agri-Livestock Technology (SALT)-Training and Extension Program, a partnership between the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, UP Los Baños and the UPLB Alumni Foundation in Negros Occidental (UPLBAFNO).

The parties in the agreement include the UPLB, UPLBAFNO and the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

In the tripartite agreement, UPLB will provide for the project site and technical expertise, while the UPLBAFNO will assist in community extension and advocacy as

well as in networking and resource mobilization.

The provincial government will provide the P6-million funding, half of which will come from the Department of Interior and Local Government from the Pamana ng Lahi Award of the province.

Negros Occidental governor Alfredo G. Marañon and University of the Philippines president Alfredo E. Pascual led the recent ground breaking rites.

Meanwhile, Pascual sees the 288-hectare property as the center of excellence for agriculture in this part of the country by being able to demonstrate how to increase the yield of our crop while achieving sustainability with controlled impact on the environment.

“I am thinking of producing certified seeds like white corn which we can propagate all throughout the country to help address the problem on cereal supply.

We can help lessen rice imports if we can make certified seeds available for the production of white corn, a good substitute for rice, then that will be a big boost to the country’s food self-sufficiency,” Pascual said. Rustico Morales, Station Manager of UPLB-College of Agriculture Research and Training Station in La Granja, said that a lot of projects are listed for development in the area.

The facility will be ready for operation by the end of June 2012.(JCM/EAD-PIA6/Negros Occidental)

P6-M tissue culture lab ground breaking held at UPLB-NegOcc By Easter Anne D. Doza

“ Let us start small. Let us start with ourselves. Let us not contribute to graft and corruption if we cannot

eradicate it,” said Ma. Cynthia Aranas, CSC Field Office Director II.

She cited the practice of some parents of bringing home ball pens and other supplies for use of their children in school.

She said if a parent takes home for a day a ball pen worth P5 and a folder also worth P5, this could amount to Pl5 million if all the 1.5 government employees do the practice.

Presently, the provincial government employs some 1,170 employees.

Aranas also urged public servants to always have a ready smile for

clients transacting business in government offices.

Speaking before Provincial Capitol employees here after the Monday flag-raising ceremony, Aranas said employees should be always ready to entertain people from all walks of life because this is “our commitment”. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Start with self in fight vs graft, says CSC official By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, March 13 (PIA6) -- An official of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) here called on the provincial capitol employees to help eradicate graft and corruption to effect a change in public perception about government.

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

BASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NIÑO DE CEBUBASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NIÑO DE CEBUBASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NIÑO DE CEBU By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has allocated P1.4 million pesos to jump-start livelihood projects of municipal fisher folks in four coastal areas of Central Visayas as part of the agency’s enterprise development and income diversification program in 2012.

DENR-7 allocates P1.4-M for livelihood projects in CV coastal areas

BJMP-Siquijor names new warden By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, March 13 -- The Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP)-Siquijor district installed Inspector Angelito Almodiel Jr. as its new jail warden recently.

BOHOL, March 12 (PIA) -- Large volume of black corals and in very good condition is found in the seas of Jagna town in Bohol and is being closely guarded by the Jagna Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) as the corals have tremendous tourism potentials.

Bohol town’s black corals potential tourist attraction By Rey Anthonio Chiu

J agna mayor Fortunato Abrenilla believed that the findings of the black corals in the area will limit

fishing in Jagna as the local government presented its tourism program that revolved mostly around coastal resource management.

CRMC consultant for Jagna, Jeremy Horowits said that the introduction of the black corals as part of the tourists' "must-see" attraction in the town may be t he de f i n i n g opp or t un i t y t o end “Pamilak” fishing and pressure illegal fishers to stop their illegal activities in the area.

Because of the tourism potentials of the black corals in Jagna, the town folks

living at the coastal barangays have also expanded their marine protected areas to ensure complete protection of the black corals in their coastal areas.

The “black corals” are one of the most sought after corals among professional divers around the world.

These corals are found in the deepest part of the ocean where sun rays could no longer get in, this is learned.

They are called black corals due to their black pitch dark roots where rainbow colored gel-like branches grew.

The black corals command very high prices at the black-market because of their quality for high-end fashion accessories that are specifically sought by

the rich and famous. According to Horowitz the Jagna

black corals can be found at the shallow part of the ocean, about five minutes from the shore.

Horowitz and the Dagatdivers of Jagna believed that the unusual current that brought the corals' food to the shallow parts of the ocean also drag the black corals to stay where they are now.

It can be recalled that the PHL is one of the places where illegal gathering of black corals are rampant, specifically those expensive types of black corals, said Horowitz. (mbcn/rahc/PIA-Bohol)

A lmodiel, a Siquijodnon and a native of Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor replaced Inspector Rolly Bandeling

effective February 2012. He said he is happy with his current

post and assignment. “I would work hard to give good service to the prisoners

here,” he said. Almodiel, who has been in the service

for 19 years said his administration aims to develop the inmates of Siquijor District Jail through livelihood and moral recovery programs.

He said that enlightening the lives of

the prisoners is the best way of giving them hope after having walked astray from the right path of life.

The new warden is also a Eucharistic Minister (Lay Minister), the reason he wanted prisoners to improve their spiritual lives. (mbcn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

D ENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso said t he r e c i p i en t s o f t he

funds under the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project (ICRMP) are Bojo in Aloguinsan, Olango in Lapulapu City, Siqujor, and Oslob, Cebu.

Dichoso said the assistance aims to provide alternative and supplementary livelihood for municipal fisher folks by facilitating the establishment and strengthening the coastal communities to become self-help and self-reliant.

Recently, DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso and Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETA) president Jomelyn Manigos inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the ecotourism enterprises on culinary and river expedition with a total

project cost of P329,640.00. “We are very much concerned about

the protection and sustainable management of Bojo river as it is home to 61 bird species, 96 plant species, and 22 different types of mangrove species,” Dichoso added.

Bojo river in Aloguinsan is 1.3-kilometer from the Tañon Strait, southwest Cebu, with a depth of 3.8 meters during hightide. More than 5,000 tourists visited the area last year for a river cruise.

Manigos underscored the importance of the said financial assistance from ICRMP-DENR as BAETA has been helping the local government unit of Aloguinsan in promoting ecotourism as a weapon to protect and preserve the environment.

In a related development, BAETA was

also given P220,000 by ICRMP last year for mangrove rehabilitation and protection, and has planted around 40,000 mangroves already.

Dichoso articulated the policy of DENR secretary Ramon J.P. Paje in expediting the release of financial assistance through the ICRMP so that our local coastal communities would become a partner and collaborator in responsible coastal resources management.

DENR implements ICRMP with funding from the Asian Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility with expected impact of enhanced coastal resources and expected outcomes of sustainable development of coastal resources and increased income for coastal communities.(mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DENR-7)

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

SIQUIJOR , March 15 (PIA) -- In preparation for the Healing Festival come Holy Week in April, the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (PSMEDC) recently conducted a Tourism and Entrepreneurship Awareness Seminar for Siquijor traditional healers and herbalists at the SP Session Hall, Capitol, Siquijor.

S iquijor provincial tourism officer Jossette Almirola in her tourism overview said healers and herbalists

should be aware that they can make significant contributions in selling Siquijor as the island of healing thus enhance tourism.

In the same manner, she said, tourism has a big contribution to the locality – as a good source of income and employment for local residents.

When properly planned and managed, tourism can be an instrument to enhance national pride and local customs; preserve and rebuild physical environment; and enhance value of agriculture and forest reserves, she said.

It can also be an alternative to destructive activities in f ishing and agriculture and other activities, she added.

“Siquijor is known for its traditional

healers all over the country and it is one of the assets that differentiates our island from the other islands in the country,” Almirola said.

She said that aside from the island's mystical beauty “Healing Festival” is one of its main attractions based on the assessment from the various tourism stakeholders in the province.

Healing Festival is the time when healers and herbalists all over Visayas and Mindanao come together and participate in the preparation of concoctions made from a variety of tree barks, roots, herbs, insects and other ingredients.

These are gathered during Fridays of the Lent season from the forests, sea caves and cemeteries. The resulting brews are known to have healing powers.

The tourism entrepreneurial seminar included topics such as “Role of Healers in the Value chain” by Department of Trade

and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Nimfa V i r tuc io and “Product Development” by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) representative Roland Padayhag.

Department o f Labor and Employment (DOLE) representative Jerome Alam discussed “Organizational Deve lopment” and Superv i s ing Cooperative and Development Specialist Filomena Lomocso shared the “Principles of Cooperative”.

It will be recalled that the island of Siquijor was declared a marine reserve and tourist destination in 1978 by virtue of Proclamation No 1810. As such, the island province is intended as a major tourist destination under the supervision of the Philippine Tourism Authority. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor)

Siquijor healers, herbalists attend hearing on entrepreneurship By Rizalie A. Calibo

D AR Information Officer Aileen Villaseca said the review aims to update and improve the

LAD database, determine critical information about each landholding, classify landholdings into workable and problematic and determine the type of interventions needed to move them.

During its assessment, DAR Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes urged all DAR employees to do what needs to be done

to improve and speed up the processes in the acquisition and distribution of land for the farmers and what is due under the law.

The DAR Secretary further said that what he is trying to do in the next two years is to process Claim Folders really fast and more accurate so that landowners affected by the program can receive their compensation promptly.

The claim folder review also meant to analyze individual landholdings targeted for

acquisition in order to track its progress and address problems.

With this, the DAR is able to institute national solutions to problems of delayed land acquisition and distribution process, DAR official explained.

Villaseca said the assessment activity was participated in by the DAR Municipal Offices staff, provincial processors and encoders of the provincial office. (mbcn/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)

DUMAGUETE CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) conducted recently a three-day claim folder review to fast tract the land acquisition and distribution (LAD) in Negros Oriental.

DAR Sec joins review of land acquisition, distribution in NegOr

By Jennifer C. Tilos

BACLAYON CHURCH, BOHOL

Bohol leads in nationwide search for outstanding PHL organic agriculturist award

B ohol governor Edgar Chatto revealed this recently during the 10th HEAT-Bohol Caravan held

at San Miguel town on March 8. The award aims to assist the

government on policies in the use of organic farming/agriculture through networking with the private sector,

Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies and the Agri-Aqua Network International, Inc.

The project is seen to be as a good model for public-private partnership and other forms of linkages and cooperation.

Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas of the provincial agriculture office and

socio-economic and environment management cluster head Liza Quirog received the award at the Commission Officer's Clubhouse at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City in behalf of governor Chatto, who was presiding the PPOC meeting at San Miguel when the award was given. (mbcn/Elvira Bongosia/PIA-Bohol)

TAGBILARAN CITY, March 14 (PIA) -- Bohol leads in the 2011 nationwide Search for Outstanding Philippines Organic Agriculturist Award under the Local Government Units category.

By Elvira C. Bongosia

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

‘No plastic, styrofor food containers’ policy in Leyte gov’t offices now in effect TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 13 (PIA) -- The ban on the use of plastics and styrofor as food containers at the Leyte provincial government offices is now in effect.

Samar farmers adopt rice rationing as second cropping dwindles

I n Pinabacdao town where 756 hectares are devoted to rice farming, the rice ratooning technique will be

adopted along with some other towns in Samar making the total area to be ratooned to 300 hectares, said Nelson Badolid, Municipal Agriculturist.

The idea was conceived in a meeting of agriculturists with provincial agriculturist Anita Taran.

Ratooning, according to Badolid, is leaving rice stubbles in the field after harvest, applying a bag of fertilizer per hectare, and saturating the field with water.

After some time, new grains will sprout

and can be harvested after 45 days. According to the agriculture journal,

this is an inexpensive way to produce a second harvest of rice.

Badolid recommended this as it is less affected by the climate and pests because the growing period is short.

“It keeps farmers from having a sec-ond cropping because when the time comes, the field will then be cleared,” Badolid offered.

Meanwhile, while Samarnons are rejoicing that it is harvest time, the agriculturists are lamenting over the low productivity. Badolid said that only 60

percent of the rice grains are filled up because of the inclement weather.

He added that whereas before, farmers were able to harvest some 100-120 bags of rice per hectare, farmers now only get 40 bags due to the change in climate.

“Rains just pour unexpectedly, during the flowering stage, so that the grains end up half-filled,” said Badolid.

Pinabacdao Mayor Mario Quijano challenged the agriculture department to come up with a technology to cope with the worsening effects of climate change. (PIA-Samar)

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 14 (PIA) -- Samarnons may adapt rice ratooning to augment their dwindling harvest.

STO. NIÑO CHURCH, TACLOBAN

Southern Leyte allocates P300K to combat crown of thorns starfish explosion

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 13 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) allocated P300,000 for the acquisition of spear guns that would be used to get rid of the crown of thorns starfish (COTS) multiplying out of control throughout the province.

A n officer of the Provincial Association of Government Employees (PAGE) told the

Philippine Information Agency that the resolution authored by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chairman Roque Tiu and unanimously passed by the provincial board took effect on March 1, 2012.

This was confirmed by government employees at the provincial capitol who said that the Leyte government no longer allows snacks in styrofor containers to be served during meetings at the offices.

The security guards at the Leyte government offices monitor the entry of people carrying food in styrofor or cellophane containers.

When reached for comment, Board Member Tiu said he is glad that the resolution to make the Leyte government buildings and offices as “Styrofor, Plastic-free zones” is gaining wide acceptance among the provincial employees.

Tiu expressed optimism that other government agencies and local government units will also adopt the “No

Plastic, No Styrofor” policy in their respective offices.

The resolution prohibits the entry of plastic cellophane and Styrofoam/styrofor receptacles used as food containers in the offices and buildings of the provincial government of Leyte.

In passing the resolution, the Provincial Board took cognizance of the fact that it has earlier passed SP Ordinance No. 2011-01 known as the Anti-Plastic Ordinance of 2011 of the Province of Leyte which will take effect on May 10 of 2012.(PIA-8)

“ The p rov inc i a l government considered the overpopulation of COTS as a natural disaster that

threatens the marine life in the province,” Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) - Coastal Fisheries Resource Management Office (CFRMO) Eva Abad reported to PIA.

“These equipment are needed to inject sodium bisulfate into the COTS located in the deep seas, to kill them,” she said.

On the other hand, COTS found

along the shallow waters can be manually extracted with the use of bamboo sticks; however, it should be done with technical guidance, Abad said.

Abad reported that COTS teem in Padre Burgos where a number of divers extracted some 60,000 COTs at one time, while thousands of COTS were also exterminated along the shorelines of Barangay Mantahan, Maasin City.

Meanwhile, the provincial government will spearhead at least three major initiatives of COTS massive extraction: on March 15-22 in time for the World Water

Day celebration, on March 31 during the Earth Hour observance, and another synchronized COTS collection on April 22 throughout the province, Abad disclosed.

The Sogod Bay Sustainable Marine Management Alliance (SBSMMA) will work together in the combat of excessive growth of COTS to include the provision of reading materials for wider information dissemination about the problem, Abad said. (PIA-SoLeyte)

By Erna S. Gorne

By Ninfa B. Quirante

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

Gov. Daza inducts new officers of NSamar Media Society

Anti-illegal fishing drive nets P38.253-M paraphernalia

NAVAL, Biliran, March 13 (PIA) -- A high-ranking official of the Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) disclosed in a regular radio program that their campaign on anti-illegal fishing topped the list of accomplishments for 2011, netting fishing paraphernalia with an estimated value of P38,253,143.

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Samar Provincial Office sent 166 nurses under the RN-Heals Program to various rural health units (RHUs) of the province.

A side from the nurses, 36 midwives were likewise sent for community service in the LGUs.

Dr. Jean Marie Egargo, DOH Representative here, in an earlier report, assures the deployment of the RN-Heals

nurses after they have attended the orientation program and complied with all the requirements.

The DOH program is in line with the country’s commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to

better maternal and children’s health in far-flung areas.

Unlike in the past deployments of nurses, where they performed hospital duties, today they will focus full-time on community service. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

166 RN-HEALS nurses, 36 midwives to focus on community service

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 13 (PIA) – Governor Paul R. Daza inducted into office the new officers of Media Society of Northern Samar in ceremonies held at People’s residence, also known as the Governor’s residence.

GUIUAN CHURCH, E. SAMAR

By Ailene N. Diaz

By Rodrigo S. Victoria

T he new officers who took their oaths were: Rachel V. Arnaiz, president (Leyte Samar Daily

Express/Phil. Daily Inquirer); Lilibeth Vitonio, vice-president for broadcast (Radyo Natin-Allen); Peregrino T. Arillo, vice-president for print (Waraynon Weekly Chronicle); Arlyn Tepace, Secretary (Provincial Information Office); Jayne Galit-Bantayan, Treasurer (DYSM) en absencia; Tito Tepace, Auditor (101.5 MUEWS FM); Virgilio Besarino, Business Manager (DYSM); Maurice De Guia, PIO

(Provincial Information Office). Sworn in as Board of Directors were:

Teresita Cardenas (PIA), Fermin Honey (DYSM), Monico Esteria (Waraynon Weekly Chronicle), Amir Ortego (Power FM), Alice Cagro (MUEWS FM), Gary Vacunawa, (A!-FM Allen) and Malou Sanchez.

Other officers named were: Ailene Diaz (PIA), Sylma Lutao (PIO) and Adonis Rebadulla (Power FM) as consultants.

Daza in his message congratulated the group for the timely organizing and for-

malizing of the media organization of Northern Samar and hoped that the association will come up with programs that will help its members as well as common ideas for Northern Samar.

He said he is looking forward to working more closely with the group.

The reorganization of Media Society of Northern Samar was initiated by the Philippine Information Agency, Northern Samar Provincial Information Center, C a t a r m a n , N o r t h e r n S a m a r . (PIA-Northern Samar)

P olice Superintendent Mateo Macale, chief, Police Community Relations (PCR) section of BPPO,

recently said during the PIA Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan in Radyo Natin-Naval that illegal fishing ranked first in the operational accomplishment report of BPPO in the implementation of special laws which include the campaign against illegal logging, illegal gambling, loose firearms, and illegal drugs.

Macale said that LOI Kalikasan- anti-illegal fishing campaign apprehended a total number of 746 persons in 89 operations conducted last year.

He added that all fishing boat crew and fishing paraphernalia were released after payment of the corresponding pen-alty to concerned local government units in the province of Biliran amounting to P390,550.

Following the list of accomplishments under the implementation of special laws based on the annual accomplishment report of BPPO in 2011 was the campaign against illegal logging where BPPO

apprehended 6,825.53 board feet/477 flitches of lumber with an estimated value of P205,902.74. Recovered lumber items were turned over to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (PENRO) in Biliran province, Macale added.

The PCR chief further said that BPPO was able to apprehend 118 persons in their campaign against illegal gambling in 74 operations conducted with a total confiscated cash/bet money amounting to P4,830. Apprehended persons were brought to concerned police station for proper disposition.

BPPO was also able to confiscate and recover 12 firearms of different caliber, 10 live ammunitions, and one magazine of caliber 9mm pistol in the campaign against loose firearms in 11 operations.

The police provincial office was able to confiscate 12 sachets of suspected shabu where three persons were involved in three operations conducted and appropriate cases were already filed in court, Macale said.

Meanwhile, Macale further informed that BPPO has also strengthened its campaign for the arrest of wanted persons in the province under the PNP program dubbed “Manhunt Charlie” mandated by PNP Director-Genera l Nicanor Bartolome.

He said that they are required a quota of five percent of the total number of arrested persons in the list of wanted persons in the province of Biliran. BPPO was able to arrest 41 persons with warrant of arrest and placed behind bars.

Macale added that BPPO is continuing the implementation of other government programs like tree planting in line with the National Greening Program (NGP), b l ood l e t t i n g , a nd i n f o rma t i on dissemination campaign to communities on topic of crime prevention.

BPPO likewise supported other activities in the province for the month of March like the Women’s Month and Rabies Awareness Month celebrations. (PIA-Biliran)

By Alice Nicart

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