Vol 2 Issue 15 Published by: PIA 6, 7 & 8 April 9 - 15, 2012

WESTERN VISAYAS  

By Minerva BC. Newman CENTRAL VISAYAS, April 9 (PIA) -- The

Department of Education (DepEd) called for a multi-sector advocacy for the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum to enhance the quality of basic education in the country.

DepEd assistant secretary Jesus Lorenzo Mateo presented a special report on the K to 12 curriculum and other DepEd initiatives to the committee on social development of the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) during its Ist quarter meeting in March 2012.

Mateo said that the rationale of the K to 12 was based on the low indicative results of the national achievement test over the years and as compared with other countries.

Scores in Mathematics and Science had been deteriorating because what was supposed to be taught in 12 years of basic education was compressed in 10 years, making it difficult to teach all the competencies required, Mateo explained.

According to the DepEd, before the K to 12 curricu-lum was implemented, the agency had gone into a series of conferences, summit consultations, workshops, and orientation briefings throughout the country.

Mateo said research literature showed that the human brain develops between 0-6 years old thus the need for children ages 5 years to have a pre-school experience to be ready for the first grade.

The K to 12, ASEC Mateo continued, is a learner-centered and focuses on topics that are developmentally-appropriate or age-appropriate, to allow mastery of important competencies and teaching is done seamlessly.

To facilitate the smooth transition from the present curriculum to the K to 12 program, DepEd has organized transition management teams or technical work group in each region as well as a program steering committee composed of the DepEd, TESDA, and CHED with public and private sector reps as members. (mbcn-PIA 7)

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

By Elsa S. Subong ILOILO CITY, April 12 (PIA6) -- Thirty police

officers, called “Pulis Kalikasan” of the Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) are now undergoing seminar on environmental laws to make them eligible for deputization as Environment and Natural Resources Officers (ENRO).

PRO-6 Information Officer Sally Manuel said the trainees are commissioned and non-commissioned officers from all over the region, including the Regional Public Safety Battalion.

The seminar covers topics on environment and natural resources laws, Philippine environment and natural resources situationer, climate change, protected areas, wildlife, cave and coastal zone management, mines, environment, forestry and lands, rules of court, and the revised guidelines in ENRO deputization.

PRO-6 said that as Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENRO), the police officers are tasked to assist in the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations governing environment, forestlands, mineral lands, protected areas and other lands of public domain under the jurisdiction of the DENR within the locality.

Moreover, they are also to assist in the issuance of apprehension receipts, seizure orders and notices of administrative hearings including proceedings necessary for the conduct of administrative adjudications.

Further, they are also to arrest even without warrant any person who has committed or is committing in his/her presence any of the offenses provided in environment and natural resources laws, rules and regulations.

PRO-6 Regional Director Chief Supt. Cipriano

Querol said the deputization of the police officers will strengthen the campaign of the Philippine National Police against illegal logging, illegal mining and other violations of forestry laws.

Last year, Querol said, about P2.5 million worth of lumber were seized in 114 operations conducted by the PNP region-wide, which also resulted to the arrest of 105 persons.

He added there is a need to train and educate the police on environmental laws, especially those who are assigned in areas where illegal logging, illegal mining and other destructive environmental activities might take place.

Querol thanked the DENR for the seminar which he said will pave the way for full implementation of all environment laws in the region. (PRO6/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, April 11 (PIA) -- The nationwide staging of SINEBATA: Kabataang Pinoy Festival was jointly announced by the triumvirate of child advocates Boy Abunda, Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, and Cheryl Cosim.

Mag Cruz Hatol, director of the National Council for Children’s Television, said that SINEBATA is a follow through of the successful Visayan edition that was staged jointly in Tacloban City, Leyte last year by Anak TV, Plan Philippines, and other partners which drew in a bumper harvest of over 100 video entries and 190 photographs.

Hatol said that the contest is open to amateur Filipino youth aged 9 to 23 who use digicams, handy phones, regular cameras, and other non-professional equipment.

Entries must be received by 30 April 2012 at any of the following reception centers: Sinebata, AnakTV, 8A Matatag Street, Pinyahan Quezon City; Sinebata, Plan International, 2F Uytingkok Bldg, Veteranos Avenida, Tacloban City; Sinebata, Baguio Museum; Sinebata, Office of the VP for Research, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City ; Sinebata, Office of External Affairs, Aquinas

University, Legazpi City, or to Sinebata, NCCT, 4/F, Bonifacio Bldg, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

Filipino youth may enter as many video materials per category as producer/director in all four categories namely, short video clips (running from 30 seconds to 10 minutes); public service announcements or social messages (from 30 seconds to two minutes only); Creatively packaged music videos (up to seven minutes only); using originally composed or commercially available music and mini documentaries and social commentaries (from 10 minutes to an hour).

Sinebata is a joint undertaking of the National Council for Children’s Television, Department of Education, DSWD, PIA, PDEA, University of the Philippines, Baguio Museum, West Visayas State University, Aquinas University of Legazpi, Goethe Institut, Robinson’s Malls, Leyte Normal University, PNP, East Visayas State University, Kairosolutions, Columbia’s, AnakTV and Plan International. (Sinebata/PIA-8)

‘SINEBATA’ video, photo contest open to youth 9-23 y.o.

Cops to be deputized as ENROs

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…

DepEd calls on multi-sector advocacy for K to12 system

RESTORATION OF CASA REAL DE ILOILO. Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor (5th from Left) poses for posterity with (from Left) Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Provincial Engineer Gracianito Lucero, Board Member Jun Mondejar, Architect Guillermo Hisancha, Mrs. Cosette Defensor, Board Member Demy Sonza, Board Member Manny Gallar, among others, during the April 12 groundbreaking and unveiling of the final design of the project, signaling the start of the restoration of the old Iloilo Capitol. (TVillavert/PIA 6)

EASTERN VISAYAS  

CENTRAL VISAYAS  

BGen Gerardo Layug, 8ID commander, urges support in his acceptance speech during the Testimonial Review and 8ID Change of Command ceremony at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar, April 3. (Vino R. Cuayzon)

PANG-ADLEP: "Pag-adlep" or chopping of gathered herbs on Maundy Thursday (April 05) during the Siquijor Healing Festival at Bandilaan Mountain View Park in Siquijor, Siquijor. (RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)

PRO6 Deputy Director for Operations SSupt. Felix Manuel and other officers of PNP6 join the provincial government’s recent mangrove tree planting activity in Leganes, Iloilo. Soon, some of them would be deputized by DENR as ENROs. (EJB/PIA6)

WESTERNWESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 222

Old Iloilo Capitol to be restored to its original glory By Vicente W. Villavert ILOILO CITY, April 12 (PIA 6) -- The restoration of the Old Iloilo Capitol to its original form will now start following the April 12 groundbreaking and unveiling of the final design of the project.

I loilo Governor Arthur Defensor said that within 150 days, the restoration work will afford the

people to see the original structure called then as the Casa Real.

“It is a beautiful symbol of the glorious history and symbol of the pride of the Ilonggos,” Governor Defensor said during the press conference which followed the ceremony.

The restoration work will be undertaken in two phases, and the façade is covered under phase I with a budget amounting to P13.2 million.

Governor Defensor said that the budget for the phase II of the project which is the restoration of the interior section of the old Capitol, is already included in the 2012 annual budget.

As etched out in a historical marker, the old Capitol was built of wood and stone during the Spanish colonial period, and it underwent several major renovations from the time it became the seat of the civil government of Iloilo in 1901.

It was used as a military garrison by the Japanese Imperial Forces during World War II.

Governor Defensor said that he is also hoping that the old provincial jail beside the New Iloilo Capitol will be converted into a museum.

“The officials and representatives of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines have already visited the place, and they were excited about the idea of converting the old Provincial Jail into a

museum,” Defensor said. It is his dream that “if it would come

true, it would become a Regional Museum”.

The governor said that it was the recommendation of the National Historical Commission to preserve the original structure of the jail’s cell and “we will have the old jail inspected to be sure if it could be retrofitted”.

The Iloilo governor was happy to note the start of the restoration of the old Casa Real, “then we will embark on planning for the conversion of the old Provincial Jail into a Museum”. (JCM/VWV/PIA6-Iloilo)

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

KALIBO, Aklan, April 11 (PIA6) -- Boracay Island had a peaceful Holy Week celebration, according to the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC).

T he Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) said no major crime in the island was recorded

during the duration of the celebration despite the surge of a big number of local and foreign tourists who arrived in the island for the Holy Week.

Despite recording a few complaints of petty crimes such as snatching, the BTAC assessed that the recent number is much lower than what was recorded last year.

This was also due to BTAC personnel’s rigid monitoring of beach goers’ activities in the beach front which contributed to the incident-free celebration.

Meanwhile, the Malay Tourism Office (MTO) reported that the influx of visitors who went to the island this Holy Week was "record-breaking”. This year had 49,455, compared to last year's 41,252, composed of local tourist at 36,592 and OFWs at 1,101.

Besides local tourists, the MTO also recorded a heavy arrival of Koreans, Chinese and Europeans and even from Asian countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam totaling 11,762.

The arrival of tourists from Asian countries was due to direct international flights at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA), according to the MTO. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Holy Week celebration in Boracay Island peaceful

SAN JOSE, Antique, April 11 (PIA6) -- The Municipality of San Jose, capital town of Antique, is gearing up for the annual event dubbed “Tiringbanay” Festival slated April 30 to May 2.

I n a press conference, Fe Corazon Malaya Tacogdoy, the town’s Tourism Assistant and at the same

time Information Officer, said that the event is a celebration of homecoming of San Josenhons (residents of San Jose) and togetherness of families and friends in honor of its patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker.

Tiringbanay comes from the word “tiringub” which means “to be together”, explained Tacogdoy.

She further disclosed that this year’s theme “San Jose: Make it happen” is their way of honoring the work of Antiquenos

especially San Josenhons everywhere taking brave steps in making a difference. It also challenges communities to make critical act to effect change and make a difference in the lives of others.

The highlights of the event will be on April 30. However, starting April 26 there will be activities at the EBJ Freedom Park. Tiringbanay Tiangge and Kirita-ay sa Tiringbanay, night food fest will open at 4:00pm and 7:00pm respectively.

On April 27, Art Exhibits : Artist Samu-samu sa Antique will be launched at EBJ auditorium. This will showcase works of art of Antiqueno artists while Kirita-ay

sa Tiringbanay night food fest will be on until May 2.

Among the major events on April 30 are Grand Parade and Opening Salvo, Lambayagan (Mardi Gras Competition), Vesperas mass and Devotional Procession while on May 1, highlight will be the Fiesta mass in the morning and Search for Lin-ay kang San Jose at night.

The event will be capped by the Awarding of outstanding taxpayers and Grand Fireworks display at the EBJ freedom park. (JCM/PSM/Antique)

By Venus G. Villanueva

San Jose gears up for ‘Tiringbanay’ Festival By Pilar S. Mabaquaio

WESTERN WESTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 333

Getting to know San Miguel in a song

ILOILO CITY, April 13 (PIA6) -- Etching the identity of their town in a song is what the officials of San Miguel, Iloilo are doing by way of a search for the town’s official hymn.

By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

BACOLOD CITY, April 12 (PIA6) - - The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Produksyon Inc. will conduct Bacollywood workshops at the Orange Gallery, Bacolod City, from April 16 to May 5, a press release from Bacollywood said.

D irector Peque Gallaga will teach film appreciation to train students on a holistic approach

to viewing films; Lawrence Fajardo will handle film editing, with focus on creative post-production process for independent filmmakers; and Manny Montelibano on film production.

Cinematographer Anne Monzon will

teach the principles and techniques in manipulating the camera to tell a story; sound designer Paolo Lindaya the role of sound in the filmmaking process and how sound impacts and is used to enhance and enrich the film; while makeup designer Carlos Durana will cover materials and technique, special-effects and prosthetics makeup for

film. There will also be courses on

basic and advance acting, theatre improvisations, as well as a curatorial workshop, to be handled by Lisa Chikiamco, that will focus on conceptualizing exhibitions through different methods.*(Bacollywood/CD/JCM/PIA6)

Bacollywood slates workshops

C apiz DILG Operations Services head Llanie Destacamento said DILG Regional Director Evelyn

Trompeta was in Capiz last March 30 to personally turn over the checks for the provincial government of Capiz, Roxas City government and the towns of Sapian and Sigma.

The said LGUs were among the pilot areas in Western Visayas of DILG’s financial subsidy on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Climate Change Adaptation Mainstreaming program, Destacamento said.

She revealed that each of the said LGUs received a check amounting to P414,700.00

Destacamento added that during the turnover ceremony, the Memorandum of Agreement between the DILG and each pilot LGU was signed regarding the provision of the subsidy and the procurement and utilization protocol of the purchased early warning system.

She said that prior to the identifica-tion of the four pilot areas, representa-tives from each concerned LGU have un-dergone series of training and planning activities.

According to her, the Bureau of Local Government Development of the DILG is the primary office that implements the locally funded projects on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change

adaptation in the local government system and processes.

She pointed out that the provision of subsidies by said office is coursed through the Department’s Regional Office 6.

Earlier, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco said he will call for a meeting with the members of the Provincial D i sa s ter R i sk Reduct ion and Management Council here to decide on the kind of early warning system that will be purchased using the disaster subsidy granted by DILG. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

Capiz LGUs receive subsidy for early warning system By Jemin B. Guillermo ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 8 (PIA6) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over to four (4) Capiz local government units (LGUs) the checks for the purchase of disaster early warning systems.

M ayor Victor S. Saclauso has formed a special committee chaired by Sangguniang Bayan Member Rochin

Sherwin Sanchez and composed of representatives from the local government unit and various sectors in the community to oversee the competition.

The committee met recently at the Municipal Hall to formulate the rules of the competition in preparation for its launching during the town’s fiesta celebration in May.

Interested contestants, who must be residents of the town or San Miguelenos by affinity, will be given ample time to write or compose their entries.

The winner will be chosen at a public performance during the San Miguel People’s Day celebration in September.

Valuable prizes and other incentives await the grand prize winner and other contestants of the search.

The winning composition will serve as the official hymn of the municipality upon its adoption by way of an ordinance from the municipal council and approval of the local chief executive.

SB Member Sanchez said the competition was conceived to enable their municipality to have an official hymn that would enable others to have a glimpse of what San Miguel is in terms of its people and their religiosity and values, culture, history, products, resources, and other assets that would carve out a distinct identity for the town among other communities in the country and abroad.

San Miguel is a 4th class municipality situated some 17 kilometers from this Iloilo provincial capital. It has a predominantly agriculture-based economy, although it now hosts several manufacturing businesses.

Some 1,700 hectares of its 3,197-hectare total land area are devoted to agriculture. Also

located in the town is the Aganan River Irrigation System.

The town is a potential growth center in Iloilo, says its official website at www.sanmiguel-iloilo.gov.ph, due to its proximity to Iloilo City, the New Iloilo Airport of International Standard and the Regional Agro-Industrial Center (RAIC)in the adjacent town of Pavia.

It is also a member of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) and the 2nd Iloilo Integrated Area Development Cluster.

At present, Mayor Saclauso is implementing programs and projects to deliver basic government services to his constituents including those on health, education and other social services and infrastructure as well as sustain the town’s development gains in line with the national development agenda. (JCM/JSC/PIA6)

IT’S MORE FUN IN ROCA ENCANTADA, GUIMARAS

By Carolina A. Dionela

CENTRALCENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 444

A t t h e K a p i h a n s a P I A commemorating Women’s Month, city councilor and women’s rights

advocate Mariquit Oppus said many women remain passive victims of abuse because they could not practically survive apart from the financial security provided by their “aggressors”.

By aggressors, Oppus meant husbands or family members who have the means of supporting women in the home.

She said most women have fully

devoted their lives to the home that they seldom have the opportunities for self-development and do not have the proper skills to earn a gainful living apart from home.

Oppus said she knows some women who have felt miserable in their homes but could not imagine how to survive outside of the home they have grown to stay.

See ing th i s , Oppus ha i led non-government organizations, which

have been into opening of trainings to equip women with more skills to survive.

A decade into legislation and a full time mother, Oppus admits that their group has noted a rising trend in reported abuses to women, but sees this as a positive response to an earlier advocacy to get the victims coming out.

“We have seen very promising signs that women are getting involved, but there is still much that needs to be done,” she agrees. (RAC/PIA7)

IT’S MORE FUN IN TAOIST TEMPLE, CEBU

Rey Anthony H. Chiu

CORTES, Bohol, April 9, 2012 (PIA) -- Among the many dimensions of women empowerment, a rights advocate here considers a woman’s gaining economic independence as giving the female an even chance of deciding what is best for her life.

Advocate bats for women’s economic independence

CEBU CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- Cebu City police efforts to maintain a peaceful Lenten Season were successful as no record of snatching, robbery, or theft was recorded from April 2 to 9.

Cebu City observance of Holy Week peaceful - Cebu police By Fayette C. Riñen

C ebu City Police Director S/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said the measures they adopted to ensure the safety and

security of passengers and churchgoers as well as tourists have been effective.

“I like to commend the efforts of all policemen for doing a good job as no single case of snatching, robbery, or theft was recorded during the Holy Week,” Buenafe said.

Buenafe also credited the peaceful and orderly observance of the Holy Week to the cooperation of the public by being cautious

such as not wearing too much jewelry so as not to attract criminal elements.

“We also strengthened our information drive on how to prevent burglary in the homes like making sure all doors and windows were locked before going out. And to make sure, that you request a neighbor to check on your house every now and then for any suspicious people lurking by,” Buenafe declared.

The city director further said they also augmented the number of policemen in areas frequented by the people such as in Good Shepherd in Banawa for the Way of the Cross,

the Siete Palabras at the Cebu Cathedral, and other religious activities.

According to Buenafe, private establishments were also cooperative and made sure that security measures were put in place to foil any possible robbery attempts.

Buenafe lauded everyone especially his men for a good job, expressing hopes that community vigilance will continue even after the Holy Week for a safe and peaceful environment. (PIA7, Cebu)

N egros Oriental governor Roel Degamo said the various road projects will serve as support

infrastructure facilities to the agricultural and economic development of the province as well as upgrading infra networks and service standards in far-flung areas.

“These infra projects will create job opportunities and increase access to quality facilities and services at the community level,” the governor added.

Specifically, the Negros Oriental Provincial Development Council (PDC) endorsed five road projects worth P575 million. These projects include the expansion of the NegOr Trans-Central h i g h w a y ; i m p r o v e m e n t o f Nagbagang-Tamlang road in Sta. Catalina; and concreting of Sta. Catalina-Pamplona road costing P100 million each project.

T h e r e h a b i l i t a t i o n o f t h e Ayungon-Kabankalan road via Carol-an, Ayungon is worth P75 million while the

concrete paving of roads leading to declared tourism hubs and spokes, province-wide is worth another P200 million.

DPWH-7 assistant regional director Juvy Cordon presented another set of infrastructure projects consisting of various drainage and seawall construction and development that is estimated to cost over P484.2 million.

Cordon endorsed to the RDC-7 the construction of Port Breakwater Project in Sibulan; South Coastal Road and Seawall Shoreline Protection, Dumaguete City; and the construction of 2,300 lineal meters of Seawall in Sta. Catalina costing about P78.2 million, P71 million, and P50 million respectively.

Cordon also presented for RDC approval the extension of Piapi-Bantayan Coastal Road and Seawall Shoreline Protection, Dumaguete City that is worth P200 million and the development of Tanjay

City Infrastructure Drainage System worth P85 million.

These projects were identified as priority because they serve as mitigating infrastructure measures to identified highly flood-prone and vulnerable areas in Negros Oriental, Cordon added.

Lastly, ARD Cordon presented eight various irrigation projects for NegOr worth over P1.645 billion for inclusion in the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) funding for 2013.

Cordon endorsed for RDC-7 approval the Communal Irrigation Projects of Silab-Jugno and Tambojahangin in Amlan; Amlan Communal irrigation; Hibaiyo, Guihulngan City; and Tamlang Valley, Sta Catalina.

According to Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, these infrastructure and irrigation projects were included in its 2011-2016 provincial development and investment plan. (mbcn - PIA7)

CENTRAL VISAYAS, April 9 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC-7) in Central Visayas recently approved the endorsements of various roads, drainage, seawalls, and irrigation projects of Negros Oriental worth over P2.704.2 billion for DPWH and NIA funding.

RDC-7 endorses P2.7B worth of infra, irrigation projects in NegOr By Minerva BC. Newman

CENTRAL CENTRAL VISAYASVISAYAS 555

DUMAGUETE CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- Silliman University’s (SU) Divinity School is set to host this year’s 6th Forum for Asian Theological Librarians (ForATL) Workshop and Consultation from April 10 to 14, 2012.

A round 60 theological librarians and experts from 11 countries are e x p e c t e d t o g a t h e r i n

Dumaguete City for the workshop, namely Indonesia, Thailand, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Argentina, Switzerland and France.

SU Office of Information and Publications Director Mark Raygan Garcia said the university was picked to host this year’s convention for being one of the Ph i l ipp ines ’ lead ing theolog ica l institutions.

Lined up is a series of presentations and small group discussions on common issues that confront theological librarians in the areas of collection, resource management and promotion, the use of digital tools and resource sharing, and collaboration.

Dr. Mariel Deluca Voth, chairperson of the International Collaboration Committee of the American Theological Library Association, is expected to keynote the workshop.

Voth will touch on the theme, “Asian Theological Librarians Moving Forward

Towards Global Partnership and Collaboration”.

Another speaker is Dr. Christoph Stuckelberger, founder and executive director of Globethics.net, a global network of persons and institutions interested in various fields of applied ethics.

He will provide a picture of the Global Digital Library on Theological and Ecumenism, a multi-lingual global digital library on theology and ecumenism, and tackle issues related to publication. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)

Silliman U to host int'l workshop of theological librarians By Rachelle M. Nessia

C onsiderably new to the stream, San Isidro packs an array of offers that cou l d h ook t h e s e r i ou s

environmentalist as well as those whose concept of tourism is full respect for cultures and environmental education.

Part of its three initial sites for its development includes a two-storey cave, a majestic waterfall and a unique panorama of western Bohol as seen only in a hilltop perch high up in town.

Eyed for tourism activities are Cantijong Cave in Cansague Sur, Kilab-kilab Falls in Baunos and Candungaw

Peak in Barangay Candungao, San Isidro Mayor Jacinto Naraga bared.

San Isidro, a town which has adopted Saint Isidore the farmer as its patron saint, wants to do away with mass tourism for now while we still grope on what to do best for our sites, one that will sustain it and deals with the minimum impact on the resources we offer, explains newly designated tourism officer Eric Jinne Flor.

Not your usual mass tourism site, San Isidro would rather go for the kind of tourists who are aware of what they are into: nature lovers and those who would

like to see things the way a true bloodied San Isidro resident would, Flor added.

A landlocked second district town, San Isidro remains a fifth class, but has proven it can do more than is expected of a fifth class town.

Relishing from its successful hosting of Agbunan Festival, San Isidro residents have awakened their sense of pride and now believe that if there are shortcuts to attaining a new engine for development, it must be an honest to goodness eco-tourism. (RAC/PIA7)

CORTES, Bohol, April 9, 2012 (PIA) – San Isidro local officials are hitching the town to the tourism bandwagon but opts for low capital, low impact to the environment..

San Isidro town hitches into tourism bandwagon Rey Anthony Chiu

Healing Festival spells Siquijor magic

SIQUIJOR, April 9 (PIA) -- It used to be just a customary gathering of healers and herbalists from the island and all over Visayas and Mindanao come together during Holy Week to participate in the preparation of medical potions made from a variety of tree barks, roots, herbs, insects, and other ingredients.

T hese are gathered during Fridays of the Lent from the forests, seas, caves and cemeteries. The resulting brews

are known to have healing powers. Usual or unusual it may seem, it attracted

a number of tourists. Foreign and local alike come to the island, especially during the Holy Week either to observe the healing session, or simply need to get healed.

Today, the provincial government tags it the “Healing Festival” to bring positive twist on the island’s mystical repute.

Now on its third year, the Healing Festival showcased the alternative and traditional healing methods indigenous to Siquijor.

These are composed of “Pangalap” or the gathering of the different kinds of herbs for seven Fridays (Feb 24-April 06) of the Lenten season; “Pag-adlep” or chopping of gathered herbs on Maundy Thursday (April 05); and

herbal preparation of Cooking by the Cantabon Healers and Herbalists group on Black Saturday (April 7).

The whole festivity also includes among others, Product Display (herbal medicines and others), “Sikijod” spa massage (Siquijor brand of massage), healing sessions with various healers, and “Bolo-bolo” healing, with some local entertainments.

According to the Provincial Tourism Office, the love potions are the island’s top selling products. They come in a couple of variants, either in oil or non-liquid form, to be stirred with your favorite perfume and cologne.

Herbal potion, on the other hand, is accordingly what Siquijor’s host of folk healers has been using for many, many years. It is a especially-brewed medicinal liniment to treat physical ailments, which they believe are either

brought about by natural and supernatural causes.

Each medicinal potion, it is said, contains 200 types of herbal plants, interestingly bearing the names of the kind of effect it leaves on people like “tawa-tawa” (laughter), “sumbalik” (return), “Tulay” (connection), “tulog-tulog” (rest, and others.)

Undoubtedly negative images abound about the island. Just the mention of Siquijor, people are quick to associate the place with mysticism, magic, witchcraft and sorcery – blurring the island’s real beauty and goodness.

But Siquijor, one should say, is blessed with natural divine beauty – alluring white sand beaches, caves, natural spring, so that one visitor said she felt static the moment she saw Siquijor. (mbcn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

IT’S MORE FUN IN CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL

By Rizalie A. Calibo

EASTERN EASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 666

N.Samar grants additional assistance to Agrikulturang 4Ps recipients

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 9 (PIA) -- More than a hundred recipients of Agrikulturang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from the town of Las Navas were given additional assistance by the provincial government as its counterpart initiated in the convergence program of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Las Navas.

CSC-8 to hold 1st regl congress of Lingkod Bayani in East Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 11 (PIA) -- As part of its continuous endeavor for development, reforms and promotion of excellence in public service, the Civil Service Commission, Regional Office 8 will hold the Eastern Visayas 1st Regional Congress of Lingkod Bayani on April 19, 2012 at the Archbishop Cepriano V. Urgel Hall, Palo, Leyte, a statement from the agency said.

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

DAR-Biliran turns over ARISP projects to LGU-Cabucgayan

NAVAL, Biliran, April 12 (PIA) – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Biliran Provincial Office is set to turn-over on Thursday (April 12) two of the sub-project components of Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) Phase III in Cabucgayan Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC) in Cabucgayan, Biliran.

M s. Roselie C. Taon, CSC-8 information officer and chief of the Public Assistance and

Liaison Division, said that the regional congress of Lingkod Bayani gathers all the regional and national awardees, either individual, group or agency in Region 8, who will share valuable insights and best practices that resulted to their being adjudged as such.

Taon is encouraging heads of national government agencies, local government

units state universities and colleges and government and controlled corporations to send their employee/s who have been Awardees under the different awards program of the Commission.

No fees will be collected and the Congress will start at 8:00 a.m., Taon said.

Meanwhile, Taon informed that the search for the 2012 Ourstanding Public Officials and Employees under the

Commission’s Honor Awards Program has already started.

The Award had three categories – the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or the Dangal ng Bayan Award and the Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award, she said.

Deadline for submission of nominations is on April 30, 2012. (PIA-8/CSC-8)

T his was revealed by Ms. Elisa Orapa, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) in Biliran

province through a letter-invitation sent to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

She informed that the turnover cere-mony has been set after final inspection of

the projects was conducted and com-pleted.

The projects, she said, which include the Kasabangan Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) and the Balaquid Community Irrigation System (CIS) Project are now ready for use by the recipients and beneficiaries in the area.

She added that the turn-over of the projects to the local government unit (LGU) of Cabucgayan and the recipient communities will be attended and witnessed by the various stakeholders including the media. (PIA-Biliran)

By Ailene N. Diaz

P rovincial Agriculturist Damian Acero said assistance given to the farmers include 100 bags of

certified seeds and 100 liters of fertilizers. Also, they were able to avail of farm

mechanization program of the province. Under the program, farmer-recipients

availed of an easy and non-interest bearing loan of two tractors, as an initiative of the provincial government of Northern Samar.

Governor Paul Daza also instructed to give insurance coverage on the seeds planted by the farmers so that the capital they invested will be insured and thus get an indemnity when calamity occurs and destroys their crops.

The provincial government paid 50 percent of the insurance premiums of the farmers, while the other 50 percent was shouldered by the Department of A g r i c u l t u r e t h r o u g h t h e

Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Acero added.

Through the assistance of the provincial government and other agencies, Acero expects an increase in rice production.

He estimated a production of 120 cavans per hectare as compared to the previous usual production of 30-40 cavans per hectare. (PIA-Northern Samar)

By Flor Jackson

By Neil D. Lopido

EASTERNEASTERN VISAYASVISAYAS 777

ESSU wins Civil Service accreditation

Communities extract 170,000 Crown Of Thorns Starfish

“ We have found extreme population of COTS particularly in the municipalities of Limasawa and Padre

Burgos and the city of Maasin where we estimated the presence of over a thousand COTS in one hectare compared to 12 COTS in normal condition, “ according to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) – Coastal Fisheries Resource Management Office (CFRMO) Chief Eva Abad.

She said that in less than 10 days of synchronized extraction of COTS in the

mentioned three different areas, an estimated 170,000 of COTS were partially gathered by the communities including the owners of foreign-operated dive shops in the locality particularly in Padre Burgos.

Abad said the initial estimates of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Provincial Office reported last March 22 that in one 500 square-meter area of corals alone, there were an estimated of over a thousand COTS.

However, BFAR Provincial Office is now undertaking an actual underwater assessment of the presence of COTS to 500 square meters of corals and to determine the extent of the damaged coral areas had done in the province, she said.

She noted that extraction of COTS most of the times were stalled due to the lack of funds in order to mobilize the community to join in the extraction along their barangays. (PIA-SoLeyte)

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 6 (PIA) -- The bane of corals is finally being decimated. At least 170,000 Crown Of Thorns Starfish (COTS), locally known as dap-marine invertebrates that feed on corals which are marine sanctuaries, and also kill corals, were extracted particularly in Limasawa, Padre Burgos, and Maasin City, all of Southern Leyte in less than 10 days.

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 7 (PIA) -- The 8th ID Commanding General Mario F. Chan ordered his sergeant at arms: lower my personal flag, as his final order as he faced his division for the last time before retiring.

A fter 38 years of service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Commanding Gen-

eral of the 8th Infantry Battalion said his last piece on April 3 in front of army officials, heads of agencies, and soldiers.

“My service ends here,” Chan said. Chan joined the AFP as second lieutenant in 1978 after spending four years in the Philippine Military Academy.

“The rich and fulfilling experiences, the glorious days I spent with my comrades, the triumphs, frustrations, the learning, the challenges, the duties and responsibilities,” Chan described his years with the army.

The general is credited for working hard to quell insurgency in the region, for his peace initiatives in Samar.

Army Chief Major General Emmanuel Bautista commended Chan for his peace

initiatives in Samar where his biggest accomplishment was the declaration of Southern Leyte as insurgent free and Leyte province with “manageable conflict-affected" and development-ready area.

BGen Gerardo Layug will be taking over from Chan thereon. (PIA-Samar)

8th ID Commanding General retires

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April (11) -- The Eastern Samar State University would be the first ever government agency in the province to win the trust and confidence of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in terms of accreditation of appointments and promotional procedures.

IT’S MORE FUN IN MARABUT, SAMAR

By Alice E. Nicart

By Erna S. Gorne

I n a report, CSC Provincial Chief here, Director Albert Uy disclosed that ESSU was

able to comply with the requirements and policies of the Commission thus, its President, Dr. Reynaldo Lombrio could take the authority to approve p romot ion s and appo in tment s instead of having the folders sent to Civil Service.

In a simple ceremony today, the turn over was done inside the office of the University President.

Similarly, the city government of Borongan was reported to have obtained the same privilege since it met all the requirements for CSC Accreditation policies.

Soon, the turn- over rites is likely to be held.

On a different note, CSC urges concerned individuals to avail of the last day, tomorrow (April 12) for the filing of applications for the Professional and Sub-professional Examinations which is set for May 27, at the Borongan Testing Center.

The quota of 1,000 examinees had still to be completed for Borongan to qualify for the test. (PIA-Eastern Samar)

By Ninfa Iluminda B. Quirante

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