Massive tree-planting in Eastern Visayas targets 2.1 M trees in 2012
TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Feb 1 (PIA) — For the year 2012, the massive tree planting campaign in Eastern Visayas is targeting 2,115,500 seedlings to be planted in 4,231 hectares of land, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said.
The regional office of DENR here is currently consolidating efforts to implement the Greening Program.
Daloos said that DENR 8 regional executive director Rogelio T. Trinidad met with the field officials and program implementers to download the 2012 targets to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices from all over the region.
As agreed, each CENRO was assigned a target in terms of the number of hectares and corresponding number of seedlings to be planted. Per estimate, a hectare of land should be planted 500 trees.
The province of Leyte will plant about 625,000 seedlings in 1,250 hectares of land in 2012. Biliran targets to plant 104,000 seedlings in 208 hectares of land while the province of Southern Leyte targets to plant about 153,000 seedlings in 306 hectares of land, this year.
Meanwhile, Samar province will plant 271,500 seedlings in 543 hectares of land; Eastern Samar will plant 541,000 of seedlings in an area of 1,082 hectares of land; and Northern Samar targets to plant 421,000 seedlings in 842 hectares of land.
As part of the activities in project implementation, CENROs have been directed to conduct surveys, mapping and planning activities to identify the exact location of each project.
The National Greening Program aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares from 2011 to 2016 for poverty reduction, food security, livelihood development, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Through the National Convergence Initiative, 16 government agencies, non-government organization and private corporations, have joined hands in the implementation of the program as volunteer planters, long-term plantation stewards, or donors. (PIA 
Aklan’s rice supply to last four months
KALIBO, Aklan, January 30 (PIA) — Aklan has enough rice supply to last four months, according to the National Food Authority (NFA) here.
“Because of our unpredictable weather, our farmers take advantage of the presence of water in their rice fields. If there is water, they plant,” Trabajo said.
Trabajo said Aklan has a current inventory of 375,593 bags found in households, commercial establishments, and government warehouses. He also revealed that Aklan has long been a rice-surplus province, along with Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo.
The only province in Western Visayas with insufficient rice produce, according to the NFA, is Negros Occidental, because it is more on sugar cane production. Negros Occidental’s rice needs are addressed by the rice surplus provinces in Region 6, Trabajo revealed.
Guimaras, on the other hand, is not a rice surplus- province, however, its produce is enough for the needs of Guimarasnons.
Besides Negros Occidental, NFA- Western Visayas also supplies the needs of other areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga.
Despite supplying the rice needs of other provinces, Trabajo assured that Aklanons will not run out of supply, because there are also stocks coming from other provinces that enter Aklan.
He cited Mindoro, Antique and Capiz, whose rice stocks are also brought to Aklan and sold at public markets here.
“When we send out our rice, stocks from other provinces also enter our province, and so Aklan is far from experiencing a rice shortage,” Trabajo assured Aklanons. (JCM/VGV PIA6 Aklan)
PhilHealth 17th anniversary features ‘Tiangge ng Manggagawa’
by Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan. 29 (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is spearheading this year’s nationwide observance of the month of February as National Health Insurance Month and its 17th anniversary celebration on Feb. 14.
Among the activities which will be featured during the month-long celebration is the holding of Tiangge ng Manggawa on Feb. 13-15 at the PhilHealth Tacloban Office, Zabala said.
The tiangge will be held at the PhilHealth Office so that clients and members dropping by will not only be able to transact business with PhilHealth but will also be able to buy things they need at the tiangge, Zabala added.
Zabala called on the PhilHealth members who are exhibitors to contact the PhilHealth Tacloban Office on how to join the tiangge. This is also one way the PhilHealth could help its members, the information officer added. Other activities will be announced in later date, she said.
This year is considered a milestone as PhilHealth celebrates its 17th anniversary introducing innovations, better member benefits to be of better service to the members as it carries the administration’s Universal Health Care for all Filipinos program.
PhilHealth is very much a part of the Universal Health Care by ensuring that all Filipinos are given the financial access to quality health care through PhilHealth insurance, Zabala said.
An attached agency of the Department of Health, PhilHealth received the mandate to administer the former Medicare program for government and private sector employees from the Government Service Insurance System in 1997, the Social Security System in 1998, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in 2005. (PIA-8)
DSWD turns 61
CEBU CITY, January 28 (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas celebrates its 61st anniversary with the theme, “DSWD @ 61: Tuloy Tuloy sa Kaunlaran,” with focus on recognizing and thanking its outstanding employees and partners.
The program and awarding will be held at the MCWD Auditorium this week.
DSWD-7 regional direictor Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said the “Salamat Po Awards” will be given to its partners both from the government and non-government agencies while the “Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayan (GAPAS) Award” is given to outstanding LGU partners.
Macapobre added that on the same occasion, the agency will also award the regional winners of the Presidential Search for Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities under the component city category; 1st-3rd class municipality and 4th-6th class municipality category.
DSWD employees who have been loyal to the Department for 15, 20, 25, and 30 years will also be recognized.
In the afternoon of the same day, a dance presentation, group games and other activities for the DSWD staff will follow.
Meanwhile, in celebration of its anniversary, the department opened a trade fair on January 27 at the DSWD-7 grounds that showcased products of the various Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) projects of the Department from Cebu, Bohol, NegrosOriental and Siquijor.(mbcn/hfg/PIA-7 & DSWD-7)
No more turning back for K to 12 – USec Quijano
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 24 (PIA) — Department of Education (DepEd) has assured the public that the K to 12 program will surely be implemented.
“K to 12 is a go, walang atrasan. (K to 12 is a go. There’s no turning back)” said Undersecretary Yolanda Quijano of the DepEd during the first Regional Education Summit on Jan. 20 in Tacloban City.
“We have a well-prepared curriculum,” said Quijano, citing several committees that are preparing thoroughly for the implementation of the K-12.
Quijano, an education expert who started her career in teaching special education classes, talked about the reasons why DepEd is embarking on this K – 12 program.
“There is inadequate preparation of our high school graduates in the present curriculum. High school graduates also do not possess the basic competencies or emotional maturity essential for the world of work,” said Quijano.
According to data based on a survey of employers, there are serious gaps in critical skills of graduates such as problem-solving, initiative and creativity and gaps in job-specific technical skills.
The current system also reinforces the misconception that basic education is just preparation for higher education. For most parents, basic education is usually seen as preparation for college education, according to data from the DepEd on the K -12 program.
It added that even this misperception falls short of expectations as most students usually have to take remedial and high school level classes in colleges and universities.
The short duration of the basic education program also puts the millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially the professionals, and those who intend to study abroad at a disadvantage.
Another reason given is that graduates are not automatically recognized as professionals abroad. Filipinos face mutual recognition problem in other countries that view the 10-year education program as insufficient.
The Philippines is the only country in Asia and among the three remaining countries in the world that has a 10-year basic education program.
Aware of this urgent and critical concern and in line with the priorities of the President Benigno Aquino III’s administration, the DepEd is taking bold steps to enhance the basic education curriculum.
The enhanced K -12 Basic Education Program seeks to provide quality 12-year basic education program that each Filipino is entitled to.
A graduate of the K-12 Basic Education Program is an empowered individual who has learned, through a program that is rooted on sound educational principles and geared towards excellence, the foundations for learning throughout life, the competence to engage in work and be productive, the ability to coexist in fruitful harmony with local and global communities, the capability to engage in autonomous critical thinking and the capacity to transform others and one’s self.
“We need to add two years to our basic education. Those who can afford pay up to 14 years of schooling before university, their children are getting into the best universities and the best jobs after graduation. I want at least 12 years for our public school children to give them an even chance at succeeding,” President Benigno Aquino lll said. (PIA 8-Samar)
Hog vaccination against cholera in Capiz on
by Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 23 (PIA) -– The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in Capiz will start conducting the massive hog cholera vaccination.
Dr. Leonil Abordo, in an interview over a local radio station here, disclosed that the vaccination of all hogs in the province will be effected starting next week after the vaccines purchased by the Capiz provincial government had already arrived.
Abordo said that the vaccination will be conducted in partnership with the agriculture offices of the different local government units in the province.
He stressed that vaccination against hog cholera is very important to prevent the occurrence as well as spread of said disease as the same is endemic in the province and the entire country.
Abordo explained that prevention of the hog cholera disease and other animal diseases is given attention by the provincial government as it annually sets aside funds for the purchase of vaccines as part of the province’s disease control program.
He cited that last year, there was an isolated case of hog cholera in President Roxas, barangay Villaflores in Maayon as well as in San Antonio, Cuartero which was given immediate response through massive hog vaccination.
“This year, we have not recorded any case yet of hog cholera nor outbreak of diseases of poultry,” Abordo said.
They are also on alert for bird flu, he said, adding that so far there is no bird flu case yet in Capiz.
Abordo likewise advised the public to properly consider environmental sanitation and regular vaccination in raising swine and poultry in order to prevent diseases in animals especially with the changing climatic condition. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)
Search for Maasin City smoke–free barangay is on
By Erna S. Gorne
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 20 (PIA) — The search for a smoke –free barangay otherwise known as Red Orchid Award Barangay in Maasin City is on.
This development came as the barangay captains of the 70 strong- barangays in the city underwent an orientation conducted by the Healthy City Initiatives (HCI) this week, so disclosed Maasin City In Action anchorman Zaldy Olita during its weekly program over DyDM radio station in Maasin City.
Olita reported that Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco wanted that the achievement of the city as a Red Orchid Awardee replicated down to the barangay level. “This is not only for the sake of getting an award but it would also be beneficial for the health of the whole barangay, “ Samaco was noted.
Olita said the barangays were encouraged to come up with their own information dissemination activities such as setting up of posters and tarpaulins that depict the dangers of smoking.
The city government of Maasin bagged the “Red Orchid” award for the second straight time in 2011, Olita added.
He revealed that the city government will give incentives to the first five winners of the search for the smoke-free barangays with the following cash awards: First prize – P 30,000; second prize – P 20,000; third prize – P 10,000; fourth prize – P 7,000; and fifth prize – P 5,000. (PIA8-Southern Leyte)
Samar Boy Scout jamboree highlights disaster preparedness
by Ninfa B Quirante
CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 16 (PIA) -– The Samar Boy Scouts Jamboree held for three days in Paranas town focused on disaster preparedness to live the very adage that comes with being a Boy Scout- that of always being prepared.
This, in addition to the affirmation that scouting builds communities.
During the opening rites of the jamboree, DepEd Superintendent Editha de Veyra said in her message.
“We are gathered here to promote leadership, build more skills and share ideas with the future leaders of the country through scouting,” De Veyra said.
Some 700 Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) members participated in the opening program on January 13, in Paranas town which started with a dancing parade.
Scouters wore indigenous costumes and became soaked as they paraded around town unbothered by heavy rains.
The boy scouts look forward to scouting activities as the activities are in the open, and they have adventures with their fellow scouters.
Scouters were taught survival training, rappelling in the hill near the camping area, and other socialization activities.
Part of disaster preparedness were lectures on what to do during typhoons, floods, fire, and other natural disasters, the scouters also held disaster preparedness drills for their mentors to see how well they have gained from the lectures given.
“Disaster preparedness should be taught to Boy Scouts even as young as those in the elementary grades because disaster can strike anytime,” said Marvin Anonuevo, a teacher-cum Scout trainer.
The three-day scouting activity folded up on January 15 with some guests from LGU Paranas and Boy Scout executive Montano Asis gracing the closing program.
The BSP movement has attracted young men in the elementary and high school aged 6-18 and has stayed strong for 75 years now. The BSP current president is Jejomar Binay. (NBQ/PIA 8-Samar)
DepEd reiterates call for early enrollment for SY 2012-2013
by Lilibeth A. French
ILOILO CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA6) — The Department of Education has once again called on parents in the region to enlist their school-aged children for school year 2012-2013.
Director Mildred Garay, in a radio interview, told parents to bring their incoming kindergarten and Grade 1 children to the public elementary schools nearest them.
She said the documentary requirement for early registration is the birth certificate but if it is not yet available, it could be submitted later.
DepEd has declared January 28 this year as the early registration date for the school year 2012-2013 in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.
Carrying the theme “Makapag-aral ay Karapatan Mo, Magpalista Ngayong Enero,” the early registration aims to achieve the Millennium Development Goals on Universalization of Primary Education and the objectives of the Education for All.
Specifically, it seeks to enlist all five year-old children in kindergarten and for six year-olds to enlist for Grade 1.
Also, it intends to guarantee enrollment of out-of-school children and out-of-school youth from the disadvantaged groups, indigenous people and street children ages five to 18 in their preferred education delivery system, either formal or alternative learning system.
The activity further aims to keep a record of the out-of-school children and youth with disabilities, ages 5 to 18 years old to provide them with appropriate education intervention.
It will also enable the central, regional and division of DepEd to prepare the Three Year Catch Up Plan in Basic Education from SY 2012-2013 to 2014-2015 in order to accommodate the registered learners.
Likewise, it will enable DepEd in collaboration with the local government units, barangay officials, parents-teachers associations, civil society or civic organizations and the business sector to make the necessary preparations and to address potential resource needs in time for the opening of classes in June. This move also aims to provide education interventions to prevent pupils and students from dropping out from school.
All children who were born on October 31, 2007 or earlier are eligible for early enrollment for Kindergarten while those born on October 31, 2006 or earlier, with or without Kindergarten experience, for Grade 1. (LAF/PIA6)
VP Binay, Aklan LGUs sign MOA on housing, Pag-IBIG membership
by Venus G. Villanueva
KALIBO, Aklan, January 16 (PIA6) — Government employees in Aklan renting apartments or other kinds of dwelling will soon have houses of their own through the LGU Housing Program, which was recently formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by Vice President Jejomar Binay who is also the Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), several mayors of Aklan, and Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, Chief Executive Officer of Pag-IBIG Fund.
The MOA Signing was held January 13 at the 3rd Floor of the Kalibo Municipal Building and attended by mayors of Aklan, municipal and barangay officials of Kalibo, and the local media.
VP Binay was in Aklan on January 13 to grace Kalibo’s Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival. On hand to welcome him before the MOA-signing were Kalibo Mayor William Lachica, Aklan Governnor Carlito S. Marquez and Kalibo’s elected officials and department heads.
With Binay were former Senator Ernesto Maceda, Pag-IBIG officials and staff of the provincial officer here, and mayors of nearby Antique and Capiz provinces.
Binay said the MOA-signing for the LGU Housing Program is a manifestation that LGUs all over the Philippines are willing to help each other.
“Paying P2,000 a month could already enable a government employee to own his own house worth P375,000,” Binay said.
The mayors also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vice President and the Pag-IBIG CEO for the inclusion of job orders hired by LGUs as Pag-IBIG members. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)
