BOHOL ACCOUNTING OFFICE ADOPTS NEW TECH FOR TRANSPARENCY

Wednesday 15th of May 2013
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 15 (PIA) -- The Bohol Provincial Accounting Office (PAccO) has adopted new trends in IT-technology for fast-tracking paper processes and making transparent accounting of public funds. PAccO chief, Joseth Celocia told employees gathered during the monthly convocation that the office uses a Commission on Audit (COA)-provided software that eases up preparation and generation of Journal Entry Vouchers (JEV) that also hooks up with the COA for easy and updated financial reports submission. The Electronic-New Government Accounting System (E-NGAS) software has made life and computing easier for them, said Celodia. The...
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Feature: Eggplant farmers see hope in organic farming
Carcar is a thriving city in Cebu south, largely agricultural with around 200 farmers growing eggplants. For these farmers, exposing their eggplants to chemicals has become an accepted practice. What farmers do is dip the eggplants in strong chemicals before it is harvested to make it look healthy. This practice is prevalent among eggplant producers who opt for high income. One of these eggplant farmers is Marino Quisa-ot, who has been growing eggplants for 20 years now. He has, however, r...
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Cebu rice farmers receive insurance from DA
CEBU CITY, May 4 (PIA) -- More than 300 rice farmers in Cebu recently received insurance coverage from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7. During the launching of the International Year of Rice, 331 rice farmers from all over the province of Cebu received Certificates of Insurance Cover (CIC’s) and Accident Dismemberment Scheme Cards. Angel Enriquez, DA Regional Field Unit (RFU-7) Officer in charge said the insurance covers death and dismemberment of both the farmer and the insured animal ...
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  • Over 20 overseas, local firms offer jobs for Negrenses on Labor Day

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- More than 20 local and overseas companies participated on Labor Day Jobs Fair at the Robinson's Place - Dumaguete attracting over 2,000 job seekers. The jobs fair was led by the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Negros Oriental. Of the total number of job applicants, around 1,379 were registered with complete documents as other applicants appeared with lacking credentials. However, 30 jobseekers were hired on the spot for local employment while of ...
  • DOE says true data on power projections essential to lure power investors into PH

    CEBU CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- Energy Sec. Carlos Jericho Petilla said an accurate demand forecast of power needs is important in making the right projections to attract power investors into the country. During the recent Visayas Power Summit held in Cebu, Petilla said the energy department is trying to work on ensuring that right information on current power supply and power needs is available to be able to project a proper forecast of power demand in the following years. “Like for example, for...
  • Cebu looks at a bright rice-sufficient future

    CEBU CITY, May 1 (PIA7) --- Cebu is not far from being rice sufficient this time with the Cebu Provincial Capitol behind. This was the statement of Angel Enriquez, Department of Agriculture 7 Officer in Charge Regional Director, in the recent launching of the International Rice Year in Cebu. In her speech, Enriquez thanked the Provincial Government including the mayors of the local government units for a good performance in rice production which eventually contributed to Central Visayas’ ran...
  • Homeowners, developer in NegOr get loans from Pag-IBIG

    DUMAGUETE CITY, APRIL 27 (PIA) -- The Pag-IBIG Fund has turned over loan checks recently to housing developer, PhilSouth Properties and Development Corp during the latter’s inauguration of its new amenities at the Northville grounds in Boloc-boloc, Sibulan town in Negros Oriental. Pag–IBIG Fund Vice President for Visayas Victoria dela Peña together with Cebu branch manager Rio Teves also awarded 25 homeowners of the financed housing units of Pag-IBIG of their house acceptance certificate. ...
  • NEDA concludes reg'l consultation for PDP Update held in Cebu

    CEBU, April 27 (PIA) -- The government will do the extra push for the achievement of inclusive growth, this was the assurance given by an official of the National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) during the regional consultation for the update of the Philippine Development Plan in Central Visayas held recently here in Cebu. Assistant Director General of the National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) Rose Marie Edillon said the government will make sure that insights ...
  • Cebu one of next wave cities in PH for BPO expansion

    CEBU CITY, April 26 (PIA) – Cebu is one of the next wave cities in the country outside of Metro Manila that is being promoted for expansion of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms. Rosemarie G. Edillon, assistant director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the country is experiencing rapid growth at the moment due to macroeconomic stability. Edillon cited the 6.6 gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2012 which has surpassed the 6.5 GDP growth foreca...
  • DSWD-7 groundbreaks P1.5M water system project in NegOr

    CEBU CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- The dream of having access to clean water has become a reality for a barangay in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7 inaugurated a water system project in Brgy. Bairan earlier this month. The Bairan Level II (RAM pump-driven) water system sub-project at Brgy. Bairan costs over P1.5M. It will directly benefit 110 households in the community and the neighborhood. Getting water from a source in an upl...
  • Cebu City hosts Visayas Power Summit

    CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Cebu City will host the Visayas Power Summit on April 26 to tackle power-related issues in the region. The summit is in response to several issues raised during a series of consultation activities conducted by the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) on power-related concerns in the region, said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama in a letter. Rama also sits as the Regional Development Committee Visayas Chairperson. He said the issues generated during the ...
  • Jobs top factor in achieving social inclusive growth under PDP, NEDA says

    CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) – Employment is the top indicator in determining whether social inclusive growth as envisioned under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 has trickled down to the masses. Rosemarie Edillon, assistant secretary general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the country is presently enjoying rapid economic growth even as the challenge is maintain momentum. “But rapid growth is one thing while social inclusive growth is another,”...
  • PNoy OKs BRT, LRT mass transport systems in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has approved the construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Systems in Cebu. The BRT would be situated on ground while the LRT would be constructed as an overhead network, Aquino said during his visit to Bogo City on April 19. The BRT was proposed by incumbent Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmena when he was then the mayor of Cebu City. Osmena had sent a team to study BRT systems in diffe...
  • NDA Visayas warns dairy farmers to be vigilant as hot season strikes

    CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The National Dairy Authority (NDA)-Visayas told dairy farmers and animal raisers to be vigilant on the condition of their animals during the experienced hot season that started late March this year. During the recent AGIO7 Forum, NDA Visayas Information Officer Farina Dy said that like human, animals may also experience health problems brought about by heat such that attending to the welfare of animals is needed. “They should be very vigilant and implement all t...
  • Bohol local furniture designers shine

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 23 (PIA) – Two young Boholano talents shone at the prestigious “Olympics” of furniture design in the country. These young designers--Floriano Barrete and Clark Golosino--are among the pioneer graduates of a new course which Bohol Island University offered to supply the demand side of industrial designers for the region’s flourishing industry. Barrete and Golosino won the Best Student Design for Home Accessory and Best Student Design for Furniture for Ceb...
  • Kabog officers inducted, promotes Bohol as tourism haven

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 23, 2013 (PIA) – Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto recently inducted the officers and members of the Kahugpungan sa mga Bol-anong Tour Guides (Kabog) Incorporated recognizing the group’s efforts to promote the province as an ideal tourism haven Kabog is a Securities and Exchange Commission registered group of the Department of Tourism Accredited Tour Guides. At the ceremony recently held at the main hall of the second floor of the People’s Mansion, Chatto profusely pr...
  • PNoy announces plans to develop Cebu

    CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III has announced the various development projects slated for Cebu province. PNoy said the areas of Argao, San Fernando, Balamban, Consolacion, Siboga, Moalboal, Dalaguete, Barili, Tuburan, Toledo, and Carcar have been identified to benefit from the construction of 18 irrigation systems. The President was in Cebu last April 19. He pointed out that in Cebu alone, progress has reached 117,314 households, surpassing the initial target of 112...
  • PNoy says widening of MICR to further boost Cebu’s image as tourist, biz haven

    CEBU CITY, April 22 (PIA) – President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III said Cebu will further enhance its image as a tourist and investment destination with the widening of the Mactan Island Circumferential Road (MICR). The President led the groundbreaking ceremony he groundbreak ceremony last Friday. Aquino in his 15-minute speech before a more than 200 crowd said the widening of the MICR opens additional opportunities for the Cebuanos in tourism and investments as the widening of the 26.3 kilo...
  • PNoy breaks ground the P3B Mactan road widening project

    CEBU CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III led the groundbreaking and the lowering of the time capsule for the widening of the Mactan Cebu Circumferential Road at barangay Ibo, Lapulapu City on April 19, in time for his visit and political events in Cebu. The Mactan Island Circumferential Road is an existing paved road of 26.334 kilometers and needs to be expanded/widened to cope with the growing needs of more spaces and easy access to the airport. The project also involv...
  • PNoy endorses LP local bets in NegOr

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III personally endorsed the local candidates of Liberal Party in Negros Oriental in two separate Team Pinoy political rallies in the cities of Bais and Dumaguete in his visit to the province recently. The President in his message to over 5,000 crowd at the Bais City Ballfield, lauded the province as one of the tourist destinations in the Philippines. PNoy also commended education and tourism sectors in Negros Oriental as economic perfo...
  • Gov't, business launch campaign vs petition banning carrageenan

    CEBU CITY, April 18 (PIA) --- The government and business sectors are now spearheading a campaign to rebut a pending petition made by a foreign researcher alleging carrageenan as carcinogenic. Carrageenan is an end product of seaweeds, an industry that supports over 200,000 families excluding those directly involved in the processing. Maximo Ricohermoso, chairman of the Seaweeds Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP), said that there is an impending threat to the seaweeds industry. SI...
  • PNoy scheduled to visit NegOr for Bioethanol distillery plant groundbreaking, LP rally

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 17 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to visit Negros Oriental on Thursday to lead the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Bioethanol distillery plant of Universal Robina Corp. in Barangay Tamisu, Bais City. The establishment of the Bioethanol distillery plant is in response to the President’s thrust to produce more fuel in the country. Pres. Aquino will lead the laying of the time capsule and unveiling of perspective of the Bioethanol plant with chair...
  • A rice processing complex to rise in Bohol

    CEBU CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- Around 26,000 farmers await the benefits that the new Rice Processing Complex (RPC) in Pilar, Bohol can offer them. This was revealed by Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto during the recent inauguration of the RPC which was attended by Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk, Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Puyat, and other high-ranking government officials. A statement from the Department of Agriculture-7 said the RPC targets an area of 30,000 hectares or more. The complex will ...
  • Regional winners of Gulayan sa Paaralan contest awarded

    CEBU CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Unit 7 (DA RFU 7) has awarded top three schools here for the different categories of the Gulayan sa Paaralan. Around 1,100 schools from Cebu City and Cebu province joined the contest, said regional coordinator of the High Value Crops Development Program Nenita Seno. The top three winners for the National High School category are Camotes National High School in Camotes Island, Arcelo Memorial High School of Liloan, an...
  • TESDA strengthens job bridging programs

    CEBU CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- In the hope of producing and hiring more “TESDA Specialistas”, the Technical Education Skills and Development Administration (TESDA) is set to strengthen its Job Bridging program for this year. Nila Fidellaga, TESDA-7 Information Officer, said they are pushing for more job bridging this year aside from conducting a mere job fair. This is in compliance to the directive of TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva to produce and hire more than one million TESDA Speci...
  • DOLE grants P760,000 for VCO production

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has granted decorticating machine worth P760,000 to Barangay Liptong Small Coconut Farmers’ Association (BLISCOFA) which it launched in Valencia town recently. With its farming assistance program, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) also proposed to DOLE a processing machine for mass production of virgin coconut oil (VCO) that the farmer organization can use. DAR Information Officer Gherelene Rafols said DAR ...
  • Bayani Challlenge recipients in Cebu to learn new trade

    CEBU CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- Aside from owning new homes, recipients of the recently concluded Bayani Challenge's House Build project in San Remigio town this year will also learn a new livelihood. San Remigio Mayor Jay Olivar told the Philippine Information Agency that he plans to introduce basket weaving as an additional source of livelihood for the 30 families in Brgy. San Miguel who benefited from Bayani Challenge's house build event. San Remigio hosted the Bayani Challenge in Cebu provi...
  • DPWH urges public to use nat'l roads, highways properly

    CEBU, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) urges the public to use national roads and highways properly as it observes many improper practices. In a statement, the DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said farmers and rice traders should refrain from using the national highways as solar dryers. Farmers take advantage of the good weather, drying up their palay or corn along the national highways and cordoning off road sections that were widened. “We have widened th...
  • Integrated drainage masterplan for Metro Cebu, pushed

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, March 25 (PIA)-- The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) in its 1st quarter meeting on March 20 approved for endorsement to the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) an Integrated Metro-wide Storm water and Drainage Master Plan for the 13 cities and towns that compose Metropolitan Cebu. MCDCB sub-committee on infrastructure and utilities chair, Engr. Fortunato Sanchez said that based on the Board's studies and discussions, the drainage problem is increasingly...
  • Cebu dev't board launches 'Mega Cebu Vision 2050'

    CEBU, March 24 (PIA) -- The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) launched recently the "Mega Cebu Vision 2050" with the catch phrase "Mega Cebu: Making W.A.V.E.S." (Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable, and Sustainable) during its first quarter meeting at the provincial capitol social hall. Cebu acting governor Agnes Magpale, in her opening statement, called on various stakeholders and local government units in Metro Cebu to join the bandwagon of the Mega vision for Cebu. ...
  • Dumaguete City has 160 slots for SPES program

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 23 (PIA) --- Dumaguete City is now accepting 160 student-applicants to avail of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this year. Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Socorro Mira said the program aims to help poor but deserving students continue their education by employing them during summer vacation. The students will be working with the city government of Dumaguete for a period of 20 days from April 15 to May 14, said Mira. She said the ...
  • Pinoy businessmen urged to invest at ‘base of the pyramid’

    CEBU CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- The national government is urging Filipino businessmen to invest and do business at the bottom of the economic pyramid. “Now is the right time for private businessmen to join us in investing at the base of the pyramid,” said Sec. Jose Rene Almendras during the 25th Visayas Annual Membership Meeting of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) here. “Base of the pyramid” is an economic term used to refer to the poorest socio-economic group. Alme...
  • DAR installs farmer-beneficiaries in Mabinay, Negros Oriental

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 21 (PIA)--The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Negros Oriental has conducted partial installation for farmer beneficiaries to the property of Diaz Hermanos estate in Bagtic, Mabinay town. DAR information officer Gherelene Mae Rafols said with 130 beneficiaries to be installed, only three have successfully positioned in their respective farm lots. Rafols said the farmer beneficiaries include Bernie Dario, Gelyn Amot and Sotero Blaza claimed a total of 5.0142 hectares of...
  • Valencia tops 2012 tax collection in Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, March 19 (PIA) -- Valencia town topped this year’s performers in real property (RP) tax collection in the province after it posted 162.50 percent efficiency rating, according to the office of the Provincial Treasurer. During the weekly flag ceremony at the Acacia Garden of the Capitol Monday, provincial treasurer Eustaquio Socorin and Governor Edgar Chatto handed to Valencia Treasurer Aquilina Ampit a certificate expressing the provincial government’s appreciation f...
  • VocTech skills seen in demand for employment

    CEBU, March 18 (PIA) -- Technical and vocational courses still remain to be one of the vital tool for individuals that seek employment. Technical Coordinator for Basic Education Department of Don Bosco Technology Institute (DBTI), Stephen Ferrer noted that time alone can change the public's perspective on technical vocational education that this is in demand of big industries. "Especially abroad, big industries need technically-skilled laborers," Ferrer said in a radio program, "Pagtuki" over...
  • DTI-7 launches ProGED Project in Cebu, Bohol

    CEBU CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) are targeted to adopt green initiatives in order to be globally competitive as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 and the GIZ launched today the Promotion for Green Economic Development (ProGED) Project in Cebu and Bohol. The ProGED Projecton is aimed at promoting green economic development as a driver for competitiveness, innovation, new markets and jobs that will eventually contribute to inclusive growth and p...
  • BIR Tax Campaign kicks off in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, March 8 (PIA)--- “Pursue your targets, no matter how unpopular tax collectors are.” This was the message of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Head Francisco Duque III in the recent Tax Campaign 2013 Kickoff of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Cebu, recently. Duque said the unpopularity of the tax collectors is something that they have to sympathize with the BIR. “But I tell you, no matter how unpopular this government program may be, this is the most important program be...
  • NGCP ups Compostela substation capacity for Visayas grid

    CEBU CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is undertaking the Compostela Substation Expansion Project in Cebu. This is to keep up with the rapid growth of power demand in Visayas, said Elmer Cruz, NGCP Visayas Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer. Under said project, a 150-megavolt ampere (MVA) transformer, power circuit breakers, and accessories will be installed at the Compostela substation. The expansion project is pegged to cost P221...
  • RDC-7 eyes renting power bare to address Siquior power shortage

    CEBU CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Renting a power barge unit to address the power shortage in Siquijor Province is being eyed as a viable option amid the daily brownouts being experienced by residents of the island. In a recent meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 Sub-Committee on Power, Edmund Veloso of the National Power Corporation - Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG) said two of the three power barges in the Siquijor island have been badly damaged by Typhoon Pablo in December l...
  • News feature: ZooColate Thrills – another reason to visit Bohol

    BOHOL, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Aside from marvelous white beaches, old churches and ancestral houses, there are a-thousand-and-one other reasons to visit Bohol. Bohol now has a new adventure theme park that offers captivating attractions for everyone. It is called Zoocolate Thrills! The theme park is located in Barangay Gotozon in Loboc, Bohol operated by Zoomanity Group under the Yupangco Group of Companies. Zoomanity Group operates other parks like the amazing Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay; Zoocob...
  • C. Visayas economy one of the fastest in PH

    CEBU CITY, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The economy of Central Visayas continues to be one of the fastest in the country today backed by statistical data of its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GDRP) in the past two years. In 2010, the GDRP was the highest in the country at 12.5 percent while in 2011, Central Visayas posted a growth of 7.9 percent states a report from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7; these were higher than that of the national GDP average at 3.6 percent and 7.6 perc...
  • P50M ‘Zoocolate Thrills’ Park to rise in Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 26 (PIA) -- The Zoomanity Group has invested some P50 million in a theme park called Zoocolate Thrills in Gotozon, Loboc, Bohol. Zoomanity is the same group that operates the Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark, Residence Inn and Parasizoo in Tagaytay City. Zoomanity business development head Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas said the investment would be set in a five-hectare lot along the famous Bohol Countryside Tour Circuit. The planned theme park is an ...
  • Groups appeal for adoption of Organic Agriculture in Siquijor towns

    SIQUIJOR, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The Provincial Organic Agriculture Board (POAB) and the Technical Working Committee (TWC) of the six municipalities in Siquijor appeal to the local government units and schools to adopt organic agriculture as a way of farming lifestyle in the island. "It can be difficult at first, but let’s start now,” says San Juan municipal agriculturist Arnold Manginsay as he appealed to the local legislators for the adoption of RA 10068 known as Agriculture Act. In one of the ...
  • DOST transfers Setup ownership to Sans Rival

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 25 (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Negros Oriental has officially transferred the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading (Setup) equipment ownership to Sans Rival Food Development, Inc.. DOST assistant provincial director Roslyn Tambago said the Setup funding of P850,000 primarily for the acquisition of the equipment that include one unit of cooking mixer, an industrial nut chopper, a walk-in freezer and an upright stainless steel freezer. The tran...
  • Repair of Cebu bridges assures smooth traffic flow to airport

    CEBU, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) assures the public of a smooth traffic flow of vehicles going to the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) despite its repair and maintenance activities to start on February 25. DPWH- Cebu 6th Engineering District Chief Maintenance Section , Engr. Eda de Guzman told the media in a presscon recently at PIA-7 that the repair and rehabilitation of the first Mandaue-Lapulapu Bridge is set to start on February 25 and imm...
  • Bohol dragonboat to row tourism to new frontiers

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 22 (PIA) -- As Bohol hosts the second Philippine Dragon Boat Festival (PDBF) International Club Crew Challenge 2013 in April, tourism stakeholders and local officials jointly see it as tourism driver. During the project presentation weeks ago, tourism stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, and local officials said the Dragon Boat Festival allows them an opportunity to showcase the best of Bohol to an international crowd. Hosting the event in Bohol can attract hordes of...
  • CEO lauds PNoy's good governance in economy

    CEBU, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The good governance exhibited by the Aquino administration has drawn more investors into the country, said a top official of a leading real estate company in the Philippines. Megaworld Chairman and CEO, Andrew L. Tan, in his speech at the inauguration of The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu lauded Aquino's economic gains. “More and more Japanese investors have come to invest here in the country because of their confidence to the sound economy policies and good gov...
  • Cebuano workers 'skillful, creative and light-hearted' - PNoy

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted the skills of the Cebuano workforce in his speech at the launching yesterday, Wednesday, of a sprawling township development area in Lapu-Lapu City. The President was guest of honor during the unveiling of Megaworld Corporation’s flagship project in Cebu, The Mactan Newtown. In his speech, Aquino told Megaworld Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tan that their company made the right choice in picking Cebu to de...
  • PNoy leads Mactan Newtown big launch in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, Feb 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III led the big launch of the Mactan Newton in Lapulapu City this morning as he lauded that such undertaking will help fuel the country’s economic growth. Aquino, together with Megaworld Chairman and CEO Andrew Tan, unveiled the ceremonial marker inside the showroom. In his speech before top Megaworld officials, Japanese investors, local officials and other invited guests, the President said that the project is an indicator that “we ha...
  • PNoy’s event in Dumaguete cancelled due to 'Crising'

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 19 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino’s visit to Dumaguete City today was cancelled due to typhoon Crising. Aquino was supposed to inaugurate the Qualfon Building that houses more than 800 call center agents in 256 workstations at the Link Sy IT Park, Dumaguete City. Senator Franklin Drilon delivered the President’s speech at the inauguration. The President is also expected to join the Liberal Party senatorial candidates rally at 2:30 p.m. at the Lamberto Macias Sports ...
  • News feature: Siquijodnons say, 'Our rice is corn'

    SIQUIJOR, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- “Responsible rice consumption.” This is the call of the year as the country launches the National Year of Rice, a campaign that aims to help achieve rice self sufficiency, promote better health and improve the income of farmers. President Benigno S. Aquino III in his declaration of 2013 as the National Year of Rice hopes to attain a hundred percent rice self-sufficiency before the year ends as it underlines the government’s intensified focus on strengthening foo...
  • P1-M sawmill processing plant to rise in NegOr

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- A sawmill processing plant with a proposed P1 million budget will soon rise in Bindoy, Negrs Oriental. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo and Bindoy Mayor Valente Yap recently led the ground breaking rites for the proposed sawmill project which is considered the first to be installed in the first district of Negros Oriental. In a message during the ceremony, Montejo said the project aims to empower the local government ...
  • Siquijor unites for 2013 National Year of Rice

    LARENA, Siquijor, Feb 11 (PIA) -- President Aquino declared 2013 National Year of Rice under Proclamation No. 494 and it was launched throughout the country on January 28, 2013. In the province of Siquijor, among the highlights, said Gay Therese Bucol of the Department of Agriculture, was the signing of commitment by all stakeholders and program implementers and the joint recitation of the rice pledge. The National Year of Rice dubbed as NYR2013 aims to achieve rice self-sufficiency and minim...
  • DA-7 supports Bohol ubi production

    CEBU CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The national government through the Department of Agriculture is encouraging Bohol local leaders to enhance the volume and quality of ubi production. This was disclosed by Department of Agriculture-7 (DA-7) Officer in Charge Regional Executive Director Angel Enriquez during the recent celebration of the Ubi Festival held at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City. Enriquez said the local leaders in the municipalities and the barangays are more accessible to th...
  • News Feature: Capturing Siquijor color, Siquijor feel

    Siquijor, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Culture, heritage, tradition and environment. These make Siquijor. Capturing Siquijor color and Siquijor feel for tourists to see and experience is a perfect design strategy to sell the island, says design consultant and amateur photography-hobbyist Rey Luciano Soliven during the Product Development Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for Siquijor recently. Soliven likened the island to a pizza pie but with a unique shape, divided into six slices ...
  • Bohol supplies 70% rice requirement of C. Visayas

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Only the province of Bohol posted a significant increase in rice production in Central Visayas as it now supplies 70 percent of the rice requirement in the entire region. Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics in Bohol showed that the yield increased from 231,569 metric tons (MT) in 2011 to 237,836 MT in 2012. Larry Pamugas, assistant provincial agriculturist, said that if you compare the yield increment from 2010 of 191,000 MT to 2012, it post...
  • Bohol’s rice yield breaches 3 tons per ha. for 1st time

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 11 (PIA) -- For the first-time ever, Bohol’s average palay farm yield has breached the 3 tons-per-hectare, according to the data from the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) here. Provincial Assistant Agriculturist Larry Pamugas disclosed the positive rice production as a feat considering that half of Bohol’s rice lands are upland and rain-fed areas where plants are dependent on rainfall and mechanization is almost nil. Pamugas based his pronouncements on the ...
  • GSIS to refund DepEd employees this February

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 3 (PIA) -- Employees of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Negros Oriental will receive their refund premium in arrears previously deducted from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) starting this February. The state pension fund GSIS in its press release announced that more than 73,000 employees of DepEd in the country are expected to be refunded. GSIS Dumaguete Branch Manager, Atty. Mercedes Enriquez, said the initial refund of P363 million is made possible ...
  • DTI, Siquijor hold product dev’t program for tourism stakeholders

    SIQUIJOR, Jan 30 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCII) conducted a Product Development Program for tourism stakeholders in the province Wednesday, January 30 to 31. The project aims to make use of what is innate in the residents of Siquijor and what the island is all about, said Nimfa Virtucio, DTI-Siquijor provincial director. It also aims to develop more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) producing crafts and ot...
  • Bohol gov pushes for Loon to be cruise ship port

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 29 (PIA) -- Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto pushed anew the implementation of the phase II of the Catagbacan Cruise Ship Port in Loon town in order to further preposition Bohol in the international tourism map. In the weekly media interaction at the Capitol dubbed ‘Kita ug ang Gobernador,’ Chatto said there is a need to complete the Catagbacan Port as the Tagbilaran City Port is too congested preventing international cruise ships fro staying in Bohol for long. The ...
  • Electric co-op consumers get lower rates in January

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Customers under the coverage of Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (Noreco2) will now benefit from lower rates in their monthly billing this January. Noreco 2 General Manager Eunora Sameon said the member-customer-owners (MCOs) of Noreco2 will enjoy a decrease in the generation charge of P0.0737 per kilowatt hour. Sameon said that instead of P5.9661 per-kilowatt-hour rate, the cooperative is passing on a generation charge of P5.8924 per kilowatt hour that ...
  • Australian shipbuilding company recognizes Filipino workers

    CEBU, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- A top-ranking official of an Australian-based global defence prime contractor has recognized the vital contribution of Filipino skilled workers in building world-class ships. Austal Philippines Shipyard Operations President and General Manager Joey Turano commended the effort, skills and abilities of Filipino shipbuilders during the visit of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III Wednesday at Austal's shipyard facility in Balamban, Cebu. Austal is a global company that designs, c...
  • Agripreneur urges farm tourism in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Jan 17 (PIA) -- An established entrepreneur and organic farming practitioner from Negros Occidental strongly encouraged 'farm tourism' in Siquijor. “Siquijor is a big tourism potential but it is presently not food sufficient,” Ramon Peñalosa said noting that the province, like many other islands in the country, are not making use of the ‘island-economy concept ‘ where the potentials of the place and it’s locals are fully utilized. Siquijor does not have to be a food-...
  • PNoy: Filipinos are world-class shipbuilders

    CEBU CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The opening of the shipyard operations of a global defence prime contractor in Balamban town, Cebu today highlighted the growing reputation of Filipino workers as world-class ship builders. President Benigno S. Aquino III, who graced the grand opening of Austal Philippines’ shipyard facility in Brgy. Arpili, Balamban, said the Philippines is now the fourth largest shipbuilding country in the world. “In 2011, our ship exports reached $638 million,” said Aquin...
  • PNoy to grace opening of Austal shipyard in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, Jan 16 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III will be in Cebu, Wednesday to grace the grand opening of the Austal Philippine Shipyard inside the West Cebu Industrial Park in Balamban, Cebu. On hand to receive the President at the shipyard at 10 a.m. will be Joselito B. Turano, president and general manager of Austal Philippine Shipyard operations. Upon arrival, the President will opt to conduct a tour and inspection at the assembly area of the fabrication workshop. Turano on the...
  • One-stop-shop for biz permit opens at Dumaguete City Hall

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Dumaguete City now opens its Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) to more than 4,000 companies in the city. Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said, BOSS is a system in which all government agencies involved in the processing of business permits are gathered in one area inside the city hall. Business owner-operators will then have an easy time processing their business permit applications or renewals because they need not go to the ...
  • LGU Ayungon receives KALAHI-CIDSS projects

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- Two hinterland barangays in the municipality of Ayungon in Negros Oriental with about 600 households particularly farmers will soon be granted farm-to-market road (FMR) projects. Barangays Amdos and Manogtong in Ayungon are recipients of the road projects under the government’s Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Development Social Services or KALAHI-CIDSS program. The community of Amdos has received assistance of about P3.2 million f...
  • DENR-7 grants over 20T free patents in CV

    CEBU CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) granted some 20,486 free patents covering 9,443.1269 hectares of untitled public alienable and disposable (A and D) agricultural lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Extension program as of December 26 this year in Central Visayas. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, “this is the biggest accomplishment thus far in the region and even in the entire country ...
  • Cebu City to hold business permit renewals in Mall

    CEBU CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- For convenience, Cebu City announced the holding of business permits renewals next year at SM Mall. In a notice signed by Cebu City treasurer officer in charge Emma Villarete, it was disclosed that business permit renewals for next year will be held in a bigger venue to accommodate the influx of applicants. For 2013, renewal of business permits will be done at SM Trade Hall 1, SM City Cebu at the North Reclamation Area starting January 2 until the 25th of the same mo...
  • P11-M farming assistance for Cebu's CARP beneficiaries next year

    CEBU CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Over P11 million worth of farming equipment will be distributed in 2013 to farmer-beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Cebu. Atty. Jonathan Sinco, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Assistant Regional Director for Operations, said DAR already approved the funding for Cebu under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services Program (ARCESS). Sinco said there are 2,149 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB’s)...
  • Tubigon taps NGCP for villages’ tap water project

    TUBIGON, Bohol, Dec 10 (PIA) -- Tubigon town in Bohol has tapped the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to bring tap water to the households of its four "waterless" mountain barangays. Tubigon mayor William Jao and NGCP’s head of corporate affairs Nelson Cabangon siged the memorandum of agreement to co-fund the P1.8 million project that brings 24 hour water service to barangays Bunacan, Cawayanan, Libertad and Buenos Aires. In simple ceremonies held at the guest’s lounge o...
  • Over 300 call center agent-applicants join career expo of PCCI, TESDA

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- More than 300 job applicants participated in the career expo recently organized by the Philippine Call Center Institute (PCCI) in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). Business development officer Victor Evangelista of PCCI said some 50 job applicants were hired on the spot. The expo was the first-anniversary celebration of PCCI participated in by business processing outsourcing (BPOs), the Transcom, Sitel, Qualfon, ...
  • DOE presents country's energy plan in Bohol

    BOHOL, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) brought to Bohol its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on the country's 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) on November 15 at the Flushing Meadows Resort & Playground in Panglao, Bohol. DOE-Energy Policy and Planning Bureau director Jesus Tamang said the government recognizes the long gestation periods of energy projects and investments that leads the DOE to formulate a long term energy plan that addresses relevant i...
  • PNoy explains deferment of Bus Rapid Transit system project in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) --President Benigno S. Aquino III wants the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Cebu perfected prior to its implementation. The President in an interview during his lunch with allies of the Liberal Party (LP) in Cebu, said the BRT’s approval was deferred by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to give time to iron out issues. He said the government cannot experiment on the project which is estimated to cost P10 billion. “Medyo may kulang. There is...
  • Clean technology makes coal plants viable

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov 26 (PIA) -- Opposition to coal as a fuel to source out the much needed energy to address the country’s growing power needs can rest easy as recent use of clean technology makes emissions no longer hazardous. In a recent media tour to the Toledo Power Plant of the Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC), media were briefed on the plant’s generation capacity of 246 megawatts of power through a new technology called Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) coal-fired pow...
  • Renewable energy still the best option for sustainable energy - DOE

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov 27 (PIA) -- The government’s ultimate plan is to develop renewable energy (RE) sources to address the increasing demand for power in the country and lessen dependence on imported fuel, disclosed a top official of the Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas. Eduardo Amante, engineer and chief of the Energy Renewable Development and Utilization Division of DOE Visayas said the recent increase in the commissioning of coal-fired power plants in the country is not an indica...
  • DOST, UPLB forge agreement to engage farmers to agri-business

    SIQUIJOR, Nov 24 (PIA) —The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) have signed a mmorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide financial and technical assistance to the Farmer Scientist Training Program. "The project Urban and Rural Technology Transfer and Commercialization of Farm Products developed by FSTP-Trained Farmers in Region 7 (Phase 1) aims to sustain and inspire more of our FSTP-trained farmers to expand their business operation...
  • DA, ATI push breadfruit production in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Nov 23 (PIA) —The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Region 7 are pushing for the production of breadfruit in the island as substitute to rice to increase Siquijor province’s food staple sufficiency level. A training course on breadfruit production with emphasis on asexual propagation was held recently at the Provincial Agriculturist Office Training Hall in Larena, Siquijor in support to the Food Staple Sufficiency Program (FSSP) of the...
  • DOH accredits AVRC’s therapeutic massage training

    CEBU CITY, November 22 (PIA) --- The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II), a vocational training center by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VII (DSWD FO-VII) recently received its Certificate of Accreditation as a Training Institution for Massage Therapy from the Department of Health (DOH). The accreditation was given after the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) from DOH Head Office in Manila assessed the facilities, modules and pertinen...
  • DTI, BOI to conduct Investments Roadshow in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) and the Board of Investments (BOI) are set to conduct an Investments Roadshow on November 22 from 8:30 am to 2 p.m. at the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Cebu City. This activity is intended to provide venue for presentation of the just approved 2012 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). A DTI-7 statement said the roadshow serves as feedback session to guide government’s further assistance to the existing measures and to ...
  • Cebu to adopt tourism economy on mango, high value crops

    CEBU CITY, Nov 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc. (PMIFI) proposes infrastructure innovation to help the mango growers in the province and to boost the mango industry and other crop production in Cebu. The plan is to put up tramline in areas where mango and high value crops production are abundant, PMIFI President Virgie de la Fuente said during the Kapihan sa PIA. De la Fuente said a tramline will cross areas where the plantation of mango and other crops are located an...
  • Local college supports organic farming in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Nov 12 (PIA) -- The Siquijor State College (SSC) expressed its support to the province’s advocacy on organic farming. The school, with its 400 students in an information caravan held at the SSC, declared their proactive response to organic farming in the island, said SSC Vice President for Extension and Research Steven Sumaylo. As an institution of higher learning, SSC is mandated and expected to be actively involved in extension programs that embraces the concept of people empower...
  • DOE urges LPG retail outlets to follow standards

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) warned dealers and retailers of liquefied petroleum products (LPP) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Negros Oriental and Siquijor against unsafe and unfair practices which compromise the safety of the consuming public. In a forum held, Energy Industry Management Division Supervisor Jose Rey Maleza of DOE said the LPP and LPG dealers and retail outlets must comply with the required national standards which include quality, quanti...
  • Coconut authority distributes salt fertilizers to Siquijor coco farmers

    SIQUIJOR, Nov 11 (PIA) --The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Siquijor distributed 6,207 bags of salt fertilizers to 2,909 coconut farmers which would increase their production and income, and therefore, encourage them to plant more. PCA encourages coconut farmers to raise quality coconut seedlings and get paid P14/seedling; and another P16/seedling when these are planted and grown said Ma. Glemma Gallardo, PCA-Siquijor information officer in a press statement. Gallardo added this is under ...
  • DOE asks LGUs to help curb illegal acts in petrol industry

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov 11 (PIA) --The Department of Energy (DOE) in the Visayas urged local government units (LGUs) of Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces to regularly calibrate and seal the pumps of gasoline stations to protect consumers from illegal fuel price hikes. DOE-Visayas Senior Science Research Specialist, Engr. Octavio Belarmino said the LGUs are the primary agency mandated to calibrate every dispensing pumps in 60 days. Belarmino shared this during the campaign- briefing on the Do...
  • DOE sets Downstream Oil Industry drive for NegOr, Siquijor LGUs

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE)-Visayas has set two separate advocacy campaigns on the Downstream Oil Industry (DOI) for local governments and dealers of liquid petroleum products (LPP) on November 7 and 8 in Dumaguete City. Officers and representatives from the Treasurer’s and Business Licensing Offices of all LGUs in Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces including concerned national government officials are expected to attend the briefing on the role of local ...
  • DAR secretary visits Negros Oriental

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 30 (PIA) -- Department of Agrarian of Reform (DAR) Secretary Virgilio De Los Reyes visited Negros Oriental last week for a one-day activity with local government units (LGU) of Bayawan and Canlaon cities. De Los Reyes arrived in the province to sign a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement with Bayawan City government. Both the secretary and Mayor Rene Gaudiel of Bayawan signed the agreement which sealed the partnership to conduct a survey of subdivisions in government-owned ...
  • Negros Oriental sets to bid for Palarong Pambansa 2013

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 18 (PIA) -- A group of local government officials led by Governor Roel Degamo is set to go to Manila on Friday, October 19 to participate in the bidding for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2013. Negros Oriental Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Supt. Salustiano Jimenez said the party includes Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, the three district representatives, and some members of the provincial board to convince the organizer in Manila during the ...
  • 33,000 free energy-efficient light bulbs distributed in West Visayas

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Oct 17 (PIA) -- About 33,000 compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) light bulbs were distributed to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the provinces of Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor to replace incandescent bulbs they commonly used. The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), gave out free CFLs to promote “Energy Conservation and Efficient Lighting” as one of the government’s responses to...
  • Organic farming hikes rice production in NegOr

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 11 (PIA) -- Rice production in Negros Oriental increased by 19 percent after the province ventured into organic farming. Gov. Roel Degamo attributed to organic farming the increase in rice production in his keynote speech during the opening program of the NegOrganic Farm Family Agri-Fair on Oct. 10 at the Provincial Nursery Compound, this city. The provincial government is currently determined to become self-sufficient in rice, with the governor saying that he hopes to se...
  • 1st farmer-scientist agri-business conference, workshop held in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Oct 10 (PIA)— The Siquijor provincial government held Monday the first farmer-scientist agri-business conference and workshop at the Quicksilver Conference Hall in Siquijor, Siquijor. Participants are selected Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP) -trained farmers or farmer-scientists actively engaged in the marketing of their farm products with annual incomes of more than P100,000, presidents or representatives of successful FSTP cooperatives /farmer-scientists' associatio...
  • NSO sets survey on Census of Agriculture and Fisheries

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct 10 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) Negros Oriental announced another set of survey for the Census of Agriculture and Fishery (CAF) in February 2013 in a consultative forum, October 5 in Dumaguete City. Ariel Fortuito, NSO-NegOr provincial statistician officer, told participants from government agencies concern, farmers and fishermen’s associations, academe, and farmer-irrigators' groups that over a thousand enumerators are needed for next year’s census. Fo...
  • ICT industry workers fear use of 'mother tongue' may lose Phl's competitive edge

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Oct 4 (PIA) -- Information communication technology (ICT) workers fear possible setbacks in the country’s global ICT sector when the school system adopted the use of the "mother tongue" in education. In a recent ICT Roadshow in Bohol call center worker at Convergys and Philippine Call Center Institute (PCCI) trained speaker, Jonalyn Batoy expressed her concerns on the program of the public schools that encourages the use of Tagalog and or Cebuano (mother tongue) as me...
  • 'Graduating' 4Ps-recipients in C. Visayas face better future

    CEBU CITY, Oct 4 (PIA) -- A legacy of an improved quality of life is the fulfillment left by government’s anti-poverty program dubbed Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), to over 20,000 graduating household-recipients in Central Visayas. Marites Augis, who lives near the Inayawan dumpsite in Cebu City is just one of the first of the 2,541 identified poorest of the poor families in Cebu City enrolled in the program when it started in 2008. “Dako kay ko og pasalamat sa programa kay kar...
  • P7.4-B infra to up eco-tourism in Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Oct 2 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino in his visit to Bohol revealed three major infrastructure projects that he said will increase the province’s global competitiveness as one of the top tourism destinations in the world. “We have apportioned P7.4 billion for this project. We anticipate the initial construction in November next year. And before my term ends in 2016, you will have a new and modern airport, the President spoke in Filipino, before a gathering of bar...
  • PNoy says P7.4-B airport to rise in Bohol by 2016

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept 27 (PIA) -- Speaking before an estimated crowd of 6,000 barangay officials during the 1st Barangayan Day celebration of the province of Bohol, Wednesday, President Aquino revealed that his administration is bent on fulfilling its promise to build a new, modern airport facility for the province before his term ends in 2016. Aquino told the good news as he led the awarding ceremonies of the “The Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year" provincial winners for 20...
  • NegOr turns over 5 completed infra projects in Basay town

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 25 (PIA) -- The provincial government last week turned over four completed infrastructure projects in Basay town. A statement from Capitol said the projects are among the infrastructure programs that were given a budget of P3.3 million as part of Basay's share from last year's 20 percent economic development fund. In a ceremony, Gov. Roel Degamo symbolically turned over to Basay Mayor Dandilgust Abrio the following completed projects: street lighting, two-classroom schoo...
  • PESO NegOr boost local, overseas employment

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept 23 (PIA) -- The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Negros Oriental deployed over a thousand of workers for local employment, including last week’s special recruitment for Cebu. In its first year anniversary, the PESO under the “Magdegamo Equals Trabaho” program of the provincial government, focal person Jose Ramon Benedicto said his office also facilitated 248 Negrenses who are now gainfully working overseas, specifically in Riyadh, Jeddah, Qatar, Kuala Lumpur...
  • 'AlkanSSSya' program to benefit informal sector

    CEBU CITY, Sept 17 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) extended their services to cover the informal sector such as public drivers of jeepneys, trisikads (tricycle), and habal-habal (motorcycle) as well as market vendors in their micro-savings program dubbed "AlkanSSSya." Workers in the informal sector are encouraged to register in the program and be active SSS members so they could enjoy the benefits provided by the SSS. AlkanSSSya is a micro-savings program that offers convenient remit...
  • Globetrotting journalist says niche tourism ideal for Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, September 11 (PIA) –For Bohol tourism to be truly sustainable, the government has to make a choice: dive into mass tourism and put everything at stake or go the path less traveled in niche tourism destination and bank on sure-fire lessened human impact to the environment. These are the statements of a world renowned author, travel journalist and mining expert, globetrotter and professor of the Istanbul Technical University, Dr. Orhan Kural, upon seeing Bohol’s immen...
  • NEDA, gov’t info officers, sign agreement to inform public of RDC’s role in socio-econ dev’t

    CEBU CITY, Sept 7 (PIA) -- The Association of Government Information Officers in the region (AGIO-7) with the National Economic and Development Council (NEDA-7) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to inform the public of the Regional Development Council’s (RDC) role in regional socio-economic development. The MOU states the importance of conducting aggressive information, education and communication efforts to pursue positive promotional endeavors on the Philippine Development Plan, th...
  • DOST-Siquijor conducts MPEX briefing to 4 firms

    SIQUIJOR, Sept 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducts a briefing on Manufacturing Productivity Extension for Export Promotion (MPEX) to four firms at the DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) Conference. DOST Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said the four firms identified by MPEX to be given assistance this year are: Larena Triad Coffee Shop, Sweet Sensation Cakes & Pastries, Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center and DanMild Personal Care Produc...
  • DOST gives "Rapya" a world-class brand

    CORTES, Bohol, Aug 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) classified the hand woven raffia in Bohol as 'world-class' but marketing experts account its dismal market to a poor packaging. “It’s quite a pity that a product that incorporates the long tale of traditions, industry, artistry and ingenuity of the residence of Bohol, could not get the right price it should command,” DOST-Bohol Information Officer Vina Antopina said. Raffia, a natural fiber obtained from “bu...
  • Negros Oriental provincial government lauds steps to boost tourism

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 21 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Negros Oriental lauded the efforts of tourism stakeholders in fleshing out a provincial tourism roadmap that aims to boost the local tourism industry. The provincial tourism office crafted a tourism development plan during the strategic planning workshop with local stakeholders and officials from the Department of Tourism. Gov. Roel Degamo said the plan will help realize his goals toward a more improved tourism industry in the prov...
  • DOST funds machinery, equipment upgrading in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Aug 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Science Technology (DOST-7) in the region has approved another project for Siquijor province, this time, the Machinery and Equipment of Lyn and Sam Welding Work and Machine in Catulayan San Juan, Siquijor. DOST-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said Lyn and Sam Welding Work and Machine owned by couple Sam and Lenie Tubal is the beneficiary of the project entitled “Machinery and Equipment Upgrading of Lyn & Sam Welding Work and Machine ...
  • Support services key to agrarian reform success says DAR official

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- The success of agrarian reform in the country lies in its support services. This was the statement issued by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Undersecretary for Support Services Jerry Pacturan during the 5th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) meeting held in Bais City last August 9. “Agrarian reform can be successful if there are support services,” said Pacturan in his speech. He highlighted the different support services offered by DAR and its partner agenc...
  • Siquijor gov calls locals to go organic farming

    SIQUIJOR, Aug 14 (PIA) -- The governor of Siquijor called on all farmers, barangay officials and schools in the province to support the Organic Agriculture Law of the Philippines or Republic Act 10068. In the series of information caravan conducted in all municipalities and some schools provincewide, Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. pushed for a strong support to the law and the province's shift to sustainable organic and ecological food production. The governor admitted that a shift to organic ...
  • Negros Oriental to boost tourism dev't plan

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 11 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental tourism officials started to improve on the province’s tourism development plan with similar strategies set up in the National Tourism Development Plan. In a workshop held recently, the Department of Tourism (DOT) with tourism officials from Puerto Princesa and Bohol, whose tourism industries are well-advanced, has urged local government units in Negros Oriental to come up with doable tourism plans in their localities. “Negros Oriental ...
  • DTI holds SME caravan to support Siquijor eco-tourism

    SIQUIJOR, Aug 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with the Siquijor Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) and the provincial government of Siquijor held on August 2 to 3 an Enhanced Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Caravan at Dondeezco Beach Resort, Dumanjug, Siquijor, Siquijor. The Enhanced SME Caravan, said DTI-Siquijor Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio is a smaller version of the SME caravan regularly conducted by the DTI tha...
  • 300 farmer scientist graduate from training program in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Aug 7 (PIA) -- Nearly 300 local farmers from five towns in Siquijor province were recognized in last week’s joint graduation barangay level phases I, II and III and launching of Farmer-Scientists Training Program in corn-based production system for sustainable agricultural development. San Juan town has a total of 84 graduates with 19 farmers completing the Phase III, 46 for phase II and 19 for phase I while Larena town, 43 graduates with 32 for phases I and 11 for phase II. Siqui...
  • DOST-7 funds upgrading of bakery, souvenir center in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Aug 3 (PIA) -- Another upgrading project in Enrique Villanueva town was approved and funded under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 7. The Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center of Poblacion, which is owned and managed by Elena T. Ibera is a recipient of funds amounting to P378,500 from the DOST-SETUP to facilitate the acquisition and fabrication of equipment and materials needed for the upgrading ...
  • DOST-SETUP approves P.445-M food processing upgrading project in Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Aug 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Science Technology (DOST) Region-7 has approved and released P445,000 for the upgrading of the food processing technology in the manufacturing of dimsum products of the Larena Triad Coffee in Larena, Siquijor. The project, according DOST-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario de la Pena, is a component project of Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) as one of the strategic programs under the National Science and Technology (S&T) plan. H...
  • One Cebu Expo 2012 showcases over 100 locally-made, DTI-supported goods

    CEBU CITY, August 3 (PIA) -- Over 100 Cebu-made products supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu under its ‘One Town, One Product’ (OTOP) Program are on showcase starting today with the launching of the One Cebu Expo 2012. Gov. Gwen Garcia led local officials and exhibitors in the ribbon-cutting late this morning to signal the launching of the event that will run for 11 days from August 3 to 11 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City. Around 450 exh...
  • DOST awards P400,000 assistance to handicraft business

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has awarded about P400,000 financial assistance to Orient Gifts Center for the technology upgrade of its sinamay-based home furnishings and fashion accessories production. Under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup), the DOST provided the funds to handicraft-selling firm for its production machinery, a single computer-aided embroidery machine with embedded software acquired to upgrade and enhanc...
  • NegOr businessmen rate SONA satisfactory

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce Inc. (NOCCI) President Eduard Du graded the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Aquino as "generally satisfactory." Ed Du said although it was quite long and by far the President's most detailed SONA yet, it lacked comparative data on poverty alleviation. He said he agreed that the Aquino administration has achieved economic gains, which were the result of reforms such as cutting wasteful spending and holdin...
  • Butuan official urges Cebu business sector to invest in Mindanao

    CEBU CITY, July 25 (PIA) –A local official from Butuan City has urged Cebu business sector to invest in Mindanao and explore the region as a business trading partner. “Cebu furniture and fashion accessories exporters could source their raw materials from Mindanao,” said Vice Mayor Lemuel Lawrence Hernandez- Fortun. Fortun was in Cebu to promote the Mindanao Business Conference 2012 to be held in Butuan City from August 2 to 4. He said the Mindanao Business Conference could be a venue fo...
  • News Feature: DOST awards businesses for S&T innovations

    CEBU CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 7 has given recognition to three companies which have used science and technology to upgrade operations. Engineer Ramir V. Bonghanoy, president of the BOB-ACE Fashion Tools Inc., is one the three awardees of the DOST 7 in Cebu during the recent Regional Science and Technology Week for his successful application of science and technology (S&T) in upgrading his products to be globally competitive. In its recognition a...
  • DOST to help local businessmen compete with imported products

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will help local businessmen and farmers address the threat posed by the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) in 2015. This was the statement of Ed Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), amidst concerns raised by local entrepreneurs over the impact of AFTA in local products and agricultural produce. Du said DOST will help local businesses produce affordable yet quality product...
  • DOST urges SMEs to avail financial assistance under Set-Up

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Negros Oriental to take advantage of its funding assistance with zero interest. Under its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (Set-Up), DOST executive manager for technical support services, Jesus Zamora, encouraged SMEs, particularly those needing science and technology interventions, to apply for financial aid for them to boost its productivity and c...
  • DOST 7 urges MSMEs to avail of SET-UP

    CEBU CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 7, though its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP), urged all Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Visayas to avail of its financial assistance in order for them to be globally competitive. DOST 7 Regional Director Engr. Rene Burt Llanto said the program was able to help over 1,000 MSMEs in Central Visayas since its launching in 2002. Only those MSMEs that need science and technol...
  • NFA assures stable rice supply for Central Visayas

    CEBU CITY July 18 (PIA) --The National Food Authority (NFA) Cebu Provincial Office assured that Cebu and the rest of the provinces in Central Visayas have stable rice supply. NFA Cebu Provincial Manager Nestor Rey Alcoseba said in a recent AGIO -7 forum that the NFA rice stocks plus those of commercial rice dealers are sufficient to meet the demand of the consuming populace throughout the region. “Daghan ang bugas, unlike several years ago, walay tay problema sa bugas karon. In fact, the pr...
  • Cebu exporters urged to explore Mindanao as a source of raw materials

    CEBU CITY, July 19 (PIA) -- Exporters of furniture and fashion accessories in Cebu are urged to source their raw materials from Mindanao in a bid to strengthen cooperation and business partnership. Butuan City Vice Mayor Lemuel Lawrence Hernandez-Fortun who was in Cebu to promote the Mindanao Business Conference (MBC)which was going to be held in Butuan City on August 2 to 4, said their city is especially rich in quality timber and wood which could be used as raw materials in making furniture ...
  • Siquijor joins green product showcase at trade expo in Bohol

    SIQUIJOR, July 18 (PIA) -- Some of the local entrepreneurs in the food and non-food sectors from Siquijor will join the more than 80 Filipino exhibitors in the 2012 Sandugo Regional Trade Expo at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City on July 25-29. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Nimfa Virtucio said they are the makers of furniture and woodcraft, cakes and pastries, banana crackers and other souvenir items in Siquijor. Local producers Douglas Balwit and Romblon weav...
  • Electronics company to hire 4,000 workers in NegOr

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 17 (PIA) -- An electronics company in Cebu is set to hire a total of 4,000 trainees from Negros Oriental. The Public Employment Services Office (PESO) has deployed around 300 workers for Cebu Mitsumi, a Japanese electronic manufacturing firm and one of the largest electronic manufacturers in Cebu, said provincial focal person Jose Ramon Benedicto. “These applicants come from the different local government units like Pamplona, Mabinay, Tayasan and Siaton,” Benedicto sa...
  • DTI invites Siquijor to Tourism Green forum in Bohol’s Sandugo

    SIQUIJOR, July 13 (PIA) -- The local office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is inviting entrepreneurs and other interested persons from Siquijor to a one-day Tourism Green Forum at the Metrocentre Hotel in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. The forum, said DTI director Nimfa Virtucio, is a side activity of the annual Trade Expo dubbed 'Sandugo in Bohol' from July 25 to 29 that highlights green technologies for tourism. “Adopting green growth is a worthwhile venture for the Philippines be...
  • BFAR awards 8,000 Kitong fingerlings to Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, July 13 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 7 has awarded 8,000 “siganid” or locally known as “kitong” fingerlings to Siquijor on July 6. Each fingerling costs P5; the whole batch totaling P40,000, BFAR-Siquijor provincial fisheries officer Warren S. Inao said. The project is part of the Agri Pinoy program for the provincial government’s demo farm in Tongo, Siquijor, Siquijor where a 10x10 meter floating fish cage has been put up, Inao ad...
  • ICT Dumaguete set to hold ‘ICT Expo 2012’

    DUMAGUETE CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Dumaguete is set to hold a trade fair dubbed “ICT Expo 2012” on July 12-13 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City. The exposition is designed to highlight entrepreneurship opportunities in the ICT industry and to promote industry players in Dumaguete, said Javier Fortunato, ICT exhibition chair, of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This year’s expo banners the theme: “...
  • TESDA launches classroom on wheels in Canlaon City

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched its first classroom on wheels through the Mobile Training Classroom Plus Park and Train Program (MBC-PTP) recently in Canlaon City. According to TESDA Information Officer Geraldine delos Reyes, the van is equipped with welding equipment, and machines and tools for mobile training. This is an alternative modality of delivering quality-assured technical-vocational programs at the doorstep of...
  • Cebu, Visayas have stable supply of power for next 2-3 years, VECO says

    CEBU CITY, July 6 (PIA) -- A power executive echoed the assurance of the Department of Energy (DOE) 7 that Cebu and the rest of the Visayas will have stable supply of power within the next two to three years. Sebastian Lacson, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Visayas Electric Company (VECO) in a media forum this morning assuaged fears that brownouts would occur due to insufficient power supply. “Cebu and even the rest of the Visayas Region need not fear of prolonged b...
  • Tanjay City’s good housekeeping award provides fund for infra projects

    TANJAY CITY, Negros Oriental, June 5 (PIA) -- The Tanjay City government is set to construct road concreting and farm-to-market roads in its barangays from a support fund of P28 million from the Seal of Good Housekeeping award earned by the city granted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Mayor Lawrence Teves said in a media conference held Tuesday that Tanjay City has received the award for its implementation of good governance plans and programs, including delivery of ...
  • Feature: Rural women assn. in Dalaguete, Cebu now successful entrepreneurs after availing of gov’t’s SEA-K program

    CEBU CITY, July 3 -- Years of hard work has turned this group of simple rural women in southern Dalaguete town in Cebu into budding entrepreneurs after availing of the government’s micro-financing credit program dubbed ‘Self Employment Assistance- Kaunlaran’ or SEA-K. The Balud Women’s Association (BWA) popularly recognized as Dalaguete’s grassroots entrepreneurs, model moms and housewives has become a symbol of success for women empowerment. In 2003, a group of 25 women from Bar...
  • RDC-7 enjoins LGUs to switch to new licensing system

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 1 (PIA) -- The Regional Development (RDC-7) in Central Visayas approved a resolution enjoining local government units (LGUs) to switch to the new permits and licensing program which has improved revenue generation of 40 LGUs in the region. According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional Director Asteria Caberte the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) program reduces time, signatories, and costs in securing business permits thus, eliminating ch...
  • PBF to set up P20M bamboo nursery in NegOr

    DUMAGUETE CITY, July 1 (PIA) --The Philippine Bamboo Foundation (PBF) is now setting up the biggest bamboo nursery in the Visayas and Mindanao in Dauin, Negros Oriental. PBF Sr. Project Director Herbie Teodoro said the nursery is a joint collaboration with Buglas Bamboo Institute with a total investment of P20 million for the production of at least 400,000 propagules. Teodoro said that while Negros Oriental is the center of the Visayas and proximity to Mindanao it also has more than 30 species...
  • Farmers from Bohol town get carabao, cattle

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 29 (PIA) -- Three Sikatuna farmer members of local organizations received their dream farm animals, which will be a big help in plowing their farms. Bonifacio Capote (Abucay Sur Farmers Association [FA]), Jimmy Calibugan (Bahaybahay FA), and Victor Timosa (Poblacion II FA), all of Sikatuna town each brought home a carabao as the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) implemented a unique animal dispersal program incorporated in the Livelihood Enhancement Towar...
  • “More funds for Catigbian” says DIWA at Katigbawan

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol June 29 (PIA) -- Retired police director general Eduardo Aglipay hinted more Dignidad para sa Manggagawa (DIWA) funds for Catigbian, having seen how the local government unit used the half a million it gave to the town. Aglipay recently cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open a farm-to-market (FMR) road that gives Dagook Farmers and Neighborhood Association (DAFANAS) easier access to the highway leading to the town market. General Aglipay represented her daughter a...
  • LBP offers no-collateral loans from P27-M fund

    DUMAGUETE CITY, June 28 (PIA) -- The local Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) called on cooperative member-entrepreneurs to avail themselves of the P27 million Credit Surety Fund (CSF) offered to micro, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). LBP officer Gerry Kinilitan encouraged qualified co-op members in Negros Oriental to access the funds for any business expansion without collateral. Kinilitan said applicant for CSF loan has to be a cooperative member with initial deposit equivalent...
  • DAR distributes lands, installs 13 farmers in Sibulan

    DUMAGUETE CITY, June 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Negros Oriental distributed an lands to and installed 13 farmer-beneficiaries in Sibulan town on June 19, 2012. Said farmers are beneficiaries of an eight-hectare landholding formerly owned by Julieta Pintor in Maningcao, Sibulan, according to DAR information officer Gherelene Mae Rafols. Certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) were turned over to the farmer recipients during the activity. Provincial Agrarian...
  • Over 100 exhibitors from C. Visayas join Sandugo Festival

    CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) -- Many may not realize it but the simple regional fairs had become part of the “part of the calendar of the foreign buyers,” disclosed DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte. On July 25 - 29, over 100 exhibitors from Central Visayas will feature their products in the five-day regional Sandugo Festival in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Some, if not most, of the products to be highlighted belong to the "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) items that the Department of Trade and ...
  • NegOr sets to repair 13 infra damaged by Sendong

    DUMAGUETE CITY, June 21 (PIA) -- A total of 13 major infrastructures damaged by Tropical Storm Sendong in Negros Oriental will soon be repaired at a cost of P480 million. These include rehabilitation and river control and deepening of Okoy River of Sibulan with P200 million; rehabilitation, improvement of river control, rechanelling and deepening of Tanjay and Banica Rivers with P200 million each. Another P100 million each for dredging of the Tamogong River in Bais City and Siaton River; P50 ...
  • TESDA ‘specialistas’ make 100 news stands for nat'l daily

    DUMAGUETE CITY, June 21 (PIA) -- A group of welders in Negros Oriental recently produced 50 newsstands for one of the largest national daily newspapers in the country. The welding fabrication group from Sibulan town composed of 10 skilled workers trained and certified by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) earlier obtained a contract of work from national daily newspaper Manila Bulletin for the construction of 100 magazine stands costing P850 each. The group of ‘sp...
  • DA-7 urges public to plant vegetables

    CEBU CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) -7 urged the public to practice organic farming and urban gardening in order to increase the production of chemical-free vegetables. It said that vegetable production in the country is decreasing. “Vegetable production is (declining) despite government’s intervention so we advise people to go into urban gardening and organic farming,” DA-7 High-Value Development Program (DA-7, HVCDP) Coordinator, Nenita Seno said. Seno also ...
  • DAR tackles CARP issues with NGOs in Dumaguete

    DUMAGUETE CITY, June 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here met with representatives from non-government organizations (NGOs) to discuss issues involving the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Negros Oriental. Officials from DAR central office in Manila and provincial office here sat down with the NGO representatives in a two-day workshop-dialogue dubbed “Problem-Solving Session with Focus Global” held last June 4 and 5 at the Plaza Ma. ...
  • Phl franchise sector provides over 1M jobs

    CEBU CITY, June 19 (PIA) -- Over one million Filipinos have gained employment from the franchising sector, as the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) aggressively pushed for the expansion of the industry to generate more jobs. PFA President Elizabeth Pardo-Orbeta bared that as of last year, 1.1 million Filipinos have been employed nationwide by the franchise sector largely composed of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In 2000, the number of employed in the franchise sector was re...
  • Visayas’ 1st wakeboard facility opens in Getafe

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 17 (PIA) -- Bohol continues to assert its dominance as a province of endless possibilities for tourism activities when it opens Visayas’ first wakeboarding facility in Pandanon island, Getafe town on June 9. Bohol now joins the elite league of Camarines Sur and Batangas, two known wakeboarding destinations, entrepreneur Michael Tan of the Board Shop said. The Board Shop is the wakeboarding outfitter and accessories’ company who helped set up the facility in th...
  • Bright future for franchising sector - Phil Franchise Assn

    CEBU CITY, June 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) sees a very positive outlook on the future of the franchising industry with the growth of the country’s economy as it launches its Cebu office. “The good news is that the Philippine economy grew by six percent which is the fastest in Southeast Asia and next only to China,” said PFA Chairman Robert Trota, adding that this is an opportune time to exploit the advantage of expanding the business of franchising in the regio...
  • DAR-7 implements community connectivity and economic support services program

    CEBU CITY, June 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is implementing this year the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program. In a recent presscon, DAR-7 Regional Director Rodolfo Inson explained that this program aims to improve farm productivity, improve the net income of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and sustain their livelihood by improving the organizational capacities of participating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organiza...
  • DA 7 to establish organic stall in Cebu before year ends

    CEBU CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- An organic stall will soon be established in Cebu before the year ends as the Department of Agriculture (DA) pushes for massive public awareness on the importance of organic products. Cris Lucero, chief of the Agribusiness Division of DA 7, bared that they are still scouting on the appropriate local government unit and an operator to man the organic stall. “The stall will exclusively display all kinds of organic products and should be placed in a strategic area,...
  • Growing demand for fiber expands abaca plantation

    DUMAGUETE CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- The Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) has intensified abaca production with additional 100 hectares of abaca plantations in Sta. Catalina town, Negros Oriental, to meet the growing demand for natural fiber in the national as well as international market. Provincial Fiber Officer Nena Locsin of FIDA said some P3.2 million was allocated from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ convergence fund to increase area production of quality abac...
  • Cebu to showcase organic farming products

    CEBU CITY, June 6 (PIA) -- Different variants of organic rice will be showcased in Cebu during the 2nd Visayas and Mindanao Fruit and Vegetables Market and Encounter and Trade Exhibit at SM City Cebu on June 8 to 10, 2012. The exhibit is conducted in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 and 12 and private cooperatives. There will be at least six variants of organic rice expected to be displayed at SM along with other organic farming products from Region 12 that are seen to bo...
  • NBB: 20% bio-diesel blend possible by 2030

    TAGBILARAN CITY, May 30 (PIA) – Members of the National Biofuel Board (NBB) is optimistic that by 2030, the country will attain a 20 percent biofuel mix for its diesel fuel. During its recent five day planning workshop at the Bohol Tropics Resort on May 21-25, representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA) agreed that this can only be possible if NBB member agencies and institutions stick to their commitment...
  • DOE challenges biofuel detractors to show proof

    TAGBILARAN CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) said detractors should show proof that biofuel blends in car fuel are harmful to car engines. “You can not just cast accusations without showing proof of your allegations," Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Mario Marasigan told non-adoptors of the blended fuels, during the recently concluded Information Education Communication Planning Workshop of the National Bio Fuel Board held on May 21 to 25, at the Bohol Tropics R...
  • DAR 7 to complete CARP target by June 2014

    CEBU CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-7) in Central Visayas gave the assurance that will be able to complete its land acquisition and distribution target under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program by June 2014. The regional office said that it has a balance of 19,613-hectares of land for acquisition and distribution, which will benefit an estimated 16,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). DAR-7 regional director Rodolfo Inson said in a press conference that...
  • BIR-RDO 13 in Cebu closes firm for non- issuance of OR

    Hi po, inalis ko na po 'yung names nung owner and clerk, ito pong line na ito: "Abanilla personally carried and served the closure order to the attending sales clerk Niere Perez. Storeowner Alice Sim Uy was not available at the time of the operations." CEBU CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue - Revenue District Office (BIR-RDO) No. 13 based in Cebu City earlier this week ordered the closure of an establishment for failure to issue official receipts which says a lot that governm...
  • Mindanao power shortage engenders varied reactions

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 20 (PIA) -- The power outage being experienced in certain parts of Mindanao had been engendering suggestions and opinions from different sectors. Government is open to all these calls and studying all options closely. From Negros Oriental, the governor, on his part, suggested finding additional or alternative sources of electricity to address the power crisis in Mindanao. Governor Roel Degamo said an immediate alternative power source is critical in address...
  • US gov’t road project completed, eases travel for communities in Maguindanao

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 18 (PIA) -- The United States Embassy reported the completion of the provincial road infrastructure project from Makilala in North Cotabato to Tacurong City, Maguindanao under the US-Philippines partnership. US Embassy spokesperson Betina Malone said the residents in the four remote municipalities in Maguindanao province can now travel safely and efficiently to the main highway running from North Cotabato to Tacurong City. The 15.3-kilometer provincial road section, which t...
  • DTI Cebu offers free seminar on Enterprise Dev’t on May 24

    CEBU CITY, May 17 (PIA) –- Those who want to start their own businesses are urged to avail of the free seminar on Enterprise Development by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Cebu Provincial Office on Thursday next week, May 24. A monthly undertaking, the four-hour Enterprise Development Seminar (EDS) for micro, small and medium enterprises will focus on entrepreneurship strategies to assist startup entrepreneurs or those aspiring to become one on how to take off their business. Ar...
  • OWWA 7 urges OFWs to avail of programs on micro enterprise dev’t

    CEBU CITY, May 14 (PIA) -- Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are urged to maximize the gains of overseas employment as government, through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), provides entrepreneurship capability training and offers a special loan program to undertake micro enterprise development. Maricel Regasajo, labor communications officer of the OWWA 7, said their National Reintegration Program (NRP) for OFWs aims to address the impact of forced repatriation, disinterest in g...
  • DA Sec urges Siquijodnons to plant more corn, rootcrops

    SIQUIJOR, May 11 (PIA) -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala encouraged Siquijodnon farmers to plant more corn and rootcrops as he pledged support to help Siquijor farmers improve corn and root crops production and processing. In his keynote speech during his visit to the island earlier, Alcala noted that farmers may have lost interest in planting corn and rootcrops due to lack of new machineries that could have lighten their chores. He said that eating corn and root crops never speaks of po...
  • Bohol guv scores marine resource protection, conservation

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 11 (PIA) -- Bohol governor Edgar Chatto underscored the province’s resolve to protect and conserve its prime marine resources as key to sustainable eco-tourism program of Bohol by launching the “Coastal Restoration of Amazing Balicasag (CRAB) and Task Force Dolphin” programs. In his speech during the opening of the Month of the Ocean in Bohol on May 2, Chatto called on Boholanos to get “passionately involved” in the daunting task of protecting, developing ...
  • DSWD 7 links with private sector to generate jobs for beneficiaries

    CEBU CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- Coordinators of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are exerting more efforts in linking with other government agencies and the private sector in order to provide jobs and other income opportunities for 4Ps beneficiaries. Marhadzda Tudtud, DSWD coordinator, said they have successfully linked with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) ...
  • 169 expected to be hired in the Labor Day jobs fair in Dumaguete

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 6 (PIA) -- A hundred and sixty-nine applicants are scheduled for final interview while two were hired on the spot at Robinsons Place-Dumaguete during the May 1 Labor Day jobs fair in Dumaguete City. The Department of Labor (DOLE) in Negros Oriental reported that 138 jobseekers may be hired for local employment and 29 for overseas. There were a total of 1,326 applicants that day. In his message during the opening program, Governor Roel Degamo lauded the organizers for pro...
  • Dumaguete’s growing economy attracts more investors

    DUMAGUETE CITY, May 4 (PIA) -- The growing local economy in Dumaguete City has attracted additional investors who are expected to set up in the city this year. Dumaguete Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria revealed that an investor is expected to construct a high-end hotel with around 25 rooms in the city. Another investor is eyeing to establish a retirement village in Dumaguete which will be marketed internationally, he said. Aside from this, airline company Air Philippines will open in Dumaguete by...
  • MCBMB requests DPWH-7 to postpone repair, temporarily closing of Mactan Bridge

    CEBU, May 1 (PIA) -- Cebu governor Gwen Garcia requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) to postpone closing the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the repair and replacements of its expansion joints until after a thorough study on the matter is discussed and presented to the Metro Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB). In an emergency meeting of the MCBMB at the Capitol on the afternoon of April 30, governor Garcia who is also the chairperson of the Bridge board lamented on the DPW...
  • Sec. Coloma hails Lapulapu City as tourism, business haven

    CEBU CITY, May 1 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. urged the city government of Lapulapu to continue promoting its best assets --- tourism and business. “Your city is acknowledged as one of the cities perfect to do business in the Philippines apart from being a popular tourist destination due to its white sand beaches and home to world class resorts attracting more tourists to come in,” Coloma said. In his message as keynote speaker d...
  • Siquijor 4-H gets 10 livelihood projects

    By Rizalie A. Calibo LARENA, Siquijor, April 28 (PIA) -- At least 10 projects for the 4-H club of Siquijor province were funded by the Department of Agriculture-Training Institute in Region 7, according to a report from the office of the provincial agriculturist here. Supervising Agriculturist Roselyn Bonachita said the projects that totaled P550,000 were distributed to the different 4-H clubs of the municipalities to give them livelihood opportunities. Three of these are goat raising project...
  • NegOr pours P500K for Dumaguete village road, drainage rehab

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental funded almost P500,000 worth of infrastructure projects in Brgy. Pulantubig, this city. Said projects are the cementing of a destroyed portion of a road in the village and installation of a drainage system. According to Pulantubig village chief Ramil Cornelia, the barangay residents have long been complaining over the deplorable state of a portion of their road which becomes muddy and nearly impassable during rainy days. “When I was given ...
  • More dolphin interaction stirs Bohol marine conservationists

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 28 (PIA) -- Increased dolphin and whale watching activities along the southern coasts of Bohol stirs marine conservationists. Dolphin and whale watching activities are generally considered good for eco-tourism but if not properly managed could drive the dolphins and whales back to the distant wilds. “The waters surrounding Bohol are among the most productive in the Philippines, resulting in highest marine biodiversity in the country,” said Katrina Pahang, coor...
  • DA 7 to professionalize mango growers to boost export production

    CEBU CITY, April 26 (PIA) --Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 aims to organize mango growers into professional associations or cooperatives to ensure that the region can meet the market demand for high quality mangoes. Wilberto Castillo, chief of the Regional Coordinator Crop Protection of DA-7 said that around 73 percent of mango growers in the region are backyard farmers and only a mere 27 percent are into mango plantation. “There is a very huge demand for export of fresh mangoes as well...
  • News Feature: DOST-7, internet society support adaptation of new internet protocol

    CEBU CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- To prepare the local information technology community for the worldwide launching of internet protocol version 6 (PIv6) on June 6, 2012, the Department of Science and Technology held a media briefing on April 23 for IT stakeholders in Cebu City. DOST said that the shift in protocol standard is an important global IT event for the Philippines. DOST-7 Regional Director Rene Burt Llanto said orientation activities held by the agency encourages state universities to em...
  • Labor Day jobs fair to offer 6,000 local and overseas placement

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Negros Oriental is expected to offer more than 6,000 job positions in local and overseas companies during the simultaneous jobs fair on May 1, in celebration of the 110th Labor Day at 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robinson’s Place Dumaguete. Dumaguete City is one of the 200 jobs fair venues conducted nationwide organized by TIPC and PESO in cooperation with private sector employers and local government units. Dumaguet...
  • Cebu town develops youths to become tourist guides

    CEBU CITY April 24 (PIA) -- With a rich cultural heritage, the local government unit of Argao is strengthening cultural tourism promotion by tapping the local youths to be the tourist guides of local and foreign visitors. Engracia Birondo, public information officer of Argao, said they are developing the youth to become the pillars in promoting the historical tourist attractions the town has to offer. “We have formed the Argao Youth Heritage Society or AYHS which consists of youth volunteers...
  • Trade Secretary launches “Ang Tindahang Pinoy"

    CEBU CITY, Abril 23 (PIA) -- Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo led the national launching of "Ang Tindahang Pinoy" (Filipino Store) on April 20 at Bridges Town Square along Plaridel Street in Mandaue City. During the launch, stakeholders viewed presentations on products from three Tindahan - from Cebu, Clark, and Davao - said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte. Among the attendees were buyers, exporters, traders, retailers, travel agents, and travel associ...
  • PNoy lauds electronics sector for over.5-M jobs

    CEBU CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed gratitude to the multinational electronics firms based in the Philippines for the over 500,000 direct jobs given to Filipinos despite the economic downturn last year. Speaking before more than 200 business leaders of the semiconductor and electronics industry this afternoon during the 17th World Electronics Forum (WEF) in Shangri-la Mactan Island Resort in Lapulapu City, Cebu, Aquino said the employment generation of the sec...
  • PNoy to keynote 17th World Electronics Forum in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III will be in Cebu on Friday, April 20, to grace the 17th World Electronics Forum (WEF) and the 108th General Membership Meeting of the Semiconductor Electronics Industry of the Philippines, Incorporated (SEIPI) in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa, Lapu lapu City. Around 200 delegates composed of presidents and chief executive officers of electronics industry organizations worldwide and company executives of multi-national firms, and SEI...
  • DA 7 establishes farmer field schools in Cebu to help mango growers boost production

    CEBU CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- In order to revitalize the mango industry in Cebu, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 has established five farmer field schools to train and educate mango growers on the proper agricultural practice to boost mango production. Wilberto Castillo, the chief of the Regional Coordinator Crop Protection of DA-7 said the farmer field schools (FFS) are established in the cities of Toledo, Danao, and Mandaue of which the latter have two farmer schools located in Paril and ...
  • DTI, NOCCI, SU ink deal for FTA partnership

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 19 (PIA) --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) inked a partnership with Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (NOCCI), and Silliman University (SU) for the effective collaboration on Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA for local entrepreneurs. DTI, NOCCI and SU formally signed the memorandum of understanding Wednesday to signify their support in the conduct of education campaign among businesses and students on the benefits of Free Trade Agr...
  • Mango growers urged to boost production

    CEBU CITY April 19 (PIA) -- There's a dearth in supply for huge demand for mangoes. The Department of Agriculture in Region 7 (DA-7) and the Mango Growers Association challenged the mango growers as well as local government units (LGUs) in Cebu and other provinces in the region to improve their mango production system. This, after it was noted in a recent forum that the local mango producers have been struggling to meet the growing demands in their industry. DA-7 Regional Crop Protection Chi...
  • DOST turns over P250,000 to coco farmers group for VCO prod'n

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here turned over a check worth P250,000 to Barangay Liptong Small Coconut Farmers Association (BLISCOFA) recently at DOST office, this city. BLISCOFA board of director chair Saturnino Santos, Jr. received the check assistance from DOST Provincial Director Gilbert Arbon for the technological upgrading of the firm’s Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) production. BLISCOFA has been using a traditional method of coconut milk ...
  • FEATURE: Seaman killed in hijack shows need for local job opportunities

    The urgent need to open up more work opportunities here was underscored after a worker who dreamt of opening up a box of fortunes abroad came home in a box. Not heeding the known risks of working in an international shipping company plying dangerous international shipping lanes, Boholano Stephen M. Barbarona took the dare for a vision of a bright future for his wife and family. Newly married at 33, Barbarona’s dream of a good life dimmed to a nightmare when pirates boarded their ship, MV Eg...
  • NegOr mayors ink agreement for anti-poverty program

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- Mayors of 11 towns in Negros Oriental signed on April 17 a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of the national government’s anti-poverty program. Said towns were earlier identified to benefit from the national government’s anti-poverty program, KALAHI-CIDSS or Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services. The signing signals the start of a fo...
  • DA to hold Cassava Grand Festival in Siaton

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture Regional (DA) Field Unit-7 will hold a Cassava Grand Festival Day on April 17, 2012 at the Moriah Farm, Brgy. Napacao, Siaton town. The festival aims to showcase the appropriate cassava production technologies planted on a 0.5-hectare farm lot in Siaton town. Highlighting the one-day event is a Cooking Demonstration of dishes using cassava as its raw material, said Nittz Bangay, information officer of the Provincial Agriculture ...
  • New pest poses threats to rice production in CV

    CEBU CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA-7) has recently announced that pests are threatening the rice granary in Central Visayas. An ordinary "lygaeid" bug that feeds on legumes is now the latest pest believed to have been transmitted through irrigation canals. It is half the size of a rice bug, elongated, has a distinct odor with bigger front legs, making it more of a crawler than a flyer. Said bug is grain-sucking and panicle-eating, making it a potential threat to th...
  • Bohol town opts for honest-to-goodness ecotourism package

    CORTES, Bohol, April 12, 2012 (PIA) -- San Isidro, a 5th class town in Bohol wants to go on a ‘slow but sure’ kind of strategy in its eco-tourism package as it opts for low capital, low impact to the environment tourism promotion. San Isidro mayor Jacinto Naraga admits, “first things’ first. We do not want to get big right away, we have a decent offer of environment adventure and like what Boholanos aspire, we do not want to commit mistakes we can’t do something about later,” the ma...
  • RDC-7 endorses P2.7B worth of infra, irrigation projects in NegOr

    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. Negros 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 ...
  • NegOr to build infra projects in Guihulngan barangays

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 9 (PIA) -- The provincial government here is now set to construct infrastructure and development projects amounting to P11 million in the barangays of Guihulngan City. This was disclosed by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo during his recent visit to the city to meet with the village chiefs there. The projects funded by the provincial government include construction of roads, water systems, classrooms, multi-purpose pavement and electricity installation. Said projects ...
  • DTI to promote food-oriented treaties in NegOr

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is spearheading an information campaign to publicize the new free trade agreements (FTAs) benefitting the food industry in the country. DTI is launching the campaign here together with the Trade Commission and in partnership with Silliman University’s (SU) Nutrition and Dietetics Department. Kicking off the campaign dubbed “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas” is a presentation on April 18 at SU’s Instruc...
  • RDC-7 approves strat plan for rehab of storm hit areas in NegOr

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, April 5 (PIA) -- The tropical storm, Sendong, that badly hit Negros Oriental showed how undated the infrastructure were. Not only did it hit commercial establishments and houses but so too the eco-tourism sites of the area that brought livelihood to hundreds in the NegOr. Clearly, there must be new structures in place to weather the strom. During its 1st quarter meeting in March 2012 at the Siquijor State College (SSC) Cafeteria in Larena, Siquijor, the Regional Development Co...
  • LTFRB 7 grants special permits to bus firms to accommodate influx of passengers

    CEBU CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- To cope with the rising demand for more trips from passengers wanting to go home for the Holy Week break, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 has given 119 special permits to bus companies. LTFRB 7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said the special permits are given to bus companies to operate even outside their franchise areas to accommodate the influx of passengers. The special permits only cover the period of the Lenten holidays, this i...
  • LGUs to craft agricultural development roadmap

    DUMAGUETE CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government and each of the municipalities in Negros Oriental will soon have its own roadmap for agricultural development following a recent workshop held by the Department of Agriculture in Region 7 for agricultural technologists (ATs). The workshop taught the technologists coming from the towns' local government units (LGUs) here how to craft an agricultural roadmap that will identify the rice, corn, and high-value crops, livestock and other agri...
  • DAR to ink ARC connectivity agreement with state university

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Apr. 1 (PIA) --- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here is set to ink a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in Dumaguete City to roll out a program that will improve production yield among agrarian reform beneficiaries. The MOA signing for the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) will be led by DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Jeffrey Pacturan and NORSU Presi...
  • DAR, NORSU to ink ARCCESS partnership

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Apr. 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) inks partnership with Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) for the implementation of projects that increase farms productivity and income of the agrarian reform beneficiaries. The DAR and NORSU will formally sign the memorandum of agreement on Monday to signify the implementation of DAR's Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program at 1:30 p.m. at NORSU main campus. Provincial...
  • NegOr SMEDC backs bamboo plantation

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) in Negros Oriental encouraged farmers in the province to start planting bamboos not only for business opportunities but to lessen disaster risk. In a meeting of the Small & Medium Development Council (SMEDC) recently, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. (PBFI) which has three bamboo nurseries in the province due to the growing demands o...
  • Chatto to BIPC: study tax Incentives to new players

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, March 24, 2012 (PIA) – Governor Edgar Chatto ordered the Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC) to make feasibility studies for incentives to new fuel industry players getting to Bohol. Chatto’s order follows the argument that the entry of new players in the fuel industry here puts up more competition to the major fuel players whom consumers accuse of monopoly and price fixing. During the Consultative Forum on Oil Price in Region 7, the Department of Energy throu...
  • PCA braces vs brontispa coconut infestation

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 267(PIA) -- The “Brontispa” coconut leaf beetle infestation has affected 22,000 coconut trees in Negros Oriental, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) reported. PCA Provincial Coconut Development Manager Brendan Trasmonte said the Brontispa longissima has been monitored to be spreading out, particularly from Bayawan City to the towns of Basay, Siaton, and Guihulngan City. Trasmonte said that of the number of trees infested, 19,000 come from Bayawan and neighboring t...
  • Government development projects to continue in 2 remote areas

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 22 (PIA) --- Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo said there is still a need for the government to continue making its presence felt strongly in sitios Avocado and Kakha in the town of Sta. Catalina, which were once hotbeds of insurgency.   Degamo made the statement in after the Philippine Army reported continued sightings of suspected rebels in the area.   “Kakha and Avocado are still priority areas by the Armed Force of the Philipines, and these repor...
  • DTI to hold trade seminar in Cebu

    CEBU CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- Doors to more business opportunities are open to Cebu businessmen abroad as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) initiates a seminar on ‘Doing Business with Australia and New Zealand,’ which is slated tomorrow, March 23 at a posh hotel here in Cebu City.   The seminar aims to increase awareness of Cebu companies on how to effectively access the Australian and New Zealand markets.   Likewise, the activity will inform the participants on...
  • MGB-7, industrial sand and gravel operators to put up mine rehab fund

    CEBU CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) in Central Visayas and five industrial sand and gravel (ISAG) permit holders operating within the Sanpangdaku River in Toledo City, Cebu have signed a memorandum of agreement on March 20 to set up a Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) of half a million pesos.    MGB-7 regional director Loreto Alburo explained that the Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) was put up to cover expenses for the environmental monitoring and inde...
  • Siquijor rice farmers, most productive in CV – Gov. Fua

    SIQUIJOR, March 21 (PIA)—Siquijor farmers are the most productive in Central Visayas, claimed provincial governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) recently.   Citing government statistics, Fua said that while Siquijor has only 619 hectares of rice farm compared to  Bohol’s 185,000 hectares and Negros Oriental’s 145,000 hectares, the province is harvesting 73 cavans per hectare compared to 61 cavans in Bohol and 57 cavans in Negro...
  • Trade secretary to meet with Cebu biz leaders

    CEBU CITY, March 20 (PIA) – Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo will meet with Cebu businessmen tomorrow afternoon to talk on the Philippines’ first quarterly economic assessment and the economic forecast for the year during an Economic and Investor Confidence Forum.   Domingo is in Cebu today to launch the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) System and will keynote the forum tomorrow afternoon to be attended by members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).  ...
  • DOST turns over P1.4M check to Siquijor SME

    SIQUIJOR, Mar 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), recently released P 1,423,600 to GL Motors and Industries owned and operated by Gerry Sumagang in Siquijor.    In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here, provincial science and technology (PSTC) director Mario de la Pena said the move is in line with DOST's continuing support to the SETUP beneficiaries to make sure...
  • DOST releases P0.2 M to women’s association

    SIQUIJOR March 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center released Tuesday a total of P200,000 to the Basak Womens Association which is a beneficiary of its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). Basak Women’s Association chair Ester Tomimbang received the check from DOST Provincial Director Mario de la Pena at the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office in Siquijor, Siquijor. Engr. de la Pena...
  • Pag-IBIG declares over P8.4B dividends for 2011

    CEBU CITY, March 18 (PIA) -- The Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees approved 8.491 billion-worth of dividends for 2011. This was announced by Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, who is concurrently chairman of the Pag-IBIG Board.   Binay said the amount of dividends is equivalent to 71 percent of the Pag-IBIG’s net income for 2011. This shall be divided among the Fund’s 10.2 million members.   “In effect, individual members’ savings have earned around 4.13 percent...
  • Trade Secretary to launch Philippine Business Registry in Cebu

      CEBU CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas will launch on March 20 the Philippine Business Registry (PBR), a web-based business registration system that will allow entrepreneurs to start their businesses fast and more cost-friendly for them.   The launching will be at the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) at 12:30 p.m and will be witnessed by Trade Secretary Gregory Dominggo.   DTI-7 Direct...
  • Trade Sec. Domingo to lead nat’l launching of Cebu’s ‘Tindahang Pinoy’ next month

    CEBU CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- Trade Sec. Gregory Domingo will lead the national launching of the one-stop shop for exported goods and locally-produced products in the province  mid next month.   “Tindahang Pinoy,” a project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is envisioned to help exporters have a venue to display world-class exported goods catering to the domestic market and foreign tourists.   “This is DTI’s way of helping provide a...
  • Siquijor healers, herbalists attend hearing on entrepreneurship

    SIQUIJOR , March 13 (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.   Siquijor provincial tourism officer Jossette Almirola in her tourism overview said healers and herbalists should be aware that they can make significant contri...
  • DAR Sec joins review for land acquisition, distribution in NegOr

    DUMAGUETE CITY, March 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has conducted recently a three-day claim folder review to fast tract the land acquisition and distribution (LAD) in Negros Oriental.   DAR 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.   Dur...
  • DA 7 urged metro residents to do urban gardening

    CEBU CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- Agriculture officials here urged metro residents to do urban gardening and plant vegetables in their backyard or in plain pots to address the insufficient supply of high-value crops in the region.   Jorge Paculba, chief of the crops division of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 said the region is only about 56 percent sufficient in vegetables or high-value crops and that most of our supply is imported from other regions.   “A rising populatio...
  • NGCP restores power in some parts of NegOr

    DUMAGUETE C ITY, March 1 (PIA) --   The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has restored power transmission services in parts of Negros Oriental on February 28 after re-energizing the Amlan-Siaton 69kV transmission line.   Electric consumers of Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORECO II) experienced the unplanned power interruption which lasted from 12:07p.m. to 1:43p.m. on that day.   Reports indicate that an unidentified person intentionally cut...
  • DTI 7 conducts seminar to hasten processing of business registration, reduce red tape

    CEBU CITY, February 29 (PIA) -- In order to hasten the processing of business registration and reduce red tape within the bureaucracy in Central Visayas, a one day seminar-workshop on the Philippine Business Registry System (PBRS) was recently conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7.   PBRS is an online system aimed at streamlining business registrations for a faster business registration process, thus, cutting on red tape and opportunities for corruption in the bureau...
  • DA-7 urges Pinoys to eat more rootcrops

      CEBU CITY, February 27 (PIA) -- Pinoys are urged to eat more root crops like kamote, cassava and bananas as substitutes for rice and help the country achieve its aim of “zero rice importation” by 2014.   Angel Enriquez, regional technical director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 said their agency is promoting the consumption of food staples such as “kamote,” cassava and banana and eat it with rice.   “If we consume more food staples a...
  • Bohol tourism gets help from Dutch expert

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The German Technical Cooperation or Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) lends to Bohol the technical expertise of Nanda Ritsma, a Dutch national who has been assisting eco-tourism projects in Netherlands and in Bhutan where she worked for the tourism value chain in the Himalayas in the last six years.   Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Maria Elena Arbon presented Ritsma at the tourism core group meeti...
  • Efficient business licensing and tax collection systems aces Bohol in economic growth

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Other than its Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) attaining a record P1.4-billion new investment in 2011, Bohol keeps two more aces in economic growth.   According to Bohol Trade and Industry Specialist Blair Panong showing an efficient business enabling environment, the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) and its Electronic Tax Revenue Assessment and Collection System accounted to record increases in new investments in Bohol.   At the K...
  • PIA-Bohol conducts eco-tourism lecture series

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bohol provincial information center and Batuan Colleges conducted a two-day Eco-Tourism Orientation Seminar and Bohol Eco-Tourism Situationer workshop on February 20 to 21 at the Balay sa Humay to tourism stakeholders of Batuan, Bohol.   Participants to the workshop included 14 tourism officers, hotel and restaurant management students as well as the pool of local tour guides based at the Balay sa Humay rice ...
  • E-trikes to reduce fuel import, address climate change

    CEBU CITY, February 24 (PIA) -- Apart from reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum, the E-Trike Project of the Department of Energy (DOE) is also an initiative of the national government to mitigate the effects of climate change.    DOE-Visayas Field Office Regional Director Antonio Labios bared that the government, through the DOE, is promoting the use of e-trikes because fuel consumption is much less and no smoke emissions that cause air pollution are emitted....
  • Siquijor is country’s first agrarian reform community cluster

    SIQUIJOR, Feb 23 (PIA) – Siquijor is the country’s first Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) cluster following the approval of the Siquijor Agrarian Reform Community Cluster Development Plan (ARCCDP) called ‘Integrated Agri-Tourism Cluster’.   The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Siquijor information officer Richard Leduna bared this in an interview with PIA.    Previously he said there were only eight ARCs that covered 71 barangays in Siquijor.   ...
  • DA 7 promotes use of certified seeds to hike rice production amid La Niña threat

    CEBU CITY, February 22 (PIA) -- Agriculture officials in the region are now promoting the use of certified seeds to farmers in order to yield quality harvest amid the threats of La Niña and climate change.   Angel Enriquez, regional technical director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 said the quality seeds are more flood-tolerant so farmers need not worry much about extreme bad weather conditions brought about by climate change. More so now that frequent rains are b...
  • Bohol formulates core messages to boost tourism

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 18 (PIA) --- “Bohol: Heart of the Islands,” and “Bohol has it all, and it’s all in Bohol.”   Bohol governor Edgar Chatto unrolled the new tourism banner marketing for Bohol.      “These are the core messages that we are sending out to the world through a strong, sustained tourism promotion and marketing program,” Chatto said during his State of the Province Address delivered ...
  • Bohol registers P1.3B new investments in 2011

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Bohol governor Edgar Chatto in his ‘State of the Province Address’ recently reported that there are P1.3 billion worth of investments in Bohol in 2011 that came from the 2,197 registered new business.    Chatto ascribes the new investments uptrend with the enabling business environment the government and the private sector put up to entice investments.   Chatto cited the Bohol Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) as a crucia...
  • NegOr farmers urged to boost animal native breeding program

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) --- The office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Negros Oriental urged farmers in the province who are benefitting from the “Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy Program (Akbay Pinoy) to help strengthen the province’s animal native breeding program.   Provincial Agriculturist Gregorio Paltinca disclosed that a total of P.5 million was initially poured in by Gov. Roel Degamo to the AKbay Pinoy program to boost the stocks of native chickens, pigs...
  • Market forces determine fuel prices

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- Department of Energy (DOE) echoed inputs given by major downstream oil industry players and stressed that the nature of the deregulated framework allows dealers to determine actual selling prices depending on market forces.    DOE Usec. Jose Layug, Jr. also explained that international prices, depreciation of the peso and adjustments in domestic pump prices help determine national pricing trends.    Apparently helpless i...
  • DOE 7 assures Cebu has enough power supply for 2012

    CEBU CITY, February 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE-7) assured that Cebu has enough power supply for this year, brushing off concerns of power shortage due to insufficient power supply.   DOE -7 Regional director Antonio Labios said Cebu has enough power reserves for 2012 due to the additional 400MW power supply from newly installed power plants in Cebu including the two100-MW each coal-fired power plants of Salcon-Kepco in the City of Naga and another 100-MW power plant in Tol...
  • Solar energy to light up 75 more houses in off-grid areas in NegOr

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- Some 75 houses located in off-grid areas in Negros Oriental are expected to be lighted up using solar energy during the first quarter of this year.    Said houses are located in off-grid areas in Vallehermoso, La Libertad and Guihulngan towns which are within the coverage area of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative I (NORECO I).   The solar home system technology will be installed in 25 houses in each of the three towns.   Off-grid ar...
  • Feature: Agrarian communities upbeat on communal irrigation

      BOHOL, January 29 (PIA) – Knowing fully well how irrigation facilities can double rice harvests, farmers from Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in Alicia, Balilihan, Catigbian and Danao towns in Bohol lobbied for their respective Communal Irrigation Projects that could ignite their spirits for bountiful harvests.   According to the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), communal irrigation projects (CIP) are small-scale irrigation facilities constructed with the participat...
  • Info, marketing complexes soon to rise for agrarian communities in Bohol

      TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 29 (PIA) – Officially called Agricultural Information and Marketing Center (AIM-C) for Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs), these wider scope “Bagsakan” complexes will soon rise at the countryside in Bohol.     “The logic is simple. You open up farm to market roads to make these areas accessible to development. Then you also open up information and marketing centers so production can be adjusted to demands while storage facil...
  • Feature: Farm-to-market roads needed to increase farmers income

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Jan 29 (PIA) – Farm-to-market roads must be improved at all cost.  This is the mantra of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) in Bohol.   “Farm harvests have never been so good, but production loses still remain alarmingly high," said  DAR information Officer Ma. Lydia Bantugan.     Thus, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has developed the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program (ARISP).  This she said ...
  • Bohol rice production Up by over 16 percent in 2011

     TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, January 29 (PIA)  --  Rice production in Bohol increased by about 16.44 percent in 2011 compared to 2010.   According to a data provided by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in Bohol, the feat in 2011 is higher than in 2008, when Bohol’s over-all palay production peaked at 218,701 metric tons.    This year, total palay production in Bohol as gathered from a composite of irrigation, rain-fed and upland rice areas reached...
  • NORECO 1 seeks electrification of 24 sitios in Negros Oriental

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Jan. 27 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO-1), one of the two electric cooperatives in Negros Oriental, is seeking the electrification of 24 sitios in its coverage area this year.   The cooperative has already submitted its request to the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the installment of electricity in those sitios which do not have access to electricity due to its remote locations.   Around P12.6 million is...
  • 'Suroy-suroy' program boosts Cebu's tourism economy in 2011

    CEBU CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Cebu’s tourism economy rose 13 percent higher in 2011 compared to 2010, the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB) reported.   Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale attributed this positive development to the intensified efforts of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s “Suroy- Suroy sa Sugbo.”   “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo” is a program of the Cebu Provincial Government, where foreign and domestic tourists are treated to the various lo...
  • DOLE grants livelihood aid to Negros Oriental fishers

      DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in this province released some P500,000 recently to Lipayo Fishermen Association in Dauin town as livelihood assistance. DOLE-NegOr Officer-in-Charge Vivencio Lagahid said that the latest beneficiary under the integrated livelihood program is a group of 38 fishermen whose main livelihood is taking passenger-tourists in small boats en- route to Apo Island. The association used the financial grant to purchase ...
  • DOST-7 to launch SETUP product catalogue tomorrow

    CEBU CITY, January 20 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 7 will launch tomorrow its own publication titled “The DOST VII Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program Product Catalogue.”  The launching will be held at the DOST-7 conference room, S & T Complex in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City. Limited copies of the book will be distributed for free. The catalogue features success stories and products from the beneficiaries of the Small Enterprise Tech...
  • Feature: 'Crisis crops' star at 12th Ubi Festival

     TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, January 20 (PIA) – They are huge, they are wild, and they are called “crisis crops” and they are the stars at the on-going 12th Ubi Festival in Bohol. The annual festival sponsored by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture in cooperation with various agencies in the province aims to showcase the varieties of Ubi and to show reverence and present the potentials of Bohol's leading ethno-religious crop. According to assistant provincial agricultur...
  • LRED San Juan, Siquijor attends session on Strategies for Investment Promotion

    SIQUIJOR, Jan 20 (PIA)-- At least five members of the Technical Working Group from the local government unit of San Juan with two others from the provincial government of Siquijor and one from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will attend the second training module under the Capacity Development Program on January 30-31 at Marriott Hotel, Cebu City. The training is part of the continued support of the GTZ Private Sector Promotion Program and DTI to the LGUs that have adopted ...
  • DOE urges students in Cebu for e-Trike Design Contest

    CEBU CITY, January 19 (PIA) --- The Department of Energy (DOE-7) in Central Visayas urged students here to join the electric tricycle (e-Trike) design contest that will be launch in Cebu soon. Dubbed as “Bright Now! Do Right. Be Right. Go E-Trike!” the project promotes the innovation and ingenuity of the Filipinos in creating the Philippine version of the so-called “green vehicle.” The “e-trike” design contest is open to all Filipino citizens of legal age ...
  • Rescinding OLIDI MOA suspends investments devt for Bohol

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan. 7 (PIA) -- The Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan recommended Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto to rescind the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for leisure island development offshore Panglao.   “This means suspending golden development opportunities for the province,” said Bohol businessman and one of Oasis Leisure Islands Development Inc. (OLIDI) proponents, Norris Oculam.   Oculam added the joint-venture MOA signed by then Governor Erico Aumentado and...
  • DA-PATCO holds workshop on organic agri roadmap for Siquijor

    SIQUIJOR, Dec. 6 (PIA)—The Department of Agriculture- Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO), in Siquijor starts today, Dec.6 its two-day workshop on the formulation of Organic Agriculture Road Map for the province of Siquijor. Program Coordinator Bernadith Bunado said the workshop aims to gather first hand, each agency’s initiative relative to organic agriculture or organic food utilization that can be the basis in the formulation of organic agricult...
  • “No time limit” regulation for return of shoddy items --DTI

    TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, October 28 (PIA) –- Just as Consumer Act of the Philippines outlaws the “no return, no exchange policy,” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol adds there is no time limit for the return of shoddy or defective goods. At the recent Kapihan sa PIA commemorating Consumer Consciousness Month, DTI Bohol consumer division head Jose Hibaya said the law is not specific on the time limit for return of defective items. Change of mind or later...
  • Positive business confidence could fast track economic growth momentum

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- The improved business confidence at 34.1 percent in the 3rd quarter of 2011 indicates that more businesses are optimistic about the country’s economic prospects and their own operations than in the previous quarter.   Business Confidence Index during the 2nd quarter of this year was at 31.8 percent.   The confidence index is computed as the percentage of firms that answered positively less the percentage of firms that answered in the neg...
  • IRR for Agri-Agra Law is now out

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, August 30 (PIA) -- The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA-10000 or the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009 is now out, expecting a boost in the agriculture sector, more productivity at the countryside and promote livelihood among agrarian reform beneficiaries.   The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) drafted the implementing rules and regulations in consultation with the bank...
  • Nat’l data system as priority legislation

    CEBU, August 23 (PIA) -- The Palace recently endorsed the Philippine Statistical System (PSS) as one of the priority legislation for congressional action that will help policymakers to map out a national development program. Senate Bill No. 103, principally authored by Senator Chiz Escudero, aims to overhaul the outdated data collection and storage system of the country to make it at par with the country’s neighbors in the region. The government recognizes the importance of establishing a...
  • NEDA Sec. Paderanga to brief RDC-7 on Phil. Dev’t Plan in Cebu this Thursday

    CEBU CITY, August 9 (PIA) -- Rolling out the economic blueprint for the future under the Aquino Administration, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) goes full blast in its advocacy drive for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016.   No less than Economic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga will be in Cebu on Thursday, August 11 to give the briefing to members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) – 7 chaired by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and inf...
  • IT, BPO propels regional economy

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, June 29 (PIA) -- The Information Technology, IT-enabled industry particularly the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) propelled the economic growth of Central Visayas in 2010 and is continuously doing so to date. Other growth drivers of the regional economy in 2010 include the construction and real estate, tourism, retail trade and banking sectors. This is according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7) report during the recent full council meeting...
  • DTI, partners to host “One Country, One Voice trade policy consultation in Cebu

    CEBU, June 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Tariff Commission (TC) and other private sector partners will hold the ““ONE COUNTRY, ONE VOICE (OCOV) Trade Policy Consultation Program” and “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) Part II – A Sectoral Approach” on June 29 at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel. The “One Country, One Voice (OCOV) – Enhancing Trade Policy Consultation Towards G...
  • Promotion of MSME Law will expand employment opportunities for Filipinos

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, May 25 (PIA) - The promotion of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) law will likely expand employment and livelihood opportunities for more Filipinos.   The MSME Law or Republic Act-9501 aims to provide more assistance to entrepreneurs by requiring lending institutions to allocate at least eight percent of their total loan portfolio to micro and small businesses.   The law also calls on concerned government agencies to provide access to new techn...
  • DBM reminds agencies on catch-up plans

    CENTRAL VISAYAS, May 25 (PIA) - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reminded government agencies, especially those with infrastructure projects to fulfill their catch-up plans. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said, "agencies have a lot of catching up to do." Abad reminded them of the President’s directive to accelerate program and project implementation. Abad also said the President has called for a mid-year budget execution assessment and revie...
  • Economic transformation team to assist local economic dev’t of LGUs

    CEBU, April 16 (PIA) – The Local Governance Support Program (LGSP) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recently organized the Regional Economic Transformation Team (RETT) to assist the economic development initiatives of the various local government units in the country. DILG-7 regional director, Pedro Noval, Jr, in his opening statement during the organizational meeting and planning conference held at the Marco Polo Hotel on April 15 noted the role of the...
  • DILG to organize a reg’l economic transformation team

    CEBU, Apr. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-7) in Central Visayas is set to organize and create the Regional Economic Transformation Team (RETT) today, April 15 at the Marco Polo Hotel, Cebu City. DILG-7 regional director, Pedro Noval, Jr., explained that the creation of the RETT is the regional equivalent of the National and Local Economic Transformation Team (N/LETT) that will assist local government units in implementing local economic initiatives...
  • NEDA board approves PHL 2011-2016 Dev’t Plan

    MANILA, April 4 (PIA) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved recently the adoption of the 20-11-20-16 Philippine Development Plan. Socio Planning secretary Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. said the overarching theme of the PDP 2011-2016 is good governance and anti-corruption in achieving inclusive growth that creates massive employment opportunities and significantly reduces poverty. "Inclusive growth, not the trickle-down and jobless growth that we had in ...
  • Unemployment in CV at 219

    CEBU CITY, Mar 27 (PIA) -- Around 1,592 people are added to the number of unemployed in Central Visayas in January 2011. Unemployed persons in the region are now estimated at 219 thousand. The National Statistics Office (NSO) conducted the Labor Force Survey in January 2011. The results showed that the unemployment rate or the proportion of unemployed persons to the total labor force in Central Visayas increased to 8.3 percent in January this year from 8.1 percent in 2010. According to the NSO...
  • Displaced OFWs from Libya urged to avail of Cebu's mega jobs fair

    CEBU CITY, March 25 (PIA) -- Displaced Cebuano overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) forced to return home due to the internal strife in Libya and the catastrophe in Japan can take advantage of the biggest mega jobs fair initiated by the Cebu City Government next month. “Over 2,000 job positions are available to jobseekers on April 14 which is the biggest jobs fair undertaken by the city government," according to Fidel Magno, the chief of the Department of Manpower and Placement Services ...
  • Fifty percent of taxis in Metro Cebu are already calibrated

    CEBU, Feb. 27 (PIA) –- Fifty percent of taxis in Metro Cebu have already been calibrated according to Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional director Ahmed Cuizon. Cuizon said there are 6,000 taxis in Metro Cebu and over 3,000 taxis have already been calibrated as of February 26. “With the way the team is going, we can calibrate over a hundred taxis in day’s time. By the end of April 2011, we will completely calibrate the 6000 taxis in Met...
  • Zero-based budgeting: Government’s budget call to transparency

    CEBU, Feb. 24 (PIA) - – What is Zero-based budgeting (ZBB)? This is a budgeting approach that involves the review and evaluation of major on-going programs, projects to establish their continued relevance. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regional director Carmela Fernan told the members of the regional Development Council here that ZBB will also assess whether the programs objectives are achieved. “It will guide decision makers whether resources for the programs a...
  • RDC-7 endorses nearly P52B budget for CV

    CEBU, Feb. 24 (PIA) – The Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) endorsed recently nearly P52 billion worth of programs, activities, projects (PAPs) and budgets of 26 government line agencies and five State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) for further review and inclusion in the 2012 General Appropriations Act. However, RDC-7 also passed a resolution to the DBM requesting for the adoption of policy of giving priori...
  • Feature: Central Visayas envisions to be country's topnotch service center

    CEBU, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- The Central Visayas region envisions to become the nation's topnotch service center in the era of globalization.   This is according to the Regional Development Agenda of Central Visayas report that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7) presented during a regional business and economic forum in the last quarter of 2010.   This vision, according to NEDA-7 report is based on the premise that region 7 is a service economy. "The econom...
  • Mactan-Cebu bridges soon to be 1st WiFi enabled, most high-tech bridges in RP

    CEBU March 22 (PIA) -- The two Mactan-Cebu bridges will soon become the first WiFi enabled and most high-tech bridges in the country today with the approval of the P4.5 million worth of expansion and upgrading of the present state-of-the-art Traffic and Security Management System (TSMS) facility installed at the Mandaue and Marcelo Fernan bridges. In a Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board meeting recently, the Board approved the expansion and upgrading of the present system which will in...
  • Advocacy for 'one-stop-shop' e-business registry in RP

    CEBU, March 22 (PIA) -- There is an urgent need for a 'one-stop-shop' e-business registry in the country today to compete in the world investment market. "Convergence and convenience in processing business registration and documents such as permits, clearances, and the like," said Minerva Yap, coordinator of the National economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) of the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) in Central Visayas. Yap said the Philippines is losin...
  • New clean coal-fired power plant opens in Cebu

    CEBU, March 7 (PIA) -- The new clean coal-fired power plant in Cebu is now operational. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the switched-on of the first of three units of the 246 megawatts power plant at barangay Daanlungsod, Toledo City, Cebu on March 5, ushering in the advent of a new and clean coal-fired power plant technology in Central Visayas. Using the latest circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology, the project ensures proper discharge of commonly feared emissions and was...
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