Cebu LGUs craft Food Security Plan

CEBU CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA-7) has urged the various local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas to revisit, update and craft their respective localized Food Security Plan (FSP) to address food accessibility and availability in local communities in a DA-LGU Harmonization of Agricultural Initiatives conference on December 11 held in Balamban Cebu.

DA7 Regional Executive Director Atty. Salvador Diputado, the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) that they need to craft or revisit their FSP for them to know if their municipality is food-secured.

Diputado said that the FSP guides food implementers on the food requirement in their respective areas by aligning priority programs and interventions to the national and the actual needs of their local farmers.

The FSP provides information and data on town's total population, consumption needs of the populace per commodity, existing agricultural crops present in the locality, crop and livestock production, areas planted and production yield as well as the existing and potential areas for growing food, and the needed production interventions.

"With these available data and information, the LGUs can identify if they have surplus or deficit on agricultural commodities," Diputado said.  The FSP will help identify possible sources of food if a certain municipality cannot produce enough food for its population, he added.

Diputado encouraged the LCEs to enact ordinances that help address food production as well as environmental protection.  One ordinance he requested is the establishment of rainwater impounding system.

Impounding the rainwater will prevent or lessen street flooding. It will also serve as potable drinking water and for watering of plants and other agriculture-related activities, Diputado said. 

He also asked for other ordinances such as the single-use plastic and the buy-back scheme of farmers' produce, explaining that the LGUs can give incentives to its constituents by buying the plastic bottles in the form of cash or in-kind.

“With this, you can already implement the Solid Waste Management and at same time help your people earn," he added.

On the buy-back scheme, since the LGUs have campaigned for the establishment of the Gulayan sa Barangay or edible landscaping under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program (4Ps), all produce of the farmers the LGUs can buy and sell them to the markets.

When LGUs buy direct from farmers at a price set by the LGUs based on current market price, they are now trimming down the layers of commissioners and your consumers will enjoy a much cheaper price of commodities, Diputado said.

Diputado bared that on the concern of fund source, the LGU can tap the cooperatives to manage the buying and selling of produce. The DA can also assist the cooperatives avail of financial loan assistance through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay informed the participants to observe and be keen enough to know the problems of their locality, especially on food availability.  "The DA is here with their attached agencies to help us," Binghay said.

Cebu 3rd District Representative Pablo John Garcia shared that this pandemic has affected the livelihood of the people. This is an opportunity for every municipality to think of strengthening their food production.

"This event is the start of a stronger collaboration among government agencies as we bring these agencies closer to you. Let's help one another in ensuring food security", Diputado said. (Photos: DA7)

Bohol wins digital, health governance awards

 TAGBILARAN CITY – Bohol through its Provincial Government of Bohol -Unified System (PGBh-US) placed second in the "Best in LGU Internal Processes (G21) Award" of the 2020 Digital Governance Award given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).

According to Ven Arigo of the Provincial Information and Media Relations (PRIMER) that the award recognized local government units (LGUs) with the best practices in using ICT in their operations and delivery of public services.  Provincial Planning and Development Officer John Titus Vistal on behalf of Gov. Arthur Yap, received the award in a virtual honoring ceremony, Friday December 11.

Arigo explained that the PGBh-US is an innovative management modular-based information system approach that connects all components of the necessary operation in providing services to internal clients.

It is an in-house system conceptualized and brewed by the PGBh Bohol Information and Communications Technology Unit (BICTU) in collaboration with the Local Finance Committee (LFC) stakeholders that included the Provincial Accounting Office (PAO), Provincial Treasurer's Office (PTO), Provincial Budget and Management Office (PBMO), and Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), Arigo bared.

Arigo added that the Digital Governance Award is an annual search to stimulate e-governance, particularly at the local level and enable LGUs to become catalysts of change.  For the past six months, some improvements or iterations had been incorporated not directly to the PGBh-US but to fit and adapt to the situation granting efficacy of time in addressing the pandemic concerns.

In similar developments, Bohol province was also declared by the Department of Health (DOH) as third winner in the region for its 2020 Performance-Based Incentive Award for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

DOH-7 Regional Director Jaime Bernadas invited Yap and Provincial Health Officer Reymoses Cabagnot to the Virtual Local Health Systems Awarding of the DOH Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) also on Friday.

“The award recognized the dedication, passion, unending support and extensive efforts of our partners in the delivery of quality health services in addressing health inequities and boosting universal health care among Filipinos," Bernadas said in his opening message during the award event.

Meanwhile, governor Yap announced to increase the Capitol monthly honorarium for the BHWs all over the province from the P500 per barangay to P150 per BHW.  He repeatedly announced this over the weekend while distributing their honorarium for the third quarter of this year through the BHW local chapter presidents, Arigo bared.

There are presently more than 8,100 BHWs distributed in the province’s 1,109 barangays in 47 towns and in Tagbilaran City.

Yap and Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos cited the growing essential role and services of the BHWs, especially amid the pandemic because of their direct grassroot community link. Yap asked them to help in encouraging the people to cultivate and grow herbal-medicinal plants, particularly those approved by the authorities like the DOH.

Months before the award for the BHW program, the DOH and National Nutrition Council (NNC) adjudged Bohol's milk feeding program for undernourished children of tender ages the best anti-COVID intervention in Central Visayas. (Photos: Province of Bohol/Ven Arigo)

Creating Safe Cities, everyone’s commitment

CEBU CITY—The Philippines has passed so many laws on gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women and children (VAWC) but based on review, these remain an area of utmost concern as it is likened to a “shadow pandemic”.

According to Dr. Rhodora Bucoy, former chair of the Philippine Women Commission (PWC), in her keynote message during the Zonta of Cebu II webinar on “Creating Safe Cities” Friday, December 4 in celebration of the 18 Days Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children that there is an urgent need for everyone to join the campaign against VAWC/GBV not only in the country but throughout the world.

“Let’s Orange The World,” Bucoy said referring to the Orange The World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect Campaign against VAWC/GBV.  She added that today, there is a greater need for the convergence of initiatives, a multi sectoral convergence that will address the roots of violence.

Bucoy went on that there must be continuing effort to overturn the remaining discriminatory laws and enacting new laws that ensure equality and empowerment of women as stipulated in the Social Development Goal (SDG) #5 that VAW is a human rights violation.

“This means focusing our efforts on preventing violence by working with judges, police and men as well as women’s organizations and youth groups to dismantle stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes,” Bucoy stated.

She went on that advocacy efforts must also support services for survivors of violence including safe spaces and psychological counselling in humanitarian and fragile contexts.  These VAWCs have devastating consequences on the victims/survivors.

Bucoy said that VAWC/GBV advocacy against must start from combatting a culture of machismo.  Data continue to show that alarming picture of VAWC still persists. 

“In our constant desire to create a VAW free community everyone of us, men and women alike, need to fight the macho culture that tends to negate what we have gained so far,” she added.

According to Bucoy that there is now a worldwide outcry against feudal machismo culture manifested in sexual harassment cases in the entertainment, media and various spheres.

Based on the National Demographic and Health Survey of 2017, VAW statistics in the Philippines showed that one out five women or 20 percent have experienced emotional violence from their partners while 14 percent has ever experienced physical violence and five percent ever experienced sexual violence.

Bucoy added that based on the same survey, 24 percent of ever-married women have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their most current partners.  Global VAW statistics said that 71 percent of all human trafficking victims are women and girls and three out of four of these women and girls are sexually exploited.

In the same webinar, women advocate against VAWC/GBV from the areas in medicine, journalism, in the field of law and governance, beauty and entertainment, broadcast media, and the LGBTQ+ took turns to share some of their experiences related to GBV/VAW in a “Story Telling” ambiance of sharing.

The “Story Tellers” included Dr. Chona Tremedal, an actively practicing pediatrician who shared some of the VAW/GBV experiences she saw or have known in the medical spaces/workplaces.

 The media/journalism sector, theatre arts, beauty and entertainment industry were also replete with cases of VAWCs and GBVs and these experiences were shared by Andi Matheu, Calire Delfin former Ms. Earth Karla Henry-Amman, and Charlene Virlouvet. 

In the field of law and governance, Atty. Jennifer Atienza shared with the audience her knowledge and cases she handled that reflected VAW/GBV at the public-private workplaces and the LGBTQ+ community had Rain Villagonzalo who shared her experiences and cases of gender-based violence and other discriminatory remarks against the LGBTQ.

The December 4 webinar on “Creating Safe Cities” focused on stories of women being subjected to gender-based sexual violence is one of the focused topics in a series of webinars mounted by the Zonta Club of Cebu II as part of its activities during the celebration of the 18 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women from November 24 to December 12. (Photos: Zonta/Robby Alugar)

 

 

 

New NAIA design inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces

CEBU CITY – Engineering and infrastructure innovator Megawide revealed Friday, December 11 the details of its architectural plans for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal1 (T1) that is fully inspired by the 8th Wonder of the World, the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Megawide Executive Director for Infrastructure Development Louie Ferrer said that the company has proposed for the rehabilitation of NAIA with partner GMR Infrastructure Ltd (GMR) reimagines NAIA as a verdant space that will help promote Philippine tourism and jumpstart economic recovery

“As the first and last impression visitors and Overseas Filipino Workers will have of the Philippines, NAIA itself should deliver a positive, unforgettable experience that people can equate with their stay. We’re not just rehabilitating an airport – we're creating a new symbol for the country,” Ferrer said.

In creating the design for the NAIA, Ferrer lauded the natural beauty of the Philippines saying that there is no better architectural inspiration for NAIA than the natural sights of the Philippines.

He said that the country is full of wonder, and the Banaue Rice Terraces rightfully evoke a sense of awe and majesty; this is the kind of experience we want everyone to have the minute they set foot in the airport.

“We want NAIA’s reputation to change from ‘The Worst Airport’ into ‘An Airport Wonder’,” Ferrer beamed.

Ferrer explained that the proposed architectural design for the transformation of Terminal 1 takes inspiration from the Banaue Rice Terraces, a national heritage landmark and considered globally as the 8th Wonder of the World.

He added that there were several proposals presented, but when they saw the design for the Banaue Rice Terraces they knew it was the best fit for the new NAIA.  It is an innovation of one of the country’s illustrious peoples, the Ifugao-- a landmark of our country’s agricultural expertise and a symbol of community and cooperation.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are reported to have been built more than 2,000 years ago. The organized system of irrigated rice terraces, Ferrer said is a product of perseverance, innovation, and community spirit.

He continued that the Banaue Rice Terraces in recent years, have undergone so many changes. “We don’t just want to help promote tourism to these areas, we want to spark a deeper cultural appreciation so that we may help Filipino people, such as the Ifugao, to preserve their heritage sites.”

 The design: “Hagdan” (Steps)

 The central landscape, called the “Hagdan” (Steps) is a sunken garden that is reminiscent of the terraces.  These terraces are continued in the upper levels of the new parking and commercial building in front of the existing terminal designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin.

The landscape and new building are envisioned as a dedicated area for well-wishers and passengers waiting for their flights.  Ferrer said that this communal space takes into consideration the close-knit culture of Filipinos.

“Most areas for well-wishers in airports are highly perfunctory.  Our intent is to create a dedicated, enjoyable space where people can relax while waiting for connecting flights or arriving passengers, and where departing passengers can spend more time with their loved ones without hurry and stress,” he said.         

The communal concept is like the Airport Village at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)Terminal 1, commissioned in January 2020 with no less than Pres. Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor. 

 Woven roof structure and multi-level pathways

Ferrer further described the transparent canopy that extends between the existing and new buildings, providing protection from the elements.  The canopy’s latticed wooden detail is reminiscent of Filipino weaving patterns and accentuates the multi-level walkways that connect the two buildings, proving a dramatic backdrop for people strolling through the area.

This new feature is designed by Integrated Design Associates (IDA) Hong Kong, the same architectural firm that designed the MCIA Terminal 2 and the new Clark International Airport Passenger Terminal Building, he revealed.

MCIA, particularly Terminal 2 has repeatedly brought pride to the Philippines with multiple international awards in architecture, design, and operations, including 2019 Winner - Transport Buildings, Completed Category in the World Architecture Festival; 2019 Winner - Airports and Transportation Centers Category in the International Architecture Awards; 2018 Asia Pacific Medium Airpiort of the Year in the CAPA Aviation Awards, among others.

Originally designed to handle 30 million passengers per year, NAIA handled 48 million in 2019. MEGAWIDE GMR’s proposal will increase NAIA's current capacity of 30 million to 65 million passengers per annum over a strategic and phased approach, Ferrer went on.

Terminals 1-3 will see massive improvements particularly in the first phases of the concession, that will allow passengers to have efficient use of facilities, faster transactions, and enjoy their stay in the terminals with better dining and retail experience.

All three terminals according to MEGAWIDE will be rehabilitated within the first phase, including reconfiguration of check-in, expansion of dining and retail areas, and improvements in the baggage handling systems.

Enhanced security areas and bathroom renovations will be prioritized.  Canopies will be installed in the parking facility open areas to allow people to move seamlessly, and the drainage system will be fixed to prevent flooding.

Ferrer believes that public infrastructures can be and are symbols of culture and pride as Filipinos. Their architecture, interiors, quality of operations and service should combine world-class practices with the best of what our country has to offer.

“Build, Build, Build, while of significant economic importance, will also leave a lasting cultural and social legacy. This is a crucial window for all of us to pitch in towards a first-world Philippines,” Ferrer stated. (Photos: MEGAWIDE GMR)

Tripartite partnership to provide free Voc-Tech training to 3,000 Filipino youths

CEBU CITY— A tripartite partnership established by the Aboitiz Construction, Inc. (ACI) with social enterprise Asiapro Multi-purpose Cooperative and advocacy group Philippine Business Education (PBEd) through YouthWorks PH signed a tripartite memorandum on December 7 that guaranteed to provide free technical vocational training to over 3,000 Filipino youths until 2023.

According to Nina Ylagan-Pedro, Vice President for Corporate Affairs & Services, Aboitiz Construction, Inc. (ACI) that the partnership shall provide opportunities for a proper livelihood to the sector that needs it the most.

“It will also accelerate and strengthen the smooth hiring process of the skilled workforce requirement of Aboitiz Construction projects while providing flexible, cost-effective, and socially responsible solutions for manpower placement and protecting the welfare and rights of the youth workers,” Pedro added.

She went on that the ACI is offering work-related learning opportunities for the youth beneficiaries and will include periods of hands-on training, work shadowing, work-based mentoring, reviews, appraisal and work experience at the project sites across the Philippines.

Despite the pandemic, PBEd and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are implementing a three-part Flexible Training for Work program intended for unemployed and out-of-school youth through the YouthWorks PH project.

This involves remote mentoring, employability modules, TESDA-recognized theoretical online and/or face-to-face education, followed by an extensive in-company training led by ACI, Pedro said.

According to her ACI will also be working closely with Asiapro to ensure the selected beneficiaries are equipped with the right and necessary tools to perform the in-company extensive training and during this period of the program, trainees will have employee status under Asiapro and will be receiving statutory benefits and compensation.  

Asiapro is a pioneer multipurpose cooperative in the Philippines, providing customized managed services and specializes in manpower placement.  They provide opportunities for skilled workers proper compensation, statutory benefits, and dividends of the company.

Asiapro Multi-purpose Cooperative Chief Operating Officer, Noel Gonzales bared that Asiapro’s partnership with Youthworks Philippines and Aboitiz Construction follows the cooperative’s objectives of helping provide meaningful employment to the marginalized estimated 3000 young Filipinos that will go through the program.

PBEd on the other hand is a nonprofit organization advocating an educational system for all Filipinos and is the business community’s response to the need for greater education and economic alignment.

With USAID, PBEd implements YouthWorks PH, a private sector-led youth employability program. USAID administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide. YouthWorks PH aims to bring employers, schools, and the government together to provide work-based training for unemployed and out-of-school youth.

USAID Philippines Acting Deputy Mission Director Jenna Diallo said that as the 3000 youth gain all these essential skills in this program, they’re also putting them on the path of quality employment.

“We're also providing our private sector partners with skilled, quality, human resources who can power their businesses and improve productivity moving forward," Diallo added.

Aboitiz Construction also understands the need to amplify its efforts in building a better future by partnering with driven and esteemed organizations that share their same vision and purpose to provide employment that will uplift the lives of more Filipinos.

According to ACI, it will work with these new partners to improve the quality of construction-related technical-vocational training programs for unemployed and out-of-school Filipino youth, including the opportunity for job security; sequentially contributing to the Aboitiz Group’s purpose of advancing business and communities.

YouthWorks PH with Aboitiz Construction and Asiapro are inviting jobless and out-of-school youths aged 18-30 to register for free construction training opportunities at pbed.ph/youthworksph-register. 

 

 

Cebu City to build medium-rise buildings for informal settlers

CEBU CITY -- The Cebu City government plans to build three medium-rise buildings in Barangays Lorega and Mambaling next year and is looking at the construction of another five buildings in Barangay Quiot and two in Barangay Budlaan in the next few years.

This was revealed by Simeon Romarate, head of the Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) in Mugstoria Ta, an online conversation hosted by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Thursday.

Romarate said that each building will have a 1,000-square-meter floor area and can accommodate 96 families.   Each family/beneficiary gets a studio-type unit which will have a floor area of 22-24 square meters.

Romarate also bared that Cebu City Government released more than 200 individual deeds of sale to families who availed of the City’s urban poor project that have fully paid their dues to own a lot for a lifetime.  It was released during the celebration of the Solidarity Week last week.

DWUP screens all the applicants or the poor and deserving families who want to own a lot in the City through its Beneficiary Screening Committee.  Romarate clarified that the program gives priority only to families who were relocated to government-owned lots due to demolitions and fire incidents.

To qualify, according to Romarate that those applying for the program are required to present the Certificate of Displacement so that DWUP can help them acquire the government lot they are currently occupying.

Another DWUP project is the Let There Be Light program, an initiative of the Cebu City Government to help families whose houses they are renting don’t have electricity.   From January 2020 to October 31, 2020, DWUP was able to facilitate 2,890 households to have electricity connection, Romarate bared.

Once the applicant can submit the consent of the house owner, DWUP can immediately facilitate the processing of the request for power connection. After the approval of the request, the applicant will have to pay for the cost of materials and labor of the electric company-accredited electrician for the transaction to be completed. (Photos: OPAV)

 

 

 

DOE- Visayas launches “Green Ride” to promote fuel efficient, environment-friendly hybrid car

CEBU CITY -- The Department of Energy-Visayas Field Office (DOE-VFO) launched the “Green Ride Experience” to promote the use of the next-generation hybrid cars as one of the highlights in its celebration of the 2020 National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) in the Visayas this December with the theme, "Building a Sustainable Energy Future Amidst the Changing Landscape" coupled with webinar series on various topics on energy resources and more.

DOE secretary Alfonso Cui, in a virtual opening message of the 2020 NECM on December 7 in Manila said that there is a need to ensure the country’s energy security for the future generation of Filipinos.

Cui said that DOE has been doing periodic reviews of the country’s energy policies to make sure the government will be able to promote all sources of energy and encourage foreign investments.

 According to Engr. Jose Rey Maleza, Chief, Energy Industry Management Division of DOE-Visayas that with the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOE-VFO shifted to hold webinar series instead of face-to-face information campaign to raise public awareness on various energy policies, programs and projects.

The webinar series topics are on Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies, Basics of Solar PV System, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Alternative Fuels and Emerging Technologies, Electric Power Industry, Coal Trading and Utilization Rules, LPG Industry Rules, and Downstream Oil Industry Rules, Maleza added.

“Here at the DOE-VFO we launched of the “Green Ride Experience” for its partners and stakeholders to promote the next-generation hybrid vehicles that consumes less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide,” he revealed.   

Maleza told Manila Bulletin during the “Green Ride Experience” Wednesday that they allow the members of the media first to ride with them on the Toyota Prius, the hybrid car of the DOE-VFO which is a donation under the Japan Non-Project Grant Aid in 2017.

“This car runs on gas engine and lithium ion battery with both power sources consolidate through the computer. This fuel efficient and environment-friendly car is powered by a conventional engine, an electric motor and a hybrid battery with less noise, less pollution and very efficient,” he said.

According to Engr. Miguel Trenuela, Senior Science Research Specialist of the DOE-VFO Energy Resource Development and Utilization Division (ERDUD) that there are about five or six hybrid cars at the DOE and in various local and national agencies in Eastern Visayas that were donated by the Japan Government at the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda in 2017.

Trenuela went on that hybrid cars can switch between the fuel engine and electric motor or combine both power sources.  It automatically charged their own hybrid battery while on the move.  

In 2018 the DOE had conducted a fuel economy run with all types of hybrid technology cars in the country and the results was a revelation that this type of hybrid car consumes 26km/liter as compared to other cars with 15-20km/liter consumption, Trenuela added.

“Since 2017, we have been promoting the use of this hybrid tech cars, but it seems that Filipinos are still considering the price of cars as the main factor in their purchases, unlike in the U.S. and in Europe where the use of hybrid vehicles are trending,” Maleza told Manila Bulletin.

The DOE’s challenge according to Maleza is to change the people’s behavior and attitude in buying cars not only considering the pricing but also fuel efficiency and less pollution for the environment.

It is only the DOE-Visayas that the “Green Ride Experience” is being mounted.  “Hopefully for the next few weeks, students, tech people and other energy stakeholders are able to take this “Green Ride Experience” advocacy,” Maleza stated.

To cap the DOE-VFO 2020 NECM celebration is an Outreach Activity in the mountain barangay of Danao City on December 11 with the distribution of learning materials, books, clothes and toys to 100 target elementary students who are now into blended learning mode.