Information is our business. INFOBYTES THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY-7 | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH VOL. 1 | NO. 4 | SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 TOPSTORIES NEGROS ORIENTAL P-Noy opens P265-M ‘Mercado de Bais’ in Negros Oriental

Pres. Aquino with Bais City Mayor Karen Villanueva (right) after the unveiling of the marker in front of the P265-M Public Market in Bais City, Negros Oriental. (PHOTO BY PIA/HAZEL GLORIA)

By Jennifer Catan-Tilos marker in front of the market building “This market, a center of with assistance from Bais City Mayor commerce in the city, provides positive DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Karen Villanueva and witnessed by business to all farmers, traders and President Benigno S. Aquino III today the city and municipal mayors in producers,” the chief executive said. led the inauguration of the mall-like Negros Oriental along with some President Aquino also described P265 million public market in Poblacion other national and local officials. the market as “one of the biggest new I, Bais City, Negros Oriental. President Aquino appreciated public market in the country designed The President arrived in Bais the unique structure of the two-storey to boost the city’s farm productivity City on Sept. 8, 2011 with Agriculture multi-million market building. It and economy.” Secretary Proceso Alcala, Trade has an elevator and contains a cold The development of the Secretary Gregory Domingo, Interior storage facility with ice maker and market is in line with the national and Local Government Secretary Jesse underground sewerage treatment at government’s program to spur Robredo, Transportation Secretary the ground floor, while at the second trading and economic activities in Mar Roxas, and Felipe Remollo of floor there are function, dining and the neighboring towns in Manjuyod, Clark Development Authority. transient rooms, and child minding Mabinay, and Pamplona, said Aquino. He proceeded to unveil the area. (PIA NegOr/JCT) INFOBYTESTOPSTORIES BOHOL Bohol has 67% lower crime rate compared to 2010 By Rey Anthony Chiu Police presentations showed that since April peaking in June at 50 theft at 570 cases, constitutes 46% of all incidents. TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept 4 crimes recorded for the period. Robberies in July slid down to (PIA) -- Bohol enjoys a 67 percent “The upward trend in the crime 37 cases, police records show. decrease in crime incidence, a success volume for the months of April to For the month of July, local police authorities quickly attribute July, particularly on theft incidents Alburquerque, Mabini and San Isidro to the strong support communities gave can be prevented through the help of posted a perfect slate for crime solution for the local police. the citizens,” Bohol police authorities efficiency while the whole of Bohol During his report to the Provincial through PSSupt Barot bared. police only recorded some 47%. Peace and Order Council in its regular Following theft is robbery, San Isidro Police Station meeting Friday in Guindulman, Bohol which pegs at 25% OR 305 cases. recorded 2 cases and solved them both, Police chief said while the decrease in Police authorities however have Alburquerque solved all of their 9 cases crimes can be attributed the police anti- successful pulled down the incidents while Mabini solved all 16 of their cases crime drives, but much of the credit in July from an increasing trend recorded. (30) should be given to the people for their unwavering support for the local police. Citing crime incidents in Bohol totaling 2,320 from January to July in 2010, PSSupt Constantino Barot pointed out through a power-point presentation the notable decrease for the same period this year at 1564 cases for index and non index crimes. In his bar graph presentation, Barot showed that in all months in 2011, crimes were lower compared to all the months in 2010. Police noted 607 cases of non index crimes in 2010 as compared to 317 in 2011. The decrease is pegged at 52.24% For index crimes, the Bohol Chief who hails from Negros but has a stint in Bohol way back in the early 90’s said they noted 1713 cases on index crimes in 2010 over 1247 in 2011. The decrease shows some 72.79%. Most alarming among the cases noted for the period is theft, which HEAT IS ON. Drug suspect Victor Navarro has been slipping through police dragnets for drug possession until Sept. 2 when he was cuffed after a buy-bust operation showed a consistent increase in incidence during a Health Education, Agriculture and tourism caravan in his town. (PIA-Bohol) since April of this year to present. SIQUIJOR DOST invites local companies to innovation event By Rizalie A. Calibo technological content and market celebration of the Filippinovation. A viability and high potential socio- cash award of P100,000 each awaits SIQUIJOR, September 7 (PIA) -- economic impact. awardees. The local office of the Department It promotes and recognizes Interested persons are invited to of Science and Technology (DOST) start-up companies’ local innovative submit directly to the DOST regional invites local start-up in the province technology development in the fields of office, the following documents: logo, to join the 2nd Filipinnovation Award biotechnology, electronics, information product/services offered, date started, and get the chance to win P100,000 and communication technology, sales from the last three semesters, cash in each of the five categories. material science/engineering, business plan, and contact details. DOST provincial director nanotechnology, and robotics/ For more details please see or Engr. Mario de la Pena said the mechatronics, or a combination of call Mario de la Pena at DOS-Siquijor Filipinnovation Award is given to these fields. office, tel. no. 344-2008 or 480-9018. Filipino start-up companies operating Awarding will be on November (PIA-Siqujor/mbcn/rac) for less than three years with exemplary 25, 2011 during the 4th year anniversary INFOBYTESCOMMUNITYNEWS CEBU Possible oil source in Cebu town discovered By amor saludar

CEBU CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) has discovered a possible oil source in the mountain barangay of Alegria, southern Cebu as drilling operation is expected to start next year. Energy Assistant Secretary Ramon Allan Oca said that after the successful oil exploration done by the DOE team in the area, it was found to be an oil source that can be used as motor oil. It is reported that as of this time, the DOE surveying team that started its exploration a few months ago continues to observe and test the said area to ensure that the oil source is usable. Oca said in case the area yields positive with oil, then the Municipality of Alegria is privileged as this signals a rise in their local economy attracting business investments that can lead to more job opportunities for its residents The impact of having a positive oil source will not only benefit Alegria but the whole province of Cebu as well and the entire country, the DOE official said. Oca said with this development, two power plants are expected to rise in the LECTURE. DSWD-7 Regional Information Officer, Jaybee Binghay (left) province -- the 1.5 megawatt power plant in shares her expertise and knowledge on “Basic Photojournalism” to AGIO-7 Libertad, Bogo City and the oil station in members during the association’s monthly general assembly meeting held at the DENR-7 Training Center, Banilad, Mandaue City.(pia7/hfg) Alegria. (PIA- CEBU)

NEGROS ORIENTAL Negrense to lead Asian youth program By RACHELLE M. NESSIA Adolf Aguilar has been selected emerging youth leaders in Asia to lead the group of 29 total youth sponsored by the Government of DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) ambassadors from the Philippines Japan. -- The National Youth Commission onboard the cruise liner MS Fuji Maru More than 300 young delegates has picked a Negrense as the National from October 26 to December 16. from Japan and the ten ASEAN member Leader during the 38th Ship for Aguilar is a Bachelor of Science states are expected to participate Southeast Asian Youth Program in Education major in Social Studies in this program to promote and (SSEAYP) that will take 29 young and Southeast Asian Studies graduate strengthen friendship and cultural Filipino leaders on a cruise around of Silliman University, Dumaguete understanding. Asia. City. He currently works as the For fifty-two days, the delegates division information communication visit six ports of call, namely:

Adolf Aguilar technology coordinator at the Philippines (Manila), Brunei Department of Education (DepEd) Darussalam (Muara), Indonesia provincial office. (Jakarta), Malaysia (Port Klang) , Aside from Aguilar, another Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) and Japan Negrense youth, Regina Clarina (Tokyo). Elmaco, have also made the cut of During ports of call, the delegates SSEAYP youth participants. will interact with the local youths and Elmaco is a Bachelor of Science in will be on a homestay program and Education and a Student Government pay courtesy visits on dignitaries and officer in St. Paul University of institutional visits in order to learn Dumaguete (SPUD). more about other Southeast Asian SSEAYP is a diplomatic and cultures and traditions. (RMN/PIA cultural exchange program among Negros Oriental) INFOBYTESCOMMUNITYSTORIES CEBU Positive business confidence could fast track economic growth momentum By Minerva Newman factors for their more buoyant outlook: suggest that the challenges posed by the that there are expectations of more recent US credit rating downgrade and CENTRAL VISAYAS, Sept. 3 (PIA) robust demand and implementation by sovereign debt crisis issues in some -- The improved business confidence of government projects, including parts of Europe could be countered by at 34.1 percent in the 3rd quarter of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) stronger domestic demand, higher fiscal 2011 indicates that more businesses are program. spending, and continued growth in the optimistic about the country’s economic Business also said there are private sector. prospects and their own operations than sound macroeconomic fundamentals NEDA reported the outlook of in the previous quarter. and business expansion arising from businesses could turn more bullish in Business Confidence Index during steady investment inflows. the 4th quarter of 2011. The next quarter the 2nd quarter of this year was at 31.8%. Other factors for positive outlook Confidence Index at 53.9 percent was The confidence index is computed according to the business are; the recovery a marked improvement over the 33.0 as the percentage of firms that answered of markets in Japan, introduction of new percent index recorded in the 2nd positively less the percentage of firms that and enhanced business strategies, and quarter of 2011. answered in the negative with respect to strong confidence in government. This suggests that the growth their views on a given indicator. According to the NEDA quarter momentum could accelerate in the last Respondents cited the following monitoring, the business’ responses quarter of 2011.(PIA-7/mbcn) NEGROS ORIENTAL Newest IT Park in Dgte embodiment of PNoy’s dream By Rachelle M. Nessia I.T. Park will rise in Dumaguete City, The I.T. Park inspection is the expressed his confidence that the park second stop of the President’s visit in the DUMAGUETE CITY, September 7 (PIA) will spur job growth in the local business province on Sept. 7. It recognizes the -- President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded processing outsourcing (BPO) industry. efforts of the private sector in helping the the newest Information Technology “I am confident that this I.T. Park government produce enough jobs for (I.T.) Park now being constructed in will achieve success...once completed, Filipino workers. Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental which this park can surely become a significant Construction work on the first of he called the “embodiment” of his dream contributor to our country’s reputation three buildings that will predominantly be of creating enough job opportunities for in the BPO industry,” said the President IT facilities has already started. Filipino workers across the country. as he spoke before a crowd of around The park is seen to pump P40 The President, in his speech during 100 chiefly composed of members of the million into the local economy, according a project inspection of the sprawling local business and BPO community and to Danford Sy, general manager of July 11,164-sq.m. area where the LinkSy industry stakeholders. Development Corporation, which is undertaking the IT Park project. Building 1 is expected to be finished and turned over to its locator, Qualfon, around March next year. With four floors that can accommodate 1,500 seats, it is expected to produce 4,500 jobs for agents and indirect employment. Based on figures presented by Sy in his speech, the ICT industry has flourished from “zero employees in December 2004 to 4,000 employed by December of 2010, earning a conservative estimate of P34 million a month.” Sy predicts the industry to go up by 50% by December this year, with over 6,000 ICT workers INFORMAL PRESSCON. Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions from the earning around P52 million per month. national and Negros Oriental media during his Sept. 7 visit at Bais City. (pia7/hfg) (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental) INFOBYTESCOMMUNITYNEWS SIQUIJOR Siquijor bags best performing LGU award By Rizalie A. Calibo and Inacher A. Abatayo 2010 Performance Evaluation. The rating of 91.78 percent. province of Negros Oriental ranked The performance of the LGUs SIQUIJOR, September 2 (PIA) -- first in the collection efficiency in in Region VII on business tax, Siquijor province ranked first in the the RPT, business tax and fees and fees and charges and real property Economic Enterprise Collection with charges. tax collections for CY 2010 was a rating of 111.88 percent and second The report also shows that acknowledged during the General in Real Property Tax (RPT), Business Siquijor province is the Best Assembly and Performance Evaluation Tax and Fees, Charges collections, Performing Local Government of the Regional Association of according to the consolidated report Unit(LGU) among the provincial/ Treasurers and Assessors. of the BLGF-Regional Office on CY city/municipal treasurers with a Siquijor Provincial Treasurer Ric D. Tan said the increase in the BOHOL collection of business tax, fees and charges could be attributed to the 99% helmet compliance intensified registration and issuance of permits to delivery vans/trucks operating in the province, and the among motorists, says Barot construction of facilities at Salagdoong By Rey Anthony Chiu could afford. Beach which include dormitory-type Many also reasoned that using full building and swimming pools. TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Sept faced helmets can easily mask criminals Another factor for the increased 4 (PIA) -- Amidst seemingly heated who could conveniently slip through taxes was the assignment of casuals to opposition of the implementation of the police checkpoints. the office of the municipal treasurers helmet policy for motorcycle riders and On this, LTO Maloloy-on said in six towns to prepare and deliver their riders, PSSupt. Constantino Barot studies from the LTO central Office demand letters to real property has debunked the correlation between bared a 99.99% compliance among owners. criminals and full faced helmets. drivers in Tagbilaran City during the Other LGUs in the province Provincial Peace and Order Council On the other hand, supporters of have also received awards. The meeting in Guindulman Bohol. the policy claim that helmets provide municipality of Enrique Villanueva Bohol was among the provinces the necessary protection for drivers and which did not strictly implement the backriders from accidents and causing ranked first in the provincial level in provisions of the Land Transportation undue injury to others. the collection of business tax, with an and Traffic Rules of the country, says The order also came amidst efficiency rating of 370.32 percent. Land Transportation Officer Joel a growing number of motorcycles Larena municipality ranked first Maloloy-on, during the meeting. impounded for being operated without in the collection of fees and charges He added that his men would lead plate numbers, or motorcyclists flagged with a rating of 375.33 percent while the intensification of the drive to ensure down for driving without licenses or Maria town ranked second with a safety for motorcycle riding motorists. expired licenses, with unregistered or rating of 101.43 per cent. The implementation came expired registrations. On the real property tax The orders also came following a more than a week after City Police collection category, Lazi ranked first saturation drive for the motorcycle riding chief Arcadio Jamora Jr. announced among the six towns. the instruction for his men to go for criminals as included focus area fo the For the overall assessment, motorcyclists who operate motorcycles Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS). Larena ranked as the top performing without helmets. Under the policy, first-time Motorcycle riders and back riders offenders of the helmet policy pays a LGU in Siquijor province for three then must wear helmets while those fine of P1,500. local sources: business tax, fees and engaged in habal-habal would provide Fines for second offense is P3,000, charges, and economic enterprise. for the helmets of their passengers. P5,000 on the third time, and P10,000 Executive Director Ma. Children below ten years are also plus confiscation of the driver’s license Presentacion Motesa of the Bureau banned to ride motorcycles. for the fourth and succeeding offenses. of Local Government Finance- Oppositors of the implementation A newer Mandatory Helmet Department of Finance gave the award of the helmet policy said it would be an Law still has no Implementing Rules of the Best Performing Treasurers and added burden physically and financially and Regulations (IRR) so that local Assessors. traffic officers and its deputized agents while production helmets available in The four-day activity was momentarily use RA 4136, city traffic the markets are sub-standard and recently held at the Crown Regency would defeat the protection purpose it supervisor Samonte said. (30) Suites-Mactan, Lapu-lapu City. (PIA- Siquijor/mbcn/RAC/IAAbatayo)

INFOBYTES is a weekly electronic newsletter produced by the Philippine Information Agency-Region 7 with stories submitted by its Provincial Information Centers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces.