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THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY - SIQUIJOR | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH and the DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - SIQUIJOR | WWW.DOST.GOV.PH
VOL. 3 | NO. 11 March 18-25, 2015
DOST, SCCII brief Siquijor SETUP on AFTA challenge by Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST-Siquijor
SIQUIJOR, March 11 (PIA) --The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCII) held a summit recently at the Siquijor State College (SSC) in Larena, Siquijor called “Siquijor S E T U P C o n f e r e n c e : Te c h n o l o g y Upgrading to Meet the AFTA Challenge”. The conference aims to address the need to promote and disseminate the information on the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) and DOST’s programs and activities which entrepreneurs can avail to enhance their product quality and competitiveness. In his opening remarks, provincial science and technology director Engr. Mario de la Peña stressed the need for MSMEs to be more competitive due to influx of cheap products from ASEAN countries. SSC President Dr. Imogen Quilicot gave her message on the need to have a positive working attitude and to embrace the ASEAN Integration by being prepared. DOST-7 assistant regional director for technical services, Engr. Jesus F. Zamora, Jr., said that DOST is mandated to assist the MSMEs through upgrading and technological transfer. He also discussed the DOST’s programs and activities to address the challenges brought about by AFTA. The event was attended by DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries, Grant-in-Aid (GIA) beneficiaries and would-be SETUP beneficiaries. It was also attended by DOST Siquijor staff, DOST RO7 representatives, SCCII representatives and resource speakers. DOST-7 SETUP coordinator Engr. Tristan Abando gave a presentation on the AFTA and other activities DOSTprograms especially on packaging and labelling while SSC Accountant Dr.
DOST-7 SETUP coordinator Engr. Tristan Abando giving a presentation on the AFTA and other DOSTprograms especially on packaging and labelling Norma Taroc gave a short presentation on simple bookkeeping and costing. Meanwhile, Cebuana exporter Venus Genson, President of Art ‘N Nature Mfg. Corp gave a presentation on the uses of coconut husk and shell as GHD. She also showed an example of a coconut GHD she dubbed as “coco monkey”. In addition, she discussed how Filipino entrepreneurs like her should prepare the ASEAN integration by being competitive. Maricar Masayon of Larena Triad, Dr. Peck Cortes of P. Cortes Welding Shop, Robert Pajermo of Pajermo Furniture and Gerry Sumagang of GL Motors gave testimonies on how DOST helped their businesses on being competitive, having diversified products and acquire efficient equipment. PIA-Siquijor manager Rizalie Calibo, Blezela Mae Omictin of PDRRMC and Dr. Peck Cortes of Brgy.
Poblacion, Siquijor expressed their gratitude and narrated how DOST Siquijor helped their agency became efficient in providing services to the public. In similar development, awards of recognition were given to 12 SETUP beneficiaries in the province “for championing the technology transfer” in their respective sector through DOST SETUP. Three SETUP beneficiaries were also awarded for their outstanding contribution in the different sectors. E l e n a ’s B a k e r y b e s t e d a l l other contenders for the 2015 DOST Siquijor Technovation Award--2015 Siquijor Outstanding SETUP Beneficiary. Eimmar’s General Merchandise and Naning’s Furniture emerged as 1st runner up and 2nd runner up, respectively. The summit ended with a message of encouragement to all entrepreneurs from Engr. Judy Booc, SCCII President. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor/ Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST-Siquijor)
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DOH-7 warns Siquijor folks on smoking
SIQUIJOR, March 18 DOH-7 non-communicable section head Dr. Jeanette Pauline Cortes (PIA) -- Cigarette smoking is one of the most common risk factors for developing cardio-vascular diseases and is labelled as the new epidemic in the new millennium. DOH-7 non-communicable section head Dr. Jeanette Pauline Cortes said cardio-vascular disease is a condition affecting the heart and blood vessels that include coronary heart disease and is the number one cause of death today. Cortes warns the public to stay away, if not quit smoking to reduce the risk of having the disease during the Smoke-Free Siquijor grand launching recently at the town’s Capital Square. Cortes said Cigarette smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals. At least 70 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer from head to foot. She cited that there are 10 Filipinos die every hour or 240 every day because of tobacco-related diseases that includes lung cancer and chronic obstructive coronary disease that one can get from smoking. She said the Department of Health (DOH-7) is very happy that for the first time in the province of Siquijor, they have launched a smoke-free ordinance and lauded the efforts of political leaders and the constituents for the support. She also lauded Siquijor as rabies-free and further said making the province a smoke-free is very attainable. “Kining atong ordinance, ordinansa ra gyud na kon dili nato hatagan ug kinabuhi (our ordinance remains so if we don’t give life to it), Cortes said as she urges locals to continue the efforts to really work on the ordinance. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
DOH: Let’s have an enjoyable healthy summer
The Department of Health (DOH) today advised the public to be mindful of their health during the summer season’s flurry of activities, starting with the Holy Week observance, followed by outings, fiestas, and the like. “ T h i s y e a r, t h e H o l y W e e k s i g n a l s t h e s t a r t o f s u m m e r v a c a t i o n a c t i v i t i e s , t h u s , w e a r e u r g i n g the public to keep themselves healthy and fit in the midst of their busyness,” Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin said. Garin revealed that there are six common summer diseases or conditions (6S) that can adversely affect one’s health. These are Sore eyes, Sunburn, SiponSunburn at ubo, Suka at tae, Sakit sa balat and Sakmal ng aso. Sore eyes or conjunctivitis, when mistreated, can lead to blindness. More than just eye irritation, it can easily be due to harmful bacteria or viruses that easily spread to other people. Hand washing can limit its spread. Health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting a doctor. Sunburn can be prevented if you hold your outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid direct exposure to sun between 10am-2pm. Hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent the ill-effects of too much sun exposure. Use sunscreen appropriately, like choosing a product that retards against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30, applying it 30 minutes before actual sun exposure. Re-apply if exposure will be extended and do not forget the ears, nape areas and feet. Heat stroke is a more serious consequence of too much exposure to sun. This can be a v o i d e d b y d r i n k i n g 8 - 1 2 g l a s s e s o f w a t e r a d a y. H o l y W e e k p e n i t e n t s c a n a l s o b e n e f i t f r o m t h e s e t i p s . Sipon at ubo easily spreads even during the summer months, as erratic weather bring sudden downpours from time to time. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June. Suka at tae follows the consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Be cautious of street foods and also those prepared for out-oftown trips. Remember that food spoils easily during the hot summer months. Always have oral rehydration salt solution ready in case one suffers diarrhea. Seek early consultation to prevent severe dehydration. Sakit sa balat is another common summer disease in areas where water becomes scarce and that daily bathing is compromised. Usually, inmates in crowded prisons suffer boils due to heat and congestion. Also, skin diseases abound when one swims in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pools. Remember to take a bath before and after plunging into the pool and please do not urinate in the pool. However, the real danger in swimming is drowning. Children should not be left alone in the pool or beach. Sakmal ng aso can lead to rabies if wounds are not washed and cared for properly. Make sure dogs are vaccinated against rabies. If you sustain dog bites, visit the animal bite center to get rabies vaccination immediately. Summer is also a time for vacation and travel. The health chief also reminded the public to follow simple road safety tips like do not call or text while driving, do not drink alcoholic beverages if you will drive, do not drive if you are sleepy, always wear seatbelt, and always follow traffic rules especially speed limits. For those riding motorcycles or bicycles, always wear your helmet. “Remember to keep yourself healthy and safe. Let us all have an enjoyable, disease-free, and injury-free summer. May papel tayong pangalagaan ang ating kalusugan” Garin concluded.
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Over 1M Pantawid Pamilya kids to graduate from elem, high school A total of 863,046 elementary students and 333,673 high school students who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program nationwide will graduate this March. Of this number, there are 353,621 elementary graduates in Luzon; 175,005 in the Visayas; and 334,420 in Mindanao. On the other hand, there are 153,470 high school graduates in Luzon; 74,182 in the Visayas; and 106,021 in Mindanao. To celebrate this milestone, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will gather the high school graduates from the National Capital Region (NCR) in an event where they will be given access to possible sources of vocational and college scholarships so that they can continue their studies. For the event, DSWD will partner with institutions such as the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This will be held at the Ynares Gymnasium, Antipolo, Rizal on April 10. It will be a festive event where selected graduates will share their experiences of being beneficiaries of the program. In 2013, the DSWD expanded the coverage of Pantawid Pamilya to include the 15-18 age bracket in view of the K-12 curriculum implemented by the Department of Education. Under this expanded coverage, high school students receive P500 monthly educational allowance. DSWD continues to help and encourage children to keep on studying so they may have better opportunities f o r e m p l o y m e n t . ( d s w d . g o v. p h )
Pantawid Pamilya prgram beneficiaries of Licoan, Maria Siquijor during the Family Development Session (FDS) on Climate Change and Women conducted by the PIA-Siquijor.
DOLE: 13 online course modules, 3 online course projects now available
The Labor Governance Learning Center (LGLC), the Department of Labor and Employment’s e-Learning facility, has been capacitated through the use of various technologies for learning here and abroad and is now more accessible. Assistant Secretary Katherine Brimon said this yesterday as the Center, a brainchild of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, and initiated and supervised by the DOLE’s Human Resource Development Service, now boasts of 13 available online course modules, plus three online course development projects. “The availability of these courses online will make learning and development interventions by the DOLE at par with global practices,” said Secretary Baldoz upon learning from Asst. Secretary Brimon about the LGLC’s status. Brimon, in her report, said the 13 available online course modules are distributed under the DOLE’s four cluster programs of the department, as follows:(1) Promoting Employability of Workers and Competitiveness of Enterprises; (2) Sustaining
Cooperation between Labor and Employers; (3) Enhancing Social Protection of Vulnerable Workers, and (4) Sustaining Outcomes. Each of this cluster program has different online courses on labor a n d e m p l o y m e n t , p r o d u c t i v i t y, g o o d housekeeping, financial literacy, legitimate contracting or subcontracting, general labor standards, labor management cooperation program, labor laws, employees’ compensation program, code of conduct, and anti-graft and corrupt practices laws. Brimon said the DOLE’s bureaus, services, and attached agencies, whose selected personnel were trained on the development of the DOLE’s e-Learning Program as a by-product of the Labor and Employment Education Program (LEEP), conceptualized the online courses. “They put together all these courses in a system of learning that offer more efficient learning and training options for DOLE employees and clients,” she said. Also available now are three online course development projects: (1) Predeployment Training and Immersion Program
for POLO Personnel, an online avenue for POLOs for capacity-building committee that utilizes e-learning for pre-deployment training and which emphasizes face-to-face and immersion activities; (2) UN Women Gender and Development Project, an online and face-toface training in handling OFW cases in relation to gender-sensitivity among POLO personnel at their assigned posts; and (3) ILO-DWAB partnership with NRCO, an online training website for health and other professionals, d e v e l o p e d w i t h I L O - D WA B f u n d i n g . “The latter is a website that can be made accessible through the NRCO’s server computer linked to the LGLC,” Brimon said. Baldoz said with the e - L e a r n i n g f a c i l i t y, l e a r n i n g d o e s n ’ t need to be expensive and exclusive. “This e-Learning facility makes learning accessible and cost effective. This is how learning comes into play; how the DOLE can build and develop globally-competitive and competent workforce who can handle issues on overseas and local employment with confidence and extreme challenges in the name of public service,” Baldoz said. (dole.gov.ph)
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DILG to LGUs: Conserve clean water Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas enjoined all local chief executives (LCEs) to raise public awareness about water conservation and sustainable water management in time for the celebration of World Water Day on March 22. In a memorandum circular, Roxas emphasized that while water resources development contributes to economic productivity, rapid water scarcity can limit development. “Pangalagaan po natin ang malinis na tubig na maaaring inumin para hindi magkasakit ang mga tao,” Roxas said. Recognizing the importance of a potable water supply, Roxas has made the Salintubig one of the priority programs of the DILG. The Sagana at Ligtas na
Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program aims to provide waterless communities with a clean and potable supply of water. For this year, the National AntiPoverty Commission (NAPC) has identified 89 local government units (LGUs) as target beneficiaries of the program. Roxas also encouraged all local chief executives to conduct simple but meaningful activities as part of their information campaign on the 2015 World Water Day celebration. These activities can focus on the significance of safe and potable water, water source protection, water conservation measures, water quality monitoring, improved sanitation, proper waste disposal and hand-washing hygiene promotion and toilet maintenance.
Minor repairs and rehabilitation of existing barangay, municipal, provincial or inter-local waterworks and irrigation systems can also be conducted along with water sampling, testing and analysis, as examples of meaningful activities that also render services for citizens. The United Nations General Assembly had designated March 22 of every year as World Water Day. This year ’s theme is “Water and Sustainable Development”.(dilg.gov.ph)
iSIQUIJOR is the Island of Siquijor’s first electronic newsletter produced by the Philippine Information Agency-Siquijor Information Center and the DOST - Provincial Science and Technology Center. It contains snippets of information about Siquijor, Central Visayas and the Philippine Government.
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