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iSIQUIJOR 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. 2 | NO. 11 March 24-31, 2014
TESDA-Siquijor lauds women parent leaders, told to grab trainings SIQUIJOR, March 27 (PIA)— The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here calls on Siquijodnons to grab the opportunities the government offers through its various training and scholarship programs. In a Women’s Month Kapihan sa PIA at the SB Session Hall in Maria town, TESDA-Siquijor Provincial Director Engr. Samuel Jordan told the all-womenbeneficiary-parent leaders of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Maria Siquijor to take advantage of the various government programs and encourage their families to enrol as he underscores their contributions as “drivers of change”. Expanding on the Women’s Month theme, “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong!” Jordan lauded the parent leaders and all women in general for their strength and stability that have brought hope and inspired changes to their families and the country while citing local and national women leaders excelling in their respective fields.
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Siquijor joins nationwide EQ drill SIQUIJOR, March 20 (PIA)--S i q u i j o r p r o v i n c e j o i n e d y e s t e r d a y ’s nationwide earthquake drill that was simultaneously done at 9:00 a.m. The earthquake drill at the provincial capitol was spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP)
with volunteers composing the ProSERVE. Municipal DRRMCs likewise led the same exercises in each town and schools. The exercise aims to test and improve the preparations of disaster response units and to promote awareness among stakeholders. Some LGUs and schools,however,
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Missing Russian national found dead at Cang-alwang coast
SIQUIJOR, March 20 (PIA)--A missing foreign national who went on diving at the seawater of Cang-alwang, Siquijor, Siquijor was found dead yesterday after several rescue attempts made by the group of divers from the Bantay Dagat Task Force of the Department of Agriculture, the local Disaster Risk Reduction Councils (DRRMCs) and the Philippine National Police here. I d e n t i f i e d a s D m i t r i i S h c h i p a c h e v, a 2 8 - y e a r - o l d R u s s i a n w h o w a s temporarily residing at Casa Miranda in Solangon, San Juan, Siquijor, Siquijor reportedly went on diving and spearfishing with two other Filipino divers at the coast of Cang-alwang, Siquijor, Siquijor without complete breathing apparatus. He was believed to have drowned, according to his Filipino companions
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Lady leaders stir women in Siquijor SIQUIJOR, March 20 (PIA)— Women leaders here continue to stir women in Siquijor as they laud their vital role in society during the province’s celebration of the International Women’s Month recently. Civil Service Commission regional director Elizabeth Mateo says women lead and excel in this modern world, exercising a vital role primarily in the family, then to the community and to the country as a whole. Reports reveal that repair in electronics, such as cellphone, electronically controlled domestic appliances, audiovisual equipment is among the most common job available mostly to women. A cursory look at the TESDA’s brochure on training for women reveals a full enrollment in electronics-related skills trainings, including automobile repair and plumbing. Initial data from TESDA shows that out of the 24 women graduates on automotive servicing last year, 21 were certified, and 11 were actually employed. Under pharmacy services, 21 women
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iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
Special story: Women in action
SSC instates 1st woman prexy
BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO LARENA, Siquijor , March 26 (PIA)— In what seemed to be its grandest Investiture Ceremony and in time with the Women’s Month celebration, the Siquijor State College instated on March 18 its fourth, and the first woman president Dr. Ma. Imogen Tan Quilicot. An educator and a leader, Dr. Quilicot is the daughter of the first president o f t h e s a m e i n s t i t u t i o n , D r . T i r s o L u a g e Ta n , a n d t h e l a t e M a r g a r i t a A r a n a M i j a r e s . Born on July 3, 1963, Jing, as she is fondly called, was quick to identify her management and leadership potentials as she steered her career towards this direction. She earned her Doctorate degree of Philosophy in Educational Management , “Benemeritus”, at the University of Bohol in 2010 and the Doctorate degree in Education at the University of Southern Philippines in 2000. Prior to this, she also earned Master in Education degree major in Administration and Supervision at Cebu State College of Science and Technology, now Cebu Technological University, in 1993. She got her undergraduate degree in education
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THE FIRSTs: Dr. Jing, the first woman SSC president with her idol and her father, Dr. Tirso Tan, also the first president of the same institution
Dr. Benita Padayhag (left) assisted b y D r. J i n g ’ s husband, Cifford Quilicot in the Imposition of Hood.
Competition tests firefighter’s skills
BY DAVINCI S. MARU THE skills of firefighters were put to the test yesterday in the first Regional Fire Olympics Championship. During the whole-day competition conducted by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 7, FO2 Zylbeth Cortes stood out. She was the only female participant in the maledominated competition. She hails from Larena, Siquijor. “I want to show to the public that women can also do the jobs of men no matter how dangerous,” she told Sun.Star Cebu. S k i l l s Senior Supt. Maria Luisa Hadjula, BFP 7 director, said the event enhances the skills and stamina of firefighters. “Mas extensive ang programa natin this year para ma-test talaga sila. This is the best of the best,” she said. S h e s a i d t h e p r e v i o u s F i r e Olympics were all at the provincial level. The Provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor and the City of Lapu-Lapu were the participating teams. Each team was composed of twelve firefighters. There were seven activities during the Olympics, which is the culmination activity for the Fire Prevention Month. It was held at the grounds of Cebu Business Park. Activities The activities were busted hose replacement relay;
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Fire Officer Zylbeth Cortes was featured in both regional TV and print as the only female participant in the male-dominated Regionbal Fire Olympics competition in Cebu recently.
iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
4,200 jobs await female skilled workers in Dubai DUMAGUETE CITY, Mar. 21 (PIA) – Some 4, 200 job opportunities are awaiting for Filipina skilled workers in Dubai up to 2016, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Information Officer Geraldine Delos Reyes announced yesterday. Delos Reyes said these jobs include electrical installation and maintenance, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning for government institutions, hospitals and universities in the said country. “These are male-identified jobs but the government of Dubai in Manila prefers woman especially TESDA certified female workers,” Delos Reyes said. Delos Reyes made the announcement during recent Kapihan sa PIA here at the Provincial Convention Center in line with the celebration of National Women’s Month. One of the key points discussed in the Kapihan is the growing trend of women employed in male-identified job fields. Delos Reyes reported that women who undergone skills training in TESDA accredited training centers are now working as welders in companies here and in abroad. She disclosed female graduates of welding course from the Cebu Science of Welding Skills Training Inc. are now working as welders in the ethanol plant in Manjuyod town while some are now welders in Japan and others are working as fabricators of water tank, gas tank or excavator bucket in Canada. Meanwhile, female skills training graduates from the Provincial Integrated Skills Training Center (PISTC)
are now working as welders in PhilOil plant in Amlan and in construction firms in Bais City and in Valencia town. With these, TESDAinvites all females to take skills training courses due to the growing niche for women in male-identified jobs. On the other hand, the theme of this year’s Women’s Month Celebration, “Ang Tatag mo ay Tatag natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong” gives emphasis to women’s role as society’s “drivers of change.” A statement from the website of the Philippine Commission on Women said the theme pays tribute to women who are actively involved in conflict and disaster management. In relation to this, Chief Inspector Loreme Baldado, Head of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) said women police are also very active in responding to natural disasters. Baldado explained that the officers of WCPD are also trained in rescue and response operations during calamities. She noted the active participation of WCPD officers in the conduct of disaster rescue drills. “Even during disasters there are also incidents of abuse on women and children. This is where the strength of WCPD comes in,” Inspector Baldado adds. As of now, the NOPPO was around 200 female police officers disseminated in every police station for the WCPD. Baldado said this might go higher since 10 percent of the recruitment for new members of the police force is focused on women to strengthen WCPDs.
She also bared plans to deploy
SSC, DOLE hold job fair
SIQUIJOR, March 20 (PIA)—The Siquijor State College (SSC) in coordination with the Department of Labor (DOLE) recently conducted a job fair at the SSC Gymnasium.
At least nine agencies for job opportunities local and abroad participated in the job fair.
The five local participating agencies were the Cebu Mitsumi Inc., Coco Grove Beach Resort, Help4U Employment Services, Inc., Metro Wear, Inc. and Qualfon. The four agencies for abroad were YHMD International Manpower Services., Inc, S & D Manpower Services., Inc, Jenerick International Ma n p o w e r S e r vi ce s ., I n c . , a n d t h e P i s c e s I n t e r n a t i o n a l Pl a c e m e n t . Local agencies are looking for business development representatives for bank clients, accounting works, warehousemen, receptionists, waiters, graphic artists, HRD supervisor, and safety officers for local employment. And for abroad are skilled workers, room attendants, cook electricians, surveyors, company nurses, drivers, cashiers, beauticians, and many more. The job fair caters 158 them were eleven job applicants
registrants, among hired on the spot.
The SSC also sponsored Health Expo which offered free services for massage and health check, among others. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAABatayo)
female police officers on beat patrol. Baldado takes this as an affirmation from the NOPPO administration and acknowledgement of the strength of women police. Baldado has been a chief of police in Manjuyod town and Bais City over the past years. “They (NOPPO) are giving us the chance to lead. I tell every woman to accept the responsibility of a police officer and do not feel inferior against male police,” Baldado encouraged women. Also, Josie Columna, officer of the Provincial Women’s Commission announced that as part of the celebration o f Wo m e n ’s M o n t h , t h e r e w i l l b e Women’s Congress on March 28 to be held in the Provincial Convention Center. Columna said a keynote speaker will further discuss the rationale of the theme and she invites Gender And Development (GAD) Focal persons on different local government units to attend the congress. (mbcn/RAL/PIA7-NEGOR)
Firefighters...fr page 1
rescue relay, where firefighters transport injured victims; hose unrolling/rolling; church-up the ladder; tug-of-war; selfcontained breathing apparatus’ and relays. The recognition of winners and awarding of prizes will take place today at the Talisay City Hall. Trophies and cash will be awarded to the winning teams. Cortes joined the hose unrolling/rolling competition. Cortes has been in the service for seven years, and is the first female firefighter in the Province of Siquijor. She serves as the public information officer and lecturer in Larena Fire Station. She have had her own share of accidents on the job. “Kuyawan pud ko pero dapat kalma lang ug dili mag-panic para mabuhat sa sakto ang akong mga buhatonon (You should stay calm and not panic),” she said. Service Cortes said she has been urging women to join the service and not be afraid of the risks. All-female crew “Hopefully, gusto nako makit-an nga all lady firefighters ang mag-man sa fire truck (I hope to see an all-female firefighting crew someday),” she said. At 33, Cortes has four children. Her husband works as a municipal engineer in Siquijor. She spends her rest days with her children and doesn’t find difficulty juggling career and motherhood. (reprinted from Sunstar)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
Lady leaders...fr. p. 1
were employed out of the 51 enrolled students. Housekeeping, however, remains a woman’s work: 76 were employed from 128 enrolled. In the latest Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum published in 2013, the country rose by three notches to fifth in the global ranking due to some improvements in economic participation and opportunity. According to the report, the Philippines topped all lower-middle income countries as well as the Asia-Pacific region, adding that the country “is the only country in Asia and the Pacific that has fully closed the gender gap in both education and health.” According to the (PIDS), critical issues remain, such as maternal health, which is part of the country’s commitment to meet the Millennium Development Goals. “PIDS research has found evidence of inequality in maternal and child health services utilization across economic classes and across regions, which requires government intervention,” the local think thank recently reported. But Mateo still considers women as bearers of miracles acknowledging that giving birth can only be done by women. She mentioned some pertinent provisions and salient features of the law that strongly protects women and their children as stated in Republic Act 9262 otherwise known as the Violence Against Women and Children. With this, she urged Siquijor women to unite and support each other by means of protecting one’s rights. In another women’s month celebration, Siquijor Mayor Mei Ling Quezon, the lone female mayor of the province said women have great roles in uplifting our country. They possess the abilities and character to endure sacrifices in life, she said. The women celebration in the province was graced with activities depicting the talents of women in a cultural competition and trade fair expo where finished products from different associations in the island were displayed. (mbcn/RAC/ PIA-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)
Missing ...
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Rey Bais Pinero, 42 and Juvy Ontal Pinero, 20, both from Dumaguete City. Siquijor Police Station report submitted to the PDRRMC showed that at around 3:30 pm of March 19, 2014, Siquijor MDRRMC’s Gilbert Briones reported that Shchipachev was missing at the Cang-alwang coastal reef. Acting on the report, Siquijor police station led by SPO2 Segarino Goldenito immediately coordinated with the DA’s Bantay Dagat Task Force who immediately responded and conducted a search and rescue to the missing person. T h e s e a r c h a n d rescue went on until 6:30 pm. At around 7:00 pm, the report said, a group of spear fishers found the body which was immediately brought to the provincial hospital for medical examination where he was confirmed dead. The two companions said they have exerted efforts to recover Shchipachev despite strong sea current but to no avail. Shchipachev’s body now lies at the Agnobis Funeral Homes while the Siquijor police station is still trying to communicate with the victim’s family through the Russian Embassy for the disposition of the cadaver. The police station is also coordinating with the crime laboratory of Cebu for further investigation. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
1st woman prexy... from page 1
major in Biology and minor in English at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. Jing rose from the ranks. She was an instructor for 26 years, became an Assistant Professor and later promoted to Associate Professor and eventually, a s G r a d u a t e S c h o o l P r o f e s s o r. She was designated as Dean of the College of Education from January 14, 2001 to June 14, 2010 and was later assigned as the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, at the same time Assistant Dean of the Graduate School. On October 2010, she was made Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Her latest Academic Rank is Professor II based on the Print-Out from the Zonal Computerization Center for 5th Cycle Evaluation. On August 19, 2013, she assumed into office as the fourth and the first woman president of the Siquijor State College. Dr. Quilicot’s leadership, according to one professor whom she has worked with, is “genuinely anchored on consultation and involvement among her constituents with output-oriented and definitiveness of purpose in her day-to-day task as a leader.” “Our President is not remiss in acknowledging the Almighty Father, the Giver of life and wisdom,” the professor said, citing her membership and involvement in the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professional (BCBP) – Siquijor Outreach with her guiding principle: “I shall pass into this world but once. Any good thing, therefore that I can do, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” The young and beauteous college president is married to Clifford Apiag Quilicot, the budget officer of the local government unit of Larena. They are blessed with three children, one son, Cliff Jules and two lovely daughters, Erica Jean and Nicole. With relevant management degrees, side by side with an extensive and comprehensive experience in the management of a State University and with the untiring support of her family, the new President said she firmly believes that she could propel and steer the College to greater heights and borderless education. She envisions SSC to become a leading multidisciplinary, researchdriven and globally competitive higher education institution contributing to sustainable growth and development. With all guests clad in Filipinianainspired attire at SSC Cultural and Sports Center, the Investiture Ceremony was graced by Philippine Association of State Colleges and Universities (PASUC) VII Chairperson and president of Cebu Normal University Dr. Marcelo T. Lopez and the lady representative of the Lone District of Siquijor, Cong. Marie Anne A. Pernes. Marcelo gave the Opening Proclamation while Cong. Pernes presented the Presidential Medallion to the new president. The affair was also graced by the schools’ and the local government’s key officials, the new president’s families and predecessors and their representatives, heads of national agencies and private institutions, faculty, staff, alumni, parents
TESDA...
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Jordan told the parent leaders to coordinate with the Community Training and Employment Coordinator (CTEC) of each town or go directly to their office as he introduced the Special Training for Employment Program or STEP and the Training for Work Scholarship Program ( T W S P ) a s a m o n g o t h e r T E S D A’s programs that Siquijodnons can avail of. He said, TESDA has earmarked some P3 million each for both STEP and TWSP for Siquijor. TESDA-Siquijor at present offers training on welding, all for free and right at each town so that folks need not spend for fare in going to and from the TESDA learning center in Lazi, Jordan said. He said the government is really doing its best to reach out to people and offer them the training they needed to develop their skills and enable them to access available employment. The government is even conscious of the need to close the gap in terms of employment opportunities between men and women because women are also given the training they need. They can even avail of those trainings that will make them get the usedto-be ‘male-identified’ jobs like the welding training, he said. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
EQ drill...
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were unable to do the exercise because of rains, said PDDRMC officer Blezel Omictin. But except for some minor lapses on the part of the volunteers and rescue teams, Omictin said the earthquake drill was successful. She said that volunteers need to coordinate properly so that they can respond right away to those needing help. One school principal, in a phone interview with Philippine Information Agency, said she is afraid accidents might happen because some areas of the school are too slippery and unsafe for school children to move in and out. She, however asked the MDRRMC to schedule the drill later. Provincial Fire Marshall Benito Sotto likewise said the drill is generally successful despite some government employees workers’ low response towards the call. “I take it as ‘dedication’. They seemed so dedicated on their work that despite the alarms, they continued to work,” he said. “But the most important thing is that they responded and followed the instruction,” he stressed. (rmn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)
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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