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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. 13 April 8-14, 2014

Special Feature: ‘Healing Festival’ spells Siquijor magic

SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- As everyone prepares for the Holy week, so is Siquijor province for the “Healing Festival” come April 16 to 19 at the Bandilaan Mountain View Park in Cantabon, Siquijor, Siquijor.

During these days, folk healers, herbalists, hilots (masseurs), locals, domestic and foreign tourists gather once again to join and witness the showcase of traditional healing products and methods indigenous to the mystical island of Siquijor.

Siquijor provincial tourism officer, Jossette Almirola said, the festival is the time for Siquijor Island to boost its tourism potentials as more and more people coming every year to witness the gathering and preparation of medicinal potions

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Province’s rabiesfree campaign gets Lapu-lapu support

SIQUIJOR (PIA)--As the only province in Central Visayas that remains rabies-free, Siquijor province received training program from the city government of Lapulapu City, says a press release from Renan Ansing of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) here.

The city government of Lapu-lapu through its Office of the City Veterinarian – City Pound Section spearheads the training on human handling of dogs on March 25-26, 2014 in Larena, Siquijor, says the report.

Siquijor Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Bernardita S. Tabada said the city sent experts to Siquijor that will surely improve the province’s efforts in maintaining a Rabies-free province in the country.

She expressed her gratitude to Mayor Paz Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City for sharing the city’s expertise in dog catching and handling techniques.

Siquijor has been declared as Rabies-Free Province last September 22, 2008 in a joint DOH-DA declaration held in Quezon City, after the ten years

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Nature, people, music, amulets and potions, food, and art pieces await visitors at Bandilaan Mountain View Park in ‪Siquijor‬ where the ‪‎Healing‬ Festival is.

iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DOST Siquijor prepares ARGs, WLMS vs LPA

SIQUIJOR (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of Siquijor province conducted recently site visits to Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) and Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) installed in different areas of the province in preparation for the Low Pressure Area (LPA) likely to hit the province .

This is part of the DOST’s effort in response to President Aquino’s instructions to put in place a responsive program for disaster prevention and mitigation, says Provincial Director Mario E. de la Pena in an interview earlier.

C u r r e n t l y, t h e p r o v i n c e h a s s i x A R G s i n s t a l l e d i n d e s i g n a t e d a r e a s i n e v e r y municipality and one WLMS located at the bridge above the Seniora River in Lazi.

` A c c o r d i n g t o E n g r. R o l a n d P a d a y h a g , t e a m l e a d e r o f D O S T S i q u i j o r ’ s i n s p e c t i o n team, it was their first preventive maintenance visit since these equipments were installed.

“ We h a v e t o p u l l o u t o v e r g r o w n w e e d s w i t h i n t h e f e n c e d a r e a o f s o m e A R G s a n d r e m o v e d cover crops in other spots”, also says Macbeth Dal, one of the DOST personnel who conducted the activity.

Fortunately these weather monitoring equipments are still in good condition, also says Engr. Padayhag.

Meanwhile, Engr. de la Pena stressed the importance of securing and maintaining the areas. He said that if these plants are not removed, might hinder the ARGs in providing accurate data.

Such simple activity, he said, is crucial especially during extreme weather conditions. “ Imagine.

In order to assess the situation, these

According to Dr. Renato U. Solidum, director of the Department of monitoring systems have to be in good shape Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to deliver precise information as PDRRMC, (DOST-PHIVOLCS), imagination is the best remedy in battling fierce disasters which seem commonplace nowadays even outside the Philippines. MDRRMCs, BDRRMCs and local residents rely

“Possible future hazards and its effects in localities and the whole region on them in their disaster plans and actions against must be imagined to craft and implement appropriate solutions. You have the most LPAs, monsoons and typhoons, he added.

To note, these equipments are important role to be not injured, to be alive, during a major event,” Solidum stated during his presentation before provincial governors, mayors, disaster risk reduction deployed as part of the Development of Hybrid managers, and city planning officers in the recent CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Weather Monitoring System and Production of and Iloilo series of DOST’s information and education campaign (IEC) recently. Weather and Rain Automated Stations Project.

Through the aide of these devices,

The seminar-workshop is part of DOST’s ongoing nationwide IEC dubbed as “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” which aims to arm local amount of rainfall in every municipality can now be government units (LGUs) with knowledge and science-based technologies for checked by any Siquijodnon anywhere, anytime community preparedness against disasters especially in the face of climate change. by logging on to noah.dost.gov.ph through cell

Disaster imagination starts with identifying the hazards which may phone, tablet, laptop or personal computer.

The government, through the DOST possibly hit one’s locality, according to Dr. Solidum. This is followed by has launched the Nationwide Operational making an assessment of these hazards by identifying their magnitude Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) to make sure and the possible affected areas. The next step involves an assessment that the country will be prepared against the of possible casualties and losses and the entire damage scenario.

To assist LGUs in their disaster imagination initiatives is REDAS, worst of the natural calamities such as strong or the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System – a PHIVOLCS- typhoons, considering that the Philippines is developed earthquake simulation software. It is the only semi-geographic included in the list of most vulnerable areas information system software which can simulate earthquake hazards. to climate change owing to its archipelagic

“It can be a database to put in the location of your houses and nature, by improving its people’s natural statistics of the houses, it can estimate the number of buildings and resiliency through Science and Technology.

In partnership with the academe casualties per municipality. The concept is risk assessment. With these and other stakeholders, the program is data, you’ll know what to do, what steps to take,” Solidum explained.

P o s s i b l e d i s a s t e r s c e n a r i o s i n C A L A B A R Z O N taking a multi-disciplinary approach S e v e r a l f a u l t s r u n n i n g t h r o u g h t h e P h i l i p p i n e in developing systems, tools, and other a r c h i p e l a g o a f f e c t R e g i o n I V - A i n p a r t i c u l a r . technologies that could be operationalized

According to Solidum’s presentation, if the Infanta Fault in Quezon by government disaster risk reduction.

Its immediate task is to integrate moves, an Intensity 7-8 earthquake would occur, causing liquefaction and current disaster science research and landslides in some areas. If the Ragay segment in Bicol moves with a magnitude development projects and initiate new efforts 7.3, folks in Quezon will also experience an Intensity 7-8 earthquake. If the within the DOST to achieve this objective. fault in Mindoro moves, those in Batangas will be affected by a tremor of Several components of the project similar intensity. The same goes for both Cavite and Batangas if the Manila Trench moves. Meanwhile, if the West Valley Fault moves, it will also cause are: Hydromet Sensors Development; an Intensity 8 shaking in Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and possibly Batangas. DREAM-LIDAR 3-D Mapping Project; Flood

If the earthquake occurs off the Manila Trench, it can generate NET-Flood Modeling Project; Hazards a tsunami that can reach inside Manila Bay, Batangas Bay and inside Information MediaStrategic Communication toward the inland parts of Marinduque and even Western Quezon. Intervention; Disaster Management using

The PHIVOLCS chief added that if Taal Volcano were to erupt again with WebGIS; Enhancing Geo-hazards Mapping the strength of its 1754 eruption which lasted from May to December that year, a through LIDAR ; Doppler System Development; wide area will be affected by ashfall, posing tremendous dangers to human health. Landslide Sensors Development Project;

“Appropriate preparedness, mitigation measures and response Storm Surge Inundation Mapping Project; and measures must be according to the scenarios that can happen, that we Weather Information - Integration for System can think of, even before this would happen. So disaster imagination is Enhancement (WISE). (mbcn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor w/ reports from RJYA, MEP/DOST-Siquijor) to page 3

“Disaster Imagination”: DOST’s remedy for disaster readiness

iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS

Special Feature: ‘Healing Festival’ spells Siquijor magic...from page 1 or observe the healing session or simply need to get healed.

What used to be just a customary gathering of healers and herbalists from the island and some from Visayas and Mindanao, the ‘Healing Festival’ is now attracting a number of tourists and is popularized to become one of the island’s attractions.

The provincial government tags it as ‘Healing Festival’ to bring positive twist on the island’s mystical repute in line with its thrust to promote Siquijor as a ‘Healing Island’.

Now on its fifth year, the ‘Healing Festival’ once again showcases the alternative and traditional healing to include “Pangalap” or the gathering of various kinds of herbs for seven Fridays from March 7 – April 18 of the Lenten season.

“Pag-adlep” or chopping of gathered herbs on Maundy Thursday, April 17; and “Pagluto” or herbal brewing by the San Antonio healers and herbalists group on Black Saturday, April 19.

Medicinal potions are made from a variety of tree barks, roots, herbs, insects, and other ingredients.

These are gathered during Fridays of the Lent from the forests, seas, caves and cemeteries.

The resulting brews are known to have healing powers.

Several other activities also spice up the whole festivity that is opened on April 16 (Holy Wednesday) with a Holy Mass with Msgr. Candelario Catubig as the Celebrant.

Opening program follows with presentations from the Cantabon Elementary School and the Local government unit of Siquijor.

Product display and activities dubbed “exploring

Rabies-free campaign...fr page 1 of its last case of both human and canine rabies was reported.

Based on provincial rabies data, two cases on human rabies was reported in 1997 and in 1998 up to present, no case was counted while three cases of indigenous canine rabies was reported last 1987 and it only reemerged in 1993.

In a recent visit of regional executive director Angel Enriquez of the Department of Agriculture (DA-7) in Siquijor, she encouraged local chief executives and authorities to intensify the efforts towards maintaining the province’s status while ensuring support in the veterinary quarantine and regulatory service.

Aside from rabies program implementation, Tabada also stressed the strong partnership of DA on the regulation of incoming and outgoing of dog (canine).

Dr. Julius Galvan, the Provincial Veterinary Quarantine Officer led the strict enforcement to ports that connects provinces in Central Visayas and Mindanao in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The continued efforts of the province include vaccination of dogs, free castration, spy and neuter of dogs to control its population. Successful five-year implementation that covers 80 percent of dog population reaches 18,216 heads since 2009.

The rabies-free program of the province is based on Republic Act No. 9482 on the control and elimination of human and animal rabies and Republic Act No. 8485 on the animal welfare. (Renan Lapinig Ansing/DA)

Disaster imagination...fr page 2 important,” he emphasized. “We are giving you scenarios so you can prepare as a region so that it isn’t only the affected residents who will prepare, but also those who can help them.”

““Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” which will be held in all 17 regions of the Philippines between March and May 2014 is a joint project between DOST, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of Civil Defense. (Angelica A. de Leon S & T M e d i a S e r v i c e , D O S T- S T I I )

Cantabon Cave”, “Sikihod” Spa Massage, “Bolo-bolo” healing and Healing Sessions with various healers at their designated spots are also open on this day until the end of the festival.

On the 17th (Maundy Thursday), Siquijor Tennis Club will have the TUNGAS 2014, a 10K Reflection Walk to the Cross at Mt. Bandilaan while the Tribu Walof Mountaineers Club will have its “Angat Panaad 2014,” a Holy Trek from the Queengate Center in Larena, Siquijor to Mt. Bandilaan.

Presentations from the local government units of Maria and Larena are also lined up with the Performing Acoustic Band dubbed “Bolo-Bolo Roots” in the evening.

Good Friday (April 18) is when the Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross) is made at 7:30 in the morning.

It will be followed with a presentation from LGU Lazi.

Black Saturday (April 19) the pack-up day but several other local entertainments are also done prior to ending the festival.

Bandilaan Mountain View Park is situated at the center of the province that stands 557 feet at its highest point and is surrounded by a 224-hectare man-made forest that is home to endemic fauna and flora and other attractions.

According to the Provincial Tourism Office, in the past festivals, love potions are the island’s tops selling products.

They come in a couple of variants, either in oil or nonliquid form, to be stirred with your favorite perfume and cologne.

It has been said that by rubbing or spraying the mixture on yourself, you will attract good vibes, business luck or the love of your life.

The love potion is the concoction of 20 specific herbs gathered only during the seven Fridays of lent season.

Herbal potion, on the other hand, is accordingly, what Siquijor’s host of folk healers use for many, many years.

It is especially-brewed medicinal liniment to treat physical ailments, which they believe are either brought about by natural and or supernatural causes.

Each medicinal potion, it is said, contains 200 types of herbal plants, interestingly bear the names of the kind of effect it leaves on people such as “tawa-tawa” or laughter; “sumbalik” or return; “Tulay” or connection; “tulog-tulog” or rest, and many others.

Undoubtedly negative images abound about the island. Just the mention of Siquijor, people are quick to associate the place with mysticism, magic, witchcraft and sorcery blurring the island’s real beauty and goodness.

Siquijor, many say, is blessed with natural divine beauty, alluring white sand beaches, caves, natural spring, and colors of the seasons.

One tourist/visitor said she f e l t s t a t i c t h e m o m e n t s h e s a w S i q u i j o r.

“The water was so blue and inviting and the whole coastline was covered with white sand. It truly makes for a great first impression for tourists to this paradise island,” the same visitor said of the inviting waters in Siquijor pier.

These are but a few of the Siquijor charms.

Healing Festival is another.

It’s a kind of festivity that also spells the Siquijor magic. Not only because of the healers, herbalists and the potions or the so-called “powers” that come with them, the island itself brings healing to one’s body and spirit.

As one of the favorite impressions of Siquijor says: “Siquijor is more than an island paradise. It is a state of mind, it’s an attitude, a perspective, a lesson in stress management, and a watering hole for the mind and spirit.”

To say the least, whether you believe in witchcraft or not, the island of Siquijor possesses a kind of magic so enchanting that tourists from all over are enticed to see.

Mystifying in every angle, Siquijor is a destination of picturesque sunsets, unexplored coves, and stunning sites just waiting to be discovered. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS

Cebuano News

‘Mosquito dance’ gilusad sa DoH

MANILA (PIA)--Dungan sa pagsaulog sa World Health Day, pormal usab nga gilusad sa Department of Health (DoH) ang ilang “Mosquito Dance.”

Mismong silang Health Secretary Enrique O n a , A s s i s t a n t S e c r e t a r y E r i c Ta y a g u g m g a tinugyanan sa World Health Organization (WHO) ang nanguna sa pagsayaw kontra sa lamok.

Matud pa sa DoH, makatabang ang Mosquito Dance aron magbaton og mas halapad nga atensyon ang kampanya sa ahensya batok sa mga lamok ug sa dala niining mga sakit sa katawhan sama sa malaria, dengue ug chikungunya.

Base sa datos sa WHO, nakaapekto ang maong mga sakit sa 2.5 bilyong biktima sa 100 ka nasud o halos 40% sa populasyon sa tibuok kalibotan.

Niini lamang niaging semana, daghan ang natalang kaso sa pagdaghan sa lamok sa ubang bahin sa nasud.

Tambag sa DoH, makatabang sa pagbatok sa sakit ang paggamit og screen sa balay, paggamit og insect repellent, pagsuot og long sleeve s h i r t u g pantal on ug p a g g a mi t s a mo s k e t e r t o.

Mas maayo usab nga pangitaon ug limpyohan ang mga gipuy-an ug gipangitlogan sa mga lamok. (mbcn/PIA7-Bohol/ECB)

TESDA ngadto sa mga HS graduates: Kuha ug vocational course

MANILA (PIA)--Nanawagan ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) sa tanang mga nitapos sa high school nga pahimoslan ang bakasyon aron mokuha og kursong may kalabot sa technical-vocational (tech-voc).

Pasabot ni TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva, dakung butang kun mo-enroll una ang kinsa mang high school graduates karong bakasyon samtang nangita pa og kolehiyong masudlan sa pagbukas sa klase sa Hunyo oAgosto.

“Many graduates look to college after high school and wait for the school year opening in June or August.

Instead of spending idle months, they may enroll in a techvoc course that interests them,” matud pa ni Villanueva.

Giingong sa mga panahong magsugod na sa pagplano sa kaugmaon ang mga high school graduates, angay hibaw-an niini kun unsa ang angay himuon aron makab-ot ang kalampusan. (mbcn/PIA7-Bohol/ECB)

Comelec sa mga bag-ong botante: magparehistro na!

MANILA(PIA)--Subling nipahinomdom ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) nga adunay nahabiling 36 ka adlaw na lamang alang sa tanang bag-ong botante aron makaparehisto alang sa nagsingabot nga national elections sa 2016.

Matud pa sa tigpamaba sa Comelec nga si James Jimenez, Mayo 6 ang gitakdang katapusang adlaw sa pagparehistro sa mga bag-ong botante nga may edad 18 pataas ug sa mga wala pay biometrics.

“Registered voters without biometrics, new voters aged 18 and up; and everyone wanting to update their voter records, 36 days na lang, May 6 na!

Registration for Filipino overseas voting also begins on May 6, 2014,” matud pa sa twitter account ni Jimenez.

Giingong mokabat sa walo ka milyong botante ang wala pa nipaubos sa biometrics apil na ang 2 ka milyong bagong botante mao nga nanawagan ang poll body nga moadto na sa pinakaduol nga buhatan sa Comelec aron ipatarong ang record sa usa ka botante. (mbcn/PIA7-Bohol/ECB)

DTI-7 intensifies consumer welfare campaign

CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) in the region intensified its consumer welfare campaign on the rights and responsibilities of the public to be vigilance in addressing illegal trade practices or the selling of inferior and unsafe goods and services in the marketplace.

According to Jojie Villamor, Information Officer of DTI-7 during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) Forum, the consumers must learned to fight and protect their rights for the benefit of all.

Villamor enumerated the eight basic consumer rights. The very first is Right to Basic Needs which guaranteed survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation.

Second, Right to Safety to protect the consumers against the marketing of goods or the provision of services that are hazardous to health and life.

Third, Right to Information – the right to protect against dishonest or misleading advertising or labeling and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed choice.

Fourth, Right to Choose for the products at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.

Fifth, Right to Representative – this is the right to express consumer interest in the making and execution of government policies.

Sxth, Right to Redress to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

Seventh, Right to Consumer Education which is to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed customer.

Eighth, Right to a Healthy Environment with the right to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of dignity and well-being.

Villamor said, these rights have accompanying responsibilities. She added that to effectively assert the consumers rights, the public must take on five duties.

Critical awareness--this is the responsibility to stay alert and questioning on the use of, and the price and quality of good and services we procure for ourselves.

Action-- to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair deal. If we remain passive, we can become prime targets for exploitation, Villamor added.

Social concern -- as responsible citizens, we should always bear in mind the impact of our consumption on other citizens especially the disadvantaged sector of our society.

Environmental awareness-- this is the consumers’ responsibility to understand the environmental consequences of our consumption and to conserve our natural resources and protect the Earth for future generations to enjoy as well.

L a s t l y, V i l l a m o r s a i d , S o l i d a r i t y t o o r g a n i z e together as consumers to develop the strength and influence to promote and protect our interest.

In a related development, DTI-7 will roll out its small and medium enterprises (SME) Roving Academy starting in March with a series of entrepreneurship briefings and sessions to include various business development services.

“It will be held in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor but we are still planning how many for each province,” said Villamor.

DTI-7 targets 98 SME Roving Academy for this year. The program is a continuous learning for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises to become competitive in the domestic and international markets. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7)

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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