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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. 15 May 1-9 2014
PNP, AFP vows support for peace, security in Siquijor
SIQUIJOR (PIA)—The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have assured Siquijodnons of their support to peace, security, and development during the Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held Wednesday at the SP, Session Hall, Capitol Building, Siquijor, Siquijor.
AFP’s 302nd Brigade Commander Brigadier Gen. Francisco Patrimonio said that Siquijor has remained insurgency-free since it was first declared six years ago but they are here to always lend their presence to ensure that rebel forces will not set foot in the island. He said rebels may come to Siquijor not to encroach in the
Tu r n o v e r o f 3 9 Glock 17 Pistol to SPPO Prov’l Director Primitivo Tabujara (right) by Police Reg’l Office (PRO) - 7 director PCSupt Danilo S. Constantino (left). and witnessed by Siquijor Governor Zaldy S. Villa (in white) and 302nd Brigade Commander BGen. Francisco M. Patrimonio of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). (RAC/PIA-Siquijor w/ SPPO photo)
PRC head calls for more volunteers, sees importance of psychosocial first aid
SIQUIJOR (PIA) — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) here is calling for more volunteers as it stressed the importance of psychosocial first aid to the victims of calamities. PRC-Siquijor head head Rowena Maputi, in a press release, said disasters bring damages to both lives and property and greatly affects the emotional and social state of a person. “This is why psychosocial first aid is vital,” she said while admitting that oftentimes such interventions are left behind. Massage and other exercises that pacify stress and prevents hypertension should be made a habit by individuals especially the old ones, she said. Maputi said that Larena town headed by Mayor Dean Villa is initiating disaster preparedness and management efforts to make Larena a “disaster-ready” municipality. He also lauded the mayor for including first aid during the training of volunteers held in tje town. At present, PRC Siquijor has only one existing volunteer who has knowledge and skills to initiate the psychosocial first aid, she said. The PRC head is calling for more volunteers to work with them and help the government secure the community and save lives . (rmn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)
island but to rest and seek refuge. “And if they will, the military will come and they can no longer rest,” he said. Patrimonio said their first line of defense against possible encroachment is to continue with the information drive in coordination with the PNP and the reservists, strengthen Barangay information networks and other activities concerning p e a c e , s e c u r i t y, a n d d e v e l o p m e n t . He even assured Siquijor of their support to other activities like medical mission, disaster reponse, or even in local and national elections and other activities that need their presence. “We are here to support in the development and give protection,” he said. Supporting Patrimonio’s statement, Police Regional Office-7 Regional Director PCSupt Danilo Constantino also assured to strengthen police operations in the province. Patrimonio said that since Siquijor has no problem on insurgency, their primary concern is on criminality or the number of crimes committed everyday and how the police respond to each crime incidents. This, he said, is the PNP’s thrust which could not be strengthened with the filing of cases alone but the combination of three: filing of cases, arrest of suspects, and promulgation of suspects. “We should not stop on the filing of cases against perpetrators or suspects, we should continue our operation and see to it the they are convicted,” he said. The police official called on the police to religiously attend to court hearings especially on cases related to illegal drugs which reportedly have started to proliferate in the province. Patrimonio also vowed to pursue the province’s tourist police operation by providing tourist police with shirts, headgear, and other support needed. He also announced the distribution of 39 Glock 17 pistols to the PNP personnel as part of the third tranche of distribution. Fourth and Fifth tranches are still coming, he said, while assuring PNP personnel of the proficiency firearms training and all the support pertaining to peace and order. “We are committed to provide support to our police and to the entire province of Siquijor,” he added. (rmn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)
iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DOST orients, releases funds to SET-UP beneficiaries
SIQUIJOR (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST -7) thru Engr. Jesus Zamora, Jr., Executive Manager for Technical Support Services and SET-UP/RPMO regional coordinator, handed over three checks worth Php150,000, Php175,000, and Php980,000 to the proprietors of Oyhop’s Welding Shop, Gemma’s Homemade Products, and T&J Lumber Scrap Trade, respectively. The event took place recently at the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of DOST-Siquijor and witnessed by DOST personnel and staff. Before the turn over of checks, Engr. Zamora oriented them on the terms and conditions stipulated on the Memorandum of Agreement between their firm and DOST7. Zamora reminded the beneficiaries that funds they have requested are assumed to be used in purchasing the equipments needed in the upgrading and should never be used to purchase transportation equipments or to construct buildings. “You will be monitored from time to time during the implementation of the project which means that people from either the DOST prov’l office or the region will visit your area. For instance, an inventory team will conduct annual visit,” Zamora said. He pointed out that these funds are seeded without collateral to SMEs but in return, they are expected to help the
(L-R) DOST-Siquijor Provincial Director Engr. Mario de la Peña with Gemma Flores, Proprietor of Gemma’s Meat Processing; Mr. & Mrs. Tadley, owner of T&J Lumber & Scrap Trade Furniture Shop; Crisencio Oyhop, owner of Oyhop Welding Shop; and Engr. Jesus Zamora, Jr., OIC ARD for Technical Services Division in a pose during the turnover of checks to the three SET –UP beneficiaries last May 6, 2014.
community and the economy in particular by providing jobs to fellow Siquijorians. After a certain period of time, these entrepreneurs will be required to pay a monthly rental (not amortization) based on the approved structured payment scheme, he said. “Since DOST is not a financial institution, this money is not loaned to
PAG-IBIG service desk soon in Siquijor SIQUIJOR (PIA) — The PAG-IBIG Fund will soon set up a service desk in Siquijor to cater to the needs of the increasing members from Siquijor province. In a press statement, PAG-IBIG Dumaguete Branch Head Julio Carmel Alfarero said the creation of their service desk here also provides PAG-IBIG members a faster access to their agency’s different services. Siquijor is one of their priorities since it’s a separate province, he said. PAG-IBIG transactions like claims, loans, and other benefits which are catered at Dumaguete Branch can soon be processed here once the service desk is available. Alfarero has advised members to avail of the PAG-IBIG services as he urged non-members to apply. The implementing rules of PAG-BIG have been in accordance with Republic Act No. 9679. Multi-Purpose Loan, Housing Loan, and the interest of the total accumulated savings are only a few of the benefits PAG-BIG has offered, Alfarero said. (rmn/PIA-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)
you,” he said. The DOST assist them through technology transfer only so that purchase the needed equipments should be made by them, not by DOST, Engr. Zamora further stated. The beneficiaries are also reminded that such equipments will remain government properties until the total equivalent amount plus one half of one percent of that amount is fully paid. Inventory tags will be placed on these equipment. Zamora ended the orientation with a message of encouragement and wished the beneficiaries good luck with their business operation. In return, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to DOST for extending assistance to them. Likewise, Engr. Mario de la Pena, PSTD-Siquijor, congratulated the three entrepreneurs. He is very optimistic that thru SET-UP they can increase their production and annual sales. To note, SET- UP or Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve their productivity and competitiveness. (RJYA, MEP-DOST/RAC/PIA-Siquijor/)
iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
DENR-7 appeals for conservation of mangroves, other protected species CEBU (PIA) ---- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) appealed to the public to practice conservation and protection of species inside environment protected areas. During the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) forum, Al Orolfo, regional technical director of the Protected Area,
Success Story:
Wildlife Conservation Zone and Management Services (PAWCZMS) of DENR-7, said that protected species like mangrove has so much to offer against climate change. “So we learned now that mangrove has so much to offer to us in terms of protecting the coastal areas as what we have learned from typhoon Yolanda,” Orolfo stressed.
Bending and twisting made easy Fabrication of wrought iron products involves a lot of work in the bending and twisting of steel bars and steel plates. Consistency and efficiency in this process is a major problem in the production line since there is no uniformity with the jigs and fixtures that are ordinarily used. Perfecto B. Cortes is a famous machinist in Siquijor. He established P. Cortes Welding Shop in 1975 at a time when there was no shop that could deliver quality welding and fabrication service in the province. For 31 years, P. Cortes catered to the welding and metal fabrication jobs well as to automotive repairs, maintenance and service requirements of the people of that province. With increased construction activity in the area, fabrication of window grills and gates, steel tables and chairs and steel posts was in demand. However, there was something missing to produce precise and quality outputs. DOST’s support through technology upgrade came in 2008 with the approval of P. Cortes’ application to avail of SET-UP. The acquisition of these equipment was realized –a 3 in 1 wrought iron forming machine, welding machine, metal/bar cutter, paint spray gun with accessories, and an air compressor. The Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of DOST, developed the wrought iron bending and forming equipment. Training on its operation was also conducted. With this equipment, production time for the fabrication of wrought iron products was reduced by 50%. Intricate designs can now be easily made unlike before where intricate designs were made at a longer time and with less quality. Production volume increased by more than 25% including gross sales. Dr. Peck Cortes, son of the owner, relates how work in their shop has been made easy with the utilization of this equipment. He adds that decorative pieces and home accessories, which he designs, can now be easily done. These are by-products that would not have even been thought of in the past. With appropriate decorative accents, these pieces have become attractive “pasalubong” items found in a souvenir shop that he and his good friend owns. To complement their welding shop is having a complete stock of supplies for automotive repairs and maintenance, a desire that Dr. Peck verbalized. This will enable them to serve the complete requirements of their customers without having to source them outside of Siquijor. For the 76 year old owner of P. Cortes, there is no reason to go slow. A practitioner of regular exercise to keep him fit, bending and twisting is as easy as the bending and twisting that happens in his welding shop (SET-UP Product Catalogue).
He added that Region 7 is rich inprotected areas that include mangroves and tree sanctuary and other species that needs protection. Orolfo stressed that cutting of trees and mangrove inside the protected areas is strictly not allowed. “We focus the attention of the stakeholders that we don’t allow cutting of mangrove inside the protected areas,” Orolfo said. He added that cutting of mangroves for reclamation purpose is a form of prohibited act with corresponding penalties. The public is also urged to follow the proper procedures of cutting trees. “Instead of making problems let us help preserve the environment,” Eduardo Inting, Regional Technical Director of DENR-7 Forest Management Services, said. With the month of May celebrated as Month of the Ocean, DENR-7 urged stakeholders to participate in activities that include coastal clean- up and mangrove planting among others. (rmn/AYS/PIA 7)
Bright Leaf Agriculture jounalism awards now open
C E B U C I T Y, ( P I A ) - - - M e d i a f r o m all over the country is encouraged to join this year ’s contest covering the agricultural sector. The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Aw a rd s 2 0 1 4 i s fi n a l l y o p e n o n M a y 5 a n d will run until 5 pm of September 10 this year. Yvette Santiago, the award’s program manager, said the various awards are given to recognize the efforts of journalists, photographers, broadcasters who are covering the field of agriculture. “Usually kasi, it is very hard to land in the front page dahil agriculture story lang,” Santiago said. This time, they are putting a P50,000 money award plus i-Pad and an Asian tour for the winning entry as Agriculture Story of the Year. The other entries that were opened include Agriculture Photo of the Year, Tobacco Story of the Year, Tobacco Photo of the Year, Best National News Story, Best Regional News Story, Best National Feature Story, Best Radio Program or Segment. Santiago said the contest is open to all professional and practicing journalists who are 18 years above. Materials must have been published in print and broadcast media from September 1, 2013 until August 31, 2014. Santiago clarified that there is no limit to the number of entries submitted by a participant for as long as these are different materials. The participants may submit their entries online by logging in to www.brightleafawards. com or send to BRIGHTLEAF AWARDS 2014, Juicebox Shop Inc, L29, Nostalg Center, 17 A D B Av e n u e , O r t i g a s C e n t e r, P a s i g 1 6 0 0 . This is the first time that the g r o u p i n c l u d e d C e b u i n t h e i r r o a d s h o w. They are hoping to get more entries from Cebu and Central Visayas. (rmn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
Cebuano News
Members of the Siquijor Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in its first meeting for this year held at the SP Session Hall, Capitol Building, Siquijor, Siquijor last April 23. The meeting was graced by Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 regional director PCSupt Danilo S. Constantino and 302nd Brigade Commander BGen. Francisco M. Patrimonio of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). (RACalibo/PIA-Siquijor)
Insentibo, imbes wage hike alang sa kawani sa gobyerno TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)-Giingong mas gikonsiderar karon ni Presidente Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III ang paghatag og insentibo imbes nga isaka ang suholan sa mga kawani sa gobyerno. Atubangan kini sa sugyot ni Sen. Antonio Trillanes aron sakaan ang suholan sa mga kawani sa gobyerno aron malikayang matintal nga malambigit sa mga anomalya. Matud pa ni PNoy sa gipahigayong media interaction sa Bohol Island State University (BISU), bisan gusto niyang ipasaka ang suholan sa mga kawani sa gobyerno, bug-
at kini kaayo ug lisud pondohan. Gibutyag sa Presidente nga gitunan niini nga imbes nga cash, insentibo na lamang ang ihatag sama sa housing sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ug Philippine National Police (PNP) nga mahimong palapdan sa ubang empleyado. Gipahayag usab ni PNoy nga gusto niyang unahon ang pensyon sa mga retiradong polis ug sundalong wala pa napondohi. Gitataw sa Presidente nga dili kini apil sa makapahimos kun mapalabang ang balaod nga isaka ang suholan sa mga kawani sa gobyerno.
9.6M ka registered voters wala pa nakuhai ug biometrics
MANILA, May 08 (PIA) --- Kapin sa 9.6 milyon registered voters ang wala nakuhai og biometric scan sa tibuok nasud o gibanabanang 18 porsyento sa mga botante. Dakung kawad-on kini sa umaabot 2016 Presidential Elections mao nga nanawagan karon si Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Sixto Brillantes sa publiko nga siguradohon na ang pagpa-biometrics ug dili lamang basta nakapa-rehistro. Tulo ka proseso o tulo ka minuto lamang ang paga-agian sa usa ka botanteng magpa-biometrics kun dili taas ang pila sa mga buhatan sa Comelec. Kun mapakyas sa paghimo niini, mahimong kuhaan sa katungod nga makabotar ang usa ka indibidwal, butang nga gustong likayang mahitabo ni Brillantes. Tulo ka milyong bag-ong botante ang gipaabot sa Comelec nga magparehistro. Bukas ang mga buhatan sa Comelec sa mga adlaw nga Domingo hangtud Huwebes gikan sa alas 8 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5 sa hapon. (PIA7-Bohol/ECB) a r t i c l e = 1 0 8 1 3 9 9 5 3 7 1 6 6 # s t h a s h . x G P e A I M V. d p u f
“Unang-una, iklaro ko lang, kapag sinuportahan ko iyon hindi ako kadamay doon sa increase ha. You cannot enact a law that will benefit you. So if that bill becomes a law, I signed it into law, I cannot benefit from it. Tapos iyong the members of Congress who will also authorize it are not also entitled until they finish their terms,” pasabot pa sa Presidente. Niduaw si PNoy sa ika-limang higayon sa lalawigan human sa kusog nga linog sa niaging tuig aron pagtambong sa paglusad sa Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) Shared Service Facility sa BISU. (mbcn/PIA7-Bohol/ECB)
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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