22 isiquijor 1 07

iSIQUIJOR Information is our business.

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. 22 July 1- 7, 2014

Siquijor to institutionalize climate change measures

by Rizalie Anding-Calibo

SIQUIJOR (PIA) --- The province of Siquijor will soon institutionalize Climate Change mitigating measures following the launching of Green Line Siquijor Project and the tree-planting activity held June 24 at Barangay Dumanjug, Siquijor, Siquijor.

In a brief interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), provincial administrator Peter Samson cited the importance of the project and encouraged Siquijodnons to do environmental efforts regularly.

We hope to institutionalise this activity, review the process, and make it more efficient and productive, he explained.

“In fact the province is seeking additional budget for casual personnel to do climate change mitigation so that it can assist DENR in propagating more tree planting activities that is not only good for the environment but in the long term, protect and add beauty to the island and give job to its people,” said Samson.

Green Line Siquijor project is the pilot project of the new administration in response to the government’s call for climate change resiliency.

Initially, some 1,000 saplings of

C L I M AT E C H A N G E MEASURES: Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Moreno Tagra pushed for the institutionalization of Green Line Siquijor project in the province as one of its measures to counter the effects of climate change, as well as enhance the island’s beauty, promote historical signficance and bring micro-climate improvements.

different varieties were planted in Dumanjug Beach area with“Bitaug” and “Langin”, “Talisay” and fruit trees.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Moreno Tagra also said the project will not only enhance beauty but will also establish shoreline, protect the place and its locals from storm surge, promote historical

significance of the island and brings micro climate improvement.

The idea is for Siquijor to be lined up with trees, he added.

The launching and tree planting activity was participated by provincial government officials and employees, the Philippine Army, students, schools, and some government line agencies. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

Other lined up trainings for Siquijor are Green Tourism, Energy Audit, Packaging and Labelling, Food Safety Training, Pricing and Costing Training, Entrepreneurship, Values Orientation and Revitalization, and Waste Minimization in the Mnufacturing Process that also target aspiring entrepreneurs, graduating business students, returning overseas Filipino workers, women entrepreneurs and out-ofschool youths as the beneficiaries.

These will capacitate the industry sectors in the province through learning sessions either through lectures or skills buildup integrating some aspects on greening, Virtucio added.

All these, she said, will be done

in cooperation with the local government units, national government agencies, the academe, trade and industry associations and other government and non-government organizations.

SME roving academy program aims to develop MSMEs to be competitive not just in local, but also in the international markets.

The program is a partnership with MSME Development Council to provide MSMEs with “workshop-like training sessions” in the development of their operations.

It presses for “inclusive growth,” and gives attention and support to clusters and cooperative MSMEs in different parts of the country. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

DTI mounts SME roving academy in Siquijor’s six towns

SIQUIJOR (PIA)— The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Siquijor province started mounting the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Roving Academy (SMERA) program to micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in all six towns in the province.

The activity will bring to provincial MSMEs learning programs designed to promote entrepreneurship, improve access to credit and markets, and increase productivity and efficiency, says DTI-Siquijor provincial director Nimfa Virtucio.

A series of seminars on financial management were conducted recently to local entrepreneurs in the food, gift, decors and housewares (GDH) and furniture industries.

iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DOST-7 to strengthen Siquijor PDRRMC

by Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing

SIQUIJOR (PIA) --- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) will strengthen Siquijor’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) thru its Grantin-Aid program.

On June 24, 2014, Engr. Jesus F. Zamora, Jr., OIC-Assistant Regional Director of DOST-7 handed a check worth Php 300,000 to the agency thru its PDRRMO, Blezela Mae Omictin, and staff.

Before the turnover of check, Engr.

Zamora, Jr. oriented them on the terms and conditions stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement between PDRRMC and DOST.

The project aims to make the Siquijor PDRRMC Center more effective in designing, programming, and coordinating disaster risk reduction and management activities, such as mapping and assessment of hazards or risks and the training of local DRRM stakeholders in modern disaster risk management techniques like Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System.

It also aims to provide the center with the needed equipment support and technical expertise.

In fact, the Siquijor Provincial Government constructed a separate building to house PDRRMC.

The agency, however, does not have the necessary equipment.

With DOST’s intervention, the agency is expected to build its capability to effectively perform its various functions especially those relating to disaster prevention and mitigation.

In addition, the technology support is expected to establish an information system; develop a computerized database on local

Climate Change Advocacy Campaign: Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing of DOST-Siquijor discussing the basics of El Nino and the DOST’s intervention to counter the effects of climate change in the province. hazards, vulnerabilities, risks; organize and facilitate in the gathering of data needed for the proper identification, assessment, reduction and management of disaster risks in the province; support the orientation/training of PDRRMC members; and develop institutional linkages and mechanisms.

DOST Siquijor will regularly monitor project implementation and with the assistance of the PDRRMC, evaluate project impact at the end of the project period

In an interview with Engr. Mario de la Peña, Provincial Director of DOST Siquijor, he said that he is very optimistic about the inter-

agency project between DOST and Siquijor’s PDRRMC. He added that the agency could still be upgraded with a Global Positioning System (GPS)should there be a second phase subject to availability of funds.

On the other hand, PDRRMO Blezela Mae Omictin expressed her gratitude in behalf of PDRRMC for the technological intervention that DOST has extended to her agency.

The event took place at the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of DOST Siquijor and witnessed by DOST personnel and staff. (rmn/rac/with reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing, DOST Siquijor)

How to make sense of PAGASA’s color-coded rainfall advisories

The flood alerts

Under the heavy rainfall warning system, a yellow rainfall advisory is raised when the expected rainfall amount is between 7.5 mm and 15 mm within one hour and likely to continue.

Communities given this advisory are advised to be aware of the weather condition and warned that flooding may be possible in low-lying areas.

The orange rainfall advisory is raised in areas where rainfall is between 15 mm and 30 mm within one hour. Flooding is a definite threat in communities under the orange alert.

A red rainfall advisory is issued when downpours constitute an emergency. This is raised when observed rainfall is more than 30 mm within one hour or if rainfall has continued for the past three hours and is more than 65 mm.

When PAGASA raises a Red warning, communities should be prepared to respond. It means serious flooding is seen and that residents should be ready to evacuate to safety.

How it works:

Based on the advisory level, find out if your area is affected. For example, if you live in Marikina, go to Project Noah.

The real-time flood reference for Marikina can be seen if you click flood maps and go to flood inundation.

PAGASAgenerates flood scenario for Marikina river every 10 min.

All LGUs have identified evacuation areas to be used in case of flooding. These are the barangay multipurpose court, selected barangay halls, and public schools—elementary and H.S.

For more, see Government Information During National Disasters.

JULY is Nutrition Month

iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS

A variety of food daily is key to good health

Did you know that the human body needs more than 40 different nutrients everyday for good health?

There is no single food that can supply the body with the needed nutrients in proper amount and balance starting at age six months and onwards.

The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos recommends eating a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body.

The NGF was developed by nutrition experts led the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

The three major food groups are the go, grow, and glow foods.

Go foods like rice, bread, noodles, pasta, and corn give us energy. Other go foods include root crops like sweet potato, cassava, and potato. Sugars and jams, oil, margarine and butter that make our food tasty give energy as well.

Grow foods build and repair body tissues that make children grow tall. Grow foods also make the muscles strong.

Examples of grow foods are meat and meat products, chicken and other poultry products, fish and seafood, milk and dairy products, beans and nuts, and eggs.

Glow foods, like fruits and vegetables help regulate body processes by providing vitamins and minerals.

Glow foods give us fiber that makes our digestive system healthy.

However, other than these food groups, the intake of water is also necessary.

Water and other beverages also regulate body processes as they play an important role in digestion, absorption, metabolism, transport, and utilization of nutrients.

Water and beverages also help us excrete waste products and toxins from our lungs, skin, kidneys, and large intestines.

Remember to eat a variety of foods and drink at least eight

g l a s s e s o f w a t e r e v e r y d a y.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, E-Mail: mvc@fnri. dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com, Telefax: (02) 8372934, (02) 8273164, or call (02) 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http:www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRIDOST S&T Media Services: Info Bits – CZARINA TERESITA S. MARTINEZ)

Use iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorder

Did you know that iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) affects Filipino in all population groups? This is according to the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research

Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain

damage. It is one of the main causes of impaired cognitive development in children.

The Philippine government proactively regulated an act promoting salt iodization nationwide and for related purposes, otherwise known as the ASIN Law or Republic Act 8172 to address this concern.

The seventh recommendation in the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) is to use iodized salt to prevent IDD.

With the joint efforts of the government and private sector in eradicating IDD in the country, we are hopeful to expect a productive citizenry and progressive economy.

Let us all work together to eradicate IDD by using iodized salt in our daily cooking.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/ fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri. dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service: Info Bits – JUND RIAN A. DORINGO)

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS

Cebuano News

6-bulan nga amnesty sa loose firearms, gisugdan sa PNP

iNFOBYTES

Where, how to avail of welfare, employment, livelihood, and legal assistance?

Repatriated OFWs are informed at the airport through simple flyers

MANILA (PIA)--Gisugdan na sa Philippine National Police (PNP) ang paghatag og unom ka buwan nga amnestiya sa loose firearms sa nasud agig pagsunod sa Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Control o ang Republic Act 10591.

Tumong niining mapa-rehistro ang mga dili lisensiyadong mga armas ug malikayan ang bug-at nga silot.

Tungod niini, nanawagan ang PNP sa mga nanag-iya og mga unlicensed firearms nga pahimoslan kining maong higayon aron malikayan ang kalangan sama sa “Oplan Katok” ug pagpatuman sa search warrants nga gipagawas sa mga korte.

Gisiguro sa PNP mga adunay 900 ka regional health offices nga andam nang modawat sa mga aplikante alang sa neuro clearance applicants.

Apil usab sa requirements ang drug test ug giingong PNP lamang ang mohimo niini.

Mahinungdanon usab ang pagbaton og pinakabagong “gun safety and responsible gun seminar certificate.”

Apan nipasidaan ang PNP nga dili tanang gun clubs sa nasud ang accredited nga mog-isyu sa maong certificates. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

OFW repatriates arriving in the Philippines receive from the government not just assistance services on welfare, employment, livelihood, and legal matters (Assist WELL), but also relevant and useful information on how and where to avail of such services.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said this yesterday as the Welfare Assistance Committee under the DOLE’s Assist WELL Program began to distribute flyers in English and Filipino describing the various WELL programs and services and instructing OFW repatriates on where and how to avail of these.

“We are working to ensure an effective and successful reintegration of overseas Filipino workers repatriated from crisis/emergency situations in their countries of deployment by reaching out to them through the distribution of flyers containing relevant, important, and useful information,” Baldoz said.

“We wanted to be able to effectively convey to all OFWs, especially to those who were forced to leave their jobs abroad for reasons not of their own making, that the government is prepared to welcome them in their own country and is ready to address their welfare, employment, livelihood, and legal needs after they arrive,” she added.

TheAssist WELL Program flyers are being distributed at the airport where repatriated OFWs are assisted by OWWApersonnel. The OWWAheads the program’s WelfareAssistance Committee.

The flyers contain information on what the program is all about, what it offers them, and the contact details of all DOLE, OWWA, and POEA Regional Offices with jurisdiction over the area of their residence to make it really easy for them to avail of the assistance offered by the program.

A component of the National Reintegration Program for OFWs, the Assist WELL Program provides welfare, employment, livelihood, and legal assistance to the repatriates.

On welfare assistance, the DOLE, through the OWWA, provides airport assistance; temporary shelter and accommodation; transport assistance to residence; emergency medical assistance; and stress debriefing

Through the POEA, Bureau of Local Employment, and TESDA, it provides employment assistance in the form of job placement/referral for local employment or overseas iSIQUIJOR is the Island employment; and competency assessment and certification for repatriated workers who of Siquijor’s first electronic newsletter wish to confirm whether they possess the competencies required in a preferred workplace. produced by the Philippine Information

The DOLE, through the OWWA, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, and Agency-Siquijor Information Center and the the Bureau of Workers with Special Concers, in coordination with DOLE regional offices, DOST - Provincial Science and Technology offers livelihood assistance, such as entrepreneurial development training; livelihood Center. skills training; hands-on business mentoring and support; and business loan assistance.

It contains snippets of information about

Three of the popular DOLE livelihood programs are the P10-K LivelihoodAssistance, Siquijor, Central Visayas and the Philippine Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay Program, and the P2-B Reintegration Loan Fund.

Government.

Lastly, under legal assistance, the POEA provides legal advice, conciliation proceeding to afford repatriated workers and their recruitment agencies a venue to discuss THERE IS GOOD NEWS EVERYDAY. the possibility of amicable settlement; assistance in the preparation and filing of complaints for illegal recruitment, recruitment violation, and disciplinary action cases; and counselling during preliminary investigation and hearings of criminal cases for illegal recruitment. /Pia Siquijor

Relative to this, Secretary Baldoz has directed all DOLE program implementers under the Assist WELL Program, especially those in the regions and provinces, to ensure /PIA Siquijor that all their delivery systems are in sync and responsive to the needs of repatriate OFWs.

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