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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. 23 June 26 - July 3, 2015
Poblacion, Siquijor eyed as possible Tech4ED site
by Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing
SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here and the Information and Communications Technology Office of DOST 7 conducted an initial survey on Poblacion, Siquijor as possible Tech4ED pilot site in the province. The inspection was headed by Engr. Aurelio Tinapay of DOST-ICTO 7 and Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña of DOST Siquijor. The inspection was followed by a short orientation and information dissemination on Tech4ED to the members of the barangay council. As to date, Barangay Captain Dr. Peck Cortes disclosed that a letter of intent to avail Tech4ED has been submitted to ICTO. A resolution from the Office of the Sangguniang Barangay has also been made to authorize him to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement for and in behalf of Barangay Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor with the Information and Communications Technology Office for the Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) of DOST-ICTO. According to ICTO, the Tech4ED project provides access points for individuals and communities to bridge the educational and community divide. It promotes grassroots development and opportunities for inclusive growth and poverty reduction. It will give communities access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets and business portals. Engr. de la Peña of DOST Siquijor said he has high expectations on the program to become a catalyst of change in the province as far as science and technology is concerned. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor/ Engr. Reinhod Jek Abing/DOST-Siquijor)
Enrique Villanueva and Maria Muncipal LInk Officer Erin Grengia-Dales showing an example of a very simplified flip chart to the Pantawid Pamilya program partners to faciliate the conduct of Family Development Sessions (FDS) with the 4Ps beneficiaries. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
RDRRMC-7 readies for APEC Cebu (PIA) -- Safety and security of delegates will be the top priority in case of emergencies as the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-7) is finalizing its Integrated Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan with the nearing countdown of APEC meetings in Cebu. RDRRMC-7 Chair and regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-7) Olivia Luces said the plan details the resources available in case of long and sudden onset of incidents including typhoons, earthquakes and fire and the succeeding actions to be taken. “There are 11 staging areas for emergency response equipped with appropriate personnel to respond to health, fire and security concerns,” said Luces during the recent forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) that tackled the preparations for the APEC event in Cebu. Luces said they are continually doing training for emergency responders mostly comprised of military, police and fire personnel to ensure zero gaps in emergency response. “Our priority is to ensure that our visitors are safe and protected” when they come here during the APEC meetings, said Luces adding that thousands of delegates from various countries will be in Cebu to participate in any of the five scheduled meetings. The number does not include the spouses or other accompanying members of the delegates, she said. According to Luces, government doctors will be on standby round-the-clock and an ambulance set nearby in the identified hotel venues in case of health emergencies. A joint operations center will be set up which will be manned by both the RDRRMC-7 and its national counterpart. The RDRRMC-7 chair said among the resources she lacks is a long ladder in case of blaze and an ambulance that fits the APEC criteria and not just solely for transport. Luces said the Integrated Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan will be presented on July 17 and 18. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
DOST’s free Wi-Fi to bridge digital divide in PH
(PIA) - - Far-flung rural communities will soon have more opportunities for learning and livelihood and better access to government services along with other benefits of being connected to the rest of the world via the Internet; thanks to the free Wi-Fi project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This was announced earlier by the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) here. In its press release to PIA, Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing, project assistant of Community Empowerment thru Sscience and Technology (CEST) project shared that the free Wi-Fi project that is originally envisioned to cover primarily town plazas of 4th to 6th class municipalities, received additional budget and will now include public primary and secondary central schools, public
libraries, state universities & colleges, parks, rural health units and government hospitals, MRT and LRT stations, airports and seaports, city and municipal Halls, and national government Offices. Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the DOST-ICT Office noted that “any increase in Internet connectivity through Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places will jump start economic development by giving access to e-Commerce, e-Learning, and e-Government tools to beneficiaries,” the press release also said. Promoting online commerce in the countryside is one of the programs t h a t D O S T I C T O ff i c e h a s b e e n pushing and the free Wi-Fi project will surely help in achieving this goal. Beneficiaries of the project can engage in online jobs or online selling to help them to get decent income while
Provl Fire Marshall Domagsa Sotto III giving a brief discussion on different alert levels: Alpha, Bravo and Charlie during the Disaster Preparedness Dialogue conducted by the Department of the Interior and the Local Government (DILG)
allowing them to stay with their families. Meanwhile, DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro pointed out that with this project, residents from underserved communities will have access to different government websites such as PAGASA or Project NOAH, and be updated on the upcoming weather disturbances. Internet connectivity and WiFi hotspots to most municipalities for the project will be sourced from the country’s Internet Service Providers (ISP). In areas that do not have broadband connectivity/infrastructure, the DOST ICT Office intends to use TV White Space (TVWS) Technologies. TVWS refers to the vacant frequencies located between broadcast TV channels, that can be used to provide wireless data connectivity. R e s i d e n t s o f Tu b i g o n a n d Talibon in Bohol, pilot sites of the Wi-Fi project and TVWS initiative, are now benefitting from the free Internet access. Besides using the Internet for educational purposes and communications, the Wi-Fi project in the pilot sites has been used to support other government programs such as the Tele-Health initiatives. These seek to maximize ICT in facilitating health care services, diseasesurveillance, and research, among others. In addition, these pilot sites were instrumental in coordinating the relief efforts after the Bohol earthquake in 2013. After the full deployment the project is expected to serve 105,000 concurrent users with 256 kbps each, the lowest prevailing speed requirement for broadband service. However, DOST-ICT Office will implement a data volume-based fair Usage Policy to promote an equitable distribution of the public service. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor/ with reports from S&T Media Service)
DOST rolls out road train, seen as boon to mass urban transport The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) rolls out its Hybrid Electric Road Train at the Clark Freeport Parade Ground in Pampanga this Thursday, June 25, 2015. Designed and fabricated by Filipino engineers from the DOST’s Metals Institute Research and Development Center under its Makibayan or Makina at Teknolohiya Para sa Bayan Program, the 40-meterlong road transport is developed to help address the worsening mass transportation problem in Metro Manila and in other urban areas throughout the Philippines. The road train is a series of five airconditioned interlinked coaches, four of which can accommodate a total of 60 passengers each,for a maximum of 240 passengers per trip. DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo hopes that with the larger passenger capacity of the hybrid road train, it will be able to absorb more commuters especially at rush time. It has a maximum speed of
50kph and is powered by a hybrid engine This road transport was launched that runs on either diesel fuel or electric as part of the preparations for DOST’s batteries. The rear coach generates upcoming 2015 National Science and the power for the entire transport. Technology Week which shall be held from “We hope to see them in our July 24-28, 2015 at the SMX Convention streets the moment they are fully Center, MOA Complex, Pasay City. commercialized,” Montejo added. Admission is free. (S&T Media Service) Moreover, the road train is among those picked by experts to be at the forefront of mass transport in the coming years. Unlike conventional railway systems, the hybrid road train is more energy-efficient since there is no need for alternating current running through suspended cables. It also produces less smoke emissions compared with cars, trucks, or buses, thus creating a smaller carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment. The DOST Hybrid Electric Road Train
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DSWD-7 leads Huwarang 4Ps regional search (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) in Central Visayas has recently launched the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya for its third year regional search. It aims to recognize familybeneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilya who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values, and have a positive impact in the community where they reside. DSWD7 regional director Mercedita Jabagat said the search is open to all family beneficiaries of the program. The family must consist of the father and/or mother, which means solo parent included and child/children. For Negros Oriental the search will be done on July 15 in Dumaguete City while other provincial searches were slated on July 7 in Tagbilaran City, July 9 in Cebu City, and July 13 in Siquijor. The top provincial winner will automatically compete for the regional search and the winner of the Regional Search to represent DSWD-7 to the National Competition. Provincial Winners will receive cash prize worth P6,000 (first prize), P4,000 (second prize) and P2,000 (third prize) and a certificate of recognition. Regional Winners will receive P10,000 (grand prize), P8,000 (first prize), P6,000 (second prize) and P4,000 (third prize). They will also get trophies and certificate of recognition. All provincial and regional winners will get transportation assistance from DSWD-7. The regional awarding is slated on August 13 at SM City-Cebu. Desk validation criteria for model families include maintenance of strong family ties and harmonious relationship while upholding Filipino values despite challenges of poverty (25%), family practices and promotes healthy living and environment care (20%), family involvement in community activities (20%), family as inspiration to others in the community (20%) and strives to improve living conditions amidst difficult situation (15%). Criteria for field evaluation include Character (25%), Communication (25%), Leadership and participation in community activities (25%) and Insights (25%). Other requirements to join the search include the following: A Filipino family* who is a beneficiary of the Program for at least two years. A Family means mother, father, and child/ children OR solo parent and child/ children. IP families with practice of polygamy can be nominated as well A family who has good standing in the community with no derogatory records and has not been convicted of any administrative, criminal, civil case or cases involving
Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of Larena, Siquijor in one of the Family Development Sessions (FDS) on Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). moral turpitude in the last five years. Afamily whose income is not derived from gambling, prostitution, child labor, extortion and other similar illegal resources A family with 100% compliance in all conditionalities. Last year, DSWD 7’s entry Ewican Family from Barangay Alegria, Carmen,
Bohol won second runner up in the national level. In 2013, Hermocilla’s family from Sagbayan, Bohol also won fourth. Pantawid Pamilya is the Philippines version of the conditional cash transfer that invests in the education and health of poor children aged 0-18. (mbcn/jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
DOH-7 urges public to donate blood, help save lives
(PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH-7) urged the public to donate blood voluntarily and helped save lives
as the country joins in the celebration of July as National Blood Donors Month. DOH-7 Medical Officer IV Dr.
Some local folks spotted along Lazi-Maria highway, trimming tree branches that could fall in view of strong winds and typhoons.
Cebuano News
Mag-amping sa dengue ug leptospirosis karong panahon na sa ting-ulan
Sa pagsulod sa panahon sa ting-ulan, nipasidaan ang Department of Health (DOH) batok sa mga water-borne diseases ilabi na sa dengue ug leptospirosis apil na ang diarrhea. Matud pa ni Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, tigpamaba sa DOH nga human masinati ang mga pagbaha, angay hinluan dayon sa publiko ang gibahang kabalayan. Giingong angay seguradohon nga limpyo ang mga kaga¬mitan, ilabay na ang mga pagkaon nga gibaha tungod kay kontamina¬do na kini og mikrobyo ug tan-awon ang palibot alang sa mga posibleng breeding site sa mga lamok nga may dalang dengue.
Gi-angkon sa DOH nga daghang lugar ang kanunay bahaon ug adunay pipila nga dili malikayan nga mosuong sa tubig-baha mao nga tambag sa ahensya nga gahinan ang pagbaton og botas aron makalikay sa leptospirosis. Giingong kun mosuong sa tubigbaha, angay siguradohong mag-limpyo og maayo sa lawas. Hugot usab nga gidili sa mga adunay samad sa tiil sa pagsuong sa baha tungod kay giingong siguradong makakuha og leptospirosis diin sa samad sa tawo mosulod ang mikrobyo. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
‘Obese’ ug ‘overweight’ nga Pinoy, nagkadaghan Sa pinakaulahing survey nga gipahigayon sa Food and Nutrition Research Institute sa Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), natino nga nagkadaghan ang mga ‘obese’ ug ‘overweight’ nga Pilipino nga nag-edad 20 anyos pataas. Ang datos nga nahipos base sa body mass index (BMI), usa ka basehang gikan sa World Health Organization (WHO). Matud pa sa maong survey sa FNRI-DOST, ang mga tambok ug sobra sa timbang mas daghan sa mga may edad 40 anyos hangtud 59, ug mas daghan ang tambok nga kababayen-an kun itandi sa mga kalalakin-an. Ang 3 ka rehiyon nga adunay taas og gidaghanon sa mga tambok ug sobra sa timbang nga mga bata nga may edad 5 anyos paubos mao ang Region III (Central Luzon), Region IV-A CALABARZON ug Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Matud pa sa FNRI, ang dili pagkaon og sakto, kakulang sa ehersisyo, pag-inom og ilimnong makahubog ug panigarilyo ang mga behavioral risk factors nga mahimong mabag-o aron malikayan ang pagtambok, pagbaton og alta-presyon, sakit sa baga, pagsaka sa asukal sa dugo o dili kaha sakit sa kasingkasing. Ang mga mosunod ang pipila sa mga tambag sa FNR-DOST aron malikayan ang mga sakit nga dala sa katambok ug sobrang timbang. Una ang pagkaon og balanseng pagkaon, sa saktong gidaghanon ug matang. Ang Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid naghulagway sa saktong matang ug gidaghanong pagkaon nga angay kaunon sa adlaw-adlaw. Ang gulay ug prutas kakuhaan og bitamina ug mineral aron mahimong maayo ang atong panglawas. Abunda kini sa mga lanot o fiber aron mahimong maayo ang dagan sa pagkaon sa atong kolon. Ang humay, pan ug mga lagotmon ang nag-unang pagkaon nga makahatag kanato og enerhiya. Batasanon usab ang pag-inom og 8 ka basong tubig o labaw pa niini sa adlaw-adlaw aron mahimong maayo ang dagan sa mga sustansya sa lawas ug aron dili usab ma-dehydrate o makasinati og grabeng pagkauhaw. (mbcn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
Dino Caing said the beneficiaries of donated blood include patients suffering from blood loss, leukemia, hemophilia, mothers giving birth with complications, major trauma and transplant surgery. “ W e a p p e a l t o e v e r y b o d y, especially the local government units to conduct and participate in blood donation programs because the need for blood is universal. All of us are potential users of blood in the long run” said Caing adding that “when we share blood, we give love.” Caing said only those 16 to 60 years old can donate blood as those under 16 needs parental consent. They however, must pass the qualifications of being potential blood donors, said Caing. According to Caing, criteria for becoming potential blood donors are weight of 50 kilos (110 lbs.) and above, pulse rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute with regular rhythm and normal blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. Individuals suffering from the following conditions are not allowed to donate blood --- cancer, cardiac disease, severe lung disease, Hepatitis B and C, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and high risk occupation such as prostitution, unexplained weight loss of more than five kg. in over six months and chronic alcoholism. The DOH-7 medical officer said there are also temporary conditions that may disallow a person to donate blood such as during pregnancy, acute fever, recent alcoholic intake, ear or body piercing and tattooing, and recent surgery. Meanwhile, Susan Orpilla, national nutrition officer of the National Nutrition Council pointed out the importance of maintaining a desirable weight to achieve a healthy body. “In order to donate healthy blood, the donor must have a healthy body,” said Orpilla. Orpilla said overweight individuals are not safe blood donors because most likely, they have cardiovascular diseases. July is National Blood Donors Month as Caing said why blood donation is given emphasis on this month although bloodletting activities should be done whole year round. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7/with reports from Mariel Grabillo, Intern/PIT)
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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