24 isiquijor 07 21

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. 24 July 15-21, 2014

17,028 Siquijodnon indigents receive Philhealth cards

SIQUIJOR (PIA)—Some 17,028 indigents from all six towns in this province recently received free PhilHealth cards.

Siquijor town got the biggest number of 4,337 beneficiaries, followed by Lazi, 4,282 and San Juan, 3,523.

Maria got 2,049, Larena, 1,462 and Enrique Villanueva, 1,375 beneficiaries.

Philhealth-Siquijor branch head Marisa Winkler said the distribution is an initiative to fulfil President Aquino’s target of providing universal healthcare to the below average bracket of the Filipino families.

The government will pay P2,200 per member beneficiary per year, Winkler said as she said encouraged all members to maximize availment of the benefits.

She said free Philhealth cardholders are entitled to a zero-billing policy in Philhealth-accredited hospitals.

Presently, PhilHealth has accredited 95 percent of the hospitals nationwide.

Winkler noted that a number of the Philhealth members did not avail of the services during and after hospitalization due to lack of information about Philhealth and its program.

To address this concern, she said, the government thru Philhealth and the Department of Health (DOH) launched the “ALAGA Ka” program.

“ALAGA ka” program is a joint campaign between

Philhealth and the DOH that is geared towards providing Philhealth members enlisted in the DSWD’s Listahan information on the different aspects of Philhealth and the National Health Insurance Program.

They will be informed of the benefits they can avail of and they will be educated about their responsibilities and obligations, adds Winkler.

Winkler always advises the Philhealth members to take care of their cards and keep their members data records (MDRs) updated and easily accessible.

This is because Philhealth cards and MDRs are the basic requirements to avail of the benefits, she said.

Provincial governor Zaldy Villa, the local chief executive of each town, the Philhealth branch head, the DSWD graced the distribution of the health cards in each municipality.

For inquiries and more information, Philhealth office is ready to serve the public from Monday to Friday at 8:00a.m to 5:00p.m. It is located at the first floor of the Municipal Hall of Siquijor town. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

NCCA to grant funding for projects promoting PH culture, arts

CEBU CITY (PIA) – Organizations, academic institutions, arts groups, non-government organizations and even local government units are encouraged to submit project proposals for funding aimed at promoting, developing and conserving Philippine culture and the arts.

NCCA is the country’s main government agency for arts and culture.

“A P300 million National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts is allocated for the NCCA Competitive Grants Program for next year,” said Rene Napeñas, head of the Public Affairs and Information Office of NCCA.

Projects, however, must capture the NCCA’s vision in the 21st century “Filipino culture

as the wellspring of national and global wellbeing.”

Likewise, project proposals must establish culture as pillar of sustainable development, advance creativity and diversity of artistic expression and promote a strong sense of nationhood and pride in being Filipino through culture and arts.

The following major programs for 20132016 have been defined by the NCCA where interested groups can focus their project proposals.

These are the Program for Cultural Education, Program for Cultural Diplomacy, Program for Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Program for Culture and Development, and Program for Artistic

Excellence and Creativity.

Napeñas said they are targeting 1,000 project proposals nationwide but admitted that between 100 to 200 will only be eligible for funding.

“We want to get as many proposals in order to be able to choose the best projects for funding,” he added.

“The funding differs based on the category. The minimal grant given is about P50,000 and the maximum is P300,000,” said Napeñas.

Deadline for the submission of the project proposals is on August 31.

Interested parties may check the agency’s website www.ncca.gov.ph for further details. (rmn/fcr/PIA-7 with reports from NCCA)

iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Plan for disaster as a family DOST, SCIDev.Net forum

Adelina Sevilla Alvarez, lead convenor of the Disaster Risk Reduction Network Philippines (DRRNetPhils) advised that post-Yolanda efforts should include simple preparations for a disaster as a family and as an individual.

“Let’s start with the simple planning for the family, talk about disaster prevention before

it can possibly happen, and then maybe widen it, what do we do as part of the community or as part of the barangay,” she said.

Alvarez made this remark during the forum titled “Building Back Better: Disaster Adaptation and Rehabilitation” held lrecently during the 2014 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) organized by

the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the SMX Convention Center.

DRRNetPhils is a national coalition of Philippine civil society organizations (CSOs), disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) practitioners and advocates bound together by their common goal for disaster risk reduction and management at national, local and community levels.

“Are we prepared for a disaster?,” Alvarez asked forum participants. She emphasized however, that in DRRNetPhils, the question is “Have we learned anything from past disasters? Have we identified any lessons? Did we ever learn from the lessons identified in the past disasters?”

She added that DRRNetPhils is focused on ensuring that Philippine laws on DRRM should be pro-active, focused on risk reduction, and participatory, and that we should have a role managed by the community.”

Discussing the role of CSOs in disaster risk reduction, Alvarez said, “We will be the one to bring the voice, the need of our community.”

The forum was organized by SciDev. Net, an international non-profit organization based in London with six regional desks around the world including the Philippines.

It is focused on delivering accurate news, views and analysis on science and technology issues which contribute to global development.

SciDev. Net is a partner of DOST which organizes the NSTW every year. (S&T Media Service)

DepEd, DOST boost Sci & Tech scholarships

In its continuing push to increase access to quality education, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “Fast-tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2013” (Republic Act No. 10612).

This act aims to increase the number of science, technology, and engineering graduates by offering scholarships to deserving students in their third year of undergraduate study, based on their competitiveness and merit. It also offers additional incentives to attract the graduates of the scholarship program into teaching science, mathematics and technology courses in public or private high schools, especially in their home regions

Secretary of Education Armin Luistro underscored the importance of this country’s teachers to be fully immersed in the subjects they are teaching. “Mahalaga ang programang ito dahil mabibigyan ng kaukulang pansin ang mga mag-aaral na maging guro upang maging bihasa sa kursong agham, teknolohiya, at matematika,” he said.

The signing was witnessed by Former AGHAM party-list representative Angelo Palmones, DOST Assistant Secretary Oswaldo Santos and DOST Science Education Institute (SEI) Director Josette Biyo.

“We need passionate individuals to push for careers in science and math, especially in developing the mindsets of the Filipino youth,” said Palmones. He added that the implementation of the RA 10612 is the “realization of Section 8 of the K to 12 law,” which pushes for the hiring of graduates of science, math, statistics, engineering and other specialists as teachers.

The scholarship is given to those in the fields of science and technology and those in engineering tracks to aid in the economic development of the country through the promotion of research, innovation, as well as utilization of the said fields of study.

DOST-SEI Director Biyo said, “We are opening 500 slots for those who are already in 3rd year college who are willing to teach. These are students in science, technology, math, and engineering courses.”

T h e D O S T- S E I , a s t h e m a i n implementing body of the act, shall formulate and prescribe timely and relevant guidelines to monitor and evaluate the academic performance of the scholars. As the partner of DOST-SEI, DepEd will ensure job placement and hiring of qualified graduates under this program as secondary school teachers in science, mathematics and related technology courses, as well as the monitoring and evaluating of the teachers under this program.

“Mahalagang-mahalaga na isinulong natin ang K to 12, sa sangay ng Mother Tongue Based – Multi-Lingual Education, at ang pagaaral ng agham at matematika ng pang-araw araw ng buhay,” Luistro said.

The education chief mentioned the importance of the signed IRR as an avenue for practitioners in science, math, engineering, statistics and the like to share their own experiences in their respective fields of expertise as teachers in the Senior High School Program. This will in turn provide for more comprehensive, extensive, and holistic lessons for the students.

iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS

Kasambahay contract now available in 12 different local languages

Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda DimapilisBaldoz yesterday said that the Department has made available the Service and Recruitment contracts for Public Recruitment and Placement Agencies (PRPA) under the Kasambahay Law (Republic Act. No. 10361) into 12 local languages.

“ Ye s , t h e S e r v i c e a n d Recruitments contracts for PRPAs under the Kasambahay Law has been translated into 12 local languages for easy understanding,” Baldoz said.

“User-friendly documents, such as these contracts, written in plain and easily-understandable language, could cultivate a healthy and dynamic relationship between the employer and employee,” she added.

The labor and employment chief observed that the only difference between these translated contracts and those legalistically drafted is enforcement. She explained that as more kasambahay and employers become aware of their rights, they are spared from the hassle— saves them time, money, and effort—of ensuring that the legal force and the rights sought to be protected are intact.

According to Baldoz, the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) had caused the translation of both the service and recruitment contracts into Bicolano, Cebuano, Chavacano, Hiligaynon,

Ilokano, Kapampangan, Maguindanawon, Meranao, Pangasinense, Filipino ( Ta g a l o g ) , Ta u s u g , a n d Wa r a y.

“The translation is one of the BLE’s initiatives under its Labor Market Information dissemination mandate, while the formulation and drafting of the contracts was the initiative of the Bureau of Working Conditions, another DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment] bureau.

“The service contract for kasambahayis a binding covenant that sets the balance for the protection of both employer and household service workers [HSWs]. It guarantees a system that affords both parties their own rights when they recruit or hire household service workers, and when they accept a job offer from a potential employer,” Baldoz said.

“In effect, the contract puts on record all transactions between both parties. Thus, creating an effective mechanism to back-track on agreements and facilitate the necessary redemption for the aggrieved party,” Baldoz explained.

Among the contents of the contract are the following responsibilities of the PRPAs, to wit: (a) ensure that the kasambahay is qualified as required by the employer; (b) secure the best terms and conditions of employment for the kasambahay; (c) ensure that the employment agreement between the kasambahayand the employer stipulates the terms and conditions of employment

and all the benefits in accordance with this implementing rules and regulations; (d) provide pre-employment orientation debriefing to the kasambahay and the employer about their rights and responsibilities; and (e) ensure that the kasambahay is not charged or required to pay any recruitment or placement fees.

The contract also directs PRPAs to undertake the following in facilitating the employment of HSWs: (a) keep copies of employment contracts and agreements pertaining to recruited kasambahay which shall be made available during inspections, or whenever required by the DOLE or local government officials; (b) assist the kasambahay in filing complaints and grievances against employers; (c) cooperate with government agencies in rescue operations involving abused or exploited kasambahay; and (d) assume joint and solidary liability with the employer for payment of wages, wage-related and other benefits, including monthly contribution for SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG membership.

“The PRPAs are also tasked to facilitate the replacement of kasambahay within one month from the day he/ she reported for work. The agency must grant the employer a qualified replacement at no additional cost to the employer,” Baldoz explained, adding:

“The employer shall be entitled to a refund of 75 percent of the fees paid to the private employment agency, if the latter failed to provide a qualified replacement after the lapse of one month from receipt of request for replacement.”

The Kasambahay Law is a landmark piece of labor and social legislation that recognizes for the firsttime domestic workers as similar to those in the formal sector. It is expected to benefit at least 1.9 million domestic workers, such as househelp, nannies, laundrywomen, cooks, and others.

The law fulfills the country’s obligation to enact a national legislation in compliance with the International Labor Organization’s Convention 189 which sets new international standards for the protection of household helpers.

The translated Kasambahay Service and Recruitments Contracts for Public Recruitment and Placement Agencies (PRPA) are available upon request from the Bureau of Local Employment. You may call tel. nos. 5280083/528-0108 or visit them at 6th Flr., BF Condominium, cor. Solana & Soriano St., Intramuros, Manila.(dole.gov.ph)

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS

iNFOBYTES President Aquino signs five new

Malacanang announced on Sunday that President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law five bills aimed at economic growth, consumer protection, and enhancing the drug abuse law.

“Noon pong nakaraang Biyernes, ipinahayag ni Secretary (Manuel) Mamba ng PLLO (Presidential Legislative Liaison Office) ang paglagda ng Pangulong Aquino sa limang bagong batas,” Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., said in a press briefing over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Sunday.

The laws targeting economic growth are R.A. 10641: An Act Allowing the Full Entry of Foreign Banks in the Philippines, Amending for the Purpose R.A. 7721 and R.A. 10644: An Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth Through the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

Among the new laws for consumer protection are: R.A. 10642: An Act Strengthening Consumer Protection in the Purchase of Brand New Motor Vehicles and R.A. 10643: An Act to Effectively Instill Health Consciousness through Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products.

While Republic Act 10640 is for the amendment of the a provision of R.A. 9165 to strengthen the law for drug enforcement. This is entitled An Act to Further Strengthen the AntiDrug Campaign of the Government, Amending Section 21 of R.A. 9165, otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“Maaaninag sa mga bagong batas na ito ang pagpapatuloy ng mga reporma sa larangan ng ekonomiya at kabuhayan, paglikha ng mas marami pang hanapbuhay, at pangangalaga sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan,” noted Secretary Coloma. PND (ag)

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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Cebuano News

Pilipinas, nagpabiling ‘Ebola-free

MANILA (PIA)--Giseguro sa Department of Health nga nagpabiling luwas batok sa ebola virus ang Pilipinas.

M a t u d p a s a t i g p a m a b a s a D O H n g a s i D r. Ly n d o n L e e S u y, n a k a - a l e r t o a n g g o b y e r n o s a m g a t u g p a h a n a n u g p a n t a l a n aron ma-monitor ang lihok sa mga pasahero pasulod sa nasud.

Base sa labing ulahing taho, tulo ka nasud sa West Africa ang nagdeklara og ebola outbreak.

Sa pagkakaron, wala pa hinuoy indibidwal nga natalang natakdan dinhi sa Asya.

Bisan pa niini, mas gihingosgan pa sa hiniusang pwersa sa DOH ug Bureau of Quarantine ang pag-monitor niini sa mga tugpahanan ug pantalan.

Matud pa nga mas maayong masumpo kini sa dili pa makasulod sa nasud.

Gipahibalo usab sa DOH nga nag-negatibo na sa ebola virus ang 5 sa 15 nga gimonitor sa ahensya human kini nibalik sa nasud gikan sa Sierra Leone diin sila nagtrabaho.

Gipasalamatan usab sa DOH ang 15 ka mga trabahante sa padayong pakig-alayon niini sa ahensiya alang sa ilang kahimtang sa panglawas.

Sa pagkakaron, hapsay nga makasulod ang mga turista sa mga tugpahanan apan gitumbok sa DOH nga ang mga turista ug mga balikbayan gikan sa mga nasud nga sama sa Liberia, Guinea ug Sierra Leone moduso sa ilang lokal medical clearance gikan sa mga nahisgotang nasud.

Dungan niini, tugotan ang DOH nga e-monitor sila sulod sa usa ka buwan kun naa na sa nasud ug mo-report dayon sa mga regional office nga ahensya kun makasinati kini og bisan unsang sakit. (mbcn/ecb/PIA7-Bohol)