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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. 3 | NO. 24 July 6-13, 2015

PIA, Secular Franciscans to hold “Ride to Save Mother Earth” mountain bike festival in Siquijor

by Rizalie Anding Calibo

SIQUIJOR, July 8 (PIA) - - In its continuing Climate Change advocacy and in a timely response to Pope Francis’ Eco-Encyclical, or more formally known as Encyclical ‘On Care for Our Common Home’, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Siquijor Infocen, the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)-Siquijor Region and the Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish of Enrique Villanueva, is holding the first-ever Mountain Bike Festival in the province dubbed “Ride to Save Mother Earth” on July 18-19 at Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor.

The activity will not only highlight the town’s fiesta celebration in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, but will also serve as an awareness and a wakeup call to help us understand the destruction we continue to inflict the environment and our fellowmen.

Over 100 racers headed by professional downhill category titlist and this year ’s champion for the downhill race for the master’s division, Wendell Barba, are coming to Siquijor province to join the competition while local bikers and enthusiasts are also expected to join the event.

During the festival, bikers will be racing through the Balolong-Mananao downhill trails of Enrique Villanueva town to give them critical awareness of how the uplands and people need help particularly with the town’s depleting water supply due to environmental degradation.

The event also hopes to solicit some possible actions to bring the “dying” uplands back to life, at the same time help boost our province’s tourism industry.

The Holy Father, in his encyclical has challenged us to “heed the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” saying that it is “only by radically reshaping our relationships with God, with our neighbors and with the natural world, can we hope to tackle the threats facing our planet today.”

Science, the Pope said is the best tool by which we can listen to the cry of the earth, while dialogue and education are the two keys that can “help us to escape the spiral of selfdestruction which currently engulfs us.”

The biking competition is open to all bikers and biking enthusiasts nationwide

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for the downhill and enduro categories.

Downhill will have four subcategories namely: Beginner, Intermediate, Open and Expert, while Enduro will have Curious, Idols, Open and 40 above categories.

Registration fee is P500 for all categories and P200 for local fun riders.

Last day of registration is on July 10, 2015. For more details, please contact Wendell Barba at 09154637795. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS

Food Security, a worry in green tourism

F a s t p a c e , f a s t technologies, fast foods.

Five out of ten Filipinos are eating in quick-service restaurants. With so many

eateries offering a wide variety of fast foods and drinks in any street corner, the time has come to ask: How safe is the food Filipinos on the go are eating and drinking?

National Disaster Consciousness Month Celebration Kick-Off Activity in Siquijor province

Hand in hand with the boom and growing importance of the food and beverage industry, 47% share of the country’s business and a hefty 37% contribution in employment, is a worrisome increase in food-related and environmental issues, according to authorities at the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Among these food and environmental security concerns are related to the nutrition content of street foods and drinks, food handling and safety practices, waste management, and resource use, including water and energy. Most worrisome to health and tourism officials is the increasing cases of food-borne communicable and non-communicable diseases such as food poisoning. In terms of environment protection, the food industry is contributing significantly to the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) load and waste packaging materials.

Public awareness of the need for supporting best food manufacturing and food preparation practices has become, therefore, a matter of urgent concern. In line with its campaign to promote green tourism, the DOT is pushing vigorously for the green labeling of food suppliers in the food and beverage industry.

The DOT is actively working with the National Eco-Labelling Program (NELP) which provides the ISOcertified Green Choice-Philippines label to safeguard public health and well being in the operation of the country’s restaurants and convenience stores.

The NELP under the Green Choice Philippines banner has organized the forthcoming Kalikasan GP3 Expo and Conference on July 23 – 25 at the SMX Convention Taguig, SM Aura Bonifacio Global City where food security in the burgeoning food and beverage sector in the country will be a major point of discussion by tourism, health, and environment experts. (S.A. Mable)

Cyber addiction trending cause of poor academic performance

(PIA)---Cyber addiction one of the rising barriers to better school performance among students.

In today’s Kapihan sa PIA authorities from the Philippine Mental Health Association –Cebu (PMHA) revealed that addiction to cyber activities or the internet is a rising trend which translates to poor performance of school children.

PMHA Cebu President Dr. Glenda Basubas said along with cyber addiction are other mental illness such as anxiety and depression.

“It is in the internet or in cyber that they feel important, these parents lack time for the children,” Basubas said

School childen stay up late to play games, report to school tired

and disinterested or worst, refused to go to school or skip classes.

P M H A b o a r d m e m b e r D r.

Doris Largo said cyber addiction is an interplay between depression, anxiety and incapability to project personality in real life. Other forms of cyber addiction include cyber gambling, cyber sex and cyber relationships.

“ We j u s t h a v e t o p r a c t i c e responsible use of gadgets, much as we let them use this, but we also reach out to them,” Largo said.

Cinco a child psychiatrists said the parents should be vigilant in adjusting to the changes in looking after the children.

“It is in the family, check on the sites that they access every once in a while

and impose an alternative,” Cinco said.

PMHA, according to Basubas recently had an activity with school guidance counsellors. It was in the event that they discussed factors affecting academic performance of the students.

There are also clinical interventions that can be done to cyber addicts and first thing is to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.

There are already local government units that puts a limit to students entering internet cafes during school hours. However this only solved one thing considering that internet is now highly accessible in the residences.(mbcn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS

LGUs alerted over bogus DBM calls

(PIA) --- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has cautioned the public, particularly local government units, against individuals posing as Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad or representatives of the budget agency whoallegedly request money in exchange for the release of supposed project funds.

DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad in a press statement said that it was brought to their attention that fraudulent phone calls have been made to various LGUs and the public as well.

“According to reports we’ve so far received, these callers have either been posing as me or as DBM representatives, and they always ask for kickbacks or payments in exchange for fund releases,” said Abad.

Some of the municipalities and cities whose mayors were reportedly approached by these unscrupulous individuals include: Maragusan, Compostela Valley; Ragay, Camarines Sur; San Luis, Aurora; and Loreto, Dinagat Province.

All of the mayors approached had reported each of their incidents to DBM.

“We do not tolerate fraud or bribery. Our position is strong and clear: irregularities should not have a place in any part of the budget process,” Abad stressed.

He asked the public and the local governments to be vigilant against impersonators.

“Please reach out to my office or to your local DBM officials if you have received phone calls of this nature,” he said.

Under the Aquino administration, Abad said DBM continues to pursue reforms that will introduce greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public spending, including the General Appropriations Act (GAA)-as-Release-Document policy.

“Most budget items have already been released at the very beginning of the year, thanks to the GAA-as-Release-Document policy. In cases where fund releases are not automatic, all that we require of agencies is sufficient documentation to warrant the release. Often, we ask agencies to present a comprehensive project plan and other pertinent details on the implementation of a particular project. Money changing hands should not—and do not— influence government spending,” Abad said.

DBM is currently coordinating with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) with the DBM Regional Offices (ROs) working directly with the individual municipalities and cities to alert their members to fraudulent DBM transactions.

“We want to assure the mayors and vice-mayors that we are currently investigating the matter with the intent of resolving the issue swiftly and in the name of justice, transparency, and accountability,” Abad said.

LGUs or individuals who have received suspicious requests or communications specifically from people posing as DBM employees are urged to report them immediately to the nearest DBM Regional Office, or the Office of the Secretary via publicinfo@dbm.gov.ph, or at 02-791-2000, loc. 2602 (Public Information Unit) or 2301 (Office of the Chief-of-Staff). (rmn/PIA7Cebu/DBM OSEC-Public Information Unit)

What you need to know What is an earthquake? An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the ground due to the movement of the earth along a fault line. Its intensity ranges from weak to violent tremors.

What are the effects of an earthquake? Depending on its strength and location, the earthquake can affect us in different ways: the ground shakes and can break open, soil can soften (liquefaction), landslides can occur. It can also cause a tsunami.

• ground shaking -This causes houses and buildings to move, and can eventually damage or destroy these buildings.

• ground breaking open - The ground can break open when the adjacent fault lines move in opposite directions.

• soil liquefaction - Loose saturated sand, during earthquakes, can lose its strength and take on the properties of a liquid. This can cause buildings to sink into the ground.

• landslide - Landslides are likely to occur in steep areas due to the displacement of earth.

• tsunami - Tsunamis are created when the epicenter of an earthquake is at the bottom of the ocean. Large amounts of water is displaced, which causes a barrage of high waves.

Why is it important to prepare for an earthquake? We do not know when or where an earthquake will occur. We can only learn to be prepared for it when it does happen.

Preparations 1. What to do before, during, and after an earthquake?

Before: • Know your surroundings. Know if the place you live in is near or directly on top of an “active fault”, or if the ground is susceptible to liquefaction or landslides. Make sure that houses and buildings are constructed under the practice of proper planning and safe engineering.

Fortify houses and buildings if necessary.

• Prep your house and place of work. Tie heavy furniture (e.g. bookcases, file cabinets) to the wall to prevent them from falling over. Store fragile objects and flammable chemicals low, to prevent them from breaking and spilling. Close gas tanks after use.

• Familiarize yourself with your location. Know where the sturdiest sections of your building are, for example underneath posts, areas near elevator shafts, or tables you can hide under.

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and how to administer first aid. Make sure the first aid kit and the fire extinguisher are easily accessible. Know where the emergency alarm is, as well as the emergency exit.

• Avoid falling objects. Store heavy objects low. Ensure that objects that call fall over are tethered properly. Prepare and earthquake survival kit, which should include: a battery powered radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, drinking water, snacks, canned goods (and other ready-to-eat foods), a whistle, and a mask.

After: • if you are caught inside a building during an earthquake, walk briskly and find the safest way to an exit. Do not use the elevator. Use the stairs. Exit in an orderly fashion, so that the exits are not crowded. Help those who are hurt or who cannot exit on their own.

• Do not enter damaged buildings. An aftershock can cause buildings to cave in.

• Listen to the radio. Follow government announcements.

• Check your surroundings. Clean up spilt chemicals that can harm others. Immediately address the possibility of a fire break out.

Shut off the water and power and inspect water pipes and power lines for damages.

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS

Stapling, crumpling, marking bills, illegal

(PIA )-- It may be a thoughtless act and it may come out automatically that when you set aside money for your kid’s allowances and staple it, you did not know that you have committed an act of mutilation, one that is punishable by law.

Or in fact, when you crumple the bill to supposedly test of if the note is genuine, or mark a banknote whether it is in legible writing or a mobile phone number in the hope of getting a textmate, that is against Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 247.

The said law prohibits and penalizes defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning or destruction of notes and coins.

Along this line, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) informs people, who may have not been told about the provisions of law to be on the watch to evade from possible imprisonment or fine, or whatever the courts deem as necessary.

Any person who violates shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than P20,000 and/or by imprisonment of not more than five years.

I n l i k e m a n n e r, B S P s a i d the application of outside pressure, substance or chemicals that may cause deformation, destruction or change in the original state, shape and color of the coin is also a violation of law.

With this, if the 5-centavo legal tender coin which has a hole at the center is used plainly as pendant of a necklace without any defacement or destruction done or made on the coin, there would be no technical violation.

However, its purpose as a means of payment for any goods and

Cebuano News

Officers and members of the The PNP-Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) and the Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) in a pose with the 20th PNP Police Community Relations (PCR) month awardees during the kick-off ceremony at the SPPO Grounds, Caipilan, Siquijor. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)

services is undermined, BSP said.

On the other hand, some people have been noted to take out the nickelbrass core of the P10 coin to be made into rings. This, the BSP said, is a crime.

Over this, when you catch a person writing or putting marks in banknotes, the Banko Sentral suggests warning or informing the person of the Anti-mutilation Law or P.D. 247 which prohibits and penalizes the act of currency defacement (writing, putting marks), mutilation, burning, tearing or any manner showing act of intentional mutilation.

Should the act becomes habitual to a particular person, the matter should be reported to the nearest police agency/law enforcer for appropriate action or contact

the Investigation Division, Currency Issue and Integrity Office, BSP for assistance at Tel. Nos.: 988-4833 and 926-5092, BSP through Atty Leonides Sumbi.

And if you happen to get hold of a mutilated currency, note that under BSP Circular No. 829 dated 13 March 2014, it requires banks to accept mutilated currency notes and coins for referral and transmittal to the Currency Issue and Integrity Office (CIIO), BSP-SPC, Diliman, Quezon City or any of the BSP’s regional offices and branches for determination of redemption value.

Banks however may charge reasonable handling fees from clients and or the general public relative to the handling and transporting to BSP of mutilated notes and coins. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)

CBCP, nanawagan sa pag-ampo sa Oracio Imperata alang sa paghupa sa tension sa West PH Sea

(PIA)--Nanawagan ang Ca­tholic Bishops Confe­rence of the Philippines (CBCP) sa katawhan nga mag-ampo sa Oratio Imperata o Obligatory Prayer kalabot sa krisis nga giatubang sa Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea.

Gihimo ni CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villegas ang panawagan human sa ika-111 CBCP plenaryo diin gitoki sa mga obispo ang pipila ka mga kontrobersyal nga isyu karon sa nasud.

Matud pa ni Villegas, kinahanglang manghilabot ang Simbahang Katoliko sa isyu tungod sa posibilidad nga mo-grabe pa ang tensyon sa gi-ilogang teritoryo ug mabutang sa kakuyaw ang kalinaw.

Gitumbok sa arsobispo nga kalinaw ang nag-unang misyon sa Simbahan.

Matud pa nga walay gahom ang Simbahan nga makipag-negosasyon sa mga superpower o gamhanang mga nasud o di kaha i-representar ang Pilipinas sa international court apan mahimo man nilang hangyuon ang Ginoo nga panalipdan ang Pilipinas.

Sa Oratio Imperata, kauban sa i-ampo ang kahilwasan sa mga Pilipino gikan sa ‘manmade disaster’ apil na sa marine environment.

Samtang una nang gipahayag sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) nga sulod sa tulo ka buwan, mahimo nang ipakanaug sa United Nations tribunal ang desisyon niini sa hisgotanan sa hurisdiksiyon sa kaso sa Pilipinas nga mi-kuwestiyon sa halapad nga pagangkon sa China sa South China Sea.

Matud pa ni DFA spokesman Charles Jose, kini ang banabana sa abogado sa Pilipinas nga si Paul Reichler base sa naunang mga kasong gigunitan sa Permanent Court of Arbitration nga naka-base sa Hague ug nag-dungog sa petisyon sa Pilipinas.

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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Miadto sa Hague ang mga opisyal sa Pilipinas nga suportado sa mga international maritime ug international law experts aron kumbinsihon ang korte nga gunitan ang kaso taliwala sa pagsupak sa China. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)