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. 28 August 21-29, 2014
Siquijor furniture makers learn “Green consumerism” trends for global product acceptance
by Rizalie Anding-Calibo
SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Siquijor encouraged furniture makers in the province to consider ‘Green” consumerism as one of the trends in making furniture products globally competitive and sustainable. DOST-7 assistant regional director Engr. Jesus Zamora said local furniture makers should look into how their products are made to positively respond to environmental challenges
in the advent of climate change while meeting the needs of consumers. Zamora cited the increasing number of foreigners coming to the island, which he said is a big opportunity for furniture makers to consider especially that most of those opting to stay in the island are Europeans. Zamora was one of the resource persons on “Green” consumerism during the seminar on Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) conducted in Siquijor
Seminar on Efficient & cleaner production for SMEs in Siquijor with DOST7 ARD Engr. Jesus Zamora Jr. The activity is part of the agencies’ (DTI & DOST) response to the call for climate change mitigation. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor)
recently. Europeans are used to green products. They are very keen at how your products are made, he said as he urged them to follow the trend to be globally competitive and sustainable despite global warming. Meeting their demands can also mean adapting to climate change which is also a form of risk management, he said. “Usba ang inyong mindest. (Change your mindset). Think of how you can improve your products and protect the environment at the same time at lower costs and keep it ready for the emerging markets in your island,” he added. He warned the furniture makers to be relevant, “Kay basig magmata na lang mo lain na nga probinsya ang makabenefit sa inyo unta nga market.” (You might just wake up when you are no longer but other provinces are already benefitting from your market.) According to Zamora, the trend for sustainable development despite global warming is now embracing the concept of green consumerism. Sustainable development, he also quoted, is meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Green consumerism is using organic products and those that are made of recyclable and biodegradable materials, and other practices that lead to resource efficiency, cleaner production, and or waste minimization. Waste minimization, he added will lead to increased productivity, reduced operating costs, public health and environmental benefits, improved work and health safety, reduced risk of liability, improved corporate image and improved global competitiveness. Discussing the economic and environmental impacts of the DOST’s Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), he said the program calls for a shift in attitude. The new attitude should be that “Manufacturers accept responsibility for the pollution caused by their products from design to disposal,” he concluded. (mbcn/RACalibo/ PIA7-Siquijor)
iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Province conducts disaster management summit
The Province of Siquijor - Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recently conducted a a 2-day Provincial Summit at Salagdoong Beach Resort. The Provincial Summit aimed to make an action plan anchored on the comprehensive and standard understanding of roles and responsibilities of the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) as the outcome in 2013 Regional Summit, the effective and efficient delivery of government services. “This is to strengthen the significant
of LCEs roles and responsibilities, learn from experiences of selected LDRRMC and identify challenges to agitate community-based DRRM solutions, institutionalize and implement knowledge in DRRM planning, tools and protocols demonstrated during the Regional Summit, says the PDRRMC here. Participants were the Local Chief Executives along with their PDRRMO and Planning Officers in this province. In line with this PDRRMC and all LGUs
Pres. Aquino honors four new national scientists Four distinguished scientists, Academicians Gavino C. Trono, Angel C. Alcala, Ramon C. Barba, and Edgardo D. Gomez, were conferred the rank and title of National Scientist by President Benigno S. Aquino III by virtue of Malacañang Proclamation Nos. 737, 782, 783, and 843 on August 12, 2014 at the Malacañang Palace, in recognition of their outstanding works and contributions to science and technology in the country. Academician Trono was recognized for his extensive studies on the culture of seaweed species, such as Eucheuma denticulatum, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria spp., Caulerpa lentillifera, and Halymenia durvillaei, which benefited many people among the coastal populations. He identified and described 25 new species of marine benthic algae and successfully implemented 45 research projects, which resulted in the publication of 142 scientific papers. He established the largest phycological herbarium in the country — the G.T. Velasquez Herbarium in the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines, which houses more than 70,000 curated herbarium specimens of the seaweed flora. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of the Philippines Diliman (1954), Master of Science in Agricultural Botany from the Araneta University (1961), and Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (Marine) from the University of Hawaii (UH) through an East West Center Study Grant (1968). Academician Alcala was recognized for his seminal and original research on the systematics, ecology, and conservation of vertebrates, particularly in herpetology, by providing valuable basic knowledge on the country’s rich biodiversity and ecology. He served as a pioneer scientist and advocate in the protection of coral reefs leading to a national policy and program that established the no-take marine reserves, a specific type of marine protected area (MPA) set aside by the government where no extractive activity is allowed. The MPA mode of protection of marine ecosystems has been cited internationally and show-cased in the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, U.S.A. as a model of coastal resource management and conservation. He obtained his B.S. in Biology magna cum laude from Silliman University in 1951 and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University in 1960 and 1966, respectively. Academician Barba was recognized for his distinguished achievements in the field of plant physiology, specifically on the induction of flowering of mango and on micropropagation of important crop species that have earned him national and international accolades. His pioneering work on the induction of flowering and fruiting of mango resulted in the change from the seasonal supply of fresh fruits to all year round availability of abundant fresh mangoes. This mango induction technology was patented not only in the Philippines but also in other countries, such as USA, England, Australia and New Zealand. However, he did not collect any royalty from the patent so that ordinary farmers can freely use the technology. Academician Barba completed his B.S. in Agriculture at the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA) (1958), M.S. in Horticulture at the University of Georgia (1962), and Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of Hawaii (1967). Finally, Academician Gomez was recognized for his sterling contributions in invertebrate biology and ecology, giant clam culture and restoration, and coral reef assessment and conservation. He steered the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage to coral reefs that led to worldwide conservation initiatives, such as the Global Reefs and Risk Analysis, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, and the International Coral Reef Action, among others. He shepherded the development of the Marine Science Institute (MSI) at the University of the Philippines (UP), where he served as the founding director. UP-MSI had grown from being a small research unit into to a world-class research and teaching institution in marine science. He provided significant inputs in the baseline mapping of the Philippines to assist in the handling of the contested Spratly Islands and in laying the groundwork for the Archipelagic Studies Program that the UP System has established. Academician Gomez obtained his B.A. in English and B.S. Education summa cum laude from the De La Salle University (1962), M.S. Biology from St. Mary’s University Minnesota (1967), and Ph.D. Marine Biology from the University of California San Diego (1973). The Rank and Title of National Scientist is the highest honor given by the President of the Republic of the Philippines to a Filipino man or woman of science who has made significant contributions in one of the different fields of science and technology. The award was created pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1003-A on December 16, 1976. Since 1978, 41 Filipinos, 16 of whom are living, have been conferred as National Scientist.
also joined in the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month in July with the theme of “ Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyun ng Kaunlaran”. Meanwhile, four muncipalities namely, Lazi, San Juan, Larena and E. Vilanueva successfully conducted simultaneously exercises of Earthquake Drill, Fire Drill, Vehicular Accident and Water Rescue as part of their respective disaster preparation and awareness.(PCLlorente/PGO)
Organic agri board, technical working committee ask support to strengthen project implementation
The team of the Provincial Organic Agriculture Board (POAB) and the Provincial Technical Working Committee (PTWC) is asking support prom the provincial government to strengthen the implementation of all organic agriculture projects as they presented some on-going and completed projects in the province. Provincial Agriculturist and POAB chair Ramon Taroc in a presentation stressed the need to create and strengthen the POAB and PTWC to carry out the policies and programs provided in the Republic Act 10068, otherwise known as the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010”. The POAB and PTWC, he explained, shall provide direction and general guidelines for the implementation of the Provincial Organic Agriculture Program with full participation of all the municipalities, barangays, people’s organizations, non-government organizations and the general public. Provincial Veterinarian Bernardita S. Tabada reported the projects being implemented. Among them are the vermicast production, native chicken production, native swine production, organic seed banking and diversified organic agriculture techno-demo farm at the Siquijor Research and Development Center (SRDC) and in schools such as St. John High School (SJHS), Enrique Villanueva National High School (EVNHS), Siquijor State College (SSC), LTI (LNAS-TESDA), Siquijor Provincial Science High School (SPSHS) and Candaping National High School. Provincial Organic Focal Person Avelina Pis-an said the schools focused on vermicast production because the students and the school can manage it easily. Provincial Administrator Pedro Samson recommended to the group to focus on helping local farmers enhance vermicast production first instead of trying to compete with the market of the existing producers. To do this, he said, the province should put up a laboratory that tests the vermicast. In that way, buyers are assured of its efficacy and more jobs will be created. He added that there are many government programs that the public were not able to avail of since information did not reach them. He only knew about the programs when he surfed the website of the government offices, he said. He asked the DA to coordinate with the planning officers about what the people, especially farmers need since the DA employees often interact with them. Citing Thailand as an Example, Gov. Villa said that fertiliser subsidy of the government should also be put in place. The farmers in Thailand buy fertilizers that are affordable because of the subsidy from the government. They also have good irrigation, he added. Dr. Tabada said government’s subsidy will encourage farmers to use organic fertilizers because of its affordability. (RAC/PIA7-Siquijor/Agnes Guanella/PATCO)
iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
2M farmers, fishers seen to benefit from WB’s P22B financial package MANILA -- Around two million farmers ad fishermen are expected to benefit from the US$ 508 million (P22.4 billion) loan and financial package from the World Bank (WB). In a press briefing over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the financial package for the Philippines has been earmarked for infrastructure and business and
GSP NegOr-Siquijor sets for 32nd cadet encampment DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) --The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Negros Oriental and Siquijor Council is now set to hold its 32nd cadet encampment on September 18 to 21 at Camp Lily I. Gamo Sibulan, Negros Oriental. The two provinces expect to gather more than 3,000 Girl Scouts delegates for the four-day encampment. Activities lined up during the event include adventure games, disaster preparedness, first aid, earthquake drill, waste segregation and tree planting. Council President Mariant Villegas said this year’s event banners the theme “The Future Is Now” which part of the activity will also be a video presentation on climate change advocacy campaign. The campers will be divided into the Junior or elementary level, Senior or high school level and Cadet or the college category. In an encampment committee meeting, the local government unit of Sibulan is tasked to provide electrician for the installation of light in the campsite, water supplies, an ambulance and additional doctor from its Rural Health Unit to augment the medical team of the Provincial Health Office (PHO). The police personnel team also keeps all security measures on alert, round the clock daily for the duration of the encampment. The Provincial Health Office will provide medical health services including spraying the camp area to maintain sanitation and safety. The young scouters are expected to learn some skills to be responsible, progressive, dynamic and patriotic through outdoor activities. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
livelihood assistance for farmers and fishermen. Coloma said the package, called the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), will be undertaken by the Department of Agriculture (DA). He said that over 70 percent of the project will be used to fund infrastructure projects of the local government units (LGUs), including farm-to-market roads, bridges, communal irrigation, potable water systems, post-harvest facilities and production facilities. “Lampas sa pitumpung porsiyento ng proyekto ay gagamitin sa pagpondo ng mga proyektong pangimprastruktura ng mga pamahalang lokal o LGUs kasama na ang mga sumusunod: farm-to-market roads, bridges, fire trucks, communal irrigation, potable water systems, post-harvest facilities, production facilities, fish landings, fish sanctuaries, storage facilities, trading post, green houses, solar dryers at slope stabilization works,” Coloma said. The PCOO chief said the real household income of farmers and fishermen is expected to increase yearly by at least five percent in the next six years under the PRDP. Coloma said target beneficiaries can also enjoy a 30-percent increase in income through business and livelihood programs, and a seven-percent value of the beneficiaries’ products sold in markets. He added that also included in the PRDP is the US$ 7 million in financial aid or a grant from the global environment facility aimed to strengthen conservation of coastal and marine protected areas in Tayabas, Quezon; Green Island in Palawan; Ticao Pass in Sorsogon and Masbate; Guimaras; Danajon Bank in Bohol; and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.(PNA/PIA)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
iNFOBYTES
Provinces in CV ink MOU with NEDA, foreign partners for road, infra reforms CEBU CITY, August 28 (PIA) – Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor thru their respective governors inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7), Australian Aid and The Asia Foundation in the Philippines for new roads and infrastructure reforms. The signing was done during the formal launching of the Coordinating Roads and Infrastructure Investment for Development (CR+ID) project on August 27 at the Harold’s hotel in Cebu City. In his keynote message, Australian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, Hon. David Dutton said the Australian government through the Australian Aid (AusAID) has been a consistent partner of the Philippines in government development through its various projects in support to the country’s economic growth. “We need to work creatively, to look for innovations to create economic growth in the Philippines, Dutton said. The Australian government has adjusted (in a couple of years) its programs to fit with the realities of development in the regions, Dutton added. According to him, AusAID has been working closely with sectors that promote health, agriculture, infrastructure, gender equality, among others and always looking for innovations to achieved the very best results. “Close alignment with our attitudes and objectives on development as basis of partnerships of both countries. We will introduce new programs including infrastructure to promote economic development of the partner countries,” Dutton added. He particularly quoted a tagline from the SONA of President Benigno Aquino that “Good economics is good government “which sums up why the CR+ID expands in Central Visayas,” Dutton noted. “We are delighted to work in Bohol where the CR+ID is being lauded today and we will be equally delighted to be working with the other provinces within the Central Visayas region,” Dutton said. Bohol governor who is also the chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC) here said, “We are in for a long journey of partnership.” Chatto validated the effectiveness
Local DOH sets free measles, polio immunization
Health providers in the province are set to conduct massive immunization against measles and polio provincewide for children ages zero to five years old in September this year as it urged parents to take their children to government-owned hospitals and health centers to have them vaccinated. National Immunization Program aims to keep the Philippines polio-free and move towards measles elimination and reduce rubella. The campaign is in support to the government’s continuing efforts to reduce deaths among children below five years old. DOH repot said measles started reemerging in the Philippines somewhere in Luzon, thus, local government units or barangay officials, parents and even religious leaders are asked to assist in of the CR+ID process as the mechanism identifying or informing health workers used in creating, choosing or identifying whose children are not yet immunize. The campaign is anchored projects from the ground up to achieve o n t h e t h e m e “ L i g t a s s a Ti g d a s , more chances of approval from funding M a g k a isa, Magpabakuna.” institutions both local and foreign. It is noted that German measles The CR+ID project uses the value chain analysis with the private and polio if left untreated it can lead sector particularly the local chambers to Vitamin A deficiency, encephalitis, of commerce to identify strategic road blindness, pneumonia, and diarrhea. However, these diseases can links. T h e s e a r e i n t e r c o n n e c t e d be prevented through vaccination. Measles vaccines will be given roads within the province, regardless of to children aged 9 months to 5 years old classification, and these are most often below, while polio vaccines will be given used in transporting goods and people. The CR+ID project analysis is to children aged 0 to 5 years old below. Vaccination will be done at the done through a technical and participatory fixed site in the morning, however, in process including consultations with the afternoon the health workers will go various sectors and key informants and mapping of the roads using the house to house to check if there are still children that have not received the shots. ( geographic information system (GIS). These strategic road links are used as “roads investment registry” where national and local government agencies with funds for roads can consider for their respective budget allocations. T h i s y e a r, t h e A u s t r a l i a Government and The Asia Foundation jointly agreed to expand CR+ID in two ways; thematically, to include not only roads but also key infrastructure with disaster risk and hazard identification and geographically, to include all provinces in regions 7 and 8 as well as the three provinces in region 6. The CR+ID also works to strengthen the Regional Development Council for broader participation in the realms of investment programming. (mbcn/PIA7)
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.
THERE IS GOOD NEWS EVERYDAY.
FOLLOW US online! /Pia Siquijor /PIA Siquijor @PiaSiquijor