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. 30 August 25-31, 2015
DTI reg’l chief lauds MSMEs in Siquijor
SIQUIJOR (PIA)—Pleased with the outcome of the recent Sandugo Trade Expo, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Aster Caberte lauded Siquijor Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) participants and the local DTI staff during the blessing and unveiling of the Negosyo Center here. “We are reaping what we have sown,” Caberte said, citing the 16.7 million sale for Central Visayas and the “big promise” the trade expo brought to Siqujor after having sold out all of their products and having finalized negotiations with the Island City Mall (ICM) and other establishments for Siquijor province. Caberte stressed that it is not about cash sales, but about negotiations that were finalized amidst all the efforts. S h e d i s c l o s e d t h a t B o h o l ’s ICM will carry Siquijor’s food products. “Siquijor will have a permanent outlet in Bohol province,” she said. DTI is serious in its endeavor to put a friendly and enabling environment for business, she added. In an earlier report, Caberte said the 10th Sandugo trade expo is one of the largest trade shows in the region where exporters from different parts of the country converge to display their world-class products, while the export market has yet to hit the recovery state. “We are zooming in now to attract the tourists. This is a different tweak from the traditional Sandugo Trade Show, because we are closely working with the tourism sector to attract tourists and institutional buyers to the fair,” said Caberte in the report. Meanwhile, Caberte in her Negosyo Center Launch message said she was inspired with the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President. “I can very well recall the president during his first SONA, he was talking about inclusive growth, ‘whatever growth we will get should be felt by everyone.’ It was a difficult marching order, but this year he gave an inspiring SONA to us who really worked to make that inclusive growth dream come true,” she recalled. All of these efforts towards MSME development is a big step to decrease the unemployment rate in the country while inspiring small businesses to have contributed much in the development, said Caberte. She also cited DTI’s Share Service Facilities (SSF) project for Siquijor that is hoped to address production gap of the MSMEs and encouraged beneficiaries to take their share of the challenge.
DTI 7 regional director Aster Caberte giving her Inspirational Message during the launching of Go Negosyo Center in Siquijor where she also lauded Siquijor entrepreneurs for making their way to the trade expo recently.(PIA-Siquijor)
Siquijodnons warned vs. smuggled, fake rice
SIQUIJOR (PIA)—The National Food Authority (NFA) is warning Siquijodnons to be more vigilant and cautious against smuggled and fake or synthetic rice. Provincial Manager Hilaria Ganzon said the public must actively participate in the rigorous efforts in safeguarding the entry of the smuggled and fake rice in the province that pose health hazards. NFA, she said, is intensifying protective measures and efforts to ensure Siquijodnons of safe and quality rice supply through intensive monitoring of rice supply from major wholesalers in the province. P o r t s a r e a l s o closely monitored, she added. The manager also said that their office is tapping and coordinating with all the local chief executives and their market inspectors in the continuous monitoring of the rice supply in the six municipalities. She said it is inspiring to note that the Philippines for a period of 15 years, among all countries, has maintained a 5% GDP growth rate. She added that in Region 7, despite the twin calamities to hit the area, tourism traffic has increased, a development strongly felt in Siquijor province with its visible increase in tourist influx. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
According to Ganzon, the synthetic rice is created out of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and plastic which is mixed with industrial resin. They are rounder and glossier than the locally produced grains. When it is cooked, it can stand up to three to four days without being spoiled, she said. According to Ganzon, the alleged fake rice is said to be originated in Davao. She added that samples of the alleged fake rice have been brought to the NFA Food Development Center ( N FA - F D C ) i n Ta g u i g f o r t e s t i n g . However, in order for the results to be conclusive, at least one kilogram of uncooked rice must be subjected to scientific testing. The NFA head also encouraged the public to watch against China Rice because NFA has not issued any importation permits for the said country. It is presumed that China rice found in the market is smuggled, she said. Ganzon warns that any individual and store owners who are liable for the illegal distribution of rice will face criminal and administrative cases. She encouraged the public to immediately report suspicious rice to NFA hotlines at 035-377-2047, 09189427250, 09173185279 or visit their office at Nonoc, Larena, Siquijor (rmn/rac/PIA7Siuqijor w/ reports from I. Acabo-Abatayo)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
Dry spell to hit 79 provinces by yearend, says DOST chief
Some 79 provinces will be hit by El Niño before 2015 ends, according to Sec. Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology. “The El Niño phenomenon will be at its worst this year, worse (El Niño) since 1997,” Sec. Montejo announced at Ozamiz City during the first step of the Science Nation Tour in Northern Mindanao last Aug 20. Montejo said that starting September, 12 provinces will begin in to experience dry conditions that are below normal. “By October, dry spell and drought conditions will affect 29 provinces, and by the end of the year, the number will rise to 79,” he said. Montejo assured though that the government is preparing for this condition. Food security and health are priority concerns in the government’s preparation for the 2015 El Niño, he told. DOST’s Science Nation Tour (SNT) is a nationwide information campaign that aims to make Filipinos, especially those in the countryside, “feel” science and technology integrated in their daily lives. SNT Northern Mindanao includes activities such as Regional Development Council meetings that looks into aspects how science and technology (S&T) programs can spur economic development in the region, such as job creation, support to entrepreneurs, and provision of facilities to the industry and even of early
Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Pena explaining the Barangay Information System (BIS) as a component of DOST’s e-governance program that is piloted in Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor. (rac/ PIA7-Siquijor) features were a mini-fashion show that warning tools for disasters, among others. showcased contemporary clothing and The Tour in Northern Mindanao garments using indigenous fibers, and a also includes “Gabi ng Sining at Siyensya”, science rock concert by a rising Manilaa celebration that marries science, based rock group called Bob Band. arts, and culture. Much applauded (Framellia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service)
DOST, PLDT ink partnership for faster, more secure access to gov’t websites
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company to help Filipino internet users in the country towards more secure, efficient, and faster access to various government websites. The signing was held last September 07, 2015 at Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office in Diliman, Quezon City. Said MoA defines the establishment of the fiber optic facilities that will link PLDT to the Philippine Open Internet Exchange (PHOpenIX) which is being operated by DOST’s Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI). PHOpenIX, the first and only Exchange in the Philippine Internet industry operated by a neutral institution, was established by ASTI last 2007. It allows exchanges of Internet traffic in a free-market environment among local internet and data service providers. Meanwwhile, PLDT will provide rack space with power in its VITRO Data Center facility, where DOST can set up and operate its third PHOpenIX node. The first two nodes are operated by ASTI in Diliman and Globe Telecom in Makati. Through this, PLDT subscribers
can experience better, faster access to government websites hosted in PHOpenIX. DOST Undersecretary and ICT Office Executive Director Louis Napoleon Casambre admitted that the quality of the Internet in the Philippines relative to the rest of the world has been the subject of much criticism in the news, social media, and congressional hearings. “One of the factors contributing to this negative observation is that our local providers are not peered with each other through a local exchange,” said Casambre. “Internet traffic from one provider to another still has to pass through international channels before arriving to its intended local destination, causing unnecessary congestion of our connection to the rest of the internet.” Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo said that DOST’s partnership with PLDT will allow the government over P21 million-worth of free use of the PLDT dark fiber for two years. “Consequently, this will save the Filipino people significant time whenever they try to access government websites. This arrangement marks a stronger public-private partnership, especially in the field of connectivity,” said Montejo. “The PLDT Group has always been one with the DOST in its mandate to uplift the
Filipino’s quality of life, by leveraging the latest available information and communication technology capabilities that we have, and the resources that we can humbly contribute,” said PLDT Executive Vice-President and ePLDT President Ernesto R. Alberto. Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, who has been pushing for ICT connectivity, said they are not yet aiming for IP peering, but with a telco giant like PLDT as part of the PHOpenIX, it is now a step closer towards the goal. In the same event also, DOST announced the designation of PHOpenIX as the government’s official IP Exchange network in accordance with Administrative Order No. 39. Tw o y e a r s a g o , a m i d o f t h e spate of defacements of government websites, Malacanang issued AO 39, mandating government agencies to migrate to the government web hosting service of DOST-ICT Office. “ I am happy to announce that migration of government websites is more than 80 percent complete, with the other 20 percent expected to have migrated fully by the end of this year,” said Casambre. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, S &T Media Service)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
TESDA LTI celebrates 21st anniversary SIQUIJOR, September 3 (PIA) – The Technocal Education and Skils Development Authority - Lazi Technical Institute (TESDALTI) celebrated its 21st TESDA Anniversary in the month of August this year together with TESDA Provincial Office here. The celebration is held by virtue of RA 7796 otherwise known as the TESDA Law that was signed and approved on August 25, 1994. The month long celebration was highlighted with the Search for Mr. and Miss LTI 2015 held on August 17, 2015. It was a pageant that showcased the trainees’ beauties in Sports and Casual Wears, talents and eloquence. Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees and graduates are not only equipped with technical skills but are also mentally, physically, and socially developed, said Elsa B. Apiag of the LTI. Part of the activities is the Libreng Serbisyo sa Barangay, or free servies for barangay such as haircutting and massage with Simacolong of Lazi, Siquijor as the lucky recipient barangay. It was a pilot program that will be done in other municipalities in the province. It was also an avenue for the graduates in Massage Therapy training at the same time members of the Siquijor Association of Massage Therapists to advocate their trade and the services they offer. Another activity was the Career Guidance and Advocacy Program which was conducted for the different secondary schools in the province. It was an information dissemination regarding the implementation of the K to 12 program wherein TESDA is concerned with the Techvoc Track. Students were given inputs and ideas on how they are going to choose their career path and what are the different techvoc courses they may be interested in. In addition, programs and projects of TESDA as well as LTI were also discussed and presented. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports f r o m E l s a B . A p i a g / LT I )
Search for Mr. & Miss LTI 2015 ((above left) and Haircutting and Massage - Libreing Serbisyo sa Barangay as part of the TESDA-LTI activities during its month-long celebration of 21st TESDA Anniversary. (EAApiag/TESDA-LTI)
iNFOBYTES
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
DOLE-7 awards over P43M in benefits to 562 workers August 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) awarded P43,293,340.86 in total benefits to 562 workers after it successfully settled requests for assistance under its Single Entry Approach (SEnA). DOLE 7 handled a total of 164 requests, settled 64 and disposed 104. Most of the requests were on nonpayment of overtime pay, minimum wage, holiday pay, and 13th month pay, said Taniza. DOLE-7 OIC Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga said illegal dismissals and non-coverage and/or non-remittance of social protection benefits under SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-ibig were also among the common
bases for filing the requests for assistance. Other agencies that handles SEnA services are the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), National Labor Relations Commission-Regional Arbitration Branch (NLRC-RAB) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). “The volume of litigated cases lodged at NRLC has tremendously decreased because of SEnA,” said Sarcauga. Under the program, he said, issues are resolved without having the parties concerned go through the rigors of expensive litigation. In the process, adversarial mindsets
DENR-7 to distribute land titles to 100 public schools in CV August 28 (PIA) – Around 100 public schools in Central Visayas can already get their land titles soon, according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo. This after DENR-7 has completed the processing of applications from the 100 identified public primary, elementary, and high schools in the region in line with the guidelines contained in DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2015-01 signed by Secretary Ramon Paje last March 5. DENR-7 aims to fast track the titling of lands occupied by about 472 public schools across the region this year. “We want to protect our public schools from encroachment, segregation, illegal occupation and adverse claims of ownerships by other individuals or parties” said Montejo.
Cebuano News
Montejo said they are pursuing seriously the titling of lands over public school sites consistent with the directive of the Aquino administration’s twin policies of improving public education system and reforming land administration a n d m a n a g e m e n t i n t h e c o u n t r y. Of the 100 public schools up for signing of special patents, 25 are in Cebu with two primary schools and 23 elementary schools; Bohol has 50 with 37 elementary schools, eight primary schools, four high schools and one for TESDA; Negros Oriental with special patents for 18 elementary and two high school sites; and Siquijor with five public elementary schools, DENR-7 information officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo said. The new guidelines are designed to speed up the processing and issuance of special patents initially for around 2,200 school sites within the year at the national level, added the environment and natural resources official.
Kahimsog sa pangisip para sa paglambo gituki sa APEC 2015
C E B U C I T Y, A g o s t o 3 1 (PIA)—Kahimsog sa pangisip alang sa ekonomikanhong kalamboan gituki sa mga tigum sa Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) dinhi sa Sugbo. Ang mga kadagkoan sa Health Working Group (HWG) sa APEC nagkanayon nga isa sa aspeto nga gituki sa mga health ministers mao ang kahimsog sa pangisip. Kini tungod kay gitan-aw na kini nga kumon og importanteng aspeto sa paglambo sa kinatibuk-ang matang sa ekonomiya sa mga “member economies”. Si Secretary Janette Garin sa Department of Health og nangulo sa HW, nagkanayon nga gituki karong adlawa ang mga pagtuon sa mga nasud diin ang mga problema nga kabahin sa kahimsog sa pangisip nakaapektar og dako sa abot og performance sa usa ka kumpanya. Naglakip na niini ang mga pagbati og stress, anxiety, depression nga kasagaran nga problema makaapektar sa panghuna
huna. Gituohan nga ang mga kompaniya ug ang mga nagdumala wala makaandam o walay kahimanan sa pagtubag sa maong problema. Si Garin nagkanayon nga nanguna ang Pilipinas sa pagmungtar og usa ka digital hub diin ang mga anaa sa kalungsuran maka kuha og impormasyon kabahin sa pagtratar ug pagtambal sa mga empleyado nga aduna unyay issue kabahin sa kahimsog sa pangisip. Matod ni Garin, daghan ang dili makatrabaho o muundang nalang og sayo tungod sa maong suliran. Pagahisgutan sa APEC ang mga issues unsaon paglambo og pagsayon sa binayloay og produkto og serbisyo og industriya sa mga member economies. Gitawag ang mga membro og economies og dili nasod. Adunay 21 ka mga membro ang APEC, lakip na niini ang Hongkong nga dili usa ka nasod. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)
and terminologies are removed with an aim to arrive at a win-win solution which will benefit both parties especially the workers. The Single Entry Approach Desk Officers (SEADOs), the flag bearers and front liners of the program, are instrumental for the meeting of the minds of the parties involved. Using conciliation-mediation, the process of dispute management, a SEADO is expected to facilitate it with competence, dignity, and utmost care. “We saw the need to enhance the capability of our SEADOs in handling requests for assistance. We want their skills improved and their techniques enhanced insofar as handling and settling RFAs is concerned,” said Sarcauga. He said further that the ultimate role of the SEADOs is to make sure that the welfare of the workers is protected and if possible, both parties (employer-employee) will continue to work together harmoniously. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with DOLE-7 report)
Only properties classified as “alienable and disposable lands” will be issued with special patents under the name of DepEd, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10023 or the Residential Free Patent Act of 2010. Superintendent s o f d i v i s i o n school may apply for special patents with the concerned community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) under the new guidelines, who has 120 days from date of receipt to process the verification and endorsement of the application to the provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO). The 120-day period may be interrupted in case an opposition is filed as the CENRO is given another 30 days to resolved the same or make a recommendation. The PENRO is given five days from receipt of the CENRO’s transmittal of the application to approve or disapprove the request for special patent. Upon the approval of the special patent, the PENRO will transmit the patent to the Registry of Deeds for registration and will inform the DepEd of the transmittal. (rmn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu/with DENR7 report)
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