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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. 3January 17-23, 2015
Siquijor Parole office’s ‘Trash for Cash’ project qualifies for national awards SIQUIJOR, (PIA)-- Siquijor Parole and Probation Office qualifies for the national search for garnering the two regional recognitions for its ‘Trash for Cash’ as the Outstanding Livelihood and the Gawad-Sagip Kalikasan Project in Central Visayas. T h e o ff i c e w a s a w a r d e d recently at the City Suites Ultima Residence, Ramos Tower, Cebu City. The first award was recognized for the project’s innovative concept and its sustainability which contributes to community participation that builds good image to the transformation of the clients and the agency. The rating period was from October to December 2013 and January to September 2014. The second recognition was obtained because of the project’s role to address the environment problem of the community covering the same period. It also contributed to the implementation of the national program on environmental protection and preservation implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The project is seen to improve the quality of life of the clients Chief probation and parole officer, Lucresia Mamigo thanked the clients and the Volunteer Parobation and Aides (VPAs) for their support and cooperation for the sustainability of the project. Mamigo added that the barangay captain of South POblacion in Larena, Siquijor, Ireno Gido, Jr. who is also a VPA already inked a memorandum to support the initiative. She said that the trash for cash fund enabled them to repaint the walls of the PPO office and to donate certain amount to the typhoon Yolanda victims. Meanwhile, the PPO head c a l l s o t h e r o ff i c e s t o s e g r e g a t e their trash and donate them to the Parole and Probation Office to help sustain the trash for cash project . She said it aims to increase everybody’s level of awareness and capacity, involvement and responsibility in caring our Mother Nature. (mbcn/RAC/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)
Provincial Governor Zaldy S. Villa (left above) commends the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Siquijor for doing their best to make Siquijor a drugfree province. The PNP earlier reported that 50% or three of six municipalities in the province are declared drug-free.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DOST Food Safety Team, experts visit manufacturing sites, farm in Siquijor
by Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing
SIQUIJOR (PIA)--Experts from the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX), Food Safety Team and Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) recently visited the productions plants and farms in Siquijor as part of its consultancy and training programs. Engr. Gilberto Nakila and Engr. Dennis Kilongkilong served as consultants for MPEX while Senior Science Research Specialist II Josie Elli served as trainer/ resource speaker in behalf of the Food Safety Team Joselito Payot represented CAPE. JH Furniture, 2KIR Furniture and Jermaine’s Bakeshoppe were this year’s beneficiaries for MPEX consultancy program. They were also Small Enterprise
Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries. Prior to the plant visit, the consultants had a short orientation to the beneficiaries about MPEX and its objectives. According to DOST, MPEX assists micro, small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector to attain higher productivity through improvements in the overall operation of the firm. Simultaneously, a two-day training on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) was conducted by Senior SRS Elli of DOST-7 Food Safety Team at the Smylen Dream Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coco Oil & Gen. Merchandise manufacturing plant in Candaping-B, Maria, Siquijor. The in-house training/seminar assists the firm to be ready for its application for GMP certificate and License to Operate (LTO). In another development, Joselito
Payot a consultant of CAPE conducted a site visit on the farms of Maricar Masayon to assess technical feasibility and areas of priority in farm management. Discussions were made with the beneficiary for possible interventions and recommendations to problems identified. In an interview with Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario de la Peña, he said the consultancy program is offered free to all SETUP beneficiaries. He said he is optimistic that the consultancy could enhance the productivity of the firms identified upon adaptation of the would-be measures for improvement. In return, the beneficiaries pledged to extend their full cooperation during the conduct of the consultancy program. So far, a number of firms have availed of the consultancy program in the province since its implementation. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7Siquijor/Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing/DOSTSiquijor)
P21.7B for Build Back Better set in 2015 GAA In a country seasonally afflicted by typhoons, the Philippines profoundly felt the passage of Typhoon Yolanda in 2014, prompting the Administration to craft a national budget that would enable them to respond to disasters in a timely and proactive way. Secretary of Budget Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “The massive destruction wrought by Yolanda was a wake-up call for all of us. The country needed an approach that would be rooted in prevention and preparedness rather than on ad-hoc responses.” To address this issue, the National Government decided to integrate a preventive approach with efforts that focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) and Disaster Risk Reduction Management actions and interventions. Coming up with the Build Back Better strategy, the Administration allocated P21.7 billion from the 2015 National Budget to support efforts to respond to calamities and rebuild communities affected by disasters. Of this amount, P14 billion had been allocated to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRMMF, formerly known as the Calamity Fund). The rest is divided among Quick Response Funds (QRFs) lodged under the budgets of key agencies (P6.7 billion) and the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program Fund (P1 billion). Abad said, “The policy of ‘building back better’ will ensure stronger infrastructure systems and better opportunities for survivors of various calamities. But the groundwork for any government response needs to be laid down before these disasters happen. Ultimately, the Administration’s main goal is to prepare for and effectively preempt these disasters.” To help the country prepare against these climate risks, the government’s Risk Resiliency Program helps prop up the natural ecosystems and ensures the adaptive
capacities of government institutions as well as communities. Some of the program’s components include: Tr e e - P l a n t i n g F l o o d C o n t r o l Infrastructure – To cope with the problem of flooding via flood control and drainage projects, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received P47.3 billion to cover the 18 major river basins and areas below sea level. National Greening Program – To improve carbon sequestration and help reduce flooding, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) received P7.02 billion to cover 300,000 hectares with 225 million seedlings. Mapping and Geohazards Assessment – A number of agencies will receive the following budget allocations to assess possible geohazards and to prevent against future disasters. These include: TheNational Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) will receive P398 million for the Unified Mapping Project to produce 1,500 image maps covering 360,000 hectares, including 18 river basins. This project will provide up-to-date geospatial information
for zoning and development. The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) will receive P1.15 million for the Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) to come up with 3D image hazard maps using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. The DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) will receive P89 million to update their data and assess local vulnerabilities in 70 cities and municipalities, as well as 166 coastal communities. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will receive P17 million to upgrade their warning systems via the installation of 240 intensity meters and 19 tsunami wave detectors, among others. Other projects that aim to help protect the environment as well as neutralize possible environmental issues include: the DENR’s Forest Protection Program (which aims to neutralize 31 hotspots areas and protect not only the existing forest cover of 6,839,718 hectares but also established plantations of 1,005,013 hectares) and the Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) P276.9-million flood control and sewerage management program.dbm.gov. ph
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DOH-7 says ‘Leprosy’ disease is curable Cebu Provincial Health Officer Dr. Cynthia Genosolango encouraged people to visit the local health center if they begin to show symptoms like pale or reddish skin patches that are painless and do not itch, with diminished sensation. Genosolango said, leprosy may also affect people due to the stigma it carries. Fear of leprosy may cause people to ostracize those afflicted, leading to loss of self-confidence and rejection from the public. To d a t e , D O H - 7 r e c o r d e d 488 cases of leprosy in the region. In Cebu, there are leprosy cases found in the towns of Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Bogo City down to Daanbantayan. There are also cases in Bohol and Negros Oriental. Riveral explained leprosy is a chronic infectious disease affecting the
nerves and the skin and if not treated, the patients can become blind, lose the sensations and become prone to a disability. He said, early diagnosis and treatment with multi-drug therapy (MDT) have been the key elements in leprosy elimination. MDT cures leprosy patients, interrupting transmission of the disease after the first dose of medication and preventing disabilities. Meanwhile, DOH and researchedbased healthcare company Novartis will continue its partnership to speed up the country’s progress in leprosy control. The said company have a long-term commitment to leprosy treatment and control. DOH-7 officials urged leprosy patients not to hesitate to come forward for diagnosis and treatment to any health facilities.(mbcn/HFG/PIA7)
CEBU CITY (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH-7) in Central Visayas strengthens its advocacy that leprosy disease is curable says DOH-7 medial specialist Dr. Joanri Riveral during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO7) forum held recently at the DOH-7 Regional Office in celebration of ‘World Leprosy Day.’ Riveral encouraged those people with leprosy not to isolate themselves from the public because there are already medicines that are available to cure the disease. There is no need to fear leprosy, it is curable and people affected can leave a normal lives, continued Riveral. He also said, there are many stocks of medicines available at DOH-7 and the department will be giving free drugs to leprosy patients until the year 2020.
Inflation slowdown continues in January 2015 Ample supply of key food items and lower petroleum prices and electricity rates pulled down inflation to 2.4 percent in January 2015 from 2.7 percent in December 2014, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The lower inflation out-turn in the first month of 2015 bodes well for consumption growth. It is aligned with market expectations given the consensus forecast of 2.4 percent for the same period. It is also within the medium-term inflation target set at 2.0 to 4.0 percent for the year by the Development Budget Coordination Committee,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. “There were no new major economic and weather shocks that could considerably affect food supply. The supply chain of other food products has normalized because of the lifting of the expanded truck ban in September 2014. So these may have also contributed to the continued easing of inflation,” the Cabinet official added. Rice prices, which account for 38 percent of total food inflation, continued to ease their year-onyear growth in January 2015. “Although the prices of rice are still elevated, the rate of price increase was slower because of more favorable supply conditions. Total rice stock inventory continues to register a double-digit year-on-year growth as of December 2014. This is in contrast to the decline in inventory recorded prior to November 2014,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. He added that the favorable outlook on the production of agricultural commodities should further ease local price pressures in the coming months. The shift in the rice harvest period from December 2014 to January 2015 in some provinces is seen to boost production in the first quarter of 2015. Reports also indicate
that the National Food Authority will import an additional 600,000 ton of rice in the coming months to boost stocks in 2015. Moreover, significant rollbacks in the domestic pump prices of unleaded gasoline, diesel, kerosene and Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG were still recorded in January 2015. Since the last quarter of 2014, international oil prices have slid remarkably due to rising global oil supply and sluggish oil demand due to the weak global recovery. “The continuing decline in international oil prices is a positive development for the country considering our import dependence in oil,” he said. Electricity rates also declined in January 2015 due to lower generation charges, improved power plant availability, and lower cost of fuel. MERALCO charges were down anew by 17 percent year-
on-year or by P0.219 per kilowatt-hour. Balisacan stressed that overall, policies remain supportive of a manageable rate of inflation. “The expected the monetary policy adjustments in the US and the general concerns about the sustainability of growth in emerging economies, the peso is expected to remain relatively stable due to the country’s strong external position will contribute to stable domestic prices going forward,” he said. But Balisacan said that the government is aware that there are still risks to a manageable inflation rate. “The lingering possibility of El Niño occurrence in the first quarter of 2015 and power woes remain an overhanging concern and must be holistically addressed,” he added.(neda.gov.ph)
Cebuano News
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Korapsiyon, kakabos nga parte sa mensahe ni Pope Francis, gihatagan na og pagtagad – PNoy
MANILA, Jan. 23 (PIA)-Gihatagan na og pagtagad sa gobyerno ang panawagan ni Pope Francis batok sa korapsiyon ug kakabos sa wala pa man ang pagbisita sa Santo Papa sa Pilipinas, matud pa ni Presidente Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. Sa pakighinabi sa media human sa pagbiya ni Pope Francis, gibutyag ni PNoy nga ang pagsumpo sa korapsiyon parte sa katuyoan sa administrasyon sukad nilingkod siya sa puwesto. Apan giangkon ni PNoy nga aduna pa gihapo’y nahitabong mga anomaliya ubos sa iyang administrasyon ug angay gayud manubag ang mga nalambigit niini. “Hindi tayo humihinto. Kailangan lang nating daanin nga sa tamang proseso dahil may kasabihan nga, ‘yon talagang sukatan ng demokrasya ay hindi yung pagtatanggol mo ng karapatan ng kaibigan mo, pero lalo ng kaaway mo,” matud pa ni PNoy. Dugang pa niya, “Nagpapatuloy ng corruption. Siyempre, kaaway natin ‘yan, pero importante idaan natin sa tamang proseso para lahat ay nasa lugar at nasa katotohanan.” Sa courtesy call sa Santo Papa kang PNoy sa Malakanyang niadtong niaging Biyernes, gihagit ni Pope Francis ang mga lider sa nasud nga tapuson na ang bisan unsang matang sa korapsiyon nga nahimong babag nga mahimo untang maadto sa mga kabos ang bahandi sa gobyerno. Sa mga misa ug panagtapok nga iyang gitambungan sa nasud, gibalik-balik sa paghatag og pagtagad sa Santo Papa ang kamahinungdanon sa mga kabos ug sa mga napasagdan sa katilingban. Matud pa ni PNoy, gihatagan usab og pagtagad sa iyang administrasyon ang kakabos, ilabi na pinaagi sa conditional cash transfer o Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 Ps). Apan bisan pa niini, giangkon ni PNoy nga dili dayon mabati sa mga kabos nga Pilipino ang epekto sa mga programa sa gobyerno batok sa kakabos. (ecb/PIA7-
DSWD nangita’g field workers nga motabang sa National Household Targeting Survey MANILA, Jan. 26 (PIA) --- Nanginahanglan and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) og 47,644 field workers alang sa implementasyon sa Listahanan 2nd nationwide assessment. Kini alang sa himuong mga National Household Targeting Survey for Poverty Reduction. Kining maong listahan usa ka information management system sa gobyerno aron dali makita ang komprehensibong listahan sa mga kabos nga pamilya. Apil sa mga gikinahanglang posisyon ang 1,277 ka area coordinators; 6,383 area supervisors; 31,908 enumerators; 4,038 encoders ug 4,038 verifiers. Molibot ang maong mga gikinahanglang trabahante sa 15.3 milyon household sa halos 1,500 ka mga munisipalidad ug 144 ka syudad sa tibuok nasud. Ang mga interesadong aplikante mahimong mo-email sa ilang aplikasyon sa nhtspr.npmo ug dswd.gov.ph o di kaha personal kining dalhon sa pinakaduol nga buhatan sa mga DSWD offices ug sa mga social welfare and development team offices sa mga probinsiya. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
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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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