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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. 5| NO. 3 January 17-24, 2017
Siquijor ports readied for tourist, cargo influx
MSMEs and Consumers gather during the Launching of DTI Siquijor’s “e-Presyo”, an Online Price Monitoring System (OPMS) where consumers can check the prevailing prices of basic necessities and prime commodities that are being monitored by DTI. It serves as a price guide for consumers in doing their grocery shopping which in turn ensures “value for money.” (JDUyChan/SCCII)
Student from Siquijor gets accepted to Harvard Forum twice LARENA, Siquijor (PIA) –Sophomore Political Science student Carlisle Caroro got accepted to the Harvard Project for Asian and international Relations (HPAIR) Conference for the second time, according to a report from the Silliman University (SU). he first time was for the HPAIR 2016 Asia Conference in Hong Kong in August 2016, while the second was for the HPAIR 2017 Conference on February 17 to 20 at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. HPAIR is Harvard’s largest annual student connection in Asia, which creates a forum of exchange and facilitates discussion of the most important economic, political, and social
issues relevant to the Asia-Pacific region. It brings together students from the world’s foremost universities and leaders in the fields of government, business, culture, and academia. The conference has five tracks: Environment and Sustainability, Humanitarian Affairs, Governance and Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship and Technology, and Business and the World Economy. The conference has a highly competitive selection process and Caroro has been selected to participate in the Governance and Diplomacy track. Carlisle is the daughter of Felimon Caroro, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
SIQUIJOR (PIA) – The sea ports in the province have ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization of facilities, according to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Siquijor Acting Division Manager Mary Louise Macalino in an infosharing with the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID). These improvements, Macalino said, are measures to ready the ports for the increase of cargo and tourist influx in the province. She cited the presence of the Prince Warehouse in Larena town that contributes to the increase in the number and frequency of cargoes going in and out in the province. Macalino also predicted that with the opening of the new International Aiport in Bohol, tourist influx is also expected to grow. To date, the new Passenger Terminal Bulding (PTB) in Siquijor port is already operational. But the CCTV cameras, aircon, hand dryers being installed are not yet functional due to electricity problem. The PPA has allocated P2-million for the installation of separate line transformer to resolve the problem in electricity supply. Baggage X-ray machine is now available and ready for delivery, she said. She said improvement of the Siquijor port’s covered pathway, parking area, widening of roads, additional cargo docking area are underway. The ongoing expansion worth P157,022,007 and improvement for the port of Larena are expected to finish in March 2017. (rmn/rac/ PIA7-Siquijor/w/ reports from I.A.Abatayo) (CAS) of the Siquijor State College (SSC) and Nila Caroro, the chief administrative officer also of the same College. Another Sillimanian, Economics senior Genin Raya Amiscaray, also got accepted to the HPAIR 2017 Conference under the Humanitarian Affairs track. (rac/PIA7Siquijor with SU report)
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#PartnerForChange
Duterte launches Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship, calls for Filipino bayanihan
President Rodrigo Duterte led the launch on Sunday of the country’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) calling on Filipinos to help for the successful hosting of the annual summit. “We recognize the truth that the success is defined by the collective work of our nation and in ASEAN’s entire membership,” the President said in a speech during the launching at SMX Convention Center here in Davao City. “In this journey, I call on all Filipinos to take an active and constructive part during the Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN. Now, more than ever, it is our spirit of ‘bayanihan’ that has helped define us as a responsible leader of our region during this crucial time,” he added. He said more than ever, it is ASEAN’s spirit of community that will enable the regional grouping to overcome challenges that it faces as a region. The President also called on all ASEAN’s dialogue partners to be unwavering in their support for the ASEAN’s continued development and role in regional security, stability and growth. At the same time, he rallied support from ASEAN member states to renew their dedication to the valued purposes and
principles stated in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation – including non-interference - in promoting regional peace and stability through respect for the rule of law. The Chief Executive stressed that this is a golden opportunity for the ASEAN to work for a regional grouping that has taken its firm and secure place in the community of nations. While ASEAN has accomplished a lot since its inception 50 years ago, the President said there is still a lot of hard work to be done to achieve real regional transformation. “I say to you today in full humility: the Philippines – as ASEAN Chair - will remain steadfast in upholding the ideals and values we hold dear and in working for the realization of our shared aspirations,” he said. “We are committed to the building of a strong and resilient ASEAN Community,” he added. ASEAN member states can work to strengthen the capacities of micro, small and medium enterprises, promote and protect the welfare of migrant workers, and ensure social protection for the vulnerable sectors of society, he noted. The President, meanwhile, said that particular attention will be directed towards the development of Brunei Darussalam-
Indonesia-Malaysia- Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) noting that talks will be facilitated by the Philippines this year. The Philippines’ chairmanship will be guided by six thematic priorities spearheaded by the Philippines including people-centered initiatives, ensuring regional peace and stability, pursuing maritime security and cooperation, advancing inclusive, innovation-led growth, strengthening ASEAN resiliency, and promoting ASEAN as a model of regionalism and as a global player. The Philippines’ hosting coincides with ASEAN’s 50th anniversary celebration with the theme, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” Among the distinguished guests who graced the event were former Presidents Fidel Ramos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, members of the Cabinet and ambassadors of the 10 ASEAN Member States. The ASEAN commemorative coin and stamp were also launched during the event. The guests were greeted by cultural dances, and a choir based in Davao City, who sang the theme song of the ASEAN Summit.###PND
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Science & Technology
DOST Siquijor calls MSMEs to avail SETUP, allots P5.7M this 2017 By Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing, DOST Siquijor PSTC IO-designate The Department of Science and Technology here is calling MSMEs in the province to avail the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the agency. This year DOST Siquijor allots PhP5.7 million pesos to assist 11 MSMEs which are under the priority sectors.
The program aims to help MSMEs be competitive through technology upgrading, necessary trainings and laboratory analysis of the products, among others. As of this writing, DOST Siquijor has assisted more than 60 MSMEs in the province under the identified priority sectors. The assistance generated additional job opportunities and additional revenues.
DOST: Project NOAH tech to be turned over to PAGASA Ill-fated disaster risk service Project NOAH is set to be turned over to the national weather agency, according to DOST Sec. Fortunato de la Peña. In a press statement earlier, De la Peña explained that Project NOAH was always a finite initiative, and that it had already reached its targets. Moreover, he said that Project NOAH’s technologies will be transferred to PAGASA and the DOST remains open to new proposals from the project’s proponents. “The project as currently construed ends on February 28. We’ve been given verbal notice that (the DOST is) not looking to extend or expand it unless we have a new proposal,” DOST information officer Rio Marasigan told GMA News Online. Beginning of the end “It has to be understood that Research Projects (sic) have start and end dates. In this particular project, the promised deliverables have been met and (are) now ready for adoption and use,” De la Peña said. “It has been made clear by the previous administration at DOST that the project as a research activity has reached its completion and project end date,” he underscored. De la Peña said that Project NOAH began in 2011 and was mostly completed by 2015. The following year, additional targets and deliverables earned the project an extenion—but only up to February 2017. Technology turnover Once this extension has drawn to a
close, Project NOAH’s technology and output will be turned over to PAGASA. “Part of the condition (of the extension) was the transfer of the technologies for use in operations in the government agencies who have the relevant mandate,” he said. However, Project NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay earlier said that the problem is not one of technology transfer but of brain drain. Scientists’ exodus According to Lagmay, funding delays have long beleaguered the project, resulting in a mass exodus of its top scientists and researchers. “(It would be) at least two to three months before scientists and researchers will get paid. Last year, it was five months because our proposal to continue was disapproved; we just made an appeal,” he said. “Two years ago, researchers’ salaries were delayed by three to four months! How will they eat? For researchers who have families, what will they provide to their children?” an exasperated Lagmay told GMA News Online. Lagmay also told GMA News Online that the legislature’s call to institutionalize Project NOAH came too late: the so-called “Project NOAH Bill” proceeded at a glacial pace, and much of the project’s skilled personnel had already left even before the bill could take off the ground. However, De la Peña said that the turnover of Project NOAH’s core technologies already addresses this need.
To be qualified for the program, the firm should fall under the priority sectors which include food processing, furniture, GHDs, metals and engineering, among others. As a Filipino-owned enterprise, the business must be operational for the past 3 years. It should have an updated Mayor’s permit, DTI registration and BIR registration. pon verification of the applicant’s credentials, DOST will conduct site evaluation and determine the necessary technology needs of the firm. Other requirements such as financial report for the last 3 years of operation will be reviewed along with the full blown proposal. When approved, a memorandum of agreement will be signed between the firm and DOST. The amount received will be spent according to what will be stipulated in the approved MOA. The beneficiary then pays the whole amount without interest for a total of 36 months through PDCs. In 2016, DOST Siquijor turned over more than PhP7.5 million which was divided to 10 MSMEs. Some of the firms which received assistance include Siquijor Island Cable TV Systems Corporation, Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center, GL Motors and Industries, Jainin’s Cakes and Pastries and Isla Noah Ice Cream, among others. For inquiries, interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Provincial Science and Technology Center located in Baluarte St., Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor or call (035) 344-2008/480-9018.
Passing the torch “The outcome or result of Project NOAH is now due for use and adoption, specifically by PAGASA. Its adoption by PAGASA ensures the NOAH tools will be institutionalized,” De la Peña assured. In any case, De la Peña said that the DOST is open to funding new initiatives. “If (a) researcher has a new project proposal in a related area, it can be submitted, evaluated and considered for funding,” De la Peña concluded. — GMA News Source: http://www.gmanetwork. com/news/story/597649/scitech/science/ dost-project-noah-tech-to-be-turned-over-topagasa#sthash.lZGEvug8.dpuf
Cebuano News:
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Militar, gi-aghat ni Duterte sa pagtabang sa PDEA sa kampanya batok sa ilegal nga droga
Gitun-an na sa Malakanyang ang pagmugna og special task force sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nga motabang sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) sa anti-illegal drugs campaign. Human kini sa direktiba ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte sa Philippine National Police (PNP) nga ihunong na ang operasyon batok sa ilegal nga droga ug pagtutok sa internal cleansing batok sa mga police scalawags. Sa pagpanumpa sa mga bag-ong na-promote nga military generals ug flag officers kagahapon sa Malakanyang nga gipangunahan ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte, gipalutaw niini ang kamahinungdanon sa papel sa militar sa kalamboan sa nasod
sa pagseguro sa kalinaw ug seguridad. Sa maong oath-taking rites sa Malakanyang, gisukot sa Presidente ang mga bag-ong opisyal sa militar sa pagbantay sa kaayohan sa nasod ug sa pagtabang sa pag-implementar sa reporma sa gobyerno. “As we endeavor to carry out reforms in all government agencies, I wish that you remain to be the kind of officers
who put the welfare of the organization, the nation, and its people above your personal considerations,” matud pa ni Duterte. Gibalik usab sa Presidente ang iyang panawagan sa militar sa pagpabiling loyal sa bandila ug sa konstitusyon. Una nang miingon ang Presidente nga iya usab tahasan ang mga sundalo aron arestuhon ang mga badlongon nga polis. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
VAT exemptions sa seniors, PWDs magpabilin taliwala sa tax reforms Giseguro sa Duterte administration nga walay kabag-ohan sa ginadawat nga exemption sa value added tax (VAT) sa mga senior citizens ug persons with disabilities (PWDs) sa gidusong tax reform karon sa gobyerno. Kini ang gi-anunsiyo ni Department of Finance (DoF) Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua atol sa press briefing sa Malakanyang niadtong Biyernes, Enero 27. “Ang good news po dito, ang senior citizen VAT exemption at sa PWD ay hindi tatanggalin pero ang gagawin po natin ay aayusin po natin ‘yung sistema. For example through a national ID para ‘yung leakage ay maiwasan, na ang benepisyo lang ay mapupunta sa tamang tao,” matud pa ni Chua. Gitin-aw ni Chua nga tinguha sa ipatuman nga tax reform nga mapakunhod ang poverty rate sa nasod gikan sa 22%, himuong 14% nga mahimong dalan aron ang Pilipinas mahimong middle-income nga nasod sa tuig 2022. Matud pa ni Chua nga ang tax
Located near Mt. Bandilaan, the highest peak on Siquijor Island, Cantabon Cave has many crystal white formations and small waterfalls that will thrill adventure seekers reform parte sa 10-point socioeconomic agenda ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte. Mi-apela usab si Chua sa pipila ka naglantaw sa tax reform isip pabug-at lamang nga tan-awon ang kinatibuk-ang epekto niini sa nasod. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
Ekonomiya sa nasod, nilambo og 6.8% sa 2016
Nilambo ang ekonomiya sa Pilipinas og 6.8% niadtong 2016, ang pinakapaspas nga paglambo sa ekonomiya sa Pilipinas sukad niadtong 2013 sa dihang nakatala og 7.1% growth rate ang nasod. Sa usa ka press conference kagahapon, gikumpirmar ni Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Statistician Lisa Grace Bersales ang 6.6 porsiyento nga paglambo sa gross domestic product (GDP) sa katapusang tulo ka buwan sa 2016, kun itandi sa 6.3 porsiyento sa ika-upat nga kwarter sa 2015. Tungod niini, dili na ang Pilipinas a n g m a k o n s i d e r a n g ‘ f a s t e s t g r o w i n g
economy’ sa Asya base sa datos sa PSA. Apan sa tibuok tuig sa 2016, ang Pilipinas ang ikaduha nga ‘fastest growing economy’ ug nag-una ang China nga adunay 6.7 % ug ikatulo ang Vietnam nga nakatala og 6.2%, matud pa ni Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernestor Pernia sa mao gihapong press conference. Kahinumdoman nga niadtong ikatulong kwarter sa 2016, nakatala og 7.1% nga GDP ang Pilipinas ug gitawag kining fastest growing economy sa Asya. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
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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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