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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. 40 November 17 - 23, 2015

Siquijor PNP assures security in the island

SIQUIJOR, November 25 (PIA) -- Siquijor Provincial Police Office (SPPO) has assured locals that they are now looking into the robbery and shooting incidents in the province recently.

SPPO provincial director Police Senior Superintendent Erson Digal, during the Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) meeting recently, assured the PAC members that the SPPO has already identified the suspects, allegedly from an organized group backed by a “big” individual.

Digal refused to give the identity but said that they will get the suspects this month.

“Just give us time,” Digal said, vowing that the police force will do their best to resolve the incidents and secure the province from all forms criminalities.

Several crime prevention efforts are currently done to maintain peace and order, he said, citing the apprehension of PO2 Luther Lapinig Y Jutba for the violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as Illegal Possession of Firearms and for the apprehension of 14 individuals for the violation of RA 9287 or the Illegal Numbers Game locally known as “swertres.”

This was made while responding to a report of a shooting incident in Nagerong , Lazi of which the suspect was reported to be the brother of PO2 Lapinig.

The authorities further wished to assure the public that Siquijor remains peaceful despite these isolated incidents.

On the alleged presence of Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in the island, Digal said he validated the i n f o r m a t i o n h i m s e l f a n d t a l k e d t o t h e b a r a n g a y c h a i r m a n a n d s o m e l o c a l s o f t h e a l l e g e d b a r a n g a y.

Intelligence operatives were also deployed to further validate and monitor the area but it was found to be negative, he reported.

“We are thankful that the news was not true and we are happy because locals are very responsive and alert,” said Digal

Earlier, Cascading of Managing Police Operations Lambat Sibat and Patrol Operation with COPs and Staff Officers was conducted at SPPO.

An information drive was also conducted in schools that discussed, among others, special laws, such as: RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, RA 9208 or Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, RA 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act and Crime Prevention Tips to the students .

Digal also assured Siquijodnons of a peaceful elections. In fact, he said, he visited the provincial and municipal offices of the Commission on Elections during the filing of candidacies to assure the candidates that he is fair in working towards the security of the entire province.

He said he always remind his men to refrain from campaigning SPPO Officer-In-Charge Erson Digal giving commendations to the personnel f o r c e r t a i n c a n d i d a t e s d u r i n g who have worked in the apprehension of PO2 Luther Lapinig Y Jutba for the elections and asked them to be fair. violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as Illegal Possession of Firearms and

“Let the people decide the of 14 other known individuals for the violation of RA 9287, otherwise known as kind of government they want for the Illegal Numbers Game or “SWETRES”, (SPPO photo) island,” he said. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor).

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Science chief bets on biotechnology for food security, better healthcare

With agricultural productivity, food security, and public health at the top of its agenda, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the leadership of Secretary Mario G. Montejo, spearheads the National Biotechnology Week (NBW) 2015 which formally opened last November 23, 2015 at SM City Dasmariñas in Cavite.

C e l e b r a t e d a n n u a l l y, N B W showcases the latest inventions and innovations in the field of biotechnology as a response to meet the challenges of climate change that have great impact on farm harvests, crop yields and climate-related diseases. It bears the them “Kaagapay ng Mamamayan sa Pambansang Kaunlaran.”

“We answer the problem posed by

climate change to agricultural productivity, food security and health care by harnessing the power of biotechnology, of using safe but highly effective scientific processes in improving crop varieties resistant to extreme weather conditions and developing breakthrough drugs in combating recurring and emerging diseases,” said Secretary Montejo in his speech read by Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, executive director of DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development during NBW’s opening ceremony.

The week-long celebration will feature, among others, new inventions and innovations developed by local scientists and researchers in different fields of agriculture and aquaculture, in creating

environment friendly fertilizers, improving crop varieties, discovering pest-resistant seeds, formulating indigenous drugs and medicines. All these are being initiated through the use of biotechnology as a science for creating better crops, better products and better processes.

“At the current pace of global biotech R&D, our potential to improve medicine, agriculture and industry will be greatly enhanced,” Montejo added.

“For example, by consulting personalized medical profiles, doctors will be able to identify genetic risks for chronic illnesses and tailor their medical advice to individual patients.”

Montejo also stressed the necessity to continuously open channels of communication about new issues and their implications. “We all need to pay more than lip service to engaging the public in discussions about the science of biotechnology. Surely fostering such engagement is a mutual concern. We can certainly learn from each other’s experiences in this realm,” he said.

NBW is slated to run until November 28, 2015. The events lined up include exhibits, forums on biotechnology use in agriculture, aquaculture, environment, health, nutrition and other applications.

There are also career talks to entice high school and elementary student to take up courses related to biotechnology.

NBW is co-organized by DOST with the DOH, DA, DENR, DILG, DTI, DepEd, CHED, and the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines. (S&T Media Service)

Workshop immerses studes in biotechnology at DOST- led Nat’l Biotech Week

Learning about biotechnology can be fun and exciting. This was demonstrated in the recent seminar held at SM Dasmariñas Event Center, Cavite as part of the celebration of the National Biotechnology Week 2015 spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The seminar, entitled “Understanding Biotechnology Seminar-Workshop for High School and Elementary Students,” featured activities that engaged the students from Maquiling School, Incorporated, Christian School International, University of the Philippines Rural High School, De La Salle Lipa, Cavite State University, and B. N. Calara Elementary and High School.

In one of the group activities led by Prof. Carlo Miguel Sandoval of University of the Philippines-Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB), the students were able to extract DNA of a banana using common household chemicals such as alcohol, dishwashing liquid, and salt. Another activity enjoyed by the participants was creating paper models of the human DNA, which carries all the information about how a living thing will look and function.

Prof. Sandoval said that making biotechnology comprehensible to young Filipinos is “very important because we are in a period where biotech is already booming and we have a lot of technology that we don’t know are biotech. It is important to communicate [biotech] effectively, educate, and inform [Filipinos] even at a very young age so they can understand [biotech] especially nowadays that there are a lot of issues against products of modern biotechnology and most of them are rooted on miscommunication or misunderstanding.”

Prof. Sandoval added that he sees a biotech-driven Philippines in the future especially with the very strong support of the government. “They are providing funds for us not only for research but also for activities such as biotech information, education, and communication,” he stated.

Apart from the group activities, there were also discussions on Principles and Applications of Biotechnology facilitated by Dr. Orlex Yllano of the Adventist University of the Philippines and Food and Environmental Safety of GMOs led by Dr. Roberta N. Garcia of UPLB-IPB.

Dr. Yllano emphasized in his lecture

that he made his presentation very basic and simple to cater to the comprehension level of the elementary students present in the event.

Aside from helping students understand biotechnology, Dr. Yllano hopes that the seminar-workshop would encourage students to choose biotechnology as their career path. “Biotechnology is a relatively new area that needs promoting so that students would appreciate it and have careers related to it.”

As for the future of biotechnology in the Philippines, Dr. Yllano is positive that it will thrive. “If you analyze the number of students in the University of the Philippines taking up biotechnology, you will see that the number is increasing,” he said.

The seminar-workshop was organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) of DOST, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in AgricultureBiotechnology Information Center, and the UPLB-IPB. It was created based on the book written by NAST Academician Dr. Evelyn Mae Mendoza titled “Understanding Biotechnology.” (S&T Media Service)

iNFOBYTES Focused Group Discussion (FGD)/ YouthDevelopment Consultation Workshop with the Natl Youth Commission (NYC) at the Siquijor Provincial Capitol.

Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc (SCCII) Chair Judy Booc opening the Coordinating Roads & Infra for Devt (CR+ID) Validation workshop on Tourism & agriculture held recently at Dapdap SUnset Grill.

More than 300 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have availed of the services during the Interagency Convergence Caravan held at Lazi, Siquijor.

Old banknotes good up to Dec. 31, 2015

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reminded the public that the old banknote series launched in 1985 can still be used for daily transactions up to December 31, 2015.

From January 1, 2016 up to December 31, 2016, the old banknotes can still be exchanged in authorized agent banks and the BSP Cash Department.

However, starting January 1, 2017, the old banknote series will be fully demonetized or without monetary value.

This means that the New Generation Banknotes introduced in December 2010 will result in the circulation of a single currency series in the country. The New Generation Banknotes have more and enhanced security features to protect the safety of the public against counterfeiters.

The demonetization process of the old banknotes is in line with the provisions of Section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as the New Central Bank Act, which authorizes the BSP to replace banknotes that are more than 5 years old. The old banknotes have been in circulation for almost three decades.

The public is advised of the following important information:

1. The public may continue to use the old banknotes up to 31 December 2015 in paying and buying of goods and services and other business or financial transactions requiring the use of cash. Thereafter, these old banknotes will no longer be accepted for payment transactions;

2. From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016, the public may exchange with authorized financial institutions, namely universal and commercial banks, thrift banks, and rural as well as cooperative banks, their old banknotes with the New Generation Currency (NGC) Series at full face value, without charge. The public may also opt to exchange their old banknotes with the BSP or any of its regional offices/branches around the Philippines.

3. Government institutions holding old banknotes which could not be exchanged during the prescribed period, such as banknotes used as evidence in a litigation case, will have to request the BSP Cash Department in writing, within the period of exchange, for a special exchange arrangement;

4. For Overseas Filipinos (OFs) abroad, who have in their possession old banknotes which could not be exchanged within the prescribed period, they may register online starting 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2016 through the BSP Website. These old banknotes may be exchanged with the BSP within one (1) year from date of registration; and

5. Starting 1 January 2017, NDS banknotes that have not been exchanged shall no longer have any monetary value, and are considered d e m o n e t i z e d . ( w w w. b s p . g o v. p h )

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS

DOH: Shop for toys wisely this Christmas

The Department of Health (DOH) addresses the public to shop wisely for toys to give as gifts this holiday season. A safe toy is defined by the DOH as one that is suitable to the child’s physical capabilities, mental and social development, durable, and safe for the child’s age.

“We must not only look at the value but also the quality of the item. Aside from being appealing and suitable for a child’s age, toys should be safe.” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin explained.

For newborns to one year old, DOH suggests toys such as rattles, large and brightly colored balls, washable stuffed dolls or animals with big and clearly defined faces. Toddlers or children ages two to three years old are recommended with toys such as wooden animals, dolls, sturdy kiddie cars, modeling clay, and rocking horses.

“Always check labels on the packaging and observe precautions appearing in labels. Ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his/ her age under adult supervision. After unwrapping of gifts, dispose plastic packaging accordingly and keep it out of reach of children.” Garin added.

DOH advised that the following toys are not recommended under three years old: balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less so as to prevent choking, toys that easily break into small parts or pieces (glass or brittle plastics), toys containing small detachable parts or pieces which could become

swallowed and lodged in the throat, and toys with sharp points and edges.

In addition, the health chief warned on toys that may contain harmful chemicals such as lead. In order to ensure that toys do not contain hazardous

DOLE ngadto sa mga employers: ihatag na ang 13th month pay sa dili pa mag-Disyembre 24

(PIA)--Subling gipahinumdom sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa mga employer o agalon nga sundon ang balaod sa paghatag og 13th month pay.

Gi-aghat ni Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz ang mga pribadong kumpanya nga ihatag na ang 13th month pay salary sa mga empleyado sa dili pa mag-Disyembre 24.

“All employers are required to pay their rank-and-file employees the 13th month pay, regardless of the nature of their employment and irrespective of the methods by which their wages are paid, provided they have worked for at least one month during a calendar year,” matud pa ni Baldoz.

Nagtuo ang kalihim nga mahimong hapsay ang relasyon sa mga empleyado ug employers kun ihatag dayon ang 13th month pay.

Samtang gikalipay sa DOLE ang 94.23 porsiyento nga pagsaka sa mga kumpanyang misunod sa mando sa DOLE nga paghatag sa 13th month pay gikan sa 88.23 porsiyento niadtong 2011.

Apan mas ubos kini sa 94.76 percent compliance rate niadtong 2012 ug 94.92 porsiyento niadtong 2013.

Matud pa sa DOLE nga gikan 69,069 ka establisimento, mokabat sa 65,301 ang nihatag og 13th month pay ug 3,768 lamang ang wala mosunod sa mando sa DOLE. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

materials, toy manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to secure Certificate of Conformity from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the toys they sell or offer. These establishments take due diligence in ensuring that toys are toxic-free. Consumers are strongly advised to buy their toy gifts from legitimate toy establishments.

“Salubungin natin ang Pasko at Bagong Taon nang ligtas, masaya, at puno ng pag-asa. Tiyakin natin na ang ireregalong laruan ay magbibigay ng saya at hindi disgrasaya.” Garin concluded.

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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