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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. 4 January 24-31, 2015

Over 100 Fil-Canadian guests on a ‘Winter Escapade’ in Siquijor

SIQUIJOR (PIA)—Over a hundred Filipino-Canadian guests led

by Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia with Philippine Consuls General across Canada and other professionals came to Siquijor as part of their Winter Escapade this year.

We are here to discover Siquijor, the Philippines top envoy to Canada said at the Tambisan Wharf in San Juan, Siquijor where Provincial Governor Zaldy S. Villa, town Mayor Mei Ling Quezon, Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Primitivo Tabujara, Jr. and party welcomed them.

From the wharf, they were led to the St. Francis of Assisi Church grounds near the Siquijor port for another welcoming school band with some grade schoolchildren rendering them a dance.

More picture taking followed to the delight of both the visitors and schoolchildren who felt like ‘instant celebrities’ with visitors grabbing them for more poses.

But their short stay on the island only allowed them to visit the century-old Balete Tree in Campalanas, Lazi, Siquijor with its fish spa and folk healing, St. Isidore Labrador Parish and Convent in Lazi and a sumptuous lunch with lively cultural presentations at the Cocogrove Beach Resort.

“I hope you preserve your island as it is,” comments heard from the guests who said they are impressed of the island’s beauty and spirituality and the true Filipino hospitality that is now seldom found in the cities and other places in the country.

Even big beautiful houses and the island’s tranquillity and natural beauty didn’t pass the envoy’s musing as if amazed at how far it is from what she heard and read all over.

Winter Escapade, according to Garcia, is a combination of tourism and investment.

People want to come home, referring to the big number of Filipino communities in Canada and other countries, whom she said, would come home when they get old.

Saying this, she encouraged the

Exchanging ‪, ‎pleasantries‬., welcoming the ‘Winter Escapade 2’ participants with Provincial Governor Zaldy Villa, Municipal Mayor Mei Ling Quezon and Siquijor PNP Provincial Director Primitivo Tabujara Jr. and party. governor to work around coming up with a good health insurance and seek assistance from Filipinos abroad to attract visitors and retirees to come to Siquijor.

She said many Filipino-Canadian communities are asking the Canadian government to help the Philippines.

Ambassador Garcia, in a press release, is said to be working on advancing bilateral relations as her priorities and

strategies and pushed for activities that promotes productive community support such as the Winter Escapade.

A combination of tourism and investment, Winter Escapade 2 is group tour which she herself led from January 30 to February 06, 2015 in the islands of Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol and Cebu. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DOST launches Mobile Disaster Communications Service in Cebu The unit is self-reliant running on its own power source and/or is able to harness other power sources such as power generators or local active power lines.

The MDRU donated by Japan comes in two configurations, the small version is the size of a .5m x .5m box that contains the necessary equipment and software necessary to provide basic voice and data communications within a small area for up to 500 concurrent users, while the attaché case version of the MDRU can do the same for a much smaller area. The MDRU can also act as a data center, it is built in with an Evacuee Management System, that allows relief workers, using no more that smartphones or tablets to track and tabulate those who have been displaced by a disaster.

According to Ioane Koroivuki Regional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, International Telecommunication Union; “The ITU

MANILA -- The First Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings, held from January 26 to February 07 at the Clark and Subic Bay Freeport Zones, supported efforts to bolster Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) participation in regional and global markets under the APEC 2015 theme to build inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

This supports “Fostering SME’s participation in regional and global markets,” one of the priorities under this year’s overarching theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.”

“SMEs account for over 97 per cent of all businesses and half of employment in APEC economies – but less than 35 per cent of exports. That’s why it’s vital that we enhance SMEs’ competitiveness so they can expand into new markets” said Ambassador Laura Q. Del Rosario, Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and 2015 Chair of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting.

The Philippines’ proposal for an SME Action Plan would help SMEs

improve their management capabilities, strengthen their access to financing, and foster a business environment that encourages SMEs to access overseas markets.

The target date for the completion of the SME Action Plan is by the 3rd Senior Officials Meeting in September this year.

“Greater SMEs’ participation in supply-chains leads to more jobs and increased exports. Importantly, this will lead to ‘inclusive growth’, so that all parts and members of the economy can benefit,” explained Ambassador Del Rosario.

The proposed SME Action Plan complements APEC’s ongoing work on Supply Chain Connectivity, which aims to provide an enabling environment for business by improving logistics, transportation, cross-border transit and infrastructure.

APEC’s Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) initiatives provide targeted capacity building to help APEC economies address weaknesses and chokepoints in the supply chain.

“ECOTECH initiatives that

acknowledges that it is absolutely crucial that in times of emergencies that communications are restored in the shortest possible time, it also recognizes that having the right tools in place to enable this. The MDRU is one such tool that enables the establishment of an ICT network and emergency communications services in the fastest time possible”.

Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the DOST said that the MDRU is a model on how the International public and private partnership and cooperation in ICT can work to mitigate the effects of disasters.

Likewise, ICT can also spur development particularly in the countryside. Through e-government, e-health, environment data through programs such as project NOAH and readily available Internet connectivity being developed through the ICT Office, our citizens can have the information they need not only to help sustain themselves but also be ready in times of calamities. (icto.dost.gov.ph)

The Department of Science and Technology together with international and local partners launched and formally turned over the Moveable and Deployable ICT Resource Unit (MDRU) to the town of San Remigio, Cebu, one of the municipalities r a v a g e d b y Ty p h o o n Yo l a n d a .

The donation of the MDRU to the Philippines happened through the efforts of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (MIC) and the Central Visayas Information Sharing Network Foundation (CVISNet).

Research and development (R&D) on the Movable Deployable ICT Resource Unit started in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 with the support of MIC, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and other Japanese ICT organizations.

It is a unit that can be quickly deployed to restore communications in communities in the aftermath of a disaster.

APEC aims to bolster SMEs’ participation in regional and global market

improve supply chain connectivity will make it easier for SMEs to get their good or service from their office or warehouse, to their overseas customer. This means lower costs and higher efficiency – which allows SMEs to focus on expanding their business,” explained Ambassador Del Rosario.

SMEs participation in regional and global supply-chains will also improve under a Philippine-led initiative to help goods exporters’ access overseas markets more efficiently and securely.

APEC economies will be encouraged to improve their Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) systems. AEO systems prevent goods in international transport to be tampered with and facilitate trade for low-risk operators.

“Strong AEO systems facilitate trust between trading partners which enhances supply chain connectivity,” said Ambassador Del Rosario.

“All these APEC initiatives will result in benefits for all SMEs, which comprise 97 per cent of businesses in the APEC region, and build more inclusive economies,” concluded Ambassador Del Rosario.

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Larena mayor inspires local folks to make Larena a #1 town in Siquijor

LARENA MAYOR DANNY S. VILLA

LARENA, Siquijor (PIA)--Larena town Mayor Dean Villa inspires the local folks with the unveiling of his major projects as he calls for ‘togetherness’ and cooperation to make Larena a number 1 town in the province.

Villa, while expressing his determination and aspiration to stay as the most progressive town in Siquijor province, convinced his constituents to maintain the cooperation and unity that has prevailed over the years.

His first major project for this year is the establishment of the first mall in the province through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) following the opening of its Tourism Center late last year.

Along with this, he said, is the reclamation of the port, construction of two RoRo ports and the improvements of the terminal and its facilities with the Philippine Ports Authority’s allocation of P200 milion.

The municipal hall is also up for extension for its second floor to be funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

He is also working for the creation of Larena Eco-Development (LED) Park, also at the port area.

“By 2015, I am looking forward for better government to achieve our dreams for Larena,” ends his message. (mbcn/RAC/ PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)

DENR opens search for most eco-friendly schools

(PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now accepting nominations for the most environment-friendly and sustainable schools in the country.

Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Atty. Jonas Leones announced on Friday the “2015 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools” is open to all public and private elementary and high schools, colleges and universities.

Three major winners ate in for each level – elementary, high school and college. Each first place winner gets P50,000 and a plaque of recognition. The second and third place winners each gets P40,000 and P30,000, respectively, and plaques.

Regional winners will each get P15,000.

“The competition seeks to encourage schools to become more actively involved in environmental issues at the local level. It recognizes academic institutions with best eco-friendly programs

and activities,” Leones said.

The deadline for submission of nominations is April 10, 2015 and the winners will be announced in November.

“This is to give schools more time to prepare and enhance their existing ecofriendly programs,” Leones explained.

“We are hoping to encourage more schools to participate and take part in heightening environmental awareness among our youth.”

The national search is organized

by DENR-EMB, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and private sector partners.

Smart Communications Inc. joins the activity as part of its corporate social responsibility and community service program Kabalikat. Other program partners from the private sector are Nestle Philippines Inc. and One Meralco Foundation Inc.

Participating schools must register on-line at www.sustainableschools.ph and

submit their entry in three hard copies to their respective DepEd Division Offices for public elementary and high school categories, and to EMB Regional Offices for private elementary and high school entries, including higher education/college category. The minimum requirement for judging will be the hard copies.

Entries should reflect the theme “Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives.”

Participating schools should include a brief description of their entry.

Nominees will be judged according to the following criteria: Sustainability Aspects of the School’s Policy (10 points); Environment-friendly School Operations and Presence of Environmental Programs (25 pts.); Environment-related Features of the School Curriculum (25 pts.); Presence of Vibrant Eco Organizations in Campus (10 pts.); Presence of Partners and Linkages in Environment Programs/ Projects (10 pts.); Socio-Cultural Sustainability (10 pts.) and Economic Sustainability (10 pts.). Only one entry per school will be accepted. (mbcn/ecb/ PIA7-Bohol)

iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS A l l b u d d i n g entrepreneurs looking to start-up their dreams need only to begin by registering business name with the Department of Trade and Industry.

Cebuano News

Boluntaryo, walay pugos nga pangulekta -DEPED

You may apply directly with the DTI office where your business will be located or through the online facility, the Web-Enabled Business Name Registration System; www.bnrs.dti.

1. Choose a business name Think of at least five business names ranked according to preference.

If the name you have chosen is already similar to a registered business name, your next preferred business name will be considered.

WHAT IS AN ACCEPTABLE BUSINESS NAME?

PIA –Nagpahinumdon gihapon ang Department of Education (DepEd) nagdto sa tanang tinugyanan sa mga pangpublikong tunghaan sa palisiyang hugot nga gidili ang pagpangolekta og bisan unsang matang sa balayranan alang sa mga kalihukan ug kasaulogan.

Kini dungan sa usaka buwan nga pasiunang pagpangrehistro sa mga kabataan nga motungha sa sunod tuig sugod sa Enero 24 nagdto sa Pebrero 27.

Ang sayo nga pagpanglista nagtumong nga ipanegurong masulod ang mga nagpanuigon og 5 anyos nga maenrol sa kindergarten samtang ang naa sa 6 anyos, maenrol usab sa Grade 1 sa Hunyo pohon.

Mismo si Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro FSC mipasabot nga ang mga tampohon, kinahanglang boluntaryo.

Hinuon, gipasabot usab nga mahimong hatagan sa katungod ang Parents-Teachers Association sa pagpangolekta ug mga tampohon gikan sa mga sakop niini aron may magamit sa pagpatuman sa mga programa niini.

Pananglit sa mga programa ug proyekto mao ang Christmas parties alang sa kabataan, apan ang mga balayranan boluntaryo ug kaigo-an sa mga sakop sa asembleya.

Usab giaghat ni SEC Luistro nga ang mga PTAs magbantay usab nga ang mga tampohon, dili dako ug may pagbase sa mga galastohan sa mga ginikanan sa pagpa-eskwela sa kabataan.

Gimandu niya dungan sa pagpabasot nga ang mga balayranan dili himoong babag nga mahikawan na hinuon ang bata sa pagtruon.

Gipasabut usab sa DEPED nga ang dili pagbayad sa boluntaryong tampohon dili himoong basehan sa dili paglista sa bata, pagpasaka niini ngadto sa taas nga antas ug sa pagpugong sa clearances ug mga school cards. (rac/PIA7-Bohol)

It should be comprised solely of any or all of the following: letter , numerals, and punctuation marks that are part of the English and Filipino Language.

2. Search your business name

An online search facility is provided in the WEBNRS for you to find registered business names in the Philippines. From here, you can determine if the business name you like is taken or not.

3. Register your business name

Complete Bureau of Trade regulation & Consumer Protection (BTRCP) Form No. 16.

4.

Submit documentary requirements

The list of documentary requirements to be submitted to proper DTI office where your business is located is indicated in the transaction reference number [TRN] acknowledgement found in the last page of the online application form.

The TRN acknowledgement form should be signed and submitted to DTI.

5.

Pay your application

You pay the DTI office indicated in your TRN acknowledgement form.

Business hours are Monday to Friday, *:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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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