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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. 4| NO. 5 February 10-17 , 2016
PNP Siquijor readies for a peaceful 2016 polls
SIQUIJOR(PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) here is mapping out security plans for a peaceful conduct of 2016 elections. In an interview with Philippine Information Agency, Provincial Director Erson Digal of the Siquijor Provincial Police Office (SPPO) said the Provincial Joint Security Control Council (PJSCC) with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were activated and initial meetings held to discussed the possible presence of Private A r m e d G r o u p s ( PA G s ) , extortions, intense political rivalries and the security measures to address them. Digal said he has effected memorandum orders to the chiefs of police (COPs) to step up law enforcement as part of the preparations. He said Siquijor remains generally peaceful with no presence of PAGS nor report of extortion based on their monitoring so far. Although there is no declared Election watchlist areas (EWAS) as of now, Digal said he does not discount the fact that there were EWAS in the previous elections. Monitoring has been intensified in these areas and where intesnse political rivalries were observed to prevent the presence of PAGs and other unlawful activities that may cause disrupt the coming elections. The provincial director also said he required all admin police
One of the checkpoints conducted at San Juan, Siquijor. officers to conduct beat patrol at least two hours a day in their areas of responsibilities to pre-empt possible commission of crimes. The same memo also called on police stations in the province to hold mobile patrol and random checkpoints. PNP is also preparing the names of police officers for assignment/ positioning in voting centers in all towns. The Provincial Joint Security Control Council (PJSCC) is also set to conduct signing of peace covenants among local politicians all over Siquijor, he said.
Meanwhile, Comelec has issued Resolution No. 10029 for the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to observe when manning the poll body’s checkpoints. The establishment of checkpoints, at least one in each city or town, is part of the implementation of the gun ban that takes effect during the election period form Jan. 10 to June 8. Comelec also reminded the lawmen that solicitation and extortion are prohibited in checkpoints. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Siquijor MSMEs urged to avail of tech upgrading
SIQUIJOR (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here is encouraging the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province to avail of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The program aims to help MSMEs be competitive through technology upgrading, trainings, and laboratory analysis of products, among others. As of this writing, DOST Siquijor has assisted more than 50 enterprises in the province under the identified priority sectors. The assistance generated additional job opportunities and additional revenues, said Provincial Director Engr. Mario de la Pena. This year, he said, DOST Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) is allocating PhP4.8 million for the program. To qualify for the program, the firm should fall under the priority sectors which include food processing, furniture, gifts, toys and houseware
(GHDs), metals and engineering, among others. As a Filipino-owned enterprise, the business must be operational for the past three years.
It should have an updated Mayor’s permit, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) registration and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration. Upon 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 three years of operation will be reviewed along with the proposal. When approved, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) 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. Some of the firms which received assistance from DOST include Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center in Enrique Villanueva, Tating’s Creamier Ice Cream in San Juan, Duran’s Banana Fritters in Lazi, Sweet Sensations Cakes and Pastries in Larena and GL Motors and Industries in Siquijor, Siquijor. For inquiries, interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Provincial Science and Technology Center located in Baluarte St., Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Reinhold Jek Abing/
PHL Hobie Challenge 2016 sets SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- Philippine Hobie Challenge 2016, the country’s premier sailing event,A will set foot in Siquijor with its fifth and final leg on February 26 to 28 at the Paliton Beach, San Juan, Siquijor. Finishing Line is on February 27 within the seas of the island. “But several other activities sponsored by the Provincial Government and the Coco Grove Beach Resort in a dubbed “Great Weekend Getaway” takes place for sailors, participants, visitors and locals to enjoy while on the island,” said Senior Provincial Tourism Officer Jossette Armirola of the Provincial Tourism Office here. Live bands on Friday and Saturday while volleyball, water sports, Yoga and more await everyone at the Paliton Beach. Food stalls are also available along the area while camping sites are also availables but campers are advised to bring their own tents. Hosted by the Philippine InterIsland Sailing Foundation Inc. (PHINSAF), the Philippine Hobie Challenge is an extreme regatta competition staged in
will sail a distance of approximately 200 nautical miles through Mactan, Cabilao, Sumilon, Balicasag, and Panglao islands and will finish in Siquijor. First leg of the event kicks off Monday at Mactan island going to Cabilao Island, Loon, Bohol. Leg 2 will cover Cabilao Island going to Sumilon Island in Oslob on Tuesday; Leg 3 will be on the waters of Sumilon Island to Balicasag Island, Bohol on Wednesday; Leg 4 starts at Balicasag Island off to San Juan, Siquijor on Friday; and the final and fifth leg will be within the seas of Siquijor on Saturday. The event is a battle of local and foreign nationalities. Listed as competing duos are Eric Tomacruz and Matthias Geisler of Team TBA; Filipinos Eddie Legarda and Jose Legarda of TBA; Australian Bruce Tardrew and Sarah Turnbull; Australian Andrew Boyd and British Kim Troll of TBA; Australian Will King and Jen O’ Boyle of Team The Good, The Bad & The Ugly; Australian Kerli Corlett and Ali Corlett of Not Dead Yet; Filipinos Andy Aguila and Cons Castaneda; Michael
different tourist spots in the country, as part of its advocacy to raise more awareness about eco-friendly sport, especially promoting sports tourism. Seasoned sailors from different parts of the world come to experience the alluring seas and scenic views of Central Visayas including the island of Siquijor. Governor Zaldy Villa said he is glad the island is already included in the country’s top tourist destination as he expects that the Philippine Hobie Challenge will bring in more tourists to the island. “Once they see our province, they
will invite their families and friends to also come and get the same great experience,” the governor said. Members of the PHINSAF upon arrival in Siquijor on February 26 will also do outreach activities such as donating school supplies to chosen elementary schools in the island and the Waves for Water humanitarian aid organization to mobilize a couple of local barangay champions who can be trained to use their filtration system, Armirola added. Armorila said some foreign and local tourists and families of the sailors are already excited to take part in the event. A fleet of up to 25 Hobie 16 catamarans
Ngu and Boyet Magsanay of Cherry Mobile; Fish Southwick and Sharon Rayner of Fiji Samaki; David King and Rob Pixley of Hobie Fogies; Alex Chen and Awan Lin of Taiwan HTC; Belgians Carolien Goegebuer and Yves Bastiaens of Sinnerman; Monchu and Diego Garcia of Rayomarine; Doc Dennis Cruz and Arnel Ornales of TBA; Andrew Locke and Denise Celdran of Knot by You; and Geoff Rowdon-Rosie Phelan of Australia. Listed in the non-competing class are David Wheeler, Hector Almario and Ed Gallego. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from the Provincial Tourism Office)
SIQUIJOR (PIA)--The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) here is calling more blood donors as it shared anew the benefits one can get in donating blood. PRC-Siquijor Sub-Chapter head Rowena Maputi said donating blood boosts one’s health and can save lives that makes every blood donor a hero. “It is a mobile act because you do not only give people a chance to live, you also give yourself benefits which only giving blood can offer,” said Maputi, adding that blood is a vital component of man’s existence and that even with advance technology the world has not been able to invent a substitute for blood. It is something that nobody else could offer except another human being, she added. Maputi also noted that everyday people suffering from anemia, leokemiahemophilia, those who undergo surgery, or those who will deliver a baby need blood.
Donating blood is a simple procedure that will take only a few minutes but gives the following benefits: • The bone narrow will stimulate to produce new cells which is turn makes the blood forming organs function more effectively. • The donor gets personal health check that include blood typing, haemoglobin count and knowing the donors’ blood type and blood pressure. • Regularly donating blood helps males in particular to reduce the amount of iron in the blood and this can reduce the chance of heart attached by 88 percent, and can lower the risk of stroke by 33 percent, she said while noting that noting that it can also improve fitness as donating one pint of blood (450 ml) burns 650 calories in the donor’s body. • Every time a person donates blood, he or she is given a blood donor card that will enable him to be in priority in case he is need of blood. This card is transferrable to family members and
friends and it has no expiration date, Maputi also said. • General and physical requirements of a blood donor are both men and women aging 18-60 years old with a normal body temperature of 37 Celsius; a normal pulse rate of 50-90 beats per minute and a normal blood pressure of 120/80 mmllg. • Regular donors can give blood until they are 65 years old. Those aged 16-17 years may also give blood with the consent of their parents or guardians. The blood program of the Philippines operates in accordance with the provisions, of the National Blood Services Act of 1994 or RA 7719, in tripartite cooperation of the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Blood Coordinating Council and the PRC who are tasked to provide safe blood donation, donor retention and care and operation of a network of 72 blood services facilities all over the country. (rmn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo)
PRC calls for more blood donors
iSIQUIJORGOVERNMENTNEWS
BFAR-7: Satellite tracker system to address illegal fishing
Incidence of illegal fishing and other illegal activities at sea will be minimized once the establishment of a satellite tracker system is done with extensive monitoring capability of the entire Visayan Sea. Dr. Allan Poquita, assistant regional director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7), said the satellite tracker system will be placed at the Philippine Coast Guard - Cebu near the pier terminal overlooking the sea. “The area is now being cemented to pave the way for the establishment of the satellite tracker system which will hopefully be completed before the year ends,” said Poquita, relaying the good news to member-agencies of the Coastal Law Enforcement Alliance in Region 7 (CLEAR-7) during its 1st quarterly meeting. Poquita said the satellite device is not limited to monitoring illegal fishing alone but all illegal activities at sea including smuggling, human trafficking and terrorism. “The device’s monitoring capability is far and wide-reaching encompassing the entire Visayan Sea,” said Poquita. Issues on illegal fishing continue to hound the Central Visayas Region especially in the seven major fishing grounds as discussed during the recent CLEAR-7 meeting. The identified major fishing grounds are the Visayan Sea, Camotes
Information drive on the importance of ecosystem and wetlands to Grade V & VI pupils of Enrique Villanueva Central School. Sea, Danajon Bank, Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, Cebu/Bohol Strait, Bohol Sea and the East Sulu Sea. The top five common violations cited in the major fishing grounds are the intrusion of commercial fishing vessels in municipal waters, dynamite fishing, use of compressor, selling of dynamited fish and land-based pollution. Strategies mapped out to address the top five issues were on policy and procedural review and research including the total banning of commercial fishing within municipal waters; monitoring, control
Cebuano News: Epekto sa El Niño, padayong masinati sa nasud -PAGASA
MANILA (PIA) -- Masinati pa gihapon ang grabeng epekto sa El Niño sa Pilipinas bisan pawala na kini matud pa sa Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Matud pa sa pahayag ni Anthony Lucero, pangulo sa PAGASA Climate Prediction and Monitoring Section, kinahanglan pa gihapong ipadayon sa mga hingtungdang ahensya sa gobyerno sama sa mga local government units (LGUs) ug publiko ang pagdaginot og tubig aron makuhaan ang kalisod tungod sa kakulang sa tubig. Dugang pa niini, mi-ubos na ang lebel sa mga dams sa nasud tungod sa kakulang sa ulan gawas sa Angat Dam nga maoy nag-unang tinubdan sa suplay sa tubig sa kaulohan. Ang Department of Agriculture (DA) mitaho nga ang kadaot sa sektor sa agrikultura sa El Niño sukad kini mi grabe sa katapusang bahin sa tuig 2015 misaka na sa P4 bilyon. `Matud pa nga 12 ka rehiyon usab ang naapektuhan ug ang Rehiyon 2 ug 12 ang nakasinati sa labing dakung impak. Ang kadaot sa mga tanom nga mais gibanabana sa P2.36 bilyon, sa humay P1.62 bilyon ug P21 milyon usab ang sa high-value crops. Ang El Niño ang abnormal nga pagsaka sa temperatura sa ibabaw sa tubig dagat sa Equatorial Pacific Ocean nga maoy nakaingon sa panagsa na lamang nga pag-ulan. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
and surveillance and; capability building where information and education drive on fishery-related laws is strengthened. Last year, BFAR-7 confiscated various assorted fish positive of blast fishing in some public markets and pier areas in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue in coordination with the Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission and other law enforcement agencies. Likewise, in late October of last year, 5,170 kilos of frozen tuna were also seized at Pasil Fish Port in Cebu City. On separated occasions, four fishing vessels were apprehended and 54 individuals arrested during the conduct of a seaborne patrol within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape in coordination with Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other government agencies. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)
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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