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iSIQUIJOR 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. 1 | NO. 3 June 28, 2013
Siquijor holds Prov'l Tourism Summit
Destination appraisal, actions needed as center of attention By Rizalie a. calibo SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- Siquijor Province has held its Provincial Tourism Summit with at least 60 tourism stakeholders at Cocogrove Resort in San Juan, Siquijor to review, appraise and call to action its tourism prospects for local economic growth. Participants were members of the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC), Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCII), Siquijor Hotel, Resorts and Restaurants and Travel Agencies Association (SHORRETAS), government agencies and other key contributors to the province’s tourism development and promotion. The summit, according to the DTI-provincial director Nimfa Virtucio is expected to be one of the landmark events of the council in support to the tourism industry of the province. It was initiated by the PSMEDC. After a quick look at the Siquijor situation with Senior Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Jossette Armirola, the Siquijor Tourist Satisfaction Survey conducted by Siquijor State College (SSC) and the AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Cooperation, a German Foundation that supports tourism industry was presented as a matter of discussion. A review of the Siquijor eco-tourism value chain analysis made some years ago was also done prior to another Tourism Value Chains on Siquijor destinations and attractions facilitated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Technical Advisor Nanda Ritsma. It focused on the destination appraisal in the areas of Attractions, Ecological and Social Environment, Market Orientation, Transport and Infrastructure, and Business Environment. The workshop, Ritsma said will help stakeholders enhance their planning processes and define the specific actions each sector can do for Siquijor. Another planning workshop is scheduled soon to finalize output and commitments drawn from the Tourism Summit. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)
DOST releases P600,000 to San Juan SETUP beneficiary SIQUIJOR (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) released P600,000 to one of the beneficiaries of its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) as its technology assistance and innovation support to upgrade production equipment. Naning’s Furniture Shop owned by Feliciano Cabiara, Sr. of Tubod, San Juan, Siquijor received the check with his son Feliciano Jr. from DOST Provincial Director Mario de la Pena recently at the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office in
Siquijor, Siquijor. The turnover of check to the beneficiary is witnessed by Josie F. Elli of DOST 7. Engr de la Pena said the amount is intended for the upgrading of the furniture shop's production equipment specifically the upgrading of bigger lathe machine for the production of mix media furniture and fixtures. He said that upgrading of Naning’s Furniture Shop production equipment will enhance efficient mixed media furniture making technology, increase production, product diversification and maintain quality
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mixed media products. Full of gratitude and excitement, the father and son said they were very happy that the check is released too soon. “We do not expect it to be released as early as second quarter of 2013, thanks God we can now move on to a diversified and bigger production and also serve the general public in terms of machining jobs," they said. De la Peña said that this is the second round of assistance they availed from DOST-SETUP. The DOST will allow more than one assistance as long as the firm is a good payor, never requested for re-alignment, and submit reports on time, he said. (mbcn/ DOST/MEP & RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
iSIQUIJOR SCIENCETECHNOLOGY
DOST PAGE
FNRI recommends using iodized salts in meat products Compiled by Engr. Mario E. de la Pena
Technology assistance and innovation support for Siquijor SME: Owner of DMB Woodpecker Shop, Douglas Balwit (2nd from left) of Napo, San Juan, Siquijor receives the Technology Assistance and Innovation Support of P127,700 from DOST under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP). The check was turned over by Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Mario E. de la Peña (3rd from right) witnessed by Balwit's wife and Josie F. Elli of DOST 7 on June 5, 2001 at the DOST-Siquijor Provincial Office. (RAC/MEP DOST-Siquijor)
Filipino women of child-bearing age, at risk to folate deficiency-FNRI
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) recommends using iodized salt in processed foods like ham, tocino, tapa, hotdog, sausage, langgonisa and the like. These are all-time favorites of the young and grown-ups alike for meals and snacks. Using iodized salt in processing meat products may increase the iodine available in the diet of consumers patronizing processed food items. Availability of iodine in the diet may help maintain optimum nutrition, as this micronutrient helps prevent goiter, impaired mental function, retarded physical development, and congenital anomalies among children. Food fortification is one of the strategies in preventing micronutrient deficiency in the population. The FNRI believes that universal salt iodization (USI) is the recommended strategy to eliminate iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) in the population by using salt to carry iodine in the diet. Related to this, the FNRI-DOST conducted a study on the quality of salt in the Philippines, led by the group of Ms. Marcela C. Saises, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Food Research and Development Group. The study found that salt produced in Pangasinan and Occidental Mindoro are safe for human consumption. The trace elements found in salt, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, calcium and magnesium were found to conform to the acceptable levels set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ms. Saises' group also studied the effects of iodized salt on the quality of meat products such as ham, tocino, and hotdog. The study found that the meat products using iodized salt had higher iodine content while the color was enhanced making the product or a bit darker. The meat products, when tested for shelf-life, were found to retain high iodine content and the general acceptability levels were close to "like very much". Further studying the iodine levels retained in processed foods after boiling, frying and steaming, Ms. Saises' group found that significant amounts were retained in cooked meats seasoned with iodized salt. Results of studies of Ms. Saises' group were used as basis in promoting the mandatory use of iodized salt in processed food products. The FNRI-DOST recommends including iodine-rich food in daily meals, like fish, shellfish, and seaweeds. Iodized salt and processed meats containing iodized salt are also recommended in moderate amounts as good sources of iodine. For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. E-mail: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov. ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Services: CZARINA TERESITA S. MARTINEZ)
Folate, the natural-occurring form of the water-soluble vitamin B9 in the body, is necessary to many bodily processes, especially in child-bearing women. Also known as folic acid in its synthetic form, folate’s important functions include formation of red blood cells (RBC), reduction of blood homocysteine levels which determines folate deficiency, protein metabolism, cell growth and division, and prevention of neural tube defects. Neural tube effects (NTD) is a common birth defect which occurs as early as fetal development where there is an opening in the spinal cord or brain of a child. The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that there is strong evidence that adequate blood folate concentrations or enough folate intake will likely result to decreased risk of low birth weight and NTD. According to the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), a normal male and female 10 to 65 years old and over, need 400 micrograms of dietary folate equivalent (µg DFE) a day equivalent to 35 grams or ¾ cup of chicken liver, a very good source of folate. Green leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole wheat products, liver, eggs and beans are other sources of folate. A pregnant woman has higher requirement for folate at 600 µg DFE daily than the normal male and female person to obtain maximum protection from NTD. The biochemical component of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the FNRI-DOST revealed that folate deficiency is evident in non-pregnant and pregnant women of child-bearing age 15 to 45 years old. Based on red cell folate with less than 175 nanograms per milliliter (<175 ng/mL), prevalence of folate deficiency among women of reproductive age is 20.9 percent. However using the serum folate of less than three nanograms per milliliter (<30 ng/mL) as reference, folate deficiency is higher at 38.7 percent. Serum and red cell folate are reliable indicators of folate status where the former reflects current intakes of folate and the latter shows long-term status. The prevalence of red cell and serum folate deficiencies in the region were highest in the National Capital Region (NCR) with 62.6 percent and 48.0 percent, respectively, according to the research team led by Josefina Desnacido, Science Research Specialist II of the FNRI-DOST. In a similar study entitled’ “Dietary and blood folate status of Malaysian women of childbearing age” led by Geok Lin Khor of the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences at the Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2006, nearly 15.1 percent shows plasma folate deficiency with less than 6.8 nanomole per liter (< 6.8 nmol/L). On the other hand, RBC folate deficiency with <363 nmol/L. was at 9.3 percent. These women were not pregnant or breastfeeding, not taking folic acid supplements, not habitual drinkers or smokers. Folate deficiency is present in the country. However, folate deficiency among Filipino women of childbearing age can be addressed by following the WHO strategies to improve folate intakes of diet like increased consumption of folate-rich foods as well as supplementation and food fortification if folate-rich foods are not available or affordable. For more information on food and nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service: Press Release – JUND RIAN A. DORINGO)
iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
PPO calls support to "trash for cash" project SIQUIJOR (PIA) -- The Siquijor Parole and Probation Office (PPO) is urging private and public offices and other organizations in the province to support its project dubbed “Trash for Cash.” Parole and Probation Officer Lucresia Mamigo said the project which will be launched on July 11 during its 37th annual anniversary is a call for donations of plastic trashes to the office. Organizations or individuals who are willing to donate can call 035-377-2406 so its office will pick them up by standby Volunteer Probation Aides (VPAs) or clients province wide, she said. She added the funds raised from the project will be used to improve PPO's utilities that include repainting, maintenance and procurement of its sound system. Aside from raising funds, “trash for cash” will also heighten the awareness for environmental protection of the Siquijodnons, thus, hitting two important goals, Mamigo said. “Gawas na mokita ta, makatabang sa opisina, ma exercise atong duty ug social responsibility which is taking care of our environment,” she said. (Aside from earning, it also helps the office to exercise its social responsibility...) The PPO head also expressed support to the National Greening Project (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through a tree planting and maintenance activity at Palingkod Hills, Helen, Larena spearheaded by the VPAs. Each of the 35 participants planted at least 20 trees in the protected areas of Siquijor. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7Siquijor/IIAbatayo)
Volunteer Probation Aides (VPAs) of the Siquijor Parole and Probation Office with Parolees and Probationers in a tree planting activity at Palingkod Hills in Helen, Larena, Siquijor.
P7B SSS educ'l fund available for members Ten from Siquijor has availed
SIQUIJOR, June 26 (PIA) -The Social Security System (SSS) offers educational loan for students. SSS-Siquijor head Shiela Mae Pillora said some P7-Billion in SSS educational assist fund is available for SSS members. This is generated from the subsidy of the national government worth P3.5 billion and the other 3.5 billion from SSS counterpart funding, she said. She added that members can now borrow up to P20,000 per semester or trimester, up from the previous limit of P15,000 for college degrees. For voc-tech courses, the maximum loanable amount is also P10,000 from the previous P7,500 per semester or trimester, she said. The loans, are intended to help students from low-income families and must be used to pay for their tuition and miscellaneous fees. Members earning P25,000 and below per month are eligible for Educ-Assist loans, replacing SSS’ former limit of P15,000 on the monthly income needed to qualify under previous guidelines. According to her, there are significant changes for the payment scheme which one
should take advantage of. Under the new amendments, SSS members with a minimum of 12 posted contributions, including at least one paid contribution within the past three months prior to the date of application, are now allowed to borrow. Members without any contribution for the past three months can pay and present the proof of payment to SSS. A member must have at least 36 monthly contributions, three of which should be within the 12-month period before the application date, to qualify, she added. Loan beneficiaries can be the SSS members themselves or their children, while unmarried members can designate their siblings, including their half-brother or sister. No substitution of beneficiary is allowed. Under the new guidelines, a married SSS member can now designate up to two loan beneficiaries. He or she can be the member himself or herself, his or her spouse or legitimate or illegitimate children. Unmarried members remain entitled to one loan beneficiary. With the Educ-Assist Loan program,
Pillora said, it is now possible for a married couple, who are both qualified borrowers, to support the education of up to four children while unmarried members can use the loan to help their siblings pursue their studies to help lighten their parents’ financial burden. Meanwhile, the SSS has disbursed over P195-million so far in Educ-Assist loans to thousands of student-beneficiaries all over the country. For Siquijor, at least 10 members have availed of the program and are now studying at Balite International College and some at the CHED-accredited colleges in Dumagete City. (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor
iSIQUIJOR
is a weekly electronic newsletter produced by the Philippine Information Agency-Siquijor Information Center and the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center with stories submitted by local and national government agencies and from other Provincial Information Centers in Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental.
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iSIQUIJOR GOVERNMENTNEWS
BRIDGE PROVINCES
CV economic performance on a high in 2012 By rachelle M. Nessia
CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Central Vi s a y a s s h o w e d s t r o n g e c o n o m i c performance in 2012 spurred by the “impressive” performances from the region’s key industries, according to the National Economic and Development Authority-7 (NEDA). In a report submitted to the Regional Development Council (RDC), NEDA-7 said the major growth drivers in 2012 in the region were industries of IT/ Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), tourism, construction, real estate, and retail trade.
Construction sector was upbeat last year as data from the National Statistics Office showed a larger number of new projects were issued building permits in 2012 compared to 2011. Negros Oriental recorded the largest number of new construction projects with 277. Cebu, with 153 new projects, ranked next. NEDA attributes the high addition of new construction projects in Negros Oriental to various reconstruction works following the damage on infrastructure caused by two major natural disasters in
ANG BISE-GOBERNADOR Mga nag-unang katungdanan sa usa ka Bise-Alkalde: * Mangulo sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan. * Mopili ug mga opisyal ug empleyado sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan o Bayan. * Mohulip sa Gobernador ug mobuhat sa mga katungdanan, responsibilidad ug kaakuhan niini kon ugaling mabakante makadiyot o dili ba hinuon padayong pagbakante sa maong posisyon. ANG MGA MIYEMBRO SA SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN Nag-unang katungdanan: * Mopasa ug mga ordinansa ug mosumite ug resolusyon alang sa paguswag sa probinsiya. * Moatiman sa natural nga bahandi (kalikupan) sa probinsya ug mopatuman sa angayng silot niadtong buot moabuso niini. * Molain ug igong pondo alang sa konstruksyon ug pagmintinar sa mga publikong edipisyo. * Magpadayon sa kalinaw sa tibuok probinsya pinaagi sa pagpasa ug mga ordinansa. * Moprotekta sa mga lumulupyo sa ginsakupang probinsya ug mohatag ug serbisyo ug tabang sama sa mga "relief services".
the province. Real estate, which also boosted the region’s economy last year, saw a revenue growth triggered by an increase in residential properties. In Cebu alone, the real estate revenue growth rate was pegged at 18.8% in the third quarter of 2012. Data from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board show that in 2012, some 14 residential condominium projects were issued licenses to sell. These projects, all located in Cebu, involve 5,212 units valued at P5.17B. The market for residential condominium in the region is seen to further increase in the next few years as an additional 100 condominium buildings are projected to be finished by 2015. Another 170 to 200 buildings are also seen to be completed by 2017. Tourism, on the other hand, was on a high in 2012 as a 14.6% increase in visitor arrivals was recorded in Central Visayas. Total domestic and foreign visitor arrivals in 2011 was at 2.5 million while in 2012 it jumped to 2.9 million. Among the four provinces in the region, Cebu recorded the largest tourist arrivals with 2.2 million in 2012, from only 1.9 million in 2011. As for the IT sector, the number of employees employed in this industry continues to rise with the entry of new companies and the expansion of existing ones in the region. Records from the Cebu Investment Promotion Center show that a total of 17 new foreign BPO companies opened its doors in Cebu. NEDA projects the regional economy to grow faster in 2013 mostly due to the recent national elections in May. NEDA noted in the same report that regional economic activity tends to peak during election years due to the massive election spending. Positive reviews and good ratings received by the Philippines from various international organizations and rating agencies are also seen to further drive up the region’s economy this year, according to NEDA. (RMN/PIA Cebu)
Renal diseases can be avoided thru healthy lifestyle By Roy Lomotan DUMAGUETE CITY (PIA) -- Medical experts in Dumaguete City encouraged people to shift to healthy lifestyle to evade renal diseases. Dr. Roy Diamond Arco, nephrologist at Silliman University Medical Center disclosed that diabetes and hypertension are the main causes of kidney failure, something that can be attributed to a person’s lifestyle. Dr. Arco also added that those who have diabetes have 30 to 40 percent risk of developing kidney failure. To counter this, Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) focal person Judith Vailoces said that exercising regularly can regulate blood sugar and improve cardiovascular health. She also encouraged the public
to have healthy diet and reduce salt and fat intake to avoid renal diseases. She also added that smoking is harmful to the kidneys. Dr. Arco urged the public to undergo urinalysis once a year, have a blood pressure check or blood test for blood sugar levels to know the status of your kidneys. He assured that this medical tests are affordable and essential in detecting renal diseases. The nephrologist revealed that 2.6 percent of Filipino adults have kidney disease and 11,000 persons per year have advanced stage of kidney failure. Meanwhile, according to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, kidney diseases are the 7th leading cause of death among Filipinos.
“The advocacy of the national government and the Renal Disease Control and Program (REDCOP) is awareness and prevention (of kidney diseases),” Dr. Arco added. In response, Vailoces said that on their part, they are conducting lectures to rural areas to inform the public about renal health care and disease prevention. She also said that they regularly give updates to city health officers, rural health units, barangay health workers, doctors and nurses about the topic which is then disseminated to the grassroots level of the community. The two spoke about renal health care and disease prevention over a Kapihan sa PIA forum here to mark the celebration of National Kidney Month. (FCR/RAL-PIA7 NEGOR)