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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. 06| No. 18 May 28 -June 4, 2018
TESDA STEP program benefits 391 Siquijodnons
MARIA, Siquijor (PIA) -- At least 391 Siquijodnons have benefited from the Special Training and Employment Program (STEP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here.
Representative of the lone district of Siquijor, Congressman Ramon Vicente Antonio Rocamora lauded the Technical Education and Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) for striving to address poverty in the province through STEP.
Brigada Ekwela 2018 kick off ceremony on May 28 at the Siquijor Capital Square. A provincial caravan followed that was participated in by several officials and employees both in the government and private sectors.
SSS Advisory
He also express his gratitude to TESDA for the successful implementation of the P6 million worth program funded by his office. STEP, he said, enabled 391 Siquijodnons to gain the knowledge and skills as well as the equipment needed to start small businesses. Recipients of the different toolkits were 75 graduates of Dressmaking and Tailoring and 100 graduates of Food Processing at 25 each on fermentation and pickling, sugar and concentration, salting, and curing and smoking. Other recipients were graduates of animal production, of which 45 were on chicken and 25 on swine, and 92 of Electrical Installation Management (EIM) and Shielded Metal Welding (SMAW). Rocamora said the government has to implement the program in order to fight poverty. “We do not give you fish for you to live for today but we teach you the basic skills, the knowledge of different qualifications for you to live forever,� he said. STEP is a community-based specialty training program that addresses the specific skills needs of the communities and promote employment, particularly through entrepneurial, self-employment to page 3
The Social Security System (SSS) regrets to inform its members of the delay in the release of checks for salary loan, death, disability, retirement, sickness and maternity claims submitted starting May 22, 2018 onwards due to check printer malfunction. The necessary repairs are already underway and the SSS aims to have the checks ready for delivery to PhilPost starting June 8. SSS is coordinating with PhilPost for special handling of these checks for faster delivery. SSS is also notifying some 106,950 affected members and pensioners of the delay via text message thru the number they registered with SSS. For other inquiries, members may call phone numbers 920-6446 to 55 or email member_relations@sss.gov. ph. This is the first time that SSS had a check printer malfunction. The agency apologizes for the inconvenience.
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DepEd’s Balik-Eskwela: All systems go for 27.7M learners
June 3 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) assured the public that it is all systems go for the School Year 2018-2019 which will commence on June 4, Monday. “We welcome with utmost optimism our 27.7 million learners from all over the country,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones enthused, referring to the projected 27,757,546 Kindergarten to Grade 12 learners who will troop to public and private schools, including local and state universities and colleges in the opening of classes. Brigada Eskwela As part of its efforts to ensure a smooth school opening, DepEd set in motion its flagship programs and projects to ensure that the learners will be accommodated in schools with a child-friendly, gender-sensitive, safe, and motivating environment. Brigada Eskwela or the National Schools Maintenance Week, which ran from May 28 to June 2, 2018 with the theme, “Pagkakaisa para sa Handa, Ligtas, at Matatag na Paaralan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan,” mobilized the communities and various sectors of the society to prepare the schools’ physical facilities, and ensure the safety and preparedness of learners and personnel during emergencies. As of 8 am of May 31, partial data reflected that a total of P1,121,408,164.27 worth of resources were already generated, and 1,205,388 volunteers rendered man-hours from 12 regions of the country, for which the Department is grateful. “The outpouring of love and support from our partners and stakeholders – parents, teachers, community members, local government units, national government agencies, civil society groups, non-government organizations, private individuals and corporations, and everyone who believes in the power of education – has been overwhelming,” Briones shared with enthusiasm. Oplan Balik-Eskwela Meanwhile, DepEd’s Oplan Balik Eskwela attended to the needs, problems, and concerns of the enrollees, their parents, and other stakeholders in view of the imminent opening of classes. Out of the 2,219 issues and concerns raised from May 21 to 31, 2018, 1,820 (81%) were resolved immediately by the Public Assistance Command Center (PACC) stationed at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan until June 8, 2018. The remaining concerns were already referred to the field offices and concerned agencies for prompt resolution. An Inter-Agency Task Force, which consists of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), was also convened. The Task Force will attend to the learners’ and other stakeholders’ needs including electrical and road safety, adequate power and water supply, access to health care, justified pricing of commodities, protection and security from criminal elements, and assistance in crisis situations. School readiness assessment DepEd also conducted a nationwide inventory and assessment of the readiness of public schools in terms of six basic education inputs or variables: teachers, classrooms, seats, toilets, and availability of water and electricity. The said assessment allowed DepEd to prioritize interventions for schools that need support in achieving the ideal ratios of 1:40 for teachers and classrooms; 1:50 for toilets, and 1:1 for seats. Education must continue With the rallying cry that “Education must continue” despite adversities and regardless of the circumstances, DepEd is keen to welcome all enrollees on June 4, especially the displaced learners of Marawi City. “Our role is to see to it that our learners, our children, have a feeling of normalcy, that in spite of bombs, in spite of screams and in spite of bloodletting, education must go on, education must continue, and our learners should not be deprived of that opportunity. This is exactly what we did,”
Briones mentioned, referring to the Brigada Eskwela sa Marawi which concluded on May 23, a year after the months-long siege devastated the City. DepEd is positive that June 4 will be its landmark accomplishment for 2018, as it will serve as a testament to how, with the help of partners and stakeholders, the Department has stood strong amid challenges including, but not limited to super typhoons and volcanic eruption, political and socio-economic threats, and armed conflict. “These adversities did not, and will never deter us from pursuing our mission to deliver quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education to all Filipino learners wherever they are, and regardless of the circumstances. As I have said time and again, we should always guarantee that whatever happens, education must continue,” the Education chief concluded. (DepEd)
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is the Island of Siquijor’s first electronic newsletter produced by the Philippine Information AgencySiquijor Information Center and the DOST - Provincial Science and Technology Center. It contains snippets of information about Siquijor, Central Visayas and the Philippine Government. THERE IS GOOD NEWS EVERYDAY.
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President Duterte to focus on security, economic cooperation in first Official Visit to South Korea President Rodrigo Duterte on early Sunday morning, June 3, departed for his first Official Visit to South Korea, as he expressed confidence that the Philippines will build stronger security and economic cooperation with one of Asia’s vibrant economies.
“Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder in advancing our shared aspirations and in facing threats to our nations, our peoples and in our region,” the President said in his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. President Duterte recalled that the ties between the Philippines and South Korea run long and deep, noting that nearly 70 years ago, the two countries stood side by side in defense of freedom and democracy. Economically, he said there is much to be learned from South Korea’s and service-oriented activities, said experience and expertise, stressing that TESDA provincial director Dina Esmas. despite insurmountable challenges, South Training programs offered are Korea transformed itself to become one generally short-term or modules-based on of the most advanced and progressive the Training Regulations promulgated by economies in the world. TESDA, she said. “There is much room for even “Its objective is to provide healthier growth across the areas of skills and training opportunities for mutual interests. The Philippines stands the beneficiaries in the barangays or ready to write a new chapter of closer ties, communities to make them employable deeper amity and more comprehensive and productive,” she also said. collaboration with South Korea,” Duterte She informed the public that both said. public and private Technical Vocational In his scheduled talks with South (TechVoc) providers, but mostly local Korean President Moon Jae-in, President government training centres and TESDA Duterte said he would explore ways to institutions, deliver the training programs bring cooperation to a whole new level under STEP. based on respect for sovereign equality She said STEP beneficiaries and democratic ideals. receive free training and competency “I will emphasize the importance assessment, starter tool kits and training of strengthening our partnership in defense allowance of P60 per day for the training and security, trade and investments, and duration. political cooperation,” Duterte said. The program was introduced in “I will likewise stress the need 2014 in line with the government’s thrust to work together to help achieve greater of expanding the reach of TVET to the security by addressing conventional grassroots. and emerging threats to stability in our TESDA STEP program co- region,” he added. ordinator Fletcher Gumahad thanked the While in South Korea, the Congressman and his staff for the trust President will also meet with South and confidence given to TESDA with the Korean business leaders and encourage allocation of P5 million this year for the them to invest in the Philippines. implementation of the program. “This way, they can actively He urged all the recipients who contribute to our objective of providing a have availed of the TESDA training in comfortable life for our people,” he said. the previous years to also give chance to The President will also meet others to ensure wide reach and coverage. with the Filipino community in South TESDA will be monitoring the Korea and thank them for their sacrifices, recipients’ employment, he said. (rac/ particularly for making the national PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from IAAbatayo, economy afloat. SAID) President Duterte, who left for
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South Korea via a commercial flight to Incheon Airport, promised to report to the people a fruitful outcome in his three-day Official Visit. South Korea aid on Marawi rehabilitation In a media interview prior to his departure, President Duterte said South Korea could assist in the Marawi rehabilitation through its investments, especially in the agriculture sector. It will be recalled that the South Korean government has donated US$100,000 to the Philippine Red Cross. The President however said that there must be improvements in Mindanao’s security situation in order for the region to develop, which is why he is pushing for peace negotiations with different rebel groups. President Duterte reiterated that he is willing to pursue talks with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison. “As I said, I’m willing to talk. Ako ang ga-guarantee sa billeting nila, pagkain, lahat. But my condition is that no demand for coalition. That is not acceptable to me at all and any other group for that matter asking autonomy,” he said. Duterte meanwhile said he is leaving to Congress to decide whether or not to amend or suspend the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. With regards to the plans to adjust workers’ wages, the President said the Executive branch has no power to legislate laws, noting that the country’s predicament is due to its dependence on imported oil. In the same media interview, President Duterte reiterated his warning against police and military personnel who are involved in corruption and the illegal drug trade. “We have that sworn duty, a sacred one, to protect the people and preserve the nation and… I will do it. We will do it and it will be during our time. Sigurado ‘yan,” Duterte said. “Corruption is hard to stamp out but I have a, maybe a little more than what is in there. We will clean up government. I will assure you,” he said. ### (PND)
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DSWD mitataw: Walay 5Ps
(PIA) -- Gikorehian sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa Central Visayas ang sayop
nga kasayoran nga gipakatap karon Transfer (UCT) program. kalabot sa field validation alang sa Matud pa sa information officer implementasyon sa Unconditional Cash sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, nakadawat ang ilang buhatan og kasayoran nga ang mga households nga nipaubos Do you often travel by sea? sa field validation, awtomatiko kunong Did you know that June is Sea Transportation Safety Month? maapil sa 4Ps. Proclamation No. 115-A, s. 1966 seeks to propagate sea safety consciousness among the Filipino people. Sa bag-o lang gipahigayong Read more here: http://bit.ly/2J5GaCW panagtapok sa Association of United #EmpoweringCommunities Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol) niadtong Mayo 10 sa Panda Tea Gardens nga gi-host sa DSWD, gibutyag ni Kerwin Macopia nga ang ubang espekulasyon nagkanayon nga ang maong validation parte usab sa bagong programa nga 5Ps. Gitataw ni Macopia nga wala silay nadawat nga memorandum nga naglibkas sa moratorium sa expansion sa 4Ps ug wala usab sila’y programa nga 5Ps. Gipasabot sa tigpamaba sa 4Ps nga ang nagpadayong field validation karon, eksklusibo lamang alang sa tulo ka tuig nga programa sa UCT nga gituyo sa paghatag og cash grants ngadto sa 10 ka milyong kabos nga pamilya. Ubos sa UCT program, ang mga benepisyaryo makadawat og P200 nga binuwang subsidy alang sa tuig 2018 ug P300 nga binuwang subsidiya alang sa tuig 2019 ug 2020. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
SSS modawat us “scanned” LOA alang sa Loan Restructuring Program Application Ang Social Security Sytem mipahibalo nga ang tanang sanga sa maong opisina sa nasud modawat na karon ug “scanned copies” sa Letter of Authority (LOA) nga madawat pinaagi s e-mail sa representaante o miembro nga buot mo-apply alang sa “Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) with penalty condonation.” Si SSS President ug Chief E x e c u t i v e O ff i c e r E m m a n u e l F. Dooc miingon nga ang awtorisadong representante kinahanglang mosimitir sa mga mosunod nga kinahanglanon inig “file” sa LRP application: email request
sa member borrower; scanned copy sa LOA; scanned copy sa duha ka valid identifications cards sa member borrower; ug photocopies sa duha ka valid IDs sa authorized representative. Ang SSS Chief usab mipahimangno sa authorized representatives sa pagprinta sa claro nga kopya sa e-mail nga nagpakita sa sender’s ug recipient’s email addresses. “The updated mechanism will likely benefit our OFW-members the most. It is our way to help them clean their obligations with SSS even if they are working abroad. As of December 2017, our OFW-members registration stood at
1.35 million,” sumala pa ni Dooc. Si Dooc midugang nga ang mga authorized representatives mahimong mohimo sa LRP application form, mo pirma sa “Conforme” portion sa Statement of Loan Balances alang sa LRP ug Disclosure Statement, mopirma sa promissory note, modawat sa Notice of Approval, ug mobayad sa restructured loan base sa gikauyonan nga termino sa ngalan sa member-borrower. Ang kuwalipikadong memberborrowers mahimong moapply ug LRP hangtod sa October 1, 2018 lamang.