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Siquijor government IOs resumes face to face meet after pandemic The Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID) resumes face to face meeting following the COVID-19 after almost two years due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The first meetign for 2022 was hosted by the Department of Environment and
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. 10| No. 09
Natural Resources (DENR) to give updates of the government programs, projects and services implemented by each agency or local government unit (LGU). The meeting also highlihted the Duterte Legacy campaign and Womens’ Month celebration in March.
U S t u r n s ov e r e q u i p m e n t to incr ease PH’s capacity to limit prolifer ation of WMDs U.S. Export Control and Border Security Program Advisor Ransom Avilla (right) turns over to Strategic Trade Management Office U.S. Export Control and Border Security Program Advisor Ransom Avilla (right) turns over to Strategic Trade Management Office Director Atty. Luis Catibayan more than Php5 million worth of equipment to aid the agency’s efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. (Information Office, Public Affairs Section, US Embassy in the Philippines) Director Atty. Luis Catibayan more than Php5 million worth of equipment to aid the agency’s efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. (Information Office, Public Affairs Section, US Embassy in the Philippines)
SB Member and Maria Poverty Reducation, Livelihod and Employment Cluster coordinator Roselyn Asok facilitating the orientation on the Barangay Development Program on March 7 at Cantugbas, Maria, Siquijor as the PRLEC pilot barangay.
Infosharing of the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators at the DENR office.
On March 9, the United States, through the U.S. Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program, turned over more than Php5 million ($97,000) worth of equipment to aid the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This donation will help DTI’s Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO) speed up its processes and fulfill its role as the lead Philippine government agency for registering and licensing companies and establishing management systems for the trade in goods, under the Philippine Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA). Among the office equipment donated are 40 tablets, 30 computers, and 30 anti-virus software packages. “The equipment donated to the STMO office will build its capacity and will make it easier for its staff to effectively manage strategic trade controls,” said EXBS Program Advisor Ransom Avilla. STMO Director Atty. Luis Catibayan noted that this donation “demonstrates the trust and cooperation between the United States and the
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Philippines in working toward the common goal of preventing the proliferation of WMDs.” To control the export, import, and transshipment of dual-use goods—or items that have a civilian and military use—the EXBS Program and STMO work closely to develop secure trade mechanisms, build an effective export control system, and meet the Philippines non-proliferation obligations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540. STMA is the Philippines’ response to meeting its obligations under UNSCR 1540. EXBS is a State Department program within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Office of Export Control Cooperation. It seeks to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and destabilizing accumulations and irresponsible transfers of conventional weapons by building effective national strategic trade control systems in countries that possess, produce, or supply strategic items, as well as in countries through which such items are most likely to transit. (PR)
March 5-12, 2022
T E S DA s t r e n g t h e n s P R L E C in Cantugbas, Maria The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has strengthened implementation of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) project in Cantugbas, Maria, Siquijor with a series of meetings, planning workshops and orientation on the Barangay Development Program on March 7 at Mama Rose Dream Farm in Cantugbas, Maria, Siquijor. Cantugbas is the pilot barangay in the province identified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for PRLEC project as one of the 12 clusters of the National
Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the implementation of Executive Order No.
Philippines, a shining beacon of gender equality, women empowerment - President Duterte Expressing pride over the country’s success in attaining gender equality and women empowerment, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said the Philippines can do more to protect Filipino women and develop their potential. “I am truly proud of the Philippines’ distinction as a shining beacon of gender equality and women empowerment in the world. Be it in politics, business, academe
70 or the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” to respond and raise awareness to the insurgency in the country.
and local communities, most especially in our homes, women have occupied and continue to occupy positions of power and influence in our society,” President Duterte said in a message Tuesday during the celebration of International Women’s Day 2022 (IWD). “This emphasizes, not only our values as a people, but also the importance we put on women as vital partners in nation-
PCOO Sec. Andanar met with Israeli DFA Ministry Presidential Communications Sec. Martin Andanar met with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Idan Roll. DFM Roll was accompanied by Deputy Director General Rafael Harpaz. They discussed wide-ranging topics covering tourism, media and technology, pandemic response, among others. Sec. Andanar extended the Philippine government’s appreciation to Israel over the decision to recognize vaccine certificate and to send relief for the typhoon victims. Both officials reaffirmed our shared commitment to further PH-Israel bilateral relations. (Photos from PCOO)
building.” “While a growing consciousness on equality is already an impressive feat and women are breaking the glass ceiling, I believe that we can do more.” As Filipinos gain more access to education, information, and innovation, the President said more women will have the chance to meaningfully participate in many aspects of human development and change the mindset that continue to restrict women and other gender expressions. “So let us all come together in building a country where no one is left behind and everyone has the capacity to succeed,” he said in rallying public support. International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. With the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people, IWD has occurred for well over a century.
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LTO-7 director encourages renewers to avail of free CDE
Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 regional director Victor Emmanuel Caindec encouraged renewing license holders to avail of the free Comprehensive Driver’s Education (CDE) program and exam using the agency’s online portal. Under Republic Act 10930 all applicants renewing their driver’s licenses are required to pass the CDE examination to avail of the recently implemented 10-year validity of the driver’s license LTO 7 started the roll-out of the 10-year validity of the driver’s license last December of 2021. RD Caindec said that the CDE through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) can be accessed 24/7 via LTO’s free online portal. “Our online portal can be accessed anytime and anywhere. It also has the refresher course for the drivers for them to be reminded of the road safety, traffic rules, special laws, regulations, among others,” said RD Caindec. The CDE Online Validation Exam has 25 questions where 50% or 13 correct answers is the passing score.
Once an applicant passes that said exam, the CDE certificate will be sent via email. “Before going to our LTO offices, you need to have an LTO Client ID, this is the proof that you have registered to the LTMS Public Portal. You cannot take the CDE Exam if you have not registered. Registering is free, taking the exam through our portal is free,” clarified the director. After securing the CDE certificate, the applicant can now print the result and bring it to the nearest LTO office for renewal.
When in the LTO office, the applicant should accomplish the form for renewal where it will require the basic details of the applicant. It will be followed by a medical examination via an LTO accredited medical facility. Once the medical results are ready, the applicant can now go back to the LTO office and submit the medical evaluation form together with the old driver’s license and the CDE certificate. “The renewal fee costs only P585 for both professional and non-professional licenses. This is on top of the application fee and the late-renewal penalties.” After paying the corresponding fees, the applicant will then proceed to the window where biometrics and photo will be taken. Awaiting the release of the renewed driver’s license, a driver can get a 10-year validity if no violation has been recorded in the LTO Point Registry. Section 14 of RA 10930 states that “Every applicant for renewal of license to operate any motor vehicle who has accrued at least five (5) demerit points during the accumulation period shall be required to complete a driver’s reorientation course to be conducted by LTO or duly accredited service provider.” Likewise, drivers who accumulated 10 or more total demerit points shall complete both driver’s reorientation courses and shall pass the theoretical driving course. (PR)
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Pagpukan sa ilegal nga droga gipahingusgan sa PDEA-7 Taliwala sa mga hagit sa pandemya, ang Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 7 (PDEA-7) nagpadayun sa ilang subsob nga operasyon dinhi sa Central Visayas pagbatok sa dugay nang problema sa ilegal nga droga. Isip usa sa nag-unang adbokasiya ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte, ang pagpukan sa ilegal nga droga dinhi sa nasod maoy usa sa mga labing lig-on nga kampanya nga padayung gibuhat sa kasamtangang administrasyon. Ang PDEA-7 mipahugot sa ilang kampanya pagpaubos sa demand sa ilegal nga droga sa rehiyon 7 kung diin kini ang nakita nga maoy labing epektibong solusyon pag sulbad sa maong problema. Ang ahensya nakig alayon sa mga nagkalain-laing local government units (LGUs) ug national government agencies (NGAs) sama sa Department of Health (DOH) sa pag pa hamtang sa gitawag nga “Community Based Drug Rehabilitation Program” kung diin ang tumong mao ang hatagan og saktong treatment and rehabilitation services ang mga tawo nga nigamit og illegal nga droga, samtang nakig-uban pud ang PDEA sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) alang sa pagpatuman sa “Drug Free Workplace Program” ngadto sa mga pribadong establisyemento ug opisina. Sa programang “KASAYURAN” niadtong Marso 16, si Leia Alcantara, information officer III sa PDEA-7, mipadayag sa mga programa nga gibuhat sa PDEA ilabi
na sa aspeto sa rehabilitasyon isip usa sa mga solusyon pagpukan sa ilegal nga droga. “Naa tay mga programa nga gi implement karon para ma bridge ang gap, matagaan og appropriate intervention ang katung mga individuals nga anaay mga rason nga mobaligya o mogamit og illegal nga droga,” si Alcantara miingon. “Ang PDEA nagahatag og equal importance sa demand and supply reduction program kung diin samtang nagpadayun ang atong mga anti-illegal drug operations ug illegal drug clearing programs sa matag barangay, hugot pud ang atong pagpatuman sa mga community and facility based treatment and rehabilitation programs,” dugang ni
L-R: PDEA-7 Deputy Regional Director Janmark Malibiran,Siquijor Provincial Officer IA V Meynard Villaluz and San Juan Mayor Wilfredo Capundag during the distribution of Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) Manual of Operations to the local government units of Siquijor, San Juan and Enrique Villanueva. Also discussed with the mayors were the validation process to be conducted to all drug-cleared barangays in their respective municipalities, Balay Silangan program, conduct of drug-free workplace lectures, and the requirements and procedure in the declaration of a drug-cleared municipality. Alcantara. Sa pagkakaron, gikan sa 3,003 ka mga barangay dinhi sa Central Visayas, aduna nay gideklarar ang PDEA nga 1,084 ka mga “drug cleared barangays” samtang anaa usab sa 116 ka mga barangay ang gikonsiderar na nga “drug free” o wala nay presensya sa mga drug personalities. Luyo niini, giangkon sa PDEA nga anaa pa gihapon ang lapad nga transakyon sa illegal nga droga ilabi na sa Metro Cebu kung diin anaa ang pundok sa katawhan. Matod usab sa ahensya, anaa sa 60% ang drug affectation rate kung diin aduna pay 1,803 ka mga drug affected barangays dinhi sa Central Visayas. Apan mapasalamaton gihapon ang PDEA7 ngadto sa mga LGUs ug uban pang mga ahensya sa gobyerno nga padayung misuporta kanila sa pagpalig-on sa kampanya batok ilegal nga droga, aron nga kini makakab-ot og tinud-anay nga kalamposan. (RGC/PIA7)
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Even amid Alert Level 2 and oil price hikes, many people are already traveling around the Philippines, including foreigners. DOT Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said international travelers are coming in. Records show that between Feb. 10-28, 2022, there were 47,750 international travelers, of which 45% are Balikbayans and 55% are foreign tourists, mostly from USA, Canada, and UK. | Source: Public Briefing, March 3, 2022
With more schools now expected to implement progressive face-to-face classes in areas under Alert Level 1, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones said vaccination is not required for students to return to school. H o w e v e r, v a c c i n a t i o n i s mandatory among teachers and staff, and those who are not vaccinated must present a negative RT-PCR or antigen test whenever they will enter school premises. | Source: Public Briefing, March 2, 2022
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. THERE IS GOOD NEWS EVERYDAY. As more people are traveling around the country, the Department of Tourism is advising travelers to always check with their destination local government unit for the travel requirements. DOT Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat reiterated the need to always follow the health and safety protocols when traveling.
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