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SGLG national evaluation conducted in LGU Larena
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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. 10| No. 30 August 25-September 1, 2022
Heritage workers seek help in preser vation of churches
LGU Larena as they welcome SGLG National Validator LGOO V Valentine L. Atuan (C). The municipal government of Larena headed by Mayor Cyrus Vincent Calibo successfully underwent the national level of validation for the 2021 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) held at the SB Session Hall. The SGLG is the highest recognition and the most coveted award given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to exemplary and performing LGUs in the delivery of public service through compliance with pertinent national laws and guidelines.
A consistent SGLG awardee, LGU Larena is the only municipality in the province of Siquijor that has qualified for the national level of DILG’s most prestigious SGLG assessment for the year 2021. To qualify for the seal, an LGU needs to pass a list of criteria in key areas of governance such as Financial Administration & Sustainability; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection & Sensitivity; Safety, Peace and Order; Health Compliance
Joint coordination meeting with Municipal Mayor, Phil Moore D. Largo, together with the representative of Youth For Peace Siquijor, Kabataan Kontra Druga At Terorismo (KKDAT) Provincial Chapter, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine ARMY, and Philippine National Police held at the office of the Mayor. Highlights of the discussion was mainly on how to prevent terrorism in the locality and proliferation of illegal drugs. Achievements were also showcased, as well as their Plans and Recommendations.
and Responsiveness; Sustainable Education; Business Friendliness & Competitiveness; Environmental Management; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and the Arts; and Youth Development. National Validator LGOO V, Valentine L. Atuan led the conduct of evaluation and was accompanied by DILG Siquijor Provincial Director Dennis S. Quiñones, DILG Siquijor Cluster Head Jill A. Bao, and Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) Jessie Mary Buctolan. (Municipality of Larena FB post)
RHU Maria accredited to PhilHealth konsulta package
The Muicipalityof Maria is now officially accredited to PhilHealth Konsulta Package as announed by PhilHealth personnel Germelyn Mae M. Tumapon and Jeffson A. Buensuceso during their courtesy visit to the municipality of Maria. The PhilHealth Konsulta package covers individual-based health services including initial and follow-up primary care consultations, health screening and assessment and access to selected diagnostic services, and medicines. As an advocate of the said program, Maria Mayor Roselyn T. Asok expresses her joy in bringing the primary care services more accessible and affordable to the community. Mayor Roselyn T. Asok (C), accepting the This program is open to all registered PhilHealth Members. accredited PhilHealth Konsulta Package from PhilHealth personnel Germelyn Mae (MCOO Maria FB post) M. Tumapon (L). (Photo from MCOO-Maria)
St. Francis of Assisi Church in the province of Siquijor, the century-old church’s upper left facade recently collapsed, necessitating renovation. By Mary Judaline Partlow The Commission on Church Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Dumaguete is seeking technical expertise and funding for the restoration and/or preser vation of historical churches and similar structures that are facing threats from humans and the environment. M s gr. J ulius Per p etuo S. Heruela, who heads the Diocesan Commission on Church Cultural Heritage, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview Wednesday, that they have asked the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Museum for assistance to prevent these heritage sites from further degradation. “Some churches in the diocese that have significant historical value and are centuries-old are threatened by various factors that may cause degradation or even destruction if the problems are not addressed
immediately,” Heruela said. He cited the St. Francis of Assisi Church in the municipality of Siquijor in Siquijor province, where a portion of the upper left façade of the century-old structure collapsed recently. Observations made during an inspection by Heruela and his team showed that vegetation growth resulted in the penetration of water through the loosened coral stones. Initial action taken included covering the exposed part so that water would not saturate the wall, while coral stones that had fallen off were retrieved and stored in a safe place to avoid exposure to water. Heruela said they have secured the perimeter to ensure the safety of the structure and the public while requesting a stone expert from a national agency, such as the NHCP, to conduct an ocular inspection and site visit. The maintenance and preser vation of old churches and belfries require proper training, cautious
handling, and diligent methods to avoid destroying these heritage structures, he pointed out. For instance, vegetation growing in cracks and crevices of these structures cannot just be pulled out as it could cause the dislodging of coral stones, he said. It already initially had a budget allocation from the national government but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the funds had to be diverted for health purposes, he said. The churches in the diocese that have received funding for restoration from national government agencies include the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Lazi town, Siquijor; the St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish Church in Dauin, the St. Isidore the Farmer Parish Church in Zamboanguita; and the St. Augustine of Hippo Parish Church in Bacong, all in Negros Oriental. The churches in Lazi and Bacong are both declared as National Cultural Treasures. (PNA)