What's On in Siquijor

Siquijor SMEs Participate in OTOP Visayas Trade Fair

2006-12-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

From November 23 to 26, 2006, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held the Visayas OTOP Trade Fair at SM of Cebu City. The trade fair featured the One Town, One Product (OTOP) of each municipality of the Eastern, Middle, and Western Visayas regions.

Four municipalities from Siquijor were represented at the OTOP fair. The Siquijor SMEs included Pajermo Furniture of Larena, Renie’s Peanuts of Siquijor, KAPANIG Island Fresh Milk of San Juan, and the LILOAN and LIWOMCO coconut processers of Maria.

This marked the premier OTOP trade fair of the Visayas. The OTOP trade fair was unique in that SMEs were given equal footing in order to sell their wares.

At the fair opening, DTI Secretary Peter Favila gave the keynote speech. Also present was DTI USEC Carissa Cruz-Evangelista of the Regional Operations Group. She has played an important role in the development and implementation of the OTOP project.

One Town, One Product is a project executed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, designed to help alleviate poverty by encouraging the establishment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Local Government Units (LGUs) and DTI assist in the implementation of the program.

Symposium on the Pro-Active Programs for Competitiveness/PQA Roadshow

2006-10-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

On October 11, 2006, local entrepreneurs, government agencies, and Local Government Units (LGUs)in the province of Siquijor participated in the Symposium on the Pro-Active Programs for Competitiveness, presented along with the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Roadshow. The organizing agencies included the Department of Trade and Industry, represented by the Siquijor Provincial Office and the Center for Industrial Competitiveness of Metropolitan Manila.

The sessions of the day were designed to introduce participants to the DTI programs that promote competitiveness. A session was held to give an overview of the Department of Trade and Industry – Center for Industrial Competitiveness (DTI-CIC) programs. The CIC leads programs for industrial competitiveness to organizations of both the private and public sector. Some of these are human relations, management development, and quality and productivity. Other sessions included Cooperation for Quality and Productivity and an Overview of the Five S's or Good Housekeeping Practices, a Japanese technique that helps to make the workplace more productive. Also, a summary of the Philippine Quality Award program was presented, which is modeled after the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award of the United States. This quality award sets a standard of excellence and is a model for competitiveness based on the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM).

After the introduction to the Philippine Quality Award, two awardees shared the best practices of their businesses. These two companies are Victoria Court and the PNOC-Energy Development Corporation, awardees of the DTI-CIC Search for Model Companies. Mr. William M. Go, the Chief Operating Officer of Victoria Court, presented Quality and Productivity: Victoria Court’s Way of Life. A division manager of PNOC-Energy Development Corporation, Engineer Vicente D. Omandam, Jr., also presented the best practices of his business. The symposium concluded with an open forum.

The symposium was held at the Dondeezco Beach Resort in Dumanhog, Siquijor, Siquijor.

DTI Conducts Personal Computers for Public Schools Project

2006-10-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

This month the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Provincial Office of Siquijor is completing the third phase of its Personal Computers for Public Schools Project (PCPS). This program will donate 10 computers, along with a printer and peripherals, to Lazi National Agricultural School, Candaping High School, Basac High School, Ponong High School, and Cang-alwang National High School. The second phase of the project concluded in April of 2004, giving 10 PCs, along with 2 printers and peripherals, to Banban National High School. In addition, the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Lazi and Enrique Villanueva, each received 5 PCs with a printer and peripherals during Phase Two. The first phase of the project, concluded in April 2002, donated 20 computers, along with 2 printers and peripherals, to each of two schools, Siquijor Provincial High School and Campalanas National High School.

The PCPS project assists in incorporating Information Technology in secondary education by donating computers to public high schools. This is an effort to develop studnets' computer skills in preparation for higher education and careers. To this end the Philippines will have a continuous pool of job applicants who are highly capable of entering the knowledge-economy workforce. The Meta Group Research, in their 2002 Global New Economy Index, ranked the Philippines as number four globally in the area of “Knowledge Jobs”. In addition, the Philippines is the second-largest provider of Information Technology (IT) services in Asia, second only to India.

Siquijor to Host Trade Fair

2006-08-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

The dates of September 14-17, 2006, mark this year's Araw ng Siquijor (Siquijor Day). In conjunction with this provincial celebration, the Small and Medium Enterprise Council (SMEDC) of Siquijor, the Provincial Government of Siquijor, and the six municipalities of the province will be organizing the annual Halad Siquijodnon Fair and Exhibits. The event will be held on the grounds of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Siquijor, Siquijor.

The opening ceremonies for the event will be held on Wednesday, September 13, at 3:30 p.m., and the fair proper begins at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 14. During the four days of the fair, exhibitors will showcase their wares and services. Visitors to the fair will have the opportunity to purchase directly from exhibitors, taking advantage of special promotions of the businesses. The fair will continue each day from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. On the closing day, Sunday, September 17, the fair will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m.

A highlight of the fair will be the Torta-Making Contest, featuring the chief bakers of various educational and private institutions of the province. Torta is a type of cake exclusive to Siquijor, often purchased as a pasalubong to other provinces.

During the fair, the Local Government Units (LGU) of each Siquijor municipality will make a cultural presentation. On September 13, following the opening ceremonies, the LGU of Talingting will stage the first cultural show. On September 14 at 3:30 p.m., the LGUs of Maria and Larena are scheduled to make their presentation. Then on Friday, September 15, the LGU of San Juan will be featured. And on Saturday, September 16, the LGUs of Lazi and Siquijor will present, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

On Sunday, September 17, at 3:00 p.m., awards will be presented to exhibitors, such as for the best-dressed booth.

The Halad Siquijodnon Fair and Exhibits will feature the pride of Siquijor, the province's contributions to the growth of the Philippines.

Canadian Expert Advises Food Entrepreneurs of Siquijor

2006-08-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

From August 7 to 28, 2006, Aram Toukmanian, Expert Advisor of CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization), acted as a business advisor to Siquijor food entrepreneurs.

The members of the Siquijor Association of Food Enterpreneurs were actively involved as advisees of Mr. Toukmanian. Participating entrepreneurs included Renie's Peanut Processing, Coco-Based Food Processing (Lilo-an Rural Improvement Club), KAPANIG Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Vi's Bakery, Duran's Banana Fritters, Ever's Specialties, Lumbia Food Products Assocation, and Lilo-an Women's Cooperative (LIWOMCO).

His visit began with an orientation training to the head officers of the organizations. Next he acted as a consultant with each entrepreneurial association, seeking affordable solutions to its packaging development needs.

There are four phases of the CESO-BAP (Business Advisory Project) in Siquijor, including the following: packaging development assistance, product improvement development assistance, financial and operations management, and market development.

His visit here was sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Siquijor. The provincial government provided him with accommodations at Salagdoong Beach Resort in Olang, Maria, during his stay.

Mr. Toukmanian has 40 years of expertise in the industry. CESO is based in Toronto, Canada.

Food Entrepreneurs Train in GMP and HACCP

2006-07-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

On July 4 and 5, 2006, area food entrepreneurs trained in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as well as Hazard Analyses-Critical Control Points (HACCP). Dapdap Beach Club in Siquijor, Siquijor, accommodated the participants. The event was sponsored by the Siquijor Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Council (SMEDC), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the province of Siquijor.

The purpose of the training was to inform food entrepreneurs of how to safely prepare quality foods for public consumption. Topics during the seminar included food hygiene, food safety hazards, microbiological hazards, physical hazards, and chemical hazards and allergens. In addition, participants also studied personal hygiene, cross contamination, raw materials specification, food contact surfaces, food preparation, and pest control.

Many food entrepreneurs of Siquijor attended the training, including producers of peanut, dairy, coconut, meat, banana, and bakery products. Officials overseeing the event included Engineer Mario E. de la Pena, Provincial S & T Officer of DOST-Siquijor; Engineer Judy U. Booc, Chairperson of the SMED Council of Siquijor; and Ms. Nimfa Virtucio, Provincial Director of DTI-Siquijor. Josie F. Elli and Bryan B. Ybarez of DOST Region Seven facilitated the seminar.

Living Asia Films in Siquijor

2006-06-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

At the invitation of the municipal government of Siquijor, Siquijor, the Living Asia television network visited the province of Siquijor on June 14 and 15, 2006.

Tim Tayag, host; Paulo Viloria, camerman; and Leo Udtohan, producer, arrived in Siquijor, Siquijor in the afternoon of June 14. Their first visit was to the St. Francis of Assisi Church, where they filmed the traditional Solili Dance. Performed by the Siquijor State College Dance Troupe, this dance is a traditional wedding ritual of Siquijor. The Rondalia instrumental group of Larena accompanied the dance. After the performance, the director of the troupe, Dr. Padayhag, spoke with Mr. Tayag about traditional dances performed by the troupe. Dr. Padayhag shared that the group performs each year at the Araw ng Siquijor on September 17.

On June 15 Mr. Tayag spoke with Mayor Dick Quezon of Siquijor about the cultural and scenic highlights of the province of Siquijor. Then the group began their tour of the island, beginning at the Siquijor Church and Siquijor Belltower, built in 1870. The group proceeded to the Capilay Spring Park in San Juan and to the 400-year-old Balite tree in Campalanas, Lazi, which is believed to be enchanted. Next the group visited Duran's Banana Chips in Ytaya, Lazi, where Mrs. Duran explained the production process while Mr. Tayag enjoyed a free sample. The group then visited the Lazi Church and Convent, declared to be the largest convent in the Philippines by the Philippine Historical Commission. The group enjoyed a picnic lunch in Cambugahay Falls.

In the afternoon the group visited Bandilaan Natural Park, hiking to the top of the highest point on the island at 557 meters. Next the group traveled to the barangay of San Antonio, where they visited traditional healers, observing the gathering of herbs for traditional medicines. Mr. Tayag purchased some love potion in the barangay of Ponong, plotting to slip it into the drink of his object of affection.

At the end of the day, the group enjoyed a dinner at Dapdap Grill and Restaurant in Pangi, Siquijor, proprieted by Arthur and Bambi Chan. The group enjoyed accommodations provided by the Villa Marmarine Resort in Candanay Sur, Siquijor, whose proprietor is Dagman Herada.

The Deparment of Trade and Industry of Siquijor Province coordinated the visit of Living Asia television network as part of its efforts to promote tourism on the island. Additionally, tourism is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) for the municipality of Siquijor.

Siquijodnons Attend Dairy Congress & Expo 2006

2006-06-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

Representatives of Siquijor attended the Dairy Congress & Expo 2006 on May 24-26, 2006, at the Grand Convention Center in Cebu City. The representatives included Victoria Maglasang, president of KAPANIG Dairy; Nats Ampo, representative of the Natonal Dairy Authoriy-Visayas Region; and Marites Tanquiamco, provincial head of DOLE-Siquijor.

The Dairy Confederation of the Philippines organized the event, which theme was, Todo Asenso, Mag Dairy Business Tayo! The Dairy Congress, held every 3 years, allows members of the dairy industry to voice and address their challenges, learn new techniques, network, and to be informed of new laws that affect the industry.

The Siquijior representatives attended several forum sessions during the event, including Proper milk handling--from production, collection, processing, storage, and distribution; and Animal care, health, disease control, feeds and feeding.

The dairy industry is a 65 billion peso industry in the Philippines.

KAPANIG Values Reorientation and Leadership Seminar

2006-05-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

On May 5 and 6, 2006, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Siquijor held a seminar about values reorientation and leadership at the KAPANIG Multi-Purpose Cooperative's processing plant in Cangmunag, San Juan.

The guest facilitators included the Hon. Jeremias Perez, SB Councilor of Bais City, Negros Oriental; the Rev. Fr. Marcelo Kinilitan, professor at St. Joseph Seminary in Sibulan, Negros Oriental; and Mr. Jose Aldous Arbon, II, Provincial Information Officer of Siquijor, Siquijor. Ms. Nimfa Virtucio, the DTI-Siquijor Provincial Director, and Annie Patria, CARP Coordinator at DTI-Siquijor, also gave their words of welcome at the event.

The agenda of the seminar began with a hands-on leadership activity, led by Hon. Perez. In the afternoon of May 5, the Rev. Fr. Kinilitan led activities on the Call to Holiness, including a workshop entitled the Circle of Love. On the second day of the seminar, Hon. Perez continued his leadership training with a team building activity. Then the group proceeded to redefine duties and responsibilities of individual members of the cooperative. In the afternoon Mr. Arbon led sessions about conflict resolution, including communication skills and the art of listening. Afterward, the members held an open forum, where they were able to voice their concerns with other members of the cooperative.

Participants of the seminar, members and employees of the KAPANIG Fresh Milk of Cangmunag, San Juan, hope to utilize their new skills and knowledge from the seminar to improve their cooperation skills. KAPANIG Fresh Milk is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) of San Juan, Siquijor.

Kinamandagan High School Attends GLOW Camp

2006-05-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

From April 18 through 22, four students and one high school teacher attended the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Camp at Dumadag Farms in Tagbilaran, Bohol. The purpose of the camp was to foster leadership skills and build capacity for young women from throughout the Central and Eastern Visayas. Twenty-six women, 10 counterparts, and 8 U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers attended the event.

Topics during the camp included nutrition, exercise, HIV/AIDS, values systems, solid waste management, internet dating, and mangrove planting. Participants traveled to the CCEF field office in Bohol to attend a lecture on karst systems, learning about the geography of the region. In addition, participants visited the Tarsier Foundation, where the founder lectured about his work as a conservationist. Girls and counterparts also visited the Bohol Bee Farms in Panglao, where they learned about organic gardening and sampled some of the home-grown products.

The group from Lazi, including students Celeste, Michael, Cherry, Allona, and Ma'am Teresa, are planning an echo camp to be held in Lazi, Siquijor, in June of 2006. Students from area high schools and their teachers will join together for two days of leadership training.

Siquijor Commemmorates National Earth Month

2006-05-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

On April 28, 2006, the municipality of Siquijor, Siquijor, celebrated National Earth Month. This was pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 553 and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2006-23, which mandate that each Filipino local government unit shall celebrate the International Earth Day and the Earth Month during April.

In the morning, participants planted trees along the national highway, received free vehicular smoke emission tests, observed solid waste management at the composting site at Pulangyuta, Siquijor, and visited commercial beach resorts for a solid waste disposal evaluation. In the afternoon, all 41 barangays participated in the coastal clean-up of 18 barangays. In addition, officials inspected the barangay implementation of solid waste management.

Barangay officials, Local Government Unit (LGU) officials, national agencies, Non-Government Organizations (NGO's), and provincial government employees participated in the Earth Day events. Some of the agencies include the Department of Land Reform (DLR), municipal Philippine National Police, Philhealth, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and IPOPCORN.

This year the Department of Trade and Industry of Siquijor is working to promote tourism in the province. A clean environment contributes to the goal of attracting tourists and preparing a suitable infrastructure for visitors to the province.

KAPANIG Dairy Receives Financial Assistance

2006-04-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

The KAPANIG (Kababayen-an Alang sa Paglambo sa Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas)
Cooperative, which operates Island Fresh Milk, recently received financial assistance in the form of a loan. This loan of Php 50,000 is to be used to improve dairy farming in San Juan. The loan was approved in March 2006 by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Juan, Siquijor.

The KAPANIG Cooperative, located in Cangmunag, San Juan, is composed of 20 women from 3 barangays in San Juan, which are Cangmunag, Catulayan, and Timbaon. The cooperative, composed of dairy farmers, produces quality dairy products, including milk, yema, pastilles, ice candy, and yogurt.

The project lies in a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Povery-Free Zone and is also supported by the National Dairy Authority (NDA). It is also assisted by other government agencies such as the Department of Land Reform (DLR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Juan, Siquijor.

Island Fresh Milk serves as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) for the municipality of San Juan.

Siquijor Food Entrepreneurs Form Organization

2006-04-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

On February 21, 2006, food entrepreneurs of the province of Siquijor formed the Siquijor Association of Food Entrepreneurs (SAFE). The group hopes to achieve several goals through its organization. Firstly, they hope to gain a common understanding among processors so that they can form linkages between each other. They also hope to avail of government funds that are available to such organizations in order to improve their businesses. Lastly, they wish to improve the marketing of their products.

One way they plan to improve their marketing is through their packaging. Members may show their affiliation by including the SAFE logo, which is a butterfly, on their packages.

The 17 members of the organization include those who process peanuts,producing peanut butter, roasted peanuts, peanut brittle, peanut polvorone, and round peanuts; meat, including longganiza, tapa, and tocino; bananas, including banana chips and banana ketchup; torta, Siquijor's favorite cake; and tamarind candies.

Officers of the group include Chairman Renie Magsayo of Renie's Peanut Processing, Vice-Chairman Butch Duran of Duran's Banana Chips, Secretary Evelyn Suico of Peling's Homemade Peanut Butter, Treasurer Susan Patilano of Liloan Women's Cooperative (producers of virgin coconut oil), Auditors Virgilio Masayon of Vi's Bakery and Ruth Caberte of Licoan Rural Improvement Club (producers of coconut biscuits and macaroons), Public Relations Officers Lydia Ocay of KAPANIG Milk and Amparong Manginsay of Liga nga Kababaihan (Power chapter).

The group meets once a month.

Rotary Medical Mission of Siquijor

2006-03-21T23:28:00.000-08:00

On April 2, 2006, a medical mission will be held at three locations in Siquijor, Salagdoong, Maria; Campalanas, Lazi; and Siquijor Provincial Hospital in Siquijor, Siquijor. Any interested individuals in need of medical care are invited to attend the event. Consultations, minor surgeries, and dental needs will be addressed during the mission.

Thirty doctors will be on-site for the event, including those from Negros Oriental and Cebu. These include eleven doctors from Silliman University in Dumaguete will be assisting during the event. Additionally, forty nurses will assist in the mission.

The medical mission is being coordinated by the Rotary Club of Siquijor Island. The mission is a regional effort of the Rotary clubs in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The Rotary Club has solicited medicines from locations both domestic (Negros, Cebu, Luzon) and abroad (U.S.A., Japan) for the event. Several companies have also donated medicines, including Ceres Bus Lines.

Local Study Mission

2006-01-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

The DTI-Siquijor Provincial Office, in coordination with the province's Small and Medium Enterprise Council (SMEDC) and Provincial Government, has planned a study mission for February 7 and 8, 2006. Seven local manufacturers/processors, five private-sector members of the Provincial SMEDC, and two personnel representing the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Siquijor will visit successful small and medium enterprises in Cebu.

During the mission participants will visit successful industries in order to adopt their strategies and observe their manufacturing processes and principles, including modern technology and machineries. This mission aims to enhance the development of several business sectors of Siquijor.

One purpose of the study mission is for local businesses to acquire first-hand knowledge and exposure to successful subcontracting arrangements and business networking relationships. In this manner, Siquijor businesses hope to establish linkages with similar manufacturers and exporters in hopes that they may negotiate subcontracts or joint ventures.

Manufacturers/processors attending the study mission include CJP Furniture, Pajermo Furniture, Duran's Banana Chips, Renie's Peanut Processing, Ever's Specialties, the KAPANIG Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), and the LICOAN Rural Improvement Club (RIC). The five private sector representatives include Judy U. Booc, SMEDC Chairman; Pacifico Suan, Agriculture sector; Virgilio Masayon, Bakers' Association; Procielco, Services sector; and Nestor Rubio, Association of Farmer Scientists of Siquijor. In addition, two representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Siquijor will also attend.

Entrefarm Game Seminar Held in Timbaon, San Juan

2006-01-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

On January 5 and 6, 2006, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office of Siquijor hosted an Entrepreneurial Farming (Entrefarm) Seminar for the Timbaon Rural Development Club (TRIC) of Timbaon, San Juan, Siquijor. Jose "Jojo" Julio Sumido, TIDS of DTI - Negros Oriental, faciliated the event.

Module 1, the Basic Farming Cycle, comprised the first day of the seminar. The game helped participants to understand the business cycle as it can be applied to the farm business. Activities emphasized the importance of keeping a positive cash flow and bookkeeping. On the second day of the training, the facilitator introduced Module 2, Negotiation and Cooperation. Lessons from the previous day were reinforced, but participations had several crops to manage instead of just one. Participants worked to react to price fluctuation in the market, practice negotiation skills with buyers, and the importance of farmers' organizations. The participants and facilitator closed the seminar with the presentation of financial statements from each farming group or family.

More than 20 cooperative members of TRIC, all women, participated in the event. The cooperative, which sells candles to organizations in the neighboring province of Negros Oriental, recently expanded its product line to include citronella oil. This training assisted members in honing their entrepreneurial skills.

Training on Customer Service Excellence

2005-12-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 21, 2005, the Training on Customer Service Excellence was held at La Costa Cafe in Sandugan, Larena, Siquijor. The event was organized by the Siquijor Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Siquijor, the Provincial Small- and Medium-Enterprise Development (SMED) Council of Siquijor, and the Provincial Government of the province.

Mr. Anthony "Tong" Derecho, consultant of Leaders' Link Training and Consulting Center in Cebu City, facilitated the training. Participants of the event included representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs), private corporations, and restaurant and resort managers. Government employees as well as private proprietors attended the event because customer service is important in the public sector just as in the private.

The event sought to make participants aware of the needs of customers, participants' commitment to service with both internal and external customers, and to improve service proficiency. Participants enjoyed a very interactive training, which they hope to use in the workplace. Participants worked in small groups to discuss their likes and dislikes as customers, situations in which they had accepted personal responsibility for customer service issues, and to share the importance of a good self-concept in serving customers. Participants also played interactive games and watched informative videos to reinforce training concepts.

Small and medium enterprises in Siquijor seek to share their good business practices with each other in order to improve customer service. Participants recognize that the island of Siquijor competes with other popular tourist destinations for tourists; they acknowledge that if they improve customer service together as a whole that the island will benefit.

Women's Dairy Cooperative Holds Trainings

2005-12-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

The KAPANIG Mulit-Purpose Cooperative of San Juan, Siquijor, held two trainings recently as part of its efforts to improve its marketing plan.

On Dec. 7 and 8, 2005, the cooperative, composed of 21 members, 20 of which are men, worked to formulate its marketing policies and procedures. Members focused on the four aspects of marketing, price, product, place, and production, during their seminar. Members of the cooperative divided into four groups for the training and composed rough drafts of marketing procedures for each aspect of marketing. Members then presented these to the group to be finalized. An important part of the seminar included a detailed costing segment, which enabled the members to understand the amount of expenses they incur and how that affects their product pricing.

The second session, held on Dec. 14, 2005, was conducted by Helen Hermines, nutritionist at Siquijor Provincial Hospital. The purpose of the lecture was to help the members understand what essential nutritional elements are present in milk and how this promotes health in both children and adults. In this manner members will share information with Siquijodnons as they sell the milk and other milk products, such as yogurt and yema, a Filipino candy similar to caramel. A popular and economical product with children is the cooperative's ice candy, which is made from real milk, unlike other similar products which are made artificially.

Island Fresh Milk, the business of the KAPANIG Mulit-Purpose Cooperative, is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) for the municipality of San Juan, Siquijor.

Kinamandagan Scouts Hold Encampment

2005-11-29T22:30:00.000-08:00

The Girl and Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Kinamandagan chapter, held their 2005 Joint School Level Encampment in Kinamandagan, Lazi, Siquijor. The event was held from Nov. 25-27, 2005. Their theme was "a program of today's youth for a better tomorrow."

The event began with a torch parade throughout the mountain barangay on Friday night. The event continued with parlor games and acquintance-building, facilitated by Ma'am Cecile Bayhonan from the Elementary Division and Sir Archie Abellana from the Secondary Division. Participants enjoyed cooking their own meals during their encampment. The day ended with the playing of taps.

On Saturday morning students participated in physical fitness activities, a flag ceremony, and a parade throughout the barangay. The highlight of the morning was the variety show performed by the Star division of the Scouts. In the afternoon students participated in skills-building activities, including drill formation, knot tying, first aid, the handling of the flag, and arts and crafts. After dinner students enjoyed singing around the campfire.

On Sunday morning students participated in the Eucharist before breaking camp.

UCCP Churches to Celebrate Choir Festival

2005-11-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

On December 11, 2005, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) churches on the Patmos Circuit of Siquijor will hold a Christmas Choir Festival. The program will begin at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by a potluck dinner. Community members are encouraged to attend.

Representatives from the UCCP churches from Siquijor collaborated on October 29, during the Choir Seminar, to plan the Christmas celebration. Since then choir directors have selected songs appropriate for Christmas and the Advent season for the upcoming celebration. Choirs have been busy practicing the music, often holding extra practices in order to be prepared for the event. Each church choir will present a few selections from its seasonal repertoire.

The Patmos Circuit of the UCCP continues to work to promote music in the role of the life of the church. In addition to the choirs for adults and youth at the churches of Siquijor, the UCCP of Siquijor, Siquijor, seeks to promote the inclusion of children in its services through its children's choir, which shares its music regularly during Sunday morning worship.

The Patmos Circuit of the UCCP includes churches in the municipalities of Talingting, Larena, Siquijor, and San Juan.

Consumer Welfare Month Poster Contest and Consumernet Officers' Election

2005-11-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

On Friday, October 28, 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Siquijor sponsored two events, a poster contest and the election of officers for Consumernet. Both events took place during the Presyo (Price) Bonanza, a celebration of Consumer Welfare Month at DTI.

High schoolers representing barangays from across the province participated in a poster contest whose purpose was to promote awareness of consumer vigilance among youth. Thirteen youth participated in the event, designing posters about the benefits of food that has been grown free of chemicals and is economical for families. Jeff C. Suminguit of Enrique Villanueva National High School received first prize of 2,000 Philippine pesos. DTI awarded second prize, 1,500 Philippine pesos, to Rex A. Despares, a student at Saint Vincent Academy in Larena. Rocky D. Gapol of Banban National High School of Siquijor received 1,000 Philippine pesos as the third prize winner.

Officers of Consumernet for the province of Siquijor were elected and inducted on Friday, October 28, 2005. The elections took place at 11:00 a.m. at the Session Hall of the Legislative Building of the LGU of Siquijor. The newly-elected president, Dr. Fernando T. Po, and vice-president, Mr. Nicarter B. Lomocso, represent the Department of Education. Dr. Evelyn C. Retana of the Department of Health and Integrated Provincial Health Office was elected as treasurer. The new secretary is represented by Ms. Veronica A. Calibo of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Larena. Mr. Chito Concepcion of the Bureau of Internal Revenue will serve as auditor, and Mr. Gerald Dominguez of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will serve as the public relations officer. These Consumernet officers will work to promote the provincial consumer welfare campaign.

The Consumernet is an organization of implementing agencies of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 7394.

DTI Celebrates Price Bonanza

2005-10-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) celebrates its Presyo (Price) Bonanza at the Social Center in Poblacion, Siquijor, on October 27, 28, and 29 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Presyo Bonanza is the culmination of Consumer Welfare Month, an effort by DTI to acknowledge the needs of consumers. This year's theme emphasizes the consumers' rights to basic needs and safety. The event offers goods to the general public at wholesale prices, directly from distributors. Businesses who are presenting their wares at the event include GUD Trading of Siquijor, appliances and motorbikes; Nestle Philippines of Tagbilaran, milk and coffee goods; R2M, rosaries and other religious products; Unilever, personal care products; and Havoline, engine lubricant oil.

Friday’s events at the Bonanza include a poster-making contest for local high schoolers. The purpose of the contest is to promote awareness of consumer viligance among the youth. Officers of Consumernet with also be elected and inducted on Friday. Officers to be elected are the directors of government agencies that are responsible for addressing consumer complaints. Officers of Consumernet will work to promote the provincial consumer welfare campaign.

The Consumernet is an organization of implementing agencies of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 7394. When consumers have a complaint, they may present their problem to the agency with jurisdiction for the product. Participating government agencies include DTI, manufactured products and construction materials; Department of Agriculture (DA), agricultural and marine products; Department of Health (DOH), drugs, medicines, cosmetics, and other household goods; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), forest products; Local Government Units (LGUs), accurate weights and measures of scales; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), restaurants; Land Transportation Office (LTO), transportation; and National Food Authority (NFA), rice and corn. In addition, the Office of the Provincial Attorney offers free legal assistance.

Bishop Cortes Celebrates Silver Anniversary

2005-10-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

Most. Rev. Julio B. Cortes celebrated his Silver Presbyteral Anniversary on October 24, 2005, at the St. Francis of Assissi Church in Siquijor, Siquijor. Family members and friends of Bishop Cortes united to honor their bishop, who received the Outstanding Siquijodnon Award in 1993, conferred by the Office of the Provincial Governor of Siquijor. Participants held a concelebrated mass at 10:00 a.m., with 58 priests in attendance. Most Rev. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, D.D., acted as the homilist, and the Most. Rev. John F. Du, D.D., Bishop of Dumaguete, and Most Rev. Edwin de la Pena, Bishop of Marawi, also attended mass. The Saint Francis of Assisi Choir presented much of the music during the mass, directed by Jeremias Perez and accompanied by Roland Roa.

Following the mass, participants continued the celebration with lunch at Dondeezco Beach Resort in Dumanhog, Siquijor, Siquijor. Guests enjoyed fellowship while viewing a film about Bishop Cortes, shown on the Catholic television channel of Cebu. The Saint Francis of Assisi Choir performed a musical selection during the lunch. Farah Lourdes Tropezado and Desiree P. Ceriales also sang, accompanied by Ms. Rosario S. Saavedra.

Rev. Cortes, Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, was ordained into the priesthood on October 24, 1980, at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. His many degrees include an A.B. in Philosophy from San Carlos Seminary in Cebu, a Bachelor's in Sacred Theology from the University of Sto. Tomas, an M.A. in Higher Religious Education from the University of Sto. Tomas, and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontificia Studiorum Universitas in Rome, Italy. He has served as a parish priest in Cebu and Negros Oriental, Diocesan Administrator and Vicar General in Dumaguete, Rector of Saint Joseph Seminary College in Dumaguete, and Principal/Academic Dean of Saint Joseph Seminary College, Dumaguete. In 1998 he was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus, conferred by the Graduate School of the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila.

Choir Seminar

2005-10-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Members of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Siquijor will hold a choir seminar at the Larena UCCP in Siquijor province. Choir members from the UCCP churches in Talingting, Larena, Siquijor, and San Juan will unite on Saturday, October 29, to acquire some new musical skills and to dicuss essential elements to a choir, such as the purpose of choir and commitment needed for a choir to be successful.

Technical sessions planned include choir conducting, active listening, and counting rhythms. Facilitators have also planned for discussions about taking ownership of choir and of the role of the choir in the life of the church. The workshop will conclude with the sharing and learning of song in which various choir directors may present a song to teach to choir members and other directors.

Choir is playing an increasingly important role in the life of the UCCP churches in Siquijor. An expected output of the circuit is to initiate a joint Christmas celebration with all circuit choirs. The UCCP Circuit Patmos Church Choirs recognizes the importance of a committed choir program in their churches.

Japanese Rotary Club Member Visits Siquijor

2005-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

On October 5, 2005, Takuro Manabe, World Service Chairman of the Rotary Club of Yukuhashi City, Maiyoko, Japan, visited the island of Siquijor. Mr. Manabe visited three elementary schools in Siquijor in response to their needs for water and library resources. He accompanied Rotary Club members Rito Abapo, Daman Herada, Tony Maningo, and Reins Robertson, Peace Corps Volunteer. Also accompanying the group were Julie Taylor, Peace Corps Volunteer, and Hon. Gold Calibo, mayor of Larena.

The group visited elementary schools in the municipalities of Larena, Maria, and Talingting. The group, along with the Rotary Club of Japan, is exploring the possibilities of assisting the schools in the procurement of water, a scarce resource on the northern and eastern parts of the island, and resources for their school libraries. At the schools Rotarian Herada taught a Japanese song, origami, and the Japanese game Jan-Kim-Pong to the children. In addition the children also performed songs and dances for their guests. Each school also received a volleyball.

The Rotary Club of Yukuhashi City, Japan, recently established a sister relationship with the Rotary Club of Siquijor Island. Rotary Club International celebrates the theme of Service Above Self.

DTI Welcomes New Provincial Head, CARP Coordinator

2005-09-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—Provincial Office in Siquijor recently welcomed two new members to its team, Nimfa Virtucio, Provincial Director, and Annie Patria, CARP coordinator.

Nimfa Virtucio assumed her position as Provincial Director on September 16, 2005. Born in Tarlac City, Central Luzon, she is married and has one daughter, who lives in Manila.

Dir. Virtucio’s diverse career background is an asset to her leadership of DTI in Siquijor. Before transferring to Siquijor, she worked at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office in Bohol for 14 years. For the last four years she served as their provincial director, and before then she served as the CARP coordinator and Consumer Arbitration Officer (CAO). Dir. Virtucio graduated in 1984 from the University of Mindanao, Tagom City, with a Bachelor’s of Science in commerce, majoring in accounting. She continued her studies at Holy Name University in Tagbilaran where she obtained her L.L.B. and M.B.A. In addition, she sat for her Teacher’s Board examination and was also on call for the health unit of her barangay.

Just as Dir. Virtucio is serious about her work, she is also serious about her play. During the weekend, she likes to wake up late and watch her favorite television shows in bed. While enjoying C.S.I. Miami or Survivor, she crochets or cross-stitches, multi-tasking just as her Gemini astrological sign predicts. For lunch she might enjoy some saluyot, her favorite food. When the hunger pangs strike around dinnertime, she dresses in violet, her favorite color, and meets some friends at her favorite restaurant. A live band inspires them to try some ballroom dancing before a late-night game of mahjongg.

When asked about her long-term plans, Dir. Virtucio jokes of her dream to become a mermaid. She lives in the white-sand paradise of Siquijor—she just might get her wish.

Annie Patria became the new CARP Coordinator at DTI on September 26, 2005. Married with two young toddlers, Annie continues to enjoy the privileges of motherhood as she becomes acquainted with the many projects of the DTI Siquijor team.

Annie was born in Batangas, Southern Luzon. She married her husband, a Siquijor native, and they transferred to the island in 2002. Annie studied agribusiness at the University of Philippines, Los Banos. After college she transferred to Pamantasan ng Lungsod University ng Manila (PLM), where she competed a master’s degree in business agriculture. She served as CARP coordinator for several years at DTI-Makati and also worked at the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), where she drew foreclosures on bankrupt banks.

Like Nimfa, Annie loves to watch TV, especially local variety shows, and cross-stitch. When her friends and family visit, they often find her watching the Disney channel or reading fairy tales with her boys. If her husband wants to surprise her with a little romance after a long day, he might do well to present her with a long-stemmed pink rose, her favorite flower.

When she visits her family in Luzon, she loves to spend her time taking in a little of the fast life in Manila. But when she comes home to Siquijor, she is fully aware of what is most important—a quiet and simple life with her family.

Please join DTI in welcoming our new employees.

Medical Team Serves Siquijor

2005-09-28T00:57:00.000-07:00

On September 12-16, 2005, a medical team from the United States performed both major and minor operations at Siquijor Provincial Hospital. Thirty-three medical doctors and registered nurses performed a total of 137 operations on Siquijodnon patients from across the province.

The Rural Health Units in various barangays throughout the province and private practioners referred cases to the hospital. The provincial hospital was able to assess each patient’s condition before the operations were performed. Medical personnel operated using the latest medical technologies, with Siquijor Provincial Hospital medical personnel assisting in performing the operations. In this manner local doctors and nurses increased their knowledge of the use of current medical technology.

The medical team consisted of alumni of the University of Santo Tomas and other volunteer friends. The group included residents of both Roseville, California, and Dallas, Texas. Dr. Nella A. Alcoran, Provincial Health Officer II at Siquijor Provincial Hospital, coordinated the arrangements for the team. Lorna Adolfo, M.D., of Roseville served as the team leader. Snacks and lunch for the week-long mission were provided by the provincial government of Siquijor as approved by Governor Orlando B. Fua.

During their stay the medical team enjoyed the facilities of the Coco Grove Resort in San Juan, Siquijor. Volunteers lounged by the pool and enjoyed good wining and dining during their leisure time.

ISO's Guide to Food Safety Management

2005-09-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

The International Organization for Standardization recently published ISO 22000:2005, Food Safety Management Systems—Requirements for Any Organization in the Food Chain. This document guides managers in the planning and implementation of food safety management systems for many types of contributors to the food production process, including feed producers, primary producers, food manufacturers, transport and storage operators and subcontractors to retail and food service outlets. In addition, it also provides guidance to those organizations which are related to the food industry such as producers of equipment, packaging material, cleaning agents, additives and ingredients.

The standard was developed as a response to the increase of food-borne illnesses in developing countries, which can have profound effects on economics. Many countries have developed safety standards in response to these problems, but they have not been synchronized until now. Multiple food retailers from all over the world worked to develop the standards, including technicians from 23 countries and several international organizations.

In addition to food safety guidelines, the ISO 22000 also incorporates the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system standard. This is a multi-sector guide that is based on the premise that food safety guidelines are best implemented within a structured management system.

Useful documents from ISO that will soon be published include the following items:

ISO/TS 22004, Food Safety Management Systems—for organizations, including small-and medium-enterprises. To be published by November 2005

ISO/TS 22003, Food Safety Management Systems—for organizations who audit and certify food safety management systems. Published first quarter of 2006.

ISO 22005, Traceability in the Feed and Food Chain—covers system design and development

ISO 22000: Are You Ready?—a checklist for small business and developing countries, developed with the International Trade Center (ITC)--technical arm of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)--and World Trade Organization (WTO), along with ISO.

The DTI Bureau of Product Standards is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

DA Welcomes New Japanese Volunteer

2005-09-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

The Department of Agriculture in Siquijor recently welcomed a new international volunteer, Minori S. Wada of Kobe, Japan. She volunteers for the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, more commonly known as JICA. Minori will be working closely with Judith Retana, veterinarian at the Department of Agriculture in Larena.

Minori is an experienced, licensed veterinarian who studied at Miyazaki University in Japan. After graduate school, she cared for dolphins, sea lions, fish, and sea otters at an aquarium. She then held public office in the field of animal science in Japan. She enjoys mountain climbing, swimming in hot springs, diving, playing basketball, and of course, caring for animals. She feels blessed to have been assigned to the enjoyable, peaceful island of Siquijor, so be sure to introduce yourself when you see her around the island.

DENR Conducts Mangrove Plantings

2005-09-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

The DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) of Larena has been conducting a series of mangrove plantings throughout the island of Siquijor. From January to March of 2005, the agency has planted an impressive 30,000 trees in the barangays of Sabang and Luyang, Siquijor; Tulapos and Lomangkapan, Talingting; Simacolong, Lazi; and Sandugan and Cangmalalag, Larena.

DENR plants mangroves to protect shoreline and to create a habitat for fish. Karen Rudolph, Peace Corps Volunteer at DENR Siquijor, reports that a strong system of mangrove trees can protect shoreline from such natural elements as strong waves, soil erosion, and siltation. Also, many marine animals eat mangrove leaves as a source of nutrition. Therefore, the mangroves provide economic benefits to the communities where they are planted. Mangroves help to improve the quality of life in Siquijor.

DENR encourages the planting of mangroves by providing free seedlings to interested parties. These seedlings are cultivated at the Provincial Mangrove Nursery and Mangrovetum, near the pier in Larena. Please contact DENR (035-377-2029) or PAO (035-377-2069) if you are interested in participating in or organizing a mangrove planting in your community.

Province Celebrates Halad Siquijodnon

2005-09-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

The province of Siquijor celebrated the Halad Siquijodnon Fair and Exhibits on September 14 - 17, 2005. The trade show included 74 exhibitors who hailed from both Siquijor and other provinces, divided into the categories of Local Government Units, Agribusiness, Crafts and Processed Food, Tourism, Institutional Exhibitors and Fastfood services.

The opening program, held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 8:00 a.m., featured keynote speaker Dir. Asteria C. Caberte, Regional Director of DTI-Region VII. In addition, the opening program featured the MOA Signing of the PhP 1 million PDA Funds by Congressman Orlando A. Fua, Jr., and San Juan Credit Cooperative, Inc. (SJCCI). The ribbon-cutting ceremony, officiated by SMED Council members, local government officials, provincial government officials, Dir. Caberte, and national government heads, followed the opening ceremony.

The Halad Siquidnon Fair and Exhibits featured a best booth award in 5 categories. THe winners include the LGU of Lazi in the area of Local Government Unit, Robert S. Pajermo (Pajermo Furniture) of Craft/Processed Food and General Merchandise, the Municipality of Siquijor (Bagsakan) in the area of Agribusiness, Bernardita Tabada (Provincial Veterinary Office) in the area of Institutional, and William Bongcaron (Web's Legacy Inn) in the area of Tourism and Fastfood.

The Halad Siquijodnon Fair and Exhibits, sponsored by the Provincial Government and SMEDC (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council), comprises a large part of the Araw ng Siquijor, the celebration of Siquijor's independence from Negros Oriental on Sept. 17, 1971. Siquijodnons may be proud of the fine goods and services they showcased during the Halad Siquijodnon.

Province to Celebrate Araw ng Siquijor

2005-08-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

The province of Siquijor will be celebrating the Araw ng Siquijor from September 14-17, 2005, at the St. Francis of Assisi church grounds in Siquijor, Siquijor. The Araw ng Siquijor (Siquijor Day), September 17, commemorates the date that Siquijor became its own province on September 17, 1971. Siquijodnons will celebrate the occasion through the provincial trade fair, where local manufacturers, producers and processors, resort operators, LGUS, educational institutions and exhibitors from other provinces will present their goods and services. The SMED (Small- and Medium-Enterprise Development) Council has adopted the theme of OTOP—One Town, One Product—for the trade fair this year.

Some key events include a concert by the Island Melody Band, a pinaka (superlative) contest, a torta-making contest, a fellowship lunch, livestock games, and best-dressed booth contest. In addition, each LGU will offer a presentation during the 4-day showcase.

Those wishing a complete schedule of activities may contact the DTI Siquijor Provincial Office at (6335-344-2238, dtisiquijor@eudoramail.com).

Siquijor Participates in WOW Philippines Conference

2005-08-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

The Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office is busy preparing for its participation in the Philippines' national tourism conference. This conference, to be held during the first two weeks of September in Manila at Intramuros, seeks to promote tourism throughout the nation. The national office of tourism promotes its slogan, WOW Philippines, to both domestic and international tourists. The two-week tourism show in Manila promotes this promising industry of the Philippines.

Many representatives of the island will travel to Manila next month for the event, including four staff members from the Provincial Tourism Office, SP members, the Siquijor Tourism Coordinator, Siquijor Mayor Dick Quezon, and Governor Orlando B. Fua. Attendees of the event will enjoy performances by the Siquijor State College Dance Troupe, the Rondalla Performers, and the Island Melody Band. In addition, traditional faith healers, for which Siquijor is famous, will demonstrate their craft using the traditional bolo-bolo technique. Province representatives will sale the native pasalobung (gift from another place) of Siquijor, including dried eel, handcrafted bracelets, t-shirts, torta cakes, pinato (peanut brittle), and banana chips.

The inclusion of Siquijor in the event is designed to promote the island's many natural resources, including Cantabon Cave and Mt. Bandilaan Protected Area in the municipality of Siquijor, Cambugahay Falls in Lazi, and the San Juan de Capilay Spring Park in San Juan. The island also has many spectacular diving and snorkeling spots. Representatives of the Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office hope to promote Siquijor as an eco-tourism adventure at the WOW Philippines conference in Manila.

The province of Siquijor will participate in the conference as part of the larger Central Visayas, Region VII, unit. The region's theme is of a beach holiday, and the region hopes to promote its peaceful, white sand beaches through this theme.

The municipality of Siquijor, Siquijor, has chosen tourism as its branding product for One Town, One Product (OTOP), the nationwide marketing promotion of DTI. Also, other municipalities seek to support the tourism effort through their production of pasalobung.

KAPANIG Dairy Celebrates Inauguration of New Building

2005-08-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

On, July 29, 2005, Kapanig (Kababayen-an Alang sa Paglambo sa Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas) Dairy Cooperative held an inauguration of its new building onsite at Cangmunag, San Juan. The women invited guests of the inauguration with invitations shaped as cows, which caught the eye of about 50 attendees. The families of the community celebrated the hard work of the cooperative members, excited about the P1,000,000,000 funding the dairy has recently received. Municipal mayors of the Siquijor Island and Governor Orlando B. Fua also joined in the celebration. The parish priest of San Juan, Father Clifford Buhian, prayed a blessing upon the building. Guests enjoyed an elaborate dinner following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including the traditional lechon baboy (roasted pig) often enjoyed in the Philippines.

Local government funds of Governor Fua provided the cooperative with P300,000 for their new building. Cooperative members utilize their new building for production and administrative matters. The sparkling white, clean atmosphere of the building is sure to set the stage for further success for the dairy. Fresh milk from the dairy is available in plain, chocolate, ube, and mango flavors. The dairy has expanded its product line to include other popular dairy items, including evaporated milk, yogurt, candies, and ice milk treats.

At the One Town, One Product (OTOP) planning workshop for the province of Siquijor, Major Quimno of San Juan chose dairy as the branding product for his municipality. Cooperative members travel around the island three times each week selling their goods, so be sure to take advantage of their high-quality products when they visit your neighborhood.

Dairy Project Gets One Million Funding

2005-07-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

In simple ceremonies during the annual celebration of Nutrition Month in Siquijor Island, Governor Fua released a P1-M funding assistance to the KAPANIG (Kababayen-an Alang sa Paglambo sa Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas). The funds were sourced from the Isang Bayan, Isang Producto, Isang Milyon (1M1) program of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. The group which is composed of more than 30 dairy farmers from different associations in the barangays of Cangmunag, Timbaon and Catulayan in the Municipality of San Juan, is the only producer of fresh milk and other dairy products on the island.

The project which was spearheaded by the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) a few years ago, has proven to be resilient in the face of stiff market competition from other more established brands. While it has since then been a recipient of various assistance from the NDA, DOLE, DAR, DTI, DOST, DA and the LGUs, this group of women has shown that a community project can be turned into a viable enterprise through patience, perseverance and the sharing of a common goal.

On a related note, KAPANIG will also be inaugurating a P300,000 production building today (July 29, 2005) with funds sourced the local government funds of Governor Fua.

The dairy project is also in line with the One Town One Product (OTOP) program of the DTI and is in fact the OTOP for the Municipality of San Juan.

Siquijor welcomes new Peace Corps Volunteers

2005-06-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

The island province of Siquijor will be hosting two new peace corps volunteers in the person of Julie Taylor who will be assigned to DTI and Karen Rudolph who will be with DENR. Both volunteers are part of group 264 which just completed their ten (10) week pre-service training in Ormoc City where the volunteers were given language lessons, cultural briefings, etc.

I am writing this blog from the picturesque Sabin Beach Resort in Ormoc City where we have been housed as guests of the US Peace Corps for a two day Supervisor’s Training. The activity culminated in turnover ceremonies just this afternoon (June 10). Right after the training the supervisors will be travelling back with their supervisors to their respective sites.

The supervisor’s training is an important component for ensuring that peace corps volunteers (PCVs) are able to effectively integrate into their respective community. It covers peace corps policies, health and security measures for the PCVs, cultural issues and also an action planning workshop for both the volunteer and supervisor.

DTI holds OTOP Planning Workshop

2005-06-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

OTOP or the One Town One Product program is a priority program of PGMA to promote the growth of small enterprises in the countryside through the joint implementation of a strategy of focus, convergence and branding. A few weeks back DTI provincial staff went around the island visiting our local chief executives. We briefed the mayors about the concept of OTOP and asked them what product they would like to promote as their OTOP. There were some revisions along the way but the final OTOP list is as follows: Siquijor-Tourism, Larena-Woodcraft, Lazi-Ceramics,San Juan-Dairy, Maria-Processed Coconut and Enrique Villanueva-Banana Production and Processing.

The OTOP Planning Workshop was done in the beautiful Coco Grove Beach Resort. DTI invited experienced facilitators from the Canadian Executive Service Office (CESO) in the person of Mr. Tim Moiket who is also currently CESOs country director. With Mr. Moiket was Ms. Menchie Kho the Executive Director of CESO-Cebu and other staff who came along to observe the process.

The planning workshop was a success in more ways than one. It was a success in terms of the quality of workshop output which DTI, the SMED Council and the LGUs can immediately use as a basis for formulating appropriate interventions. It was also a success in terms of the quality of participants which included heads of local agencies, planning officers and other ranking LGU personnel, as well as our SMEs. The SMED Council was also in active attendance. Most of all, the workshop was a success because the Mayors were there and actively participated through the entire workshop process. Their participation was positively inspiring and was proof that they owned their OTOPs and are supporting the program. Our grateful thanks to Mayors Richard Quezon of Siquijor, Gold Calibo of Larena, Orville Fua of Lazi, Edwin Quimno of San Juan and Rebecca Padayhag of Maria.

SSC to Graduate First Batch of MAST-Physics

2005-06-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Siquijor State College (SSC) under the leadership of Dr. Duminador Cabanganan will be graduating the first batch for Master of Arts in Science Training Major in Physics (MAST-Physics). The program was approved by the SSC Board of Trustees in February 26, 2003. It is a Tri-Summer institute degree program which started in the Summer of 2003 and culminated this summer (2005). The program is currently under the supervision of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, with the assistance of the Program Coordinator and the Dean of the Graduate School.

According to Mr. Roel D. Taruc of the SSC, when the program started in the summer of 2003 it was able to attract eighteen (18) students (Iloilo-2, Cagayan de Oro-1, SSC-5, TESDA-Lazi-1, DepEd Siquijor-9). The number went down to twelve (12) in 2004 and finally about thirteen (13) will be making it after completing all requirements. Pre-Oral examination was done last May 25 while the Final Oral Defense is scheduled on June 11, 2005. The graduation ceremony is on June 19, 2005.

The MAST-Physics Program is offered by Siquijor State College in cooperation with the Philippine Physics Society and the CHED Center of Development in Physics, Physics Department of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, and the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City. The offering of the course and the course completion of the graduates is timely especially with a recent newspaper article which stated that most public school teachers handling Physics subjects were not even Physics graduates, much less had a masters degree on the subject.

Tacloban hosts the Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC)

2005-05-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in Tacloban City to attend the Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) courtesy of friends whom I fondly call my “bosses” in the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI). Getting to Tacloban City from Dumaguete City was practically a 24 hour trip (one way) constituting several hops i.e. Dumaguete-Cebu City-Ormoc-Tacloban v.v. Nonetheless the trip was worthwhile for several reasons which I will enumerate in the succeeding sections.

On opening day of the VABC, it was heartwarming to see the presence and support of senior officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) lead by PCCI President Donald Dee. These businessmen took the time off from their busy schedules to go to Tacloban City and show their all out support for the event. From what I understood these same people will be attending other area business conferences scheduled by chambers around the country which will culminate in the annual PCCI Business Conference in Manila to be held sometime in October, 2005. Region VII also was fully represented lead by the Cebu Chamber which acts as the big brother of the other chambers in the region. The Leyte Chamber (LCCI) who was the host of the VABC did a great job of coordination and hospitality.

In his speech Ambassador Donald Dee called on the businessmen to be more conscious about social equity and to share the fruits of their businesses with the workers by way of better wages, benefits and other schemes. He acknowledged the importance of the country’s workers as partners of the business sector in improving the economy of the country. Ambassador Dee also stressed the importance of developing more entrepreneurs and thus increasing the number and quality of our small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country. He also mentioned the PROPEL program of the PCCI for SME development which got a P21-M fund allocation from Senator Kiko Pangilinan and which will be implemented in partnership with the DTI and the LGUs, in selected areas.

On the second day of the conference, we went to a newly developed resort in Calicoan Island in Samar. Going there was a 3 hour trip (one-way) and on the way I was struck by the similarities of the surrounding terrain with that of Negros Oriental. There was one big difference however, and this was the Pacific Ocean. One side of Calicoan Island faces the Pacific Ocean (which was just another body of water to me at first until I got infected by the enthusiasm of my companions – about seeing the Pacific Ocean!). The Pacific Ocean side of Calicoan Island is good for surfing and we saw a number of surfers doing their thing with their boards. The other side of the island I think faces the Leyte Gulf and has white sand beaches good for swimming. So one side of the island is a “surfing” beach while the other is a “lying around in the sand beach”. Which was pretty interesting so far as niching the tourism market goes.

In her speech at the Calicoan Island resort Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that she has roughly divided the Philippines into four major areas. I can only recall three (3) and these are the Manila-Subic-Clark areas as industrial, the Visayas area for tourism and a part of Luzon and the Mindanao area as agricultural. Hearing this affirmed what I had always been saying to people about Siquijor and this was that its development should be anchored on Tourism since this will bring in the human traffic necessary to spur more demand for goods and services on the island. Investment promotion and SME development should then be geared to support the growth of this industry in the province. Tourism as a development strategy has shown to be very effective in the neighboring province of Bohol. Negros Oriental has also jumped into the tourism wagon and is now looking at five (5) sites for tourism development and investment promotion.

So why was my trip to Tacloban City worthwhile? First the VABC demonstrated the important contribution of the business sector to economic development. Second, was the Pacific Ocean and the surf. Third, I liked what P/GMA said about tourism and the Visayas Area, and fourth, with all that travelling around, I began to appreciate the importance of infrastructure and accessibility for tourism growth which stakeholders in the tourism industry have been harping about all these years.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Seminar Conducted

2005-05-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

The Siquijor SME Development Council (SMED-C) through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Seminar at the La Costa Café in Larena, Siquijor, last May 18-19, 2005. The resource person was Dr. Martin Reibe a Swedish consultant currently attached to the regional office of the DOST. The activity was funded by the Provincial LGU through its annual appropriation for the SMED Council.

Participants to the seminar were food processors and restaurant operators. The objective was to emphasize the need for GMP as a minimum requirement for competitiveness. The seminar came amidst a spate of food poisoning incidents all over the country which registered a big number of deaths. This was why the seminar focused was on local food handlers as the main participants.

The topics covered by the seminar were basic but important information which our food processors should have. These included: Hand Washing, Biological, Chemical and Physical Hazards, Cross Contamination, Personal Hygiene, Food Contact Surfaces, Raw Materials Handling, Food Preparation and Pest Control.

These topics are doubly important since most food processors are micro-level enterprises who operate right out of their homes where conditions are not conducive for strict compliance to the minimum standards of food production. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why most micro food enterprises have difficulty in getting an accreditation from the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) since one of the requirements is that the production site should be located at least thirty (30) meters from the place of residence. The rationale here is to isolate the production center from the normal activities of a household which can be the source of food contamination from human and animal (pets) sources.

About the Siquijor SME Development Council

2005-05-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

The SME Development Council (SMED-C) is an entity organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in every province to basically coordinate the various programs and services for small enterprises. It is primarily responsible for the promotion, growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by way of facilitating and coordinating efforts in SME development in the province. It is a medium through which various agencies can agree on a focus for convergence of services.

The Siquijor SMED Council is one of the more active SMED-Cs in the country. It holds regular monthly meetings which is well attended by its members. It is allocated an annual budget of P200,000 by the provincial government which is used to fund activities for enterprise development in the province. Members also converge or share resources on priority projects.

The Siquijor SMED Council is headed by Engr. Judy Booc as Chairman. Governor Orlando B. Fua is Co-Chair. Members from the private sector are: Laureen Malolot (PROSIELCO), Pacifico Suan (Agricultural Sector), Virgilio Masayon (Siquijor Bakers Assn.), B/Capt. Nestor Rubio (Assn. of Farmer Scientists), and Robert Pajermo (United Siquijor Furniture Makers Assn.). From the government sector, the members are: Oscar Magallones (DENR), Dr. Ramon Taroc (PAO), Engr. Mario dela Pena (DOST), Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco (DOLE), Dr. Esteban Melecio (TESDA), Dr. Dominador Cabanganan (SSC), Rizalie Anding-Calibo (PIA), Clare Marie Ocampo (LBP), Grace Fua (DLR), Dominica Lacuesta (DILG), Jossette Caducoy (PTO), and Nannette Arbon (DTI).

The 2005 Program of the Council include various human resource development seminars/workshops and market promotion activities.

The human resource seminars/workshops slated for this year are as follows: Good Manufacturing Practices for the Food Sector, Promoting Good Customer Relations, Bayanihan Centers Entrepreneurship Seminar, Training on Meat/Fish Processing, New Resources Utilization Training (Bamboo), SME Forum and Siquijor Chamber’s Planning Workshop.

Market promotion activities include: Business Opportunities Seminar, Study/Selling Missions, SME Web Page, Araw Ng Siquijor Fair and Exhibits.

DTI holds SME Forum

2005-04-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered the lifeblood of a country’s economy. Statistics show that in almost any country all over the world SMEs comprise more than 90% of total businesses registered. Thus, the health of an economy is determined to a large part by the productivity and competitiveness level of its SMEs.

SMEs are usually categorized based on assets (excluding land) and this varies from country to country. The National SME Development Council defined the SME sector into: Micro Enterprises (assets of P3M or less), Small Enterprises (assets of from P3M-P15M), and Medium Enterprises (assets of from P15M-P100M).

In the Philippines, 99.6% of all firms registered are MSMEs or Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Of this 91.1% are micro, 8.2% are small and 0.4% are medium. Our SMEs employ 70% of the labor force in the country and contributes 32% of value added to the economy. About 60% of all exporters are SMEs.

Thus, our economic engine is kept running by our SMEs. Recognizing their importance, the Department of Trade and Industry has been holding SME Fora nationwide. The objective of the activity to acknowledge the role of our SMEs in economic development and to update them on programs for the sector.

DTI-Siquijor in coordination with the Siquijor SME Development Council held the Siquijor SME Forum last April 25, 2005, at the Dondeezco Beach Resort in Siquijor, Siquijor. It was a well attended forum with about eighty (80) participants, majority of which were local SMEs. Members of the Siquijor SMED Council were also in attendance as well as executives from the local government unit.

Regional Director Asteria Caberte was on hand to present the National SME Agenda as well as the One Town One Product (OTOP) program concept. The National SME Agenda lays down the strategies as well as the programs to improve the international competitiveness of our SMEs The OTOP on the other hand is a program that emphasizes focus, convergence and branding through the identification of a priority product in each city/municipality. Siquijor OTOPs are as follows: Siquijor-Tourism, Larena-Woodcraft, Lazi-Ceramics, San Juan-Dairy Production, Maria-Peanut Production and Processing and Enrique Villanueva-Banana Production and Processing.

A highlight of the program was the presentation by selected local SMEs on their experiences and lessons as they survive as a business/livelihood project in a very competitive environment. The Tagmanocan Ceramics Project in Lazi talked about how a change in strategy enabled them to start a new phase in their project, the Canlambo Women’s MPC emphasized the need for good workmanship and quality control, Engr. Cle Bern Paglinawan of CJP Furniture presented his experience as a participant in the National Trade Fair in Manila last March and talked about the importance of product design and development. Renie Magsayo of Renie’s Peanuts and Alejandro Duran of Duran’s Banana Fritters basically talked about how assistance from government agencies such as the DTI, DOST and DA, among others enabled them to stand on their feet and be stronger as an SME. A demonstration by Buhi Worldwide Inc., owned by Boni Commandante a Siquijorian, on its new technology which is the waterless transport of live fish topped the presentations.

Tourism and Siquijor

2005-04-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Almost anybody who comes to the island whether on business or a visit inadvertently concludes that Siquijor has all the potential for a thriving tourism business. It is endowed with the necessary natural resources that make it attractive to visitors. From stretches of pristine white beaches, an interestingly paradoxical local culture that is a mix of the deeply religious and the much renowned Siquijor mystics, to breathtaking views and spectacular sunsets, natural tourism sites like waterfalls and caves, centuries old big churches that dominate the scene in all of its six municipalities, local crafts, and a hassle free environment.

But it was only until recently that this more attractive image of Siquijor came to be. Before the advent of fast crafts and mobile telecommunications Siquijor remained in the periphery of most people’s consciousness. And the reason it hanged in there was not because of its natural endowments but because of its image as a place of witch doctors and unusual medicines.

It was an image that the locals detested. But no matter how they felt about it that image which is Siquijor’s own peculiar brand persists to this day. Ironically or understandably (?) Siquijor’s traditional image kept superstitious domestic visitors away but not the foreigners. However, as access to the island increased, its more attractive attractions are now catching the attention of the tourism market and are drawing in more visitors every year. This is a clear example of the impact of infrastructure on industry and economic growth.

There is also more good news for tourism growth on the island. In the last six months there have been initiatives from tourism stakeholder groups in Cebu and Negros Oriental all aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of the region as a tourist destination.

One is the Cebu Plus Tourism Cluster concept which is being promoted by private sector groups in the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in partnership with the Department of Tourism. The concept is to increase the attractiveness of the Visayas area as a tourism destination by offering more diversity. With Cebu already an international gateway, the plan is to invite 5M tourists into the clusterby 2010. The cluster includes in addition to Cebu island, Bohol, Dumaguete/Siquijor, Boracay, Bacolod/Iloilo, Palawan, Tacloban/Guiam, Surigao/Siargao, Zamboanga/Iligan/Dipolog, Camiguin/Cagayan de Oro, Legazpi/Sorsogon. All of these are within an hour or so from Cebu by plane.

Tourism is also very much in the mind of Gov. George Arnaiz who is leading tourism development efforts in Negros Oriental. In a tourism planning workshop organized by the Negros Oriental Investment Promotion Center (NOIPC) held in Dumaguete City last April 15-16, 2005, industry stakeholders defined doable activities in the short term (6 months), a year from now and then two years from now. These seemed promising to me because if we are able to stay within the time frame then Negros Oriental will be able to have “presentable” tourism sites/products by the end of the year.

As a development worker living in Dumaguete City and working in Siquijor these initiatives are very exciting. For one because Dumaguete City and Siquijor is one cluster in the Cebu Plus concept and for the other, Siquijor tours was one of the attractions that Negros Oriental tour operators and resorts identified as immediately doable in the short term.

All of these would mean more visitor traffic, more business and hopefully more economic growth for Siquijor. Recognizing tourism as a competitive advantage of the area, DTI-Siquijor is active in promoting tourism investments on the island . It is currently assisting two local resorts. One for an expansion project and another for business registration services. Both projects are multimillion investments into the local economy.

In retrospect, one can say that Siquijor has come a long way from where it was say five years ago, but it still has a lot to do to realize its potential. This will involve developing man-made attractions such as resorts, activities and events to complement its God-given endowments. This will be made more delicate as the locality will also need to balance out the negative socio-cultural and environmental impact of unbridled tourism development. But on the whole I would say that Tourism and Siquijor would be a good mix for economic development.

DTI Gears Itself Up To be Business Information Center

2005-04-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

The Siquijor provincial DTI is currently beefing up its information resources and information gathering capability so that it can improve the delivery and quality of its services to existing and potential SMEs. As they say information is power and the DTI would like to strengthen the competitiveness of local SMEs by improving their access to information.

As Business Information Center, the DTI will be able to give information and referral services to local firms. Information can be sourced from its internal databases on the province as well as via the internet. Business registration information is already available but this will be strengthened further by networking with the local government units who are the ones issuing the local business permit. Moreover, with its internet broadband connection, it can assist clients do online processing of documents like registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who already do online registration. The approval of Business Names which is a DTI function is already online so that clients only have to wait a few minutes for their Business Name registration.

A unique characteristic of Siquijor is the amount of foreigners who initially come to the island to visit and then later on decide to put up a business. The DTI has heard of cases where these visitors/investors have been had by unscrupulous locals because they did not know where to go for information and referrals. The DTI Business Information Center can help prospective entrepreneurs/investors get the proper information, business counselling and referrals.

News from DTI-Head Office (1)

2005-04-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Got a bunch of Press Releases from our head office which I thought would be interesting for Siquijor. One is about standards for Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) which I know some barangay captains in the province are interested in as a livelihood project for their constituents. The other is about uncertified building wires which is important information as it concerns the life and safety of our households on the island.

Virgin Coconut Oil Standards Ready - DTI

With the increasing demand of virgin coconut oil for the domestic and export markets, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS), in collaboration with the DTIs Center for International Trade Exposition (DTI-CITEM), the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (DA-BAFPS) and the DAs Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA) has developed its Philippine National Standard (PNS) on its definition, essential composition and quality factors, labeling and methods of analysis and sampling.

DTI-BPS Director Jesus L. Motoomull states, “With the hype of virgin coconut oil sold in the market, the Department sees the need to standardize the production of the said product to safeguard the industry and at the same time, maintain its strong potential for international market.”

“This PNS provides a common understanding among producers, distributors, users, regulators and other interested parties,” Director Motoomull adds.

Virgin coconut oil, as defined in the standard, is obtained from the fresh, mature kernel of coconut by mechanical or natural means, with or without the use of heat, without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching or deodorizing, and which does not lead to the alteration of the nature of the oil. It is suitable for consumption without the need for further processing.

As specified in PNS/BAFPS 22:2004 with Amendment 1:2005 – Virgin Coconut Oil, the quality characteristics of the product should be odorless, sediment free with natural fresh coconut scent and free from rancid odors or tastes. It is required to have a maximum of 20% moisture and volatile content to prevent rancidity and should not contain food additives.

Moreover, the label of each package should have the following: name of product, brand name or trade name, net content, lot identification, name and address of the manufacturer and or packer, or distributor, the phrase, “Product of the Philippines”, type of process, date manufactured and “Best Before”, and BFAD registration number and an optional bar code.

Among the Filipinos, the virgin coconut oil is commonly used in cooking and as a butter or margarine substitute. Filipinos also traditionally use the product as skin moisturizer, hair growth enhancer, as treatment for burns, inflammatory and allergic conditions, anti-lice, anti-dandruff, anti-fungal, anti-acne, and anti-bacteria.

“Through the PNS on virgin coconut oil, the specifications for what qualifies as virgin coconut oil are established. Now, the industry has a reference standard to follow that would enable them to further improve their products to be globally competitive,” stresses Director Motoomull.

Interested partices can request for copies of the standard from the DTI-BPS Standards Information Services at the 3rd floor, Trade and Industry Building, Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

For more information, you can call BPS at 751-4736 or send an email to bps_pmrd@dti.dti.gov.ph.

You can also visit the DTI Siquijor office located at Legazpi Street, Siquijor, Siquijor or call telephone nos. 480-9065 or 344-2238 or email us at dtisiquijor@lycos.com.

DTI Found Uncertified Building Wires

In the recent operation of the Special Monitoring Assistance of the Regional Operations Group Team (SMART) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cavite, an establishment was found selling uncertified imported electric wires.

The SMART confiscated a total of nine boxes of “ONPRO” brand of electric wires from Paraiso Builders which is located along Aguinaldo Hi-way, Silang, Cavite. The said products do not have the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC), which is required under the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) Product Certification Scheme.

DTI-BPS Director Jesus L. Motoomull explains, “These uncertified imported electric wires did not undergo proper testing based on the requirements of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) in Electrical Wires and Cabels, thus consumers are not ensured of the safety use and quality performance of the said product.”

“The establishment is now facing administrative charges under Republic Act (RA) 4109 or the Standards Law and has been issued a notice of mediation meeting on 10 March 2005,” Director Motoomull adds.

All structures, whether a small house or a high-rise building use electric wires and cables for its wiring system. It is used to transmit and distribute electric power from the source to the consuming public.

“Using substandard products, with poor insulation and conductivity endangers the lives of the people living in the house or occupying the building. It often causes incidents such as electric shock or electrocution and faulty wiring that leads to fire,” stresses Director Motoomull.

To prevent property damage and ensure consumer protection, the DTI-BPS requires all manufacturers and importers of electric wires and cables to have their products tested at the BPS Testing Center or at any BPS accredited or recognized laboratory prior its distribution or selling, to protect consumers from purchasing defective products. Only those manufacturers and importers whose products passes the safety and quality requirements of the standard are issued with a Philippine Standard (PS) License and ICC for locally-made and imported products, respectively.

“Any establishment found selling uncertified products are charged with administrative cases under Executive Order No. 913 and RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which include a maximum fine of P300,000 per violation, without prejudice to the filing of criminal or civil actions under applicable laws.

Director Motoomull states, “SMART regularly checks the market to ensure that only safe and reliable products are made available to the consumers. The Department encourages the buying public to purchase only certified products and to file complaints or report any knowledge of illegal activities.”

The DTI enjoins the buying public to patronize only PS and ICC-marked products in the market. Consumers can report or file a complaint against substandard products through DTIs consumer hotline (8977384), i-reklamo website (http://www.i-reklamo.ph/), email address (cwd-btrcp@dti.dti.gov.ph) or visit DTI at 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City.

For Siquijor, DTI is at Legazpi Street, Siquijor, Siquijor with tel. nos. 480-965/344-2238. Our email address is dtisiqujor@lycos.com.

Cement Prices Remain Steady

2005-03-31T20:32:00.000-08:00

These hot summer months is when demand for cement rises. This is the time when households, business and even government projects are implemented because of the conducive weather. The following is a breakdown of the cost components of cement prices per bag for three provinces in Region VII as of March 31, 2005. These prices have remained the same since December, 2004.

The three provinces get their cement supply from Cebu (this is why Cebu cement price is excluded) and the Landed Cost using chartered shipping facilities are: for Siquijor: P148, Bohol: P153.05 and Negros Oriental: P153.

Dealers incur several expenses in moving the cement bags from the pier to their respective warehouses. These include arrastre, VAT, stevedoring, wharfage, trucking and handling. For Siquijor, the total expenses incurred from pier to warehouse is P7.91 per bag of cement, for Bohol: P7.70 and for Negros Oriental: P7.68.

The dealer's mark-up is P5.00 per bag of cement for both Bohol and Siquijor and P4.32 for Negros Oriental. So if we total the Landed Cost, Expenses from Pier to Warehouse and Dealer's Mark-up, the Dealer's price per bag of cement is: Siquijor: P160.91, Bohol: P165.75 and Negros Oriental: P165.

The dealers then pass on the cement inventory to their various retailers and in the process incur transfer expenses. Transfer expenses per cement bag from dealer to retailer are: Siquijor: P5.00, Bohol: P2.20, and Neg. Oriental: P0.00. Retailer's Mark-up per bag is P5.00 for both Siquijor and Bohol and P2.00 for Negros Oriental.

Retail Price as of March 31, 2005 following the aforementioned cost components are: Siquijor P170.91, Bohol: P172.95 and Negros Oriental: P167.

However, retailers and dealers have cut back their prices to the following Prevailing Prices per bag of cement: Siquijor: P165, Bohol: P170 and Negros Oriental: P167.

Market Breakthrough for Furniture Producers

2005-03-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

Siquijor participants to the National Trade Fair (NTF) in Manila successfully opened new market niches for their products. The fair which ran from March 9-13, 2004 was held at the SM Megamall and organized by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Our two participants were CJP Furniture and Pajermo Furniture, all hailing from the Municipality of Larena. Their participation to the fair was a breakthrough in itself since this was the first time that Siquijor Province was able to send exhibitors. There were other breakthroughs as well. The producers presented new product lines that enabled them to attract new markets. These were woodbased home furnishing product lines which was a far cry from the traditional product lines that they had. With these new product lines and their variations, the producers can now market Siquijor made wood based products that can be easily transported i.e. lighter and less cumbersome than shipping wood furniture -- which will also result in more attractive and competitive product prices. Other than product development and market expansion, the participants were also exposed to actual market conditions outside of Siquijor Island. The experience will be very useful for them as they go about penetrating new market niches.

The fair generated about P80,000 in cash and booked orders for the two participants. There are potential sales contracts still under negotiation which we hope will translate to more volume orders within the year.

Pres. GMA Inaugurates Larena and Lazi Ports

2005-03-10T21:47:00.000-08:00

President Gloria M. Arroyo just completed a lightning visit to the island. The first stop was Lazi port where she made an inspection of the P10-M project. After Lazi she did a road tour of the island on the way to Larena Port. In Larena, PGMA inaugurated the Larena Passenger Terminal where she had lunch together with local officials and guests.

The Larena Passenger Terminal is a beautiful one story building built right at the Larena Port. It is fully airconditioned, clean, and for sure will provide comfort to travellers to the island. It is a plus for tourism development in Siquijor. The Larena Port in turn is a bustling port that services fast crafts and big boats. Fast crafts now ply the Dumaguete-Siquijor/Larena route several times a day. Supercat has one daily trip doing the Cebu-Bohol-Dumaguete-Siquijor circuit, while Ocean Jet has two trips daily covering the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor-Plaridel route.

Gone are the days when Siquijor had accessibility problems. With the fast crafts, modern telecommunication facilities and other amenities like the resorts and the passenger terminal, Siquijor island now has a shot in "making it" as a tourism destination

One Town One Product (OTOP)

2005-03-10T21:27:00.000-08:00

The One Town One Product (OTOP) is a program of the DTI in coordination with the local government units (LGUs). Through OTOP, local chief executives of every city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

For Siquijor our OTOPs are as follows: Siquijor-Tourism, Larena-Woodcraft, Lazi-Ceramics, San Juan-Dairy, Maria-Peanut Production and Processing, and Enrique Villanueva-Banana Chips.

The ceramic project in Lazi is already a recipient of Pres. Gloria Arroyo's Isang Bayan, Isang Producto, Isang Million (1M1) Program, through the efforts of Congressman Shane Fua. The dairy project in San Juan will be the recipient of Governor Fua's 1M1 funds. Other municipalities still have to avail of the funds. Larena has taken the initiative to support its furniture producers in terms of supporting their participation to the National Trade Fair which is ongoing from March 9-13, 2005. Siquijor also has its own plans for tourism development in the municipality.

The DTI in coordination with the LGUs and the SMED Council will be conducting an OTOP planning workshop sometime in April of this year.

President GMA To Visit Siquijor

2005-03-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be in Siquijor Island on Friday, March 11, 2005. During the visit she will be inaugurating the Lazi Port and the new Passenger Terminal at the Larena Port. Land titles for CARP beneficiaries will also be distributed. Local officials headed by the Governor Fua, Congressman Fua, and the Municipal Mayors will be on hand to welcome her to the island. It is hoped that the president will give her support to projects that local officials are planning to present to her.

DOST Inks Agreement for Packaging Services

2005-02-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Zamy’z Pizza Bar and Restaurant a Siquijor based business enterprise for the extension of Package Development Services. These will include determining the appropriate packaging material for the product, packaging techniques, label design and shelf life testing, among others. Zamy’z currently produces a special kind of hot sauce which it would like to market more extensively. Having the right packaging design, material and shelf life will ensure that the product will have a better chance of surviving in a highly competitive market place.

The project is an offshoot of a Packaging Labelling and Design Seminar conducted in November, 2004 at the Siquijor State College in Larena, Siquijor. The seminar was organized by the Siquijor SME Development Council, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with fund support from the Provincial Local Government Unit.

It is hoped that the convergence of the government and private sector in the Siquijor SMED Council will spur more projects towards the enhancement of the competitiveness of business enterprises in Siquijor.

International Tour Operator Visits Siquijor

2005-02-24T01:16:00.000-08:00

A Sydney and HongKong based Tour Operator was in Siquijor yesterday (Feb. 23, 2005) to assess the readiness of the province to absorb more tourism traffic. The verdict was that we still need to do a lot of things in the areas of infrastructure and tourism services. Infrastructure would mean more and better transportation facilities and improving the accessibility of Siquijor's nature based tourism sites. Tourism services can be more restaurants, entertainment and even a shopping area or a pasalubong center. Siquijor needs to come up with more activities for tourists outside of the resorts so that the local community can also benefit from tourist spending.

At present tourists just stay and enjoy within the walls of the various resorts dotting the island because there is nothing much to do outside. If they are attracted to go around the island e.g. eat outside of the resorts, buy local crafts, avail of local services like a massage, enjoy some night entertainment, etc. then their spending can have a huge multiplier effect on the local economy.

Ms. Suzanna Lao further said that the main market for the island would be tourists who are in search of peace and relaxation. This is a select market niche and would be appropriate to our current carrying capacity. There is a lot of potential though and the opportunities can be availed of as soon as we increase investment spending especially in the number of rooms. For Saladoong, the potential is for the business meetings and conventions market. But then again we need more investments and to raise current standards to meet international requirements.

Ms. Lao was visiting Negros Oriental for a similar assessment and was invited over to the island by the DTI and Coco Grove. She was accompanied on her lightning tour of the island by Fr. Salac. International tour operators are now on the lookout for alternative tourist destinations in light of the devastation brought about by the tsunami.

Barangay Leaders Go L.I.V.E.

2005-02-24T00:44:00.000-08:00

Barangay Captains from thirty-nine (39) barangays from all over Siquijor attended a three-day
seminar in Bohol last February 16-18, 2005. Dubbed Barangay L.I.V.E. (Livelihood Initiatives for
Viable Enterprises), the activity aimed to encourage our barangay leaders to embark on business development projects in their respective areas.

The seminar covered several topics ranging from the National SME Agenda, the One Town One Product (OTOP)
Program, Accessing Financing Programs of various financing institutions, access to Technology, Improving
Market Access through Product Development, etc. A workshop was also done as an exercise for determining
a potential viable product for the participant's respective areas. Barangay Captains in Siquijor came up with
a proposal to have a Virgin Coconut Health Oil project. This is very appropriate to the province inasmuch as it is known for its traditional folk medicine and also as a "healing province".

The activity was spearheaded by Gateway East, a Manila-based NGO with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the DILG and the Local Government Units.

Furniture Producers to Join NTF

2005-02-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

CJP Furniture and Pajermo Furniture will be going to Manila to exhibit their products in the National Trade Fair to be held at the Trade Hall of the SM Megamall, on March 9 - 13, 2004. The National Trade Fair is an annual exhibition of Filipino craftsmanship and is participated in by selected firms coming from all over the country. Participants to the fair have to undergo a rigorous screening process and if accepted are required to undergo product development. Exhibitors are encouraged to exhibit prototypes of new products that have been developed exclusively for the fair. This is the first time that Siquijor Province will have participants to the fair.

DTI Updates Siquijor Businessmen on FTLs

2005-02-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

The Department of Trade and Industry Siqujor Provincial Office in coordination with the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of Siquijor Town headed by Mayor Richard C. Quezon updated local business firms on fair trade laws, in marathon sessions held last February 10, 2004, at the DTI conference room.

About 95 participants representing business firms doing business in the dry goods and the fresh/wet market attended the session. The participants were updated about relevant provisions in the Consumer Act and the Price Act. The objective was to urge the firms to adopt or practice the provisions of these laws such as the price tag law, weights and measures, among others. The powers and functions of the LPCC was also explained to them.

The sessions opened with Mayor Quezon introducing the members of the LPCC and giving an overview of what the LPCC was about and the objective of the activity. Vice-Mayor William Flores, Judge Antonio Lubguban and MAO Chita Maglinte were also there to lend their support.

More sessions are slated to be held in the muncipalities of Siquijor, Larena and Lazi, which are the commercial centers of the island. This is part of the competitiveness enhancement program of the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Island.

Away from it All

2005-02-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

Hmmm... don't know whats appropriate for a first entry. But here I am doing this blog with a things to do ticker flashing in my mind. But.... there's still time.... i just want to experience what this blogging thing is all about.

I am reading this really old book entitled Small is Beautiful by Schumacher and what he says makes sense especially for a place like Siquijor which has a population of less than a 100K and whose diameter can be transversed in an hour. In this book there's a part that says that part of our problem is greed and envy and i quote in part, "if human vices such as greed and envy are systematically cultivated, the inevitable result is nothing but a collapse in intelligence."....... "If whole societies become infected by these vices, they may indeed achieve astonishing things but they become increasingly incapable of solving the most elementary problems of everyday existence."..........Well i think we can see this everyday especially on tv and if we read the news. In Siquijor though, life is simple and people while aspiring for a better life accept this simple lifestyle. Its a wonderful escape from the rat race and the exposure to things that stimulate the feelings of greed and envy.