What's On in Siquijor

Halad Siquidnon Awarding

2005-09-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

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.

DENR Conducts Mangrove Plantings

2005-08-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Siquijor to Celebrate Araw ng Siquijor

2005-08-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

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).

Department of Agriculture Welcomes New Volunteer

2005-08-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

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.

DTI Updates Siquijor Businessmen on FTLs

2005-02-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

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.