Simultaneous clean-up drive in Larena to stop spread of dengue

by Rizalie A. Calibo

LARENA, Siquijor, September 2 (PIA) -- Following the call of Larena Muicipal Mayor Gold Calibo, all barangays in Larena municipality conducts simultaneous clean-up drives in their respective areas for two consecutive weekends on August 27 and 28, and on September 3 and 4 to stop or avoid the spread of dengue.

The call is also in compliance with the Memorandum Circular No. 2011-116 of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo dated August 17, 2011 that enjoins all provincial governors, city mayors, municipal mayors and punong barangays to undertake clean-up activities to protect the communities from dengue and other kinds of diseases.

The memo cited the latest report from the Department of Health (DOH) that shows that dengue cases from January to July 23 this year has reached 38,876 while the number of deaths is recorded at 226 where most of the victims are children.

“Though dengue cases reported this year are lower than the reported cases last year, we should maintain our efforts to fight dengue outbreak in every part of the country,” Robredo said in his memo.

Activities for the clean—up include, among others the search and destroy operations of all potential breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

It also include the enforment of environmental sanitation such as dredging of clogged canals, esteros and other waterways, pruning thick bushes or tree branches and removal or draining receptacles containing stagnant water; and massive information drive on environmental control of breeding sites especially in academic areas. (PIA-Siquijor/mbcn/RACalibo/)

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Siquijor set for ruby jubilee celebration

by Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, September 1 (PIA) -- Exciting and meaningful activities await Araw ng Siquijor Ruby Jubilee this year.

As early as August 9, 40 days before its grand day, a simultaneous clean-up and tree planting activity was done provincewide that signaled the start of the 40th founding anniversary celebration of Siquijor Province on September 17.

With a little bigger than the usual funds in the past and most of the ideas for the celebration coming from the ground, Provincial Governor Orlando “Shane” Fua said he expects a grander celebration as he counts on everyone’s support particularly in the promotion of Siquijor island.

"Let’s disseminate all the good things about us," he said. Celebrations such as Araw ng Siquijor is the best chance to show to the world that Siquijor is indeed a very good place, he added.

The Governor vowed his all-out support to the Provincial Tourism Council, which he chairs and which is tasked to lead in this year’s bigger and grander celebration.

Among the activities lined-up are:

Island Tour/Visitation for the first Little Miss/Master Siquijor Candidates on August 31; Sports Opening at 9:00 a.m and ABC Night at 7:00 p.m. on September 2; Jobs fair, public service dubbed Halad sa Katawhan on September 6; and Island Tour/Visitations for Miss Siquijor Tourism 2011 Candidates on September 07, 2011.

Another Halad sa Katawhan, specifically free eye surgery mission for Cataract and Pterygium is slated on September 8 to 10.

Pre-screening is on September 8 for Maria, Lazi nd San Juan towns at the Lazi Medical Hospital and on September 9 for Larena, Enrigue Villanueva in Siquijor towns at the Siquijor Provincial Hospital.

Following the surgery proper on September 9, a workshop on Cataract detection will also be given. Post operation check up will be at 9:00 am of September 10.

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Frolics is at 7:00 pm of September 9.

September 12 will be the Grand Caravan around the province at 12:00 noon; opening of Agri,Trade and Food Fair at 4:00 pm; and Miss Siquijor Tourism 2011 at 6:00 pm.

Activities on September 13 are DOT Mobile Accreditation of Tourism Related Establishment from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Provincial Capitol; Cultural Presentations of the local government units (LGUs) of Ennrique Villanueva, Larena and the provincial government from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.; and Coronation Rites for Little Miss Siquijor and Little Master Siquijor at 7:00 pm.

September 14 is a continuation of the DOT Accreditation with other activities such as Peanut and Pigeon Pea Field Day aand Technology Fora at Salagdoong Beach Resort; Binabang Balak Contest “Kasaysayan sa Siquijor”; cultural presentations of Maria and Lazi LGUs; and dance port at 7:00 pm.

Banca racing and Kayak racing at the Salagdoong Beach Resort is on September 15 at 9:00 am; Cultural Presentation for the Department of Education (DepEd) from 4 to 6:00 pm.; and Tourism Capers at 6:00 pm.

Skills Olympics, Siquijor Cuisine is on September 16 at 9:00 am; Comparza Carousal at 4:00 pm; Cultural Presentations of San Juan and Siquijor LGFUs from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.; and Miss Siquijor Tourism 2011 Beauty Pageant at 7:30 pm.

The grand day, September 17, will be started with a Liturgical Mass at 7:30 am to be followed by a Grand Parade at 8:30  am. Festival Street Dancing is at 2:30 pm ; Awarding of Agri-Booth and Pinaka; Festival Extravaganza; Pasidungog sa Bantugang Siquijodnon; and Panagtiging Siquijodnon- “Katakus ni Kihod. (PIA-Siquijor/RAC)

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Araw ng Siquijor’s “Pasiugda sa Paugnat sa Kusog” opens

by Rizalie Anding Calibo

SIQUIJOR, September 1 (PIA) -- Festivities for the 40th Founding Anniversary of Siquijor as a province will include sports activities dubbed “Pasiugda sa Paugnat sa Kusog” on September 2, 2011 at the Queengate Center, Larena, Siqujor.

All national and local agencies, barangays, schools, private institutions, non-government and people’s organizations provincewide are enjoined to participate in the parade.

Program will start at 8 p.m., which will include civil service renewal of commitment of government employees.

Cliffor Quilicot, member of the Sports Committee, will present the teams while Engr. Gilbert Briones, the municipal planning and development coordinator of Siquijor will lead the Oath of Amateurism to the teams.

Prior to the Civil Service Renewal of Commitment of Government Employees, Congressman Orlando B. Fua will give his message and the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46, Judge Alejandro S. Bahonsua will adminsiter the renewal of commitment.

Following the renewal of commitment is another message from Governor Orlando A. Fua and SP Member and Sports Committee Chair Arturo Pacatang shall declare the Formal Opening of Araw ng Siquijor 2011 Sports Festival.

Sports activities for this year’s Araw ng Siquijor celebration are cheer dance, dance sports, beach volleyball tournament, swimming, volleyball mean and women, basketball men, boxing, lawn tennis, boat/banca racing-motorized and non-motorized, RODEO, Cycling and motor racing. (PIA-Siquijor/RACalibo)