LGUs given until March 23 for LGPMS data entries, updates 

By Rizalie A. Calibo 

SIQUIJOR, Feb 20 (PIA) -- Local government units only have until March 23, 2012 to enter and update data in the local governance performance management system (LGPMS) web database. 

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Siquijor officer-in-charge Kenneth Kilat said a DILG memorandum advised LGUs that the LGPMS online data capture form (DCF) for 2011 is now available, so that LGPMS LGU-data encoders can now enter data or information into the system. 

The LGPMS is an online tool that assesses LGU performance in the areas of administrative, social, economic and environmental governance. It also included assessment on the fundamentals of governance which include transparency, participation and financial accountability, Kilat said. 

LGUs that fail to enter data to the said database will not be able to generate an LGPMS electronic report, the Memo also said. 

Kilat said that the LGPMS can help in preparation of annual reports by automatically generating data such as state of local governance performance, state of local development, and financial performance. 

To ensure the completion and validation of data entries within the prescribed timeline, the DILG has advised the local government operation officers or LGPMS focal persons to provide assistance to the LGUs within their jurisdiction. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor) 

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Siquijor hosts triathlon event anew 

By Rizalie A. Calibo 

SIQUJOR, Feb 20 (PIA)—The island of Siquijor has once again hosted the second leg of the Summit Triathlon Team Championship Series at Salagdoong Beach Resort, Maria, Siquijor recently. 

In an earlier press release, Race director Benjoe Gimenez of Sugbu Triathlon said the last time Siquijor hosted a major sporting event was for the Carrera Habagat, a multi-discipline adventure racing, in early 2000. 

This year, Gimenez said, Siquijor Governor Orlando Fua and provincial board member Joan Albito aggressively pushed to make the island a sports tourism destination. 

”They believe this can help a lot in promoting the local tourism within the region and the place is ideal for this kind of event, Gimenez said. 

Siquijor is located in Central Visayas and is known for its beaches that are ideal for triathlon competitions, Gimenez added. 

Gimenez further said said Siquijor boasts of its 102-kilometer coastline of pristine white beaches, caves and waterfalls, and they also have a Bandilaan Natural Park and butterfly sanctuary. 

The race featured age categories 19-Under; 20-29; 30-29; 40-49 and 50 and above for the men’s division and the female open. It also has a tandem/relay category. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor) 

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Automatic weather station now in Siquijor 

SIQUIJOR, Feb 20 (PIA)—An automated weather station (AWS) is now in place in Siquijor, Siquijor and has been part of a major television network's weather report since December 2011. 

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said that the AWS provides reliable information on weather or climate occurrences by measuring wind velocity, wind direction, atmospheric pressure, atmospheric temperature, and amount of rainfall with gadget attached to measure solar radiation. 

De la Pena said that Kuya Kim of TV network ABS-CBN has used the AWS in his primetime weather forecast since December last year. 

The installation of AWS in the province is based on the request of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) that was approved by the DOST-Philippine Atmospherical Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sometime in September 2011, said de la Pena. 

He added that PAGASA has allocated some P1 million for the foundation of the 10-meter tower, raingauge, solar panel and three anchorages for the guy wires, with other accessories such as Sensor (Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity), Solar Radiation Sensor, Wind Instrument and Lighting Arrester. 

The Provincial Government has also allocated some P300 thousand for the perimeter fence to secure the site. 

Started on November 5 and was completed on November 11, 2011, the AWS now stands at the Department of Education Athletics Compound in Pulangyuta, Siquijor will be maintained by the provincial government. 

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was executed between the DOST-PAGASA and the province of Siquijor for the province to serve as the caretaker with its assigned provincial engineers to ensure, among others, maintenance and protection of the equipment. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor) 

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PNP organizes 1st Siquijor Bike for Peace 

By Rizalie A. Calibo 

SIQUIJOR, Feb 20 (PIA) -- Siquijor province recently held its first “Bike for Peace” organized by the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Ernesto Agas said the activity aimed to raise public awareness, involvement and responsibility in the PNP’s various peace initiatives. 

The event saw the participation of first time bikers of the PNP who are yet to be organized as Siquijor PNP Bikers Association. 

With at least six bikers each from the six Municipal Police stations, Siquijor Public Safety Platoon and from the Provincial Headquarters, 45 personnel initially joined the activity. 

Twelve biking enthusiasts in Siquijor led by Board Member Arthur Chan, a former Governor of the province also participated in the activity. 

The 41-kilometer stretch biking covered the towns of Enrique Villanueva, Larena, Siquijor and San Juan where its police stations were also inspected by officials during the stop-over. (mbcn/rac/PIA-Siquijor)