A total of P650,000 were released to the province of Siquijor last year for the internet connectivity of all Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) centers here.

According to Dr. Rosalina Catid, Vice-President of the Research Extension Program of the Siquijor State College, all six FITS centers received P105T each or a total of P650T from the Philippine Council for Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) during the Orientation on FITS Internet Connectivity at the Siquijor State College recently.

The fund is intended for the FITS Centers' internet connectivity to include procurement of computer units and other materals and equipment relevant to internet connectivity.

The release was facilitated by the Central Visayas Consortium for Integrated Research and Development (CVCIRRD) throughthrough the Siquijor State College (SSC) as its partner insititution here.

During the Provincial FITS Consortium meeting recently, George Arcaya, Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) and FITS Center Manager of Larena said that FITS Larena is now internet connected. He reported that the P105T was used in buying one unit of computer, UPS and a printer, scanner, computer table, digital camera, an air condition unit, flash drive and four cell phones for for him and his staff.

Siquijor MAO and FITS Manager Chita Maglinte also assured that purchase of the materials and equipment for Siquijor FITS connectivity will be completed before this month ends.

Likewise, MAO and FITS Manager Ceceil Hora of Enrique Villanueva reported that they are yet looking best internet connection for the town. "It's quite different in our town because we have no signal for internet connectivity," she said but promised to look for possible means the soonest.

San Juan, Lazi and Maria towns MAOs will also follow suit.

Monthly bill for the internet connection will be shouldered by the corresponding LGUs as their counterpart.

Meanwhile, Provincial Veterianarian and FITS Consortium Chair Bernardita Tabada appealed to all FITS managers to make their FITS centers accessible to farmers.

"We must invite our farmers to make use of the internet. Perhaps, even facilitate them on how tto market their products through the internet," she added.

DOST-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario de la Peña also supported saying "internet connectivity is one tool that fasttracks the dissemination of agricultural and natural resources information, technologies and other related research to farmers, upland dwellers and rural entrepreneurs."

The establishment of FITS centers in municipalities is part of the DOST-PCARRD's effort to increase farmers' agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

By: Rizalie Calibo
PIA-Siquijor

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) has been on its full growth since the implementation of MPEX.

MPEX or Manufacturing Productivity Extension for Export Promotion is a recognized program under Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and is duly funded by Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

It is intended to help increase the productivity of SMEs in the Philippine manufacturing sectors which covers Agro and Food Processing, Furniture, Gifts and Holiday Decors (GHD), Information Technology, Materials Science, Metals and Engineering, and Micro-Electronics.

The impact of introducing MPEX to selected firms created an expansion of the program in Central and Eastern Visayas in the year 1998; in which full task of program implementation in the covering regions was given to the Department of Science and Technology Region VII.

Aside from introducing productivity strategies to different firms in the export sector and potential exporters, the program also provides productivity improvement measures for immediate implementation, and initiates other forms of assistance to develop these manufacturing sectors.

Productivity improvement are focused in the areas such as Capacity Utilization, Product Design and Packaging, Layout, Production Planning and Control, Materials Management System, Quality Control/Assurance System, Safety and Housekeeping Practices or Facilities, Financial Systems and Control, Wastage Levels, Work Organization, Manufacturing System, Processes and Operations, Machine and Equipment Utilization, Plant Maintenance, Food Safety, Energy Audit, Cleaner Production Technologies, and Good Manufacturing Practices.

To avail of MPEX program, firm beneficiaries may be endorsed by industry association, DTI, COSPO, or may apply directly to the regional office. MPEX consultants may also recommend firms for inclusion in the program.

The firms are then screened by a DOST program coordinator, with a team leader of consultants. This time, the team shall conduct plant visits to SMEs and introduce MPEX. The owners/representatives of potential firm beneficiaries are invited to a matching session for interview and evaluation. DOST VII shall be responsible for the identification and selection of final firm beneficiaries as well as matching of firms with MPEX team. This is done in consultation with firm beneficiary and team concerned. Firms shall signify their agreement to participate in the program writing.

As of this time total assets of firms to be assisted for micro-enterprise ranges up to P3M, while P3,000,001 to 15M for Small Enterprise, and P15,000,000 to P100M for Medium Enterprise.

Cooperating agencies that helped in the realization of this program include University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu Institue of Technology, Summit Consultancy and Research Services together with Sectoral Chambers/Industry Associations and Local Government Units (LGUs).

PIA Siquijor

All six Municipal Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) centers here received P105T each or a total of P650T from the Philippine Council for Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) during the Orientation on FITS Internaet Connectivity at the Siquijor State College recently.

The fund is intended for the FITS Centers' internet connectivity to include procurement of computer units and other materals and equipment relevant to internet connectivity.

The release was facilitated by the Central Visayas Consortium for Integrated Research and Development (CVCIRRD) throughthrough the Siquijor State College (SSC) as its partner insititution here.

During the Provincial FITS Consortium meeting lastw eek, George Arcaya, Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) and FITS Center Manager of Larena said that FITS Larena is now internet connected. He reported that the P105T was used in buying one unit of computer, UPS and a printer, scanner, computer table, digital camera, an air condition unit, flash drive and four cell phones for for him and his staff.

Siquijor MAO and FITS Manager Chita Maglinte also assured that purchase of the materials and equipment for Siquijor FITS connectivity will be completed before this month ends.

LIkewise, MAO and FITS Manager Ceceil Hora of Enrique Villanueva reported that they are yet looking best internet connection for the town. "It's quite different in our town because we have no signal for internet connectivity," she said but promised to look for possible means the soonest.

San Juan, Lazi and Maria towns MAOs were absent during the meeting.

Monthly bills for the internet connection will be shouldered by the corresponding LGUs as their counterpart.

Meanwhile, Provincial Veterianarian and FITS Consortium Chair Bernardita Tabada appealed to all FITS managers to make their FITS centers accessible to farmers.

"We must invite our farmers to make use of the internet. Perhaps, even facilitate them on how to market their products through the internet," she added.

DOST-Siquijor Provincial Director Mario de la Peña also supported saying "internet connectivity is one tool that fasttracks the dissemination of agriculturall and natural resources information, technologies and other related research to farmers, upland dwellers and rural entrepreneurs."

The establishment of FITS centers in municipalities is part of the DOST-PCARRD's effort to increase farmers' agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

By PIA-Siquijor

Anticipating the growing demand for raw materials for woodcraft products, members of the Larena Woodcraft Maker's Association (LAWOMA) have seen the need to intensify planting of trees to sustain their program.

Intensive planting of trees within the municipality and the province of Siquijor was the major plan and commitment of the association following the release of P600,000 assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under its Promotion of Employment thru Self-employment Entrepreneurship Development (PRESEED) program.

"This is to support the future demand for raw materials for our woodcraft products," members of the LAWOMA said.

The group plans to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government unit of Larena in realizing their plans.

As noted, the P600T-check was personally handed by DOLE Provincial Extension Officer Ma. Theresa Tanquiamco, together with Mayor Gold Calibo and Vice-Mayor Ronnie Villa to LAWOMA President Robert Pajermo in July this year.

LAWOMA is a partner of LGU-Larena in the implementation of One Town, One Product (OTOP) program, a priority program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that aims to promote entrepreneurship and creation of jobs. It also supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture and offer market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

The association is aimed to unite all woodcraft makers in helping LGU-Larena in the development of OTOP, improve the knowledge and skills as well as the livelihood and economic condition of the members-woodcraft makers.

RAC/PIA-siquijor

The 2.2M worth building of the Department of Science and Technology at Baluarte St. Pagi, Siquijor, Siquijor is finally blessed and inaugurated on November 19, 2009.

The blessing was officiated by Monsignor Candelario "Larry" Catubig, parich priest of Siquijor.

Heads and representatives from the different local offices also witnessed the DOST's momentous milestone.

In his welcome address, Provincial Director Mario dela Pena express heartfelt thanks to the Local Government of Siquijor through the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Richard C. Quezon for supporting the SB Resolution through the donation of lot to DOST for the building construction.

"I am very thankful to LGU-Siquijor and the government officials for believing our services and for the recognition of our efforts and existence in the province," dela Pena humbly said.

De la Pena, also thanked Engr. Kenneth Patria for implementing the DOST building plan despite the meager budget of more or less 2M.

Dela Pena with other officers of DOST in Region 7, headed by its Regional Director Burt Llanto welcome their visitors.

Source: PIA, Siquijor