Calabanga schools hold Disaster Consciousness Month contests
The inter-school competitions saw eight schools competing in quiz bee and art contests on the subject of the education sector’s role in disaster risk reduction. Public elementary schools in Balatasan, Balongay, Bonot-Sta. Rosa, Dominorog, Cagsao, Sabang, Punta Tarawal and San Bernardino vied for honours in the quiz bee and art competition.
Janyn Veri (Grade 3, Balongay Elementary School), Jane Adelaine Villar (Grade 4, Balongay ES), Elrey Panciles (Grade 5, San Bernardino ES) and Christian Aguila (Grade 6, Balatasan ES) won top honours in their respective grade level quiz bee competitions.
Reymark Artista (Grade 3), Michael Rojo (Grade 4), Erwin Artista (Grade 5) all of G. Dumalasa Elementary School, and Jeremy Bronzal (Grade 6) of Cagsao Elementary School garnered the top spots in their respective grade level on-the-spot poster-making contest.
Prior to the inter-school competition, intra-school competition among different grade levels were held to select the school representatives to the inter-school competition.
“The school competitions is the highlight of a series of disaster reduction activities undertaken by teachers and students, and is aimed to test the effectiveness of these risk reduction activities,” explained DepEd schools division superintendent Lita T. Mijares. “These activities include teachers’ training on disaster risk reduction, school contingency planning, conduct of earthquake drills, integrating disaster risk reduction messages in lesson plans as part of our curriculum development, and classroom discussions on disaster risk reduction, all undertaken in collaboration with the ACCORD Project” Mijares added.
ACCORD is a community-based disaster risk reduction project being implemented in Calabanga and four other municipalities by the local government units (LGUs) in partnership with CARE Nederland, Corporate Network for Disaster Response and Agri-Aqua Development Coalition, and funded by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department.
The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department is one of the world’s largest providers of financing for humanitarian aid operations. Its mandate not only includes the funding of disaster relief but also the support of disaster preparedness activities, in particular at local level. Through its disaster preparedness programme (DIPECHO) it assists vulnerable people living in the main disaster-prone regions of the world in reducing the impact of natural disasters on their lives and livelihoods. European Commission funding for the current phase of ACCORD is EUR420,000, or a total EUR760,750 for two project phases.
Awards
Mayor Evelyn S. Yu, Mr. Zueno Luzada who represented schools division supervisor Emma I. Cornejo, Mr. Neptuno Bueza of RDCC-OCD 5 and CARE Nederland Country Representative Celso B. Dulce, Jr. led the awarding of prizes for the quiz bee and art competition.
During the awarding ceremonies, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council also discussed the significance annual Gawad Kalasag competition and awards for best practices in disaster risk reduction. Mayor Yu explained that “it is important for everyone to understand the importance of the Gawad Kalasag. The award, more than a recognition of achievements, must be taken as a challenge to do better in protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Calabanga from disasters and the negative effects of climate change.”
Mayor Yu revealed that Calabanga won the Gawad Kalasag award at the regional level and is a finalist in the national level competition. She attributed the municipality’s success to a large extent to the partnership of the LGU with CARE Nederland, CNDR, AADC, and to the continuing support of the European Commission. A photo exhibit of a wide range of activities undertaken under the ACCORD Project including trainings, contingency planning, drills, public awareness activities, construction of small-scale mitigation projects and mangrove reforestation was set up in the award venue.
Prior to the awarding ceremonies, the municipal disaster coordinating council conducted an earthquake drill where LGU employees participated.
“We have organized the school competitions to be part of the disaster risk reduction festival the LGU, DepEd and the ACCORD Project launched to celebrate the national disaster consciousness month. This is our way of celebrating accomplishments in disaster reduction. The school has an important role in creating a culture of disaster reduction in the country,” said schools division superintendent Mijares. (PIA)
Cavite Gov praises PGMA SONA
Trece Martires City (30 July) — Cavite Governor Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi thanked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on various infrastructure projects in the province as this will greatly help the Caviteños and businessmen in delivering their goods and hasten the development of the province.
Maliksi particularly mentioned the presence of the President in the recent inauguration of the P90-million Mabacao Bridge in Maragondon and the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital – Phase II (Medical Arts Building) in Trece Martires City.
“These worthwhile projects of the President in the province are part of her accomplishment (Infrastructure Development) mentioned in her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA),” Maliksi said.
Add to this, Governor Maliksi mentioned several roads project including Daang Hari Road Project, Manila-Cavite Coastal Road Extension and Ternate-Nasugbu Road which are expecting completion this year; LRT Line South Expansion Project already submitted to NEDA for review; the Flood Mitigation Project in cooperation with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to benefit the municipalities of Bacoor, Kawit, Rosario, Noveleta, Cavite City, Dasmariñas, Gen. Trias, Imus, at Tanza; and the Cavite Reclamation Project which involves reclamation of an estimated 68 hectares substantial portion of Bacoor Bay to be developed into a Special Economic Zone. On January 26, 2009 Gov. Maliksi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Philippine Reclamation Authority General Manager and CEO Andrea D. Domingo for the project. All these, the Governor explained are fully supported by President Arroyo and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
When asked about the education programs implemented by the President in the province, the Governor fully remembered the presence of the President in last year groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the two-storey, four-classroom school building of Ligas 1 Elementary School at Barangay Ligas 3 in Bacoor plus the groundbreaking ceremony of the improvement/widening of the Aguinaldo Highway and other interconnecting road sections in the area).
On accelerated housing program of the government, Maliksi proudly commended the President for her all-out support on this very important project. The Governor cited again the presence of the President in last year groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of row and duplex-type of houses on a 53-hectare site in Barangay Pasong Kawayan in General Trias. The President lauded the Cavite provincial government headed by Governor Ayong Maliksi for launching the first provincial mass housing project in the country in support of the national government housing program. The President herself encouraged all Caviteños to avail themselves of low-interest rate housing loans from government agencies participating in the socialized housing program like the Pag-IBIG or Home Development Mutual Fund and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
In related development, Cavite Expose’ Publisher, Regidor Nava, Jr. in an interview regarding his reaction of the President SONA, expressed confidence in the performance of the President. Regidor explained that the accomplishments of the President “cannot be argued because of the solid data she presented.”
Additionally, the publisher of this widely-read newspaper in the province lashed out several critics of the President saying that “ang mga magaganda nagawa ng Presidente sa ating bansa ay hindi nabibigyan ng maganda pansin, pero pag may kaunting kamalian, sobra ang kritisismong natatanggap.”
Regidor concluded that the overall performance of the President for the last eight years is commendable mainly because of the economic fundamentals being formulated by the government. (PIA-Cavite)
Partylist: Buy local palay first
By Danny O Sagun
Dagupan City (30 July) — The Abono partylist has reiterated its call for the government to obtain palay stocks from local farmers rather than procure rice from other countries.
Abono President Ponciano Onia told a media forum Wednesday that rice importation only serves the interest of farmers from the rice-exporting countries like Thailand and Vietnam to the disadvantage of local farmers.
The government thru the National Food Authority imports rice to serve as buffer stock during the lean months when prices of commercial rice usually soar up.
Onia, the lone guest at the 31st anniversary of Diwa, Salita at Gawa at the Star Plaza Hotel representing Party chair Rosendo So, urged government to buy rice from the local farmers. “Sana huwag muna silang mag-import, sumugal muna sana sila sa mga Filipino farmers bago mag-import,” he stressed.
Asked if local rice production can meet the country’s total demand, he said that rice production in the country is sufficient. “Kung may kakulangan man maliit lang, yong kulang lang sana ang kanilang punan sa pag-import sa ibang bansa,” he said.
“Kung kailangan talagang mag-import, huwag yong marami,” he also said, noting that up to now NFA bodegas are still full of imported rice. “Sana ubusin muna nila yon, baka maging mabaho pa,” he added.
In an earlier media forum, So sounded a similar call maintaining that local farmers can ably meet the country’s supply of the staple food. The partylist also advocates production of white corn, which it said can be substitute for rice as staple food. “Dyan papasok ang white corn,” Onia said in reaction to an observation that the country might suffer rice shortage if it would only depend on local rice production.
He initially refused to comment when asked why the country continues to import rice and even vegetables. But he later slipped when he said that there was money in importation.
A new partylist, Abono was able to muster two seats in Congress as it garnered most of the votes from Pangasinan, which had some 1.1 million votes cast in the last elections. About half voted for partylists. (PIA Pangasinan)
NFA Quirino execs laud, thank PGMA
The NFA officials also expressed their gratitude to the administration for sustaining her promise to uplift the living condition of the poor farmers.
In an interview, Villanueva said the President has been working very hard to improve the economy and that she has done her part in saving the ailing economy caused by the global financial crisis.
Reacting to the President’s State of the Nation Address, The NFA manager said he believed in PGMA’s report that the country has strong economy despite the global economic crisis, citing the various programs and projects particularly in agriculture being implemented by the government.
Villanueva also said the continuing NFA support prices of P17/kg of corn and P13.30kg of palay have been contributing a lot particularly in increasing the farmers’ income and in stabilizing the prices of rice and corn in the market.
He added that these support prices have been controlling the private traders from buying the farmers’ produce at low prices.
The provincial manager explained that the CMAPIPULGU program of the NFA and the provincial government headed by Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua is a big help because they were able to offer higher prices as compared to prices offered by private traders.
Vilanueva also assured that the 48,000 bags of rice stocks in the province is sufficient till the harvest season.
Meanwhile Asst Manager Patricio Avila Sr. said that the Tindahan Natin Outlets continue to sell rice at P18.25 to cater the rice needs of the poor. “We have provided these TNO’s with the list of the poorest of the poor people in every barangay who were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to be sure that only these people will be served.
Avila said that the President should not be blamed if poverty can not be totally eradicated in the country. “We cannot zero in poverty unless we could correct most people’s belief that they are poor,” he added.
Avila stressed that the problems of too much politics, overpopulation and others should be addressed so that the problems of poverty will be solved. (PIA 2)
Laguna receives “Pabasa sa Nutrisyon” hall of fame award
Calamba, Laguna (30 July) — The Provincial Government of Laguna headed by Gov. Teresita “Ningning” S. Lazaro was given due recognition as a Hall of Famer in the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon for its achievement in the implementation of the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon from 2005-2008. The award was given to the province during the 62nd PAN (Philippine Association of Nutrition) Annual Convention that was held at the Legenda Hotel, Waterfront Road , Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.
It may be recalled that the province of Laguna under Gov. Lazaro’s leadership bagged the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon Award from 2003-2004. From 2006-2008 on the other hand, Laguna was chosen as an Outstanding Awardee and was recognized for satisfactorily implementing Pabasa sa Nutrisyon for the last 3 years.
Launched last 2003, the PAN Award recognizes the implementation of local projects and programs towards the nutritional improvement of children, families and communities. To be awarded with the Exemplary Nutrition Projects and Programs Award, the projects or programs must contribute to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.
The Pabasa sa Nutrisyon (PSN) Award is an annual search of the PAN for government and non-government organizations who have successfully implemented the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon project developed by the Nutrition Center of the Philippines . Open to all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide, the award recognizes the outstanding achievement of the local government units and non-government organizations (NGO) that have adapted the project in the communities of their beneficiaries.
More importantly, PSN is a nutrition education approach involving the sustained active participation of women and men in the barangay in the learning process, the leadership and support of local government executives, program managers and local nutrition workers. (PIO/PIA)
DOST honors 353 scholar graduates
by Lyndon Plantilla
At the “In Touch with Excellence” awarding ceremonies held at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Makati City, the scholar-graduates were awarded medals for their outstanding performance on the course of their study.
Under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship, the precursor of all S&T scholarships of DOST, 16 scholars graduated magna cum laude, 29 cum laude and three honorable mention. In the Republic Act 7687 Scholarship Program, five scholars finished summa cum laude, 20 magna cum laude, 111 cum laude, and three with honors. RA 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 aims to strengthen the science and technology human resource program of the government by granting financial assistance to poor but talented students to intend to pursue priority courses in science and technology.
Three scholars also graduated before the prescribed period of study and as an incentive, the stipends for the remaining semesters will be released to the scholar and the duration of his/her service obligation would be equivalent to the number of years he/she completed the course.
Under the Junior Level Science Scholarship Program, nine graduated magna cum laude, 47 cum laude and one academic distinction. This scholarship program is offered to qualified regular third year college students who are enrolled in the priority courses in the basic sciences, engineering, and other applied sciences in any of the DOST-SEI network of higher education institutions.
In the Project 2004-01 Ed USC Cooperative program, three graduated with honors. This scholarship program is offered to qualified Physics students enrolled at the University of San Carlos in Cebu.
One graduated cum laude under the Junior Level Scholarships for Physics Teaching given for those enrolled in the Regional Science Teaching Centers. Scholars under this program are incoming third year BSE Physics students enrolled in DOST-SEI recommended schools.
Three scholars of the Grant for Educational Assistance for Technology and Science Teaching Courses in Mindanao (GREAT-M) graduated with honors. The GREAT-M project is open to poor, talented and deserving youths from the Muslim and indigenous communities who are 20 years old or below and whose socio-economic status meet the criteria for the grant.
Under the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology through the DOST Accelerated S&T Human Resource Development (ASTHRD) Program, one scholar graduated magna cum laude. The ASHTRD Program is a unified and innovative human resource program aimed at accelerating the production of high level human resources by awarding MS and PhD scholarship grants to eligible individuals who will fill in the gaps of identified areas of science and technology. DOST also honored, in the ceremony, scholars in the MS and PhD programs who have completed their course.
Speaking at the awarding ceremony, DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro prodded the students to continue the path of excellence that they have started.
“I hope that our students maintain this excellence in everything they do in whatever path they choose to take or make. A culture of science and technology should be matched with a culture of excellence and innovation,” she said.
For her part, SEI Director Dr. Ester B. Ogena said she is confident that DOST scholars would be able to give back to the Filipino people more than what they have invested on them.
“The future of the Philippines is now upon your hands and we are confident that you would be able to give back to the millions of Filipinos that helped you through your college life. They depend on you,” she said. (PIA)
ARMM bizmen cite commitment to peace in SONA speech
Manila (30 July) — Business leaders from the Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao (ARMM) cited her commitment in pursuing peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which she enunciated during her State of the Nation Address last July 27.
“There is nothing more that I would wish for than peace in Mindanao. It will be a blessing for all its people, Muslim, Christian and lumads,” the President cited in her SONA.
“We’re very tired of this conflict, masaya kami sa sinabi niya (we’re happy of what she said).” Said Datu Haron Bandila, chairman of the ARMM Business Council.
In her speech the President reiterated that achieving peace in Mindanao “will show other religiously divided communities that there can be common ground on which to live together in peace, harmony and cooperation that respects each other’s religious belief.”
The ARMM businessmen according to Bandila are elated with the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the MILF, which was declared days before the SONA. A reciprocal declaration of a suspension of military activities (SOMA) was also made by the MILF last July 26.
The cessation of armed operations between both sides was meant to allow the stalled peace talks to continue.
Bandil said that peace will usher in more development in the area. He said they are already tired of the never-ending conflict which dates way back to Spanish times; the only thing which made them stay was their firm belief in maintaining a business-as-usual attitude amidst the hostilities. (PIA XI)
Filing of DOST scholarship application is on!
Manila (30 July) — Be a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Scholar. The filing of the scholarship application is on until September 30, 2009.
The scholarship is open to graduating high school students with high aptitude in science and technology and who wish to pursue priority fields of study in basic sciences, engineering and other applied sciences and science teaching.
There are two (2) scholarship programs being offered : one is RA 7687, otherwise known as the S&T Scholarship Act of 1994, which is awarded to talented and deserving students coming from poor families. The other scholarship program, called DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship is granted to students with high aptitude in science, mathematics and technology regardless of the family’s socio-economic status.
To qualify for the scholarship programs, a student must possess the following qualifications:
1. Belongs to the upper 5% of the high school graduating class;
1. Be a natural-born Filipino citizen;
1. Be a resident of the municipality for the last 4 years;
1. Be in good health;
1. Be of good moral character; and be a qualifier of the 2010 S&T Scholarship Examination.
Qualified application will be awarded tuition fees (not to exceed P6,000.00/sem), book and uniform allowances, monthly stipend, and insurance.
Application forms and information materials are available at the DOST Regional Office No.XI, Dumanlas cor Friendship Roads, Bajada, Davao City. The examination is on November 16, 2009.
For interested applicants, please contact Eric Colmenares at tel. no. (082) 2215428 for more details. (DOST XI/PIA XI)
Cagayan Valley secure and stable, says PNP 2
Cabarroguis, Quirino (29 July) — The Philippine National Police (PNP 2) region 2 said that the entire region is secure and stable as presented during the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting held here last week.
In a report presented during the RPOC meeting, PC/Supt. Roberto Damian said in his report that there was significant increase in criminality that is attributed to the increase in index and non-index crimes.
Index crimes are crimes committed against persons or property. For the period a total of 554 crime incidents were reported, an increase of 156 incidents or 39.20% as compared to the 398 incidents during the previous period.
Non-index crimes are crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws. For January to June 2009, the PNP registered a total of 523 incidents, which is higher by 111 or 26.94% as compared to the 442 incidents for the previous period.
In the report, there was a significant increase in index crime due to the increase in the incidence of Physical Injuries and in vehicular accidents resulting to loss of lives, physical injuries and damage to properties.
On non-index crimes, it also increased more or less 27% and this is attributed to the recent directive from the PNP headquarters that all PNP units should report all crimes from all sources to include those from the other law enforcement agencies to reflect a true picture of the crime situation in each area.
PNP 2 also admitted that crime solution rate in the region has decreased. This is expected to decrease more because of the new definition of solved cases wherein arrest is required.
The PNP also has identified its crime prone areas to focus on anti-criminality measures and has coordinated with other government agencies through the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (RLECC) to unify efforts against criminality.
The PNP continuously conducts checkpoints and dragnet operations to enforce the “No Plate, No Travel Policy” and help LGUs implement local ordinances.
“PNP 2 will remain to be vigilant and maintain its strong partnership and linkages with other law enforcement agencies and local government units including the civil society,” the report said. (PIA Isabela)
PNP 2 reports significant accomplishments
Cabarroguis, Quirino (29 July) — The Philippine National Police regional office 2 has reported its significant accomplishments covering the period from January to June 2009 where major crimes were solved.
The PNP reported that during the period (Jan-June) its significant and major accomplishments were done by the Cagayan Valley PNP.
In its anti-illegal drugs operations, the PNP has confiscated 131 kilograms of marijuana bricks worth P327, 500 in Quezon, Isabela;
With its close coordination with DENR, the PNP has intercepted and confiscated P200,000 worth of pebbles in Aparri, Cagayan,
In its coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the PNP has arrested nine (9) Vietnamese in Batanes for illegal fishing and the confiscation of three (3) fishing boats and the arrest of the crew in Buguey, Cagayan all for violating illegal fishing.
The relentless efforts of PNP in tracking down Top Most Wanted Persons in the region and in the country has led to the arrest of the following: Bruno Abiador y Cumapala for rape case with headprize of P90,000, Rogelio Tuliao y Subbaluca for kidnapping with murder case with headprize of P200,000, Ferdinand Ysit y Aspiras for murder case with headprize of P400,000, and Roberto Buenaventura y Sabado for statutory rape (3 cases) with headprize of P550,000.
The PNP has neutralized five (5) members of the Salisi Gang, 2 members of the Magsanoc Gang and 14 members of Soliven Group.
In coordination with the provincial government’s anti-illegal task force and the military, the PNP has helped in the recovery of 325, 686 board feet with an estimated value of P6.5 million of abandoned assorted cut lumbers in a log pond at barangay Minanga, San Mariano, Isabela.
And finally, the PNP is instrumental in the search and rescue operations of the capsized MB Maejan in Ballesteros, Cagayan; the missing Chemtrad Airplane at Sitio Bayan, Brgy. Lapi, Penablanca, Cagayan and the missing Presidnetial Chopper (BEL 412) at Junior Pulag near the tri-boundaries of Bugias, Benguet; Kabayan, Ifugao and Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya. (PIA Isabela)
