Tuguegarao City PopQuiz regional champion anew
Tuguegarao City (29 September) — The Department of Education Tuguegarao City division has retained its crown as the undefeated PopQuiz regional champion after dominating the other five provinces and three cities of Region 02 in the 2009 Regional PopQuiz held at the Department of Education Regional office here.
Marah Kryzzia P. Purificacion of Cagayan National High School (CNHS), coached by Grace Mabasa, outwitted his top rivals from Batanes National Science High School and Cabulay High School, Santiago City who also won second and third place respectively.
Purificacion will represent Region 02 in the upcoming National PopQuiz to be held at the Baguio City Convention Center on October 14 of this year.
The CNHS senior high school student said she is sharing the honor to the Tuguegaraoenos especially the students and teachers of CNHS who helped her in preparing for the competition.
“I will share the knowledge and information I gained from this competition to my fellow youth because I believe that these information will serve as our weapon in fighting poverty”, Purificacion added.
Purificacion received a cash prize of P3,000, trophy and certificate of recognition.
John Philip A. Peralta of Batanes National High School landed on the second place while Lucky Joy A. Domingo of Cabulay High School finished third.
Peralta and Domingo received cash prizes of P2,000 and P1,000 respectively. (PIA 2)
NSO joins 2009 statistical association annual conference
The PSA was established on December 22, 1951 and from thereon, the annual conference was held to draw key policies that influence the growth and development of the Philippine Statistical System. For this year, the PSA has adopted the theme Statistics in a Multidisciplinary Setting to showcase the continued growing importance and relevance of statistics as a field of discipline.
The venue was filled with participants with high post from government like NSCB Secretary General Romulo A. Virola, SRTC Executive Director Gervacio G. Selda, Jr. and NEDA Director-Region IV-A CALABARZON Severino C. Santos; officers from private firms like Globe Telecom, Inc., TNS Global and Group M Philippines; academic professors and students from University of the Philippines, Western Visayas State University, Mindanao State University and Nueva Vizcaya State University; and print media. The day one activity was the opening ceremonies where former NSO Administrator, Mr. Tomas P. Africa, delivered the Welcome Remarks and Keynote Address by Dr. Roberto S. Mariano, Dean of School of Economics and Director of Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics of Singapore Management University. NSO Deputy Administrator Paula Monina G. Collado acted as the Master of Ceremonies.
Everybody were amazed with Dr. Mariano’s definition of Statistics as cool and sexy profession but he happily announced that Statistics is a promising career for the children as there is an increasing demand for statisticians according to New York News on August 5, 2009.
He commented, however, that there is a need to a proper blend of theory and practical application of statistics. He also mentioned the conduct of Health Retirement Survey in Singapore, Japan and Australia and the option of the SSS members to invest their account into equity with a guaranteed rate of return which is not practiced in the Philippines.
After the opening ceremonies, the participants were given a choice to where they would listen and participate with the sessions prepared by the Annual Conference Committee. The NSO participants attended the Health and Nutrition Statistics Session where Dr. Socorro D. Abejo, Chief of NSO Demographic and Social Statistics Division presented the Results of the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey.
Other speakers in this session were Senior Science Research Specialist Jocelyn A. Jaguan of Food and Nutrition Research Institute and Chairman Juan Pablo Ma. Nañagas, Structure Organization Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Philippine National Health Research System. OIC Director Rosalinda P. Bautista of Household Statistics Department acted as moderator. Other session on the first day includes Statistics Education: Advocacies of the PSA, Business Intelligence, Statistics in Risk Management and Statistics in Market Research.
On day 2, the sessions continued on Evaluation of Opinion Polls, followed by Statistics in Local Governance and the Presentation of the Academe’s Roundtable Discussion.
On their closing remarks, PSA President Nieves L. Osorio thanked the speakers, discussants and the attendees for their support to the conference and reiterated the advocacy for the Philippine Statistical System while Vice-President Lisa Grace S. Bersales thanked the working committee for their job well done. (NSO/pia4a)
PGMA condoles with families of Mt. Arayat landslide victims
The President, fresh from Cainta and Malabon, two of the worst hit-cities in the National Capital Region, arrived at the St. John Chapel in Barangay San Jose Bano in Arayat town to commiserate with the Dela Cruz, Portacio and Galang families, who lost loved ones in the landslide.
Appropriately clad in a black raincoat over a black dress, the President told Sammy Portacio she felt sorry that he had lost his wife Riza, 28, and their three children Sonny Boy, 8, LynLyn, 5 and Raiza, 4.
From the chapel, the President then went to see Manuel dela Cruz, who suffered the loss of his entire family.
Dela Cruz recounted to the President how he watched in horror as his mother Catalina, 86, his wife Sherly, 31, who was pregnant with their fifth child and their four children Manilyn, 12, Marlon, 11, Maryan, 10, and Mcgyver, 6, were swallowed up by the rampaging mud, rocks and debris.
Last to be visited by the President were Mario and Leonora Galang, parents of Mark, 15, and Marko, 10, who also perished in the tragedy.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelie Fajardo said the President was devastated upon hearing the misfortune that befell her cabalen.
She said the President instructed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine National Police and the local government units to investigate the cause of the landslide and to present their findings to her immediately.
The President gave each family two checks amounting to P15,000 for each loved one lost: P10,000 from the National Disaster Coordinating Council and P5,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Pampanga Rep. Dong Gonzales also donated P5,000 for each victim.
After viewing each casket, the President left for the nearby barangays of Sto. Niño, San Miguel, and San Agustin, all in the municipality of San Simon, Pampanga, to distribute food bags to residents.
Each bag, contained P250, worth of canned goods, rice, noodles, coffee and sugar. (PIA)
WFP provides food assistance to “Ondoy” victims
Some 80 percent of capital city Manila was submerged after the record rainfall, and more than 450,000 people were affected. At least 145,000 people – many of whom found themselves neck deep in water on Saturday – have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in evacuation centres or host communities. The Government has declared a “state of calamity” in Manila and 25 provinces.
“We are deeply saddened by the magnitude of the human suffering caused by this natural calamity and we assure the Philippines Government and its people of our support for a swift and coordinated recovery effort,” said Stephen Anderson, WFP Country Representative in the Philippines, adding that as part of its initial emergency response, WFP– in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) — will provide more than 740 metric tons of rice to 178,000 flood victims in the worst-affected areas.
On Sunday, WFP participated in a government-organized helicopter fly-over of some of the most affected areas. A joint rapid needs assessment between the government and UN agencies is currently underway.
Since 2006, WFP has been supporting conflict-affected populations in the Southern Philippines (Mindanao), but also supports large-scale natural disaster response on a case-by-case basis.
WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. In 2009, WFP aims to feed 108 million people in 74 countries, including more than 20 million children in schools. (WFP/PIA9-BST)
Disaster council head to public: Heed warning
By Danny O Sagun
Dagupan City (28 September) — The executive officer of the Pangasinan disaster coordinating council has asked the public to heed any warning or advisory in connection with a coming weather disturbance.
Paterno Orduna in a media forum bared that the fishermen from western Pangasinan who were recently rescued by the Coast Guard at the height of Storm “Ondoy” were the very same people who had been rescued earlier. “Suwete nga nila’t nakauwi pa,naging problema pa tuloy sila ng Coast Guard” he told the second edition of the Lingguhang Talakayan sa Kapitolyo Monday at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen.
“Walang kuwenta yong preparasyon natin sa kalamidad kung hindi makikipagtulongan ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Pangasinan braced for another calamity last weekend as Ondoy crossed Central Luzon. Some 70 families were evacuated Sual and Dagupan City due to strong winds, the PDCC reported. Generally, the province was spared of very strong winds and heavy downpour.
A 51-year-old man from barangay Dulig in Labrador town identified as Nestor F. Versoza who died of electrocution was the only fatality recorded by the PDCC.
The four fishermen from Bolinao said to be missing earlier were rescued Sunday night by Malaysian tanker Seri Bijak Sana which was bound for Korea. The fishermen, identified as Orlando Baliton, 49, of barangay Concordia in Bolinao and operator of the banca John Mark; Sonny Bauzon, 45 of Germinal, Bolinao, Arthur Caasi, 40, also of Germinal, and Eliong Unto, also of the same barangay, went on fishing on September 23 but failed to return home at the height of the storm.
They were scheduled to be fetched by their families this morning at the Coast Guard station in San Fernando City in La Union.
Orduna said that the council regularly conducts seminar and simulated rescue operations for PDCC members and volunteers to make them ready for any eventuality.
On fears that the San Roque Multi-Purpose dam may cause severe flooding in Pangasinan in case of a dam break, he said that the PDCC maintains close coordination with the dam management particularly during times that the dam needs to release excess waters.
He likewise clarified that the PDCC’s mandate is to coordinate activities with municipal or city disaster councils which he said are the “first responders” during disasters. “Hindi kami Superman,” he said in reaction to lapses or limitations in rescue operations. (PIA Pangasinan)
Indigenous people “FaMEALy” highlights Family Week celebration in Region 2
Tuguegarao City (28 September) — The 2009 Family Week Celebration spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was highlighted by the FaMEALy Day with the Indigenous People (IP’s) of Agguggadan, Peñablanca where at least 93 IP’s were treated to a simple meal and family games at Jollibee, Tuguegarao City.
The DSWD headed by Dir. Arnel B. Garcia and Peñablanca Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Excelsis de Leon chose the Agtas as the recipients of the FaMEAL program because they are the least attended group.
Agguggadan Barangay Captain Ricardo Maneclang has expressed his gratefulness for the continuous support of the government to the Agtas.
“The Agtas in our place are already civilized that is why they are very attentive and supportive to the government’s programs and projects,” Maneclang said.
“They believe that all of these programs and projects are for their growth and development,” the barangay captain added.
Likewise, Robert Salvino, IP leader of Agguggadan extended his great appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the government for the opportunity to be part of the celebration.
The “National FaMEALy Day – Pagkilala na Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga,” an annual national movement celebrated every 4th Monday of September was entered in a Memorandum of Agreement between the DSWD, NCFF, and Monde Nissin Corporation.
Conceptualized by the Monde Nissin Corporation, the FaMEALy day serves as a reminder to parents that their presence on the dinner table is essential in strengthening family relationships.
The activity likewise promotes family togetherness especially during dinner which best serves as a venue to nurture, give guidance and impart values to children.
The theme of this year’s National Family Day celebration is “Si Nanay, Matatag sa Lahat ng Bagay. (SRA/PIA 02)
Pangasinan consumer council gears up for info drive
By Venus H. Sarmiento
Dagupan City (28 September) — The Pangasinan Consumer Council, a non-government organization, gears up for its information caravan in time for the Consumer Welfare Month this October.
Roberto Merrera, PCC president said the info drive aims to make consumers more productive and pro-active about their consumer rights.
The Department of Trade and Industry which serves as the secretariat of the group said various government and non-government agencies will tackle consumer rights and responsibilities, salient points on the consumer welfare act and agency and product complaints.
The caravan will be held initially in Basista town on October 2 and in Lingayen on October9. Other towns tentatively scheduled are Labrador- October 13, Urbiztondo-October 16, Mangatarem, October 20, Bugallon- October 23, Binmaley October 27 and Aguilar October 29. Municipal and barangay officials and consumer welfare advocates are expected to participate in the info drives.
Aside from DTI, other agencies tapped for this undertaking are the Department of Health – Bureau of Food and Drugs, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Information Agency, National Food Authority and the National Economic Development Authority. (PIA-Pangasinan)
Massive Floods in Metro Manila Caused by Typhoon Ondoy Bring Pinoy’s Bayanihan Spirit
September 27, 2009
by: striker_jem
Butuan – Families in Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon are now homeless with little or no food to eat and safe water to drink.
The government with the help of different organizations and foundations appealing to everyone to be able to extend their assistance to affected families.
Bloggers are reaching out to people in Visayas and Mindanao making use of the cyberspace to inform different ways to help by donating to the Philippine National Red Cross and were encouraged to contribute to information dissemination and other ways to keep people in touch.
Those who have families and friends overseas were likewise urged to email them to donate to their national Red Cross for Philippine flood victim relief.
To the people in Mindanao, the Philippine National Red Cross is informing that their online database is open 24 hours to accept donations:
Red Cross donation through SMS: text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart). TXTPower.org will forward donations to Red Cross: Paypal – Smart Money – 5577-5144-1866-103
G-Cash – 0917-9751092.
Anyone can send cash or check donations to the PNRC National Headquarters in Manila wherein checks should be made payable to The Philippine National Red Cross.
PNRC would also like to inform the public of their bank accounts:
Account Name: The Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross
METROBANK
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 151-3-041-63122-8
Dollar Acct.: 151-2-151-00218-2
Type of Acct. : SAVINGS
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM
BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 4991-0010-99
Type of Account: CURRENT
BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS
UN Branch
Dollar Acct.: 8114-0030-94
Type of Account: SAVINGS
Swift Code: BOPI PH MM
For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at numbers +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.
Credit Card: Please fax the following info to +632.404.09.79 and +632.527.0575:
Name of card member, billing address, contact nos. (phone & mobile), credit card no., expiration date, CCV2/ CVC2 (last three digits at the back of the credit card), billing address, amount to be donated.
For online donations you may also visit PNRC’s website at www.redcross.org.ph
Donations in kind to the Red Cross are also welcome coming from overseas by following the process:
1. Send a letter of intent to donate to the PNRC
2. A letter of acceptance from PNRC shall be sent back to the donor
3. Immediately after shipping the goods, please send the (a) original Deed of Donation, (b) copy of packing list and (c) original Airway Bill for air shipments or Bill of Lading for sea shipments to The Philippine National Red Cross–National Headquarters c/o Secretary General Corazon Alma de Leon, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila 2803, Philippines.
However it was made clear that PNRC does not accept rotten, damaged, expired or decayed goods and though PNRC appreciate the generosity, they discourage donations of old clothes as they still have more than enough to go around.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Coordinating Council Secretary Gilbert Teodoro announced they made an email account to accept all messages relating to NDCC’s relief efforts. Email to: ndcchelpdesk@gmail.com
Today, NDCC concentrated on the relief and rescue operations and tomorrow they will start assessing the damage brought about by typhoon Ondoy.
Initially, 51 were reported dead while more than 280,000 missing as a result of Saturday’s flooding, the worst in 20 years.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared a state of calamity in Metro Manila and at least 23 provinces in Luzon. (pictures from savann oeurm & Christian)
Region 2 gov’t employees thank PGMA for salary increase
Tuguegarao City (24 September) – Some employees of the different government agencies have expressed their gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other officials for the implementation of the Salary Standardization Law III that gives an increase in salary of government workers.
Asst. Regional Director Alice R. Trinidad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 2, said many employees of the national government agencies were very happy for receiving the salary increase effective July of 2009.
She mentioned that in the first tranche of implementation, the increase in salary of all government employees in the national government agencies were already given.
Trinidad explained that the application of salary increase among employees of local government units is non-automatic. This means that classifications will depend on income, class and financial capability of the area concerned and the law will be implemented January, 2010.
Meanwhile, Ms. Teresa Campos, a government media, said “though there are many criticisms about the salary increase; the government did something significant to uplift the living conditions of its workers despite the worldwide economic slowdown. And for that, I salute all those who contributed and did their best to pass the law.”
Atty. Marites Lappay, CSC-Provincial Director, said the NGA employees like her are every thankful for the salary increase, which help them in coping up with the needs of their family everyday.
She mentioned that there are employees’ associations also whom she talked with and they appreciate the implementation of the law except for those who are in the Local Government Units.
Lappay also explained that the law specified that employees with high salary will also receive high increases but for those who receive lower salary will also receive minimal increases, however, it is still a blessing on their part considering employees have been waiting for the salary adjustments which was granted. (Oliver B/PIA 2)
Public schools promote peace through simultaneous storytelling
Pasig City (25 September) — The Department of Education (DepEd) slates a nationwide storytelling event to promote peace on September 28, 2009. All public elementary and high schools are enjoined to use peace-oriented tales during their English, Filipino or Edukasyong Pagpapakatao subjects.
Dubbed as Kwentong Pangkapayapaan: Mga Kwentong Binasa Mo, Natututunan ng Puso, the campaign supports Executive Order 570 entitled Institutionalizing Peace Education in Basic Education and Teacher Education.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said, “We harness education, seeing it is as one vital and effective tool for peace to take root, especially in areas where there is conflict.”
DepEd promotes reading stories that promote peace and understanding which can be engaging and enlightening to both young and old. They are among the department’s tool in building and nurturing a climate of peace in schools and communities.
He added, “Stories allow us to examine our attitude and prejudices and to turn our focus on the similarities rather than the differences.”
Lapus draws support from all stakeholders as the campaign aims to increase awareness and appreciation of creative and non-violent ways of resolving conflict. The event also aims to facilitate in removing biases and prejudices against Filipinos in Mindanao.
Last year, DepEd joined the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), DepEd, Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and civil society representatives in drafting the implementing rules and regulation (IRR) for Executive Order 570.
DepEd and OPAPP have also developed elementary and high school peace education exemplars as a way of mainstreaming peace education in the basic formal and non-formal education curriculum.
According to EO 570, DepEd will spearhead the mainstreaming peace education concepts, skills and values in the learning content of the basic education and alternative learning systems (ALS).
It is tasked to encourage and nurture local peace initiatives in schools, ALS local systems and communities and to organize peace education learning circles/teams in the region, division and school level.
Lapus noted, “Our practical experience shows that without education, the community cannot develop its full potential.”
The DepEd Chief directed Region and Division Peace Education Coordinators as well as English supervisors to engage the schools on the peace education activities. (DepEd)
