Senator Cayetano visits Albur Calamay Makers for the second time

The Philippine Senate’s Majority Floor Leader Senator Allan Peter Cayetano is the first Senator to visit Alburquerque town in Bohol after the May 2013 elections.  During the campaign period, he brought his PTK or Presyo, Trabaho, Kita to the Calamay Makers’ Association of Ponong, Alburquerque, Bohol where he listened to the priority issues and concerns of the association.  At that time, the association members shared that each member only gets to display their calamay at the pier area once a week.

As the no. 1 Senator in Alburquerque with 53.57% of the Alburanons  voting for Cayetano, he once again visited the Calamay Makers on Saturday, August 31, 2013.    He was accompanied by Governor Edgar M. Chatto. In the presence of the Municipal Mayor Efren D. Tungol,  Barangay Captain Artemio Daplin, members of the Sangguniang Bayan Leonor Buates, Renante Manungas, Teofy Simeon, MPDC Ms. Leila Cafe and members of the Barangay Council, Senator Cayetano handed P50,000.00 cash to the calamay makers association president Mr. Rolando Daplin for the alternative livelihood of the members, and another P50,000.00 cash for the improvement of the calamay production.

Senator Cayetano asked the association members what alternative livelihood they can develop to support their calamay industry, such as the piggery or food processing. In addition, he encouraged the members to develop ways to increase the shelf life of calamay.  The calamay makers also aired their sentiments to the location of their stalls at the Tagbilaran pier.l

The program was hosted and the dialogue was facilitated by Ms. Vera Villocido Gesite of the Office of the Mayor of Alburquerque.

ONE NIGHT IN SEPTEMBER

Sitting all alone in my bedroom

Staring into the wall

Seeing snippets of the past

Images of days gone by

Emotions come ashore

A cacophony of sounds

From some distant part

Memories of yesterdays

Some are sweet, some are not

Write them down now

Some voice is telling me

Or else they get buried

In some distant memory

For some things are worth remembering

Others are worth forgetting

But writing them down now

Purifies the soul

Purges the spirit

Calms the mind

Cleanses the heart

IN MY SOLITUDE

In my solitude, I think of you
I am alone, but not lonely
You have become a part of me

There's a longing in me, 
only you can fill

There's an ache,
only you can soothe

You are a light in my otherwise dreary world
You are a ray of hope in my otherwise hopeless life
You are the joy in my otherwise lonely existence.

Though you are far away
You have become
A part of my everyday

You are my inspiration
You are my joy
You are my whole being...

TO A NEW FOUND FRIEND

You came without warning
Into my life from somewhere
seems like we're reunited
though we've never been friends

Your songs that night were haunting

your voice was captivating
i think that night was special
a turning point to a new found friendship

I thank the Lord for the gift of you
for bringing you into my life
your friendship has opened doors
to new beginnings, to new feelings

I ask Him to bless our friendship
so that it may grow
and blossom to be
a blessing for both you and me!

Only in Alburquerque

Many good things are happening in Alburquerque. The once quiet and sleepy town is now awake! 

Very recently, Mayor Efren Tungol signed the Letter of Understanding or LOU with the USAID/FEF/The Asia Foundation re the COMPETE Project where the titling beneficiaries of the LAMP2 Project can be given access to credit.   The first Access to Credit workshop will be conducted on September 6th at the Alburquerque Training Center to selected titleholders.

Albur is also one of the pilot LGUs of the BCCI/The Asia Foundation/AusAid CRID or Coordinating Roads Investments for Development Project which determines strategic road links whether barangay, municipal, provincial or national road.

In addition, Albur is the first recipient in Bohol of the Jollibee Group Foundation Busog Lusog Talino or BLT Schoolfeeding program, now on going in 3 schools, namely, Toril Elementary School, Tagbuane Elementary School and Alburquerque Central Elementary School.

Pinay and Wikipedia

So I come out clean...I have been writing and editing in  Wikipedia, the largest online encyclopedia since 2006.  Under another wikipedia username, the first article I tried to edit was that of Lindsay Lohan who at that time, and up to now, was/is very controversial.  I also fought vandals to her page. Then, I also edited the articles on Monique Coleman and other Americans and many more.

After several countless articles, I said what the heck? Why am I writing all these articles in the US?  Why shouldn't I try writing on relevant topics, especially on Bohol.  Hence, the birth of Pinay, who wrote relentlessly on many topics in Bohol and beyond.  Many of the articles are in the Bohol Portal in wikipedia, which is the only province in the Philippines now having its own Portal! It was created in collaboration with other wikipedia editors all over the world.

The first article written was the on Holy Name University which was immediately deleted for copyright infringement as I did not have the permission to write about it. After several discussions with the wikipdia administrator, the article was back online. It is by far, the most comprehensive article of all SVD schools in the whole Philippines.  I started to write stubs (start up articles of a few lines) on all SVD schools in the Philippines, as well as in Bohol. Next up was the article on Alburquerque, Bohol which is comprehensive.

The rest of the articles are contained in the the Bohol Portal and in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Pinay06/Contributions.  Some of the articles made it to the Did you know that? or DYK of the English Wikipedia Main Page for a day for new articles. Some of the articles have also become Good Articles.

Other than the English Wikipedia, I also contribute to the Cebuano and Chavacano wikipedias. In addition, I became member of  Wikimedia Philippines, a community and SEC registered organization of editors and writers of wikipedia based in the Philippines.

HSS High School Batch ’83 is 30 in 2013

The Holy Spirit School High School Batch 1983  celebrated its PEARL ANNIVERSARY in a homecoming/ reunion on JULY 19-21 2013 with the THEME: “30 IN 2013”. 

On the first day, Registration was  from 8:00:00 am 9:00:00 am at Holy Spirit School,   followed by a Holy Mass at the  Holy Spirit School Chapel at 9:00:00 am 10:00:00 am.  An outreach was conducted at the Trinity Angels Care Home in Alburquerque  then Lunch with the children. Snacks was at Egay’s farm then overnight and program in Panglao. On July 20 was an evening socials at Metrocentre Hotel with dinner and live band.The third and last day was family day in Alona Tropical, with lunch and program with families.

Jollibee “Busog, Lusog, Talino” School Feeding Launched in Alburquerque Schools

Three (3) schools in Alburquerque became the newest addition to the  “Busog, Lusog, Talino” or BLT School Feeding Program Sites nationwide of the Jollibee Group Foundation (JFG).  Toril Elementary School, Tagbuane Elementary School and the Alburquerque Central Elementary School or ACES officially launched the program in the schools on July 12 and 13. A site launching in Alburquerque was done on July 10.  The school Feeding commences on July 15 and runs for 136 school days up to February 28.

Alburquerque became recipient of the BLT Program after it went through the application and selection process. Mayor Efren D. Tungol has been aggressive in his basic education reforms program, and has created barangay school boards in each barangay. The Jollibee BLT will not only address issues on poor nutrition, but also help in achieving zero dropout rate as well as increase academic performance.

The JGF is composed of Jollibee, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Burger King, and Red Ribbon.  Its major thrusts are Education through the BLT Feeding Program, Agriculture through its Farmer Enterpreneurship Program and Environment through its Tree Planting and Nurturing Program. The public can extend their help to the BLT Program when they place coins in the BLT coin banks in any of the Jollibee Group stores. (PRESS RELEASE)

Official Statement on the 17 and Under Football Team named Alburquerque in the Boholympics 2013

The Football Team organized by Mr. Erwin Angalot of Tagbilaran City for the 17 and Under which played as the Alburquerque Team during the recently concluded Boholympics 2013 is not recognized by the Office of the Mayor of Alburquerque, Bohol. The so called Alburquerque Team is composed of members who are not from Alburquerque, Bohol, much less of Barangay Ponong. Neither was  it organized by any Alburanon, trained in Alburquerque or by an Alburanon, adviced by an Alburanon nor was it formed in coordination with LGU officials of Alburquerque or supported by LGU funds.

The Office of the Mayor condemns the fraudulent way and brazen trickery that led to the formation of the fake Alburquerque Team, especially the getting of Certificates of Residence from the Barangay Captain of Ponong and the signing of the forms by the Albur MPDC in behalf of the Mayor. 

On July 18, 2013, reports have reached the Mayor’s Office regarding the formation of the team. It was known that Mr. Angalot came looking for the Mayor on the afternoon of July 17, 2013, for his signature of the required paperworks of the players. Said papers were not personally signed by the Mayor, but was signed by the MPDC.  The following day, the Mayor instructed Ms. Vera Villovido-Gesite to coordinate with the office of Mr. Joel Molina to inform him that the Alburquerque Team is not recognized by the office of the Mayor. An assurance was given that this request will be dealt with and acted appropriately.

On July 24, 2013, the Office of the Mayor received reports that an Alburquerque Team still played during the Boholympics, despite the Mayor’s putting all the stops to the fake team.  According to Mayor Tungol, “In Albur, we teach our children honesty and integrity! We do not teach them to lie just to play in the Boholympics”.  Mayor Tungol, further, is demanding an investigation on this anomalous behavior with the Sports Commission and the Boholympics Committee of the Provincial Government.      

Alburquerque National Achievement Test Results

The Alburquerque District bares its results for NAT 6 for SY 2012 2013: Dangay 86.03; Tagbuane 84.83; Toril 81.43; ACES 79.34.  For NAT 3, Cantiguib 72.22; tagbuane 66.54; ACES 64.73; Canlimpong 63.95; Toril 60.76; Bahi 55.90; Dangay 55.48. With the planning standard of 75, all the elementary schools have made it in the NAT 6.  However, A lot still has to be desired with the NAT 3 scores.

 

A cause for celebration is that several of the pupils got Perfect in MATH and Filipino.  For the Alburquerque Central Elementary School (ACES), the following students got perfect in Math: Padecio, Meriah Aliah D; Potane, Hazel R.; Quipse, Kessiah Faye E; Solilap, Arra Marie C; Tajo, Janen L; Villa, Kawrie A. Their TEACHER is Mrs. Rheva Jean C. Dumagan

For TORIL Elementary School,  the students who got perfect in Math are: Labunog, Ellah Mae R; Liquit, Neslie Faith J. TEACHER: Noriza B. Acebes. The following pupils of Toril ES got perfect in Filipino for NAT 6:  1) Alas, Jay Hann 2) Banua, Jaya 3) Castino, Marjorie 4) Daplin, Mylyn 5) Gara, Rechelle Anne 6) Paculba, Peter Kenn 7) Pioquinto, Jeremy Reqierme, Randy. The Filipino teacher: Mrs. Bernadette B. Omosura

 

 

Alburquerque @ 145

 Alburquerque celebrated its 145^th Founding Anniversary with the theme: “Balik-Lantaw sa Kulturang Alburanon” on June 6 – 9, 2013.  The 4 day celebration aimed at revisiting the colorful culture and heritage of the town through its many activities brought together the different barangays of Alburquerque as well as the different sectors.

Day 1 began with a Motorcade from Municipal ground to Tagbuane then to Bahi  and finally to municipal gym for the opening program hosted by Mr. Patrio Omega. Fr.  Larry  Organiza led the invocation, then speeches of Vice-Mayor jet Ugdoracion, Mayor Tungol, and SB member Leonor Buates. Mrs. Jorgea Jumawan was recognized and given a plaque of recognition as writer/composer of Alburquerque hymn. The hymn was official approved by the SB tru a resolution read by MPDC Leila Café. This was followed by a Tree planting in barangay Ponong followed which was participated in by SB members, Dept. Heads, Barangay Officials, PNP and POs.  In the afternoon were Badminton, table tennis, chess, dama, and karambola sa manok.  The Instant canvassing and “bayli” (benefit or social dance) was done in the evening, the proceeds of which will be used as educational assistance to deserving less privileged students.

On the 2^nd Day, June 7, 2013, Friday, was the Opening of Agro-industrial fair or “tabo” in the market. There was also a meeting with founding anniversary couples. The games badminton, table tennis, chess and dama was well as Karambola sa manok continued.

On Day 3 were Fun games such as: pabitin, pokpok palayok, palosebo, coin search, piglet catching, tug of war, eat all you can, lumbag bonot ug lubi, ug lumbag inom tuba. The games badminton, table tennis, chess and dama still continued.  In the evening was the Coronation of the Instant Couples and Cultural night hosted by Jeffrey Sinajon and Vera Gesite.

These are the Instant Couples:

145^th founding anniversary couple: Mr. and Mrs. Felix and Luisita Cain of SRHS

1^st runner up : Mr. and Mrs. Edgar and Mary Jane Salvado of Sta. Filomena

2^nd runner up : Mr. and Mrs. Lucresio and Daria Pamugas of Dangay

3^rd runner up  : Mr. and Mrs. Gabino  and Gloria Barbon of LGU municipal

4^th runner up  : Mr. and Mrs. David and Norma Griffiths of Toril

5^th runner up  : Mr. and Mrs. William and Annie Baxter of West Poblacion

6^th runner up  : Mr. and Mrs.  Tagbuane (Ms. Magdalena Bongales)

7^th runner up  : Mr. and Mrs. Cantiguib (Herminia Jumawan)

8^th runner up  : Mr. and Mrs. Basacdacu

9^th runner up  : Mr. and Mrs. Elementary (Kenneth Lasta and Maricel Tungol)

The 4^th  and last day was started with a Mass at 6:30 in the morning at Sta. Monica Parish Church followed by a Parade at 8:30 in the morning. The route is same as procession during town fiesta.  One of the highlights of the day was the Blessing and inauguration of SALINTUBIG project in barangay Bahi.  A sumptuous buffet dubbed as “Pista sa Bayan” took place at lunch time in the Albur Gym.  The Awarding ceremonies for the winners of the different contests took place in the afternoon and capped the 4 day celebraton.

A meeting of all Department Heads last Tuesday morning, June 11 discussing the founding anniversary expenses and proceeds of the instant couple money contest. An Evaluation meeting was also conducted on June 24, 2012 with SB members, Punong Barangay , DepEd, Committee Chairpersons, etc.

"Promoting Democratic Values in the Barangays of Alburquerque” conducts Barangay Rule of Law Seminars

The Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy, in partnership with its Spanish partner NGO Zabalketa, and the Local Government Unit of Alburquerque, Bohol with support from the DiputacionForal de Gipuzkoa and the Office of the Municipal Local Government Operations conducted two (2) training batches of the Barangay Rule of Law Seminar for its project entitled, “Promoting Democratic Values in the Barangays of Alburquerque” last April 19-20, and April 26-27, 2013, respectively.

The first batch of training was participated in by 60 LuponTagapamayapa Members, Barangay Captains and Barangay Kagawad from the 6 Coastal Barangays of Alburquerque. These barangays include, San Agustin, Sta. Filomena, West Poblacion, East Poblacion, Bahi and Tagbuane. While the 2^nd batch of training was attended by 65 participants from 5 upland barangays, Toril, Danggay, Basacdacu, Cantiguib, Ponong,  and 1 coastal barangay, East Poblacion.

The 2-day Barangay Rule of Law Seminar which is designed to deepen democratic values among citizens at the grassroots level, included 4 sessions on the following Modules: (1) The Barangays as “Schools of Citizenship” delivered by Atty. Adolfo Doroy, Bohol Provincial Prosecutor, (2) The Law on KatarungnangPambarangay delivered by Atty. Greg Austral, Dean of the University of Bohol- College of Law and PCCED Board Member, (3) Techniques and Skills in Resolving Conflict, delivered by Atty. Myrfi Gonzalez, Faculty Member of University of San Carlos, Cebu City, and (4) Towards a Transformative KatarungangPambarangay facilitated by Atty Alma Aparece, Dean of the Planning and Research of the University of Bohol.

During the evaluation, Punong Barangay Alex Andoy of West Poblacion expressed his gratitude to PCCED for bringing the Barangay Rule of Law Seminar in Alburquerque. He added that he has learned a lot from the speakers especially on the Barangay Justice System and the Techniques in resolving conflict. Other Lupon members shared that they are more confident in facing the cases filed before their office since they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their tasks.

PCCED holds a Training Orientation for Local Consultants in Bohol

The Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy held Training Orientation for a new pool of Trainers and Facilitators for its BRLS Program in Bohol last April 11, 2013 at Garden Café, Tagbilaran City. The Training Orientation was an initiative of the organization to localize the Rule of Law Trainings, specifically for the 2-year project entitled, “Promoting Democratic Values in the Barangays of Alburquerque”. The Training Orientation aimed to introduce the pool of local trainers to PCCED’s advocacy of promoting democratic values and citizenship through education and transforming the barangays as ‘schools of citizenship’ through the Barangay Rule of Law Seminar Program.

The Training Orientation were participated by lawyers from Bohol who are also active in the government, community and the academe. The pool of trainer includes Atty. Adolfo Doroy,Bohol Provincial Prosecutor, Atty. Alma Aparece, Dean for Planning and Development at the University of Bohol and Municipal Trial Court JudgeHelen Cabatos. Also present were the BRLS Module Developers, Atty. Greg Austral, Dean of College of Law at the University of Bohol, Atty. Myrfi Gonzalez, College of Law Professor at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, and PCCED’s Chairman, Dr. Clement Camposano, Executive Director, ReynaldTrillana, and Member, Philip Paje. The Training Orientation was also attended by PCCED’s Project Staff who are managing the BRLS program in various areas of the Philippines. 

ALBURQUERQUE PERFORMING ARTS GROUP IS MAIN FEATURE OF LGU NIGHT

The APAG or Alburquerque Performing Arts Group is the main highlight of the LGU Night held on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the Alburquerque Gymnasium. 

UNITY WALK, INTER FAITH RALLY, COVENANT SIGNING AND CANDIDATES FORUM IN ALBUR

A Unity Walk, Interfaith Rally, Covenant Signing and Candidates Forum was held in Alburquerque on Saturday,  April 27, 2013.  This was spearheaded by the COMELEC, DILG, Albur PNP,  Santa Monica Parish and Local Government Unit of Alburquerque.  Dubbed as S.A.F.E. 2013 or Safe and Fair Elections 2013, this was participated in by various stakeholders of Alburquerque.

The Candidates Forum was moderated by Fr. Larry Organiza, parish priest of Alburquerque.  Each of the candidates was given a prescribed number of  minutes to present their platforms to the participants.  The stakeholders were given time to ask questions after.

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT FOR APRIL 2013

I.                    Attended the following:

1.       Meeting of the Alburquerque Performing Arts Group on April 2, 2013 re Dance Workshop

2.       Audition for participants of the Dance Workshop at the Alburquerque Training Center on April 2, 2013 (morning)

3.       Preparatory Meeting on April 2, 2013 at the JJs Dimsum and Restaurant with the district supervisors of six LGUs namely, Albur, Baclayon, Dauis, Loboc, Maribojoc, Antequera re summer teacher training with Miriam College  and Synergeia Foundation

4.       Bohol Poll 2013 Public Presentation at the HNU Main AV Hall on April 3, 2013 (afternoon)

5.       Barangay Education Summit in Dangay on April 8, 2013 as workshop facilitator

6.       Barangay Education Summit in Cantiguib on April 11, 2013 as workshop facilitator

7.       Culmination of the Dance Workshop at the Alburquerque Training Center on April 12, 2013

8.       Barangay Education Summit in Toril as Workshop Facilitator on April 12, 2013

9.       Visit of Senator Allan Peter Cayetano at the Calamay Center in Alburquerque, Bohol on April  21, 2013 (Sunday)

10.   Barangay Education Summit in Tagbuane as workshop facilitator on April 22, 2013

11.   Meeting with Dr. Caridad Tharan of Synergeia Foundation and the Gurong Lingkod teachers of Miriam College in Baclayon, Bohol on April 22, 2013

12.   Summer Teacher Training in Reading with Miriam College and Synergeia Foundation at Baclayon Cultural Center on April 23 to 24, 2013 as training coordinator for 6 LGUs

13.   Barangay Education Summit in San Roque High School as workshop facilitator on April 23, 2013 (Tuesday)

14.   First novena mass at 4am for Santa Monica at the Alburquerque Church sponsored by the LGU

15.   LGU Night featuring the Alburquerque Performing Arts Group on April 25, 2013

16.   Summer Teacher Training in Peace Education with Miriam College and Synergeia Foundation at Holy Spirit School as training coordinator for 6 LGUs on April 25 to 26, 2013

17.   Post training meeting with Dr. Caridad Tharan and Dr. Jasmin Galace at Paprika Restaurant in Tarsier Botanika on April 26, 2013

18.   PCCED Training at Crabhouse Restaurant in Mansasa, Tagbilaran City on April 27, 2013 (Saturday)

19.   “Unity Walk, Interfaith Rally, Covenant Signing and Candidates Forum” at the Alburquerque Gymnasium as lady of ceremonies on April 27, 2013 (Saturday)

20.   Barangay Education Summit for EPO, Ponong and Wepo on April 29, 2013 (Monday) as workshop facilitator

II.                  Coordinated the following  activities or events:

A.      Done:

1.       Dance Workshop at the Alburquerque Training Center on April 2 to 12, 2013

2.       Submission of Proposal for Jollibee Group Foundation Busog, Lusog, Talino Program

3.       Submission  of proposal for a P250,000.00 grant on Remedial Reading Program with Kaya Natin, Ateneo School of Government, SEAOIL

4.       Submission of requirements for Jesse Robredo Awards

5.       Submission of Revised Proposals for the Sycip-Kazarian Fund to Synergeia Foundation of Dangay, Toril, Cantiguib, Tagbuane

6.       Video shoot of the Hongkong Media of the Alburquerque salt making and broom making industries on April 22, 2013

7.       Community Extension/Outreach of Holy Name University librarians at the Alburquerque Municipal Library in organizing and accessioning the library book collection

B.      On-going:

1.       Fiesta Nightly Activities: letters of sponsorship, etc

2.       Printing of workbooks for Alburquerque schools

3.       DOLE DILP Project Progress Reports from DOLE grant recipients

4.       Follow up proposal to Secretary Armin Luistro, FSC of DepEd re computers for students

5.       Follow up of the resolutions submitted to National Museum and NCCA re declaration of Alburquerque Church

6.       Listing of scholars for TESDA scholarships by barangay

7.       Proposal writing for Governor Edgar Chatto and Congressman Rene Relampagos re funding support for Basic Education Program

8.       Negotiation with UP ISMED and UP Chancellor Caesar Saloma re instructional materials for Alburquerque District

9.       Cultural mapping in Alburquerque

C.      To be conducted:

1.       Special survey with HNU Research Center

2.       Training of teachers re use of Bisaya in the classroom with Engr. Jes Tirol

3.       Presentation of Basic Education Reforms to Bohol Chamber of Commerce Incorporated

4.       Evaluation of Basic Education Reforms Program

5.       Administrators’ Training

6.       Re-echo of the Justice and Healing Paralegal Training

7.       Conduct of Gender Sensitivity Training

III.                Drafted/Finalized the following:

1.       Press releases  for the Bohol Chronicle and Sunday Post

2.       Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Jollibee Foundation

3.       Proposal for Alburquerque Museum

SENATOR CAYETANO VISITS ALBUR

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano brought his PTK or Presyo Trabaho Kita program to Albur yesterday April 21, 2013 (Sunday). After his choppper touched down at the San Roque High School, he talked with Mayor Efren Tungol and his slate.  Mayor Tungol presented him a sample of the Asin Tibuok, an Albur icon. After photo ops with the welcoming Alburanons, he rode on an open multicab through the streets of Albur and spent a good hour with the calamay makers in Barangay Ponong, listening to their plight. He asked what the calamay makers concerns are, and they also asked him what he can do for the industry.

Senator Cayetano also tried his culinary skills in cooking calamay at the Calamay Center in Barangay Ponong.

ALBURQUERQUE IS NEW JOLLIBEE GROUP PARTNER IN ITS FEEDING PROGRAM

The Jollibee Group Foundation has confirmed its latest addition to its local partners in the Busog, Lusog Talino (BLT) Feeding Program. LGU Alburquerque has received confirmation that it has been identified as Jollibee's new partner in the BLT Program.

The said feeding program will provide free breakfast to forty (40) identified pupils of the Alburquerque School District for one hundred fifty days every year for two years.

LGU ALBUR CONDUCTS COMPUTER CLASSES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

With the five laptops donated by SGV through Synergeia Foundation,  LGU Alburquerque, through the Office of the Mayor Efren Tungol, conducted computer education classes for students and teachers of the Alburquerque Central Elementary School (ACES).  This is in line with the agreement between SGV, Synergeia Foundation and LGU Albur.

The ACES Students had one on one hands on computer classes on Microsoft Word. This was ably handled by Mr. Clint Ras of Upper Sta. Fe. 

The Albur District teachers, on the other hand, had hands on computer classes on Microsoft Powerpoint (March fifteen) and Microsoft Word (March 23). Volunteer teachers were Joema May R. Mangao, Renante Manungas, Vera Gesite and Clint Ras.

Classes in Microsoft Excel and other applications are scheduled for the rest of the summer.

BARANGAY EDUCATION SUMMITS IN ALBURQUERQUE

After the creation of barangay school boards in all the barangays of Alburquerque, Barangay Education Summits were scheduled. The first three  to conduct the Barangay Education Summits with the theme “towards reforms in basic education” were Dangay on April 8^th, Cantiguib on April 11^th and Toril on April 12^th.

During each of the barangay summits, the barangay captain presented the state of education of his barangay, showing on powerpoint presentations data and indicators on Performance Ratings in NAT and RAT, cohort survival rate, repetition rate,  retention rate, drop out rate, PHILIRI or reading scores, as well as school facilities.  In attendance were the members of the barangay school board, PTA, barangay officials,  the district supervisor, school principal or school head, teachers of the barangay, as well as the Mayor, PNP, etc.

The workshops, facilitated by Vera V Gesite, included a Current Reality Dialogue on the state of Education, a Visioning Workshop, and a Workshop on identifying the hindering and enabling factors to the achievement of the vision, as well as the interventions and recommendations. On the current reality dialogue, a plenary discussion was made on the Strengths and Weaknesses of the school and education of the barangay as well as the Opportunities and Threats affecting the education.   In the visioning workshop, the question asked  “What are your hopes and dreams for your children? (Unsa man ang inyong mga damgo para sa inyong mga kabataan?)”  The third workshop asks:  What are the enabling factors in the achievement of your dreams? (Unsa man ang makatabang pagkab ot sa inyong mga damgo sa inyong mga kabataan?)  and What are the hindering factors ? (Unsa man ang mga babag?) The last workshop identified the interventions and recommendations for the improvement of basic education in the barangay.

It is noteworthy to mention that while the performance in NAT and RAT are low in the barangays, there is an increasing trend in NAT scores compared to previous years.  In addition, several initiatives in teacher training, parent effectiveness training, mentoring, reading program, etc are undertaken by Synergeia Foundation, Miriam College, Holy Name University in Alburquerque.  Feeding programs are conducted by San Miguel Foods and a future tie up with Jollibee Group Foundation.  Pusong Pinoy and Alburanons Worldwide donated hundreds of books which are currently rotated as mobile libraries in schools. With the laptops from SGV through Synergeia, students and teachers receive trainings in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint Presentations and Excel. Moreover, other initiatives and programs are in the pipeline in order for basic education reforms to happen in Alburquerque.

The Education Summits of the other barangays are as follows: Basacdacu April 15; Bahi April 16, Tagbuane April 22, EPO and SRHS April 23, other feeder barangays April 29. 

Dancing the Summer Away in Alburquerque

“Giving back!” is the theme of Jay Anthony “Tonjie” Requilme Mangao’s message at the Culmination Program of the Alburquerque Summer Dance Workshop. Produced by the Office of Alburquerque Mayor Efren D Tungol  and the Culture and Arts Coordinator, the dance workshop ran from April 2 to 12 at the Alburquerque Training Center.  Mangao, who recently graduated as major in dance from the prestigious Philippine High School for the Arts at Mt. Makiling in Los Banos, Laguna, heads the Alburquerque Performing Arts Group or APAG and was the trainor of this summer’s dance workshop.  He said “it is my way of giving back what I have learned in school to the people of Alburquerque who have supported me all these years!” He also said that he hopes more young people will join the next year’s summer workshop, instead of just idling the summer away.

Twenty members of APAG trained, including original members from last year’s dance and theater workshops, as well as new members who went through an audition on April 2. A total of 21 workshop sessions were conducted for 10 days on basic ballet movements and basic fundamentals of dance. These include footwork and hand movements such as releve, extension, plie, battements, passé, arabesque, tendu, jete, coupe, etc.

During the culmination program, Tonjie demonstrated his skill in choreography when the APAG members performed an Invocatory Dance, the “Mask Dance”, and a contemporary pop “Drive By”. It was attended by LGU officials and employees, as well as representatives of the Center for Culture and Arts Development (GO CCAD) Ms. Vida Tirol de Juan, Butch de Juan and Mitzi Ibaya. 

The video presentation of APAG says it all: “Dance is a silent poetry” and “Take more chances, dance more dances”.

Alburquerque Mayor Takes Education to Greater Heights

Mayor Efren D Tungol takes a step higher when he issued Executive Order No. 2013 01 Series of 2013 enjoining all component barangays of Alburquerque to create their respective barangay school boards towards reforms in basic education. The said EO  is in response to the results of the Alburquerque Education Summit held in December where it was found out that the state of education is in a dilemma, as evidence by poor academic performance for the past years, especially in the NAT tests, etc.

Mayor Tungol believes that collaborative efforts of ALL stakeholders in education are necessary to attain the goal of improving the academic performance of schoolchildren. As the saying goes, “It  takes a village to raise a child!”  When asked why barangay school boards are created when this is not provided in the Local Government Code of 1991, he says be believes that  “What the law does not prohibit, it allows!”

Alburquerque receives technical assistance from Synergeia Foundation in its Education Reforms Program and was recently recipient of  five laptops from SGV through Synergeia, and of books from Pusong Pinoy and Alburanons Worldwide.  It is also one of the LGUs considered for the Kaya Natin Movement, Ateneo School of Government and SEAOIL in its Champions of Education Leadership Governance Program.

The Basic Education Reforms Program encompasses teacher training, Parent Effectiveness Training, campaign for increase efficiency in RPT collection which means increase in SEF, reinventing the Local School Boards particularly in transparency,  accountability, etc following the Jesse Robredo models. 

The Executive Order has been approved by Governor Edgar Chatto and is the first in Bohol province.  On the same note, Alburquerque is the first LGU in Bohol to be the site of the Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy in its programs for civic education. (PR/edt)

PCCED Project Launched in Alburquerque

“Promoting Democratic Values in the Barangays of Alburquerque” is a project that aims to contribute to the promotion of democratic governance principles in the decentralized public policy areas of the Philippines.Specifically, the project aims to incorporate the democratic values in areas and processes of decision-making in the 11 barangays of Alburquerque and strengthen the exercise of responsible citizenship.   Project launch was on March 13, 2013 at the Alburquerque Gym attended by key LGU officials headed by Mayor Efren D. Tungol, representatives from the barangays headed by the barangay captains, guests from Tagbilaran and the PCCED Team.

During the said launch, Mayor Efren Tungol welcomed the participants and expressed his support on the project . Ms. RAiza Cusi gave the orientation on Philippine Center for Civic Education and its programs which are: (1) The Barangay Rule of Law program that seeks to promote democratic processes in the barangays by training the Lupong Tagapamayapa and other barangay officials charged in maintaining peace and harmony in the community; (2) The Civic Education Training program designed to provide teachers and other civic educators with updated improved and integrated materials and pedagogy , as well as the necessary training to use the materials effectively  in imparting key concepts and lessons in love of country, civic culture, democracy, human rights, rule of law and economic citizenship. (3) Project Citizen which is an approach for education in democracy. It trains high school students in seeking public policy interventions to solve community problems.

Mr. Mardonio Roxas, City Local Government Operations officer, Mrs.  Marina Salamanca shared their positive experiences during the 2-year program of PCCED in Tagbilaran City . Atty. Greg Austral, PCCED Board Member also gave a brief background on the BArangay Rule of Law and its activities. Vice Mayor Jet Ugdoracion, ABC president Rene Buates, MLGOO Evelia Salamanca expressed support to the project while Mr. Isabelito Tongco, represented Gov. Edgar Chatto in giving suppor to the project. Mr. Reynal Trillana , PCCED executive director ended the program with much optimism on the project’s  implementation.

The project which commenced in October 1, 2012, will run for 24 months or 2 years and will close on September 30, 2014. The lead organization in the implementation is the Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy in partnership with Zabalketa, the Municipality of Alburquerque, Bohol , the Department of Education – Bohol Division and with support from DiputacionForal de Gipuzkoa (Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa)

The Key Result Areas of the project include the following:  Barangays Officials are motivated and competent to resolve conflicts in the local community. The intervention will focus on all the Lupon Members from the 11 barangays of the Municipality through the PCCED program, Barangay Rule of Law Seminar or the BRLS. Activities include the BRLS Training, BRLS mid-training and Coordination meetings which will focus on the peacekeeping function of the Barangays by empowering them with technical knowledge on the KatarungangPambarangay System as well as dispute resolution  skills.

Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy or PCCED is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the effective promotion of good citizenship and participatory democracy through education. Zabalketa is a non-government organization founded in 1990 that works in awareness and education project in Spain and internationally in development cooperation projects. Its headquarters is located in Getxo, Bizkaia, Spain. It has a permanent delegation in San Sebastian (Gipuzkoa, Spain) and an extension office in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia). Zabalketa has been working with PCCED since 2007 through small grants aid from the Local Government of Getxo, Spain which implemented various programs and project of the organization.