Philippine Scholarships for Technical and Vocational Courses

Some 150 President Gloria Scholarship Coupons (PGSC) for technical vocational courses were given Friday as the country celebrates the 111th Independence Day with a highlight on the country-wide "Kalayaan 2009 Mega Jobs Fair".

The awarding of the scholarship certificates happened during the flag raising ceremonies and Independence Day program here attended by about a little more than a thousand as part of the government's efforts to spur jobs and keep Filipinos above water in this time of economic crisis. 

Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority Provincial Director Francisca Opog presented the beneficiaries to Governor Erico Aumentado and the Boholanos a few minutes before Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) also opened its jobs fair at the second floor of the Capitol.

The scholarship coupons allow job seekers some more job skill competencies through the TESDA trainings, says agency information Officer Jaminel Damolo, during a casual talk.

Damolo shared that Bohol still has about 856 scholarship slots and even with the 150 awardees, TESDA still has to award some more scholars soon. 

TESDA started with 2273 scholars, some 1477 have already graduated and while some are already working, others are still hoping to land jobs soon. 

"The activity is part of the President's economic resiliency program where the beneficiaries are expected to land future jobs and boost their spending power," he said.   

While Bohol was not part of the 19 cities nationwide where the "Kalayaan 2009 Mega Job Fair" was simultaneously held, BEPO Head Romulo Tagaan bared that Capitol also initiated its move for local and international job seekers to tap and match skills with vacancies.

Speaking at the weekly Kapihan sa PIA and aired at DyTR, Tagaan shared that with TESDA, BEPO has considerably done its mandates to allow local job seekers to get into jobs.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo tasked the Department of Labor and Employment to spearhead simultaneously job fairs from June 12 to 14 with about 1000 employers from the private and government sectors including those from overseas recruitment industry participating. 

The three day activities hope to employ as many workers who would fill vacancies in government emergency employment programs, sea-based and land based overseas employment and other related jobs. (PIA)

We have to begin and end with God always!

ENTERPRISING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL

By FR. ROY CIMAGALA

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

The good thing about problems and difficulties like what we are having now with the much-talked-about global financial crisis is that we can surface again an often ignored truth.

And that is that the human spirit can take on anything, even to the point of heroism and martyrdom. If one wills something, nothing from outside nor inside him can stop him from carrying out what he has decided to do. Much depends on how we use and turn our will.

This is how our spirit is. It has the capacity to be above the fluctuations, the ebb and flow of life, its unavoidable wear and tear. Though in our case, it is inseparably united to the body, it still can function according to its nature and rule the body. This is when we can talk of the spiritual man.

The problem is when we allow that spirit to be dominated by the law of the flesh, instead of having it the other way around. This is the challenge we have at the moment—how to make that human spirit rule the ups and downs of the flesh and the outside world.

As chaplain of a technical vocational school for boys, I clearly see the need to give a continuing and effective reason for the spirit of the boys to float and even take off. Their faith has to be nourished steadily.

This is a task that truly demands the art of brinkmanship. We have to go to the limits of reason and to other human devices to be able to infuse the needed hope and optimism to otherwise harassed souls.

It's also a very delicate task, because one has to enter into the interior life of the boys. One needs how to deal with their character and temperament, their psychological frame, their cultural upbringing, etc.

Given their youthfulness, the boys can be unstable and volatile, quickly alternating between buoyancy and lethargy, creativity and routine, razor-sharp interest and dulling indifference.

It's clear their spirit is not yet in full control of their own selves. They can easily be held captive by their moods and the fads and gimmicks outside. They are not yet with God's grace self-propelled. They have to be propped up most of the time.

Thus, we have implemented some kind of universal mentoring, that is, providing everyone with a mentor or a buddy with whom they can talk about all sorts of things.

But with the present global economic downturn where some of our boys now find difficulty in getting a job, there is great need to elicit in them their enterprising and entrepreneurial possibilities. Only those who work with faith and hope can survive any onslaught of trials.

For this, we have thought of pairing each one with a business mentor, no matter how modest the business may be. This is just to expose the boys to the real world of making business, of making money from any venture.

It's also a good way of snatching them from the claws of helplessness, always a threat to them given their background. It would be quite a blow to them if after all their sacrifices in trying to get some education, they'd see that everything just fell to futility.

Difficulties are actually challenges and occasions either to rise or fall, to win or lose. We should not allow these trials to just scare us. They should be confronted properly in a variety of ways.

One would be to generate an air of optimism. Everything that would contribute to making the atmosphere hopeful should be done. We have to be careful with our words and spontaneous reactions to negative developments.

This hope and optimism should be ably supported by a strong, solid spiritual life, first of all, and by practical plans and practicable strategies. There has to be a way of making more available quick and flexible retraining programs, for example, spearheaded by both government and NGOs.

The world nowadays is in faster flux. To effectively grapple with the challenges and possibilities, there has to be a tighter sense of solidarity and cooperation, a quicker transmission of ideas and translation of insights into action.

All of these should be deeply anchored on the true foundation of our life, God himself! Let's disabuse ourselves from thinking that with our cleverness and our resources, we can manage to solve problems. We have to begin and end with God always!

Kayaking in Negros Island, Philippines

"Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be." – Karen Ravn

Most of us ordinary mortals exists on a "routinary" lifestyle, a monotony of acts and deeds we have been so used to, that we don't even notice that this has become our way of life; and then we start to believe, that this is living life to the full.

To the more enlightened however, there is more to life than simply waking up getting dressed, for work, pay, exercise, come home, sleep, and waking-up the next day for more of the same.

For in between these ordinary activities, he squeezes a dream, crafts a plan and creates the time for the execution of something that would bring him out of his mundane existence to test his mental faculties and physical limits.  He starts to live on instincts, tests himself not against anybody, but alongside nature and its unpredictable temperament.

Among these rare breed are the outdoors people.  Living life on the edge every now and then, gives them a unique appreciation of what life is, how it should be lived and how the trappings of modern living, most of us think essential are irrelevant to life.  We know them as those who have an irrepressible desire for living simply, they are either insanely happy or serene individuals who we could only describe as "Way Kurat".

With these outdoors people are the Bohol Paddlers, a motley group of Kayaking enthusiasts under the umbrella of Paddle Philippines.  Aside from regular test of physical endurance and mental strength against the seas on their ocean touring kayaks; these people have a two pronged advocacy: (1) to help preserve the environment through the need of clean coastal waters for recreation use such as kayaking; (2) to promote tourism through kayaking.

Kayaking on the other hand is an eco-friendly water sports activity; that causes very minimal impact on the environment.  This, while allowing the paddler to reach into hitherto unreachable areas along the coast, in hidden coves and mangrove areas.  A kayak is the perfect man-powered touring vehicle on the water that could take you anywhere, akin to what and where a bike can take a rider on land.

By early June this year, the Bohol Paddlers would again take on a challenge that would test the limits of their endurance physically and mentally.  The group would take on the First circumnavigation by kayak of the island of Negros.

In 2001, it was Bohol the home province, circumnavigating it in 8 leisurely days.  It was during this time that, the dream to circumnavigate all of the islands of the Central Visayas, started; promoting the advocacies of the group was an essential part of that dream.

It took some time for the dream to materialize, as other worthwhile activities came-up; such as the montly "moonlight paddling" and the weekend "day paddles".  Finally on the 1st of June, 2007, the group took on Cebu and in a blistering pace of 50 kilometers average per day, conquering that island in 81/2 days.

Siquijor was the third island to be circumnavigated, taking the island in just 11/2 days, this was more like a weekend outing, than a quest for limits as the island had very friendly people and magnificent coastal rock formation, that could take away the pain of weary muscles.

Negros would be by far the greatest challenge that the group would be facing so far.  It is estimated that if the paddlers would take on the pace by which the Cebu circumnavigation was done, Negros would be completed in just 14 days, with a full days rest in Bacolod, starting from Dumaguete.  The circumnavigation core group would be Dok Doyet Dumaluan, Atty. Peter Mende, Angelo Ybañez, Junie Dumaluan, Jerome the paddler, Patrick Mahumot, Vincent Limpo, Joel Cagas, Ritchie Montanez and Glenn Oceña.

A lot of us may venture to ask, "Why?" and the paddlers answer to that question would be "Why not?".  The whole world as we know it now, was opened up because of these kind of people, intrepid individuals who dare to do what most people would not even dare imagine, to venture out and test their limits, to go into unpredictable and unknown territories.  They are the people who try to live life to the fullest.

A person will be called to account on Judgement Day for every permissible thing he might have enjoyed but did not. – Talmud

If I had my life to live over again, I'd try to make more mistakes next time.  I would relax.  I'd be sillier than I have been on this trip.  I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets.  I would have more actual troubles and less imaginary ones.  Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them.  In fact, I'd try to have nothing else, just moments, one after another…I would pick more daisies. – Nadine Stair (at age 89)

Political Parties and Political Interest in the Philippines

By Romy Teruel

Sunday Post Columnist

The marriage of  Lakas-CMD and Kampi political parties last week was described in many ways.  Some said it was a merger that ensures a political sweep for the party in the 2010 elections.  Others said it was a political suicide given the track record of the administration on issues like corruption. 

 The absence of key party leaders like former President Fidel Ramos, President Emeritus of Lakas-CMD, Congressman Luis Villafuerte, President of Kampi, Jose de Venecia, Lakas Founder, presidential hopefuls Bayani Fernando and Senator Richard Gordon was also viewed as cracks in the new political party.

 Ramos claimed many members were kept in the dark about the merger.  He said there was no consultation with the major stakeholders and the haste with which the merger was done signified a hidden agenda of some party leaders.

 On the other hand, former President Erap Estrada viewed the merger as a publicity stunt and will not have any negative effect on the opposition.

 While Bayani Fernando said he won't leave the party, he was disturbed that non-party members were being considered for the Presidential standard bearer like Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Vice President Noli de Castro.

 By all measure a bigger party as a result of merger will always be strong notwithstanding issues among the members. Thus it cannot be denied that the merger is a looming typhoon set to swoop upon the opposition who are up to now as divided as ever as they have been.  Unless the different political parties of the opposition can gather their acts together and field just one Presidential candidate, they will have a problem wresting power from the present dispensation no matter how divided.

 The worst that can happen to the opposition is when Senators Mar Roxas, Loren Legarda, Ping Lacson, Manny Villar. Chiz Escudero and Jejomar Binay would all be running for President.  If they run for President, Erap said he would also run for President.  How will they fare against the lone standard bearer of Lakas-CMD-Kampi?

 What differentiates Filipino politicians with those of other countries like the United States is that Filipino politicians are politicians first and party members second.  That's how the multi-party system came about in the Philippines.

 Expect more political parties being organized when the Presidential hopefuls don't win their political party nomination.  Everybody will think he can do a Ramos and become President of the Philippines even without the support of his/her political party.  They think they know the Filipino voters very well.  Filipino voters don't consider political party platforms and philosophy.  They look for the popular and the moneyed candidates when voting for a candiddate.

 On the local level, it is not yet clear whether the merger of Lakas-CMD and Kampi has helped Gov. Erico B. Aumentado on his Solomonic problem of who to anoint between Cong. Edgar Chatto and Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera as the Lakas-CMD-Kampi candidate for Governor in the next elections. Neither Edgar nor Julius has bolted the party. So they remain contenders for party nomination.

 What has helped the two perhaps is that whoever is rejected can always run in the opposition political party. After all the Presidential candidates will always be looking for their local candidates to run their campaign in the local level.

 This is proof that in the Philippines there are no real political parties, only political interests. And that's pathetic, to say the least. 

Farmer Awards in Iloilo, Philippines

The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 6 (DA-RFU 6) on Thursday. gave recognition to outstanding individuals and farmer's cooperatives in Western Visayas whose efforts have contributed much in the high agriculture production of this region.

Ten individuals and three farmer's cooperatives were honored during the regional Gawad Saka ceremony.

Two of the awardees will compete for the 2009 national Gawad Saka Award of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Tomas Hautea, an outstanding fisherman in fish culture category, was one of the two awardees who qualified to the national search.

He is an undergraduate mechanical engineer and was into jeep conversion enterprise before he ventured into fishing.

Hautea started by leasing fishponds before he decided to purchase his own in Dumangas, Iloilo.

He now owns Retcem Bangus – Fish Farm and Hatchery which provides milkfish fries to farmers in Panay and Negros Occidental.

He is also an advocate of Coastal Resource Management (CRM) campaigning for the protection of mangroves that serve as dikes support and habitat for various fish species. 

Jobs in Mindanao, Philippines

PNA - The government's Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) has generated at least 20,522 jobs in Northern Mindanao, this was learned on Friday.

This figure came out during the 82nd Regional Development Council (RDC) 2nd quarter meeting at Camiguin Convention Center here.

But, Presidential Assistant for Northern Mindanao (PANM) Pacifico T. Pupos, Jr. saw the figure as "quite short of target."

Pupos said there was a need to intensify the CLEEP project in Northern Mindanao.

In response to his call, the council members enjoined all agencies of the government and local government units (LGU's) to extend their full and all-out support to the scheduled series of jobs and livelihood fair on June 11 to 14, simultaneously with the 2009 Independence Day celebration.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao will lead the big jobs and livelihood fair on the said dates.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo put up the CLEEP project to provide employment and livelihood to laid off workers, both Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and domestic workers due to global economic clampdown. 

Philsaga Mining Corporation Donates to Filipino Farmers

The Philsaga Mining Corp. here has launched a P5.5-million rubber and banana plantation to help farmers augment their income from this land-lock province.

The local government unit and tribal leaders lauded the environmental and livelihood concerns of PMC management under its president Retired Army Col. Samuel G. Afdal.

The P2.78-million rubber plantation project, which covers about 150 hectares, requires the planting of at 500 budded rubber per hectare by about 1,000 indigenous people (IP).

Initially, at least 10,000 budded rubber RRIM 600 variety are currently stored at the company's nursery area ready for planting.

Agricultural experts recommended the RRIM 600, with a cost of P1.88 million, as the suitable species for Agusan lands.

Land preparation is now on going while the firm's P420,000 technology training program has also been set anytime next month.

Land preparation, planting and maintenance cost amounted to P2.3 million. - PNA

Scholarship in Cagayan Valley, Philippines

Cagayanos intending to hone their technical skills are invited to be part of President Gloria Scholarship Program (PGSP).

According to TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Assistant Regional Director Belinda Labutong, there are still many slots available for those who may want to enroll short-term courses with institutions accredited by the agency.

She said for this program, Cagayan was granted 3,320 scholarship slots, 1,800 of which have already been filled up as of this month.

The list of scholars is expected to reach 2,140 next month, Labutong said as she urged the public to visit her office or the TESDA-accredited institutions if they wish to get trained for free.

Under the program, grantees, who must be residents of the province, jobless or not, are entitled to receive a training support fund which includes P60 pesos daily allowance and matriculation fee.

PGSP recipients, who, according to Labutong, are regularly monitored by TESDA personnel, may choose from the following pool of courses; automotive servicing, building wiring installation, consumer electronics servicing, commercial cooking, food and beverage service, housekeeping, front office service, bookkeeping, security service, computer hardware servicing, computer programming and call center technology. 

Davao City Ready to Fight Swine Flu on School Opening

The Department of Education (DepEd) here has assured that all schools are prepared and on guard against the A (H1N1) Influenza virus in time for the opening of classes on June 1.

DepEd regional director Susana Teresa Estigoy said the department released on May 6 a memorandum laying down measures against the novel virus.

The memorandum directs all public elementary and high schools to strictly follow the measures, Estigoy said.

The memorandum also directs all school officials to mobilize teachers, health and nutrition personnel, and alternative learning system coordinators to disseminate information about the A (H1N1) flu.

The information includes signs and symptoms of the virus, its mode of transmission, how it can be avoided, and national and sub-national referral centers.

Estigoy said although personal hygiene has been taught in schools for years, this will be stepped up in light of the virus scare. 

Philippine Army Helping Philippine Education

Don't look now, but soldiers from the Philippine Army's 19th Infantry Battalion based here have demonstrated that aside from fighting the rebels, they can also be utilized in worthwhile community activities like repainting and repairing school buildings in time for the opening of classes next month.

The soldiers, led by their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Roberto S. Capulong, have joined the "Brigada Eskwela," a program initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd) to undertake repainting and repairing old or damaged schoolhouses.

The launching of "Brigada Eskwela" was held at the Kananga Central School here last week.

The 19th IB soldiers repaired some damaged buildings of the Kananga Elementary School which they selected under the "Adopt-a-School" project. They also undertook repainting work and cleaned the school premises in preparation for the opening of classes next week.

Capulong said that through this undertaking, soldiers are contributing their share for a conducive and peaceful community. - PNA