Community Reading and Research Center... a remote village's wish for Christmas

by Joyce M. Mejillano


DARAGA, Albay, October 17 (PIA) -- "Great things come from small beginnings."

This is one of the inspirational quotes that marked the heart of some concerned residents and officials of this humble Barangay of Gapo, located at the highlands of the municipality of Daraga in Albay province.

It is in this belief that they are now on cue to make a difference. With the existence of the R.A 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which urged barangays to be self-reliant communities and become partners in attaining national goals, concerned citizens and officials forged an alliance to bring out the best for their community.

This Christmas season, the barangay will launch a project dubbed as "PASKO PARA SA KARUNUNGAN: Adopt A Parol Project," wherein the proceed will be used for establishing a Community Reading and Research Center.

The project aims to put up several Christmas lanterns along the shoulders of the road and a giant Christmas tree filled with star lanterns. Each lantern will have corresponding sponsor. Lanterns that will be put along the road can be adopted at P500 each and lanterns for the Christmas tree will be at P250 each.

Donors can adopt as many lanterns as they want. They can also send in used books, magazines and other study materials that might be useful in the reading center.

Aside from its very purpose, the "Adopt A Parol project" will also help local lantern makers in the barrio to generate income this Christmas season.

The project is a brainchild of former Sk Chairman Rey Mallorca and journalist Joyce Mejillano.

"The reading center will help especially students, who travel to town proper for their researches. They spend more than an hour just by traveling back and forth and also spend more than P25 for fare. For students, that's quite a burden," said Mejillano.

The project is being adopted by the Barangay Council, Sangguniang Kabataan, Gapo Elementary School and Gapo Online Community, a community of professionals and OFWs who hailed from the barrio.

"We are very thankful for this project and we hope this will become the gateway to further enrich the learning experience of our constituents," said barangay captian Jesus Magdaong Jr.

He added that there are young professionals and college students in the barangay who are willing to volunteer their time and share their knowledge to the community by making weekly activities like storytelling for kids, sharing their skills to whoever is interested and several activities that will make the community even more productive.

The reading center will be managed, hand in hand, by the Sangguniang Kabataan headed by John Paul Millena, the Barangay Council and the volunteer professionals and college students.

"It's their way of giving back what they have learned to the community where they came from," said Magdaong.

Mejillano and Mallorca, on the other hand appeal for support on said project.

"We appeal for help on our humble undertakings. Together, please help us make a difference," Mejillano said.

Mallorca added that all the sponsors will be put in a ''thank you'' marker on the reading center's wall as a way of expressing gratitude for the big help.

Those who are willing to help may contact Rey Mallorca, Joyce Mejillano or SK chairman Jp Padilla-Millena Joaquin-Navarro at 09077072217, 09484576017, 09294089966 or can visit Gapo Daraga Albay on facebook at Gapo Daraga Albay or thru email at gapo.daraga@gmail.com. (MAL/JMMejillano)

DOLE V to strictly enforce “Oplan Sikyu”

LEGAZPI CITY, October 17 (PIA) -- Employers, business owners and government offices in Bicol have reacted in contrasting sentiments to the supposed ‘strict enforcement’ of labor laws on payment of correct wages and added benefits of security guards in the coming pay days after Bicol regional director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) V ordered the full implementation of Operation Security Guards or “Oplan Sikyu” in the region.

Villamor said that Oplan Sikyu will be fully and strictly implemented following the series and the latest interfacing on September 29 with the security agency’s ‘principals’ or who availed of the security services, including government and private, through contracting arrangements and the security agencies, who are directly hiring the security guards.

The director stressed that the public consultation with the principals paved the way to determine the level of awareness of these principals on matters like sub-contracting and hours of work.

"The agency has now provided the principals the first hand information and actual computation of the monetary benefits of a security guard to prevent future labor problems, adding that “DOLE V is actually projecting this will happen as most of the principals don’t know that they are jointly and severally liable in case of underpayment of wages and other money claims filed by the guards. Few principals know this law which put them in hot waters later.” Villamor said.

Earlier, contracting parties were on a stalemate on the issue of contract privacy, solitary liability and labor clearances as security agencies and their organization (PADPAO) were suggesting that job or service contract signing be witnessed by the DOLE to ensure that the terms and conditions of the contract to be signed by the parties conforms with labor laws.

DOLE Albay provincial chief Arturo Corbe, meanwhile, noted that that the principals were wary and worried about privacy when DOLE Bicol pushed for a seat during security services bidding.

“Ayaw nila kase daw dapat sikreto yung contrata. Eh kako pag nag inspection naman ang DOLE e ilalabas at ilalabas naman yun. Actualy yung iba nga e first time nila naintindihan yung solidary liability” Corbe added.

The principals, especially those of government agencies, do not agree with the proposition that a third party, like DOLE, should witness contract execution, but rather strict enforcement of government laws including the labor standards law will suffice. They are agreeable however, to comply with the formula for payment of wages and related benefits of security guards as prescribed by DOLE V.

The principals were also briefed by on the rights and obligations of workers and employers, emphasizing that the principals are liable in the event that a guard files a labor complaint as part of the law on solidary liability prescribed under Department Order Number (DO No.) 18-02. The law on solidary liability on sub-contracting dictates that the principal is also liable and answerable in the event the agency falls to pay the wages and other benefits due the guards whether or not the principal has knowledge of commission or non-commission of the labor offense. This law was crafted to protect the workers and at the same time to encourage the principals to be vigilant in choosing an agency.

“Actually the principals should not be worried about this solidary liability law if and only if they have full confidence with the agency they hired. Dapat talaga e-check nila yung agency kung may problema sa labor o wala bago pumirma ng contrata.” Villamor explained.

It can be recalled that on June 28, this year, DOLE V was pushing to implement activities like computing and publishing a ‘Standardized Wage Ceiling’ (SWC) a ‘Suggested Minimum Bid Contract’ (SMBC) and the presence of a DOLE representative in every contract signing. These activities, DOLE said, are the answer to the towering labor cases in the security and janitorial services sector. (MALoterte, PIA V/RPE, DOLE V)

2011 Bicol Regional Invention Fair to feature Bicolano inventions, researches

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

Legazpi City, October 17 (PIA) -- Relevant science and technology inventions, innovations and researches of Bicolanos will be featured in the 2011 Bicol Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (BRICE) on October 18-20 at the Pacific Mall this city.

The three-day event, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Bicol, will feature local inventors, makers, designers and creative researchers; selection of regional winners in the invention contest; recognition of Bicolano winners in the 2010 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE); plus trivia contests.

DOST Bicol regional director Tomas B. Briñas said the regional invention competition will promote the potentials of inventions and researches for commercialization.

He explained that inventions and innovations continuously provide answers and solutions to technological demands and requirements by firms, industries, academe and other sectors in the country.

According to Pilita O. Lucena, PhD., DOST regional public information officer, there are 18 qualified entries in the regional level competition in this year’s regional invention contest.

The entries will vie in five categories such as Utility Model, Industrial Design, Creative Research or Likha Award, and Student Creative Research called Sibol Award for College and High School students.

Winners will be announced on the third day, October 20. These regional winners from each category aside from receiving cash prizes and plaques will represent Bicol Region in the 2012 NICE.

Meantime, Bicolano 2010 NICE winners will be acknowledged for their feat during the opening ceremonies. These awardees from Bicol University bagged first place in the outstanding invention category called Tuklas Award.

The winning entry was the Pili Depulping Machine by inventors Engineers Arnulfo P. Malinis, Eleanor Ll. Balute, Herminigildo Lizano and Dr. Floria P. Tagarino.

The theme for this year’s BRICE is "Imbensyon at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Pag-unlad.” It will be the focus of the S&T exhibits by DOST V and its attached agencies like the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), Philippine Science High School (PSHS), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the S&T consortia of Bicol Consortium for Agriculture Resources Research and Development (BCARRD) and Bicol Consortium for Industry Energy Research and Development(BCIERD), Bicol Inventors’ Society (BIS).

At least nine higher educational institutions and 10 secondary schools have already arranged to view the exhibits. These are Bicol University Colleges of Science, Engineering, Agriculture and Forestry, Industrial Technology and BU Polangui Campus; Computer Systems Institute, Legazpi City; Camarines Norte State Colleges, Daet, Camarines Norte; Partido State University, Goa, Camarines Sur; Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Nabua, Camarines Sur; Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur; Legazpi Hope Christian School, Aquinas University of Legazpi Science High School, St. Raphael Academy, Legazpi City Science High School, Pag-Asa National High School, Banquerohan National High School all of Legazpi City; Polangui General Comprehensive High School, Polangui, Albay; Tabaco National High School, Tabaco City; Bicol Regional Science High School, Ligao City, Daraga National High School, Daraga, Albay.

Expected to grace the opening ceremonies of 2011 BRICE in the morning of October 18 are Albay Governor and Regional Development Council Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda and Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal with Engr. Edgar Garcia, director of DOST-API as guest of honor. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Skills Registry System launched in Camarines Norte's 3 towns

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, October 17 (PIA) -- The Skills Registry System (SRS) was launched in the towns of Daet, Labo and Talisay to implement the project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE V assistant regional director Irma Valiente said that one of their major program is the 'project jobs fit.' It is the DOLE 2020 vision of addressing the high unemployment rate and the job and skills mismatch.

She said the project will run from 2010 until 2020 to educate job seekers, employers, local government units, and barangay officials.

Valiente explained that project jobs fit also engages stakeholders in a labor market signalling activity and updates the labor market information in aid of effective employment facilitation.

She said that the key employment generators include: agri-business, cyber, hotel/restaurant/tourism, health and wellness, mining, construction, banking and finance, manufacturing, real state, transport/logistics and overseas employment.

She said that the three issues in jobs fair include lack of experienced and highly skilled workers, school curriculum is not responsive to industry needs, and poor dissemination of labor market information.

Valiente cited some of the recommendations of the jobs fit program. He suggested to refocus on agri-business and revise standards, intensify career guidance dissemination of labor under information of in- demand courses, improve language competency, establish / convene industry councils regular labor market signaling industry, build a national qualification system that is aligned with the international standars, make the best talents stay in the country, create employment for nurses to avoid oversupply and others.

Regional Focal Person Eric Fetalcorin, on the other hand, explained that SRS is a system of registration of the unemployed who are in need of a job. This aimed to strengthen the present list of skills of DOLE Phil.Job.Net and will served as guide on identifying job seekers in a certain place.

He said that to register in SRS, a job seeker must visit their barangay or PESO in their municipality to register and the record will be included in the Phil-JobNet System.

The said activity was attended by the Executive Assistant Jose Boma representing Governor Edgardo Tallado, local chief executives, councilors and barangay officials of the said three towns. (RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)

The malunggay story: How a teacher's love for science benefited society

LEGAZPI CITY, October 17 (PIA/DOST) -- As an educator, Ms. Tomasa Camu taught science and technology by having her students experience the scientific method.

She has demonstrated in the classroom, for example, that malunggay leaf can be analyzed for its nutritional properties, and can be transformed in powder form--while retaining its natural flavor, color and nutritive value.

An indigenous vegetable, called “kalunggay” in Bicol, it is usually found in backyard gardens.

As part of a research subject, Camu--a public school teacher at Tabaco National High School in Albay--and her students conducted experiments on malunggay. After analyzing the results, they found that the cheap vegetable can address malnutrition and other health concerns.

In 2008, Camu established Moringa Health Products and Pastries, which offered a variety of malunggay products ranging from powder, tea, capsule, polvoron, coffee and cream and nutrient enhancer.

In 2009, Ms. Camu availed assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) for product development.

The DOST-SET UP provided funding assistance for the project called “Scaling Up the Production, Packaging and Marketing of Malunggay Powder and By-Products.”

DOST V also provided equipment such as roasting machine, grinding machine, digital weighing scale and stainless working table, and appropriate packaging and labeling materials and nutrition facts analyses.

Now called a miracle vegetable, Malunggay (scientific name: Moringa oleifira) has countless benefits for both young and old.

Malunggay as food nutrient enhancer resulted in improved student wellness. This positive result came from a study of TNHS students with symptoms of iron deficiency anemia and Vitamin C deficiency.

Ms. Camu said that the first year of business operation was devoted to compliance/registration to DTI, BFAD and BIR. Intensive promotional activities were undertaken to introduce her products and be able to penetrate the market despite the presence of competing health product. She actively participated in Regional Trade Fairs/Exhibits and gained more popularity when featured in ABS-CBN’s Bandila and Umagang Kay Ganda.

More orders were realized, she said, as more people appreciated malunggay’s health benefits. In addition to local outlets and walk-in customers, she aims to increase her market share thru marketing network. For the moment, only buyers with friends and relatives abroad would place order as “pasalubong.”

This year, Ms. Camu’s “Commercial Production of Malungay Moringa Oleifira Powder and By-Products Using Scientific and Technical Advances” is Bicol’s entry to the Search for 2nd Filipinnovation Award for Start-Up Companies.

At the national level, the award will recognize five most promising and innovative companies operating for less than three years to be awarded on October 25, 2011.

“There is still a lot of hard work to do,” according to Ms. Camu.

But Ms Camu is used to hard work, and knows where to get her inspiration in times of difficulty. Afterall, she has promoted love for science, good health and nutrition and livelihood opportunities to improve quality of life of Bicolanos--especially the farmers who now receive a monthly income of P8,000. (MAL/POLucena/DAPeña, DOST V/PIA)