CSC student wins AKB search for Outstanding Student of Bicol

VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 22, (PIA) -- Jonathan V. Tulod, a fifth year Civil Engineering student of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB) for School Year 2011-212 by Ako Bicol Partylist (AKB), Philippine Association of College Student Advisers (PACSA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V.

Tulod and nine other TOSB winners received a trophy and P20,000 cash prize each during the awarding ceremonies at the University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City on March 9, 2012.

Jonathan, who is the editor in chief of the The Statesman, the official tertiary student publication of CSC, is set to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree as Cum Laude. He is also the Campus Chapter President of Youth for Christ (YFC), the youth arm of Couples for Christ, a Catholic Charismatic lay movement officially recognized by the Vatican and spread to already 68 provinces in the Philippines and over 60 countries worldwide. He also serves as one of the legislators of the CSC Federated College Student Council.

In his acceptance speech, he shared what went through during the interview portion of the search. He told the audience he was caught off guard when asked what leadership principle he clings to.

“But then, I just answered what perhaps my heart tells me and what the Holy Spirit dictates me to declare. So I said, I do not have a memorized John Maxwell leadership dictum, but I have always believed that leadership is synonymous to discipleship; it is just like what Jesus Christ did—he came to serve and not to be served, and so he is considered the most influential leader of all time, and that is the best leadership principle I would always hold on to,” he said.

He likewise acknowledged his leadership as editor in chief of the CSC Statesman which instilled in him the sense of social responsibility and expressed his gratitude most especially to his parents, as well as to his mentors and his YFC family for their integral part in molding and honing his personality.

Prof. Ariel Buban, executive assistant of Ako Bicol Partylist said the search recognizes the priceless role of youth in nation building. He commended the awardees for being the epitome of excellence and pillars of quality education. He also encouraged the awardees to ‘walk the extra mile for the country’s future.’

In his keynote speech, Congressman Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol said the awardees represent the very best that Bicol can offer. He stressed that the selection underwent a stringent process: the TOSB must have grades that are at least in the level of a cum laude; that they must not only be academically superior but must have also holistic perspective, leadership skills and talent to share to their schools, community, and the Bicol Region.

He added that the essay competition was aimed to know the values and aspirations of the TOSB contenders and the interview portion was done to know more about their convictions and principles in life.

He exhorted the awardees to “work really hard, and do better than us” and congratulated their parents for raising them well. He finally challenged the TOSB to “continue the fire of excellence and idealism burning through the years.”

Over 40 students in the region joined the annual search. The 10 awardees were selected from the 20 finalists. Last year, CSC’s entry, John Elmar B. Templonuevo, BSED and editor in chief of CSC Statesman also won the search. Two other students from CSC who were among the 20 finalists (Carlito Gelito and Francis Timbal both from College of Education) were also given certificates and P2,000 incentive.

The other Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol winners, aside from Jonathan V. Tulod of CSC are: Marlon S. Pontilla of University of Saint Anthony, Bryan E. Novio – Ligao Community Colleges, Patrixia Shirley D. Santos - Bicol University, Renier L. Ramirez – University of Northeastern Philippines, Monique B.Sabio, La Consolacion College, Jemalyn N. San Jose – University of Nueva Caceres, Mary Grace L. Villar – Ateneo de Naga University, Jason L. Castillo – Computer Communication Development Institute, and Ma. Clarissa A. Bombase – University of Nueva Caceres. (MAL/EAB/GSRubio-PIA 5 Catanduanes)

Indigenous tribes attend training on women, children’s rights

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, March 22 (PIA) -- A two-day training on women’s and children’s rights was attended by the tribes of “Kabihug” or Indigenous People (IPs) of Capalonga and Labo towns here recently in connection with the Women’s Month Celebration this March.

The activity is also part of the Indigenous People Empowerment and Development Project (IP-EDP) of the Socio-Pastoral Action Center Foundation Inc. (SPACFI), also known as Caritas Daet, held at the St. Didachus Parish Hall of Barangay Bagong Silang in Labo town.

The IP-EDP aims to give assistance to the needs of the Kabihug tribes through the development of their knowledge and skills.

The assistance given by the Foundation includes projects focusing on the different services on social, education, and the development of their culture and tribe management.

Community Affairs Officer IV Purita Briñas of the provincial govdernment said that the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act 9710 is a comprehensive law that defines the rights of women particulary against their descrimination.

She said that the protection and implementation of women’s rights laws were sometimes denied by the government especially the justice system.

Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Officer Carlos Galvez discussed disaster preparedness and early warning system for different disasters and calamities that are very useful to the kabihug because they don’t stay in one place, they are itinerants - traveling from one barangay to the other.

On the other hand, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Cynthia de la Cruz discussed children’s rights during the said training.

This year’s national theme: “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.” (MAL/RBM-PIA 5 Camarines Norte)