CSU engineering stude tops Bicol's PICE quiz

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Nov 12 (PIA) -- For being declared champion in the annual Regional Civil Engineering Students Quiz sponsored by Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Roilan C. Magdaraog, a BS in Civil Engineering student of CSU will represent the Bicol Region in the 31st National Civil Engineering Students Quiz at the Cebu International Convention Center, Mandaue City, Cebu this November 22.

Roilan gave Catanduanes State University its impressive fifth championship title as he trounced his rivals in the annual Regional Civil Engineering Students Quiz at Camarines Norte State College, Daet, on September 2, 2012.

The fifth year BS in Civil Engineering student earned 12 points to capture the first place, followed by the contestants from Camarines Norte State College, 2nd place and University of Saint Anthony, 3rd place.

The competition was composed of three rounds – easy, average, and difficult and covered four areas – Mathematics, Surveying and Transportation Engineering, Hydraulics and Geotechnical, Design and Construction.

The easy question must be answered in 1 minute and is equivalent to 1 point, while the average question in 3 minutes and is equivalent to 3 points, and the difficult question in 5 minutes which is equivalent to 5 points

Magdaraog was an underdog during the first two rounds of the quiz but not until the difficult round came in. In the final heat, he overtook his opponents to take top spot.

He was coached by Engr. Lowie Jay Tonio and Engr. Michael M. Traballo.

Earlier this September, Magdaraog also placed 3rd during the Luzonwide PaCEKatan 2012 Civil Engineering Quiz held in Pampanga.

CSU has been a PICE quiz Regional Champion for three consecutive years since 2010 and this latest feat is the school’s 5th since 2004. (EAB/GSR-CSC/PIA5)



Safadeco on the rise, an inspiration to ARBs

By Benilda A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Nov 12 (PIA) - Salvacion Farmers’ Development Cooperative (Safadeco), has proven anew its strength as a cooperative following the grand opening held just recently of their new and more spacious office located at Jamoralin St., Brgy. Polvorista in Sorsogon City.

The grand opening of Safadeco, now an affiliate of National Confederation of Cooperatives (Natcco), with its new program, the MiCoop., begins with a holy mass at the Fatima Parish presided by Rev. Fr. Cyben Laurence S. Vitug followed by a motorcade around the city of Sorsogon and the Ribbon Cutting.

Pioneer members of the cooperative witnessed this new milestone in the history of Safadeco. It can be noted that Safadeco started as a small group of farmers, majority are Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), who chipped-in a peso until such time they were able to put-up a sari-sari store and later on a Copra Trading.

Through the years, Safadeco has proven itself that they can surpass the wrong impression of people towards cooperative.Their humble beginning is truly an inspiration to ARBs.

“Your name defines you. Salvacion means savior. The reason why you are blessed is because you are helping your fellows to rise,” said Roseller R. Olayres, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II.

“You have started your organization correctly because you organized yourself not to get something from it but to contribute instead… to collect capital to make it grow,” said Evelia Bardos-Tizon, National Micoop Program Manager.

Guests from Department of Agrarian Reform-Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (DAR-BARBD), Natcco, Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee Sorsogon, and Local Government Unit (LGU) also attended the inauguration and grand opening expressing their support and approval.

Other Natcco affiliates and private persons have also extended their wishes and congratulations to the cooperative, particularly the Batong Paloway Producers Cooperative (Bapapco) of Catanduanes, the Baao Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Iriga City, the South Luzon Federation of Cooperative (SIDECO) of Sorsogon, and Atty. Maria Vivencia C. Layosa & Atty. Valentin Pura III, both coming from Sorsogon.

“May you continue this good start,” ARDO Miguel Gracilla remarked.

The event concluded with the ceremonial deposits and loan releases to qualified members.

Currently, Safadeco has already 96 new member-depositors, 32 of them are now availing their credit services while the Preliminary Membership Education Seminar (PMES) is conducted regularly at the Safadeco office every Saturday morning for those who are willing to be a member. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon/AJA, DAR)