Delfin Fresnosa Municipal Reading Recovery Program

We are needing volunteers for the Delfin Fresnosa Municipal Reading Recovery Program. If you volunteer, we are going to assign you as a reading partner to an incoming Grade 2 pupil in your barangay to improve his reading skills.

Tigkiw Bridge inauguration

I was in Tigkiw today for the inauguration of the Huripay Bridge, a project funded by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. Congressman Ramos also graced the event.

Pagburadol 2012 sa Breeding Farm, Buenavista

Burugkos, Inc in cooperation with Saranggola Blog Awards brings you PAGBURADOL 2012 – a kite-making and flying event on Easter Sunday, 8 April; 7-10AM at the Breeding Farm, Barangay Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon.

This family event which aims to promote local tourism and environmental awareness is a support to Gubat Bay Surfers’ Summer Camp 2012. For information on GBSi Summer Camp 2012, please click here.

Pre-register thru this post or thru Maria Glenda Domiquel Esperida/Jun Mar Buluran/Jhay-r Ermino in Gubat, Sorsogon or register at the venue on 8 April. Bring your kids and the whole family!

Hamus na!
8 April, Easter Sunday
7 – 10AM
Breeding Farm, Barangay Buenvista, Gubat, Sorsogon
Registration fee: Old sando bags, tingting, old/used sacks

All other materials for kite-making will be provided by the organizers at the venue.

This project is supported by the Office of the Second District Congressman of Sorsogon, Congressman Deogracias “Ding” Ramos, the Local Government of the Municipality of Gubat and Mayor Ronnel U. Lim.

Protocol for TB diagnosis at our health center

National TB Protocol being followed by our health center: Kung positive ang chest X-ray sa TB pero negative ang sputum test, kailangan kumpirmahin ng Provincial TB Diagnostic Committee ( pulmonologist, radiologist, the chief of technical services, prov'l TB program coordinator). Kung after two weeks wala pang rekomendasyon ang committee, ang ating Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Dr Anthony Lelis ang siyang magdedesisyon na.

Handog Barangay Project in Jupi

With Punong Barangay Paping Escasinas and Municipal Assessor Rene John Espineda, I have formally turned over this morning land titles to some 120 families in Barangay Jupi.

The agonies of a would-be writer

I was in Manila, attending the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Conference at SMX-MOA. On the way home one night, I dropped by Book Sale-Araneta and picked up Philip Roth's novella The Ghost Writer.

It is about a twenty-three year old Jewish writer by the name of Nathan Zuckerman, who had published four short stories, was favorably included in a list of notable young writers to watch in a national newspaper and is spending a weekend in a New England farmhouse of semi-recluse E.I Lonoff, his great literary idol. There at the farmhouse he met another literary groupie of Lonoff, a great beauty who is claiming she is the Anne Frank.

The young Zuckerman is being accused of betrayal by his family and local Jewish community because of a short story he intends to publish which incidentally showed a Jewish family squabbling about a family inheritance. His family and the Jewish elders think it would reinforce the negative stereotype of Jewish people as moneygrubbers. Upon meeting Anne Frank at Loboff's house, Zuckerman had this idea that if he could marry Anne Frank nobody would dare doubt his Jewish loyalty anymore.

It's a very funny quick read. I always enjoy reading about the lives of literary men, and this book reminds me of another fictionalized account of one other such man, Saul Bellow's Ravelstein (which I also heartily recommend).

Call for Volunteers for the Delfin Fresnosa Municipal Reading Recovery Program

The Municipality of Gubat *Sangguniang Kabataan Federation * Department of Education * Gubat PTA Federation

Call for Volunteers for the Delfin Fresnosa Municipal Reading Recovery Program


Reading skills are very important. Without a solid ability to read, children will be unable to make use of whatever improvements in our local school system.

This summer, the Municipality of Gubat, the Sangguniang Kabataan , the Department of Education and the Gubat PTA Federation are launching the Delfin Fresnosa Reading Recovery Program from third week of April to May, 2012. Selected incoming Grade 2 pupils will each be assigned a reading partner. The reading partner will visit the pupil at his own home three times a week ( 30 minutes - 1 hour per meeting) during the summer vacation.


We need volunteers

We are looking for volunteers who can serve as reading partners to children in their own barangays. The municipality will provide the training and instructional materials. To volunteer, please contact the Mayor's Office at (056) 311-7962, 0949-9483191 not later than April 8. You may also sign up with your barangay's SK chairman.


About Delfin Fresnosa

Perhaps the finest Gubatnon writer, Delfin Fresnosa was born on May 23, 1915 in Barangay Bulacao. He taught at the National Teachers College and the University of the East. He served as the editor of Boy's World, the official organ of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines .

Fresnosa was part of the group of thirteen writers who called themselves the Veronicans (after Veronica who mirrored the true face of Christ), which included Francisco Arcellana and NVM Gonzalez. Fresnosa's short stories regularly appear in anthologies of the best Philippine short stories. He died on December 19,1988.

Electrification of Bagong Silang in Barangay Rizal

We are almost done with the electrification of Sitio Bagong Silang in Barangay Rizal. The project was prioritized by the municipality as per the result/recommendation of the participatory budgeting project we had last year in partnership with the Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy.

The participatory budgeting project was basically like this: general assemblies in all the barangays elected their representatives who deliberated on what projects are needed in their barangays. The electrification of Barangay Bagong Silang in Rizal was one of those needs that came up during the participatory budgeting activities. A formal proposal was submitted to the municipality and the municipality, in coordination with SORECO 2, funded the project.

We are going to have participatory budgeting again in the municipality this year. We are going to roll out a much bigger and better version of what we experimented last year and we hope people from the barangays will participate again.

PHP 1 M water project for Barangay Tagaytay

Today, March 22, is World Water Day, and I am happy to announce that we have a PHP 1 M water project for Barangay Tagaytay to help solve their water problem and prevent diarrhea cases. Sana lang ay hindi matuyo ang ma-iidentify na water source sa barangay.

Early Childhood Care and Development Center to rise in Gubat

The municipality has received a 2.3 M grant from the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC) for the construction of a child development center to be hosted by the Aguinaldo Elementary School. The center will serve the children (0-5 yrs old) of Cota na Daco, Balud del Sur/Norte and other barangays, and should help train our day care workers in every barangay in properly aiding the learning process of small children.

Job Opening: Medical Waste Campaigner

Organizational Overview

Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia is committed to transforming the health care sector so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to the public's health and the environment. To that end, HCWH is working to implement ecologically sound and healthy alternatives to health care practices that pollute the environment and contribute to disease.

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of hospitals and health care systems, medical professionals, community groups, health-affected constituencies, labor unions, environmental and environmental health organizations and religious groups that advocates globally eliminating healthcare practices that harm people and the environment.


Position Overview

Health Care Without Harm is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to work as MEDICAL WASTE CAMPAIGNER to assist the organization to counter the threat from medical waste.

The Medical Waste Campaigner will work closely with the different programs of Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, and will have primary responsibility to develop and execute plans that will promote key areas of the program such as waste minimization, promotion of appropriate alternative technology and model hospitals.

Responsibilities:
• Ensure that key stakeholders such as national and local government agencies, as well as other government related agencies and health care facilities, are informed and involved on issues of the campaign.
• Develop and oversee the planning, development and implementation of campaign related policies and programs, more specifically on the issues of health care waste minimization, promotion of alternative appropriate technologies for hospital waste disinfection and the creation of model hospitals.
• Maintain effective relationships with partners in health care waste management.
• In coordination with the Communications and Press Campaigner; design strategic media plans targeting general media, social media and other publications that caters key stakeholders.
• Other duties that may be assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications:
• Commitment to the missions of Health Care Without Harm
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good management and leadership skills
• Flexible, adaptable and goal-oriented
• Must possess the ability to think strategically
• Strong organizational skills, has the ability to take initiative and manage campaigns
• Willingness to travel on a regular basis
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Degree in Engineering and Health Sciences preferred.

To Apply:
Please email your resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience will benefit the campaign to Merci Ferrer, Director, merci@no-harm.org, and cc Joyce Lanuza, Admin Officer, joyce@no-harm.org with the subject line “Medwaste Campaigner”. Deadline for submission of application is on April 9. Screening and interviews will begin immediately. No calls, please. Shortlisted applicants will be informed via email.

Health Care Without Harm is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Training Camp for Gubat Youth Peers

Over the weekend, we held a Training Camp for Gubat Youth Peers at Likas Ridge in Irosin in cooperation with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Topics discussed were conflict resolution and sexual health among young adults. Directory of the participants in the training can be found here.

Concreting of Paco road section

Concreting of road section going to Paco financed by the provincial development fund, as prioritized by Governor Lee. I took this picture on the way home from Barangay Patag, after a Baragat sa Barangay general assembly.

Free Japanese language course

The free Japanase language course to be facilitated by our Japanese volunteer Atsushi Nakanishi is set to begin on March 21 at the MTESD Training Center on Highway 59 (street adjacent to Gubat South Central School). For inquiries, see Ms Rowena Fajardo or Mr Atsushi Nakanishi at the Municipal Registrar's Office.

Repair of public market

Kasalukuyan naming ginagawa ang ilang mga daanan sa ating pampublikong palengke. Dahil po ito sa mga concerns lalo na galing sa mga senior citizen na natitisod o nadadapa dahil sa baku-bakong daan sa palengke.

Communicating for social change seminar-workshop

Join this four-day seminar workshop to provide opportunity for young leaders to find their voice, gain new skills as facilitators of change, and grow their capacity for citizen action towards a more just world. Only for twenty-six years olds and below though.

World Read Aloud Day

To celebrate the World Read Aloud Day, I spent the whole day telling the story of Si Langgam at si Tipaklong to Grade 1 and kindergarten pupils in six schools: Buenavista, Villareal, Rizal, Bagacay, Tiris and Cogon. Picture below is Grade 1 class in Tiris. Namaos ako, ang hirap din pala magkwento nang magkwento.

Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards 2012 (RSRYAA)

The City Government of Naga and Raul S. Roco Foundation, Inc. thru its Secretariat, the Raul S. Roco Library, are launching the 6th edition of the Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards 2012 (RSRYAA), to all the youth organzations in the Bicol region. To become a participant in RSRYAA, youth organizations are required to submit a proposed project (proposal) that will address/resolve community problems in their respective area which they are going to implement for six (6) months.

THE PRIZES

Five (5) projects will be chosen as finalists which were successfully implemented by the youth organizations and will receive:

A cash prize of P50,000.00 and a trophy designed by National Artist Salvador Bernal for the grand prize winner.

Trophy and a cash prize of Php 10,000.00 for the four finalists.

Deadline of proposal is MARCH 30, 2012.

For inquiries, please call the THE SECRETARIAT @ (054) 472-7095, CP 0917-512-2776 or email at library@naga.gov.ph

Job Opening: National Coordinator

The Ecological Waste Coalition of the Philippines, Inc. (or the Ecowaste Coalition) is seeking a highly motivated and committed team worker to be its NATIONAL COORDINATOR to assist the Coalition in attaining its overall purpose of pursuing ecological solutions towards a Zero Waste goal.

The National Coordinator will play a key role in the ongoing effort to strengthen and expand the Coalition’s membership and reach, and in implementing strategic programs and activities geared at understanding and realizing the Zero Waste goal.

As a convergence of diverse public interest groups working on waste, pollution and other environmental health issues, the National Coordinator is to perform - creatively and patiently – the essential tasks of involving, coordinating and mobilizing the membership in the pursuit of the Coalition’s objectives and priorities.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and Critical Skills
· Share EcoWaste’s vision and have track record in environmental advocacy
· Excellent leadership qualities and “people skills”
· Good oral and written communication/media skills
· Good mediation/conflict management skills
· Good management skills
· Computer literate
· Experience in preparing project proposals; preferably has been able to get some proposals approved
· Basic knowledge of financial management and financial report preparation

Physical Demands
· Work involves a lot of meetings and consultations, and some traveling to places at risk like dumpsites and pollution-impacted communities.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
· More than five years of experience in coalition and organizing work in the environmental and/or sustainable development field

· Knowledge of Zero Waste principles, issues and methods


WORK RESPONSIBILITIES
· Manage the Secretariat and oversee the planning, development and implementation of strategies, policies and programs.
· Facilitate provision of support services to the Steering Committee and Task Forces
· Ensure that the Steering Committee members, Coalition members, partners and volunteers are informed and involved on issues of concern
· Manage the public profile of the Coalition
· Take the lead in generating resources for the Coalition through fund raising and grant seeking activities
· Prepare consolidated reports of Coalition programs and activities

ACCOUNTABILITY
The Coordinator is accountable to the Steering Committee of the Coalition.

For interested applicants, please send your letter of intent and CV to info@ecowastecoalition.org before March 31, 2012. No calls, please. Writing samples will be requested from successful candidates later in the process. Screening and interviews will begin immediately in April 2012.

Call for volunteers: Delfin Fresnosa Municipal Reading Recovery Program

About the Project

Reading skills are very important. We are always seeking to improve our schools, but without a solid ability to read, children will be unable to make full use of any of those improvements. Reading is, in this sense, foundational.

This summer, the Municipality of Gubat, the Sangguniang Kabataan , the Department of Education and the Gubat PTA Federation are launching the Delfin Fresnosa Reading Recovery Program from third week of April to May, 2012. Incoming Grade 2 pupils who can make use of extra help in developing their reading skills will be identified throughout the municipality. Each pupil identified will be assigned a reading partner who will visit the pupil at his own home three times a week ( 30 minutes - 1 hour per meeting ) during the summer vacation.


We need volunteers

To provide each pupil with a reading partner, we are looking for volunteers who can spend at up to 3 hours of his time per week for the program. The municipality will provide the necessary training and instructional materials for the volunteers. With this program, we can help our pupils improve their reading skills and at the same time encourage volunteerism among our youth and people.

If you are interested to volunteer, please contact the Mayor's Office at (056) 311-7962, 0949-9483191, 0918-9850130 or email mayor.gubat@gmail.com not later than March 31. You may also contact your barangay's SK chairman to sign up.


About Delfin Fresnosa

Perhaps the finest writer Gubat has ever produced, Delfin Fresnosa was born on May 23, 1915 in Bulacao, Gubat. He was educated at the University of the Philippines and the Far Eastern University and taught at the National Teachers College and the University of the East. He served as the editor of Boy's World, the official organ of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines .

Fresnosa was part of the group of thirteen writers who called themselves the Veronicans (after Veronica who mirrored the true face of Christ), which included among others Francisco Arcellana and NVM Gonzalez. Fresnosa's short stories regularly appear in anthologies of the best Philippine short stories. He died on December 19,1988 and was buried at the Gubat Municipal Cemetery.

Vote for your preferred nominee to head the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)

As per Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, the senior citizens of Gubat have nominated their members to head the municipality's Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). The nominees, whose background and plans of action you can see below and who have all been recommended by the Sangguniang Bayan, are: Mr. Jaime Espineda of Barangay Tiris, Ms. Lilia Hernandez of Barangay Paradijon and Ms.Azucena Nerida of Barangay San Ignacio.

From these nominees, I, as the mayor, am required to choose the one to head our OSCA for three years. As the nominees are all equally competent and qualified in my opinion (and since I don't have personal acquaintance of their personalities because obviously the age gap is too big), I think it would be wise to resort to internet democracy: Let the people vote the nominee whom they think is the best choice.

I will be posting the pictures of the nominees in my Facebook account. The nominee who gets the most likes gets to head the OSCA. Please vote until midnight of March 4.



NOMINEE NO. 1
JAIME AQUINO ESPINEDA

Tiris, Gubat, Sorsogon
July 13, 1942 – 69 y/o


EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Mandaluyong Elementarey School, 1958
Alternative Learning System (ALS) High School Graduate 2010

WORK EXPERIENCE:
●MILUDECO – 1971-1980, PETROLA INTERNATIONAL KSA – 1982-1984, PROTECTORS SEC. INC. 1986-1996

PLAN OF ACTION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS:
●Protect the rights and benefits of the senior citizens.
●Create livelihood project.
●Earn extra income for their needs.
●Assist and help the Senior Citizens Federation for their programs and activities.




NOMINEE NO. 2
LILIA JOVEN FERNANDEZ

Paradijon, Gubat, Sorsogon
311-0331
SEPTEMBER 1, 1935 – 77 y/o


EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
1948 - GUBAT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GUBAT NORTH CENTRAL SCHOOL)
1949-1952 – GUBAT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
1967-1970 – A.B. POLITICAL SCIENCE
Manuel Luis Quezon University, Manila (MLQU, MANILA)
1970 – Methods of Teaching and Child Psychology
Manuel Luis Quezon University, Manila (MLQU – MANILA)
9971 – 1973 – Student – LAW PROPER
MANUEL LUIS QUEZON UNIVERSITY, MANILA


WORK EXPERIENCE:
●1957-1973 – Employed and Supervisor Newfounland Printers (Binondo, Manila)
●1977-1980 – Store-owner – Market site, Gubat, Sorsogon
●Lumber Dealer – Manook St., Gubat, Sorsogon
●Video Store – Vivo’s Residence, Manook St., Gubat, Sorsogon
●Store and Pocket Book (Villaroya’s) – Manook St., Gubat, Sorsogon

OTHER EXPERIENCE:
● Barangay Kagawad – Brgy. Paradijon, Gubat, Sorsogon
●Brgy. Secretary – Brgy. Paradijon, Gubat, Sorsogon
●Brgy. Associaton of Secretaries – President
●1998-2004 – Federation of Senior Citizens – Secretary – Under Mr. Holaso
●2004-2011 – Federation of Senior Citizens – Secretary - Under Atty. Mel D. Encinas
●2012 – Federation of Senior Citizens– President

PLAN OF ACTION:
●Explain the meaning of life for senior citizens
●Widen and differentiate being an OSCA member and the Federation and unite them to oneness for a purpose.
●Initiate programs toencourage the elderly that at age 60 still they are productive, capable, self-reliant and self-sufficient in their age.
●Adult education is also needed for the non-readers elders especially in remote Barangay.



NOMINEE No. 3:
AZUCENA ESPALLARDO NERIDA

San Ignacio, Gubat, Sorsogon
09284990533
December 14, 1941 - 70 y/o


EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
BS Industrial Engineering, Adamson University

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Lecturer at Sales, Department of Radio wealth
Applicant Interviewer of Department of Labor
Supervisor Agent of Insular Life-Cebu
7 years Treasurer of PTA Gubat Central Elementary School
7 years Treasurer of PTA Saint Anthony Academy
3 years Secretary – Treasurer of San Ignacio Senior Citizens
Presently Board Member of Senior Citizens Federation


PLAN OF ACTION:
●Disseminate information regarding rights and privileges of senior citizens of Gubat
●Organize senior citizens in barrios who had not been informed of their Privileges
●Do the best of my capacity
●Read and study the law regarding Senior Citizens.

Photo contest

You can join this photo contest on how we can adapt to climate change, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.

Call for Proposals: 2012 Climate Advocacy Small Grants Fund

Drawing Linkages between Population, Reproductive Health, Gender and Climate Change Adaptation

Population Action International (PAI), a Washington, D.C. based non-profit organization that advocates for women and families to have access to contraception in order to improve their health, reduce poverty and protect their environment, is soliciting proposals for our 2012 Climate Advocacy Small Grants Program: Drawing Linkages between Population, Reproductive Health, Gender and Climate Change Adaptation. Only organizations based in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, the Philippines, and Tanzania are eligible to apply.

Several grants of up to $20,000 USD will assist civil society organizations in identifying opportunities to promote the integration of reproductive health and gender considerations into national strategies and plans to address climate change. These one-year grants will support organizations in their efforts to document entry points for advocacy at the national and regional levels; strengthen cross-sectoral research, communication and collaboration; and build national-level support for the integration of reproductive health, gender, and climate change in national policies.

The deadline for proposals is no later than Monday, February 6, 2012 at 6 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). For further information and to receive application materials, please contact Roger- Mark De Souza atrmdesouza@popact. org

Sangguniang Kabataan Planning Session

I was with our Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen for a planning meeting over the weekend at LIKAS Ridge Hotel in Irosin. We have scheduled things to do for the next six months, the biggest being our Learning To Read Program for Grade 1 pupils this summer.

Free urological surgical operation

Para sa mga kalalakihan: Magkakaroon ng libreng operasyon sa provincial hospital kung kayo ay mayroong prostate enlargement, orchitis o filariasis (boyong). Pumunta kay Dr Lelis sa Municipal Health Center bago mag Feb 15, Lunes, Miyerkules o Huwebes ng hapon) para magpalista at checkup.

Who wants to start a local film club?

Earlier today, I picked up this book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die from Book Sale Gaisano in Legaspi and reminded me just how many great films I haven't seen yet, which in turn reminded me of another thing in my bucket list: organize a local film club which will hold weekly private film showing among friends. If you are also interested in starting a local film club, please contact me. We can arrange meetings at the municipal hall or maybe Mr Nace, the Bicol University administrator, might even allow us the use of the Monreal Ruins for the film meetings. We can start trimming down our list of must-see films using the book as a checklist. What do you say?

Medical mission for surgical operations

May medical mission para sa ilang surgical operations sa darating na Hunyo: hernia (luslos), gallstones (bato sa apdo), goiter, bukol sa matris, cyst . Pumunta agad kay Dr Carino sa Gubat District Hospital para magpalista. Sponsored by UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Medical Team, Ugay (Gubatnons of Australia), Rotary Australia World Services Community, GNHS Batch 1992.

The Charles Dickens Bicentennial

Come February 7, the world will be celebrating Charles Dickens's 200th birthday, and as you can see at Dickens2012 many activities have been lined up for the commemoration of this bicentenary. Over at Jessica Zafra's blog, she is attempting a collective effort at translating the novel Great Expectations (here's the free Gutenberg text of the novel) into Filipino.

Embarrassing to admit, but I have never read any Dickens myself. I figure this year would be a good year to remedy this, so I am starting with Great Expectations. I am also going to write the high school English teachers to ask if I could interest them to organize with the municipality a Charles Dickens film festival for their students.

Let the Bullets Fly

Let the Bullets Fly is a brilliant film. Ostensibly, the story is akin to what we would imagine the lives of Mao Zedong and his comrades were like back when they were rebel bandits dedicating their lives to redistributing wealth for the poor and freeing one town after another, but, take a closer look at the brilliant ending, and it could be a criticism of the Chinese people who do not rise up against the present-day Chinese government, with the town square in the film standing in for Tiananmen Square. The film is directed and starred in by Jiang Wen. Chow Yun Fat also stars in the film.

I strongly recommend this film. Where else can you see a film about corruption and political tyranny become a highest-grossing film?

Surfing in Gubat

The adventures of our local surfers, which remind me of one thing still in my bucket list: learn surfing.

Training for barangay health workers

Our selected barangay health workers ( with our municipal health officer Dr. Lelis) after their five-day health training held at the Municipal Conference Hall (MCH) last December 2011.

Call for Admission and Scholarship applications for Diploma in Multimedia Journalism

Quezon City, 2 December 2011. ACFJ now accepts applications for admission and scholarship for the Diploma in Multimedia Journalism. The deadline is Wednesday, 15 February 2012 for the 2012 offering which begins in May.

The Diploma in Multimedia Journalism (DMJ) is a one-year program seeking to provide Asian working journalists with a broad perspective and the practical skills to undertake cross-platform multimedia journalistic projects.

Admission is limited to 15 students. Scholarship grants are available to Asian journalists on a competitive basis.

The program comprises seven courses, including a capstone project, as follows:

Fundamentals of Multimedia Journalism: provides an overview of the theories and practices of multimedia journalism.

Newsgathering for Multimedia: seeks to develop and sharpen the students’ abilities to gather and report news for the multimedia format.

Mobile Journalism: Mobile Journalism trains students to employ a variety of tools and technologies to report news in a fully multimedia manner.

Convergence Theory: discusses changing journalistic practices including new techniques for visual framing and composition, audio production, and efficient content delivery.

Multi Platform Practice: seeks to further develop the students’ core skills in multimedia reporting such as blogging, social networking, digital audio and podcasting, as well as shooting and editing of digital photos and videos.

Interactive Media Literacy: allows students to learn and reflect on theories and practices in media literacy on an interactive platform.

Multimedia Journalism Project: is the capstone course that allows students to produce a major multimedia story under the guidance of an adviser.

The Diploma in Multimedia Journalism, a distance learning program via the Internet, has been specially designed to allow working journalists to study and work at the same time. The courses are conducted either entirely online or using a fusion of online and on-campus methods, i.e. hybrid courses

Application forms for admission and scholarships are available for download at http://acfj.ateneo.edu (under Resources) or upon request. Send email to: newsroom@admu.edu.ph

Finalists of the Dr. Juan Escandor Search for Best Human Rights Teaching in the Municipality of Gubat

Congratulations to the following finalists of the Dr. Juan Escandor Search for Best Human Rights Teaching in the Municipality of Gubat:

Ms. Peachie Aricheta - Bagacay Elementary School
Mr. Marlon Panuga - Gubat North Central School
Ms. Evelyn Farenas - Carriedo Elementary School
Mr. Joseph Escober - Patag Elementary School
Ms. Marlyn Gerona - Aguinaldo Elementary School
Ms. Amelia Deyto - Gubat North Central School

They submitted the best lesson plans integrating human rights concepts. Yesterday, they all had a demo teaching executing their lesson plans at Gubat South Central School.


The judges yesterday were Mr Florencio Bermundo, Prof. Mila Ragos, and Fr. Gerry del Prado. We will announce soon the the top three winners. The awarding will be on Dec 15, at the opening of the Christ the King Christmas celebration.

Gift-giving by the parish

The Parish of St Anthony de Padua will be giving gifts this Christmas to indigent families. If you want to help, you can send secondhand clothes, toys, food to the parish. For inquiries, you can call Ms Lulu at 311-1677 or Maam Del at 0933-3697406.

Job opening: Community Empowerment Program Coordinator

The Office for Community Development of Arellano University is in need of a Program Coordinator for its community Empowerment Program. Interested applicants may contact and submit application letter and resume to Ms. Andreline D. Ansula, OIC Director, of Office for Community Development, Rm. 2 Elementary Building, Arellano University, Legarda Campus or call Tel no. 7347371 loc. 238 c/o Lerma Lazarte or Lyndy Berdin or email to aucomdev02@yahoo.com.

job Description: Community Empowerment Program
1. Shall coordinate with partner communities regarding planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of AU activities in their area in coordination with different institutes.
2. Shall formulate systems to ensure Arellano's collaborated efforts are directly benefiting partner communities
3. Shall develop/write concept papers/project proposals to CEP.
4. Shall prepare modules and conduct community-based workshop and trainings in coordination with ComDev Coordinators of concerned institutes.
5. Shall facilitate/assist partner communities in the process of developing community projects.
6. Shall undertake collaboration and coordination work with partner community and develop/forge AU partnership with existing and target partner communities.
•Liaise with community representative and explore/plan projects with them.
•Assist in organizing and implementing activities of the communities.
•Coordinate Arellano efforts in communities.
1. Shall facilitate/coordinate training and ComDev activities with partner communities.
• Conduct field visits and integrate with the community
2. Shall submit documentation of activities and progress/accomplishment reports tot eh Director/supervisor.
3. Shall support and coordinate with other staff members for other projects of the office.
4. Shall perform other duties assigned by the office Supervisor and/or Director.

Get-together of Gubatnons in Manila

SARUNG BANGGI: An Acoustic Night! :)

When: Saturday, December 10, 2011
Time: 6PM - 1:30AM
Where: My Bro's Mustache, Sct. Tuazon cor. Sct. Madrinan, Timog, QC (Near Shell Station)

Ticket: PhP 150. For inquiries and reservation, please call/text: 09175574205/09228625919.

Proceeds of the concert will be used for environmental management workshop of Burugkos, Inc in coastal barangays in Gubat, Sorsogon; capacity building seminars, Career Orientation Program for high school students, Rizal Day Clean-up 2012 and other projects.

Division Math Competitions

I was at the Gubat North Central School (GNCS) to address the province's best math pupils for the Division Mathematics Competitions. In my address to the teachers and pupils, I remmebered three of my great Math teachers who can serve as exemplars to the teachers: 1) Ms Caridad Erestain, my grade three teacher, for her dedication, 2) Ms Carolina Escueta, my grade 5 and 6 math teacher, for her emphasis on rote learning, and 3) Ms. Monina Fajardo, my second year math teacher, for her emphasis on kindling the students' intellectual curiosity in solving math problems in everyday life.

Job opening: Program and field officers

Starting January next year until 2013, the Municipality of Gubat and the Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy (PCCED) are partnering for a special project entitled Promoting Democratic Values in the Barangays of Gubat, Sorsogon. The project, which will include all 42 barangays of the municipality, is intended to 1) improve community conflict resolution mechanisms in the barangays (Barangay Rule of Law Seminar)and 2) promote community participation for the diagnosis of problems and strategies faced by the barangays (Participatory Budgeting).

To undertake this project, the PCCED is hiring a program offocer and two field officers. To apply, please see the official job opening announcement.

They that have power to hurt, and will do none

To celebrate November's being the National Reading Month ( and because the Kabataan party-list is exhorting everyone to pose with his favorite book to revitalize reading as a social activity), I am posing below with one of my favorite books: Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom.

The book had a huge impact on me, perhaps because I read it when I was fairly young (fourth year high school). I think the books you read when you were young have a tendency of becoming the most influential on you. Long Walk to Freedom was the book that first gave me a glimpse of public life, how politics could consume the life of one man, and how involvement in politics could transform the lives of other people for the better.

Fifteen years after reading this book, what I remember now were the scenes of daily humiliation Mandela was subjected to: being stripped naked, being taunted by ignorant prison authorities who were his social inferiors, the humiliatingly meager food rations. And Mandela hated them all. I remember reading there was one remarkably painful time when he promised to himself that one prison guard would be "as poor as a church mouse after I'm through with him."

And yet when Mandela became president, when he now had the opportunity to exact vengeance on that guard, he did not. As I grew older and as I have come to observe the behavior of other people, I realize that a modicum of power and authority can greatly change a man's behavior and personality. There are also other people who have all the appearance of virtue simply because they were never in a position of power to be otherwise. In college, I came across a beautiful phrase from Shakespeare's Sonnet 94: They that have power to hurt, and will do none. Yes, Nelson Mandela was one of those rare men.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It taught me the virtue of patience and waiting, and the necessity of magnanimity in politics. I consider this book one of my reading life's treasures.

Training of day care workers

Earlier this morning, I was in Sto. Domingo, Albay, for the training/induction program of our Gubat Day Care Workers facilitated by the National Early Childhood Care and Development Council. This activity is in preparation for our building a childhood care and development center at the Aguinaldo Elementary School, which is intended to, among others, upgrade the skills of our day care workers. The municipality is partnering with the Council to improve early childhood education in the municipality.

Job opening: early childhood education teacher

The National Early Childhood Care and Development Coordinating Council is hiring a teacher to handle early childhood education in a center we will be building at the Aguinaldo Elem School. If you are an elem education grad, has been ranked by DepEd, bring you personal data sheet and come to the municipality 6 AM this Wednesday. There's a free jeep you can take going to Legaspi for the job interview.

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress

In celebration of November, which was declared by the Department of Education as the National Reading Month, we are going to screen the film Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress on Saturday, November 26, 7 PM, at the Encinas Pavilion.




Set during the Cultural Revolution in China, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is a coming-of-age story of two teenagers from bourgeois families who were sent by the Communist government to the countryside to be re-educated by the rural villagers. Staying in the mountain village, they fell in love with one girl and, along the way, discovered the illicit pleasure of reading Western literature forbidden by the government.

Balzac had me at its first scene where to escape the destruction of a prized violin and hide their attachment to Western bourgeois music, the two teenagers misrepresented Mozart's Divertimento, K 334 as being entitled Mozart Thinking of Chairman Mao. After which, the village chief, knowing no better, pompously proclaimed that indeed Mozart is always thinking of Chairman Mao. Hilariously funny.

This is one of my all-time favorite films.It has gorgeous landscape, a wonderful story, a political subplot and a heartbreaking ending. I think anybody who loves reading literature will fall in love with this film.

Clash of the Titans

When I was a Grade six pupil (or perhaps It was during the fifth grade, I don't exactly remember now), we had lessons about the different parts of the universe: the planets (named after the Roman Gods), the galaxies and, of course, the many constellations with strange names like Hercules, Pegasus, Andromeda and Perseus. It was also by this time that I came across Edith Hamiton's Mythology, although I do not remember how I got hold of that book. Books were so scarce then when I was growing up and no teacher encouraged reading, so I think it must be a copy a classmate must have lent me.

I remember I really loved that book. It had so many wonderful, magical stories about heroes conquering powerful enemies, gods scheming against each other and, of course, love unrequited. When I was a boy, I had a taste for fantasy stories. My favorite komiks were Kuwento and Pinoy Komiks, and every week starting from Grade 2, I would go to the Enaje komiks joint in Balud to read all the komiks there for only ten centavos each. Whenever I walked home from school, I would always pass by the big tree in front of the church and take a peek at the hole on its trunk. And I believed if I religiously look hard enough, a duwende might judge me worthy of friendship, and show himself to me and give me untold riches which I could bring to my parents (I guess I was materialistic as a kid, probably the reason why no duwende bothered with me).

Anyway, for a year or so sometime around grade six, I was mythology-crazy. One day, I would imagine myself Zeus hurling thunderbolts against my classmates. The next day, I would be daydreaming of travelling away riding Pegasus. Sometimes I would like to be just bad and conquer Olympus and take all the gods as my prisoners. It was also during this time that I, together with some friends, began hunting for betamax tapes on mythology. And it was at Chia's video store that I got The Clash of the Titans, about Perseus, his love Andromeda, the flying Pegasus and the deadly Medusa.

I will be watching The Clash of the Titans again at Encinas Pavilion, 7 PM, this Saturday November 19. It is a classic fantasy film I am sure every kid will enjoy, and yes, it is much, much better than its recent remake, which you probably might have seen recently on HBO. You can read more about the film here on Wikipedia.

Photo contest

DUN & BRADSTREET PHOTO CHALLENGE

Manila, 25 October 2011 – Dun & Bradstreet Philippines (D&B) is inviting all amateur and professional photographers residing in the Philippines to showcase their talent by submitting entries to the Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge. Entries may be entered under any of the following categories: Philippine Skyline, Famous Landmarks and Places in the Philippines, The Global Filipino Businessperson in Action, SMEs: The Backbone of the Philippine Economy, The Power of Information, BPOs as a major driving force in economy growth. Multiple entries per contestant are allowed.

Those interested to join may view the complete mechanics and submit their entries by visiting the Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge website at dnb.com.ph/photochallenge. The contest runs from October 20 to November 20, 2011. Contest winners will become proud new owners of Canon digital cameras.

Upcoming TESDA training at the municipality

Below are the upcoming trainings to be undertaken by the municipality. If you are interested or have some inquiries, please see PESO Manager Rowena Fajardo at Civil Registrar's Office (tel 311-1061)

TVET Schedule for the last quarter of CY 2011

1. Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II (SMAW)
2. Electrical Installation & Maintenance NC II (EIM)
3. Carpentry NC II

Community-Based Training for Enterprise Development (CBTED) & AHMP Program

1. Hydroponic Gardening
2. Gulayan sa Paaralan & Barangay
3. Pili Shellcraft & Fashion Accessories Production
4. Paper Recycling

Bagong gawang spillway sa Anibong, Barangay Bulacao

Ito ang bagong gawang spillway sa Anibong sa Barangay Bulacao na pinondohan ng PDAF ni Congressman Ramos. Maaari nang dumaan ang mga taga Barangay Sangat sa Barangay Bulacao kung patungo sa poblacion. Kung inyong matatandaan, ang bahaging ito ay wasak sa loob ng mahabang panahon.

Call for applications: American Studies Ph.D. program

The University of Heidelberg seeks applications for its Ph.D. program in American Studies at the Heidelberg Center for American Studies(HCA). This structured, three-year English-language program is open to German and international applicants who wish to earn a research-oriented academic degree. The program aids students in acquiring the skills to independently conduct major scholarly research in the fields of American history, politics, geography, literature, and cultural studies. It not only offers a modern multidisciplinary curriculum but is particularly committed to building a true community of scholars by fostering academic debate and continual exchange among its participants.

Unlike Ph.D. programs in the United States, this program does not include a preliminary phase ending with a preliminary or comprehensive exam. This means that no automatic master's degree will be awarded and that students will not have time to develop their dissertation topics while enrolled in the program. Instead, acceptance to the Heidelberg Ph.D. program in American Studies requires a well developed advanced concept of a research project.

To apply successfully, a candidate needs to fulfill not only the general entrance requirements but she or he also needs to write a meaningful proposal. The proposal should outline the guiding questions of the dissertation project while embedding them in current academic debates and show that the dissertation will make an original and
important contribution to a particular field of research. The proposal should also list the source materials that will be used and provide a realistic timetable for the completion of the project.

Applicants also need a letter of intent from a professor at the University of Heidelberg that she or he is willing to be their advisor for the envisaged project. Candidates need two letters of recommendation that not only assess the applicant?s academic qualifications but also evaluate the proposed dissertation project.

Once accepted, students are expected to take one class on method and theory, one class on academic writing as well as a presentation and media skills class. For the entire duration of their enrollment, students are expected to attend the Ph.D. colloquium. Regular progress reports and orientation talks with advisors are also an integral part of our Ph.D. program. There are no tuition fees.

Upon completing the program, the graduates are awarded either a Doktor der Philosophie (Dr. phil.) or a ?Doctor of Philosophy(Ph.D.) according to their choice.

The deadline for submitting applications for the next term (winter semester 2012, October) is February 15, 2012.

Marathon reading of the Noli Me Tangere

We are holding a marathon reading of the Noli Me Tangere on Dec 29-30 at the Monreal Ruins, BU Gubat. We are looking for volunteers who can read aloud two pages from the novel. Readers can either read their pages at the Monreal Ruins or, if you are abroad and can't attend the event, you can join us via online video call or by a pre-recorded video. Join us in celebrating the life of Jose Rizal and his great novel. Sign up here.

Save the date: December 10

Burugkos Inc is organizing an acoustic night at My Bro's Mustache on Scout Tuazon, Timog on the night of December 10. Proceeds from the event shall be used, I was told, to fund a waste management seminar for Barangay Rizal. If you are meeting your friends come Christmas season (or having a Christmas party), you can have your celebration during the acoustic night event. That way, you also get the chance to meet other Gubatnons in Manila.

Barangay Carriedo Bridge Project

Earlier this morning, I was in Carriedo for the formal turnover of this bridge project which will help control the flooding during heavy rains and make for a safer way going to Barangay Manapao. The project was funded by the PDAF of Congressman Ramos.

The Dr. Juan Escandor Search for Best Human Rights Teaching in the Municipality of Gubat

First Prize: Samsung N100-MA02 Netbook

Second Prize: Canon Powershot A800 Digital Camera

Third Prize: Nokia C3 Phone


Mechanics

1. The contest is open to all public elementary school teachers regularly employed by the DepEd in the Municipality of Gubat.

2. Entries should be lesson plans designed to be taught within 40 minutes and prepared for any grade level or subject area, except Makabayan and Edukasyon sa Pagpapahalaga. You may choose whatever specific human right you want to feature in your lesson plan. Please refer to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

3. The lesson plans will be judged by how well they are able to seamlessly integrate human rights concepts into regular lessons. Please make the lesson plan as detailed as possible (including descriptions of teaching materials you want to use in your execution of the plan).

4. The lesson plans are preferably to be submitted digitally by e-mail to both fauscon@yahoo.com and ronnel@gmail.com, but hard copies may also be submitted to the Mayor’s Office. Please include your name, name of school where you are regularly employed, and contact number.

5. The lesson plans will be collectively vetted by a committee. The committee will choose the best seven lesson plans among those submitted. The teachers who submitted the best lesson plans will each be observed to determine how well they execute their respective lesson plans. From the seven finalists, the top three to win the major prizes will be chosen.

6. A teacher is allowed to submit only one entry.

7. Deadline for the submission of entries is November 14, 2011. Teaching demo of the best seven lesson plans is to be scheduled on November 18, 2011. Awarding of prizes will immediately follow at the Monreal Ruins inside the BU Gubat Campus at 3 pm.

Human Rights Seminar-Workshop for Teachers

The weekend of October 22-23, we held a Human Rights and Peace Seminar Workshop for Teachers at the LIKAS Ridge Training Center in Irosin (very nice place, clean and comfortable dorm beds). The over-all goal is to inject human rights concepts into elementary school curriculum. We invited the teachers whose pupils' average marks in the fourth periodical exam last year were the highest in the municipality.

The project was conceptualized by the municipality and was financially supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Mr Florencio Bermundo, Values Education supervisor for the Division Office gave the welcome remarks. Director Ana Elzy Ofreneo of the Commission on Human Rights's Education and Research Office and Dr. Aurora Parong of Amnesty International Philippines gave lectures on human rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We were also generously granted a personal sharing and reflection by Mrs. Zenaida Enaje, former principal of Gubat National High School and sister of martial law martyr Dr. Juan Escandor. Later in the program, we were also joined by Karapatan-Bicol and Father Bong Imperial of the Our Lady of Penafrancia Seminary (OLPS) for a conversation on human rights concerns and issues in the Philippines today.

Nothing is better for us as citizens than to get a human rights education. The Philippine Constitution deems it very important that it tells us to have one. I myself have very fond memories of a human rights class I had under Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, now a member of the GRP peace panel talking with the NDF.

There are some people though who believe that a human rights education makes us selfish, but it was because people were not even aware of a self with inalienable rights the state cannot encroach upon that in times past whole populations were decimated. When we become better aware of our rights, we become better aware of our political obligations as citizens because whether we like it or not, yes paradoxically, it is the existence of the state, our sometimes very oppressor, that also guarantees the protection of our rights.

Tong Hua (Fairy Tale)

Check this great song by Malaysian Chinese Michael Wong. The song is six years old or so and was a huge hit across the Chinese-speaking world when it was released. I can't shake off this song for the last few days, makes me regret terribly the fact that I don't speak Mandarin.

Arthur Rimbaud's Illuminations

It was I think during my second year at the university that I saw this small film called Total Eclipse about the tumultuous relationship between the poets Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, two people gone drunk with poetry. The film was almost unremarkable except for the fact that it starred the young Leonardo DiCaprio who later on will become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.

A few months ago, there was this New Yorker piece on Rimbaud which again piqued my curiosity. Apparently, Rimbaud started writing poems at the age of sixteen, ran away from home, took the literary world in Paris by storm and then, after a violent fight with Verlaine wherein he shot the latter's ear, quit writing at around the age of twenty. The New Yorker piece points out that Rimbaud went back home home, later lived in Africa to become a merchant of, among others, coffee, and at the age of 37 died of cancer.

And so I took up my copy of Rimbaud's Illuminations I got many years ago from a bargain bin at Book Sale and finished reading it during one of the nights I was in Manila attending a conference. Was the book good? Ahhh, I think I missed the proper time of reading the book, and I regret it. I should not have tarried, should have read it when I was seventeen. Now, all the book's teenage angst and dreaminess is lost on me.

On hindsight though I now better understand one classmate I had in a class in Spanish, who was an aspiring poet then. He was probably under the spell of Arthur Rimbaud. But everybody grows up. Even Rimbaud did.

Job Opening

Senator Pangilinan tweets tha he needs a political communications person, preferably with TV news experience. Contact Renan Dalisay at 5526732.

International Criminal Justice Forum

Advancing Philippine Contributions
to International Criminal Justice

with a keynote address from

PROF. DR. MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO
Judicial Candidate to the International Criminal Court
Senator of the Republic of the Philippines

Discussants: Prof H. Harry L. Roque. Jr. of IILS
& the chair of the Commission on Human Rights chair,
Loretta Ann Pargas Rosales

9:30 am-12 noon, Friday, 21 October 2011
Malcolm Theater, Malcolm Hall, College of Law, UP


Sponsored by
The Institute of International Legal Studies
of the UP Law Center and the
Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court

Marathon reading of the Noli Me Tangere

Every December 30, local government units are enjoined to honor our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. This is why we see wreath laying ceremonies in front of Rizal monuments in every town (come to think of it,which town has no monument?).

2011 is the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of Rizal's birth, so I figure we must do something really special this year. And then I got to thinking: What could be more commemorative of the greatness of a man than to honor the work for which he was pilloried?

Rizal was meted the death penalty for writing two subversive novels, the Noli Me Tangere and the El Filibusterismo, two novels which, according to the noted scholar Benedict Anderson, made us imagine our country for the first time as a community, as one comprised of Filipinos, not merely indios who were subjects of a distant empire. It was in the Noli and the Fili that we first read about ourselves. Those two novels, according to Anderson, invented in our minds the concept of our nation.

And what greater way to honor a literary work than to read it? So on December 29, 7 AM, we are going to begin a marathon reading of the Noli Me Tangere. We are seeking volunteer readers who will each read aloud two pre-assigned pages from the Noli and, as much as possible, deliver his reading dressed as a character from the novel. Everyone will also be encouraged to bring food and beverage mentioned in the novel.

We want to make the event global (Rizal, after all, was hopelessly itinerant) and thus we welcome readers from abroad who can deliver their reading pre-recorded or live via Skype or Yahoo video chat.

Venue is tentatively set at the Monreal Ruins (inside Bicol University Gubat) on Rizal Street.

If you want to join, send me a quick message at ronnelATgmailDOTcom or message me through facebook. I will email you your assigned pages. We plan to serve tinola and tsokolate of uniform viscosity for everyone, no ah no eh.

Call for Proposals: IPC Merit Research Awards. Deadline on Nov. 21

The Institute of Philippine Culture, School of Social Science welcomes proposals for the IPC Merit Research Awards. With funds provided by the Ford Foundation, the awards seek to advance research in the social sciences. Proponents are asked to present a written proposal with clearly stated research objectives, the proposed study's theoretical significance, and the research methods required.


Priority Research Areas

The program puts priority on five substantive thematic clusters:

1. Social justice, poverty, and well-being;

2. Civil society, social change, cultural- and spiritual- based values;

3. Asset building and social capital formation in community-based health, education, shelter, and natural resource management;

4. Cultures of work, conflict, and peace; and

5. The impact of globalization on people's everyday lives.



Within these thematic clusters, specific substantive areas would include:

a. Religious change and transformation;
b. Families, childhood, youth, and aging;
c. Culture, political leadership, and state power;
d. Critical analysis of citizenship and civil society;
e. Forms of governance;
f. Corporations and private authority;
g. Social dynamics of agriculture and the environment;
h. Articulations of the global-local nexus; and
i. The coexistence of "modernity" and "tradition".


Proposal guidelines

Research proposals should not exceed 2,500 words. The proposed project must be completed within 12 months. The maximum research award is P500,000.00.

The IPC Merit Research Awards are granted on a competitive basis.

The deadline for submission of research proposals this year is November 21, 2011.

To download the MRA Guidelines and Application form please visit the IPC website:

http://www.ipc-ateneo.org/node/19

For inquiries and more information, please e-mail Dr. Ma. Elizabeth J.

Macapagal, IPC Associate Director for Research (mmacapagal@ateneo.edu).

Job opening: Pol Sci Teacher

The Department of Political Science is now accepting applications for full-time teaching positions for academic year, 2012-2013. Applicants for full-time positions should have a master's degree in political science or a related field (e.g. public administration, international studies/relations), preferably with teaching experience and Ph.D. units. Interested applicants may contact Prof. Ruth Lusterio-Rico, Chair of the Department of Political Science, through polisci@up.edu.ph or upolisci@yahoo.com.

Anne Curtis and Nora Aunor smoking

First of all, let me say that Anne Curtis looks wonderful on this month's Rogue cover and Yes Magazine probably caught the real Nora Aunor on its cover photo, as editor Joanne Maglipon emphasized in an interview. But I think it was wrong to show them with cigarettes on magazine covers everybody, including children with impressionable minds, could see in the newsstands. Because this is one major path how people end up with a smoking habit: When they were young they saw adults smoking and as teenagers, in a hurry to grow up, they copy the vestiges of adulthood, the most visible of which is smoking. And when they grow older and begin to know better, they are already hooked with a habit and could not get out of smoking, even if their lives depended on it.

The magazine covers peddle the idea that smoking is sophistication. This is so trite and 1970's where the easiest thing for a stylist to do to make a woman appear sophisticated and modern is to let her light up. The magazine covers may or may not have violated the law, but celebrities should be more responsible with the images they project on children. We could pull down perfectly healthy bodies (albeit in underpants) in Guadalupe, surely we could all do better than pose with life-destroying accessories on magazine covers.

By the way, if you feel offended by Rogue, you can switch to reading Esquire Philippines (Lovi Poe can be found at the link), which had its debut issue this month with Manny Pacquiao on the cover.

Sinakiki at the Kasanggayahan

The Municipality of Gubat participated in the cultural parade marking the official opening of Sorsogon's Kasanggayahan Festival. Elementary school teachers, Sangguniang Kabataan officials and other friends volunteered to showcase the Sinakiki, which I was told was Gubat's unique way of dancing the pantomina. Mr Albert Estrellado of Gubat North Central School trained the dancers; Ms Rebecca Ermino, Tourism officer-designate of the municipal government, coordinated the effort.


Governor Raul Lee officially opened the Kasanggayahan celebrations at the Balogo auditorium, with Senator Francis Escudero as special guest.

Schedule of 4P's payout

After a long wait, finally, the 4P's conditional cash transfer benificiaries in the Municipality are going to receive their first payout. Here is the schedule of the distribution, which will start as early as 6:30 AM:

Sept 29 (Andaya Gym)

Morning: Ariman, Balud del Sur, Pinontingan, Paradijon, Luna Candol, Manook, Cota na Daco, Villareal

Afternoon: Panganiban, Buenavista, Balud del Norte, Carriedo, Beriran, Benguet


Sept 30 (Andaya Gym)

Morning: Nato, Patag, Tigkiw, Togawe, Union, Nazareno, Sta. Ana, San Ignacio

Afternoon: Sangat, Dita, Lapinig, Tagaytay, Cogon, Paco, Cabiguhan, Jupi


October 3 (Encinas Pavilion)

Morning: Rizal, Bentuco, Tiris, Bagacay, Manapao, Naagtan

Afternoon: Tabi, Ogao, Cabigaan, Bulacao, Payawin, Casili

JOB VACANCY: PROGRAM OFFICER

The Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau (WLB) is a feminist legal nongovernment organization composed of women’s rights activists and advocates. They are professionals in the various disciplines of the law and social science, social work and community development addressing women’s issues and concerns. Specifically, its mission is primarily to actively engage in advocacy together with other women’s groups to transform the law and the legal system, and engage its institutions,towards the empowerment of women,especially in the grassroots. This is being pursued in furtherance of the right of women to self-determination and the advancement of their dignity, rights and leadership, in concert with national and global movements for alternative development.


The WLB is in need of a full-time program officer who possesses the following qualities:

Female
Has a keen interest and prior involvement in developmental work, social change and
women’s rights advocacies
Has good research skills
Has good communication (oral and in writing) skills in Filipino and English
Must have good interpersonal skills, is responsible, and takes intiative
Is self motivated and can work well individually as well as with a team


We hope that the candidate will be able to start work as soon as possible. Interested applicants must submit their resumé and sample written work to the:

WOMEN’S LEGAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS BUREAU, INC (WLB)
Rm. 305 CSWCD Building, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Email: wlb@smartbro.net and womenslegalbureau@yahoo.com
If you have questions, feel free to call us at 921-4389.

Funding opportunity for human rights projects

Karapatan sa Malikhaing Paraan (KaSaMa) is inviting eligible Civil Society Organizations to submit innovative Philippine human rights project proposals for grants/funding by international partners.

KaSaMa is a funding initiative by international partners to support innovative human rights projects, which would respond to a wide range of human rights issues and themes such as civil, politicial, economic, social, and cultural rights. KaSaMa is being implemented by a consortium secretariat composed of the Ateneo Human Rights Center, Ateneo School of Government, and the Caucus of Development NGO Networks. And it is being organized in partnership with the following international partners: the Australian Embassy, British Embassy Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, New Zealand Embassy, and the Spanish Embassy, through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation. Also supporting KaSaMa is the Commission on Human Rights,

Proposals must be implementable within a year, beginning in 2012.

Proposals may be submitted through email, fax, or regular mail (courier), and should be received by the secretariat on or before the 28th of October 2011.

For more information on the complete guidelines and to download the applications forms, please visit the KaSaMa website by clicking on this link http://www.kasama.ph.

For submissions and inquiries please email info@kasama.ph or you may contact:

Phillip Don G. Recentes
Telephone/Fax Number: (02) 920-2920 or 426-6001 local 4644
Mail/Post to: Ateneo School of Government, Pacifico Ortiz Hall, Social Development Complex, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City

You may also contact the following numbers for specific concerns:
KaSaMa Proposal Guidelines at 920-2595 (Please look for Eric Javier)
KaSaMa Roadshow and Events at 899-7691 local 2123 (Please look for Anna Carillo)

Tatine G. Faylona
Senior Political and Cultural Affairs Officer
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
26th Flooor, Equitable Bank Tower
8751 Paseo de Roxas
Makati City, Philippines
Phone +63 2 786 6666
Fax +63 2 786 6600
Email MAN-PCZ@minbuza.nl

Banning or regulation of plastic bags

The Sangguniang Bayan is currently deliberating on a draft bill regarding the regulation or banning of plastic bags in the Municipality of Gubat. The objective of the bill is to minimize the waste we are currently generating especially  since we are beginning to see plastic waste floating in bodies of water in the municipality. Please sread the draft legislation here. We very much welcome feedback from you guys. If you have comments or concerns, message me through Facebook or email our environment officer Ms Lea Santos at leasantos510ATgmailDOTcom. You can also write your favorite Sangguniang Bayan member for your concerns. I’m sure they will welcome your letter.

Fare hike for tricycles

After extensive consultations with various sectors and the different barangays, the Sangguniang Bayan has promulgated a fare increase for tricycles plying routes in Gubat. On Thursday this week, we will be meeting with the various tricycle operators to determine the final mechanics of the implementation and iron out possible kinks in the implementation (like what to do with tricycle operators who do no want to avail of the fare increase). You can find the new tricycle fares here in Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-004.

Human Rights Training

Southeast Asian Human Rights Studies Network (SEAHRN)

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Training on Academic Research
In Human Rights and Peace and Conflict
Organized by the Southeast Asian Human Rights Studies Network (SEAHRN)
In collaboration with
Centre for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Gadjah Mada University
Centre for Human Rights Studies, Islamic University of Indonesia

Dates: 24-28 October 2011
Venue: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The Southeast Asian Human Rights Studies Network (SEAHRN) announces the call for applications to the Training on Academic Research in Human Rights and Peace and Conflict. The training is organized to enhance knowledge and deepen understanding of researching human rights, peace and conflict issues in Southeast Asian countries through collaborative research.

The training intends to bring together thirty (30) emerging researchers (academic and NGO based) and/or graduate students who are currently conducting research on human rights in Southeast Asia. Participants must be attached to an institution working on human rights in a research capacity, or be a graduate student researching human rights. Full and partial scholarships are available for SEA nationals based in SEA. Applicants are invited to submit an application including a research proposal on issues concerning:

Challenges to human rights and peace in Southeast Asia

Rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups

Gender, sexuality and women’s rights

ASEAN and human rights

Development, environment and non-state actors

Human rights and democracy

Migrants, refugees and stateless persons

Other issues of high relevant to human rights in SEA

Workshop participants will gain an understanding of how to develop and design research projects specifically for human rights and peace and conflict issues. These include data collection on, researching on sensitive issues, research and advocacy, and human rights and peace and conflict theory in research. Through an intensive training with experts from the region the participants will develop their capacity to undertake accurate and effective research which contributes to the realization of rights in South East Asia.

Interested applicants are encouraged to fill in the application form available at www.seahrn.org. Applications should be sent to seahrn@gmail.com by 23 September 2011. Participants will be notified by 7 October 2011.

New ID Cards for barangay officials

Our barangay officials in the Municipality of Gubat now have ATM-type identification cards issued to them (shown right), a huge improvement from the past's laminated ID cards (shown left). The new cards also cost the barangays less than the old ones. Jalaw Figueras designed the new card.

Webprowl

Philhealth has has released the specific amounts or case rate packages available to members for certain surgical procedures and ailments such as dengue, hypertension and pneumonia. If you are a college student in Manila , you can join the 22nd National Statistics Month essay Writing Contest; guidelines can be found here. The Mayo Clinic gives these tips on how to prevent dengue. And no, fumigation does not effectively work against dengue, as pointed out by the Department of Health and as Prof Michael Tan relate in his Inquirer column a year ago. Also, don't miss reading this great New Yorker piece on the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, which reminded me of just how much I enjoyed reading Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down.

Various announcements

VSO is looking for volunteers, 18-25 years old, who can render service in Bohol for three months and Bardford City, United Kingdom also for three months. See their page here for more information. Application forms are available at the Mayor's Office. JICA is sponsoring a training programme for young leaders. To apply, see here. The activities for the celebration of the Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 in Sorsogon have been announced and can be found here. Burugkos, Inc's will hold a Career Orientation Program for high school students in Gubat on Saturday (20 Aug) at Gubat National High School. Registration starts at 8:00 AM. It's free and open to all third year and fourth year high school students.

Blogging by Android

I have recently got an Android smartphone (my first smartphone) and I am amazed at how it keeps you connected instantly all the timw. You can twit, check on facebook, text, skype call, you name it. And apparently, you can also post blog entries through an app called Blogger-droid, which I am testing now to see if it adequately works. If it does, I hope the convenience of blogging from my phone will lure me back to the blogosphere.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

BU Gubat Scholarship Qualifiers

A week ago, the municipality's scholarship committee conducted examinations among those accepted enrollees of the Gubat Campus of the Bicol University to determine who can qualify for the thirty scholarship grants to be made by the municipality. The selection of the scholarship grantees is based on their combined municipal exam and BU entrance exam scores. The top thirty in the combined scores automatically qualify for the scholarship grant of the municipality, subject to the condition that they are able to meet the other requirements as to family income, average grade of 85% in high school, etc.

Pending their submission of the requirements to the Office of the Mayor, the students in the list here are our first batch of scholarship grantees. If you see your name on the list, please coordinate with Mr. Agerico Barcebal or Ms. Grace Escurel for the submission of the requirements.

TO know the requirements, and to read the other details about this scholarship project of the municipality, please read the complete implementing guidelines.

Job opening: Planning Coordinator

Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator
Municipality of Gubat
Gubat, Sorsogon


Qualifications:

Holder of a college degree preferably in urban planning, development studies, economics, public administration, or any related course from a recognized college or university
First grade civil service eligible or its equivalent
Three (3) years experience in development planning or in any related field
Resident of the Municipality of Gubat


Responsibilities:

Formulate integrated economic, social, physical, and other development plans and policies for consideration of the local development council.
Conduct continuing studies, researchers, and training programs necessary to evolve plans and programs for implementation.
Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the different function groups or agencies.
Monitor and evaluate the implementation of different development programs, projects and activities in the municipality in accordance with the approved development plans.
Prepare comprehensive plans and other development planning documents for consideration of the local development council.
Analyze the income and expenditure patterns and formulate and recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration of the finance committee.
Promote people participation in development planning within the local government unit.
Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the local development council.


For interested applicants:

Letters of application and resumes with the following attachments shall be accepted until February 18, 2011:

-photocopy of credentials
-photocopy of certificate of civil service eligibility
-photocopy of certification signed by the Head of the Personnel as to the experience required by the position

Please submit your application and the required documents personally to Ms. Aida Mendivil. You can also send your application by email to ronnel@gmail.com and/or Aidamendivil@yahoo.com.

2. Qualified applicants shall be informed prior to the examination. Written examination for the qualified applicants shall be on February 21, 2011, 1:30 PM.

3. Panel interview is on February 23, 2011, 1:30 PM. Successful applicant shall begin work in March.