Facoma celebrates 55 years “T
Serving the farmers then, the community now
he track record of Sindangan Facoma shows that it has proved itself to be worthy of the confidence the pioneering founding fathers of our cooperative had endowed in it, and we can take justifiable pride in its achievements.” Thus said Aurelia P. Villegas, general manager of the Sindangan Farmers Cooperative Mar ketin g Association – Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SFCMPC), during the 55th founding anniversary, Aug. 30. Earlier that day, SFCMPC inaugurated its new electric corn mill at its warehouse compound in Sitio Balik-balik. During the program, the board of directors presented a certificate of appreciation to Amor P. Espinas, the lone surviving founding member. In his acceptance speech, Espinas recalled that 201 founding members invested P10 when they organized the Sindangan Facoma on June 10, 1956. Sindangan Facoma initially offered its loan services exclusively to farmers in the form of production and commodity loans. In 1991, Sin dan gan Facoma amended its name to Sindangan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. to comply with the law affecting cooperatives. Five years later, SFMPCI offered the rediscounting program that granted loans to teachers and salaried employees, and the savings mobilization operations for time deposits. To complement these services, the cooperative amended its registered name to Sindangan
Farmers and Teachers MultiPurpose Cooperati ve, Inc. (SFTMPCI). It also opened its membership to teachers and salaried employees. The amendments were approved on June 10, 1998. In May 2004, SFTMPCI offered to rescue the Sindangan Cooperative Credit Union, Inc. and the Sindangan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which were on the verge of collapse and bankruptcy. The merger was approved on Sept. 28, 2006, with SFTMPCI as the surviving entity. The following year, SFTMPCI erected an P8-million two-story building for its retail
Section B
June–October 2011
Community Editor: Vanmark B. Gonzaga Writers: William Andrew G. Bulaqueña ▪ Janine Claire T. Jalosjos ▪ Reymund Danielle U. Jugalbot ▪ Gilbert B. Lamayo ▪ Sidney Rico T. Rebollido ▪ Kimberly Paul C. Solito
07/21/2011 Differently Abled. A number of people with disabilities (back row) attend the celebration held at the Sindangan Municipal Hall rooftop.
Promoting the rights of PWDs
DSWD marks Disability Week
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he Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development initiated the observance of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week with activities for the differently abled, July 17–23. Inauguration. Mayor Nilo Sy; Armonio P. Paa, director of Cooperative Development Authority R-IX; and Engr. Dennis Santander, MASS-SPEC CEO, cut the ribbon during the inauguration of the new corn mill.
CM volunteers visit Tigbao
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round 20 high school and college volunteers from the Campus Ministry visited Brgy. Tigbao during their first outreach program for this school year, June 2. They distributed snacks, toys, and school supplies to preschool children. The goods were donated by the students before the end of last school year. According to Carol C. Salimbagat, CM coordinator, the day care teachers were grateful since the pencils and pad papers would be needed for the opening of classes. The outreach program was organized in coordination with the high school and college student councils. The CM has already lined up activities for the school year. The volunteers held their community building and facilitating seminars and inter-school leadership training during the first three months. Aside from the regular mass every Wednesday and the first Friday of the month, the CM
business and social hall. The inauguration coincided with the cooperative’s 52nd anniversary in 2008. To underscore its cooperative identity, SFTMPCI restored its original founding name. On May 17, 2011, the cooperative was then renamed to Sindangan Facoma–Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and its area of operation was expanded to include Zamboanga Peninsula. SF-CMPC has 4,202 active members, a total acquired asset of P113.1 million with a net income of P4.1 million, and a capital buildup of P18.8 million. (Gilbert B. Lamayo)
The Staff
also organizes the recollections for students enrolled in the different religious study courses and retreat for the senior students. The CM, together with the Society of Mary, spearheaded the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on Sept. 8. The CM also organized the opening and culmination of the Month of Rosary in October. For the second half of the school year, CM will sponsor the Mass for the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. The CM will conduct the retreat for senior high school students in December. In January 2012, the CM will organize the retreat for college students. The Basic Ecclesiastical community seminar for RS 6 students will be on Feb. 12 (Reymund D. U. Jugalbot)
Outreach program. Carol Salimbagat, Campus Ministry coordinator, distributes school supplies and foodstuff to the pre-school children at Tigbao Barangay Hall.
Fire razes seven shops
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even business establishments were burned down when a fire hit the Phase 6 of the Sindangan Public Market Building, July 22. Estimated damage to property was around P3 million. Arson was ruled out by the Bureau of Fire Protection. According to the BFP, Liza Naong–Isic, an employee at Donex Foodhouse, was preparing food at around 4 a.m. when she saw that the restaurant was already on fire. Isic, the only reported victim, suffered burns on her face and left arm. Aside from the eatery, the fire also gutted a PCSO lotto outlet, two optical clinics, a storehouse, a pawnshop, and a hardware shop. Four units of the NegoKart, a livelihood program of the Department of Labor and Employment, were also burned as these units were kept by the recipients near the eatery at nighttime, according to Leonor Aguilar, manager of the Public Employment Service Office. The local branch of Philippine National Bank was spared from the blaze due to its firewall. According to a bank employee, they were offline for a few days due to burnt cable wires. It was also learned that only R. Sia Enterprises was covered by insurance. Some of the affected establishments have recently re-opened in other locations. (Vanmark B. Gonzaga)
During the week-long celebration, the OMSWD headed by Yolanda B. Saile installed streamers with the theme “Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities” in conspicuous places in the town. A free medical consultation for people with disability (PWD) was held at the municipal outdoor stage while the dental mission was conducted at Sindangan District Hospital. Jose M. Maraguinot, a visually impaired Sindanganon who now works as a manpower development officer at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Zamboanga City, was the guest speaker during the program and forum on July 21. Maraguinot, the elected president of Sindangan Associa-
tion of PWD, stressed the need to promote the rights of the differently abled citizens and their participation in mainstream society. In the Provincial Forum of Persons with Disabilities 2011 held in Dipolog City on July 22, Elsie Balawing, a visually impaired pupil at Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School, defeated the other contestants with her singing rendition during the Talentadong Zanortehanong PWD contest. By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 361, series of 2002, as amended by Administrative Order No. 35, every third week of July is declared as the NDPR Week to encourage the participation of PWDs in the political and public life. (Sidney Rico T. Rebollido)
Senior citizens observe Elderly Filipino Week
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embers of the Sindangan Senior Citizen Association (SSCA) celebrated the annual Elderly Filipino Week, Oct. 1–7. Around 50 senior citizens joined the parade around the town center at 7:30 a.m. Some members followed on board pedicabs. They then proceeded to Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School covered court where the program was held. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Nakatatanda… Kaagapay sa Pagkakaisa at Kapayapaan.” Gideon Vidal, the president of the federation of senior citizen associations, welcomed the participants. Mayor Nilo Sy gave the inspirational message on the vital
role of elderly persons in the collective effort to build a better, stronger, and peaceful Philippines. Lt. Col. Taharudin Piang Ampatuan, commanding officer of the 10th IB–IIDPA, was the guest speaker. Ampatuan highlighted the need to raise public awareness on issues concerning the welfare of the older persons sector as well as their contributions in nation building. Sr. Jo Dagondong, representing the religious sector; and Teodoro Hinampas, a retired agriculturist, also gave brief messages. (W. A. G. Bulaqueña)
We accept write-ups on the activities of student and socio-civic organizations for our March 2012 issue. You may submit your articles to SJCSI Student Publications Office. Tel: 212-2204▪Fax:224-2710▪ E-mail: el.obrero@ovi.com
S B2 College News
The Staff │June–October 2011
SJCSI (2008–2011) SJCSI Enrolment Enrolment, 2008–2011 1434
819
2008–2009
2009–2010
2010–2011
2011–2012
Enrolment up by 26.7%
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total of 1,434 students were enrolled at Saint Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc. during the first semester of academic year 2011–2012. Data from the Registrar’s Office revealed an additional of 302 students as compared with the enrolment of the first semester last academic year. According to Juditha J. Bacusmo, MPA, registrar, the enrolment this academic year increased by 26.7 percent. The College of Business Administration registered 816 students for its basic two-year curriculum and specialized third and fourth years. Junior and senior students major either human resource and development management or marketing management. The College of Arts and Sciences–Education enrolled 354 students in its three course offerings.
The bachelor of arts program, major in either English or general science, had 13 students only. Forty-four students took up the bachelor of secondary education curriculum. For the bachelor of elementary education, a total of 297 students were enrolled. The College of Accounting Technology–Information Technology registered 264 students. In the newly offered accounting technology program, 54 students comprised the pioneering batch. For its information technology program, which started last school year, a total of 210 students were enrolled. (Shenna May B. Lapuz)
Winners. The College of Arts and Sciences–Education contestants receive their certificates and medals as winners of the Tagisan ng Talino.
SJCSI holds Buwan ng Wika
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fficers of the Supreme Student Council initiated activities for the Buwan ng Wika celebration at the Saint Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc. gym, Aug. 31. The SSC, headed by Michael E. Tan, president, organized contests related to the theme “Ang Filipino ay Wikang Panlahat, Ilaw at Lakas sa Tuwid na Landas.” In the talumpati contest, Mary Nol Guimarie, a business administration student, got the first place; Precious Mae L. Gone, education student, second place; and Sheryl Caber, accounting technology, third place. For the Tagisan ng Talino, the team of the College of Arts and Sciences–Education composed of Cheeza V. Silvano, Sheena Marie S. Calvo, Randel
Faculty undergo multi-intel training
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1132 697
Differentiated instruction for different learners
Lapadan, Julius R. Bulac, and Marvie Lou D. Cariño won the first place. The team of the College of A c c o u n t i n g T e c h n o l o g y– Information Technology composed of Vanmark B. Gonzaga, Alger Germata, Kevin Tejas, Ritchie Luab, and Sheryl Caber landed second. Third placer was the College of Business Administration team composed of Francisco Figuracion Jr., Irene Porticillos, Jean Filoteo, Frelane Pugoy, and Dante Amento. (Vanmark B. Gonzaga)
igh school teachers and college instructors participated in the seminar–workshop on differentiated instruction at the audio-visual room, July 1 and 5.
Dr. Rosalinda Baloria, vice -president for academic affairs of Saint Vincent’s College, discussed differentiated teaching and assessments based on the multiple intelligences theory by Howard Gardner. The faculty worked on the learning style inventory, multiple intelligences survey, and Stenberg processing preferences. On the second day, Maria Rizalie Enoy, a science teacher, demonstrated on the process of observation. Participants were the 15 pre-selected freshmen who completed their group writing tasks and presented their output. Br. Rufinus Palen, FP, a religious studies teacher, presented an integrated lesson on the 10 Commandments. Elmira L. Colicol, an English instructor, presented a lesson on idiomatic expressions to 15 pre -selected college students. They worked in groups and displayed their posters with the literal interpretation of the idioms for the other groups to figure out the idiomatic expressions. Elizabeth A. Soledad, a mathematics teacher and guidance
counselor, gave a lesson plan on the cause-effect relationship. Rhiza Mae Casalen, a Filipino teacher, incorporated a Hiligaynon epic with a contemporary song for her lesson plan. Jessril Ruales, a socio– anthro instructor, discussed on the different social groups. Emerald A. Soledad from the business marketing depart-
Cooperative learning. The group led by Marthy G. Rago prepares their poster on the idiomatic expression “iron fist.”
ROTC officers graduate
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aint Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc. (Provisional) Reserved Officers Training Corps unit under the 902nd (ZN) CDC, 9th Regional Community Defense Group Army Reserve Command held its joint closing ceremony and acceptance of basic and advance officers at the SJCSI gym, Sept. 4. Dr. Noel R. Galeza, dean of College of Arts and Sciences– Education, gave the inspirational message. Samson M. Saile, NSTP coordinator, was the keynote speaker. The SJCSI ROTC Advance Officers are headed by Battalion Commander Cadette Lt. Col. Marvie Y. Entrina. The SJCSI (Provisional) ROTC Unit Training Staff is headed by Capt. Oliver A. Romero (INF) Philippine Army, commandant; and Sgt. Florencio G. Sacdalon Jr. (INF) PA, chief clerk. Also in attendance were Jessril D. Ruales and Edralin M. Deleña, advisers of the National Service Training Program–Civil
Welfare Service Unit (NSTP– CWS). The induction, donning of rank insignias, and oath taking ceremony of the basic and advance Cadet officers, and sergeant major of the SJCSI (Provisional) ROTC Unit was held on Oct. 1. The event was organized for the conferment of the basic and advance officers’ designated ranks. Municipal Mayor Nilo Florentino Z. Sy graced the affair and was the guest speaker. Dean Galeza gave an inspirational message. In attendance were NSTP Coordinator Saile, Capt. Romero, and the training staff of the SJCSI Provisional ROTC Unit. (Julius R. Bulac)
The Staff ▪ News Bureau Endera S. Porsuelo Director Writers/Correspondents: Julius R. Bulac • William Andrew G. Bulaqueña • Sheena Marie S. Calvo • Kindness W. Dagondong • Vanmark B. Gonzaga • Janine Claire T. Jalosjos • Shenna May B. Lapuz • Maureen P. Romeo • Kimberly Paul C. Solito Photojournalists: Gilbert B. Lamayo • Mary Astrid P. Taco
ment explained a lesson with various activities on advertising. Ranie Jamila, a MAPEH teacher, provided a lesson plan on the benefits of physical fitness on health and well-being. Maria Fatima M. Calizar, computer laboratory in-charge, discussed the development of computing devices. (Endera S. Porsuelo )
Graduation. The cadet officers listen to the keynote speaker while waiting for the confirmation of graduates and distribution of certificates.
Staff scribes join training
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eventeen writers of The Staff participated in the seminar–workshop on campus journalism of the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club, July 23–24. The two-day training held at Sindangan National Agricultural School was composed of a lecture–workshop series on the different aspects of campus journalism given by the members of the press club. The topics included media law and ethics; news, editorial, feature, and sports writing; copyreading and headline writing, editorial cartooning, photojournalism, and radio broadcasting. The 206 participants came from Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School, Mandih Central School, SJCSI, SNAS, and the national high schools of Sindangan, Siare, Siayan, Maras, Natividad, Gunyan, and Sibuco. Ten student journalists of El Obrero and Ang Manggagawa won in the different individual writing categories and in the group radio broadcasting contest. The journalistic writing seminar is a regular activity of the club to help budding campus journalists hone their writing skills. According to Rosemarie Patangan–Miranda, president of the ZNPC, the club has been doing their outreach program for more than two decades already; and a number of successful professionals are grateful of the training for inspiring them to read and cultivate their passion for writing. The training was endorsed by the Department of Education and the United States of America Embassy in Manila, which provided the trophies and prizes. (Endera S. Porsuelo )
June–October 2011
│The Staff
College News B3
New7Wonders of Nature
Palawan River makes it to top 7
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he Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has made it to the provisional New7Wonders of Nature as of Nov. 11, 2011.
According to the organizers, the voting calculation is now being checked, validated, and independently verified. The confirmed winners will be announced starting early 2012 during the Official Inauguration ceremonies. The provisional list includes the Amazon Rainforest (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecua-
dor, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Iguazu Falls (Argentina and Brazil), Jeju Island ( S o u t h K or e a ) , K o m o d o (Indonesia), and the Table Mountain (South Africa). The St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park is located 50 km north of Puerto Princesa City.
Underground River. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by old trees growing right to the water's edge.
PSITS holds induction
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he Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS) held the induction of its officers during the acquaintance party, July 9. Robinson D. Berhay Jr., MBA, dean of the College of Accounting Technology, swore into office the new set of officers. The elected officers for academic year 2011–2012 are as follows: Reynier Bagasina, president; Alger Germata, internal vice -president; Lesley Carvajal, external vice-president; Wilcres Dagot, secretary; Maureen Vidal, treasurer; Carlito Olis, auditor; Crisel Bacara and Sheryl Caber, business managers; and Tom Kevin Gimolatan, public information officer. In his inspirational talk, Berhay compared the life of students before and in the present. He also encouraged the students to be active in their respective classes. The bachelor of science in information technology program was opened in the first semester of academic year 2010–2011. The pioneering batch enrolled 150 students. In the second semester, the total number of students dropped to 131. At present, only 89 are enrolled as second year students. The freshmen batch registered 121 students. The BSIT program is designed to train students to be able to apply information technology and its principles It focuses on communication and technology, system analysis and design, and computer programming. (Vanmark B. Gonzaga)
The park has a karst landscape, an irregular limestone region of sinkholes, underground river, and caverns. The river includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The main feature of the park is the 8.2-km-long navigable underground Cabayugan River that winds through a cave before flowing directly into the disputed “West Philippine Sea.” The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels dwell at the beach near the cave. Over 10 million salanganes (cave swallows) and bats live in the cave. They contribute to the exceptional biodiversity within the river. The park was inscribed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site on Dec. 4, 1999. New7Wonders clarified that “it is possible that there will be changes between the above provisional winners and the eventual finally confirmed winners.” (William A. G. Bulaqueña)
SSC celebrates Nutri Month
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Literary-Musical Night Results Contests/Colleges
AS–Ed
AT–IT
BA
1x2 2x2 2
2x2 3x2 3
2x2 1x2 1
1 2 1
2 3 3
3 1 2
Dance Dancesport Ethnic Group Impersonation Hip–Hop
1x2 2x2 1x2 3x2
3x2 3x2 3x2 2x2
2x2 1x2 2x2 1x2
Ranking
2nd
3rd
1st
Musical Acoustics Duet Vocal Solo Literary Oration Storytelling Balak
CBA wins lit–mus fest
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he College of Business Administration outdid rivals during the show of talents in acoustics and vocals, literary arts, and speaking and dancing skills, Sept. 7. Based on the ranking system, the CBA garnered 24 points, beating the College of Arts and Sciences–Education by 2 points. In the musical categories, Meralyn Amamangpang and Abdullah Laguindab won in the duet singing contest while Maria Eden Nova Arias of CBA bested in the vocal solo. The CAS–Ed won first in the acoustics contest. In the literary events, Marc Joseph Dalaguit and Apollo Domen, CAS–Ed, were first in the oration and balak contests, respectively.
Germila U. Amit of the CBA outshone the other contestants in the storytelling contest. In the dance categories, the pair of Michael E. Tan and Janeth Chico from the CAS–Ed excelled in dancesport. The group impersonation entry of Nikki Beligulo by the CAS–Ed also won the first place. CBA’s entry in the ethnic dance was declared winner in that event. The College of Accounting Technology–Information Technology was third in the ranking. (Endera S. Porsuelo )
he Supreme Student Council organized activities for the annual Nutrition Month celebration in July.
A parade around the town center kicked off the celebration on July 29. All students were required to join and to bring at least one fruit or vegetable. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Isulong ang Breastfeeding: Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo” in order to promote exclusive breastfeeding to infants from 0 to 6 months old and to continue up to 2 years and beyond. Each college erected their respective booth where students sold fruits, vegetables, and foodstuff in their stalls. In the slogan-making contests, Vanmark B. Gonzaga, College of Accounting Technology– Information Technology, won first place. Marfe Pepito and Marvie Lou Cariño, both from the College of Arts and Sciences– Education, were the second and third placers. In the poster-making contest, Kimberly Juni, Repel Busca, and Chariena Absin from the Col-
lege of Business Administration got the first place; Sheena Pearl Buza, Jenny Asentista, and Cyrill May Perez, also business administration students, got the second place; and Mary Astrid Taco and Joselito Talledo, CAS–Ed students, finished third. In Nutri Quiz, the CBA won. CAS–Ed and CAT–IT were the second and third placers, respectively. In the MasterChef competition, the cook from the CBA got the first place while the cooks of CAT–IT and CAS–Ed landed in second and third places. The SSC, through the leadership of Michael E. Tan, also organized various parlor games. A contest on the biggest and longest vegetables was held. During the closing program, the newly formed dance troupe made their debut and entertained the audience with their dances during the intermission. (Vanmark B. Gonzaga and Maureen P. Romeo)
Best booth. The fruit and vegetable booth of the College of Business Administration was adjudged the best out of the three entries.
Symposium. Engr. Leonor A. Labadan interacts with Lt. Col. Taharudin Piang Ampatuan during the Bayanihan forum.
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Bayanihan forum held
he 10th Infantry Battalion conducted a symposium on Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), Saint Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc. gym, Aug. 12. Lt. Col. Taharudin Piang Ampatuan, commanding officer of the 10th IB, discussed the purpose of the new internal peace and security plan of the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP). Plan Bayanihan is composed of the purpose, strategic environment, national guidance, national defense strategy, strategic assumptions, AFP mission, and AFP strategy for internal peace and security. The IPSP emphasizes that the primary focus of the AFP in the conduct of its operations is “winning the peace and not just defeating the enemy.” In order to win the peace, the AFP IPSP shall be anchored on two strategic approaches: the whole of nation and the peoplecentered security/human security. IPSP highlights the importance of increased involvement of stakeholders, the national and local government agencies, nongovernment entities and the entire citizenry in addressing peace and
security concerns. It gives equal emphasis to combat and non-combat dimensions of military operations. IPSP departs from the old parameters and explores noncombat parameters of success in addressing the country’s peace and security problem. Under the said plan, the AFP’s desired end state is the “reduced capabilities of internal armed threats to a level that they can no longer threaten the stability of the state and that civil authorities can ensure the safety and well -being of the Filipino people.” Ampatuan added that the activity also addressed the strategy on human security matters that ensures the protection of human rights of citizen. After the discussion, an open forum followed. The students asked questions and clarifications about the points taken up during the symposium. (Vanmark B. Gonzaga)
S B4 Community
The Staff │June–October 2011 Maumag in our midst
Tarsiers discovered in Sindangan hinterlands
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hat we thought all along that tarsiers (Tarsius syrichta) are endemic to the island of Bohol was proven wrong when these tiny primates were discovered by a villager in the forests of Brgy. Caluan, 10 km away from the Sindangan town center, last April. With their enormous eyes, soft velvety fur, and long fingers, the tarsiers were found clinging to twigs. Curious and amazed by the unusual creatures, which he saw for the first time, the villager captured one of them and then later sold it for P200. Ronie Anseling, barangay captain of Caluan, accepted the man’s offer with the motive of releasing the animal afterwards. But Anseling brought the tarsier to the Municipal Planning and Development Office instead to report this wildlife’s existence in his village. “Sightings of the tarsier were also reported in Brgy. Bato, but no official report has reached our office yet,” according to Maybelle Isagan–Cabañog, MPDO head. The tarsier, with its Gremlin-like appearance, caused commotion among the town hall employees who saw it for the first time, too.
Nobody ever thought that such creature existed in Sindangan or outside Bohol Island. However, the tarsier died a few days later after its captivity. It has been documented by tarsier conservation organizations that the animal, traumatized with loud noises while in captivity, would commit suicide by constantly hitting its soft head unless it is released to the natural environment. The tarsier is among the smallest primates in the world that it can sit in your palm. It measures only about 85 to 160 mm in height and weighs between 80 and 160 g. The male tarsier is usually heavier than the female. It is a member of the 45million-year-old family of Tarsiidae. They are endemic to a few islands in Southeast Asia; and in the Philippines, not only in Bohol but also in Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
Philippine tarsier sightings were also reported in the islands of Maripipi, Siargao, Basilan, and Dinagat. The ones found in Saranggani may be of a different sub-species. Called maumag in Cebuano, the tarsier was only introduced to Western biologists in the 18th century. The Philippine tarsier is a shy nocturnal animal that should not be disturbed during the day. It sleeps in the dark hollows close to the ground. It becomes active at night to hunt insects for food. Due to its territorial nature, a single tarsier needs at least a hectare of space. The species is listed as endangered even though there are no adequate data to make an assessment of its risks of extinction based on population. Tarsiers can live up to 24 years in the wild, but as short as 12 years in captivity. (Janine Claire T. Jalosjos)
Excerpts from Mayor Nilo Florentino Z. Sy’s State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) delivered at St. Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc. Gym, June 17, 2011.
Inherited problems
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o coincide with the National Correctional Consciousness Week celebration, the Campus Ministry (CM) volunteers from Saint Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc. conducted its annual Abot Alay sa Bilanggo, Oct. 30. The CM includes the jail visit in its line-up of outreach programs in order to involve the faculty and student leaders in the resocialization and reintegration of the prisoners into society as productive and law-abiding citizens. Former President Fidel V. Ramos issued Proclamation No. 551 on March 15, 1995, declaring every last week of October and every year thereafter as the “National Correctional Consciousness Week.” The CM will hold the annual Handog Pamasko and teachers’ retreat set before the Christmas break. In 2012, CM will conduct the retreat for college students (Kimberly Paul C. Solito)
Handout. Volunteers from the Campus Ministry distribute bath soap, detergent, and coffee sachets to the inmates at Sindangan District Jail.
Map of the Municipality of Sindangan and its barangays. Inset: The tarsier that was brought by the barangay captain to the town hall.
State of the Municipality Address
CM volunteers visit district jail Eight college students and seven faculty members headed by Carol C. Salimbagat, CM coordinator, handed out bath soap, coffee sachets, detergent, and snacks to the inmates at the Sindangan District Jail in Brgy. Bitoon. The goods were donated by the students. The Bureau of Jail Management–Penology encourages public support in observance of the correctional consciousness week every last week of October. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Pagbabagong Buhay Abot-Kamay, Tuwid na Landas Ating Gabay,” which advocates prison conditions and respect for prisoners’ human rights and rehabilitation.
Uncollected daily garbage; hauling trucks and heavy equipment in a state of disrepair; undisciplined personnel; unmaintained streets and roads; P75-million loan for public market and transport terminal construction; unstaffed public high schools; unfinished road constructions; high crime rate, drug abuse, and addiction; environmental degradation, and the list goes on. During the first year of this administration, they had accomplished the following to address the Sindanganons’ concerns:
Education
DOST installs AWS at SPDS
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he Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently installed an automated weather station at Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School. The AWS is a stand-alone device that measures weatherrelated factors such as wind speed and direction, rain fall, pressure, air temperature, and humidity. It transmits data remotely on real-time basis through text messaging. All weather data from the remote stations are collected on a central database server and further analyzed. Designed to be rugged and standalone, the AWS can be deployed even in the harshest remote areas and can operate continuously as it gets power from the sun. The AWS has a critical role in hazard mitigation in the country, particularly during typhoons and floods, to help save lives and property. This weather tracking device was designed and developed by DOST–Advanced Science and Technology Institute. It is managed by the DOST and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. (News Bureau)
Employment of 16 teachers for the high schools in barangays Siare, Maras, Dumalogdog, Lapero, and Siacin–Camp Ferrer as part of the “No Child Left Behind” vision of the administration.
Potable water supply
Appointment of three members to the board of directors of the Sindangan Water District to safeguard the P25-million loan intended for the equipment and system upgrading in order to provide potable water to the constituents.
Health Allocation of P350,000 to fabricate concrete water-sealed toilet bowls to be distributed to barangays Mawal, Dagohoy, and Upper Nipaan; immunization of 15,954 children from the 52 barangays; hiring of 12 nurses to vaccinate the children from 9 months to 8 years old; distribution of 6,135 pieces of treated bed nets courtesy of the Global Fund Malaria Project to malaria-prone barangays of Titik, Bucana, Bato, Tinaplan, and Dagohoy; establishment of a birthing facility, a P1.5-million grant from the European Union, to serve pregnant women from 11 northern barangays; conduct of competitive bidding for medicines by the bid and awards committee.
Agriculture Purchase of high value vegetable seeds distributed to farmers in barangays Labakid, Dicoyong, Sto. Niño, Dumalogdog, Fatima, and Nato; establishment of a nursery for 18,000 rubber seedlings to be distributed to the barangays; training for the sadyap and kaping bamboo craft workers in barangays Bitoon, Misoc, and Pangalalan; opening of a 15-hectare plantation for coconut and banana intercropping in Brgy. Imelda.
Youth Opening of clinics for lawn tennis, volleyball, basketball, boxing, and other sports during summer; providing social welfare to children in conflict with the laws.
Human resources Installation of biometric time-telling attendance machine to monitor attendance of civil servants; conduct of a seminar on anti-red tape to promptly serve the public during transactions with the government; opening of a one-stop shop for license processing; distribution of the 10 DOLE Nego-Karts to peddlers for their livelihood.
Governance Passing of 545 resolutions, six municipal ordinances, six appropriation ordinances; and two legislative ordinances prohibiting minors from playing computer games at Internet cafés during class days, and establishing a system of garbage collection.