Lycean Post Vol. 2, No. 1 (2012) by Marvin

STRAIGHT

KABALIKAT Awards recognizes Tanauan City

OPINION

FEATURE How much do we know about the “Batangas knife,” balisong?

Vol. 2, No. 1

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As we have our government now, people’s decisions regarding some things especially the issues our country is facing are being affected, making them confused of what to believe in.

ENVIRONMENT

THE RH BILL DISCUSSION

SPORTS

Charcoal briquetteasan alternativeto LPG

Tanauan Baseball Team represents PH internationally

say

Truth and Fortitude, for God and Country

June-October 2012

A laboratory community paper in Print Production

Tanauan City’s “MgaLingkodBayani” goes on campus tour KATRINA AMOR MANALO

he Serbisyo Publiko… Alamin Mo program of the City Government of Tanauan held a campus tour in Tanauan City’s National High School last September 13, 2012. Now on its third year, the said program is a dissemination drive in a form of a seminar or informative talks aiming to educate fourth year high school students about the frontline services provided by the different offices of the city government. The speakers of the event are the representatives from different departments of the city government, who are referred as “mga lingkod bayani.” According to Joeven Holgado, the civil servants of the Tanauan

City Government continues to conduct civil service seminars as a part of the city government’s participation in celebrating the month of September as the civil service month. “The seminar conducted through the Serbisyo Publiko… Alamin Mo program gave us information about which specific department of the city government can assist us for our concerns. (Ang seminar na hatid ng Serbisyo Publiko… Alamin Mo program ay nagbigay impormasyon sa amin kung aling departmento ng city government ang makakatulong sa amin sa aming mga tanong o pangangailangan.),” said Ann Margaret Felipe. continued on page 2...

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DENR, Taal officials dismantle floating restaurant MARVIN MALACAMAN

he Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with Task Force Taal Lake, dismantle the restaurant built by a Korean businessman on the lakebed of Taal Lake last July 9, 2012. The action was headed by DENR-CALABARZON Executive Director Reynulfo Juan, who also sits as chairman of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL). TVPL Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Laudemir Salac is responsible for issuing a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against Taal Volcano Jung Ang Leisure Resort, Inc. (TVJALRI), together with representatives from Talisay Local Government and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Region 4A. The dismantling of the

restaurant came after the company TVJALRI violated Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. The restaurant failed to submit appropriate permits for the construction and operation of the restaurant during a conference called by the DENR last June 27.

The NIPAS Act

According to the Philippine Sustainable Development Network (psdn.org.ph), Republic Act No. 7586, cited as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 secures “the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas w i th i n th e cl a s s i fi cat io n o f continued on page 2...

c i t s a l p 2 NEWS

Batangas City quests for Most Liveable Community ROXANNE RIVERA

atangas City Mayor Vilma Dimacuha formally launched the Search for the Most Liveable Community in Batangas City last September 8. The competition was inspired by the city’s recognition as the Most Liveable Community in the world which was given in Korea last year. The competition aims to maintain the city’s clean and eco-friendly environment while eyeing on the most

notable barangay. A total of 105 barangays in Batangas City participated in said competition.

“Amonthlyranking ofthebarangayswillbe postedinVariableMessage SignagesoVMS,inthecity’s newspaperpublicationsas wellasinthecommunity programssuchasBCTV Channel37andDWAW.” --RonnaEndaya,PIO BatangasCity

The participating barangays were divided into 10 clusters which consist of poblacionhighly commercial, poblacionresidential, sub-urban-1, suburban2, lowland 1, lowland 2, lowland 3, coastal, upland and island. As a kick-off ceremony for the competition, a simultaneous noise barrage from the different barangays was conducted which indicated the start of a citywide clean up and was participated by the city officials and barangay heads.

Criteria for judging the participating barangays are as follows: Best Environment Practices and Innovation (Segregation at Source; Waste Management, Materials Recovery Facility, Innovative Projects, etc.); Arts, Culture and Heritage; Strategic Planning; Healthy Lifestyle; Enhancement of Built-in and Natural Landscape and Community Mobilization. City administrator Philip Baroja, discussed the mechanics of the said contest in a meeting with the cluster leaders last September 6. “A monthly ranking of the barangays will be posted in Variable Message Signages o VMS, in the city’s newspaper publications as well as in the community programs such as BCT V Channel 37 and DWAW,” said Ronna Endaya, PIO Batangas City. The Search for Most Liveable Community will run for only six (6) months. The barangay which will reign in the contest will be awarded on March 2013.

Legarda distributes relief goods in Sta. Rosa

JAYSON SUBA

ive hundred f a m i l i e s i n Barangay Aplaya, Sta. Rosa received relief goods from Senator Loren Legarda last August 30. The activity was called “Lingkod Loren.” The 500 recipients came from the six areas of Brgy. Aplaya which were given stubs by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) prior to the said relief operation. “It’s a big help for us because until now the flood is still on the hip level,” (Mabuti at malaking tulong nga ito sa mga binaha dahil hanggang ngayon ay abot bay wang pa r in ang tu big continued on page 2...

The Lycean Post 2

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

NEWS

Task Force Clean and Green strengthens anti-plastic campaign ROXANNE RIVERA

OCULAR INSPECTION | Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio Ignacio (right) surveys the restaurant built by a Korean businessman on the lake bed of Taal Lake as workers set out to dismantle the concrete structure.

DENR, Taal officials... ...national parks as provided for in the Constitution” for the present and future generations. It establishes a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) which will designate, whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, protected areas, areas that “shall encompass outstanding remarkable areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, biogeographic zones and related ecosystems.” Enlisting categories of protected areas are as follows: (1) Strict nature reserve; (2) Natural park; (3) Natural monument; (4) Wildlife sanctuary; (5) Protected landscapes and seascapes; (6)

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Resource reserve; (7) Natural biotic areas; and, (8) Other categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which the Philippine Government is a signatory.

Grounds to Dismantling

According to the complaint filed, the Jung Ang floating restaurant, which is registered on the names of Korean nationals Kim Young Ok and Kris Byun, is illegal – the restaurant puts up permanent establishments along the shores of Taal Lake which do not have mandatory permits from TVPL and the Local Government of Talisay. The restaurant, after conducting ocular inspection, has been found with a concrete structure that is situated on a

reclaimed land that goes beyond the lake’s borderline. Task Force Taal Lake also confiscated fish ponds and concrete bridges where they cultivate invasive fish species like Japanese Koi, Flowerhorn and Janitor fish that may contribute to the destruction of the ecosystem of the Taal Lake.

Preserving the Pristine Lake

“The dismantling of the restaurant and all other illegal structures in the lake is also in keeping with the lake’s management plan crafted by local government units and other stakeholders to preserve not only the ecosystem therein but also its important biodiversity, notably the tawilis and maliputo

which are endemic to the lake,” said Victor Reyes, Chairman of the Task Force Taal Lake. He also said that the dismantling of illegal structures in Taal Lake has been a continuing activity of the DENR since June 12, 2008, in coordination with the Task Force Taal Lake created by the provincial government of Batangas. Guidelines drawn up by the Protected Area Management Board and Task Force Taal Lake to protect the lake from environmental destruction and preserve its ecosystem are now being observed and implemented. To date, a total of 8,116 fish cages and other floating structures within the lake had been dismantled by the task force.

Tanauan City’s“MgaLingkodBayani”... The Serbisyo Publiko… Alamin Mo program also gave information about the progress of the City and different projects of the city mayor such as the KKK which stands for Kabuhayan, Karunungan and Kalusugan programs. It also

includes the environmental issues and concerns, updates on the tourism aspect of the city and the health care services available. According to Janessa Erica Valle, the program helped them to understand how

different department of the city government work and what it can do for them, especially for students like her who are not familiar with those offices. In celebration of the 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary with the theme

atangas Task Force Clean and Green conducted a twopart operation last August. In the said operations, the organization gave citation tickets to thirteen establishments. The tickets were given to distinguish certain establishments which commit violations against the use of plastic and styrofoam in the city. The report about the said operations was immediately brought to the office of Mayor Vilma Abaya. Seven establishments, mostly eatery, were identified and given citation tickets during the inspection handled by the Task Force Clean and Green members in the areas of Alangilan, P. Herrera and Kumintang Ibaba. The inspection was made last August 31. Meanwhile, six eateries and sari-sari stores were given such notice and penalty when the Task Force group visited Barangay Wawa and Barangay Bolbok last September 3.

In an interview of Jerson Sanchez, an employee of Batangas Public Information Office, with retired Police Superintendent Restito Hernandez, chairman of Task Force Clean and Green, he said that the group and its members will always be responsible for their duties. Hernandez also stated that they will conduct surprise inspection more often in the entire city of Batangas to ensure that residents adhere to the policy against the use of plastic and Styrofoam. Moreover, Hernandez added that the Task Force inspections are of great help to reduce the incident of flooding due to the plastic-jam in canals and estuaries. According to Sanchez, Batangas City is one of the cities which gained Environmental Code or E-code that made other provinces and nearby towns like Laguna and Cavite to use it as a basis in terms of environmental issues.

NEWS

new drug rehabilitation center will open soon at Brgy. Bolbok, Lipa City. The rehabilitation center, which will be called ‘Bahay ni Kuya’, is a project of Mayor Meynard Sabili and M.A. Sabili Foundation, Inc. headed by his wife, Mrs. Bernadette Sabili, to help and assure all the drug victim residents of Lipa City in obtaining new and harmonious life. “The construction of the rehabilitation center has not been easy for me because of different criticisms and obstructions from other people, but as what I had promise to each and every one of you, I

am not going to be afraid to fight for your own sake and I am willing to face every bit of difficulties for all of you (Hindi po naging madali para sa akin ang pagpapatayo ng center dahil sa mga batikos at panghaharang ng ilan, pero katulad ng naipangako ko sa inyo, ako ay hindi matatakot makipaglaban para sa inyong kapakanan at ako ay nakahandang harapin ang lahat ng balakid at hirap para sa inyong ikabubuti),” Hon. Meynard Sabili said during his 2012 State of the City Address speech. The project was made to support the Anti-Narcotics Operations with the help of the PNP to search out and dispatch

all the illegal drugs being used in their municipality, which is also one of the causes of the rising number of crimes in Lipa. Construction of the rehabilitation center was now finished but it still needed the issue of the certificate of accreditation to formally open it to public. More than 21 workers are currently being trained for the good run of the center. “The new center could really be a way to help the Lipenos because for me, as a housewife and a loving mother, I, together with my family, would be able to feel safe and at ease in this town (Makakatulong yang bagong itatayong center kasi ako, bilang ina ng tahanan namin,

mapapalagay ang loob ko na safe na ‘tong Lipa at tsaka kami ng pamilya ko),” Celine Africa, a resident of Lipa, Batangas, said.

Rehabilitation home

Bahay ni Kuya, with a theme “Home for Human Management, Advocacy, and Social Involvement,”aims to treat and facilitate all the Lipeños that were abused and were affected with attitude disorders. The center was built for the Lipa residents who became victims of illegal drugs, especially the young people from families that are not capable of paying expensive amount of fees every month in a drug rehabilitation center to treat them. “It is like a nightmare to

three-day trade fair was held where products of inmates all over CALABARZON were sold in Sta. Rosa City Plaza last September 5-7. According to Regional Chief of Staff Supt. Belinda A. Ebora, it was almost three years since they started the trade fair program. Trade fair is done every quarter of the year and it was held in different cities in Region IV-A. This quarter, the host was Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The products being sold are handicrafts made by the inmates from CALABARZON area such as baskets, bags, key chains and wallets. “The purpose of this trade fair is to sell the products from different jails in CALABARZON and also for the inmates in order for them to earn money,” Supt. Ebora said. The said fair was made possible through the joint effort of Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region IV-A.

KABALIKAT Awards recognizes Tanauan City KATRINA MANALO

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Tanauan City Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino (the first one from the left) receiving the KABALIKAT AWARD. (Photo courtesy of Jun Mojares)

Legarda distributes relief goods... doon) Kim Rivera, a concerned citizen in Sta Rosa, said. There were 265 families, mostly from Purok 3 and Purok 4 of Brgy. Aplaya, that are currently living in the evacuation centers at Aplaya Elementary School. The school is still flooded and the city government built a bridge that the evacuees can use. The team also gave away

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first aid handbook and 100 booklets entitled Disaster Preparedness. The Lingkod Loren relief operation was participated by barangay health workers from Aplaya together with the CSWDO staff under the supervision of by was headed by Roselyn Arances Elvie Marcelo, both from the office of the city mayor.

Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. - Henry Anatole Grunwald

The livelihood program of Mayor Aquino does not only focus on the projects of TESDA; it also includes cooperatives, and making newspaper bags, sumang yakap (a famous suman of Tanauan City) and achara. Because of the training programs given by the City Government of Tanauan for the Tanaueño under the Pangkabuhayan Project of Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino, Tanauan City was awarded first place in regional level and third place in the national level for its huge contribution for extending and enhancing the Technical

Skills and Development. The plaque of recognition was awarded by Secretary Emmanuel “Joel” Villanueva, Director General of TESDA to Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino with the City Cooperatives and Livelihood Development Office Head, Ms. May Fidelino, Provincial Director of TESDABatangas, Mr. Carlos Flores and members.

Benefits for Inmates

The Programang Kabuhayan of Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino The basis of the qualification of the City of Tanauan is the Kabuhayan Program of Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino which includes the advancement of the Technical Education and Skills Development. This Kabuhayan Program is one of the KKK which stands for the three different programs Kabuhayan, Kalusugan at Karunungan which focuses on livelihood, education and health. According to Mikki Sunpayco, project officer of CCLDO of Tanauan City, the livelihood program of the city mayor of Tanauan does not only focus on the projects of TESDA; it also includes cooperatives, and making newspaper bags, sumang yakap (a famous suman of Tanauan City) and achara.

all the families who are not capable of doing anything but just watch their loved ones while their future lives are one by one being shattered into pieces (Para itong isang bangungot sa mga pamilyang ito na walang magawa habang patuloy na nakikita ang pagkasira ng kinabukasan ng mahal nila sa buhay),” Hon. Sabili said. The execution of the project started with a public forum held at Brgy. Bolbok, Lipa City, where the rehabilitation center is located, In that forum, the residents gave their suggestions and speak out about the plan. Bahay ni Kuya has its own facebook fan page named as “Bahay ni Kuya Home for

JELEENE CICERON Human Management, Advocacy, and Social Involvement” to update everyone in the latest happenings about the construction of the rehabilitation center and also for them to post their insights and proposals regarding the project. According to Mayor Meynard Sabili, the youth that will be benefiting this project are not criminals but rather victims. Heart and compassion are what they needed for their lives to be saved. Bahay ni Kuya seeks not just to minister the victims of illegal drugs but to share home and care for them to easily adjust up from their dark experiences due to the use of prohibited substances.

Sta.Rosaholds tradefairforinmates

Representative of the Tourism department of Tanauan City Government giving a talk.

n time of the 18th anniversary of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA is the Kabalikat Institutional Awards 2012 held in Tandang Sora Hall, TESDA Woman’s Center, Taguig City last August 24. The City of Tanauan qualifies as one of the nominees along with the City Government of Masbate, Cebu, General Santos and Kabaklan, Negros Oriental together with the Municipal Government of Ilocos Norte, Provincial Government of Bulacan, Surigao Del Sur, Benguet and the Provincial Office of Social Welfare and Development in Southern Leyte.

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

Bahay ni Kuya to open in Lipa soon

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“Kawani, Ikaw ay isang Lingkod Bayani,” the city government of Tanauan carries out such programs as part of their being “lingkod bayani” especially to the youth.

The Lycean Post

Santa Rosa police wear their smile in support of the three-day trade fair.

The idea of conducting a trade fair originated from Jail Chief Supt. Serafin P. Baretto Jr. In an interview with Supt. Baretto, he said that he wants to change the perception of people about inmates. “The program helps not only the inmates but their families as well because even though they are in jail, still they can earn money by means of doing handicrafts,” Supt. Baretto Jr. said.

ROSE MARTHY BONGON He also added that the image of inmates will be changed because of the productive things they are doing. The trade fair program of BJMP aims to develop the capabilities and skills of inmates and progression of their institution. “We want to show the value of being productive and initiative among inmates,” Supt. Barreto Jr. said. In addition, BJMP also gave livelihood training programs to inmates such as soap making and food processing. ”Even though they are imprisoned, there are things that they can do in order to help themselves,” Supt. Ebora added.

Products’ Exposure

Supt. Ebora said that aside from earning profits, there are things that made the trade fair a successful program. He also expressed that seeing every people become interested on the products that they are selling is almost a success for them. “People might be aware of inmates’ creativeness and not as violent people,” Supt. Ebora explained. BJMP is starting to sell the products through internet. It is by means of their “e-market” wherein buyers can see and buy their products online. “It is useful because the products can be seen by many people not only in Region 4-A but nationwide as well,” Supt. Barreto Jr. said.

USAID, CEnergy identifies Batangas City as most affected by greenhouse gases U

nited States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Climate Change and Clean Energy (CEnergy) identified the City of Batangas as the primary affected city in their recently conducted greenhouse gas (GhG) inventory and accounting last August. The continuous emission of greenhouse gases is the primary cause of climate change which results to the destruction

ROXANNE RIVERA

of the environment. In order to solve this environmental issue, the city tries to crack respective movements through the formation of City Climate Action Plan. The said plan aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Batangas City was given technical assistance provided by USAID in order to conduct greenhouse emission survey needed for the formulation of the City Climate Action Plan.

According to Angie Banuelos of Batangas Public Information Office, their city is one of the leading local government units which conduct inventory in greenhouse emission entity for both government and community level spearheaded by City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in partnership with Philippine League of Local Environment and Natural Resources Officers,

Inc. and USAID. The results of the inventory serve as baseline data for the Greenhouse Gas Management Plan and City Climate Action Plan. The said plans were pre-organized and prepared by customary committees appointed by Mayor Vilma Dimacuha last July 11 through the Executive Order No. 21. The Greenhouse Gas Management Team and City Climate Action Team held their

first meeting last August 3. Oliver Gonzales, CENRO chairperson, explained and elaborated the results of the city’s GhG emission survey based on the results of 2010 survey. According to Gonzales, the result of the 2010 survey says that the causes of excessive greenhouse gas emission were consumption-based. The total GhG emission came from the residents’ consumption of electricity (43%), agriculture

(33%), transportation (13%), and waste (11%). On the other hand, the stationary combustion of LPG, kerosene, and charcoal didn’t manifest as the cause of excessive GhG emission in the city. However, Gonzales stated that Batangas city’s pollution level, which is measured through the traffic congestion devices installed in the different areas within their vicinity, points out that the city has a clean and safe quality of air.

The Lycean Post 4

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

NEWS

Balisong:

Cabuyaocelebratescityhood

FREDERICK LUMBA

n line with the celebration of the cityhood of Cabuyao, Laguna, Mayor Isidro Hemedes Jr. opened the second half of the year with a special festivity at the Cabuyao Town Plaza. The event celebrated the milestones and achievements of Cabuyao in a special starstudded variety show directed by director-general of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Leo Martinez. The show

was hosted by Allan K and Candy Pangilinan, who also wrote the event’s script. Cabuyao was treated to an unforgettable evening of fireworks, songs and dances with special live performances from Jed Madela of ASAP 2012, Rachelle Ann Go of Party Pilipinas, Vhong Navarro of It’s Showtime and The Streetboys, Khalil Ramos of Pilipinas Got Talent, Kathryn Bernardo of Princess & ,Richard Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria of Please Be Careful With My Heart, and lastly, Coco Martin, John Medina and Julia Montes

of WalangHanggan. The show also featured special video greetings from Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jericho Rosales, Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Sam Concepcion, Quest, Paolo Valenciano and Gabriel Valenciano. “Cabuyao is the birthplace of so many talented individuals. The people of Cabuyao are very promising. It should be noted that Cabuyao is the birthplace of award-winning composer Vehnee Saturno, international model Charo Ronquillo, and a home to international singing sensation Charice Pempengco. We are happy and excited to celebrate our cityhood,” said Mayor Hemedes. President Benigno Aquino signed the executive order last May 16, 2012 directing the conversion of Cabuyao to a component city. The order was required before the residents of the municipality could ratify the change of status in a plebiscite. The final count showed 22,132 residents voted in favour of the town’s conversion to a city, while only 2,538 residents voted “no,” according to Atty. Juanito Icaro, Commission on Elections Director in Calabarzon.

Lipa City regulates use of plastic and Styrofoam A

JELEENE CICERON

new ordinance prohibiting the use of plastic and Styrofoam in Lipawas implemented by city Mayor Meynard Sabili during the SM Lipa’s Earth Day celebration last April 22, 2012. The purpose of the ordinance is to prevent business establishments from selling and supplying plastic bags, which plays a great role inthe devastation of the environment. General Ordinance No.1 or the ordinance prohibiting the use of plastic bags and the total banning of styrofoam in the City of Lipa aim to lessen the effect of the two nonbiodegradable materials, which are some of the causes of global warming and clogging of canals and creeks. The implementation was originally scheduled on the 1st day of April but the City of Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) allotted more time for the dissemination of the information about the new ordinance in Lipa. Different stores and establishments were provided in their offices with a memorandum regarding the total banning of plastics and styrofoams starting April 22. “After I have received the letter saying that plastics are banned, I hurriedly prepared to participate in it. The sudden change is not easy, of course, because it is what we are used to but we have to follow the law and what is right (Pagkabasa ko sa sulat na bawal na nga ang plastic, naghanda na ako kaagad para dun. Hindi madali ang mabilis na pagbabago sa, siyempre, nakasanayan na pero

kailangan pa ring sumunod sa batas at sa kung ano ang tama),” Leticia Reyes, a vendor of Lipa City, said. A person caught violating the ordinance will pay an amount of between 1 to 3 thousand pesos, depending on the number of offense. If the same person is caught violating the order again, the person will face a possible imprisonment depending on the decision of the court. The ordinance declared people selling wet products such as meat, fish, poultry products, etc., as the only exempted persons from using paper bags as their main packaging for their business.

Green Retail Agenda

SM city Lipa conducted its 4th annual conference entitled “Green Retail Agenda” with its employees and staff as the stakeholders and witnesses to support the Ordinance no.1 regarding the regulation of the use of plastics and styrofoam. The conference, with a theme “Empowerment through Sustainability”, showed their willingness to cooperate in the implementation of the new ordinance and their initiative in taking part in preventing the use of plastics and styrofoam all over Lipa, Batangas. “I was shocked when I saw that some of the SM stores are not using plastics anymore. Paper bags are not easy to carry. I’m not used to it (Nagulat na nga lang ako, hindi na plastic yung gamit nung ibang stores sa SM nung bumili ako. Medyo mahirap siyang dalhin.

Nakakapanibago kasi hindi naman yun yung nakasanayan na naming na gamitin e),” Samantha Dizon, a shopper in SM Lipa, said. The guest speakers include Ms.Letty Abella, Senior Science Research Specialist in the Department of Energy, who explained the negative effect of the plastics and Styrofoam in our ozone layer; Councillor Concon Hernandez, the author of the newly-implemented ordinance in Lipa; and Engr. Ricardo Libon, the assistant city officer of CENRO.

Inconvenience Alternatives

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Upon the implementation of the new ordinance, business establishments started receiving different kinds of complaints regarding the use of paper bags as the primary packaging in stores and trade industries. Since paper bags are easy to rip off and inconvenient to carry as the Lipenos have relied to plastics in their whole lives, not everyone in the city appeared in favor for the new ordinance concerning the banning of plastics and Styrofoam as the primary packaging used in businesses. “My groceries are already falling down right even before I get to my house, to think that the sun shines so bright during that day. What more if it rains? Then the paper bags will get wet and my groceries will now really fall (Hindi pa ‘ko nakakarating sa bahay namin, naglaglagan na yung mga pinamili ko, antaas pa ng sikat ng araw nun. Paano pa kapag umuulan? Edi nabasa

T H E B ATA N G A S K N I F E by MARVIN MALACAMAN

Filipino performers show their musical talents to the Koreans.

Korean women delegates visit Batangas City HAIZZEL ANDAL

orean delegates from Suseonggu Daegu Metropolitan, a district in South Korea visited Batangas City last August 30, 2012 to participate in the sisterhood ties. According to Ronna Contreras, PIO in Batangas, Suseong Global Women Academy in the leadership of Kim So Ok liked the culture of the Batanguenos. They were accompanied by some of the members of Suseongu Counci, Kim Sam Jo and Lim Dae Gyu; Hope Sharing Committee President Cho Byung Woo; Oriental Doctors Association President Lee Jae Su; Culture and Sports Department Manager Lee Jae Woo; Lifelong Learning Team Assistant Manager Lee Nam Sik; Staff Kim Rae Young and their interpreter Chris Gun Woo. Batanguenos gave the visitors a warm welcome in the lead of the mayor herself. The Koreans visited the good places in Batangas like Museo Puntong Batangas and Yatco Museum of the Basilica of Immaculada Conception. They gave the Koreans a chance to experience and taste the different native delicacies of the city like putong nilupak, pilipit, mani, kutsinta, maja and kapeng barako, lechon, palamig

and dirty ice cream. According to the leader of the delegation Kim So Ok, they really enjoyed the tour and they were very thankful for warmly accepting them and letting them see the beauty of the Philippines particularly Batangas City. She even said that she admired the Batangenos especially the mayor because they were able to retain the culture and tradition of the city. The different schools in Batangas also prepared simple presentations to entertain the Koreans. The students of Immaculate Heart of Mary Learning Center and School of Values presented folk dance numbers like “Alitaptap” and “Polka sa Nayon.” The teachers of Batangas National High School also danced Jota Batangueña. Games like pabitin, paluan ng palayok at sabong were played and have been watched by the Korean visitors. The batanguenos offered some city products to the visitors which served as their souvenirs. “They come here to experience the culture and tradition of Batangas because they said that some of their tradition in Korea was already gone, They also want to explore the Philippines and some women groups. We are lucky

that they chose batangas to visit in” (Pumunta sila dito para maexperience yung culture at tradition dito sa Batangas kasi sabi nila na yung ibang tradition sa Korea ay wala na) Remo said of PIO Batangas. The delegates donated school supplies and personal hygiene kits to the barangay. They also exchanged gifts with Mayor Dimacuha. They took pictures where in they wore the baro’t saya. According to Atty Reginald A. Dimacuha the agreement of the Suseong-gu, Korea and Batangas City have started on the administration of the Former Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha which term is now continued by his wife Mayor Vilma Dimacuha. They wanted to have a good trade relationship with the Koreans. According to Ronna Contreras, The Suseoung-gu will build an Oriental Medicine Hospital or clinic in Batangas City. They said that in this hospital, alternative form of medicines will be used and they will use herbal plants like ampalaya, and malunggay. The Koreans will import herbal medicines from Batangas City. Korean delegates start a good partnership with the city of Batangas that is why they enjoyed staying here.

StreetfoodvendingupgradesinLosBaños ROZZELLIN SOLIMAN

he street food vending finally upgrades in Los Banos, Laguna. Twelve new units of food carts were given to chosen street food vendors by Mayor Anthony Genuino through the program “Upgrading of Street Food Vending in Los Baños” supervised by the Department of Science and Technology Region IV-A (DOST IV-A) and Barangay Integrated Development Approach to Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI). The joint project of the DOST IV-A and BIDANI aims to help the street vendors of Los

Baños to have better food carts and to ensure that the foods they will sell are not only affordable but also clean and safe. Each food cart costs P38, 000.00. Sixty percent of the total price will be paid by the vendors. According to Oji Sanchez, Information Officer of Los Baños municipality, for two years, the vendors will have to pay only P32.00 a day for them to be able to completely own the food carts. “If I own the cart, I will get a higher income for my family. I am thankful that our mayor came up with this kind of project (Kung

sa akin ang kariton, mas malaki ang magiging kita ko para sa pamilya. Salamat at naisip ni Mayor ang ganitong proyekto),” Mang Segui, a street vendor said. Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed in order to manage the qualifications for the street vendors. Through the help of the Food Safety Team of DOST, the vendors underwent trainings on food safety. A survey by the Los Baños Barangay Nutrition Scholars was also conducted to gather information regarding the street vendors of Los Baños.

yung papel at lalo nang naglaglagan ang mga pinamili ko),” Loida Rivera, a housewife and resident of Lipa City said. Councilor Concon Hernandez organized a livelihood project for the unemployed women in Lipa City of creating re-usable and easy-to use bags made of paper for the Lipenos, in cooperation with the new ordinance implemented. Some of the markets in Lipa encourage their buyers to bring their own bags where they can place their shopped goods. They also sell a cloth bag in an amount of between

P10 to P35, depending on the size, to avoid inconvenience in carrying their bought products in the continuous operations of the general ordinance no.1. “Laws were not meant to punish but to correct. There might be people affected but we cannot do anything about it because it is the law. Everybody will benefit if we implement the law just like the plastic ordinance,” Ric Libon, Assistant City Officer of CENRO, told The Filipino Connections. Ric Libon, Assistant City Officer of CENRO, told the

filipinoconnections.com that laws were not meant to punish but to correct. There might be people affected but they cannot do anything about it because it is that law and that everybody will also benefit in the implementation of the law. It is through discipline and cooperation of the people that would make the ordinance effective. “Even if there is no law that encompasses the use of plastics and styrofoam, there are reasons for the people to not use it because they are aware of what is happening.,” he further added.

How much do we know about the Batangas knife, “balisong?” I am a native of Batangas, tagged as the Balisong Capital of the Philippines, and that peculiar piece of weapon is a significant part of my childhood. My dad owns numerous balisongs – varying from different forms and dimensions, with intricate details and ornaments, even added functionalities, apart from being a blade itself. He had these weapons for “self-defence.” He started out with 4 or 5 at least, until it became a hobby – boasting his collection in a big wooden box that is steadily located in the comfort of our own home. On a recent trip to Taal, Batangas, I personally went to Baranggay Balisong (you’ve heard that right) to dug out historical accounts of that unique weapon and clearly see what past lies within the balisong of the Philippines.

What is a Balisong? The balisong, called a butterfly knife in the West, and sometimes known as a “Batangas knife,” is a form of folding pocket knife with two handles that counter-rotate around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles. In the hands of a trained user, the knife blade can be brought forth quickly using one hand. Manipulations (flipping) are performed for art or amusement and require great skill. Translated from Tagalog, the word “balisong” means “broken horn” (literally, “baling sungay”) as the original balisongs were made from carved animal horns and recycled knife blades.

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The Lycean Post JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

History of the Batangas Proliferation in Batangas Knife For us to better appreciate the importance of balisong in Batangas, especially in Taal, let’s take a quick look at its history. According to Nerode Abraham in his article, The Beautiful Balisong, the butterfly knife, as the past relates to us, shows its origins a long way back during 800 A. D. as one of the earliest weapons of the Malaya – Polynesian fighting system the Kali. The butterfly knife, sometimes referred to as “Batangas Blade,” is a lethal weapon that in the hands of a skilled professional can be opened faster, than a western switchblade. Many believe the butterfly knife first came to American shores in the early part of the 20th century with Filipino immigrants, but its popularity and infamy in the United States only really began after US soldiers returned with balisongs from the Philippines after World War II. The balisong is believed to be much older than this, however. Patents for knives that look very much like the butterfly knives produced in Batangas in the Philippines in the early 20th century existed in France as early as the 18th century, and similar knives were also produced in Germany, Italy and Spain in the 19th century. Perfecto de Leon introduced the knife in 1905 where most of the butterfly knives originated from barrio Balisong in Taal, Batangas. His involvement with the Muslims knife recognized as the Kris, motivated him to craft the first knife with twisted rims. The pandays (metal craftsmen) of Batangas began producing the fan knife to meet local demand. These balisongs had karabaw (water buffalo) horn inserts and brass handles, and the blades were made of recycled steel, often from vehicle leaf springs.

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Because of the proliferation of balisong in Batangas, especially in Taal, it was soon thought of by many that Batangas is where it is originated. Many of the towns and barrios around the province still have families that make the distinctively Batangueño knife with varying degrees of quality and success. “I initially thought that balisong originated from Batangas. My parents used to tell stories of how they crafted those weapons [balisong]. But through the research of my apo, I found out that the concept of balisong is not really “Filipino,” said Domingo Salamantes, owner of a balisong shop in Taal. I hope that Filipinos, especially Batangenos, will manage to find older roots to understand the path of the “balisong concept” idea, from its birth in the Land of the Brave – Batangas.

Journalism is the first rough draft of history.

Therecanbemiracles by JELEENE CICERON

In the middle of the City of Lipa, home of seven historical sites, stands a miraculous church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, or Carmel as what the Lipeños commonly refer to it, where peace and tranquillity can best be felt. The church was established in May 31, 1946, a year after the Japanese in World War II left the city of Lipa in wreck. The nuns from Mt. Carmel Manila then moved to the newly-built carmel monastery in Lipa, which so happens to be the same date as the feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mediatrix of all Grace. Carmel has been associated with different forms of Virgin Mary, since the day it was founded and many parishioners and believers visit the church not just for its miraculous beliefs but also for the feeling of serenity that it brings. “I really visit Carmel to pray, especially when I have loads of problem because of its serenity (Napunta ako talaga sa Carmel. dumadalaw ako d’yan lalo kapag may problema ako, d’yan ako nagdadasal, tahimik kasi),” Emma Peña, a Marian devotee, said.

The Miraculous shower of rose petals Aside from its name, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, the church was also called as Our Lady of Mary Mediatrix of all Grace Parish because of the controversial miraculous shower of petalsthat happened in September 12, 1948, feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the booklet given by a nun in the Carmel monastery, the shower of

rose petals happened when a Carmelite experienced and witnessed the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the garden of the church, 5:00pm of year 1948. It was said that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared and spoke to one of the nuns of the church, Teresita Castillo, while she was praying in the garden of the convent and requested for the place to be blessed and for a mass to be held on every 12th day of the month. Before the Blessed Virgin Mary disappeared, she introduced herself to the nun as ‘I am the Mediatrix of All Grace’. The controversial worshipping of the Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Grace that time was declared by the Philippine Church Hierarchy as fraudulent and ordered everything in relation to the mystery be destroyed and cleared away, especially the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but the Carmelites kept it away instead. Forty years after, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was requested to be displayed again in the church after a new apparition occurred. The request was granted the next day and rose petals started falling in the Carmelite monastery of Lipa. “I believe in the miracles in Mount Carmel because when I wanted to go abroad, many years ago, that’s where I prayed and asked for blessings. After praying in that church, my wish was granted and I was able to fly abroad (Naniniwala ako sa himala d’yan kasi dati nung mag aabroad ako, d’yan ako humiling at nagdasal e, ayun nagrant siya, nakapag abroad ako),” Emma Peña, a devotee of Mt. Carmel, said.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel today

Even today, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is still known for its controversial shower of petals and is open for everyone who wants to reflect and pray. Many parishioners visit the church to get peace of mind and to worship the miraculous Mediatrix of All Graces. Thousands of Marian devotees visit the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church to witness and celebrate the National Marian Day or The National Pilgrimage every 12th day of September to commemorate the extraordinary shower of rose petals in the parish. “I am a devotee of Mary Mediatrix. I make sure that I was able to go to the annual pilgrimage that they hold. As for now, it is my 3rd year of being a Marian devotee (Deboto ako ng Mary Mediatrix. Every Pilgrimage talagang pumupunta ako dito, hindi ko pinapalagpas. Bale, pang 3rd na taon ko na’to bilang deboto ng Mary Mediatrix),” Peña added. The sisters from carmel, being a nun-convent, can be seen every afternoon holding their rosaries and doing their novena right in the place where the miraculous shower of petals was said to happen. The church provided a place with soft background music where the devotees of the Our Lady of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace can take a peek and pray at the apparition site from above but no one can step in the garden itself because of what Mary has said when she appeared to Teresita,“Visit me everyday in this garden, my children. Make this place sacred and respect it.” Unlike the other churches built in Lipa,

Carmel is just a size of a chapel but is well-furnished and ventilated. Its simple design of clean white walls, dark blue ceilings, and white-gray combination of marble floors beautified the whole church and added a peaceful and refreshing effect for its parishioners. At the hall of the church is the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary together with a simple cross and the miraculous stories behind it. There is a vigil room provided in the church where the parishioners can pray quietly and wholeheartedly. “What I like in Carmel is that it is really solemn when you pray. You can really feel everything. So, even if Carmel is not as huge at the other churches in Lipa, I still choose to go here to pray and thank God (Eto kasing Carmel, pag dito ka nagpray, solemn. Talagang mararamdaman mo. Kaya kahit hindi ‘to kasing laki ng ibang simbahan, dito pa rin talaga ako napunta para magdasal at magpasalamat),” Peña said. May it be Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Our Lady of MaryMediatrix of All Grace, or Carmel, what matters to the Lipeño devotees is still the importance of its history and the serenity that they feel whenever they enter and pray inside the church. Lipa Petal with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel’s image PHOTO COURTESY OF LIPA CITY TOURISM COUNCIL

The Lycean Post 6

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

Lakbay Aral:

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Batangas Press Club holds writing workshop

AMissiontoEducate development, we envision to share the exquisite and enticing places being painstakingly preserved and nurtured in the city. We seek to share its rich history, cultural heritage, natural attractions and the values, traits and traditions of a warm and friendly citizenry,” Mayor Sonia Torres said. “Tanauan is rich when it comes to historical heritage, and Lakbay Aral never fails to let their young Tanaueῆos experience and visit those places like, the Tanauan city Hall, Gat Apolinario Mabini Shrine, Tanauan city Museum and President Jose P. Laurel Ancestral House,” Azul said. “Not only Tanauenos were interested in this Lakbay Aral, many students from Batangas City and Laguna, visited our city and attended Lakbay Aral for their educational trip,” Azul added.

Cheese for all by MICHELLE GONZALES

Kesong puti There is no other cheese that would taste as good as kesong puti. Kesong puti is fresh, nonaged, white and soft cheese made from the milk of carabaos or water buffalos. Kesong puti has a soft and close texture, fresh and a bit salty in taste. This cheese originated from and produced in Laguna. It is sandwiched between toasts or pan de sal and even as a substitute for regular cheese in a hamburger sandwich. Kesong puti is low in fats and carbohydrates and has high protein contents. Unlike ordinary cottage cheese, the native soft cheese has no ageing process. It can be served right after it was made, or stored for five days at a room temperature, and two weeks if refrigerated. It can also be grilled, breaded, mixed to

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vegetable salads, or made into cheesecakes. “What makes our kesong puti stand out from the rest is that we use the traditional method or the mano-mano, and the mixture of ingredients were just right to give it a distinct taste,” Aling Gara, one of the makers of kesong puti, said. Grace “Aling Gara” Pangilinan, 49 year-old who has been making and vending kesong puti was able to send her three children and also her 12 grandchildren to school. Aling Gara sells her kesong puti products for Php 120 per big bista and and Php 60 each per regular size in nearby towns of Laguna. “The town of Santa Cruz is very proud of their kesong puti, such that they hold a festival in its honor every month of May,” Aling Gara added.

Free speech carries with it some freedom to listen.

Tanauan’s 9 year old whiz kid by KATRINA MANALO

Photo courtesy of ~saltyshadow |deviantart

Batangas Press Club (BPC) conducted a two-day writing workshop at Summit Ridge Hotel at Tagaytay City last July 26-27. The workshop was part of the main activities in the organization’s 9th anniversary with a theme Convergence: The Medium is the Message. The said workshop was a joint endeavour of BPC and Malampaya Deep Water Gas Project. According to Ronna Contreras, Public Information Officer (PIO), the primary purpose BPC’s workshop project is to acquire additional knowledge in field of broadcast journalism as well as to expose their members to the new trends and techniques in broadcasting. Luchie Aclan Arguelles, former opinion editor of Manila Bulletin and provincial editor of Manila Times, was one of the resource speakers in the writing workshop where she tackled and discussed “Art of Communicating” and “The Newsroom.” On the other hand, Melo Acuna, former correspondent of Manila Bulletin and station manager of Radio Veritas talked about “Communications Definitions and Jargons” and “Media Relations and Networking.” A case study presentation by the BPC members was held during the last day of the workshop. Tony Nibrida, Media Relations Manager of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Inc. and representatives on behalf of Governor Vilma S. Recto, Batangas City Mayor Vilma A. Dimacuha and Calaca Mayor Naz Ona were the key persons during the closing ceremony of the workshop.

PanasonicCorporationoffers freelaundryforSta.Rosaevacuees by JAYSON SUBA

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

DFA launches mall-based office in Lipa

by ROXANNE RIVERA

by ANGELIC BACUYAG

Tanauan City’s Lakbay Aral 2012 won 2nd place in the awards for best tourism practices. “Lakbay Aral mission is to educate and retrospect young Tanauenos that this city is the cradle of noble heroes,” Rhemy Azul, speaker of Lakbay Aral, said. Tanaueños have displayed characteristics of personal independence and nationalism since early history. The town is called the “cradle of noble heroes” due to its contribution to the revolutionary movement of its sons Apolinario Mabini, the Brains of the Revolutions, and later by the great statesman President Jose P. Laurel. According to Azul, all grade 6 to 4th year high school students from public and private schools in Tanauan were the participants in Lakbay Aral since it started in 2007. “In the midst of

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The Lycean Post

by RUZZEL PLENOS

Albriz wears a big smile after bringing home a gold medal from the 8th Asia Cup Oympic Math Finals Albriz Moore C. Bagsic brought home the gold medal from the 8th Asia Cup Olympic Math Finals making him the Asian Math Wizard for this year. This young Tanauan prodigy is a fourth grade pupil of Lilyrose School in Tanauan City, Batangas. The said search for Asian math wizard has two levels of competition, namely KMC International Math Contest wherein Bagsic was included in the seven most outstanding participants and 8th Asia Cup Olympic Math Finals which is the contest proper where he won a gold medal. Bagsic was the only representative of the province of Batangas out of the 31 representatives of the Philippines in his level for the said competition held in Hong Kong last July 23-27. The journey of the newest pride of Tanauan started when he joined the MTG in the First Asia Institute of Technology and became one of the 15% of the possible participants who will compete in Hong Kong with the full support of his parents. Albriz underwent training for one month in Manila and attended an in-house training in Ilo-Ilo in preparation for the competition. “Since Albriz was in grade

one, he often join math contests like MTAP (Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines) Programs and reach district and division levels for a math competition. He is really good in numbers and what we most like about him is that he shares what he knows. (Simula noong nasa grade one pa lang si Albriz, madalas siya sumasali sa mga math contests tulad ng MTAP at nakakaabot siya sa district at regional levels ng iba’t – ibang math competition. Magaling talaga siya sa numbers at ang pinakagusto namin sakanya ay ibinabahagi niya sa iba kung ano yung mga alam niya.),” said Alhice C.Bagsic, mother of Albriz. According to Albriz’s mother, her son is a sociable child though a bit shy and he often keeps himself alone; the child remains timid despite what he achieved in an international math competition. “He is nice. We play a lot and he helps me with our assignments especially in Math. (Mabait siya. Lagi kaming naglalaro at tinutulungan niya ko sa mga assignments namin lalo na sa Math.),” said Joana Elisha N. Landicho, one of the classmates and friend of Albriz. “When we found out that Albriz got gold medal from the

competition and that he is the Asian Math Wizard for this year, we were very happy and proud of him. (Noong nalaman ko na nanalo ng gold medal si Albriz sa competition at siya yung Asian Math Wizard para sa taon na ito, masayang masaya kami at sobrang proud kami sakanya.),” said Alhice C.Bagsic, mother of Albriz. The achievement of this young math genius involves everyone in his home town and the whole country for he carried the name of the Philippines in an international competition wherein he successfully brings home the first prize. “I am happy because I was able to bring pride for Tanauan and to the Philippines as well, despite my age through this competition. (Masaya ako dahil kahit bata pa lang ako ay nakapagbigay na ako ng karangalan sa lungsod ng Tanauan at pati na rin sa Pilipinas.),” said Albriz Moore C. Bagsic when asked about how he felt upon winning in the said competition. The story of Albriz Moore C. Bagsic was also featured in TV Patrol Southern Tagalog which made the boy known for his exemplary achievement in an international mathematics competition.

Lipa, Batangas opened DFA’s first mall-based consular office in Southern Tagalog at the 2nd floor of Robinsons Lipa last September 27. Seven others were previously opened in other parts of the country. The inauguration celebrated was led by DFA undersecretary Rafael E. Seguis, Senior Special Assistant Rowena Sanchez and Spokesperson Raul Hernandez. City Mayor

Meynard A. Sabili represented by his Chief-of-Staff, Atty. Virgilio Macasaet, Jr. and Robinsons Land Corporation General Manager Arlene G. Magtibay were also present during the inauguration. DFA-Lipa City is headed by officer-in-charge Glenn Corpin. Also, witnessing the event were DFA, Lipa City Government, and Robinsons Land Corporation officials and personnel, as well as members of the media and other

guests. Around 400 people are only allowed to do their transaction daily. This is to help improve the fast processing of passports and to make it more convenient to the public. DFA-Lipa City is open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm for both passport processing and releasing and 10:00am to 2:00pm every Sunday for the releasing of passports only.

MobilelibrarytoroamSanPablo by MARJORIE RODRIGUEZ

A mobile library will roam in San Pablo City in year 2013. Just like in year 2009, the mobile library under the supervision of Congresswoman Evita R. Arago, went on a tour in public schools to teach the students how to use computers and by doing storytelling. According to Congresswoman Ivy Arago, studies show that the children

nowadays are fond of computers. She said that the children living in rural areas and non-rural areas must have an equal knowledge regarding the use of computers. The lessons that will be taught to the children will be a great help. This kind of method of teaching was patronized by Congresswoman Arago because well- known child-educators are applying this method not only

here in the Philippines but also in United States and Canada where they applied storytelling in computers in the past few decades. Just like what the book of Jessica McColly “The Importance of Storytelling” says, storytelling is a form of an effective teaching because children learn a lot from the stories they will hear.

LB’s modernized building soon to rise by DANIELA AMADURE

The Spanish-inspired look of Los Baños’ municipal building is soon to be replaced with a modern-type building which will be opened October this year. Los Baños’ new municipal building is part of the Flagship Project under Mayor Anthony Genuino which is located at the corner of the Magnetic Jamboree Road and National Highway in Barangay Timugan. Unique architectural designs are widely visible in different municipal building in the provinve of Laguna including what the city of Calamba, San

Pedro, Sta. Rosa and Binan have. Ninety one years had passed yet no one thought of pursuing such project of coming up with a new municipal building replacing the old one that they have ever since. Anthony Genuino, the 20 year old municipal mayor of Los Baños at present was the only one who thought of this project.

What’s new inside?

The new municipal building is a modern-style, three-storey building made up of glass and

steel. It has a complete facility for every department and ample size of offices which can accommodate huge number of employees. There will also be an event area to hold the municipal activities of Los Baños. The old municipal building of the town was entirely made up of wood and in a poor condition, specially the ceiling so as it needs renovation. The new municipal building is expected to be finished this October while the old building is planned to be converted into Museo de Los Baños.

Award winning indie director visits Batangas City by HAIZZEL ANDAL

Panasonic staff organizing free laundry service to calamity victims Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation offered free laundry to the victims of Habagat in Sta. Rosa last August 23-25. The worries of evacuees over the laundry were solved when Panasonic Helping Hand Service Clinic came to the city. In an interview of Grace Francisco, a representative from Panasonic Manufacturing Corporation, in the website of Sta. Rosa City, this is the first time that they brought the service clinic in Sta. Rosa to intentionally help the affected families who were having hard time dealing with the laundries since they came in the evacuation centers.

The service clinic gave a facility of 10 washing machines with dryer, including pails and free laundry detergent. Waters were supplied by the fire truck of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Sta. Rosa. According to Ema Bondad, one of the evacuees, after leaving their house they were left with lot of laundries and they find it really hard to wash their clothes in the evacuation center because of insufficient water supply. Aside from the free laundry laundry, Panasonic also gave free check-up and cleaning for selected Panasonic products such as washing machine, electric fan and aircon.

Brillante Mendoza visited Batangas City for the launching of his Film Festival last August 28. According to Marie V. Lualhati of PIO Batangas, Brillante Mendoza is one of the most thriving directors in the industry. He was even awarded as the “ultra-neo-realist” which depicts social realist for his films by the critics in the whole world, which was called as the “Living National Treasure of the Philipine Alternative Cinema.” He was also the first Filipino who won the Best Director Award in Cannes Film Festival last 2009 in his indie

film “Kinatay”. His goals are to give inspirations to those students who want to become a filmmaker someday. He actually chose different places to induce his thoughts about films and to influence many other inspiring film makers. One of the places he chose was Batangas City. The four multi-awarded short films of Brillante Mendoza also served as guides and inspiration for the future filmmakers. He also used his films to discuss the issues and the economic status of the

Philiippines. The films of Brillante Mendoza earned good impacts and commentaries by the critics not only here in the Philippines but also outside the country. One of his films was the Foster Child starring Cherry Pie Piccache, Eugene Domingo, and Kier Segundo. The film is about an old woman telling the story of a motherless family after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, telling the viewers that life, as depicted in the turn of events in the lives of the film’s characters, is as changeable and as volatile as the seasons.

“His film was good, the message of the film is very simple but incomparable.” (Maganda yung pelikula, yung message nung film ay sobrang simple pero hindi maikukumpara) said Mary Jacqueline, resident of Batangas City. Vice President for Communication and Marketing Millie Dizon and SM City Assistant Manager Mina Buenaflor also attended the said event. Executive Secretary Atty. RD Dimacuha , Local Economics and Investment Promotions Officer Erik Sanohan, City

Cultural Affairs Committee Vice Chairman Ed and Batangas State University President Dr. Nora Magnaye and Melanie Arguelles did the synopsis reading in the said film. After Synopsis reading, the trailer of the films was shown. The films of Brillante Mendoza were aired free to the students of Batangas State University, University of Batangas High School Department, Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas and Cristo Rey Institute for Career Development on their film viewing last August 28 and 29. According to Marie Lualhati,

it is an honor to SM Batangas and Batanguenos to be visited by the Asian Director of Cannes Film Festival. “He is so professional. He has the techniques that no one can do, he works uniquely, and I think that is the reason why he is awarded as the Best Director.”(Napaka professional nya, meron syang technique na kahit sino hindi kayang gawin, kakaiba syang magtrabaho and siguro ito yung reason kung bakit naparangalan sya na Best Director) said Anna Manalo, student from Batangas State University.

The Lycean Post 8

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

EDITORIAL

OPINION

it mentions that abortion is a crime it does not state explicitly that human life is to be protected upon conception as stated in the Constitution. This ambiguity can provide a loophole for contraceptives that prevent the implantation of fertilized ovum. The prevention of implantation of the fertilized ovum is abortion. We cannot prevent overt abortions by doing hidden abortions. It is a fallacy to think that abortions can be prevented by promoting contraception. Contraception is intrinsically evil (CCC 2370, Humanae Vitae, 14),” CBCP statement. Couples are not the only affected persons when we discuss this bill. The youth also have a part in this issue. It is included in the bill the implementation of Sex Education to students from grade 5 up to fourth year high school. This statement infringes the capacity of parents to teach and guide their children. This may also lead to more acts of premarital sex and rape cases. The House Bill 5043 states that RH Bill includes developing the necessary skills to be able to distinguish between facts and myths on sex and sexuality; and critically evaluate and discuss the moral, religious, social and cultural dimensions of related sensitive issues such as contraception and abortion. This leads to brainwashing of the population and the youth regarding the moral principles that religious beliefs may pose vs. government policies on reproductive health. According to the CBCP, the bill could violate the consciences of the educators who refuse to teach forms of family planning that violate their religious traditions. The provision could also violate the rights of parents to determine the education of their children if the proposed curriculum would contradict their religious beliefs. Truly, RH Bill remains to be a big issue. The government cannot force its citizens to apply what were stated in the bill. No matter what happen, whether the bill will be approved or not, the decision will still depend on the people. They have the freedom to follow the context of the bill or to remain faithful to their religious beliefs.

When I was a kid, I don’t care about my looks. I wear what I want and I act like a boy but as I grow up and enter the teenage life, I started to feel conscious about myself. I became curious with my looks until I decided to make a research about the beauty secrets of some celebrities. I discovered that most of them have fake beauty. Fake beauty or or what we call in Filipino, ”retoke.” is very usual nowadays. Some people use their money to have the perfect face which they are aiming for. Cosmetic products are reasonable to use but it is a shame that most of the people just depend on what technology would give them. They no longer know what real beauty is.

Technology already invaded one’s perception about beauty. Celebrities and prominent personalities believe in the power of plastic surgeries. Most of them undergo breast enhancement, facelift, liposuction, glutathione injection and many other beauty treatments. According to research, plastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction of form and function. The price cost of plastic surgeries in our country and even in Thailand are affordable compared to America. The problem in most Filipinos is that, what they see is what they want. They are exaggerated in idolizing popular celebrities. The

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

Dare to Speak; Dare to Click

KATRINA MANALO

Government vs. Church Each parent has responsibilities to their children. They should love and fully accept every child that was given or will be given to them. Unwanted pregnancy must not be an excuse to perform abortion and other methods of pregnancy prevention. But nowadays, due to the continuous population growth every country is experiencing, there are laws being implemented regarding population growth control. It is the task of every government to create laws for the good of their country. Just like China, it was considered as one of the most overpopulated countries in the world so their government executed the “One Child Policy” wherein married couples are only allowed to have one child, making way for abortion. RH Bill or the Reproductive Health Bill which is another proposed law regarding the family planning and population growth control is being debated here in the Philippines whether this bill must be implemented or not. Since the day RH Bill was proposed there come a never ending discussion and debates regarding this issue especially the disapproval of the Catholic Church. The government continuously presents the good effects and the benefits the people will get if the bill will be put into practice. Truly, this bill has good points but as the Church says, the bill is immoral for it is opposing the teachings of the Church. Section 10 from the RH Bill includes contraceptives as essential medicines. It emphasizes that contraceptives are essentials that supersedes the basic needs of the people. But even before the RH Bill was proposed, many couples are already using contraceptives and other methods of family planning. According to the Catholic Church, the usage of contraceptives such as condoms, pills and the like is one way of killing lives. From the word contraception, “contra” and “conception”, it prevents the possible conception, it prevents the possibility of developing a baby into a womb. “The current bill does not define clearly when the protection of life begins. Although

The Lycean Post

CybercrimeLaw:suppressingfreedom tovoiceout?

Right or Wrong? Jeleene Ciceron

United States President Barrack Obama gives support to same sex marriage, highlighting that homosexuals should be given the equal rights as what the straight male and female citizens currently have and charging the Philippine President Noynoy Aquino as getting disengaged from the needs of his people. The endorsement of the US President became

the root of a burning debate regarding the legalization of the same-sex marriage in the Philippines, which the catholic hierarchy opposed, and other different homosexual issues. The Leaders of the House of Representatives also showed opposition in the possible passing of the bill to permit same-sex marriage in the country, pointing that the law, as what is written

Aretheynot people?

in the Republic Act 386 or the Philippine Family Code, states that matrimony can only be done between a male and a female citizen. What’s the notion? The reason of passing a NEW BILL is to possibly make a NEW LAW for the sacrament of marriage to also be applicable for the third sex. Until now, there is still no house bill being passed in the legislation concerning the

same-sex marriage. The officials indicate that the issue is not a priority right now compared to the other problems that the country is facing. I don’t think so. The priority of the government should always be the PEOPLE FIRST. The third sex, as being a citizen of the Philippines, don’t you think they should also be a priority for they are also one of those that they call PEOPLE?

Beauty Hurts

result is, they would want to be as good looking as they are. Filipinos are fond of cheaper prices so, they tend to take surgeries from doctors who offer cheaper prices. Sometimes they can afford to have appointments with nonlicensed doctors even they are not sure just to get the beauty they always wanted to have. According to the inspirational quote of Cristina Carlino, ”Beauty is as beauty does. We are remembered not by what we looked like but how we behaved and changed the lives of others.” Most celebrities started as models and they were recognized because of their almost perfect physical features,

without their exceptional beauty they will just be like the other people who live a normal life. Remember, people will recognize us more if we have the values Cristina is referring to. And according to Psalm 139: 19, ”I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Our looks are inspired by God’s appearance and our natural beauty is precious as gems. We our unique in many ways and Yes, they may insult our looks but it is more insulting and shame to God if we change ourselves because you are contrary to the decision how God made you.

elusiveness of the new law would result in people not knowing the acts that could be punishable by law and it will also give law enforcement officers “unbridled discretion” in executing the law. The effect of these vague provisions of the cybercrime law will be prior restraint on the freedom of expression. Senator Guingona also criticized the law’s provisions, including one on the issue of online libel, which can suppress the citizen’s right to freedom of speech and expression. Other organizations, meanwhile, such as Information and Communications Techonology Association of the Philippines (ITAP) comments on the new law that “It’s not a matter of identifying new crimes but only recognizing that existing crimes now happen in a new environment,” said Dondi Mapa, president of ITAP warning that the new law threatens Filipinos’ freedom of expression as well as freedom of information. Crime happens everywhere nowadays, even in the cyber world, same crime involving abusive use of freedom of speech and bullying also happens. Different online protests regarding the Cybercrime law voice out to withdraw such law afflicting the Filipinos freedom to express themselves primarily in social networking sites like Facebook. A group called Philippine Internet Freedom Association encourages people to switch to the “black” profile photo to hold up rising protests against the Cybercrime law. On the other hand, as part of a personal protest, some people also carry Facebook status messages that shows a “black bar” that is followed by “[STATUS BLOCKED] (RA NO 10175).” Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero himself admits that he oversight when he voted for the approval of Cybercrime Prevention Act. “It was a mistake... I don’t want to give any reason or motive,” Escudero

explained in an interview regarding the questionable provision about the issue of Libel in which he push to the senate to be decriminalized. The provision on libel over the Internet carries a heavier penalty than libel in traditional media. In this light, it deliberately violates the right to equal protection under the law. Under the new law, libel over the Internet is punishable with a minimum of six years in prison while libel under the Revised Penal Code carries a maximum penalty of four years imprisonment. According to Escudero, a law, to be valid, must apply to all members of the same class and persons committing libel are similarly situated, whether using a computer system or not.” Any form of libel is a form of abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, of press,” Escudero added. With this view, I curiously think of how come that the Cybercrime Law carries out heavier penalty in terms of the issue in Libel. Another thing is that the new law does not specifically discuss of to what extent does the provision covers. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said, “Libel as a criminal offense has been used by past administrations as well as local officials today to harass and intimidate journalist.” We should think of how can we hear the truth if even journalists will be afraid to speak out. Libel has now seen in a different form; “electronic libel” as it can be called for it does not only speak of suppressing freedom of speech but abusing the power of law in its new found manner, in the Internet. Freedom in its sense is not absolute and we are all aware of that but freedom to the extent of what it speaks about should not be compelled by a law without a clear vision of how it works, what it covers and what it speaks of.

A r e y o u a In or Out r e s p o n s i b l e voter? MARTHY BONGON

Daniela Amadure

No Pain, No Beauty

Is limiting freedom of speech suppressing its sense at all? Martial Law which tamed the freedom of the Filipinos to express their thoughts and opinions has now come in a different form. Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 speaks of the newly acclaimed provision which covers wide range of limitation with the use of Internet, expressing thoughts and opinions on-line with the biggest impact on the Filipinos freedom of speech. “Let me say this once again, the state has no right to gag its citizens and convict them for expressing their thoughts. The Philippines is a democratic country. The Filipinos should never be left to cower in the sidelines -their thoughts and voices should not be shackled by fear and intimidation. The people should not be afraid of its own government,” Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III said in a statement voicing out his disapproval to the newly signed Cybercrime Law. Guingona is just one of the personalities who questioned the constitutionality of some provisions of the Republic Act 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 for it deliberately violates the constitutional rights of the Filipinos on freedom of speech. Nonetheless, it’s not only freedom of speech is being afflicted in this matter. Even expressing art with the use of Internet concerning this issue is at stake. One example of this is the provision on cybersex, saying the definition of the crime is too broad. The Cybercrime Law castigates the “lascivious exhibition of sexual organs or sexual activity with the aid of a computer system.” Guingona on the other hand, also argued that without a stricter definition of cybersex, even publishing nude materials classified as art online would be illegal. According to Guingona, the

ROZZELLIN CLARE Y. SOLIMAN Editor-in-Chief ROXANNE Y. RIVERA Associate Editor KATRINA AMOR M. MANALO News Editor ROSE MARTHY B. BONGON Feature Editor MARVIN N. MALACAMAN Layout Ar tist/Graphic Ar tist Contributors: Ruzzel M. Pleños Jeleene Krizia S. Ciceron Jayson D. Suba Michelle M. Gonzales Angelic Z. Bacuyag GERBY R. MUYA Adviser

Seven months from now, new sets of government officials will be chosen and will be put in position by means of the people’s votes. National and local elections will be held simultaneously along with the elections for the regional officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the 13th of May, 2013. Commission on Elections or COMELEC is now making preparations for automated election but the question is, do candidates also make preparations in order to serve people? Some Filipinos make choices based on what they see in TV, hear on radio and read on newspaper. Sometimes, they become interested in what a politician would say because of the persuasive words they use.

Candidates for elections usually make promises on what they can do for the country but most of these promises are made to be broken. Honestly, I am not satisfied with the performance of our national and local government, especially those politicians who will be campaigning for the elections. They keep on saying their good intentions and platforms for the people but in reality, only few of their promises were accomplished. However, there are some politicians who do their jobs in order to serve. They are the ones who are affable and dedicated on keeping their promises to supersede the votes of the people. Article 11 Section 1 of 1987 Philippine Constitution states that public officers and

employees must be accountable to the people, must serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives. As a new registered voter, I consider this statement because the decision and the future of our country are in our hands. We are aware of the happenings that our country had experienced for the past administrations and we should be careful enough in making decisions so there will be no regrets in the end. We should not ignore the good things that these politicians did. As early as now, Filipinos should think not only twice but many times on who the person they are going to vote for.

Photo courtesy of ilovestories | wordpress

Sympathize ROXANNE RIVERA

President Benigno Aquino III declared to stop the controversial though legalized numbers game Small Town Lottery (STL) for it fails to abolish the illegal betting game,jueteng. “STL as an experiment is over,” President Aquino said to the media men during his visit in the Quezon province to witness the oath-taking of new Liberal Party members. The President also said that STL’s failure to eliminate the illegal numbers game, specifically jueteng, is one of the reasons why he decided to put STL to an end. It can be recollected that STL was established way back in 2005 under the administration of the former President Gloria Macapagal– Arroyo in cooperation with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) which was tasked to help in the abolishment of jueteng, both in the local and national levels by introducing the alternative numbers game. Under the PCSO allocation scheme, the 30% of STL’s net operation will go to the extent of the government and will

The end is just the beginning be divided into four areas. The net sales distribution goes as follows: 10 % for the city or municipal government, 5% for the provincial government, 5% for the local police, and the remaining 10% percent will be given to each congressional district. Last year, PCSO was supposed to launch Loteryang Bayan as a replacement for STL which was regarded to generate P12 billion for charity each year, but it failed to do so some reasons. Today, as President Aquino declares to discontinue STL, he also states that there will be a new game with new rules that would help to fight over jueteng.He also said that the new game will host a rightful share of revenue and tax to community and the government. Why bother putting up a new betting game to interchange with the existing STL if the latter failed to abolish the illegal gambling operations? Doesn’t the government think that it might still suffice as a front operation of the jueteng lords? The abolishment of STL is

not the end of the illegal betting games but just the beginning of its rampant operations. If STL messed up in controlling jueteng over the past six years, then the new betting game that PCSO wants to operate might just do the same. Still, the new game will just serve as the front operation of the illegal gambling masters. It is correct that STL will be out from the PCSO operation while President Aquino pushes through the establishment of the still unnamed game. If the government really desires to remove jueteng in our country, then there is no need to establish a new betting game as an alternative for STL. The government must put up in mind that the existence of a legal betting game will just serve as a front cover of the jueteng lords to hide their illegal operations, that’s why it is better not to continue the establishment of the new betting game. Otherwise, if the government would pursue to operate on a new betting game, it can only be concluded that the end of STL is just the beginning of a more proliferating jueteng operations.

Helping and good Make a Stand works need no acknowledgement MARVIN MALACAMAN What do big posters, names, signages and images of politicians posted on public places mean? Nowadays, lots of scattered posters and signages with names of politicians can be seen in public places. Those signages have nothing to do with the bentterment of the people but are just serving as a venue to give credits to politicians for their public works. If these politicians are helping their people wholeheartedly, why is there a need for them to be acknowledged? These cases paved way

for the Anti-epal bill to be implemented in law. Miriam Defensor Santiago is right. Politicians no longer need to do this posting of their images or names on waiting sheds, bridges and lamp posts because the funds these politicians use for their public works or projects do not really come from their own pocket but from the taxpayers. This will only give way for political patronage and corruption. I agree to the anti-epal bill. This must become a law. It is so good to feel being part of other people’s happiness.

It feels so good when you reach out to those people who are in need. It feels so good when you offer and share the blessings you have received. Helping is not a hard thing to do. Every individual can do this act without losing so much. When you help, you give, not just your money, your possessions, your presence or your time but you also give a part of you. But, this does not mean that you need to have something in return from the people you helped. Helping is unconditional. Helping must not become a way for evil works to happen.

ENVIRONMENT Sta. Rosa-CENRO introduces alternative to LPG

ENVIRONMENT

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JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

Habagat strikes Los Baños DANIELA AMADURE

ROSE MARTHY BONGON

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Sta. Rosa developed another type of charcoal which is called as “charcoal briquette” in replacement for liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. Charcoal criquette is a type of solid fuel made from agricultural waste such as sodas, coconut husks and shells. The said charcoal does not produce smoke and it has higher heating value. According to Nory Gazel

Magsombol, an environmentalist management specialist, they started producing charcoal briquettes since 2010 and it became in demand to the public. She also added that it helps them in promoting an ecofriendly environment. The city government uses coconut husks in making charcoal. “We are glad that people entertained our charcoal briquettes. We sell it for only ₱20.00 per kilo. We do not sell it to the markets but we, employees,

sell it to those people who are interested,” Magsombol said. Magsombol also mentioned that Mang Inasal in SM Sta. Rosa is interested with charcoal briquette and would like to make an order with them but they are still on the process of deciding if they will pursue. Aside from CENRO, Sta. Rosa Lakeshore Livelihood Association Former Members of Fisherman also produce charcoal briquettes which are made from water lilies.

According to Magsambol, the production of charcoal briquettes out of water lilies is a useful way in decreasing the numbers of water lilies in Caingin, Sta. Rosa. These water lilies interrupt the fishermen in their work. Because of it, they come up with an idea of using it for livelihood. “Until now, we continue producing charcoal briquettes because it is good for environment and also add income for the city government,” Magsombol said.

Charcoal criquette, an alternative to LPG

RDC supports Batangas fisherfolk affected by fishkill MARVIN MALACAMAN

Runners in action for “Takbundukan” in Makiling Botanical Gardens

Runners sets“Takbundukan” to save mountains MARK KELVIN ESPINOSA

Runners led by activist priest Robert Reyes staged “Takbundukan” around Mt. Banahaw last August 15, Friday and over the weekend as part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) program to save the country’s mountains and the environment. “We conducted this activity to focus the importance of saving our natural resources. The monsoon rains that inundated Metro Manila and other provinces do not merely remind us of (Tropical Storm) ‘Ondoy’. It reminds us that something drastic and concrete has to be done to save our mountains,” Reyes said by phone on Saturday. According to park superintendent for Banahaw and the Mt. San Cristobal Protected Landscape Salud Pangan the project promotes the national greening program with emphasis on watershed

protection and proper solid waste management.

Run for a cause

Most parts of the 2,177-meter Banahaw, which spans 11,133 hectares, remain restricted to the public as the mountain recovers from decades of environmental degradation. Reyes, popularly known as the “running priest,” is known for initiating marathons to raise public awareness about social and political issues. Takbundukan went in Pagsanjan town in Laguna and stopped for the night in Liliw town. The next day, it resumed its run-up to San Pablo City, also in Laguna. On Sunday, Reyes and other runners from the DENR and nongovernment groups, ran from San Pablo to Dolores town, the gateway to Banahaw, in Quezon.

After a brief stopover, they headed for Sariaya, another town known for quarry operations at the foot of the mountain. “Actually, the activity was not all running. If the distance is too far, the runners rode in vehicles and only started the run a few kilometers to the target destination,” Reyes explained.

Benefit of awareness

Reyes said they distributed running canes (tungkod), seedlings of native trees and the “Kartilya ng Kalikasan” to local officials during stopovers. The Kartilya contains words of wisdom to create awareness about discipline among Filipinos. “But deeper than the lack of discipline is the alienation from nature that manifests itself through a lack of love, concern and care for the earth. Wrong belief systems; attitudes and bad

habits need to be recognized and transformed. More than prayer, we need deep and lasting conversion,” he said. The canes are symbols of three virtues—sacrifice and commitment, shepherding and stewardship, and discipline, he added. “The native trees are an expression of an openness and readiness to save our mountains by planting more and more trees,” Reyes said. “ We are running for the benefit of our mountains, we conducted it to become an instrument as weel as to become an eye opener to other people,” Head runner Jose Pagliyoc said. Pagliyoc added that he will continue running to save our mountains. It is not only for us, it is for the benefit of all and now that our team is growing we hope that even students and young ones will join in this project.

LB firmly cares for Mother Earth The Municipality of Los Baños keeps its support to the Eco- Waste Processing Zone aiming to continuously protect the mother Earth. The newly improved Eco- Waste Processing Zone was strictly implemented by Mayor Anthony Genuino obtaining a large compound accommodating the whole process located near the jamboree area atop of Mount Makiling. Mr. Oji Sanchez says, from the Information Office, the project is reducing trash within the town by sorting it to

separate the Biodegradable and Non- Biodegradable materials. The garbage from the dumpsite undergo segregation in which they use a huge shredder machine to separate plastics. These plastic materials from the shredder will use to mixed with cement to come up with tiles which are 44% made up of plastic. From the start it is proven that immediate action in protecting the environment is what they show and so far the residents are being aware of this. According to Mr. Sanchez, “That is the concrete way of loving the Mother Earth. Hindi lang iyan

basta paggamit ng t-shirt ” (That is the concrete way of loving our mother Earth. It is not just wearing t-shirt.)

are given to the Eco-Waste Processing Zone to make it as construction materials such as cement or hollow blocks.

Pioneer of “No Plastic Policy”

Clean as we prevent Dengue

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognized Los Banos as the first ever town in the Philippines to implement the no plastic policy despite of the provinces who claims to the first. This project also serves as the pride of the municipality. The Plastics that they gather

Los Banos hosts dengue prevention program due to the continuous changes in weather last September 28. Mr. Sanchez said,“ Ito ay para sa lahat ng barangay at dahil tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang rainy season hanggang December iyan.” (This is for the barangay levels and due to continuous of rainy season it will last until December.)

The Regional Development Council (RDC) - Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) together with the Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) showed their support to the Taal Lake fish kill incident affected fisherfolks by visiting Talisay, Batangas, one of the affected areas in the province on June 24, 2011. The group was met by Mayor Zenaida Mendoza and fellow RDC-PSR member, Milagros Chavez, President of the Kilusan ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Lawa ng Taal ( KMMLT).

“This effort done by the RDC would surely help a lot in our fish industry, and especially our Talisenos in which their life depends on the fishes in the lake [Taal Lake]. I know we got a lot to do with what have happened but this is a good start for us and also for our fishermen.” The PSRs presented the KMMLT with a cheque for their donated amount of Php 25,000 as financial assistance to the fisherfolks. Likewise, Regional Director Wilma D. Naviamos of the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) provided 623 fisherfolks with an entitlement to 10 Days Cash for Work Assistance at Php 3,120 each in the total amount of Php

1,943,760. “This effort done by the RDC would surely help a lot in our fish industry, and especially our Talisenos in which their life depends on the fishes in the lake [Taal Lake]. I know we got a lot to do with what have happened but this is a good start for us and also for our fishermen,” said Chavez. To cap the activity, the attendees enjoyed a boodle fight lunch of bangus and tilapia, the local fish produce from the Taal Lake. “This was a gesture of confidence and advocacy showcasing that fishes sourced from Taal Lake are now safe for human consumption,” said Myra Montelibano, member of KMMLT. This initiative was initiated by the new set of PSRs for the Calabarzon RDC for CY 20102013 who were confirmed last September 14 during its 3rd Quarter Full Council Meeting. The group of PSRs represents private sector organizations ranging from business organizations, cooperatives, industry associations, nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, civic clubs, and professional organizations. “Despite the calamities that gradually affected the vicinity of the lake in which fish pens are sited, the fisher folks are finding ways to rehabilitate the area. To date, the fishing industry of Talisay doubled its revenues after getting hit by typhoon in the last three months,” added Chavez.

DANIELA AMADURE The municipality also launched the campaign last March 2010 to put off the rising number of Dengue cases which encourages everyone to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings. The said campaign was also part of their program “Tapat mo linis mo.” Mr. Sanchez says, As a result, the town reached the zero Dengue cases during the past years. The campaign includes health issues though it entirely focuses in protecting the environment. The usual residents of

the town who abuse the environment are the informal settlers or those who lived in squatters’ area. Because of being illiterate the municipality of Los Banos want to prevent the possible problems to the environment that may arise. They provide enough information to help those people to be aware about the surroundings. As the Municipality strictly implements its campaign on keeping firmly their action of taking care of our environment watches over and give due punishment penalties to those who will be caught violating.

The Lycean Post JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

“Literature is the art of writing something that will be read twice; journalism what will be grasped at once. CYRIL CONNOLLY, Enemies of Promise

Mayor Genuino helped distribute relief goods to victims of the calamity For the past three years typhoon “Ondoy” remains to be the bearer of the worst extremities of a typhoon in the country but now, southwest monsoon, locally known as, “”hanging habagat,” gave a blow of pouring excessive amount of rainfall. Los Baños is one of the municipality stroked by habagat wherein 4000 families were affected and 900 of them lose their shelter. Five out of 14 barangay in Los Baños, namely Mayondon, Balintan, Bayog, Bambang, Taglak were enormously distressed. Habagat reached 472 millimeters in just 22 hours in which it beat the record of typhoon “Ondoy” of 455 millimeters that took for almost 24 hours. According to some findings, the five affected areas were near the lake shore that causes flashflood within the area of Los Baños. The victims

were immediately evacuated in five evacuation centers including 90 tent city (donation of tents) from the DSWD region IV- A as their temporary shelter. Mayor Genuino declared Los Baños in the state of calamity and provide an adequate fund to meet the needs of the affected families. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) monitoring the affected barangays to give immediate action to the said area. Aside from that, Mayor Genuino also established the umbrella group who are recognized as the Los Baños volunteers. They were composed of 20 NGOs around Los Baños, including Univerity of the Philippines- Los Baños (UPLB). Mr. Oji Sanchez says, from Information Office of Los Baños, that it was all well- coordinated and the distribution of donations, medical mission are still ongoing.

Immediate employment for Habagat victims in LB

After the calamity, more than 900 families stayed in evacuation centers and tents without any money in their pocket. They depend in the relief goods donated by the government and other organizations. With the partnership of Department of Labor and Employment Region IV- A (DOLE) and Public Employment Service Office (PESO), 53 victims of habagat were introduced to Mayor Genuino and gave a chance to work for a living. They were assigned to clean the drainage canal of the affected barangays to help them earn for their families. Through this emergency employment, they could be able to provide the needs of their family without depending too much to the government.

Bayanihan by walk-for-acause in LB

The municipality celebrated their 397th foundation day last September 17, 2012. For this year, instead of their usual celebration which is the popular street dance competition which is , Banyamos Festival, Mayor Genuino organized a walk-for-acause. Because of bayanihan more than 10,000 people, including the residents, students, and different organizations, as of 10:00 am they earn 190,000 pesos. There is no registration fee but participants brought something that will be given to the habagat casualties such as dry goods, medicine or necessities; or any amount of money. More than 900 families who still stays in the evacuation centers will be the beneficiaries of this event.

Ecotourism paradise to open inTanauan City ANGELIC BACUYAG Tanauan City is constructing a bird park ecotourism that is soon to open for public. According to Angelo Perez, administrator aid of community affairs, botanists and ornithologists from University of the Philippines Los Baños visited Barangay Maria Paz in Tanauan last August. They came to make a study about the birds that visit their place and the plants that compel the birds to stay and serve as its habitat. Perez also mentioned that the ecotourism’s main attraction is the bird park which was

developed last August and will be open to public soon. Napayong Island which lies in Barangay Maria Paz, is one of the city’s prides because of its pleasing vista. This place is ideal for nature lovers who engaged themselves in activities like boating, trekking, fishing, rappelling, hiking and camping, with a distance of 11 kilometer and 35 minutes away from the city proper by jeepney.

Livelihood for plebeian of Maria Paz

Criz Orzo, one of the

plebeian of Maria Paz, said that this upcoming ecotourism park will help in the city’s livelihood programs and their barangay to earn profit for the benefit of the citizens. Councilor Ferdinand Rimas said that he is in favor of the development of the ecotourism park it will lead the tourists to visit their barangay, making it known to the nearby towns and cities. “Maria Paz has the most beautiful tourism spots among the barangays of Tanauan,” Rimas added.

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Moonsoon rains leave casualties in evacuation centers ROSE MARTHY BONGON

An evacuation center in Binan that remains flooded even few months after “habagat.” Few months had passed since the country experienced monsoon rains but evacuees in Biñan, Laguna are still staying in different evacuation centers. According to City Social Welfare and Development Office City of Biñan, as of September 6, 2012, there are 8 barangays which have still floods such as Canlalay, Malaban, Casile, Dela Paz, San Antonio, San Jose, San Vicente and Sto.Domingo. Fifteen evacuation centers are available in Biñan and people who are affected are staying there.Among barangays, Brgy. Malaban has the biggest number of evacuees where in almost 10,000 and 930 families are staying in Malaban Main Elementary School. Based on the assessment findings last August 8, 2012, the water level was between 1.5 to 3 meters particularly those zones near or along Laguna Lake. Laguna de Bay rose within 15 centimeters of its 2009 water

level when Tropical Storm “Ondoy” brought devastating floods to towns near the lake. “The rain was heavy. I and my family were so scared that is why we decided to evacuate as soon as possible,” Melody Rabina, a resident from Brgy. Malaban, said. She also added that the effect of the monsoon rain was worse than Ondoy. They also know what they are going to do during this kind of situation and they are blessed because the city government always helps them. Local Government Units in Biñan has provided immediate relief goods for evacuees. Rabina said that the city government also provided them foods and supplies of medicine. There are also medical mission which was supported by Riza Hontiveros with the cooperation of the city government. Evacuees are expected to be back at their homes as long as it is safe for them.

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POLICE

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Police officer dies in accidental firing

Motorcycle, van collision; resultsto damages

ROXANNE RIVERA One incident of accidental firing slew the life of a police officer after his own service firearm exploded last August 31. The victim was identified as PO3 Lester Herrera of Calaca Municipal Police Station. According to the report of Batangas City PNP, the incident happened while Herrera was attending an event at Green Coral Hotel and Resort. The said event was a 12-day seminar for Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE) funded by Batangas Provincial Police Office.

“According to a witness, the victim was about to take a rest and in the act of placing his service pistol on a table when it blast abruptly, hitting Herrera in his head,” Jerson Sanchez, an employee at Batangas Public Information Office, said. The victim was immediately taken to Jesus of Nazareth hospital but was confirmed dead-on-the spot. As of now, there’s an ongoing investigation about the said accidental firing to determine if there’s a foul play that happened.

JELEENE CICERON David of Binan, Laguna while the jeepney was seen driven by Frederick Manimtim Zoleta, a native resident of Batangas City. Both of them hold a Professional Driver’s License with restriction codes. After a long discussion of both sides in the Traffic Management Office of the Lipa City Police Station, both drivers involved in the accident will pay an undetermined amount for the damages incurred by both vehicles.

Lover’s jealousy leads to hacking incident KATRINA MANALO An allegedly jealous man hacked to death his own family in Brgy. Janopol Oriental, Tanauan City, Batangas last September 10, 2012. Based on the initial investigation, four dead bodies were found lying inside a small house covered with burning clothes. The investigators found a bolo placed beside the body of the suspect who was identified as Feliciano Lopez. In view of that, the victims were said to be inside their house when the suspect arrived carrying a bolo and without apparent reason cut the neck of his two daughters, Angeline Mendoza, 2, Angelica Mendoza, 1, and his live-in partner, Shery Anne Mendoza using a 24 inches bolo causing their immediate death. One motive considered for the suspect to commit the

crime was jealousy. Subsequently, the suspect also ended his life by cutting his neck. SOCO team from Regional Crime Laboratory Office PRO4A led by PSI Shiela I. Cajilig conducted scene of the crime operation at the place of the incident. According to the suspect’s brother, Ireneo Gomez, the suspect wants to poison his family and himself with no clear reason prior to the hacking incident. However, further investigation revealed that the suspect has been suffering from mental illness. The case remains to be under investigation having the station request for the assistance of SOCO Team from Regional Crime Laboratory Office (RCLO) 4A to conduct the crime scene investigation.

Japanese Nat’l found dead in his room JAYSON SUBA

A Japanese national was found dead in Brgy. Malitlit, Sta Rosa City last June 14, 2012. The dead body was identified to be Katsuya Arai, 66 years old, native of Kaganawa, Japan. According to an interview conducted by the Sta. Rosa Police to Angelina Aristan, house maid of the Japanese national, she found the body of Arai inside his room. According to the investigation of PO2 Dela Rosa and PO3 Caparoso, the lifeless body of Arai was found around

5:00 in the afternoon lying on his bed. Prior to his death, Arai was confined due to heart illness and was found out having diabetes and kidney disease. The dead body was brought to John Paul Funeral Parlor and autopsied by Medico Legal Officer Police Superintendent Roy Camarillo and PNP Crime Laboratory Service, Camp Vicente Lim. The medico legal concluded that the Japanese national’s cause of death was due to heart attack.

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

FIEL ESGUERRA

Jeepneyhitstruck A passenger type jeepney bumped in an Isuzu Truck NQR at Lipa City last September 15, 2012. According to the initial investigation conducted by the Lipa City National Police, the truck NQR was navigating towards Batangas City direction while the jeepney was turning right towards the same direction from S. Lus St.when the left part of the vehicle hits theright rear side portion of the truck NQR. The driver of the truck NQR was said to be Rolando Tripon

SPORTS

The Lycean Post

Talisay Chief of Police share hands with Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza Photo courtesy of Talisay Batangas Tourism Council

Talisay Chief of Police turns over command MARVIN MALACAMAN

After more than two years of service for the Taliseños, Police Superintendent (PSI) Manuel R. Maligaya relinquished his standing as Chief of Police of the Talisay Police Station (TPS) last June 18, 2012. “During his time as Chief of Police, he had shown exemplary performance and outstanding acts and through his leadership, he has made the Talisay Police Station as the Best Police Station of the Year,” said PO2 Amadeo Bautista.

TPS Excellence

The Talisay Municipal Station was deemed as the Best

Municipal Police Station of the Year (Batangas Police Provincial Office in Class C Municipal Police Station Category) last April 30. Headed by Police Senior Inspectors Manuel R. Maligaya and Manuel Rojero Maligaya with 33 personnel, the police station garnered the highest score percentage of 78.53% in the Administrative and Operational Accomplishments for the year 2011. “I’m truly privileged having been guided by Officer Maligaya, and he sets as an example for the Taliseño police officers,” added PO2 Bautista.

Passing the Merit

Taking his post as the new Chief of Police is PSI Domingo D. Ballesteros. During the turnover ceremony various citations were given to PSI Maligaya including those from NGO’s and a challenge to the new Chief of Police Ballesteros, as his successor, to further strengthen partnership between the community and the police personnel with high dignity, honor and integrity. “I believe PSI Ballesteros will continue the legacy that our former Chief of Police [PSI Maligaya] bestowed on us,” said SPO1 Romeo Villanueva.

Traffic enforcer killed ROSE MARTHY BONGON

A traffic enforser was killed by three unidentified suspects in Brgy. Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna last June 11. The victim was identified as Ricardo Gomez. from Laguna Traffic Management Office According to a witness, the victim was walking on his way to Amar Village when the three suspects riding on a motorcycle suddenly approached and shot the enforcer several times. According to Benjamin Togunon, also a LTMO enforcer, the incident happenv after they had an argument over a traffic violation when the driver of the motorcycle uttered threatening words to the victim. and hit him. Before the incident happen, the motorcycle left the place but

the victim jotted down its license plate number. He went to the office of Brgy. Balibago to lodge a complaint against the driver. After lodging, while on his way to Amar Village, suspects spotted him and passed beside him thus the shooting happened. “I heard a gunshot and saw a male person wearing red jacket and helmet shot Ricardo Lopez three times,” Togunon said. Togunon also added that he identified driver but he could not identify the gunman who was wearing a helmet that time. The victim was rushed by LTMO personnel to nearby Balibago Polyclinic Hospital for medical attention. Later, he was transferred to Perpetual Help Hospital but he died while

undergoing treatment at the said hospital. Follow-up investigation conducted a follow-up operation at Perpetual Help Hospital which was led by SPO4 Tanny Gangano who secured the anti mortem statements of Gomez. Meanwhile, the responding team recovered 5 pieces of empty shells for caliber, 45 pistol and 1 piece of deformed slug at the crime scene. Criminal complaint of murder against the suspect was already referred for preliminary investigation at the City Prosecutors Office, City of Sta. Rosa Laguna.

A motorcycle and a van collided last August 23 in Barangay VI-D, San Pablo City, Laguna. The collision happened around 1:30 in the afternoon and it left one injured. He is identified as Jethro Samsaman who was a passenger of the motorcycle that was being driven by Perry Samsaman. According to the police report, the van that was being operated by Emannuel Lopez, 46, and originally from Las Pinas City, Metro Manila. PO2 AJ Takukin together with PO2 R. Alcantarawas the police in charge on the accident. When they arrived to the incident location, they found out that the vehicles are no longer on their original position. The investigation revealed that both vehicles were travelling along F. Marino Street and they are both in route to the city proper, while the van is crossing the said street it headed towards the direction of the motorcycle and the collision occurred. As a result of the incident, both vehicles incurred visible damages. The motorcycle’s driver’s cover got misaligned, left side mirror detached, front left flasher light got broken, and the van’s damages were: the right side sliding door, scratched paint and the rear right wheel tire broke (flat tire).

Unidentified men rob Internet café in Lipa MARLON MICUA Unidentified group of robbers stole computer hardware in an Internet café at Brgy. Sabang Lipa City, Batangas, last September 7. According to the victim, Avelino Permentilla, he noticed that the roll-up door of Computer Shop situated along P. Lagyo St., Brgy. Sabang, was slightly opened. He went closer to the said establishment and discovers that its padlocks were already cut. Upon checking inside, he found that the same was ransacked and nine units of computer central processing units (CPUs) and seven computer monitors were missing. According to SPO4 Alberto Ortega Garing, duty desk officer during that time, at around 4:30 o’clock in the morning of September 7, he received a telephone call from SPO1 Emmanuel Angelo Umali informing that an alleged robbery had transpired at Brgy. Sabang, Lipa City. Taking cognizance on the said report, responsive operation led by P/SINSP Ernesto Robles Chavez was dispatched to conduct investigation. According to the Lipa City Police, they are still undergoing investigation and followup operation for possible apprehension of the suspect/s of the said robbery.

Runners make their way through the track in Milo fun run 2012

Lipeños enjoy Lipa enjoys MILO fun Milo run fun run JELEENE CICERON

The eighth leg of the 36th National MILO Marathon was held in Lipa City at the Batangas track last September 16. A total of 6,500 runners raced in the Lipa leg of the marathon for the chance of qualifying in the much awaited 36th National Milo Marathon Finals on December 9, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City, which offers a prize of more than P150,000 for the winner. The participants in the marathon did not stop running until the end of the track even there was a pouring of heavy rain. A total of 32 schools participated in the marathon. Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa got the highest number of participants after sending in

2,337 people and collecting a total time of 19:56.76 which also made them get the Fastest Delegation award in the race. The Milo Marathon elimination race held in Lipa was already on its eighth leg and will be going to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for the Last Luzon leg then off to Visayas and Mindanao for more qualifying stages.

The qualifying runners

Jujet De Asis of Sultan Kudarat Philippine Army dominated in the male division of the 21-K track category, respectively while Janice Tawagin of Lucena City ruled the female division. De Asis, a 10-year National Milo Marathon runner, finished the 21-K course male division in 1:16:15 and will battle against

the top runner in the country for the Milo Marathon finals. Arriving in 2nd and 3rd place were Desamito Bernardo, who is 1 minute and 10 seconds behind De Asis, and Franklin Penalosa, who finished the track in 1:22:54. According to the press release cover of the marathon, the race track is longer than what De Asis has expected and his lack of preparation for the last few meters of the track distracted him into reaching his personal goal, so he need to condition his body for the National Milo Marathon Finals. Janice Tawagin, who finished the track in 1:39:35, took home the victory in the female division of the 21-k category of the marathon, alongside Jocelyn Elijeran and JennelynPortuguez

NCAA kicks off in LPU Batangas ROXANNE RIVERA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) South formally opened its 14th season at Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas located at Barangay Cuta, Batangas City last August 28. This is the second time that Lyceum Batangas hosted the said athletic competition. NCAA South Season 14 officially started with the lighting of the torch. The said competition has the theme “Taking the lead through sports excellence.”Present in the event were Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, Vice. Gov. Mark Leviste and city Mayor Vilma Abaya-Dimacuha. In an interview of Ronna Contreras, Public Information

Help Give Shoes

Help Give Shoes is an advocacy program of MILO to help the Filipino children take a step into achieving their dreams by giving theme pairs of running shoes which they can also use every day in their schools. The advocacy has already gotten in touch with a total of 18,200 deprived children all over

the country and approximately 500 shoe beneficiaries from five schools in Lipa Ctity also joined the 36th National MILO Marathon elimination race. “I’ve seen its commercial on TV, and of course, I think it’s a lot of help for the kids, especially for the less fortunates because they were able to make them smile with just simple things like that (Napapanood ko yung commercial nun sa TV, at siyempre, malaki ang tulong nun para sa mga bata lalo na sa mga kapos sa buhay kasi kahit sa simpleng bagay, napapasaya nila yung mga yun),” Leticia Reyes, a vendor and resident of Lipa City, said. MILO plays different commercials of the advocacy in Philippine television which shows them assisting and

giving shoes to children who can’t afford to buy one and goes to school barefoot or using a pair of brokenslippers. The giving of shoes to the youth encourages every Filipino to take an action and participate in the annual National Milo Marathon and execution of the advocacy. This is also to inspire them how grateful their lives are having the chance to accomplish their dreams. Help Give Shoes aims to shape the future of the Filipino children. The lending of a hand of the MILO team to the underprivileged school children and the giving of running shoes to them symbolizes the first step in the long run to their dreams.

ROXANNE RIVERA Calamba, First Asia

Officer (PIO), with Peter Laurel, president of Lyceum Batangas, Laurel said that the institution takes pride and honor to host the NCAA South for the second time, especially now that they are celebrating the 46th founding anniversary of their institution. Laurel also stated that one objective of the NCAA is to develop camaraderie between athletes from different schools and to enhance the skills and potentials of their students in terms of sports. NCAA South Season 14 was participated by 11 schools which consist of San Beda College-Alabang, Don Bosco CollegeTechnical – Mandaluyong, Colegio de San Juan de Letran-

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos welcomes the participants of theNCAA Season 14 Photo courtesy of Dexter Balita

as the 2nd and 3rd placer. In a press release interview with Tawagin, she said that she has always dreamed of making it to the national team and she is preparing herself for the big league by joining quality races such as the MILO marathon. She is hoping to beat her time in the qualifying race by maintaining her discipline and building her strategies for the sport.

Institute of Technology and HumanitiesTanauan, Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas, University of Perpetual Help-Laguna, San Pablo Colleges, University of Batangas, St Francis College of Assisi-Las Pinas City at LPU-Batangas. The tournament battles of UB Brahmans against San Beda Alabang Red Lions and LyceumBatangas Pirates against De La Salle-Lipa Green Chevrons steered in the competition. Some of the sport events which will be partaken by the opposing schools are basketball, volleyball, chess and table tennis for the first semester and badminton, football, taekwando, beach volleyball and swimming for the second semester.

Photo courtesy of Tanauan Sports Dev’t FB page

Tanauan Baseball Team represents PH in Guam ANGELIC BACUYAG

Tanauan City, Baseball team – brought home numerous trophies and awards from championships in different international leagues around the world. “These awards are product of good team work,” coach Chito Mercado said. The highlight of the last year’s game for the team was when they white washed Indonesia, 10-0, in six innings to secure their chance to represent Asia Pacific in the Seniors World Series in Bangor, Maine, last August 14 to 20, 2011. Meanwhile, Tanauan Baseball Team won the championship in Philippine Series at Clark Pampanga last April 8-16 in which they represented Philippines last July 1 to 10 at Asia Pacific Baseball

Tournament in Guam, USA, where they got 2nd place for senior league division. Ed Jallores, the sports development officer of Tanauan, said that New Zealand got the 1st place, where they pitched the last score for Philippines not to compete in championship. On the other hand, last May 22-28, 2012, Tanauan Baseball team junior division, won the championship in Asia Pacific, PONY baseball tournament at Singapore that represented Philippines last July 20 to 30 at Virginia, Brongko II World Series and got the 4th place. the “Tanauan is number 2 nationwide when it comes to baseball,” Jallores said.

Baseball for Education

Centimo Leus, Sports Executive Assistant of Tanauan,

said that the first goal of having this baseball team is just to aid scholarships for the youth in their high schools and colleges. “A baseball diamond located at Barangay Altura South serves as the practice venue for our baseball team which has brought forth so much recognition worldwide that it is now considered as one of the top teams to watch out,” Jallores added. Jallores said, that all their college students who are members of the team will graduate because of baseball, and their alumni memebers of the team help them and volunteer themselves to coach or sponsor the team

NEWS

The Lycean Post 18

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

The Lycean Post JUNE-OCTOBER 2012

Sto. Tomas confers sports fest for disabled persons KATRINA MANALO

Mayor Sabili delivering his speech in his State of the City Address Photo courtesy of skyscrapercity.com

Mayor Sabili upholds better quality of life to Lipeños JELEENE CICERON

Lipa Mayor Meynard A. Sabili encouraged the lipeños to participate in the development of their town in his State of the City Address (SOCA) speech held last August 13, 2012 at the Lipa City, Batangas. The focus of Mayor Sabili’s SOCA was about the expansion of the 7-point agenda that he created just before the year 2011 ended during his 1st period of term to let every Lipenos know about his genuineness in helping all the residents of Lipa in their need and in promoting a better quality of life. “Being the the father of this city, it’s good to think that almost two years had passed in my 1st term of serving you as a Mayor (Sa aking pagtayo dito bilang ama ng lungsod, nakakatuwang isipin na nakadalawang taon na pala ang nakalipas sa aking unang termino),” Hon. Sabili said in his SOCA speech, “And it is my job to update you of all the things that happened, are happening, and will happen for the improvement of lives of every Lipeno in our city (At marapat lamang na ibalita ko sa inyo kung anuano na ang mga naganap, nagawa, patuloy na ginagawa at gagawin pa natin para patuloy na mapaunlad ang buhay ng bawat Lipeño sa ating lungsod),” Sabili added. In order to assert everything, Sabili increase of budget for the City of Lipa from P891 million in the year 2010 to a target amount of P1 billion for 2013. The increase of the budget would support Sabili’s new projects for the improvement of the city of Lipa, in line with the 7-point agenda which is also called by its residents as IHELP. “I like the idea of increasing the budget because it could contribute in the development of the city of Lipa (Maganda yung pagtaas nung budget kasi mas mapapaganda ‘tong Lipa

at mas makikilala),” Raquel Formalosa, a resident of Lipa, said.

IHELP

The IHELP or the seven point agenda, which stands for Infrastructure and Information Technology; Health; Education and Environmental Management; Livelihood; and Peace and Order , was created to serve as a guide in developing the city of Lipa, Batangas, and also for the new projects that is being implemented. In line with the improvement of Lipa, Mayor Meynard Sabili implemented new developments in the city and explained it one by one in his SOCA speech through the use of IHELP. According to Sabili, new infrastructures and roads will be built in the covered areas of Lipa to ensure the safety of the residents and the good flow of travel in the different parts of the city. A parking building is now being planned to put up in between the building I and building II of the Lipa market that will serve parking lot for the vehicles. This year, a new hospital will be built soon in the vicinity of Lipa. It will be known as the “Ospital ng Lipa.” This will provide free hospitalization for the less fortunate residents of the city. The finances that are going to be used in running the hospital will come from the fund of the municipality itself and from the contribution of PhilHealth and PCSO. “Ospital ng Lipa is free to give dignity and medication to the diseased less-fortunate residents of our city and I will make sure that they will be helped and accepted in the hospital with care in spite of whatever condition they have (Ang Ospital ng Lipa ay isang libreng ospital na magbibigay ng dignidad sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan na nagkakasakit dahil sisiguraduhin kong kaalinsabay sa libreng

paglunas sa kanilang karamdaman ay tatanggapin sila ng may panggalang sa kabila ng kanilang kahirapan),” Hon. Sabili said. Mayor Sabili has also increased the number of scholars from 300 individuals in the year 2010 to more than 12,000 scholar college students in Batangas, including the 6,000 students of KolehiyongLungsodngLipa with the help of their different university partners all over Batangas like the Batangas State University; Lyceum of the Philippines Batangas; University of Batangas; Lipa City Colleges; Batangas College of Arts and Sciences; and STI which provides 50% discount on tuition fees of the students. “I believe that a person can be successful with the help of right education, together with patience, hardwork and unique approach in life (Naniniwala po ako na sa pamamagitan ng sapat na edukasyon, kasama ang sipag, tiyaga at konting diskarte sa buhay, ay uunlad ang isang tao),” Hon. Sabili said, “I don’t want poverty to be a hindrance for a child to get a good education and a good future (Ayaw ko po sanang maging hadlang ang kahirapan upang ang isang bata ay makapag-aral at makapagtapos).” Different operations are also being executed in Lipa such as the planting of 2 million trees project, coastal clean-up, bantayilog project, and banning of the Styrofoam and plastics for the environment; Micro-Finance Project and Capital Loan Assistance for the livelihood; and Bahay ni Kuya, a drug rehabilitation center that will support the peace and order of the community.

Recognition through cooperation

Mayor Meynard Sabili believes that cooperation is the best way to achieve a

Our heartfelt thanks to Michael, Mary & Kirby for sharing with us their parents and their home.

2014 ABCOMM Batch

progressive and successful life of every resident of Lipa City and if each of them continually help and stick with each other, the improvement of their municipality would be easier. Before the SOCA speech of Mayor Sabili ended, he took the moment to thank every people and organizations who cooperated and helped him in accomplishing his new projects for the development of Lipa, Batangas and for those who believed in him as the city Mayor. He gave credit to the one who gave him the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” which proves that no corruption is happening in their town during his term. Aside from the P3 million given for the recognition, an additional P30 million was also presented to them for a cleanand decent administration. Sabili is expecting that the recognition given to them will be able to inspire the Lipeños to work together in creating a good and respectable image of the town.He encouraged his people to continue helping each other to achieve a wellmanaged and highly regarded town compared to others. “Beloved co-people, My eagerness in developing Lipa into a more known and improved city is really fervent, So I am hoping that we will all work together in the upcoming days for the betterment of this town and its residents. Thank you very much (Mga minamahal kong kababayan, lubha pong matindi ang aking pagnanasa na ipagpatuloy pa ang mga gawaing pangkaunlaran ng ating bayan kaya ako po ay umaasa na patuloy po tayong magsasama-sama sa mga darating pang panahon upang kapitbisig nating maisulong ang pagunlad ng minamahal nating lungsod. Maraming salamat po),” Hon. Sabili said in his closing speech.

Who said that person’s with disability cannot be engaged in sports and other activities? The first RMF Abilympics held in Sto Tomas, Batangas last August 17, 2012 gave chance to unable persons to participate in a sports event organized entirely for them. “I can say that we successfully met the objectives set for this program organized to give an opportunity to those who are unable to at least be engaged in sports and other activities. (Masasabi kong successful kami sa pag-abot ng objectives para sa program na ito na makapagbigay ng pagkakataon sa mga unable persons na atleast ay makasali sa mga sports at iba pang activities.),” said Lizelle M. Peñaloza, MSWD staff. Abilympics is a sports fest intended for the people of Sto Tomas who are physically unable. It is a project of the municipal mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Hon. Renato M. Federico with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development or MSWD. The sports event held activities such as standing long jump, 62 m. run, fun games including team, sack race, musical chairs, egg catching and balloon, fish blowing and calamansi relays. The said event also had poster designing and

water colour painting. According to Lizelle M. Peñaloza, MSWD staff and one of the organizers of the sports fest, the event aims to integrate the unable persons for them to socialize with other people and not to be at home all the time so they can show their skills and the talent they have. “This kind of event gives opportunity to the persons with physical disability to develop their self-esteem and enjoy as what others can do. I was very happy when my daughter won; I hugged her and told her she was great. (Ang mga event katulad nito ay nagbibigay ng oportunidad sa mga persons with disability na madevelop ang kanilang selfesteem at mag-enjoy katulad ng iba. Masayang Masaya ako nang manalo ang anak ko, niyakap ko siya agad at siinabi ko sakanya na ang galing galing niya.),” said Susan G. Catindoy, mother of one participant in the water colour painting contest. In the same day of the Abilympics, the municipal government also gave away wheel chairs, single and quad canes, walkers, pairs of crutches, and a stroller. According to Lizelle M. Peñaloza, MSWD staff, the first RMF Abilympics was a success and the municipal government plans to continue this activity every year in Sto Tomas.

First E.R. dance sport competion takes place in Sta. Cruz MICHELLE GONZALES

The Sta Cruz’s first dance sport competion was finally held at Laguna Sports Complex Gymnasium last September 1, 2012. As a part Sports Excellence Revolution Program,Sta. Cruz, together with their governor Jeorge Estregan and through the help of the Provincial Sports and games Development office (PSGDO), initiated the “ FIRST GOV. E.R. BATANG LAGUNA DANCE SPORT COMPETITION.” According to Mrs. Marissa Bituin, Tourism Head Officer of Sta. Cruz, Laguna there were many participants who joined the competition, over 75 duos of young ballroom dancers from different schools and municipalities in Laguna competed the three divisions, which were the Juvenile

Category (11 years old under), Junior Category (12 to 16 years old) and the Youth category (17 to 19 years old). Governor E.R. with his very supportive wife, Mayor Girlie Maita Ejercito of Pagsanjan led the awarding ceremony, Bituin added. The third place winners received bouquet of flowers, bronze medal and a cash prize of two thousand pesos. Second place winners, received a bouquet of flowers, silver medal and three thousand pesos and the first place winners received a bouquet of flowers and brought home gold medals and five thousand pesos. The event became successful because of the cooperation and unity of the townsfolk of Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Special thanks to:

Ms. Myla Loreto Ms. Gerby Muya Ms. Phlor Zamora Mr. Gary Castillo Ms. Anna Kagaoan