ANGARA: EDUC REFORMS ARE KEY TO IMPROVING PHL’S HUMAN CAPITAL

MANILA, April 30, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara reiterated his call for the improvement of the country’s human capital through systemwide educational reforms, in commemoration of the approaching Labor Day.

“The government must make this great challenge a top priority—we will need a unified effort from different agencies, not just the Department of Education, as well as from stakeholders in the private sector,” said Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture.

“There must be constant coordination between all the players if we are to implement the necessary changes in the curriculum, boost professional training and enhance our overall competitiveness.”

According to Angara, boosting the labor pool’s skills base is a necessary and long overdue step not only towards economic development but also better labor welfare.

“It is only by deepening the skills base of our people can we actually broaden the job opportunities open to them and create the enabling environment where they can lift themselves out of hardship,” explained the veteran lawmaker. “

Angara, a former UP President, cited the upcoming changes in the Basic Education Curriculum as a major contributor towards human capital development.

The K to 12 Program set to start this coming school year will prepare students for the workforce, as well as give them the choice to develop skills and proficiencies in their preferred areas of expertise. 

“Through this system, high school graduates could already apply for jobs, should they choose to forego tertiary education. The proposed extra years of education already put our students at par with the rest of the world,” stressed Angara. (Rikka Sotto)

Media, winalang kwenta ng isang biyahero ng kahoy

BALER, Aurora, April 30, 2012-Minaliit at winalang kwenta ng isang biyahero ng kahoy ang propesyong pamamahayag ng komprontahin nito noong Lunes ang reporter ng GMA Network na si Ronald Leander habang nagkokober sa isang anti-illegal logging operation ng mga otoridad sa Brgy. San Jose, San Luis, Aurora.

 

Sa kwento ni Leander, kinompronta siya ng nagpakilalang Danny Gonzales ng Cabanatuan City ng hanapin niya ang may-ari ng ng libo-libong board feet ng mga kahoy habang ikinakarga sa trak.

 

“Galit na galit siya sa akin habang kumukuha ako ng video at picture, sino daw ba ako, wala daw kwenta ang ginagawa ko, ipahuli ko raw siya kung kaya ko,” kwento ni Leander .

 

“Kahit may malaking nakasulat na GMA yung suot kong damit, nagpakilala pa rin ako na reporter at sabi nya, walang media media sa akin, media ka lang, wala kayong kwenta, wala kang pakialam at karapatan dito, DENR lang ang pwedeng makiaalam dito, sabi nung nagpakilalang Danny Gonzales,” patuloy ni Leander.

 

Sinabi pa ni Leander na sobra diumanong yabang at napaka-arogante ni Gonzales at ipinagmamalaki ang ENRO at CENRO ng Palanan, Isabela na sinasabing nagbigay ng papel sa ibinibiyahe nitong kahoy.

 

“Pano ka ba namang hindi mayayabangan e sabi nya, walang sinuman ang pwedeng humuli sa kanya dahil legal daw siya at ang sinuman na humuli sa kanya ay pasasakitin nya ang ulo,” dagdag ni Leander.

 

Nauna rito, nakatanggap ng mga sumbong sa pamamagitan ng mga text messages si Leander buhat sa mga concern citizen na may iluluwas na kahoy lulan ng isang trak noong Linggo ng hatinggabi na agad naman nitong ipinagbigay alam sa mga otoridad.

 

Sa pagtugaygay na isinagawa ng mga otoridad, nakita ang mga kahoy na nakatambak sa isang bakanteng lote malapit sa Brgy. Hall ng San Jose sa San Luis, Aurora.

 

Ikinadismaya ng mga kagawad ng San Luis Municipal Police Office at mga tauhan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources ang kanilang nakita at nasambit pa ng isang pulis na rumesponde na “sobra naman kapal ng tumira nito” at saka nagimbestiga.

 

Sa imbestigasyon ng mga otoridad, galing pa ng Palanan, Isabela sakay ng isang bangka ang mga kahoy at dadalhin sa Cabanatuan City.

 

Matapos dumuong sa pantalan ng Baler, isinakay ang mga kahoy sa isang trak pero ibinababa rin pagdating sa San Luis dahil nagdalawang isip at natakot diumano ang may-ari at driver ng trak sa posibleng gusot na maaari nilang kaharapin ng malamang ikinokober ng media.

 

Sa pagbusisi ng mga tauhan ng DENR, napag-alaman na “Gmelina” ang naturang mga kahoy at pagmamay-ari ng isang Alberto Gonzales ng Palanan, Isabela at ibiniyahe lamang ni Danny Gonzales.

 

Matapos ang halos maghapong komprontasyon at pagsisiyasat na isinagawa ng mga otoridad, hinayaan na itong isakay sa ibang trak bagay na ipinagtaka at ikinadismaya ng mga taong nakakita sa mga kahoy. (Central Luzon Media Association Reportorial Team)

WE WILL NEED MORE HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS FOR K+12 – ANGARA

MANILA, April 29, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscored the need for more world-class educators to successfully implement proposed K+12 reforms and enhance the country’s educational system, citing worrisome downtrends in the number of graduates of education-related courses.  

Figures released by the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB) show that the number of graduates of Education Science and Teacher Training has declined over the past decade—from 71,349 in AY 2000-2001 to 56,209 in AY 2009-2010.

“We cannot afford to forget our teachers, amidst all the changes that are about to take place. They will be at the forefront of our efforts to reform education, so we must do everything we can to prepare and support them,” said Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture.  

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), there are about 510,629 teachers in the country, but around 99,628 more are needed.

Recently, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board for Professional Teachers (BPT) announced that only 13,925 elementary teachers out of 32,798 examinees (42.46 percent) and only 7,149 secondary teachers out of 28,764 examinees (24.85 percent) passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T.) for 2012.   

“These percentages do not sit well with the national drive for global competitiveness and are a clear sign that a lot more needs to be done to educate our educators. Within the next decade, we must invest more time and effort to training our teachers,” stressed Angara, who is a former UP President.  

The veteran lawmaker noted that around P100 million in the 2012 budget of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has been earmarked for scholarships in teacher development.

“This is a good step, but for sure, more will have to be done to catalyze the reform process towards raising the bar of our teaching standards,” emphasized Angara. “More of our resources—such as ICT and social media—can be directed towards creating a national network where teachers can help train other teachers, share their experiences in implementing K+12, and receive input from education experts in other countries.” (Rikka Sotto)

ANGARA AT SPORTS AND ARTS CAMP FOR AURORA YOUTH

Senator Edgardo J. Angara gives a special message to the participants and facilitators of the 6^th Aurora Youth for Sports and Arts (AYOS-A) in Baler, Aurora.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara speaks to one of the youngest participants of the Jewelry-Making workshop during the arts exhibit of the 6^thAurora Youth for Sports and Arts (AYOS-A) event.

Works by the children from the Visual Arts, Painting and Basic Photography classes are proudly displayed during the culminating program of the 6^th Aurora Youth for Sports and Arts (AYOS-A) in Baler, Aurora as Senator Edgardo J. Angara looks on.

The 220 participants from all over the Province of Aurora strike a happy pose with Senator Edgardo J. Angara (center), creator of the Aurora Youth for Sports and Arts (AYOS-A)—now on its 6^th year. Seated in the front row are the facilitators of each workshop who mentored the children.

Modyul para sa pag-aaral ng mga Agta binubuo ng DepEd

BALER, Aurora, Abril 28, 2012-Sinabi ng isang kinatawan mula sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) na kasalukuyan silang bumubuo ng modyul na bukod tangi para sa mga Agta na nais mag-aral sa ilalim ng Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Sinabi ni Arnold Montemayor, na siyang kumatawan sa DepEd sa isang porum na dinaluhan ng mga kasapi ng mga komunidad ng mga katutubong kultural sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, na halos tapos na nila ang pagbuo ng modyul ng ALS para sa nasabing grupo.

“We conducted research in places where there are indigenous people so that we can adopt the modules based on their environment and culture (Isinagawa namin ang pananaliksik sa mga lugar kung saan may mga katutubong mamamayan upang mapagtibay namin ang mga modyul batay sa kanilang kapaligiran at kultura),” wika ni Montemayor.

Sinabi rin niya na nagsasagawa rin ang DepEd ng regular na programa sa pangunahing pagbasa’t pagsulat sa iba’t-ibang komunidad ng katutubong kultural upang ihanda ang mga Agta para sa kanilang pag-unlad at hikayatin ang mga ito na mapakinabangan ang ALS.

Sinabi niya sa mga konseho ng barangay ng Agta at mga pinuno ng tribo na tumulong sa kani-kanilang nasasakupan na magkaroon ng katumbas na mga diploma sa elementarya at sekondarya sa pamamagitan ng ALS.

Kung sila ay makapasa sa ALS accreditation at katumbas na pagsusulit, bibigyan sila ng diploma at makapagpapatuloy sa kolehiyo kung pumasa sila sa antas ng sekondarya, dagdag pa niya.

Ang ALS ay programang pang-edukasyon na ipinapatupad ng DepEd sa ilalim ng Bureau of Alternative Learning System upang makinabang yaong hindi kayang gumastos sa pormal na pag-aaral.

Magbibigay ang programa ng isang mahalagang alternatibo sa umiiral na edukasyong pormal sa pagtuturo, na nasa paligid ng pinagkukunang kaalaman at kasanayan sa di-pormal at impormal.

Nilikha ang sistema upang tumulong sa mga tao tulad ng mga Agta upang tapusin ang katumbas ng elementarya at sekondarya sa kanilang sariling oras, sariling bilis, at malapit sa kanilang barangay hangga’t maaari. (Jojo S. Libranda)

ON TOP OF K+12, SWEEPING REFORMS NEEDED IN PHL EDUCATION- ANGARA

MANILA, April 28, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara emphasized that the country will need to enact even more comprehensive reforms in the educational system, on top of the proposed K+12 program, to transition and compete as a knowledge-based economy.

Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, expressed dismay over recent statistics released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) that show a continuous decline in the number of college graduates over the last decade.

According to the NSCB, the total number of graduates increased by an average of 2.9 percent—a rate considered very slow in the face of the country’s continuous population growth. The study also pointed out that the share of graduates from courses related to Education Science, Teacher Training, Engineering and Technology is also on the downtrend, from 31.3 percent of the total in AY 2000-2001 to 22 percent in AY 2009-2010.                    

“Various studies have already been published around the world on how we direly need to improve our education system. But with very clear, empirical data, our very own people are already sounding the alarm for us to act immediately on reversing these worrisome trends,” said Angara.

Last week, the K+12 program of the Department of Education (DepEd) was formally launched in Malacanang. In a statement, Angara expressed support for the reforms, but also cautioned that other initiatives—such as improving the curriculum, enhancing teacher training programs and addressing infrastructure gaps quickly and sustainably—are also needed to effectively strengthen the country’s educational system. 

The veteran lawmaker, who is also Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, noted a recent study from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) that highlighted how low spending on state-run colleges and universities has had an adverse impact on the quality of higher education in the country.  

He stressed, “But the solutions we need to roll out will have to tackle the complexity of the issues our education system faces. Clearly, it goes beyond adding two more years to the education cycle and increasing public investment in our schools, universities and colleges.”

To conclude, the former UP President said, “It is good that government has already started the process of reforming education in the country. And while K+12 is in itself significant, it is only one step among the many that we as a country will need to undertake.” (Rikka Sotto)

Another power interruption in Aurora and parts of Nueva Ecija on May 3, 2012

BALER, Aurora, April 28, 2012-Another power interruption will experience by the residents of Aurora and parts of Nueva Ecija.

 

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) gave notice that Aurora will experience power failure because of the scheduled shutdown of some of its transmission facilities on May 3, 2012 from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The affected Distribution Utility (DU) is the Aurora Electric Cooperative (AURELCO).  NGCP said the reason of the temporary power shutdown is to accommodate request of AURELCO to facilitate several activities at San Luis Substation in relation to the newly commissioned and energized power transformer.

 

Meanwhile parts of Nueva Ecija will be affected due to momentary power interruption to isolate Bongabon-Talavera-Baler 69k V line segment to accommodate the request of AURELCO and to conduct line maintenance activities. Affected Distribution Utilities are the Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative – Area 1 (NEECO II – Area 1) Talavera Substation and Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative – Area 2 (NEECO II – Area 2) Bongabon, Natividad and Sta. Rosa Substations. Power failure will occur at around 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM and around 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

 

Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. Customers of NGCP and the general public are advised to take the necessary preparations and precautions for this scheduled interruption.

 

Specific cities and municipalities to be affected by the power interruption are determined by the abovementioned Distribution Utility (DU), unless the activity affects the entire franchise area. The DU allots the available power within its franchise area and implements the power interruption schedule among the end-users. (Jojo S. Libranda)

JEEP, BUMALIKTAD, 17 NASAKTAN

MARIA AURORA, Aurora, April 28, 2012-Sugatan ang 17 sakay ng isang XLT Jeep na kulay puti at dilaw na may plakang ZJL 843 ng bumaliktad ito noong Biyernes ng tanghali  habang binabagtas ang pabulusok na bahagi ng San Luis Aurora-Maria Aurora-Canili (SLAMAC) Road sa bahagi ng Brgy. Dianawan ng bayang ito.

 

Sa paunang imbestigasyon ng pulisya ng Ma. Aurora, galing ng San Jose City, Nueva Ecija ang sasakyan sakay ang 17 na magkakamag-anak kasama na ang driver na si Edgardo Martinez, 55 anyos na pawang mga residente ng naturang lungsod para sana dumalo sa kasal ng kanilang kamag-anak sa Baler, Aurora.

 

Nagbawas diumano ng kambyo (lowgear) ang driver ng dumating sa pababang bahagi ng naturang lansangan subalit nawalan ng preno at bumaliktad ang sasakyan dahil pinilit ng driver na iliko ito para hindi mahulog sa may 30 talampakang lalim ng bangin.

 

Agad isinugod ng mga residente at nagdaang mga motorista sa Aurora Memorial Hospital ang sugatang mga biktima subalit inilipat sa isang pagamutan malapit sa kanilang lugar.

 

Magugunita na sa lugar ding iyon nahulog ang isang Elf truck noong Disyembre 2009 na ikinasawi ng 10 tao at pagkasugat ng 17 iba pa na makikipagkasalan lamang sana sa isang kamag-anak sa Maria Aurora.

 

Oktubre ng kapareho ring taon ng mahulog naman ang isang gasoline tanker at tumapon lahat ang laman nitong 16,000 litro ng gasolina kung saan nasugatan at nabalian ng buto ang driver nito at sugatan rin ang dalawang nitong pahinante.

 

Noon lamang Setyembre 17, 2011, tatlo ang patay at anim ang sugatan ng mawalan ng preno at sumalpok sa bundok ang isang trak na puno ng mga itatanim na niyog sa So. Dimotol, Brgy.  Dianawan, ng naturang bayan na hindi lamang kalayuan sa lugar na kinahulugan ng jeep.

 

Ayon sa mga residente, marami pang sumunod at naunang mga aksidente ang nangyari sa pook na iyon kaya dapat na diumanong kumilos ang DPWH upang malimitahan kundi man mawala ang mga aksidenteng nagaganap sa naturang lugar.

 

Ayon naman kay District Engineer Elmer Dabbay ng DPWH-Aurora, hindi sila nagkulang ng mga warning signs sa lugar at dobleng pag-iingat lang ang dapat gawin ng mga motoristang dadaan sa naturang lansangan.

 

Pinayuhan rin ni Dabbay ang mga motorista na siguruhing nakakondisyon ang mga sasakyan kung dadaan sa SLAMAC road at huwag magkarga ng hihigit sa sampung tonelada upang makaraan sa Canili-Diayo dam ng National Irrigation Administration.  (Ronald Madrid Leander)

SPORTS AND ARTS YOUTH WORKSHOP SHOWCASE AURORA’S BEST

BALER, Aurora, April 27, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara lauded the successful run of the 6th annual Aurora Youth for Sports and Arts, more popularly known as AYOS-A.

Two hundred and twenty kids from all over the province of Aurora participated in this three-day workshop, held at the Baler Central Elementary School during which they were mentored by professionals from each field. This year’s AYOS-A workshop consisted of four sports classes (Visual Arts, Painting, Basic Photography and Jewelry Making). 

“This yearly activity gives the children of our province a chance to learn and enhance their skills, and also develop a sense of camaraderie with other participants from all around Aurora,” said Angara.

“We have very talented artists and skilled athletes here in Aurora. Our more seasoned painters have held exhibitions all over the world and some of our players have played in national competitions,” said Angara, who spearheaded the first AYOS-A workshop in 2007.

During the culmination program of the 2012 AYOS-A workshops, each of the sports classes demonstrated the basic and advanced skills while the arts program proudly exhibited their work.

Angara explained that the purpose of his brainchild, AYOS-A, is to prepare the next generation of artists and athletes.

“Every year we discover tremendous raw talent this year in sports and arts. Our challenge now is to help hone  their talents so that they can fulfill their potential,” he said. (Rikka Sotto)

Central Luzon-based foundation honors LGUs with best streamlining practices

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, April 26, 2012-Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), honored on Wednesday local government units (LGUs) in the region with excellent implementation of streamlined procedures in the issuance of mayor’s permit.

 

Angeles emerged as the sole recipient in the Highly-Urbanized City category while Tarlac got the first place prize in the Component City category.

 

On the other hand, the towns of San Luis, Aurora; Dinalupihan, Bataan; Guiguinto, Bulacan; San Antonio, Nueva Ecija; Mabalacat, Pampanga; Gerona, Tarlac and San Antonio, Zambales took home the top awards in the 1^st and 2^nd Class Municipality category.

 

First place trophies were likewise given to the following 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th class municipalities: Dipaculao, Aurora; Abucay, Bataan; Llanera, Nueva Ecija; San Simon, Pampanga; Pura, Tarlac and San Felipe, Zambales.

 

Meanwhile, special citations were also handed out to Olongapo City as the Best Business One Stop Shop (BOSS); San Luis (Aurora), Dinalupihan (Bataan), Guiguinto (Bulacan), Mabalacat (Pampanga), and Llanera (Nueva Ecija) as Hall of Famers after being named as best practitioners of the streamlining project in their respective categories for three consecutive years; the town of Bacolor (Pampanga) and Olongapo City as Hall of Fame Achievement winners for satisfactorily sustaining its feat as outstanding implementer of streamlined procedures even after attaining the Hall of Fame award; and the City of San Fernando, Baler (Aurora) and Talavera (Nueva Ecija) as Golden Eagle Award honorees for their exemplary implementation of streamlined procedures on the issuance of mayor’s permit in the last six years.

 

DTI regional director and CLGCFI member Blesila Lantayona explained “the annual recognition seeks to acknowledge the efforts of local chief executives and their Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) staff to eliminate red tape and reduce the cost of doing business in their respective municipalities and cities.”

 

Lantayona added “turnaround time, client feedback, internal monitoring system and organizational development served as the criteria in the selection of awardees.”

 

Streamlining the procedures in the issuance of mayor’s permit is one of the pioneer programs of CLGCFI.

 

With the help of DTI 3 and DILG 3, the foundation was able to convince all 130 municipal and city governments to streamline their procedures thus elevating the level of competitiveness of Central Luzon as an investment destination.

 

The CLGCFI was created in 1994 to provide policy decisions and facilitate the planning, coordination and monitoring of investment-related projects for the region.

 

Aside from the regional director of DTI, other members of the foundation include the Trade department’s Undersecretary for Industry & Investments and the governors of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

ANGARA AT GLOBAL CITY INNOVATIVE COLLEGE (GCIC) COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscored the importance of raising educational standards in the country during his keynote address at the commencement exercises of the Global City Innovative College at the Tanghalang Pasigueno, Pasig City.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara receives a plaque of appreciation from Engr. Michael S. Tan, President of the Global City Innovative College (GCIC) and Dr. Carolina P. Danao, GCIC Vice President for Academic Affairs. 

 

Senator Edgardo J. Angara is surrounded by the 2012 graduates of the Global City Innovative College (GCIC). Standing to the right of the veteran lawmaker is GCIC President Engr. Michael S. Tan. 

“WE HAVE TO RAISE, GLOBALIZE OUR EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS” – ANGARA

MANILA, April 25, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara emphasized the need to elevate current educational standards to international levels during his address at the commencement exercises of the Global City Innovative College in Pasig City.  

Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, underscored that doing so will help the country’s graduates succeed in the global labor market.     

“Any of our graduates—be they in medicine, nursing, culinary arts, business administration or engineering—will have to compete for employment with graduates from other countries,” said Angara. “We no longer live in a time where we just compete with ourselves. Competition is now international.”

He added that the country will also have to boost its capacity for science and technology (S&T) and innovation.

“Innovation, creativity—these are the battlecries of the times. We must get into the business of creating new products and services, of crafting new ways of doing things,” continued Angara, who is also the Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. “Only through innovation will we survive and prosper for those who do not innovate, stagnate.”

The veteran lawmaker then urged new graduates to capitalize on the benefits of technology, especially today’s fast-paced, highly-interconnected ICT.

“The Internet, the web, makes world-class knowledge available to everybody. All these tech-driven conveniences we now experience frees up a lot of time and resources. To an extent, we are only limited by our imagination and creativity,” stressed Angara.

 

To conclude, the former UP president then related that upon his visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, he learned that the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be held back if patients were made to walk a certain numbers step each day.

 

“That experience taught me this: to be innovative, to apply innovations into our lives, does not require too much money,” said the former UP President. “We just have to be imaginative and practical at the same time.” (Rikka Sotto)

K TO 12 REFORMS WILL PROVIDE WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION, JOBS: ANGARA’S STATEMENT OF SUPPORT

MANILA, April 24, 2012-The proposed K to 12 reform—and the wholesale changes aimed at strengthening our educational system—is not only timely, but long overdue.

The call for educational reforms was sounded off three decades ago, back when I led the chaired the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) which recommended the trifocalization of the system into the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

But through the resolve of the DepEd, headed by Secretary Armin Luistro, we will finally start delivering world-class education to a larger number of Filipinos at relatively no cost to them.

We cannot afford to delay this any further. The National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB) has warned

[1] that over the past decade, the number of college students who graduate each year has not increased fast enough to meet the growing needs of our population.

Fewer students are also graduating from courses related to education science, teacher training, engineering and technology—fields critical to our growth industries. We must not allow these worrisome trends to continue if we hope to provide good jobs and income to our people.  

This is a significant challenge—one that cannot be achieved in just one year, or in the span of one administration. And I agree that the solution goes beyond adding two years to the education cycle.

The curriculum and teaching methods will have to be evaluated and improved accordingly to deal with the use of the mother tongue as well as meet the evolving needs of our people. Our teachers will have to be trained in novel pedagogies. The lack of school buildings and other necessary infrastructure will have to be addressed as quickly and as sustainably as possible. Cutting edge technologies, like high-speed ICTs, will have to be utilized to reach more students.   

But the process of change must start now. The K to 12 reforms are a work in progress which requires our continuous dialogue and cooperation.     

Let today’s launch be allow us to reverse downtrends once and for all, and propel the Filipino people to a more prosperous, competitive future.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara is the present Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, Committee on Science and Technology, and Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE). (Rikka Sotto)

50,787 more households in CL to be enrolled in Pantawid Pamilya

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 23, 2012-An additional 50,787 indigent households in Central Luzon are set to be enrolled to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) of the national government.

 

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office III officials will be signing tomorrow a Memorandum of Agreement with 27 mayors for the implementation of the program in their respective areas in a ceremony to be held at Subic Freeport.

 

These areas include Baler, Casiguran, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora and San Luis in Aurora; Hermosa and Balanga City in Bataan; Doña Remedios Trinidad, Malolos City and Meycauayan City in Bulacan; General Tinio, Laur, Nampicuan, Quezon, San Jose, Cabanatuan City, Gapan City, Palayan City and Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija; City of San Fernando, Mabalacat and Masantol in Pampanga; Bamban and Tarlac City in Tarlac; and Botolan, Cabangan and Subic in Zambales.

 

DSWD Pantawid Pamilya Regional information officer Jasper Nicolas explained “the beneficiaries were selected through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) – the similar instrument used in determining the recipients of the Self Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K), Social Pension and Cash-for-Work programs.”

 

NHTS-PR is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are in the country. It uses the Proxy Means Test (PMT) in the selection of beneficiaries for social welfare programs and services.

 

The PMT is a statistical model that estimates household income using proxy variables included in the household assessment form (HAF).

 

Some of the variables used in the PMT are family composition, education of household members, housing conditions and access to basic services.

 

These variables were sourced out from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) and Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the National Statistics Office.

 

A household whose economic condition falls on or below the poverty line would qualify for the specific programs and services of DSWD.

 

Pantawid Pamilya provides cash grants of P1,400 per month during school months (June-March) and P500 per month during non-school months (April-May) to household beneficiaries as long as they complywith certain conditions like the regular visit of children in health centers to avail immunization and maintenance of a class attendance rate of at least 85% per month for those who are enrolled in day care centers or schools. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Mga katutubo sa Aurora, kinalinga ng UP

Tinitingnan ng nurse ang blood pressure ng isang katutubong Ilongot ng magdaos ng medical at dental mission sa Brgy. Bayanihan, Maria Aurora, Aurora noong Linggo ang Industrial Pharmacy Honor Society ng University of the Philippine-Manila College of Pharmacy at ng Ugnayan ng Pahinungod ng Manila sa pakikipagtulungan ng Genesis, Cathay, YSS Drugs at opisina ni Senador Edgardo J. Angara at ilang mga doktor ng lalawigan.(Ronald Madrid Leander)

BALER, Aurora, April 22, 2012-Tumanggap ng mga serbisyong medical at dental noong Linggo ang mga katutubong Ilongot sa mga barangay ng Bayanihan at Kadayakan sa bayan ng Maria Aurora, Aurora na ipinagkaloob ng Industrial Pharmacy Honor Society ng University of the Philippine-Manila College of Pharmacy at ng Ugnayan ng Pahinungod ng Manila sa pakikipagtulungan Genesis, Cathay, YSS Drugs at ng ipinagmamalaki ng Aurora na si Senador Edgardo J. Angara at ilang mga doktor ng lalawigan.

 

Maliban sa naturang mga serbisyo at mga minor surgeries, nagkaloob rin ang grupo ng mga gamot at tinuruan ang mga katutubo ng tamang paggamit ng mga halamang gamot na makikita sa kanilang lugar bilang alternatibo sa mga nabibili sa botika.

 

Sa panayam sa chairperson ng organisasyon na si Stalin Mirasol, taun-taon diumano nila ginagawa ang ganitong gawain bilang bahagi ng kanilang community service at pagtalima sa prinsipyo ng kanilang samahan na academic excellence, community service at social awareness.

 

“Isa po ang medical at dental mission sa mga paraan para ma-fulfill namin yung community service and aside from medical mission, marami pa kaming mga outreach program,” pahayag ni Mirasol.

 

Binubunutan ng ngipin ang isang katutubong Ilongot ng magdaos ng medical at dental mission sa Brgy. Bayanihan, Maria Aurora, Aurora noong Linggo ang Industrial Pharmacy Honor Society ng University of the Philippine-Manila College of Pharmacy at ng Ugnayan ng Pahinungod ng Manila sa pakikipagtulungan ng Genesis, Cathay, YSS Drugs, 48 IB at opisina ni Senador Edgardo J. Angara at ilang mga doktor ng lalawigan. (Ronald Madrid Leander)

“Napili namin ang  Aurora dahil sa paghahanap ng samahan ng mga bagong lugar na maseserbisyuhan na may mga indigenous people na hindi laging natitingnan ang kanilang kalusugan,” dagdag nito

 

Lupos naman ang pasasalamat ng mga Ilongot sa serbisyong ibinigay sa kanila ng UP. “Natutuwa kami at nagpapasalamat dahil nakarating dito ang medical mission ng UP at malaking tulong ito sa aming kalusugan at isa ito sa mga inaasahan naming programa ng pamahalaan para sa amin,” pahayag ni Provincial Chieftain Romeo Cawad na  siya ring provincial consultative body chairman ng mga katutubo sa probinsya.

 

Kasabay ng gawaing ito ng UP, nagsagawa naman ng “Operation Tuli” sa Aurora Memorial Hospital ang Batch ‘86 ng  Mount Carmel College at Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-Aurora Chapter.

 

Mahigit 150 kabataan buhat sa apat na bayan ng  Gitnang Aurora ang nabiyayaan ng kanilang kawang-gawa na tumagal ng dalawang araw.

 

Ayon kay Geraldine Pujeda-Dorado, isa sa miyembro ng Batch ’86, marami pa raw sanang mabibiyaan ng kanilang operation tuli dahil marami pa ang nasa waiting list pero kinapos na sila ng gamot dahil sa hindi nila inaasahang pagdagsa ng mga batang magpapatuli.

 

Maliban sa operation tuli, nakatakda ring pakainin ng grupo ang mga estudyante sa Grades 1 at 2 sa mapipili nilang eskwelahan bilang bahagi ng kanilang outreach program na bunga umano ng kanilang matagumpay na silver anniversary noong nakaraang taon. (Ronald Madrid Leander)

Ugnayan ng Media (CLMA) at Pulisya, pinalakas

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, April 22, 2012-Nagkaharap sa bihirang pagkakataon ang mga opisyales ng Central Luzon [R3] Media Association at ilang matataas na pinuno ng Pambansang Pulisya sa Gitnang Luzon (PRO3) ng ganapin sa kampong ito noong Sabado ang buwanang board meeting ng samahan sa pangunguna ng pangulo na si Tony Arcenal.

 

Pinag-usapan ng magkabilang panig ang pagpapalakas ng ugnayan ng media at pulisya at mga isyu na sangkot ang pulis at mga mamamahayag hindi lang sa Gitnang Luzon kundi sa buong bansa.

 

“Mahalaga ang Komunikasyon sa pagitan ng media at pulisya upang magkatulungan para sa sambayanan,” pahayag ni Police Senior Superintendent Nolie Taliño, Deputy Regional Director for Operations ng PRO3 kasama ang hepe ng Regional Public Information Office na si Police Superintendent Romeo De Castro.

 

Ang dalawang mataas na opisyal ang pinaharap ni Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao dahil nasa mahalaga itong gawain sa probinsya ng Zambales.

 

“Media relations has always been part and parcel of our integrated transformation program through the PNP-ITP on public and Advocacy,” sabi ni Taliño

 

Nagpasalamat rin ang opisyal sa pamunuan ng CLMA dahil pinili ang kampo na pagdausan ng pulong ang kampo at maging daan upang mapalakas ang ugnayan ng pulisya at media.

 

Sinabi nito na ang pulong ng CLMA sa kampo ay isang paalala sa kanila sa mahalagang papel ng media sa demokrasya.

 

“As you gather here, we would be reminded about the essential keystone of broadcasting in a democratic society: that media provides the means for a free market of ideas, access by media to information is given wide latitude most especially when it comes to matters of governance, public and political affairs.” pahayag ni Taliño

 

Tiniyak rin nito na ang pulisya sa Gitnang Luzon ay gagawin ang kanilang tungkulin at patuloy na magseserbisyo para sa kapakanan ng buong rehiyon.

 

Hiniling naman ni De Castro sa mga opisyales ng CLMA na kung may reklamo o puna sa mga pulis sa Gitnang Luzon ay huwag idaan sa dyaryo o radio dahil ito diumano ay lumalabas na trial by publicity. “Hindi malulutas ng dyaryo, radyo o tv ang isang pangyayari, ipagbigay alam ninyo sa akin at ako ang gagawa ng unang hakbang upang papanagutin ang isang alagad ng batas kung may mali man itong ginawa o ginagawa lalo na sa isang mamamayahag,” pahayag nito.

 

Ipinahayag naman ni Abel Pablo, Secretary General ng CLMA na sa panahon ngayon na maraming media ang pinapatay, kailangang magkaisa ang lahat ng mga mamamahayag lalo na ang mga miyembro ng CLMA.

 

“Huwag tayong matakot,  ipahayag at ipaalam natin hindi lang sa buong bansa kundi sa buong mundo ang mga nangyayari sa paligid lalo na ang harassment sa mga kabaro nating media,” sabi ni Pablo.

 

Sinabi naman ni Arcenal na nanatiling nakatayo at malakas at patuloy na lumalakas ang CLMA mula sa pitong lalawigang ng Gitnang Luzon.

 

“Maliban sa pamamahayag, itinataguyod namin ngayon ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan at kung paano tutugunan ang lumalalang climate change, in fact, napagkasunduan namin na everytime na magmimiting kami ay magtatanim kami ng puno at ito ay sisimulan namin sa board meeting namin sa Dipaculao, Aurora sa Mayo 25-26,” pahayag ni Arcenal. (Ronald Madrid Leander)

ANGARA ON RE: “CAUTION SHOULD NOT TURN INTO FOOT-DRAGGING”

MANILA, April 22, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara lamented the slow implementation of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513), which has exacerbated the country’s energy issues.  

With 13 other senators, Angara sponsored the bill, which many like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) described as one of the most comprehensive and forward-looking renewable energy laws in the world.

“Ours has remained a laggard economy because we have not dealt with our energy problems decisively,” Angara explained in a speech delivered on his behalf by Luis T. Arriola of Asean Biztimes at the recent 2^nd Philippine Renewable Energy Summit. “Energy is an area that requires clear vision and a definite direction.”

Angara emphasized that this direction was already charted by the Renewable Energy Act, adding, “We had already arrived on a solution long before the recent spate of rotating brownouts in Mindanao happened.”

The veteran lawmaker noted that while the Department of Energy (DOE) has already approved 268 renewable energy service contracts since 2009, important policy mechanisms provided in the RE Law have yet to be implemented on account of ongoing deliberations.  

Some of these mechanisms include the Renewable Portfolio Standards, guidelines on net metering and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), and the FIT (feed-in-tariff) system.

“While we should weigh matters of immense public interest carefully, we also should not allow reflection to turn into inaction,” said Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. “Caution should not evolve into foot-dragging that translates into an unresponsive, short-sighted energy policy.”

Around $5 billion worth of potential investments is said to have gone elsewhere, due to the slow pace of development.

The country has the potential to generate almost 261,000 MW of clean energy from the combined capacity of geothermal, wind, ocean and hydropower resources.

Around 40 percent of the country’s primary energy mix is already renewable, with 26 percent of the actual power generated—approximately 17,800 Gigawatt-hours—is sourced from RE.

“We can do better considering that we are the second largest producer of geothermal energy in the world, next only to the United States. We are also the top wind power producer in Southeast Asia, and we receive double the solar flux European countries get in a year,” urged Angara. “Unfortunately, we are not maximizing this potential or the regulatory framework we had endeavoured to put in place.” (Rikka Sotto)

Aurora and Nueva Ecija be prepared for power interruption on April 24, 2012

BALER, Aurora, April 20, 2012-Be prepared residents of Aurora and Nueva Ecija for power interruption on April 24, 2012 as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) serves notice of the scheduled shutdown of some of its transmission facilities in Nueva Ecija and Aurora.
 
Nueva Ecija will experience power failure on April 24, 2012 from 6:00AM-6:30AM. Affected Distribution Utility is the Nueva Ecija I Electric Cooperative (NEECO I) San Isidro and Gapan Substations while at 6:00 AM-6:30 AM and 5:30 PM-6:00 PM the affected Distribution Utility is the Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative – Area I (NEECO II Area I) Talavera Substation.

Likewise, at 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM, affected distribution utility will be the Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative – Area 2 (NEECO II Area II) San Leonardo, Bongabon, Natividad and Sta. Rosa Substations. The reason for power interruption is to isolate Bongabon-Baler 69kV line segment to accommodate commissioning and energization of Aurora Electric Cooperative’s (AURELCO’s) new power transformer.
 
On the other hand, Aurora will be affected at 6:00AM-6:00PM. Affected distribution utility is Aurora Electric Cooperative (AURELCO).
 
According to NGCP, the cause of power interruption in Aurora is to accommodate commissioning and energization of the new power transformer of AURELCO.
 
Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. Customers of NGCP and the general public are advised to take the necessary preparations and precautions for this scheduled interruption. 
 
NGCP said specific cities and munnicipalities to be affected by the power interruption are determined by the abovementioned Distribution Utility (DU), unless the activity affects the entire franchise area. The DU allots the available power within its franchise area and implements the power interruption schedule among the end-users. (Jojo S. Libranda)

ANGARA DELIVERS ADDRESS AT 67TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscores the role of science and technology (S&T) in the future of the Philippines during his speech at the 67th commencement exercises of the University of Batangas.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara receives a token of appreciation for delivering his commencement address at the 67th graduation rites of the University of Batangas (UB)  from Dr. Hernando B. Perez, University President. Looking on are various faculty members and administration personnel, with Dr. Abegayle Machelle M. Perez-Chua, UB Vice President for Academic Affairs, standing on the left.

150,997 kindergarten classes graduate this school year

MANILA, April 19, 2012-The universal kindergarten system is now fully implemented in the 11 cities and seven provinces in Central Luzon. 

Data from the Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 3 shows that for school year 2011-2012, there were 150,997 organized kindergarten classes throughout the region. 

These classes were handled by 266 permanent teachers who were aided by 266 volunteer-teachers and 147 teacher-aides. 

To accommodate the classes, various available spaces were utilized. In Tarlac, the barangay hall, library, the clinic, and the principal’s office in the school and even the evacuation center served as classrooms. 

In Munoz City, classes were even held in a nipa hut, makeshift daycare room, the canteen, gymnasium, the stockroom, and the home economics room. The barangay hall and the senior citizens’ building was also a venue for the classes. 

The breakdown of classes per school division is as follows: Angeles City- 3201; Aurora- 4405; Balanga City- 1573; Bataan- 10637; Bulacan- 32222; Cabanatuan City- 3773; Gapan City- 2035; Malolos City- 3051; Nueva Ecija and Munoz City- 24627; Olongapo City- 2890; Pampanga- 24326; City of San Fernando- 4128; San Jose del Monte City- 5003; Tarlac- 13993; Tarlac City- 4683; Zambales- 8712; San Jose City- 1738. (Rebecca Grace S. David)

ANGARA TO BUILDERS, URBAN PLANNERS – HELP RAISE LIVING STANDARDS OF FILIPINOS

MANILA, April 19, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara urged urban planners, architects, engineers and builders to work on improving the physical surroundings of the Filipino people, as he spoke as guest of honor at the launch of the Technical Writers Group (TWG) and 2013 Conference of the Center for the Designed Environment Professions (CDEP).

CDEP focuses on interdisciplinary research and learning for the advancement of the theory and practice of architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, urban design, planning, fine arts, engineering and other related disciplines.

In attendance were Mary Ann Espina, current Dean of the University of the Philippines-College of Architecture (UPCA); Cristopher Stonewall Espina, former Dean of UPCA; and beauty queen and 2011 topnotcher of the architecture licensure examination.   

“Some of our settlements and communities are so haphazardly designed and planned,” said Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture. “They’re built so close to each other and are without greenery. Many of our architects, planners, designers, engineers and contractors have designed beautiful homes in villages like Dasmarinas. But what kind of homes have we built for our masses?”

The veteran lawmaker then emphasized the problems caused by poor urban planning and architectural design will only worsen, in the face of climate change, unpredictable weather, and continuous population growth.  

“We’ve got to build a more livable setting for our people,” said Angara, who authored such landmark real estate-related laws as the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and the National Cultural Heritage Law. “There is the very heavy responsibility of almost remaking, redesigning, and improving our own environment to make it more pleasant and raise, even just in the physical sense, a sign of hope and optimism for the future of our people.”

He concluded, “I hope that the new generation of builders and designers will craft and implement city and community plans for the next generation better than what our generation had done for ourselves.” (Rikka Sotto)

ANGARA AT THE CENTER FOR THE DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONALS (CDEP) 2013 CONFERENCE LAUNCH

Senator Edgardo J. Angara spoke as guest of honor at the launch of the Technical Writers Group and 2013 conference of the Center for the Designed Environment Professions (CDEP). Posing with him are Mary Ann Espina, Dean of UPCA (4^th from left); Shamcey Supsup, beauty queen and 2011 architecture licensure examination topnotcher (4^thfrom right); Cristopher Stonewall Espina, former Dean of UPCA (3^rd from right); Joseph Espina, Dean of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts of the University of San Carlos (rightmost); and members of the Technical Writers Group of CDEP.  

Senator Edgardo J. Angara receives a book on landscape architecture as token of appreciation for standing as guest of honor at the launch of the Technical Writers Group and 2013 conference of the Center for the Designed Environment Professions (CDEP) on April 17, 2012 in Quezon City. With the veteran lawmaker are (L-R) Arch. Mary Ann Espina, Dean of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, College of Architecture (UPCA); Arch. Cristopher Stonewall Espina, former Dean of UPCA; and Prof. Ruel Ramirez—all principals of CDEP.  

ANGARA AT ST. DOMINIC COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

ANGARA ON K TO 12: MATH, SCIENCE AND ENG’G MUST BE EMPHASIZED

MANILA, April 16, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscored that pending reforms to the country’s basic and secondary education system should focus on boosting the country’s capacity for science and technology (S&T).  

In his speech at the commencement exercises of St. Dominic College of Asia, Angara cited the Congressional Oversight Committee on Education (EDCOM) whose establishment in 1990 led to the trifocalization of government regulation over the education system into the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). 

Angara lamented that the country has not undertaken comprehensive, substantial reforms since EDCOM, and those attempted were mostly piecemeal.

“And now that deliberations are underway on the proposed K-to-12 changes to our school system, we want to be sure that the reforms will actually result in an enhanced basic curriculum for our students,” said Angara, who is Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Culture and the Arts.   

As part of its K-to-12 reform agenda, the Department of Education (DepEd) has been pushing for the addition of two more years in high school in keeping with international standards.

“What will the extra years be for if they do not provide our youth a better chance?” stressed the former UP President. “What is important [in the K to 12 reforms] is its direction. We must make sure that mathematics, science and engineering are emphasized.”

“Nowadays, wealth is created by very young professionals who demonstrate creativity and innovativeness in leveraging their S&T backgrounds,” added Angara, who is also Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science & Technology and Engineering (COMSTE). “The founders of such companies as Microsoft, Google, and Apple were all known to be creative and innovative—the two ruling considerations of the world today.”   

He concluded, “The wave of the future is in S&T—as it always has been. Our youth is perhaps one of the most creative in the world. What we need to do now is to deepen our education in S&T-intensive fields.” (Rikka Sotto)

RDC approves 2013 budget of CL offices of gov’t agencies

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, April 15, 2012-Regional Development Council (RDC) had passed a resolution favorably endorsing the 2013 budget of the Central Luzon offices of some national government agencies.

 

Approved funds include the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) – P165.579 million, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)- P855.909 million, Department of Agriculture (DA)- P930.1 million, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- P1.39 billion, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- P147.63 million, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- P60.51 million, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- P9.962 billion, Department of Education (DepEd) – P34.604 billion, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)- P113.747 million, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- P620.901 million, Department of Health (DOH)- P2.10 billion, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)- P148.264 million.

 

In a statement, RDC 3 said “the review and endorsement to the national government of the annual budgets of the these agency regional offices as well as of state universities and colleges and special development authorities is pursuant to Section 4.d of Executive Order 325 of former president Fidel Ramos.”

 

“Such review of RDC was mandated to ensure transparency as well as consistency in the utilization funds to the development goals of Central Luzon in general as stated in the Regional Development Plan and the seven provinces within the region namely Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales in particular” the council added.

 

Among the development goals of the region and the provinces are building globally competitive, progressive and resilient citizenry; minimizing natural disaster casualties and economic losses; promoting sustainable land use activities; ensuring food security; reducing extreme poverty; and maintaining conflict-free and safe communities.

 

DILG will utilize a portion of its fund next year for the computerization of business permit and licensing systems of low-income municipalities while DTI will allocate around P5 million for the establishment of a Regional Product Development and Design Training Center.

 

Moreover, DepEd targets the creation of 16,855 teaching and 15 non-teaching positions which are needed in the implementation of its K + 12 Basic Education curriculum and Alternative Delivery Mode program while DOH eyes the upgrading of Mariveles Mental Hospital.

 

RDC 3 is the highest policy-making body in Central Luzon and serves as the counterpart of the NEDA Board at the subnational level.

It is the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region and serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities.

Council members include all governors, city mayors, municipal mayors of capital towns, presidents of municipal mayors league, regional directors of national government agencies and representatives from the private sector. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)