by Misael | May 29, 2008 | National News
It’s all systems go for the opening of classes next month for the school year 2008-2009.
Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus revealed at the joint National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-National Anti-Poverty Commission Cabinet meeting.
Lapus said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been conducting ”Oplan Balik Eskwela” conferences in preparation for schools’ opening few weeks from now.
Lapus added that even the Cabinet members were instructed to participate in the ”Oplan Balik Eskwela” to ensure the smooth opening of classes.
Lapus said preparations included the skills training for teachers conducted last summer, specifically in math, English and science.
Also, new teachers were hired this year to answer the problem of lack of teachers as well as building of new classrooms.
On June 2, a DepED Action Center would be set up in strategic places so any questions on enrollment would be given immediate answers even as he reiterated the policy of no fees collection. (PIA/Bohol)
by Misael | May 29, 2008 | National News
The National Youth Commission announces its search for delegates to the 7th National Youth Parliament (NYP), a gathering of youth leaders aged 15-30 years old representing youth organizations from around the country to discuss issues affecting them.
Anchored on the theme, “Unity in Diversity: An Intercultural and Interfaith Parliament,” the 7th NYP will be staged in Davao City on October 19 to 22, 2008.
According to NYC Chairperson Richard Alvin Nalupta, the NYP aims to empower the youth in effectively advocating, lobbying and influencing the policy makers in creating a policy environment supportive of the total development of the young people.
Republic Act 8044 mandates the NYC to convene the NYP every two years to serve as a venue for policy discussions to formulate resolutions that will be presented to the NYC, and later on be advocated to policy makers.
Applicants for the 7th NYP must be: Filipino citizen, between 15 to 30 years old; residing, studying or working at the place/institution for not less than six months; must be a president/officer of a youth organization (school, community, civic, religious, professional, tribal, etc.); must not be a member of any previous National Youth Parliament; must be an SK Provincial/City Federation President, if representing the SK; and must not have been convicted of any crime.
Delegates will be asked to prepare and submit their organization’s chosen position paper or study in one of the following topics: Youth Values and Good Citizenship, Youth Community Involvement/Engagement, Youth Participation in Governance, Violence in Youth Organizations, Youth Lifestyles, Peace building, and Specific Youth Groups (Juvenile Justice and substance abuse).
by Misael | May 29, 2008 | Headlines
LAVISHLY decorated themed floats take the sidelines for the government’s development thrust caravans during the Philippines 110th Independence day.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has recently directed key government officials to spearhead development thrust caravans across the country. Such is to showcase government presence in services to make the “people feel the sacrifices of [our] heroes, not by words but through deeds that give flesh to their visions.”
The celebration, which has been traditionally highlighted by simultaneous flag raising ceremonies, patriotic speeches and parades of themed floats would now be augmented by government service caravans, the president has directed, sources revealed.
Moreover, a showcase of government services or “Lingkod Bayan” activities complement the celebration, says Philippine Information Agency Secretary Conrado Limcaoco.
According to him, Lingkod Bayan activities have been into holding job fairs, cleaning and greening activities, social and health services dispensation, information and interaction with government service agencies concerned with education, health, agriculture, micro-financing, energy and housing, Limcaoco bared.
For the day, the President’s directive as revealed by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye wanted the celebration to be that, which would “”honor the sacrifices of our heroes, not by words alone but through deeds that give flesh to their vision.”
Bunye also pointed out that among the government’s programs and projects that will be showcased as part of the Independence Day celebrations are: livelihood assistance projects, housing projects, healthcare programs, feeding programs for school children, food security, distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer Cards, education programs, care for the environment, energy independence thrusts, among other pro-poor services.”
Reports also bared that Vice President Noli de Castro would lead the Kawit Cavite flag raising ceremonies while he would be highlighting the government’s housing programs.
For the government’s agriculture caravan, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap takes a caravan to Nueva Ecija highlighting the department’s multi-town fertilizer, irrigation, education and training, loans, dryers and other post-harvest facilities and seeds (FIELDS) program.
Moreover, Secretary Jesli Lapuz would spearhead the caravan on anti-poverty programs through education in Batangas, where he would be distributing conditional Cash Transfer cards, independent sources revealed.
In some parts of the country, cabinet and government officials also put up activities themed on the environment while water cleanup and tree planting activities are included in the celebrations, says Malacanang in press reports.
In nearby Negros Island, which is currently the country’s biofuel and alternative fuel capital, energy officials put up a caravan on the government alternative energy thrusts, especially with the ereal threat of oil price hikes.
In Iloilo City, training vouchers will be distributed; while the Cebu City celebration will top bill health programs.
In Northern Samar and Dinagat Island will be highlighted pro-poor services; in Davao City, social services for Lumads; and in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), distribution of agrarian reform community projects.
In the Bicol Region, the spotlight will be on tourism, with a caravan showcasing the country’s natural beauty.
Meanwhile in Bohol, the Provincial Government is set to come up with appropriate ceremonies complementing the traditional flag raising ceremonies on the morning of June 12. (rachiu/PIA)
by Misael | May 29, 2008 | Headlines
NATIONAL leaders expect new advocates for the country’s youth and its development issues as the National Youth Commission (NYC) holds its 7th National Youth Parliament (NYP) in Davao City this October 19-22, 2008.
And as NYC announces this, it also calls for participant delegates, youth aged 15-30 years old and representing organizations from around the country, NYC commissioner for the Visayas, Benjie Oliva says.
Qualified to join are Filipinos between 15 to 30 years old with at least 6 months of residency at the place or institution he is representing. He should also be a youth organization officer in school, community including Sangguniang Kabataan, civic, religious, professional or tribal group, a non-member to any previous NYPs and must not have been convicted of any crime.
Delegates are also asked to prepare and submit their position paper in one of the following topics: Youth Values and Good Citizenship, Youth Community Involvement/ Engagement, Youth Participation in Governance, Violence in Youth Organizations, Youth Lifestyles, Peace building, and Specific Youth Groups Issues (Juvenile Justice and substance abuse).
With the upcoming event, the NYC expects some 200 youth leaders representing organizations with position on issues, he adds.
Commissioner Oliva was Chairperson of the 6th National Youth Parliament held in Bohol last October 2006.
The NYP theme this year adopts “Unity in Diversity: An Intercultural and Interfaith Parliament” and seeks to train its elected officers on leadership and advocacy immediately after the gab.
According to NYC Commissioner Benjie Oliva, the NYP also aims to empower the youth in effectively advocating, lobbying and influencing the policy makers in creating a policy environment supportive of the total development of the young people.
The NYC is mandated by Republic Act 8044 to convene the NYP every two years. The Parliament serves as a venue for policy discussions to formulate resolutions that will be presented to the NYC, and later on be advocated to policy makers.
The NYC have always partnered with the former NYP delegates not only in promoting and implementing youth programs and projects, but also in advocating for youth issues, Oliva stressed.
The 6th NYP batch has even organized themselves into a confederation of youth advocates, Oliva boasted.
The NYC shoulders the food and accommodation of applicants, he said while explaining that application forms are downloadable at the NYC website: www.nyc.gov.ph, or can be obtained from the NYC office.
Applications are to be sent to the NYP Secretariat, National Youth Commission, 4th Floor Bookman Building, Quezon Avenue, Banawe, Quezon City on or before June 30, 2008. For queries, call the NYP Secretariat at (02) 749-9404 or 7812373. (rachiu/PIA)
by Misael | May 29, 2008 | Headlines
DILI na tangtangon ang gipataw nga expanded value added tax (EVAT) sa imported nga lana, matud ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, ug hinuon ang mahipos niini iuli sa mga tawo pinaagi sa cash transfer loans ug mga scholarships.
Kapin kon kulang P18B ang gidahum nga matigum sa kagamhanan sa EVAT sa inangkat nga lana gikan sa gawas ug P4B niini gamiton sa kagamhanan sa maong katuyuan.
Ang P2B sa P4B, madugang sa pundo sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) alang sa ilang programang ”Ahon Pilipino.”
Laing P1B ang pundo nga itagana sa pagpa-usab sa mga makina sa sakyanang pampubliko gikan sa krudo ngadto na sa liquefied petroleum gas o compressed natural gas.
Ang nahibilin nga P1B maoy pundo nga kuhaan alang sa scholarships ug high school vouchers sa tag P10,000 matag estudyante nga benepisaryo. (rachiu/PIA)
