Another Bayanihan school in Comval opens

By Fe F Maestre

Pantukan, Compostela Valley – Grade 8 student, Jerry Kim Baltazar, goes to school everyday at 6 in the morning to walk about an hour and a half just tokan reach the nearest school in Sitio Sapanglubog, Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan. 

Used to be made of a makeshift tent, the 18-year old student has the more reason to be excited in the morning of October 9, 2019 as this will be the first time they will have their classes inside the newly-built 1 unit-3 classroom building in the said sitio.

“Ok ra magbaktas kog layo, ang importante makahuman ko kay gusto ko mag-maestro ug makatabang nila ma’m puhon diri,” he said, referring to the only 4 teachers assigned in the area.    

Named the Gintong Pag-asa Integrated School, the school was built through Bayanihan sa Paaralan (BSP) initiated by the provincial government of Compostela Valley in partnership with the local governments, national agencies and private partners. The scheme  follows the bayanihan way and the whole of nation approach as a peace-building initiative as it reaches geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) and conflict-affected areas (CAA) in the province.

“We want to see to it that the farthest communities will not be left behind, they deserve our attention more. Kadtong lisod ang dalan, kadtong wala pa naabot sa serbisyo sa gobyerno ang dapat tutukan. Wala’y lisod nga problema basta magtinabangay,” said Gov. Tyron Uy.

Also joining the turn-over ceremony were Pantukan Mayor Roberto Yugo,  Ltc Esteveyn E. Ducusin of 71^st IB, Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga,  DepEd SDS Dr. Reynante Solitario,  and other local officials.

The school has a total of 55 Kinder to Grade 8 students according to Mellisa Quirol, Teacher in-charge. “Nagsugod mi ug tudlo diri paghunong gyud sa Salupungan aron dili madelatar ang pag-eskuwela sa mga bata. Katong makeshift pa lang among school, naglisud jud mi kay guut kaayo mao nga lipay kaayo mi nga dali kaayo nahuman ug conducive kaayo ang maong eskuwelahan,”  Quirol said.

This is the 3^rd series of newly-built schools that was turned over under the Bayanihan sa Paaralan project with the construction finished in just several weeks. Particularly, a 1 unit-2 classroom building each was turned over on October 3 in Purok 3, Brgy. Panansalan in Compostela and another on October 4 in Sitio Bongloy, Brgy. Pagsabangan, New Bataan.

At the end of this week, another 1 unit-2 classroom building will soon be turned over on October 12 at Side 4, Brgy. Mangayon in Compostela.  These four school sites kicked off the build just on September 20, 2019.

While the last school to be turned over will happen on October 13 at the remote Sitio Danawan, Brgy. Manurigao in New Bataan with its kick-off ceremony held just last September 29, 2019.

What’s more, aside from the classroom buildings, a teachers’ cottage to house the teachers who will be staying for the whole week due to distance, a Kusina ng Kalinga kitchen, and a Gulayan sa Paaralan vegetable garden were also put up as component to the Bayanihan sa Paaralan project.   

The BSP school sites were led by management teams from the different offices of the provincial government and partnered with Municipal and barangay LGUs, Department of Education and other national agencies, and other private partners.  The Provincial Agriculturists Office, Prov’l Veterinary Office, Prov’l Assessor’s Office, Prov’l Engineering Office, Comval Provincial Hospital-Pantukan, MLGU Pantukan, MLGU Mabini, DepEd Pantukan District, BLGU Tibagon, and 2^nd Dist. Congressional Office managed the said school build in the area. (fe maestre/ id comval)

TURN-OVER

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Pantukan Mayor Roberto M. Yugo and OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Reynante A. Solitario led the turnover  of the newly-built 1 unit-3 classroom building in Sitio Sapanglubog, Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan, Comval on October 9, 2019. (Photo by:M. Lasaca, ID Comval)

World-renowned curator workshop in ComVal

The Provincial Government of Compostela Valley thru the Provincial Women Development Council (PWDC), led by Ms. Sholai Lim, spearheads a workshop on Mindanao Traditional Art on June 24, 2019 at The Big 8 Hotel, Tagum City.

The workshop was conducted by Independent Curator Marian Pastor Roces who introduced the participant to the categories of art created by peoples of Mindanao in centuries past. The workshop also draws from knowledge gained in museum collections all over the world that hold Philippine materials and covered discussions on types, materials, techniques and systems of meaning, among others. She also addressed questions and challenges facing designers and challenged them about making an identity in general.  

Ms. Roces is a famed Filipino curator, author, and founder and president of TAO, Inc., the sole museum development corporation in the Philippines, according to her online profile. She currently heads the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA). Among others, she curated the Philippine Pavilions for World Expos in 2006, 2008, and 2010--- with the first two Expos awarded with Gold Prizes for Best Designed Pavilion.

The one-day event was attended by the PLGU Comval offices from the Tourism, Information, Office of the IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), national agencies of the Department of Trade and Industry, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP),  IP Mandaya Work of New Bataan, Mandaya Council of Elders, Comval Artisan, Davao Fashion and Design Council, Inc (DFDC), and Comval’s pride—designer Cheri-Lou Rabanoz Aranjuez.   

“The workshop is an eye-opener, not knowing that we are Austronesians. It made me realize that we are all one. We are brothers and we must treat each other as one. That if we work with each other we must do the Austronesian way of maintaining the balance, “ said Dodjie Batu, President of the DFDC.

He appreciated much the workshop, most especially that the activity was able to extend, not only participants from the province, but also coming from their area in Davao. “This will benefit me in such a way that I understand now how to deal with our brothers and sisters in doing the designs and how to put it in contemporary designs,” he added. (fe maestre/id comval)

Photo captions:

(art workshop)

The Provincial Government of Compostela Valley thru the Provincial Women Development Council (PWDC), led by Ms. Sholai Lim, spearheads a workshop on Mindanao Traditional Art on June 24, 2019 at The Big 8 Hotel, Tagum City. The workshop was conducted by Independent Curator Marian Pastor Roces. (ID Comval) 

Comval remains peaceful and normal

PNP, PA: Comval remains "peaceful, normal"

By Fe F Maestre

 Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province--- Comval Provincial Police Office (CVPPO) headed by P/SSupt Marvin Manuel Pepino bared Compostela Valley "remains relatively peaceful and normal despite the proclamation of Martial Law in Mindanao with crime situation in the area of responsibility manageable."   

The updates, along with the reports from other law enforcement agencies,  were given during the quarterly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy on October 24, 2017 at the provincial capitol.

Between July-September 2017, PSupt Jay Dema-ala reported a 44.25% crime solution efficiency (CSE) which is the percentage of solved cases out of the total number of crime incidents handled by the law enforcement agencies.  The same record shows that there is a significant decrease in the crime volume of 226 compared to the 334 crimes committed on the same period last year.

The crime statistics further showed a decline in the average monthly crime rate (AMCR) of covering the same period which now stood at 9.89% from 14.47% in 2016.

Further, the CVPPO also bared efforts on its illegal drugs operations. Covering the period of January-October 23, 2017, the CVPPO conducted a total of 154 operations with 170 individuals arrested. Of these operations, a total of 28.63 grams of Shabu and 188.3 grams of Marijuana were confiscated. 

Demaala, however added that the next updates will be reported by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This follows after a memorandum was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on October 10, 2017 tasking the PDEA “as sole agency” to lead the war on drugs, specifically on the conduct of anti-illegal drugs campaign and operations.

“Of course, this will not cover those ‘in flagrante delicto’ or those caught in the very act of committing a misdeed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, the  new Commander of the 1001st Brigade based in Maco, Compostela Valley, assured the council of their continued peace-keeping efforts as he also expressed his gratitude for the support of everyone.

"I would like to  assure the members of this council  that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Philippine Army, is doing its best to maintain peace and security...there are still some challenges...The security condition at this point of time is very manageable but again we still need your cooperation, your involvement, the cooperation of all other agencies just to secure the province against all forms of threat particularly the armed groups of CPP-NPA and the local terrorist groups," Neri said.

Gov. Uy, who recently delivered his 1st State of the Province Address last October 18, acknowledged the concept of peace as "elusive but possible through our collective efforts."

Stating the province's accomplishments in terms of peacekeeping efforts, he also recognized the importance of strong collaboration among different agencies and sectors.

"The multisectoral coordination among our people is the first step that has opened doors for sincere dialogues, strong collaboration, understanding and more progressive ways to involve the public in the deliberative efforts of the government especially in Peace and Order Programs," the governor said. (Fe F Maestre/ Info Division, Comval)

Photo captions:

1. (sopa)

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with the heads of the national agencies, Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police during the "1st State of the Province Address (SOPA)" on October 18, 2017 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol.(Photo by m. lasaca/PS Comval)

2. (PPOC)

The conduct of quarterly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy on October 24, 2017 at the social hall, provincial capitol, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Comval. (Photo by m. lasaca/PS Comval)

3. (PMCC) 

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy attended the Program Monitoring Coordination Center (PMCC) meeting held on October 23, 2017 at DENR Office-XI, Davao City.(Photo by G. Getubig, Info-Division Comval)

Comval Holds Independence Day

Comval holds Independence day

by Fe F Maestre

Compostela Valley Province-- The province joins the nation in commemorating the 119th Philippine Independence Day celebration in a simple yet signifcant ceremony that started with a motorcade at the capital town of Nabunturan before proceeding at the provincial capitol early morning on June 12, 2017.

"Today, we commemorate our Independence. We remember our heroes who valiantly fought to reclaim our freedom--from the likes of Jose Rizal, the Katipuneros, the Moro warriors and the unsung men and women whose names are unknown. We owe them the freedom that we enjoy now. And it is only fitting that we extend our thanks and gratitude by celebrating their heroism," Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy said.

Delivering his message before local officials and employees, national government agencies and other sectors, the governor also took the opportunity to remind the public to "use freedom responsibly" such as in the use of social media to educate and influence other people.  "Do not share fake news, do not spread wrong information, " he said.

The governor also underscored one of the country's tradition in enhancing freedom which is the culture of Bayanihan. "We are free because we stood up together and we can only remain free by doing the same..let's start to be unifying rather than divisive. Let's continue to pracice bayanihan and to be "bayanis" in our own little ways," the governor added.

Incidentally, Comval culminated the National Gawad Kalinga Build on June 11 in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo where an initial  14 houses (7 duplex-type) were built through the GK way for the family-beneficiaries who were affected in the road widening project in the area.  

BGen. Macairog S. Alberto, 1001st Brigade Commanding Officer, 10th ID also shared his message as the guest speaker along with SP Member Vivencia Secuya, in behalf of Vice-Gov. Manuel Zamora, and Cong. Ruwell Peter Gonzaga, Dist. II  who gave their opening and closing message, respectively.

"Let us use this day to remind ourselves of the duty we need to fulfill as part of one free community. Sila tung-una, kita na pud karon. Kinahanglan natong ipahinumdum sa atong mga kaugalingon na angay natong panalipdan ang atong kagawasan,"  Gov. Uy said. (fe f. maestre, ids comval)   

Monkayo's Pride is Garbo Comvalenyo 2017

by Fe F Maestre

Compostela Valley Province--- This year’s Garbo Comvalenyo proves to be another hit “as it progresses to another new interactive format to intensify the suspense and drama.”  Adding to the suspense, the most anticipated event in the week-long 10^thBulawan festival and 19^th Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley also has its new twists that are also introduced in the selection of the final round.

"Producing a world-class show like Garbo Comvalenyo is a privilege to be immersed in the most challenging situations. It requires a lot of patience, dedication and passion for us to be able to 'deliver' the ambitious output," said Tourism Officer Christine Dompor who spearheads the event.   She is joined by the power team, Artistic Director Dennis Bautista, soundman Ryan Rellon, Pureplay band, and the soundsystem provider Techno Core.

Monkayo’s pride, Jlou Claide S. Florentino, is this year’s Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 besting all other hopeful singers on the night of March 7.  He brings home P30,000 cash prize, a plaque and a CVSP Scholarship.

The 21-year old Florentino gets the judges’ nod as he proves his vocal power and strength of a singing superstar as he belts out all the challenge rounds with gusto. He also won the Best in Jukebox Music, one of the challenge rounds, featuring the favorite OPMs with the likes of Imelda Papin, Rico Puno, Eva Eugenio, among others, and automatically won the corporate award as Beautederm Ambassador.  

Danica Ella L. Hipos of Compostela came in next winning P25,000 cash prize while 2^nd runner-up is Romeo M. Loquinte Jr. of Mawab  with  P20,000. Each also receives a plaque and entitles them of CVSP Scholarship.

"From the five contestants who made it to the final round, it is only Jlou who offered diversity in terms of song choice while others are so focused to belt out some high notes. We heard that a lot in the preliminaries. Jlou tackled the song with ease and soothing voice not overly decorated with riffs and voice histrionics. His rendition of that tagalog song was like a growing emotion; the more you listen the more it pierces your heart," explained artist Edson Cachuela, one of the 5-member panel of judges.

                                         

Another challenge round is a medley of current popular songs showcasing their star quality, vocal range and interpretation with Ethel Mae Cagape of Maragusan winning the Best Performance of a Current hit.  Finally, it’s a test of stamina as they sing and dance to the current dance hits of K-Pop with Compostela's bet winning the Best in K-Pop Dance.

The other equally talented singers who also showed off their best are: from Montevista’s Faith Precious Andre C. Inguillo who won both the Globe Texters Choice Award and Beautederm Star Appeal;  Maco’s Rachelle Mae Ann Bomediano;  Mabini’s Angelica Vince Bermoy; Nabunturan’s Jovie Lasaca; New Bataan’s Melanie Lagrama; Pantukan’s Janrose De Gracia; and Laak’s Hazel Grace Garbo.  They get to bring home consolation cash prize of P10,000 each.

It was in 2010 when Monkayo also won the Garbo Comvalenyo Season 3 champion in the person of Jonna Mae Asio. Since then, the event has levelled up each year, offering something new in terms of production and concept. (fe f. maestre/ids comval)

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

(show)

This year’s Garbo Comvalenyo proves to be another hit as it progresses to another new interactive format to intensify the suspense and drama on March 5.  The event is part of the weeklong 10^th Bulawan festival and 19^th Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley. (Maryel Lasaca/ids comval)

(winners)

The winners for the Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 held on March 7 in time for the Bulawan festival of Comval. Grand Champion is Monkayo’s pride, Jlou Claide S. Florentino followed by Danica Ella L. Hipos of Compostela, 1st runner-up and Romeo M. Loquinte Jr. of Mawab  as 2^nd runner-up. (Maryel Lasaca/ids comval)

(crowd)

Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 is again another crowd-drawer. This event is part of the week-long 10^th Bulawan festival and 19^thFounding Anniversary of Compostela Valley.  (Maryel Lasaca/ids comval)

(billy crawford)

Fil-Am singer, dancer, songwriter Billy Crawford is the guest artist for the Garbo Comvalenyo Season 8 on March 7. This event is part of the week-long 10^th Bulawan festival and 19^th Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley.  (Maryel Lasaca/ids comva

Going the extra mile for public service

(Comval SP Member  Uy’s journey to Brgy. Manurigao, New Bataan)

By Fe F. Maestre

New Bataan, Compostela Valley –   Sans a chopper or any convenient mode of transportation, Senior Board Member (BM) Tyron Uy choose to brave the long, bumpy and difficult road going to one of the far-flung barangays in New Bataan. Intermittently  hiking uphill and downhill for several hours then riding on a single motor, the young legislator wanted to personally experience and see for himself the needs and situation of the tribal villagers.

“I'm not an outdoor climber, not a seasoned backpacker and definitely not the bravest man in town but because of public service, there are some things that I am willing to risk for the benefit of my constituents...I chose what's in my heart and  be able to feel and experience the life of our people way beyond our comfort zones,” Uy said.

Manurigao, a predominantly Mandaya tribe, is 36 kilometres away from the main town Cabinuangan of New Bataan or about a 5-hour travel by single motorcycle. This only mode of transportation is also modified with its wheels wrapped in drive chains to help it have more traction on the sandy and gravelly road, it also has a motor trail.

Motor drivers are also a league of their own as they expertly traverse through winding and sometimes treacherous road with the fare ranging from P500-P1,000 each plus a P10/kilo  fee for the goods they bring with them.

Aside from the road condition, BM Uy, who heads the Committee on Health and Social Services, also took note of their health concerns.

“It is very hard for the people there who have health issues as they have to travel long distances. What’s more during emergency cases as they might not be able to get to the hospital quickly,”  he said. 

To date, initial road development plans were already put in place by the local government while work is in progress to answer the need on road access in the area. Meanwhile, after his trip to Manurigao and discussing the town’s issues and concerns,  the provincial government commits to conduct medical outreach on September or within the year through the Health Office (PHO).

Welcome sight

Arriving at past 2 in the afternoon of July 14, BM Uy, DepEd-Comval  Education Supervisor Ruben Reponte, and the rest of the team were met warmly by the townsfolk. Indeed, a welcome sight among the villagers who seldom meet and see visitors due to the remoteness of the place. 

“Di masukod ang among kalipay sa pag-abot nila labi na nga nagselebrar mi sa ika-9^th Araw ng Manurigao tungod kay daghan ang misaksi sa among mabulukong selebrasyon,”  said Barangay Captain Marcos Lino.
  

Most especially, he took note of the time and effort exerted by BM Uy’s group just to be with his people and hear their concerns. In fact, the young legislator is the first provincial elected official who ever set foot on this quaint town.

BM Uy, who is also the Education and Information Technology chairman, also commented on the lack of a public high school in the barangay as an aftermath of Typhoon Pablo and, again, has already raised the concern to the Department of Education-Comval.

“We target to re-open (HS) on August this year creating an integrated school for elementary and high school in Manurigao,”  Reponte said. 

Cultural immersion and nature beckons

And yet despite the difficult road travel, one can’t help but be amazed by the lush greenery and wide mountain range of New Bataan.  It is a blissful respite as, along the way, they’re greeted with wild flora, fresh spring water and a picturesque view of nature’s bounty. The fresh air, already crisp and cold, at a height reaching more than 1,500 above sea level (ASL). 

And topping it all is the barangay’s pride---the Malumagpak falls. It is about a two-hour trek from Manurigao passing Sitios Tuwali and Biyangungan and has three cascading waterfalls. Each waterfall reaches so high that it will dwarf a person standing below it.

It was also an immersion for the group as they experience Mandaya’s culture and way of life. Their brand of hospitality showing as they tasted the locally produced wine “biya-is,” which is made of wild ginger they call “pangla” and food cooked in bamboo or “lyurot.”  All the while, they are entertained with the sweet, haunting music emanating from a flute-like instrument they call “Tuwali.”

“Mao ni ang ginapatugtug sa mga Mandaya kung gikapoy siya gikan sa trabaho, o sa kalaay...kung naa siya sa kaguul ug ingon man sa kalipay o kun naa siya’y gipahinungdan sama sa usa ka babaye,”  Teacher Shen, who is an elementary school teacher, explained.

All in all, it was an unforgettable and significant experience for BM Uy as he thanked the people of Manurigao and those who went with him including Councillor Geraldford Balbin and  the rest of the group.

“The best part of our journey?  It’s the people. Their smiling faces really captivated our hearts and brought us hope--a hope for a better future,” he ended.  (Fe F. Maestre/IDS Comval)

"TINDOG COMVAL! WALANG IWANAN!"