In-person classes remain the ‘best option’ for basic education: DepED

by Merlina Hernando-Malipot, Manila Bulletin

Citing the “undisputable fact” that in-person learning remains the best option for basic education based on studies, the Department of Education (DepED) is all set for the return to full face-to-face in all public schools starting next month.

Face-to-face classes at the Lakan Dula Elementary School in Tondo, Manila (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)

Issuing a statement on Monday, Oct. 17, DepED maintained its confidence in the benefits of holding face-to-face classes to “promote academic development and the overall mental health and well-being of our learners.”

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As planned before this year’s school opening, DepED said that all public schools nationwide will implement five days of in-person classes starting Nov. 2, 2022.

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When classes for School Year (SY) 2022-2023 started on Aug. 22, DepED allowed both public and private schools that offer basic education to implement multiple learning delivery modalities which include five days of face-to-face classes, blended learning, and full distance learning.

However, the prescribed modalities will only be implemented until Oct. 31.

While it recognizes the benefits of face-to-face classes in basic education, DepEd on Monday, Oct. 17, issued an Amendatory DepEd Order to DO 34, s. 2022 or the School Calendar and Activities For School Year 2022-2023 which allows private schools to offer blended learning modality and full distance learning options to their students.

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“DepEd is cognizant of the current situation of the private sector due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic — the amount of investment in online learning technologies, the development and institutionalization of best practices on blended learning, and the unfortunate closure of small private schools because of losses,” the agency said.

Following its decision, DepED said that it will leave the discussion on the learning modality to be implemented by private education institutions to the schools, the parents or guardians, and the learners.

Meanwhile, DepED expressed hope that parents or guardians of private school learners “would not miss the abundance of scientific studies available on the advantages of in-person classes over online learning.”

DepED added that it will also “expedite the review” of the blended learning program to ensure that it will “benefit our learners and essentially address learning issues.”

Aside from private schools, DepED said that public schools that “expressly granted exemptions” by the Regional Director concerned and schools with canceled classes because of disasters and calamities may also be allowed to continue the implementation of blended and distance learning.

Effective evangelization demands all from us

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT should be clear to us, considering what Christ told his 72 disciples. “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few,” he said. “So, ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.” (Lk 10,2-4)

We should not worry about the material aspects of our duty to evangelize. While we truly need some material means for evangelization, we know that as long as we do our part also, God will always provide for all our needs, especially in this duty of ours to evangelize.

We need to have trusting attitude toward God’s powerful providence. “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Mt 6,26)

With these words, Christ clearly tells us to be trusting of God’s ever wise and merciful Providence. He will provide everything that we need, especially the one that matters most to us. We may experience some privations, some losses, etc., but if we stick with God, we know that everything will always work out for the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28)

We should just focus our attention to this task of evangelization, which is not only a matter of transmitting some doctrine but rather that of transmitting to people the very life and spirit of Christ.

We need to be most aware of our duty to evangelize, to do apostolate, seeing to it that for it is always nourished, stoked and fanned to its most intense degree.

Before ascending into heaven, Christ told his apostles: “All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go, therefore, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” (Mt 28,18-19)

While addressed directly to his apostles, these words are meant for all those who want to follow Christ. To do apostolate is part of a Christian’s duty. It’s part of a Christian’s identity. A Christian is always an apostle. No one is excused from it. 

We have to understand that these parting words of Christ represent his culminating and ultimate desire for our redemption. We can say that all he did in his earthly life—his preaching, doing miracles, his dying—get somehow summarized in this one great desire of God.

That’s because the divine work of human redemption continues. It cannot stop. This time though, it is done with our cooperation, since if we are incorporated into him through baptism and in the Spirit, we can’t avoid getting involved in God’s plans and actions.

The realization of this crucial aspect of our Christian life gives meaning and perspective to our whole life and everything contained in it. It puts our life in the right orbit. 

Our life can’t simply be a life in pursuit of personal sanctity without doing apostolate. These two go together inseparably, mutually affecting each other to put us in the right track in our life.

We should give everything to this duty to evangelize, always trusting in God’s providence, assuming always a sporting and adventurous outlook that would greatly facilitate the carrying out of this duty.

Bb. Pilipinas queens set to banner Filipina excellence on international stage

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Bb. Pilipinas queens set to banner Filipina excellence on international stage_BBP Queens.

The mighty queens of Bb. Pilipinas are set to conquer the international stage as they banner Filipina excellence during the Miss Intercontinental, Miss Globe and Miss Grand International pageants happening this October.

“Pasabog Queen” Gabrielle Basiano is eyeing a back-to-back win for the Philippines as she prepares for the 50th Miss Intercontinental pageant in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on Oct. 14.

The Waray beauty hailing from Borongan, Eastern Samar aims to follow in the footsteps of reigning Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Faye Obenita.

Bb PIlipinas Intercontinental 2022 Gabriel Basiano

“Nobody said it would be impossible. I am here to make history; giving me a sense of place,” Basiano said.

Basiano advocates for mental health and grief support, and she hopes to touch more lives as she strives to win the Miss Intercontinental crown this year.

Meanwhile Bb. Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandez has her eyes on one thing and one thing only: winning the Miss Globe crown for the Philippines for the second straight year in a row in Tirana, Albania on Oct. 15.

“My heart is so full, witnessing all your support, and for believing in me. Let’s all use social media to spread positivity. I am in a winning mindset. Now that I’ve been given the chance to wear a Philippine sash, ‘di ko sya sasayangin. A back-to-back win is hard but, with determination, it is possible,” said the Tacloban queen.

Bb Pilipinas Globe 2022 Chelsea Fernandez

Fernandez recently won the Head-to-Head challenge, where she competed against the top 20 finalists of the Miss Globe pageant this year. She hopes to empower women and children through her advocacy through education.

“Education is important because it empowers the future. I wish that all Filipino children would have access to education so that they can pursue their aspirations in life,” she wrote on Instagram.

For Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Roberta Tamondong, this is the year for the Philippines to win the Miss Grand International Crown, as no Filipina has ever won the crown.

Bb. Grand International 2022 Roberta Tamondong

Tamondong expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the country’s representative for the said pageant happening on Oct. 25.

“Every day is a day for us to learn, to learn from our mistakes and turn it into a lesson, for us to grow as a person,” said the beauty queen who hails from San Pablo, Laguna.

Tamondong is known to be an advocate for environmental awareness, and she will surely banner her mission as she jet off to Jakarta, Indonesia for the pageant’s Grand Coronation Night.

For more information about Binibining Pilipinas, visit the new and improved https://www.bbpilipinas.com/. You can also download the new Bb. Pilipinas mobile app, it’s available for both Android and iOS users. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to Bb. Pilipinas on YouTube.

DOT chief highlights PH recovery in MAP assembly

by Jun Marcos Tadiosm Manila Bulletin

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has highlighted the government’s effort to overcome the adverse effect of the Covid-19 pandemic by pushing through a much eager campaign to ensure the full recovery of the Philippine economy.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (Courtesy of DOT)

Talking in front of 1,000 attendees in the general membership assembly of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Thursday, Oct. 13, Frasco thanked the top management executives for spearheading the resiliency of Philippine tourism.

“We all have a vital role to play in our aspirations for the economic resurgence of the Philippines,” Frasco enthused.

MAP is a 70-year-old management organization composed of top-tier practitioners, educators, and officials from local and multinational companies operating in the country.

With the overarching theme “Tourism Outlook Beyond 2022,” the DOT chief underscored the importance of the private sector in carrying out institutional progress not only in the tourism industry but also in regaining Philippines’ fiscal stability.

Joining Frasco at the assembly were Philippine Airlines (PAL) President and COO Capt. Stanley Kua Ng and Manila Marriott Hotel General Manager Bruce Alexander Winton.

Frasco assured the MAP members that the DOT is in a “right place” in executing plans and actions to ensure the strengthening of tourism through institutional improvements in terms of connectivity, convenience, and equality in tourism product development and promotion.

Furthermore, Frasco uttered that the DOT shares a positive outlook on the potential of economic resurgence through tourism, as the country remains a top-of-mind destination among travelers.

“The success of the tourism industry means more jobs for our people, more active spending activities, a more productive workforce, sparking a recovery not only for the industry but also for the national economy,” she added.

On fake news and social media in the country

by Professor Rom Feria, Manila Bulletin

This week, politicians’ attention is on the Pulse Asia survey on Filipinos’ take on fake news and its sources. One senator even wants the government to make social media companies accountable (see “risa-on-fake-news-govt-must-hold-social-media-networks-accountable”). If Meta refuses to go to the EU, appear in their chambers and be questioned, who the heck is the Philippines, why would they listen to PH congressmen and senators? What can the government do to address this problem? I have a couple of suggestions which can be done without the need for legislation.

First - start weaning away from these social media services, and instead use the official government websites for proper information dissemination. One of the possible reasons why government agencies use social media is because it is easy and convenient to post articles, unlike their websites. This should not even be an issue (what is the DICT doing?). That being said, government agencies can also tap the University of the Philippines Office of the Vice-President for Development’s IT Development Center for assistance and training.

Another possible reason is social media access is free (on mobile) or has preferential affordable packages for these online services. Why is this? PH telcos and social media companies have a deal - which always involves money (business first, as always, who cares about its impact on Philippine democracy!?). First thing to do is to compel PH telcos to provide the same preferential treatment to all government online services, everything under .gov.ph (and whilst they are at it, CHED and DepEd must also get .edu.ph included!). Imagine, it is free or more affordable to access social media sites, which promotes and spreads fake news, than sites that debunk these fake news. How is this fair? This anti-competitive behavior calls for an Philippine Competition Commission inquiry on why and how PH telcos selected these online services, whilst not providing the same for other less known social media services (e.g., how can Mastodon sites compete against them?) and online services or even locally-developed online services. And in the long term, a new law that enforces net neutrality (hello, madam senator)- that prevents the internet service providers to provide preferential treatment to any online service (including their own).

Finally, we hear about educating Filipinos to be more critical of what they read, hear and watch. However, to be very effective, this should have started at the elementary level (yeah, DepEd again!). Whilst fake news and misinformation cannot be eradicated, what can be done is to restrict its spread. Companies such as Meta (which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp), Alphabet (which owns YouTube and Google Search), Twitter, and ByteDance (which owns Tiktok) bombard users with fake news and misinformation because it provides better engagement, translating to more revenue - so despite what they say about cooperating with governments (Yes, not only the Philippines) to combat fake news, at the end of the day, profit still rules for them.

With the exception of a law on net neutrality, the government has options on how to mitigate the spread of fake news. The real question is “Is the government willing?” What can DICT do? Well, that is for another article.

PH celebrates National Tamaraw Month: Endangered species now only about 600

by the Manila Bulletin Team

Tamaraw
(Gab Mejia/Manila Bulletin file photo)

The tamaraw, a wild cattle species only found in Mindoro Island and listed as critically endangered, is the focus of attention of many activities as the country observes National Tamaraw Month.

Activities of government agencies tasked to take care of the tamaraw will center on raising awareness of the importance of the protection and conservation of the tamaraws.

Its population is about 600, with 480 in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, the United Nations Development Program – Philippines reported in March 2022.

The special month for the endangered water buffalo started in 2002 when former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared October a “special month for the conservation and protection of the Tamaraw in Mindoro” through proclamation no. 273. The proclamation encouraged all government agencies in Mindoro to implement activities to conserve tamaraws and their habitats.

The tamaraw (scientific name Bubalus mindorensis) is the largest endemic mammal in the Philippines. It is a dwarf water buffalo from the water bovine family that can live up to 20 to 25 years.

Here are the differences between a carabao and a tamaraw, according to a World Wildlife Fund for Nature article by Gregg Yan: The horn of a tamaraw is V-shaped, its coat is shaggy, and fur can be a chocolate color to ebony, and its tail is shorter than a carabao. An adult tamaraw is four feet tall with an average weight of 300 kilograms (kgs).

The Biological Resource Research Institute for Mindanao described the horn of a carabao as a sickle shape with a body color of light grey to slate grey.

The average weight of a matured Philippine carabao is 500 kg for males and 425 kg for females, according to the Agri-Infohub of the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office of Oriental Mindoro.
The tamaraw population declined over the years due to illegal poaching, habitat loss, and diseases, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

The tamaraws lost their habitat because of “infrastructure development, illegal logging, and deforestation,” a Manila Bulletin article reported.

A Rinderpest outbreak in the 1930s also contributed to population decline.

Today, the tamaraw still belongs to the list of critically endangered species of the International Union for Conservation and Nature and the DENR.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Tamaraw na Tinatangi, Pamana ng Lipi” (Revered tamaraw, our people’s legacy), which highlights the importance of supporting joint efforts to protect and conserve Tamaraws. (Alexa Basa)

House to focus on these 6 measures for rest of year

by Ellson Quismorio, Manila Bulletin

Of the 30 proposed laws to come out of the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) as Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) between the House of Representatives and Senate, at least six are targeted for passage before year’s end, at least from the lower chamber’s part.

The House plenary (Ellson A. Quismorio)

Thus, said Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo in a recent interview with House reporters.

Quimbo, the senior vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, identified the six as the proposed creation of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, Medical Reserve Corps, National Disease Prevention Management Authority or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention; the amendment to the Build Operate Transfer Law; the National Service Training Program; and the Agrarian Reform Debt Condonation Law.

The 311-stong lower chamber is still on recess and won’t hold sessions until Nov. 7. However, the lady solon’s identification of the six measures give the public and pundits alike an idea of the direction of Congress for the rest of 2022.

The Philippine legislature is bicameral in nature, with the House and Senate representing the lower and upper chamber, respectively.

Two national laws have been produced by the solons in the 19th Congress so far: first, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Law; and second, the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to October 2023.

The third measure that is expected to be signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is the proposed 2023 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) worth P5.268 trillion.

The GAB is currently undergoing scrutiny by senators, although much of the work had already been done by the House members. The House and Senate versions of the GAB will be harmonized in a Bicameral Conference Committee meeting, afterwhich the enrolled bill will be signed by the President.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez had earlier said the chamber would “act with dispatch” on the priority measures of the Marcos administration.

Romualdez said Rule 10, Section 48 of the House authorizes the committees to dispose of priority measures already filed and approved on third reading in the immediately preceding Congress.

“We have the internal mechanism for an expeditious approval process that is enshrined in Rule 10, Section 48 of the House rules of procedure,” Romualdez said, noting that the use of this particular rule would greatly hasten consideration and endorsement by any committee of any covered bill, and its eventual plenary approval.

“The House is in full support of the President’s entire legislative agenda, including the key priority measures for legislation he has asked Congress to consider. We will act on these with dispatch,” he said.

Further intensification of ‘Neneng’ not ruled out – PAGASA

by Charie Mae F. Abarca

Tropical depression Neneng, the country’s 14th tropical cyclone in 2022, is expected to further intensify while moving over the Philippine sea, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), on Friday, Oct. 14, said Neneng is forecast to move west southwestwards in the next 24 hours before turning westward on Saturday, Oct. 15.

PAGASA’s latest forecast track showed that the weather disturbance will likely make landfall or pass “very closely” in Babuyan Islands or Batanes.

Satellite image of Neneng (PAGASA)

Last spotted 1,015 kilometers (km) east of extreme northern Luzon, Neneng was packing maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kilometers per hour (kph). It is moving west northwestward at 10 kph.

Raising of wind signals

With Neneng’s expected close approach to the Philippine landmass, the state weather bureau warned of heavy rains that may begin to drench northern Luzon beginning Saturday, Oct. 15.

“Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted [on Friday morning or afternoon, Oct. 14] over the eastern portion of northern Luzon in the anticipation of winds associated with the approaching tropical cyclone,” said PAGASA.

“Per latest intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is wind Signal no. 2,” it added.

The weather disturbance, according to the state weather bureau, may further intensify while traversing the Philippine sea, adding that it may reach tropical storm category by Saturday. Further intensification prior to its expected “close approach” to extreme northern Luzon is not ruled out.

ABS-CBN Film Restoration brings restored Filipino classics to Netflix

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

celeb

ABS-CBN Film Restoration continuously makes Filipino cinematic classics accessible through various platforms for today’s audiences as it brings forth some of its digitally restored and remastered titles streaming on-demand via Netflix.

Up until the end of 2022, ABS-CBN Film Restoration and its Sagip Pelikula initiative will introduce an array of restored Pinoy films of all genres on Netflix—from drama, romance, comedy, and horror.

The first title introduced is the digitally restored version of the revered 1982 war-drama classic “Oro, Plata, Mata” directed by Peque Gallaga and written by Jose Javier Reyes, starring Sandy Andolong, Liza Lorena, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, and late Cherie Gil.

More award-winning Filipino classics will make their way to the on-demand streaming platform, among them are Nora Aunor’s cinematic masterpiece “Himala” and one of Dolphy’s iconic films of all time, “Markova: Comfort Gay.”

Viewers can also watch the restored versions of Star Cinema’s all-time romantic hits, such as “One More Chance,” “Now That I Have You,” “Dubai,” and “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit.”

Comedy fans are also in for a treat with “Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo!” and the Judy Ann Santos-Ryan Agoncillo starrer “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo,” while thrill-seekers can watch the digitally restored horror blockbuster “Feng Shui.”

Today’s audiences can watch all these remastered classics from ABS-CBN Film Restoration on-demand via Netflix for subscribers in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asian territories.

Also, Pinoy viewers can continue watching these restored films on KTX.ph with special pre-show interviews before every screening.

Now in its eleventh year since digitally restoring its first title, Sagip Pelikula continues to remaster films from directors and writers of note for today’s viewers to appreciate. These efforts have earned multiple recognitions from award-giving bodies worldwide, including the prestigious Gold Quill Award given by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Gawad Pedro Bucaneg from Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), and most recently the Gawad PASADO sa Pagsisinop ng mga De Kalibreng Pelikula distinction from the 23rd Gawad PASADO organized by Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro (PASADO).

For more details on its upcoming film showings, follow ABS-CBN Film Restoration on Facebook (facebook.com/filmrestorationabscbn), Twitter (@ABS_Restoration), and Instagram (@abscbnfilmrestoration).

Jessica Sanchez gives advice to aspiring artists

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

Jessica Sanchez

Fil-Am artist Jessica Sanchez has established her solid fan base here in the Philippines after she wowed the international market when she emerged as runner-up in the eleventh season of “American Idol” in 2012.

During a Zoom with the entertainment press, Sanchez revealed that she’s still in touch with her batch mates in “American Idol.”

“We do talk once in a while. Back then we were also young, and we were like one family. Now we’re a lot older, and that was 10 years ago? We do still get in touch. Not as often, but we still get in touch,” she said.

Asked to give advice to aspiring singers, Sanchez said: “Continue to work hard. Don’t let those struggles stop you because they will gonna come. Just keep pushing through, and you will see the change. Not only in your growth, but also in your career.”

Even when she was younger, Sanchez’s dreams were always in music. Successfully joining “American Idol” was perhaps something that Sanchez fervently aspired for more than a decade ago. “There was never anything else I wanted to do, and I made sure there were no distractions.”

“American Idol,’ that’s just so crazy to me. It all happened so fast, and I was so young then.“I feel like I couldn’t really experience it fully, mentally and emotionally. But I believe everything happens for a reason and at God’s timing. I am so grateful for all that I’ve experienced and all that I’ve done since ‘Idol.’

“I know I still have much to learn, and I’m still growing in my artistry, so I’m just excited to continue this journey.”

Recently, Sanchez released her latest, “Baddie,” which she also penned with a friend. “We were really just having fun with the song and the first lyric that came to mind was ‘You got a baddie’,” she shared.

“The song is all about being confident, knowing who you are, what you want, and your worth. Of course, there’s a little love dynamic going on, but it’s really about the confidence you carry.

“Anyone can be a baddie, but the main thing to being a baddie is embracing who you are, flaws and all, and walking into any situation with that confidence and sense of worth.

”As far as her original music is concerned, Jessica has written so many songs based on personal experiences and feelings.“I’m so excited to share who I am through my music,” she insisted.

“I can be kind of a quiet and awkward person, so it’s hard for me to express myself fully. Thank God, I have music to use as an outlet and way of expression.“You guys are definitely going to see and hear a new side of me that you haven’t heard before. I hope you guys enjoy getting a little peek into my mind and life.”