Comval's Family Health Fair

Compostela Valley Province

The provincial government of Compostela Valley through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) conducts "12th Family Health Fair" (FHF) with the theme: "Bringing Families Towards Universal Health Care" at the far-flung area in Barangay Melale, Municipality of Laak, Compostela Valley Province on September 10, 2019.



Attending the program were Laak Mayor Antonio L. Libuangan together with Board Members Renato B. Basañes and Vivencia Secuya, PHO Chief Dr. Antonio P. Ybiernas Jr., Executive Assistant for Health Dr. John Edward M. Coloma, PHO Doctors and personnel, and the barangay officials of Melale led by Barangay Captain Peter Elsan Molero.

Among the services offered during the conduct of the health fair are the IMCI Screening, Prenatal Check-up and Family Planning under Family Health cluster and for the Infectious Disease Cluster is the HIV Counseling and Testing for the different individuals. The Environmental Health and Sanitation also offers Food Handler's Class.  For the Non-Communicable Disease they conducted Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and for the Population Management is the Teen Counseling.

On the other hand, the Provincial Council of Women offers 'Libreng Gupit' Free Haircut for all the participants in the community while the Basic First Aid Training and techniques was also conducted by the Health Emergency Management System.

Furthermore, the Oplan Pagbabago of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office offers Information Education Campaign (IEC) on Youth Welfare Program and Services, PHIC Enrollment on Pregnant Women and Pantawid Pamilya Program Queries.

 Other services are the feeding program or libreng lugaw and champurado as well as the Provision of Iron, Ascorbic Acid and Zinc for the Nutrition cluster.

According to Board Member Dr. Basañes, this is the first time that the conduct of the FHF was held at the Barangay or in a far-flung Barangay as mandated by the governor as part of the Oplan Pagbabago and 4Ps plus agenda.

"Ang katuyuan ani nga programa nga kamong mga katawhan masayod gyud kung unsa ang mga serbisyo sa gobyerno nga angayan maavail sa mga katawhan nga libre ug walay bayad. Ma aware tang tanan kung unsa ang available services sa atong probinsiya pinaagi sa health ug uban pa," Basañes added.

Also gracing the event were the eleven (11) municipal health officers of the Rural Health Units (RHUs) of the entire province together with the participation of the four (4) hospitals of the province namely; the Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital (CVPH) Montevista, CVPH Laak, CVPH Pantukan and CVPH Maragusan.

The National Offices and Private partners such as Apex Mining Company, Thermamarine also offers free multi-vitamins and render other health services with their medical specialist while the Mindanao Pranic Healing Training Center offers consultations for the energy healing. The members of the community in Barangay Melale as well as the neighbouring Barangays availed of the different services during the conduct of the FHF.  #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Come on: Give me a smile!

OPINION

By KLAUS DORING

 September 10, 2019

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I KEEP on  writing columns for several papers from all over the world since the early 1980's. Sometimes, while writing, I am indeed not in a good mood. I rewrite and rewrite - and then the moment comes, I am asking myself: "Do the readers of this publication really like to read my columns?"

Anyway, I try my best. It's actually a sweet day today, so sunny, so calm, so bright, it's like the bridal of earth and heaven.  The grandeur  of  God flames out like shining from shook foil. I feel like as the waves make towards the pebbled  shore. An incredible and peaceful Sunday, while writing this piece.

I observed again a multi national couple somewhere in my neighborhood fighting each other. Gosh. Stupid people have an uncanny way of hitting the right nail on the head with the wrong hammer!

Maybe, you are angry also right now, while reading this. You are angry, even for others it's a beautiful day. You are angry? It's okay. We are all battling against one of the most powerful emotions known to man - anger! Anger. A day rarely goes by without us feeling angry. Or,  maybe seldom a days goes by without feeling anger... .

Anger is the main part of our daily life. That's why it's really important to talk about this phenomenon. What is anger, what does it do and how does if affect our lives? Where does it come from and how can we learn to handle it in a constructive instead of destructive way? Only, if the roots of our anger exposed and explained, we can defuse its explosive and dangerous potentials.

As I said earlier, anger is one of the most basic emotions. Everyone can get angry. You and me? Now, later, tomorrow...! It's a feeling of being against something or someone.

Anger is a hostile emotion that sets people against one another, or even themselves. By its nature, anger involves opposition, hostility, hatred and disliked. It happened between Filipinos, and between Filipinos and foreigners as well, living here in the Philippines. It even happened at political levels right nowadays.

Anger, however, is simpler to define than to identity. Emotions of antagonism can take a wide variety of faces. Expressions of anger range from the overt, in-your-face brand of open hospitality to the cold indifference of a silent individual. At times, anger can be felt like an inner fire... .

Millions of defense, not a damned penny for tribute, as Charles Pinkney stated... . Anger between people: the one side remains cold as ice while the opposite plays meek as a lamb. Sige, burn the midnight oil! And what the result at the end? A shadow of doubts remains after each fight getting its origin out of anger.

The silent withdrawal and lack of understanding  and innumerable shortcomings of one or both partners are often an indication that one is angrily punishing the other for not doing things his or her way.

We are all selfish! Yes, me too! That's why we see the cause of anger as something outside of ourselves. Life is unfair! Life is hard!

Liceo Conservatory gifted legacy music collection from Germany

LIFESTYLE

By MIKE BAÑOS

 , Mindanao Daiy News

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Blessing of the Special Music Collection witnessed by Liceo University Chairperson Dr. Rafaelita P. Pelaez

CDO Symphony Orchestra members Joel Erigbuagas Matematico Jr. amd Nino Tiro render an number.

Thanks to a father’s love for music, his lifetime legacy of music books, CDs and DVDs will undoubtedly benefit untold generations of musicians at the Liceo de Cagayan University Conservatory of Music, Theatre and Dance.

Liceo University Librarian Linda Mondoñedo receives the official documents for the transfer of ownership of Johann Baecker's Special Music Collection from his son, Prof. Horst Hans Baecker.

Last August 7, 2019 Horst-Hans Bäcker, Associate Dean of the Conservatory, and Professor for Composition, Conducting and Historical Informed Performance, donated some 2,000 books, music sheets, and about 1,000 and DVDs for the reference and research of students at the Conservatory Office.

The collection was the lifetime legacy of his late father,  Johann Bäcker, and was officially turned over to the Conservatory by his wife Regina and son Horst-Hans and received by University Librarian Linda Mondoñedo in behalf of the University in a blessing and turnover of what shall henceforth be known as the "Special Music Collection" as a tribute to the late musician.

The event was also witnessed by University Chairperson Dr. Rafaelita P. Pelaez and President Dr. Mariano M. Lerin, the immediate family of the benefactor and faculty and students of the Conservatory.

When his father passed on nine months ago, Prof. Bäcker, shipped the music collection to his second home, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

Mikhael De Padua Paceño renders a solo accompanied by CDO Symphony Orchestra members Tullio Vidmar and Niño Cesar Tiro. 

Johann Bäcker was born on November 25, 1932, in Deutsch-Stamora, one of two German regions in Romania. He was a third generation of musicians in his village, but when he was younger, his father didn't want him to  follow in his footsteps and  be a professional musician.

His parents sent him to the provincial capital Temeschburg to get a 'real' profession. There, he learned to play the clarinet in secret. Right after his graduation, he became a member of the Romanian State Orchestra in Ploesti and the State Film Orchestra. Finally, he mustered the courage to confess to his father that he had become a professional musician just like his forebears.

Later that year, Johann became the clarinetist for the Dance Hall Orchestra in Bucharest where he met his future wife Regina while out dancing with friends.

Two years after getting married, the couple bore their only child, Horst-Hans. In 1973, the family moved to Germany and Johann became a professor for Clarinet, Flute, and Saxophone at the Music school in the City of Datteln, near Dortmund. During this same year, he also became the conductor of the City Wind Orchestra.

Unlike his father, Johann shared his passion for music with his son Horst. He would bring the youngster to orchestra rehearsals, and he had him learn piano at the age of 5. Horst grew up with a heart for music and pursued the same path as his father, and grandfather, and his forebears before him.

Now valued at close to a million pesos, Johann accumulated his vast collection of music books and score sheets  for his son and students over his lifetime, not stopping even when he had already retired. 

He envisioned that it would benefit young people studying music and indeed, his “Special Collection” had finally found a home with the Liceo de Cagayan University Conservatory of Music, Theatre and Dance where it would serve generations of musicians to come. (with Ena Marie E. Tiro)

Welcome to the Philippines, German Ambassador!

» Philippine national hero José Rizal was a mediator between our nations, who built bridges that are a solid base for our cooperation today. It is among my prime tasks as Ambassador to further strengthen these ties, and meet the people of this country. «

(Born on 7 October 1968 in Halle, married, 3 children)

Ambassador at the German Embassy in Manila since August 2019.

From 2016 – 2019 she was the Head of the Division of Humanitarian Assistance and Humanitarian Demining (Operations) at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. The Division is part of the Directorate General for Humanitarian Assistance, Crisis Prevention, Stabilization and Post-Conflict reconstruction. She has dealt with humanitarian assistance since 2012, when she became Deputy Head of this division (2012-2016).

Anke Reiffenstuel has worked in the diplomatic service since 1993; her postings included the German embassies in London, New Delhi, Cairo and Manila.

+++

» Der philippinische Nationalheld José Rizal war ein Mittler zwischen unseren Ländern, hat Brücken gebaut, die auch heute eine gute Basis für unsere Kooperation sind. Ich möchte diese Beziehungen stärken und die Menschen dieses Landes kennenlernen. «

Botschafterin Anke Reiffenstuel

Verheiratet, 3 Kinder

Botschafterin an der Botschaft Manila seit August 2019.

Bis Sommer 2019 war Frau Reiffenstuel Leiterin des Referats für Humanitäre Hilfe und Humanitäres Minenräumen im Auswärtigen Amt in Berlin.

Sie arbeitet seit 1993 im diplomatischen Dienst, unter anderem auf Posten in London, Delhi und Kairo. Bevor sie in die Abteilung Krisenprävention, Stabilisierung, Konfliktnachsorge und Humanitäre Hilfe wechselte, war sie in der Abteilung für Vereinte Nationen und Globale Fragen sowie in der Politischen Abteilung des Auswärtigen Amts tätig.

Philippine Travel Mart Exhibition

The provincial government through the Tourism Office joins the Philippine Travel Mart together with the other provinces in the Region sponsored by the Department of Tourism at SMX Convention Center from August 30-Sept.1, 2019.  This is the longest-running travel trade exhibition in the Philippines and Comval is part of the highlighted pavilion being next year's dive and climb caravan feature on the 2020 Visit Davao Summer Fun. (Tourism, PLGU COMVAL )

Development Academy of the Philippines

The provincial government in Comval in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines conducts Training Course on ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Requirements and Documentation, on September 3-5, 2019 in Davao City. The training course is for the Core team to develop in depth understanding of the QMS concepts, principles and requirements. (Credits: VGO)

Bulawan Queen 2019

Compostela Valley Province--- This year's Bulawan Queen 2019 Angelica Cajes will ramp the Eat Bulaga Stage for the Grand Launching of Miss Millennial Philippines 2019.

Angelica Millan Cajes was crowned as Bulawan Queen 2019 during the 12th Bulawan Festival last March 2019. She proved to all Comvaleños that her wit, elegance and beauty won over other candidates and will romp the prestigious crown of Comval.

A proud Mawab resident, Angelica is a Teacher 1 at La Filipina National High School, Tagum City. The 23 year old Beauty Queen got her degree at the University of Mindanao, Tagum Campus and currently studying for her Master's degree.

A quick glimpse in her social media account, Angelica is just like any other young woman in her early 20's-- aside from being a passionate teacher, she enjoys travelling, hanging out with friends and  spending time with her adorable siberian husky "Heide."

"This is a new experience for me, and I am humbly asking for your full support as I embark on this journey. Daghang Salamat!" said Angelica M. Cajes. (Jasteen P. Abella, ID Comval)

Photocaption Miss Millenial 1 & 2-  With her wit, elegance and beauty, Bulawan Queen 2019, Angelica M. Cajes will represent Compostela Valley Province in the Grand Launching of Miss Millenial 2019 at the afternoon TV Show "Eat Bulaga." Angelica will ace the EB stage bringing Comval's full support.

Comval celebrates 119th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary

Compostela Valley Province---The provincial government of Compostela Valley joined the celebration of the Philippine Civil Service Anniversary with the theme: “Civil Service at 119: Upholding Integrity and a High Trust Society,” on September 2, 2019 at the capitol lobby, Cabidianan, NabunturanComval.

Attending the program were Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together withComvalProvincial Director of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Nancy Alex Tuason, Regional Director of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Ma. Teresa Tuburan-Pacudan, Vice Governor Maricar S. Zamora, Provincial Officials, Provincial Government (PG) Heads and Assistant PG Heads, Heads of the National Agencies, officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the provincial capitol employees.

Director Tuason, congratulates all the members of the CSC for their dedication, sacrifices and loyalty to the Philippine Government.

 “Those who have been in the Civil Service for more than 20 or 30 years and those who are new to the civil service especially the millennial who prepared toward in the government instead of the private sector or going into business or going abroad you all deserve to be congratulated,” said Tuason

“You have won my admiration because the government needs young blood with fresh and proactive mind and strong conviction na kayanatinitoparasapagbabago,” she added.

 Tuason also explains about the importance of integrity in the government service. “Upholding integrity in our work is not a walk in the park, hindiganunkadali. It is emotionally challenging when we become friends with our clients and associate. The pakikisamais so important.

Meanwhile, the provincial government also celebrates the National Crime Prevention Week for the bureaucracy achievements and contributions of the men and women in uniform in government who uphold the country’s societal goals and overall mission.

 On the other hand Governor Uy, expressed his gratitude to the Comval CSC Director and the NAPOLCOM Regional Director for gracing the convocation program as jump-starting the Civil Service Month and the National Crime Prevention Week.

 “We have to observe those qualities of a good public servant isipkitaangmgafrontlinersnamgdeliver in terms of government services in our province,” said Governor Uy.

“We have to work with passion, we have to work that our clients and our constituents ngasilaangatoangbidapermi,” the governor added.

The anniversary celebration is also anchored on one of the “Ambition Natin 2040” key areas for development planning which is building a high trust society.

#YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Success Myths

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and Cagayan Times

OPINION

 September 3, 2019

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WHAT is a perfectionist? A perfectionist is one who believes that moral perfection is attainable, or that he or she is attained in.

One of my students told me this morning, that she always wants to be 100% perfect in everything she is doing. Well, my reaction was, " Nobody is perfect!" Take the student who works hard and maybe gets a poor mark. If she tells herself: “I’m disappointed, but it’s okay; I’m still a good person overall,” that’s healthy. If the message is: “I’m a failure. I’m not good enough,” that’s perfectionism.

Many think that perfectionism is a good trait, but it researchers have found it can have a dangerous affect on mental health – and it’s on the rise.

You sit in a job interview, nervously sweating through every question thrown at you, and then comes the hardest one of all: “What is your worst quality?” Being a perfectionist is regularly thought of as a good answer – you might hope your fastidiousness will help you secure the role. But is perfectionism actually a good trait?

To be a healthy and successful human, you have to learn from your mistakes; and to be able to learn from your mistakes, you have to be comfortable with making them. But in general, perfectionists are not. They tend to avoid making mistakes by sticking to tasks they feel most comfortable with or overreacting to obstacles, feeling more guilt, shame and anger when they do make mistakes.

I told my students, that I always wanted to be perfect. When I was not, I could easily could get mad on myself. Culturally, we often see perfectionism as a positive. Even saying you have perfectionistic tendencies can come off as a coy compliment to yourself; it’s practically a stock answer to the “What’s your worst trait?” question in job interviews. (Past employers, now you know! I wasn’t just being cute).

Perfectionism nowadays, is on the rise and has been linked by to a whole host of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and self-harm. Perfectionists feel every bump in the road. They’re quite stress-sensitive. Tennis star Serena Williams, just to mention one example, is a self-described perfectionist who destroys racquets and casts blame when things go wrong – outbursts which have cost her the game.

And while conscientious people tend to live longer, perfectionists die earlier. Worth to think about it.

2-day Orientation on Budget Process for Local Legislators

Municipality of Nabunturan-The Office of the Vice-Governor under the leadership of Vice-Governor Maria Carmen S. Zamora, MNSA in coordination with ComVal League of Budget Officers, Inc. conducted a 2-day Orientation on Budget Process for Local Legislators at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Lanang, Davao City last August 14-15, 2019.

Vice-Governor Zamora said, “I am proud to see the number of local legislators who expressed their enthusiasm to learn more about the process of budgeting. We are here to help you.”

Participated by Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Sangguniang Bayan Members- Committee on Budget, Sangguniang Bayan Secretaries, Budget Officers, Planning and Development Coordinators of the Province of Compostela Valley.

According to Vice-Governor Zamora, the orientation aimed to suggest additional guidelines on local budget operations, particularly in the preparation of Annual Investment Plan, plan-budget linkage and planning & budgeting process.

Speakers of the said orientation were Mr. Mario V. Baldos, the Local Government Operations Officer of DILG, Davao City, Dr. Bernard E. Al-ag the former Vice Mayor of Davao City, Ma’am Carolina C. Armada, CPA, the Chief Budget & Mgt. Specialist- Division B of Department of Budget & Management RO XI, and Ma’am Annbelle M. Atillo, CESO III, the Regional Director of DBM Regional Office XI. (Elizabeth D. Gacula-VGO ComVal)

Comval SP Nena Atamosa is Interim National President of Lady Local Legislator’s League of the Philippines

Compostela Valley Province---  Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nena “Ate Nenz” G. Atamosa is the Interim National President of 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines. BM Atamosa took her oath together with the National Executive Board of 4L Philippines, Inc. last August 16, 2019  facilitated by the Executive Secretary to the President Atty. Salvador Campo Medialdea as the Inducting Officer in behalf of Senator  Bong Go at the Malacañang Place, Manila.

Board Member Nena G. Atamosa or “Ate Nenz”  is a radio DJ in a radio station in Comval known as “YK FM”. She is a municipal Councilor for two terms (2007-2010, 2010-2013) in the Municipality of Compostela, Comval Province and was an active member of Lady Local Legislator’s League of the Philippines. Having an embodied spirit to serve the public, BM Atamosa was elected as Board of Director for Mindanao of FOUR-L Philippines Inc. in her last term (2013-2016) as Municipal Councilor of Compostela, Compostela Valley.

In her first term as Board Member of the 1st District of Comval, she was selected as Vice-President for Mindanao of FOUR-L Philippines and with the recently conducted 2019 National and Local Election, some of the National Executive Board Position were available and so by law of succession, she was appointed as the Interim National President of 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines during the Board Meeting on June 26, 2019 at Diamond Hotel, Manila Philippines.

Through the Resolution No. 002-2019 “A Resolution Appointing the Interim National Executive Board Officers of Lady Local Legislator’s League of the Philippines for July 2019-January 2020” BM  Atamosa and her colleagues were appointed with their positions in the FOUR-L.

Together with BM Atamosa, City Councilor of Muntinlupa, Stephanie Teves took oath as the Executive Vice President, City Councilor of Butuan, City Atty. Rema E. B urdeos as Interim Secretary General, Municipal Councilor of Impasugong, Bukidnon Jetaime O. Gumban as Interim Treasurer, Councilor of Mabini Bohol, Myra Colis as Interim Auditor, Board Member of Quezon Province, Yna Liwanag-Asistio as Vice President for Luzon.

The Municipal Councilor of Taytay, Rizal, Pia Cabral and Cavite City Councilor Dr. Tagumpay Tapawan were the Board of Directors for Luzon, Board Member of Eastern Samar, Karen Alvarez as Vice President for Visayas, Vice Governor of Siquijor Province Mei Ling Quezon and Vice-Governor of Iloilo Province, Christine Garin were the Board of Directors for Visayas and Board Member of Zamboanga del Norte, Patri Chan as Vice President for Mindanao.

“It is such an overwhelming honor that a group of esteemed ladies of this country will unanimously rise their trusting hands for me to continue to uphold the tenets of FOUR-L Philippines. I am also grateful for having company with same heart, passion and with the same goal in public service-that is to empower the Filipino people particularly the women and children in climate of equality through effective and responsive local legislations, programs and activities. I would be very happy to hold-hands with FOUR-L Philippines and together face the future and continue to be confidently beautiful with a dedicated heart of service.” said BM Atamosa. (Jasteen P. Abella, ID COMVAL)

Photocaption 1- Comval SP Nena G. Atamosa took her oath as Interim National President of 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines together with the National Executive Board of 4L Philippines, Inc. last August 16, 2019  facilitated by the Executive Secretary to the President Atty. Salvador Campo Medialdea as the Inducting Officer in behalf of Senator  Bong Go at the Malacañang Place, Manila Philippines.

Photocaption 2-  Comval SP  Nena G. Atamosa with other appointed officers of the 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines.  FOUR-L Philippines  aims to empower the Filipino people particularly women and children with their goals in public service through effective and responsive local legislations, programs and services.

Comval holds another “Bayanihan sa Paaralan” Stakeholders’ Forum

Compostela Valley Province---- “If we are serious in solving our country’s problems, we must begin in investing in our youth. There is no better way to do that than to build better schools, schools that teach them that their knowledge belongs to their families and communities, schools that will not take away their innocence, schools that will teach them the ways of peace, schools that will build, not destroy and will allow them to dream and reach new horizons.”

Speaking before different private and government sectors, Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy shared this message during the conduct of the “Bayanihan Stakeholders’ Forum” dubbed as  “Ako ay isang Bayani sa Paaralan, Bayani sa Karunungan” on August 27, 2019 at Big 8, Corporate Hotel, Tagum City.

Attending the forum were Gov. Uy, Vice Governor Maricar S. Zamora, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members led by Hon. Arturo T. Uy, Municipal Mayors led by Hon. Roberto M. Yugo, Provincial Government (PG) Heads and Assistant PG Heads led by Provincial Administrator Virgilia S. Allones, Barangay Officials of the school beneficiaries, Heads of the National Offices, high ranking officials of the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) led by MGEN Jose Faustino and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

 The Bayanihan para sa Paaralan is a program of the provincial government of Comval to address the shortage of classrooms in the different public schools of the province where they accumulated funds from the different private partners and stakeholders of the provincial government to build school classrooms.

 The program answers the issue of classroom shortage even without undergoing the usual lengthy government process of constructing classrooms.

 Dr. Reynante A. Solitario – Schools Division Superintendent of Department of Education (DepEd) Compostela Valley Division said that everyone is responsible for the personal growth and education of the learners. As they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.”

“Indeed, we never fail, as one community, one village, one province with one vision, and we are working together to raise responsible members of the community,” Solitario added.

Solitario also expressed his gratitude to the active and very supportive Comval officials led by Gov. Uy as the champion partners in all education programs.

Meanwhile, the program becomes successful were the stakeholders do their pledge of commitments to help the financial needs to build another five (5) better school classrooms in far-flung areas as they were also long-affected by conflicts, oftentimes used by some groups who wish to take advantage of the innocence of children.

 The areas identified to build five schools are in Sitio Side 4 Mangayon, Compostela  to further accommodate more students. Another is in Panansalan, Compostela, in Pagsabangan and Manurigao in New Bataan and in Sitio Sapanglubog, Tibagon Pantukan, Comval.

It can be recalled that the provincial government has turned over a 1-unit 2 classroom building each in Sitio Side 4 and Sito Putting Bato, both in Compostela on May and June this year.

Among the stakeholders who pledged their support to the program were the Ulticon Builders, Inc. who committed P3M Pesos; P1.5 M for Hexat Mining Corporation; P1.5 M for Udenna Foundation, Inc;  P1.5M for A-CUP Foundation; and P1.5M from the Apex Mining Company for the construction of school classrooms. 

Also gracing the occasion were the stakeholders of the different corporation namely; Carlos S. Gonzalez-President of Ulticon Builders, Inc., Noe B. Tajo-Chairman Hexat Mining Corporation, Inc., Paul Cuyegkeng-President and CEO of Sumifru Philippines, Dennis A. Uy-Chief Executive Officer Udenna Foundation, Inc., Louie R. Sarmiento-President and CEO of Apex Mining Company, Hon. Arturo T. Uy-Chairman A-CUP Foundation, Inc., MGEN Jose C Faustino- Division Commander, 10th Infantry Division, and Dr. Reynante A. Solitario of DepEd Comval.

 On the other hand, the governor said that the building of schools is part of the greater effort to secure a better future to all the children most especially those living in the highlands.

“We will commit ourselves to this greater purpose. I, too, will do the same. As what I’ve promised, I will dedicate each day as governor in ensuring that our children enjoy a future they deserve-one that is brighter, better and golden,’’ the governor added.

Furthermore, a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the private partners together with the provincial officials and the Commitment Setting and Awarding of Certificates was also done during the forum. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval, Photos by: Maryel Lasaca)

A 'difficult test of unity'

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Times

While our globe is burning -in every respect- G7 Summit: EU's Tusk says meeting will be 'difficult test of unity'. Nothing new for us!

Of course, the list of issues for this year's G7 summit is long, with escalating trade tensions with the US, the UK's pending exit from the EU and fires in the Amazon looming over leaders as they gather in southern France. What concerns me more or at the most? Everything.

    

Fact is: anxieties over trade war and climate change hung heavy as world leaders gathered in southern France for the start of this year's G7 summit on this Saturday (August 24, 2019) — with low hopes of leaders reaching a consensus by the end of the three-day meeting. Yes, very sad to say - very low hopes.

European Council President Donald Tusk warned that this may be one of the last chances "to restore our political community." 

Speaking at a press conference, Tusk said this year's meeting will be "a difficult test of the unity and solidarity of the free world and its leaders." In my opinion - a lot of people are not realizing this. Unfortunately... .

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting the summit in the resort town of Biarritz, said one of his main objectives is to "convince all our partners that tensions, especially trade tensions, are bad for everyone."

Thousands of people gathered in the nearby town of Hendaye to protest against economic and environmental policies, urging world leaders to take action on climate change and other issues. Will it help?

US President Donald Trump, one of the main players at the center of global tensions, arrived with his wife, Melania, in the afternoon. He and other leaders were due to be officially greeted by Macron later on in the evening.

Shortly before leaving, Trump again threatened to levy new taxes on French wine over Paris's digital tax on big tech companies. Tusk responded by saying that the European Union is prepared to "respond in kind" should the US president make good on this threat.

The ongoing trade war between the US and China escalated shortly before the summit, after Trump raised tariffs. The US-China trade dispute is believed to be a major factor in the current global slowdown, raising concerns about a possible recession. And who is the one paying the bill?

The massive, ongoing fires in the Amazon rain forest are also topping the agenda this year, with Macron threatening to withhold an EU trade agreement if Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro does not take action.

The G7 will launch "not just an appeal, but a mobilization of all the powers there, but in partnership with the countries of Amazonia," to fight fires and invest in reforestation," Macron said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she supports discussing the fires during the summit, but disagrees that blocking the Mercosur trade deal with South American countries would reduce the destruction of the rain forest in Brazil.

Our and our next generation's future? Open end!

Philippines' National Heroes' Day

The City Government of Davao in coordination with several organizations, city government departments, federations and the diplomatic corps jointly commemorated today, August 26, 2019 the National Heroes' Day at the Unknown Soldiers Monument.

(Davao City's Acting Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte during his speech)

By virtue of Act No. 3827 of 1931, the last Sunday of August was declared a national holiday in the Philippines known as National Heroes' Day. This was done in order to give honor to other heroes who are not remembered with their own legal holidays as Jose Rizal is remembered every 30th of December and Andreas Bonifacio every 30th of November.

The principal proponents of this act were historians and legislators who believed that there is an unjust gap in the national memory because many of the other heroes were forgotten and their contributions to the country were unsung.

August was chosen as the month for celebration based on the seminal events of August 1896 ("Cry of Pugad Lawin" and "Battle of San Juan del Monte"). Legislating a special holiday to recognize and remember heroes, both known and unknown would be an avenue for Filipinos to become enlightened on the richness of their heritage and thus encourage them to become better citizenz and to live noble lives.

Acting Davao City Mayor Bastian Baste Duterte and today's Guest Speaker Datu Rodolfo Mande

Are you 'bread crumbed' at work?

If we talk about work life and career development and if we carefully asked the question, if the boss commitment-phobic, we should try to find answers.

When I started writing my regular column at this corner in this publication almost six years ago (Businessweek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and Cagayan de Oro Times), I talked about trust in business, careers doubts, the forgotten attitude to say thank you, what makes a great leader, worries,differing in opinion, aggression's hotbed and war at the work place.

Stop bread-crumbing me, I told my boss! Can you please help me, Sir. That's an email, I got several days ago.

Our modern dating vocabulary is making its way into our work lexicon, and it’s bringing more life and color to the way we describe our experiences. Have you ever been ghosted by a potential employer? Or have you ghosted them? Now, thanks to the latest series of the reality TV show Love Island, we do have a new word for an old practice: bread crumbing. That's what I learned from a BBC-article.

“Bread crumbing is when you leave little bits of bread for someone. It’s a way of saying when you lead someone on,” explains Love Island host Caroline Flack. These small amounts of communication, encouragement or rewards ultimately might leave the recipient empty-handed.

Whether you’re being strung along in a drawn-out hiring process or your existing employer is leading you on, bread crumbing gives you “just enough” to keep you on the line. You can see it when your manager drops hints about new projects, raises or promotions that may – or may not – ever materialize.

“Bread crumbing is really a modern term for what we used to call intermittent reinforcement, which is one of the strongest ways to develop someone's behavior,” says B Lynn Ware, an industrial/organisational psychologist and the CEO of a leadership consultancy in California. She explains that successful managers use behavioral reinforcement to develop their staff through appropriate and proportional recognition and rewards.

But what if they’re not actually using it for employee development? It may be because employers are not aware of the range of opportunities available for top talent. The 2018 Employee Retention Report by the Work Institute, an employee research company, found that in the US, 40% of all turnover in 2017 was of employees who quit within their first year of employment. This was up from 34% in 2016. According to the report, the rise in turnover shows that employees have greater flexibility to find better employment elsewhere.

Alternatively, “it could be that the employee is not considered top talent,” says Ware. “Those people don't get recognition when they deserve it, because the employer is hoping they leave on their own.” The Work Institute report identified that turnover costs employers, on average, 33% of the employee’s base pay. Perhaps this is why it seems better to string along a less-than-perfect employee rather than immediately undergo the costs of replacing them.

In a healthy workplace, feedback comes readily and regularly. Take stock of when you receive rewards or encouragement; is it only during times of peak burnout, or right when you’re ready to call it quits? An employer who only offers encouragement or rewards in response to challenges may be more concerned with avoiding turnover than actually developing you as an employee.

Stay vigilant of how your manager communicates rewards to you, as well. If they communicate messages, pay rises and promotions without discussion, it can show a lack of interest in employee development. Two-way communication and negotiation are essential.

Following and quoting the BBC-report: a classic bread crumbing tactic is giving someone just enough to keep them busy, without taking the risk of doing something totally new. So, consider how your managers reacts to your proposals for new projects or ideas. Are they encouraging you to explore these new avenues? Or are they requiring you to stay on the track they’ve designed for you?

Finally, one of the biggest red flags is when a company routinely dangles promotions or promises title changes without following through. If they communicate messages, pay rises and promotions without discussion, it can show a lack of interest in employee development.

I am a member of Linkedin. Here I learned the following: workers continue to expect more from their employers in terms of engagement and development. And savvy employers know that developing their employees’ careers cultivates loyalty. According to LinkedIn’s 2018 Workplace Learning Report, which surveyed over 4,000 employees, managers, executives and talent developers, 94% of employees would stay at a job longer if it invested in their career.

So if you’re expecting your employer to go beyond empty promises and to facilitate your career development, set expectations. Ask your manager for feedback, discuss areas for improvement, and share your career goals with them. If you’re on track for a promotion, outline a clear track and timeline with your manager.

And allow me to quote the BBC-article again: If the discussion is stalling, share specific examples of your contributions to the team. Explain how your personal skills development will benefit the company as a whole, so your manager can clearly see how it relates to the big picture.

Ultimately, your employer should keep their word and remain engaged in developing you as an asset. Frequent, transparent communication and commensurate rewards are a must – breadcrumbs, but the right kind.

“I don't think bread crumbing is necessarily a bad thing. As long as the manager follows through on it,” says Ware. “Managers are trained to recognize talented employees and help them grow, and it should always come with follow through.”

If you find yourself picking up rewards and promises from your employer, just make sure the trail of breadcrumbs actually leads somewhere. If not, maybe it’s time to find a new path to follow.