SCHOOL-BASED ITA TI KICK OFF ACTIVITY ITI BRIGADA ESKWELA 2016

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Nagmonitor dagiti pannakabagi ti Konseho Munisipal ti ili a Cabugao, Ilocos Sur a pakaibilangan da Vice Mayor DJ Savellano; SBM Danny Q. Gazmen; SBM Vicky S. Serna; SBM Dr. Jemaima S. Tan-Yee; SBM Benedict M. Savellano; SBM Atty. Bryan Jett S. Pano;  ken ni SBM Josefina S. Vallejo kabayatan a maipatpatungpal ti panagtrabaho dagiti Stakeholders ti Brigada Eskwela 2016 a buklen  dagiti kameng ti PTA;  Mangisursuro; Brgy. Officials; Cabugao Youth Organization iti pageskuelaan ti Cabugao North Central School nga idauluan ni Mrs. Estrellita M. Siruno, Principal II iti kabigatan ti  Mayo 30, 2016 a kick off activity ti wenno umuna nga aldaw a pannakaaramid  ti Brigada Eskwela. 

Sakbayna, naaramid  ti Kick Off Activity ti Brigada Eskwela 2016 ditoy Cabugao North Central School  babaen iti naaramid a motorcade idi Mayo 30, 2016 kadagiti processional route ti ili ken iti National Highway a nangrugi iti Cabugao North Central School ken  nagsubli met laeng ditoy dagiti nagpartisipar.

Kanaig daytoy, naiwayat pay ti motorcade ti DepED-Ilocos Sur manipud iti ili a Sinait agingga iti ili a  Tagudin, Ilocos Sur kas pangkulminar iti nasao nga  school weeklong maintenance program  (Mayo 30-Hunio 4, 2016) babaen iti Tema nga: “Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos, at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Senior High School.”

Nakitinnulong met  dagiti mangisursuro nga idauluan ni Mrs. Estrellita M. Siruno, Principal II kadagiti nagannak a nakipaset iti nasao nga aktibidad iti nadakamat a pagadalan.

Ti Brigada Eskwela ket tinawen a maang-angay a  programa ti DepED a pakikammayetanna kadagiti maseknan a katinnulongda iti benneg ti Edukasion ket makalawas ti  pannakaisagana dagiti pageskuelaan para iti panagseserrek ti klase dagiti ubbing iti bulan ti Hunio 2016. # (Web In-Action)

DEPED CALLS FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS ON BRIGADA ESKWELA

The Department of Education (DepEd) is calling for more volunteers as it kicks off today its National Schools Maintenance program, otherwise known as the 2016 Brigada Eskwela, to ensure that all public schools are ready for the opening of classes on June 13, 2016.

“The 2016 Brigada Eskwela is not just to ready the schools for the reopening of classes but also to bolster the full implementation of the K to 12 program,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.

With the theme: “Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos, at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Senior High School” (All of us for safe and proper schools, and ready from Kindergarten to Senior High School), the DepEd aims to unite communities for the purpose of ensuring a better future for the next generation.

BRIGADA ESKWELA — Volunteers from a private company fix and paint old school chairs at Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City, May 28, 2016, as part of the Department of Education’s “Brigada Eskwela,” an annual schools maintenance program two weeks before the opening of classes. (Mark Balmores)

A veritable army of volunteers – parents and teachers, students and alumni, members of civic groups and others will descend upon the schools all over the country from May 30 to June 4, 2016 to ensure that everything is ready, safe, and clean for school children.

“The annual Brigada Eskwela is our version of modern “bayanihan” where all sectors pitch in to make sure that our schools are clean, safe, disaster-prepared and conducive to learning when students troop back to the schools in June,” Luistro said.

Luistro stressed that the goal is to see to it that on June 13, regular classes will immediately push through because the schools have already been prepared.

Through the Brigada Eskwela, DepEd, its partners from the national government agencies, private sector, non-government organizations, community members and individual volunteers mobilize resources and join together to do maintenance works in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

Luistro said the partner agencies also contribute school furniture, construction and repair materials and manual labor as part of their civic duty.

Furthermore, DepEd, despite being riddled with criticisms over the full-implementation of the new academic reform, affirmed that with the combined efforts from different sectors, schools are more ready for the nationwide implementation of the Senior High School of the K to 12 Program for basic education.

DepEd has recorded some P28.6 billion worth of resources since the start of Brigada Eskwela in 2003.

Luistro said it started as an informal initiative in the early years, until it was institutionalized to be a part of the annual school opening activity.

DepEd said interested groups or individuals can coordinate with the Office of the Undersecretary for Partnerships and External Linkages at (02) 633-7207, External Partnerships Service-Adopt-a-School Program Secretariat at (02) 638-8637, (02) 638-8639 or any DepEd Field Offices and public schools nationwide. #  Adapted News – www.deped.gov.ph

PHILMECH MARKS 38TH ANNIVERSARY

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) celebrated its 38th year of establishment and 17th Postharvest Loss Prevention Week on May 25, 2016.

In his speech, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala stressed the significance of agricultural mechanization in preparation for world market competition.

“Without mechanization, we can never be competitive,” Alcala said.

The agri chief also praised PhilMech for ensuring innovation in Philippine agriculture. “The technologies you produce every year help empower the agriculture and fishery sectors,” he said.

PhilMech Executive Director Rex Bingabing showed his gratitude to the secretary for his support to agricultural mechanization. He pointed out that the support of the secretary inspires and empowers the researchers to develop more efficient and effective postharvest technologies.

“Our Secretary appreciates the works of our researchers, and we thank him for that,” Bingabing said.

During the event, Alcala visited the exhibit of different machineries developed by PhilMech. Some of the machines on display include bricket processor, brown rice huller, impeller rice mill, cassava digger, cassava puller, corn seeder, compact corn mill, coco water processor and coffee processor, fluidized bed dryer, moringa processor, mini combine harvester, tractor mounted transplanter, pharmaceutical grade pectin, soybean processor, ylang-ylang oil extractor, ohmic blanching machine, and biodegradable fruit bag.

PhilMech was originally known as the National Postharvest Institute for Research and Extension (NAPHIRE) established on year 1978 through Presidential Decree No. 1380, signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos. Its primary function is to spearhead the development of postharvest industry. In 2010, through EO# 366, it became Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech). Its mandate was expanded to include not only post-harvest but also farm mechanization. # Source - (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)/www.da.gov.ph

MAINAYON A PUERSA TI PNP, NAIYAM-AMMODA

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Kalpasan ti Flag Ceremony iti Mayo 30, 2016, kinablaawan ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. dagiti katinnarabayna nga Opisiales-Lokal ti Ili, Department/Section  Heads dagiti Opisina ti LGU  ken dagiti amin a Personnel a mangbukbukel ti Pamilia-LGU Cabugao iti panangrugi ti panagtarabahoda iti lawas ti Mayo 2016.

Nangipaay ti Ama ti Ili iti pangablaaw para iti sapasap ken naiyam-ammo dagiti uppat a Police Trainee nga as-asistiran ti Kapolisan iti ili a Cabugao nga idauluan ni Police Senior Inspector  Ramil A. Llarenas.

Kanaig daytoy, inulit ni Mayor Ediboy a kinomendaran iti napintas a gapuanan ti PNP ken BFP iti pannakamantener iti linak ken talna kabayatan a napasamak  iti Election Period 2016 ditoy ili a Cabugao.

Dinakamatna pay iti napintas met a panagtitinnulong dagiti maseknan a karaman iti pannakaisagana ken makipaset iti maaramid a turn-over ti turay inton Hunio 30, 2016.

Nupay kasta, innayon ti Ama ti Ili  a kolektibo a gapuanan ti pamilia-LGU  iti panagballigi iti amin a  rubuat  ken naaramid a gapuanan ti LGU-Cabugao.

“Job well done!” innayon ti Municipal Chief Executive. # (Web In-Action)

1st DAY TI BRIGADA ESKWELA 2016, NAIGANNUAT

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur –  Nairubuat ti “Brigada Eskwela”  2016 kadagiti  pageskuelaan  ti ili a Cabugao mangrugi iti Mayo 30, 2016 babaen iti Tema a: “ Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos, at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Senior High School”. 
a kas mayalubog iti National Schools Maintenance Week,  a masasao a Brigada Eskwela a nayeskediul iti  May 30, 2016 agingga iti Hunio  4, 2016 iti intero a pagilian.

Naluktan ti Kick Off Activity ti Brigada Eskwela 2016 ditoy Cabugao babaen iti naaramid a motorcade iti Mayo 30, 2016 kadagiti processional route ti ili ken iti National Highway a nangrugi iti Cabugao North Central School ken  nagsubli met laeng ditoy dagiti nagpartisipar. Iti nasao a motorcade, inyuna ti Mobile Patrol Car ti PNP sa sinaruno dagiti motorista  iti Cabugao Elite Riders Club, Inc., NGOs,  kasta metten dagiti Opisiales ken mangisursuro kadagiti pageskuelaan.

Iti pannaki-amad ti Web In-Action kadagiti agpartisipar iti Brigada Eskwela  kadagiti pagadalan iti Poblasion  iti Mayo 30, 2016, naibagada a tunggal kuarto ti pageskuelaan ket agdadanggay dagiti mangisursuro ken nagannak nga agurnos ken agdalus agraman iti ruar ti eskuela.

Innayon pay ti dadduma  a maar-aramid ita ti pannakapinta  dagiti alad, tugaw, ken dadduma pay a pasilidad ti pagadalan partikular iti pannakaital-o ti  hygiene and sanitasion dagiti ubbing.

Dagitoy a gannuat ket paset ti pannakaisagana ti pageskuelaan iti panagseserrek ti klase dagiti ubbing inton  Hunio  13, 2016.  

Kabayatanna, napintek ti  panagtitimpuyog dagiti Stakeholders: nagannak, mangisursuro, Barangay Officials   ken Gobierno Lokal iti agtultuloy a pannakapasayaat ti pageskuelaanda.

Makipaspaset met ti Konseho  ti Barangay agraman dagiti lumugar   nga agdalus iti  aglawlaw ti pagadalan, agpukan iti sanga ti kayo, agpinta iti classroom ken kanaigna a trabaho iti pannakaisagana ti eskuela.

Segun iti dadaulo ti pageskuelaan nga agyamanda iti  agtultuloy a panagkikinnammayet dagiti  Stakeholders, dagiti mangisursuro, PTA Officers, dagiti Opisiales ti Barangay ken iti agtultuloy a suporta ti LGU iti pannakapasayaat dagiti pageskuelaan iti Munisipalidad.

Ti Brigada Eskwela ket tinawen a programa ti DepED a pakikammayetan dagiti maseknan a katinnulongda iti Multisektoral a benneg tapno maisagana ti pageskuelaan para iti panagseserrek ti klase dagiti ubbing inton Hunio 13, 2016. # (Web In-Action)

DILG OPERATION LISTO

As the rainy season is about to start, Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on all local government units (LGUs) to carry out the disaster preparedness measures under Operation Listo.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the current El Nino is already in its decaying stage and there is a possible rise of La Nina during the second half of 2016.


PAGASA particularly warned the provinces of Isabela, Quezon, Samar, Leyte, Surigao, Agusan and Bicol of the developing La Nina.

In a directive, Sarmiento urged all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and DILG regional directors to take precautionary measures in their respective areas of responsibility.

“LGUs are encouraged to convene their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils to prepare a La Nina Action Plan; closely coordinate with PAGASA for timely weather updates and with the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau for adequate information on the threat of flooding and rainfall-induced landslides within the respective LGU,” said Sarmiento.

He also directed LGUs to regularly submit a status report to the DILG, through its Field and Regional Offices, on all La Nina related incidents, including planning, preparations and general assessments.

Operation Listo

. Sarmiento also reminds LGUs to implement the early preparedness actions listed in the Operation Listo Manuals for hydro-meteorological hazards namely the (1) Checklist of Critical Preparations for Mayors, (2) Checklist of Early Preparations for Mayors, and (3) Checklist for Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, Chiefs of Police, and Fire Marshalls.

These manuals lay down disaster preparedness minimum standards before, during, and after a disaster.

There are four General Actions to be undertaken proactively by local chief executives to be able to carry out the functions during the critical period when an advisory or alert is issued by PAGASA: (1) create the local Disaster Risk Reduction Management structures and systems to be mobilized; (2) institutionalize policies and plans; (3) build the competency of the created structures through various trainings; and (4) complement the competency 
by purchasing and preparing the needed hardware and supplies to equip the actions.

“As the Manuals say, these are done during ‘peace time’ or when no immediate threat of a disaster. Tamang paghahanda, tamang aksyon. This is what Operation Listo reminds everyone that we must be preemptive instead of reactive,” said Sarmiento.

Operation Listo is an advocacy program of the DILG which aims to strengthen disaster preparedness of LGUs using the whole-of-government approach. Its first component called Listong Pamahalaang Lokal was launched in 2014 which institutionalized local protocols for disaster preparedness, response and monitoring.

“The goal is always zero casualty. The effectiveness of implementing Operation Listo is evident when we had no casualty in places affected by Bagyong Chedeng in Regions 2 and 3 including Pampanga last year,” Sarmiento points out.

Listong Pamayanan and Listong Pamilyang Pilipino

Last month, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the DILG’s launching of two new components of Operation Listo: the Listong Pamayanan and Listong Pamilyang Pilipino.

Listong Pamayanan are a capacity development interventions that started from LGUs and to be cascaded to the community; and the Listong Pamilyang Pilipino focuses on the family and household level preparedness.

In Listong Pamilyang Pilipino, the DILG partners with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in distributing "Gabay at Mapa", which is a family guide to action before, during and after a disaster. It requires families to make a household plan determining their evacuation routes, family meeting points, and safe places in their home.

Families are advised to prepare their e-Balde, or Emergency Balde, which contains essential items to be brought during evacuation, such as ready-to-eat food, three gallons of water, medicine, first-aid and hygiene kits, clothes, flashlights, and radios. # Adapted News – www.dilg.gov.ph

THE FLAG DAYS: MAY 28 TO JUNE 12

On May 28, 1898, the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite. The national flag was yet to be formally announced on the day of that battle. It was formally presented to the people on June 12, 1898. From 1919, when the Philippine flag was once more legalized, until 1940, Flag Day was observed in October, the date the Philippine Legislature had restored the flag. From 1941 to 1964, Flag Day was commemorated on the date the national flag was unfurled in Kawit: June 12.

However, in 1965, since Flag Day coincided with Independence Day,  in order to commemorate the date the national emblem was first unfurled in battle, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 374, 1965, which moved  National Flag Day to May 28.

On May 23, 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order No. 179, stretching National Flag Day into an extended period, from May 28 to June 12, culminating in the celebration of Independence Day. All Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in all offices, agencies, and instruments of government, business establishments, schools, and private homes throughout this period. # ADAPTED - Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office

PLANT NOW PAY LATER, NASAMAY A MAKATULONG KADAGITI MANNALON

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Nasamay a makatulong ti “Plant Now Pay Later” a programa ti National Government kadagiti mannalon agsipud ta maited iti talek kadagiti Opisiales ti Asosasion a mangsingir ti bayad iti nasublat dagiti kameng  a bukel ket agbalinton a pundo ti asosasion daytoy.

Naaramid ti distribusion ti  Hybrid Rice Seeds  babaen iti programa nga  High Yielding Technology Adoption (HYTA)  a proyekto ti National Government kadagiti mannalon iti ili a Cabugao, Ilocos Sur  itay nabiit iti sango ti Munisipio.

Inimatangan ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. iti nasao a distribusion ti hybrid seeds kadagiti dadaulo ti asosasion ti mannalon.

Pinatibker ni Mayor Ediboy dagiti lideres  dagiti mannalon babaen iti agtultuloy a panangtarabay ti Munisipio kadakuada ket numan pay paset ti inisiatibada iti makikammayet babaen iti PNPL kadagiti kompania nga itantandudo ti Departamento ti Agrikultura (DA), saan met nga agbaybay-a ti Gobierno Munisipal a mangkita iti pangkomplementar kadagitoy a programa ti sektor-agrikultura nangruna ita a pannnakairubuat ti Wet Season 2016 ita a tawen.

Kanaig daytoy, inyalat ti LGU-Cabugao iti National Best Achiever Award idi Tawen 2013 ket naipakita iti kabaelan ti tunggal asosasion a nangiragpat latta ti dayaw ti sektor-da babaen iti panangkibin ti DA-LGU nga imatonan ita ni Acting Municipal Agriculturist Robert S. Savella ken iti pannakitunos dagiti mannalon iti salinong ti 35 nga Asosasion-da.

Impakaammo dagiti mannalon nga iti pannakaiyallawat kadagiti Association-based a subsidies 

ket  nasamay a pamunganayan dagiti asosasion iti pannakaiyagpang ti kita ti bukel  ken teknolohia a kabuybuyogna para iti panagtatalon iti Wet Season 2016 (Hunio-Nobiembre). # (Web In-Action)

JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT MARKS 10TH YEAR OF PASSAGE, CELEBRATES MILESTONES

“Today marks a significant day, not only for us in the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council  (JJWC), but most importantly for the children, especially those at risk and in conflict with the law. A decade ago, our law makers enacted Republic Act (RA) 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, a landmark child protection law in Asia, and it has been a colorful and meaningful journey.”

This was the message of  JJWC Executive Secretary Atty. Tricia Clare A. Oco as the Council celebrated on May 20 the milestones in the implementation of  RA 9344 which established a comprehensive juvenile justice system in the Philippines.

Prior to the enactment of the law, data showed that more than 52,000 Filipino children are in detention or under custodial setting. They suffer from all kinds of abuses and some were meted out with capital punishment.

As part of the celebration, the JJWC recognized the invaluable support and contribution of member and coordinating agencies and other stakeholders. Thirteen local government units also received awards for actively implementing the law in their respective jurisdictions.

Atty. Oco related that the implementation of the law is both fulfilling and challenging.

“It has been a decade of ensuring that children’s rights are upheld and their welfare is promoted. At the same time, we also work for the reparation and healing of victims, building of safer communities, and prevention of juvenile delinquency,” Atty. Oco shared.

She acknowledged concerted efforts of all the duty-bearers in the successful implementation of the law.
Modest strides
As a policy-making, coordinating and monitoring body tasked to ensure the implementation of RA 9344, the JJWC has achieved various milestones for the law.

In 2015 alone, the JJWC has developed/updated, issued and disseminated 31 national policies, plans, and programs which include the Department of Education (DepEd) Guidelines and Procedures on the Management of children at risk (CAR) and  children in conflict with the law (CICL), Philippine National Police (PNP) Manual on Handling and Treatment of CAR and CICL, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Guidelines for the LGUs on the development of Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program, among others.

Some 34 Bahay Pag-Asa have also been constructed nationwide for the rehabilitation of CICL.

In 2015, the JJWC has assisted 5,934 local government units nationwide in developing their juvenile intervention programs through the newly-created Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committees (RJJWC).

As a result of the monitoring and inspection visits facilitated by the JJWC and the RJJWCs, 69 children were transferred from detention facilities to child institutions or to their parents and guardians in the same year.

Furthermore, RA 9344 has also been nominated in the World Future Policy Awards as one of the policies that aims to protect and strengthen the rights of children.

For 2016 and in the coming years, the JJWC is set to ensure a more efficient, effective and better implementation of the law by continuing the strong coordination with all the duty-bearers and capacitating them to properly perform their roles.

A National Juvenile Justice Information Management System is also being developed to ensure proper recordation and management of all data related to children at risk and children in conflict with the law.

“What keeps us going is the number of lives that we are able to help change and bring hope to,” Atty. Oco emphasized. #  Source – www.dswd.gov.ph

DILG: OVER 200,000 HOUSEHOLDS BENEFITTING FROM 396 POTABLE WATER PROJECTS UNDER SALINTUBIG PROGRAM

A total of 219,478 households or 1,318,868 individuals are now benefitting from 396 potable water projects in waterless municipalities that have been completed for the first four months of 2016 through the Sagana at Ligtas ng TubigsaLahat (SALINTUBIG) Program, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said the SALINTUBIG Program provides potable water supply systems to waterless municipalities, waterless barangays, health centers, and resettlement sites with low service coverage, high incidence of poverty and water-borne diseases.

“Alam nating lahat na ang tubig ay buhay kaya sinisikap natin na magkaroon ang ating mga kababayan sa malalayong lugar ng mapagkukunan ng malinis na maiinom na tubig,” said Sarmiento.

Apart from the completed projects, the DILG Secretary said the Department is also monitoring the progress of 182 on-going projects on potable water supply, 88 projects on procurement, 178 projects with approved feasibility study, and 381 projects on preparation of initial documents.

“Hindi madaliang pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong patubig dahil may proseso tayong sinusundan nito,” he stated.

Sarmiento said the preparation of initial documents like Detailed Engineering Design (DED), Program of Work (POW) and Feasibility Study (FS) takes about five months to complete. The procurement process takes another 2 months; the implementation process takes 10 1/2 months before the project is completed; and the sustainability phase takes 2 weeks.

For several years now, the DILG has been implementing SALINTUBIG projects across the country. In FY 2012, the Department provided P770 million for the implementation of 262 potable water supply projects in 171 local government units (LGUs). Of these, 254 have been completed, 7 are on-going, and 1 is on procurement stage.

DILG’s response to the need for potable water continued in 2013 with the Department allocating P640.27 million to 154 LGUs for the implementation of 181 potable water supply projects. By the end of April, 2016, 104 of these projects have been completed, 65 are on-going construction, 3 are on procurement, 8 have approved initial documents, 1 is on preparation stage of initial documents.

By 2014, DILG provided P517.73 million to 111 LGUs for the programmed 117 potable water supply projects. Of these, 34 have been completed, 49 are on-going construction, 19 are on procurement process, 13 have approved initial documents, and 2 are on preparation stage.

The Department increased its focus on potable water supply projects in 2015 with PhP1.512 billion provided to 243 LGUs for the 665 projects. Out of this, 4 have been completed, 61 are on-going, 65 are on procurement, 157 have approved documents, and 378 are on initial preparation stage. # Source – www.dilg.gov.ph

1st BATCH TI SPES, INAWATDA TI SUELDODA

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur –  Awaten dagiti agtutubo nga agtrabaho iti maipatungpal nga  Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) a nagbuligan nga inggannuat ti Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Vigan City ken  ti LGU-Cabugao para kadagiti agkasapulan ti trabaho nga agad-adal ita a  bakasion 2016. 

Inawat ti First Batch (21 nga agad-adal) ti gatad a  kaibatogan ti bayad ti serbisioda manipud iti HRM Office ken iti babaen ti panangaprobar ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr.  iti panagtrabahoda manipud iti Abril 4, 2016 agingga iti Mayo 16, 2016. 

Inyawat ni Mayor Ediboy dagiti gunggonada a nagtrabaho kadagiti SPES Employees idi Mayo 24, 2016 iti Opisina ti Municipal Mayor a kaduana ni Ms. Angelina Esteban, HRMO Staff. Ti naited ket pakabuklan ti 60% a mabatayan ti LGU-Cabugao idinto ta iti 40 % ti ited met ti DOLE-Vigan City.

Maibatay  iti rekord ti Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) ti LGU-Cabugao nga idauluan ni Ms. Teresita S. Sison, HRM Officer, umabot ti 35  nga estudiante ti naikkan  iti trabaho ita a  Summer Vacation 2016   ket agtrabahoda kadagiti Opisina iti nadumaduma a Departamento ti LGU a nakaidesignaranda. 30 nga aldaw ti naituyang a panagtrabaho ti tunggal maysa kadagitoy a nagaplikar nga estudiante a naggapu iti nadumaduma a pageskuelaan ti kolehio ken barangay ti ili.  

Iti pannakiuman ti Web In-Action kadagiti estudiante iti Mayo 26,  2016, imbatad dagiti  immawat  ti kantidad nga agyamyamanda unay  iti LGU-Cabugao ta dakkel ti maitulongna iti 30 nga aldaw a panagtrabahoda  a nakateggedanda  iti nayon ti gastosenda nga agbasa. 

Kabayatanna, nangrugi met ti 14 a bilang ti 2nd Batch SPES Employees idi Mayo 16, 2016 ken agpatingga da inton Hunio 24, 2016. Maikkanda met iti sag-30 nga aldaw a panagtrabaho ket awatendanto  met iti maipada a pribilehio a kas iti 1st Batch. (Web In-Action)

DA CELEBRATES FARMERS, FISHERS MONTH; AWARDS “MODERN DAY HEROES”

Four outstanding farmers and fisherfolk were recognized for their vital contribution to the different sectors of agriculture (rice, corn, high value crops, and fisheries) in line with the celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month held at the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Quezon City on May 23, 2016.

The awards were presented to Fidel Josue (fisheries), Demetrio de Ocampo (high value crops), Jerry Villanada (rice), and Leon Bonilla (corn). The four were recognized for their commendable impact to the growth and development of the Philippine agriculture.

The recognition was conferred by DA Undersecretary for Operations Emerson Palad, Assistant Secretary for Finance Ophelia Agawin, and Region IV-B Regional Executive Director Cipriano Santiago.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, through his message read by Usec Palad, described the farmers and fisherfolks as the “true heroes” of our country.

“They constantly provide food on our tables,” the message stressed.

DA continues to collaborate and partner with farmers, fishers and other agricultural stakeholders as part of the efforts of the government towards a more developed rural sector, focusing immensely on food production.

Based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, agricultural losses due to El Niño and other calamities like typhoons were much lower than the projected figures because of the steadfast cooperation of the private and the public sectors.

The government has continued to provide interventions including the conduct of cloud seeding sorties, information dissemination, technology adaptation, construction and rehabilitation of diversion dams, and similar projects essential in mitigating the impacts of the long-dry spell.

Farmers’ and Fisherfolks Month is celebrated every May each year, by virtue of Proclamation No. 33 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino in 1989. The annual celebration aims to give honor and recognition to the men and women of the agriculture sector who toil the farms, amidst adverse weather conditions to provide safe and quality foodstuff to the entire nation. # (Carlos Baldosa/AFID)/www.da.gov.ph

BUKEL TI PAGAY A MAIMULA ITI WET SEASON 2016, NAITED

Cabugao, llocos Sur – Naaramid ti distribusion ti  Hybrid Rice Seeds  babaen iti programa nga  High Yielding Technology Adoption (HYTA)  a proyekto ti National Government kadagiti mannalon iti ili a Cabugao, Ilocos Sur idi Mayo 23, 2016  iti sango ti Munisipio.

Indauluan ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. ket  binayabay dagiti Staff ti DA-LGU nga imatonan ni Acting Municipal Agriculturist Robert S. Savella iti pannakaiwaras dagiti bukel ti pagay (37 Packs ti kada Asosasion) kadagiti dadaulo ti 35 a Farmer’s Association ti ili.

Dagitoy a bin-i ket naisangrat a pagpuonan dagiti mannalon iti panagtatalon iti Wet Season 2016 babaen iti “Pay Now Pay Later” kadagiti mangimula ken nagtaud daytoy a proyekto manipud iti National Government.

Nakipaset met ni ABC  President Thaddeus “Teddy” U.  Soller iti nadakamat nga aktibidad. # (Web In-Action)

DA Honors Its Constant Valuable Partners, Intensifies Mitigation Efforts Against El Niño

This month, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recognizes the farmers and fishers for being the constant valuable partners of the government in nation building especially their invaluable contribution to the economic growth of the Philippine agriculture and food sustainability.

This year’s theme “Magsasaka’t Mangingisda Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa” values the agri-fishery laborers who serve as backbone in rural development and food security program.

The conduct of the activity is pursuant to Proclamation No. 33 signed by President Corazon C. Aquino in 1989, declaring the month of May as “Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month”. During this event, the men and women of the agri-fishery sector are given due recognition and tribute for the major role they play in economic recovery.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala believes that the farmers and fishers deserve to be recognized because of their significant role in attaining country’s food self-sufficiency and sustainability.

He stressed that the food we intake should be credited to our hardworking farmers and fishers.

“Thanks to their contributions, the country’s agri sector remains at par with other ASEAN nations,” Alcala said.

This year’s celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month coincides with the continuous campaign of DA to help farmers and fishers amidst El Niño phenomenon, intensifying its mitigation efforts to protect the farmers and fisherfolks.

Though the damage wrought by the prolonged dry is considerable, the DA still intensifies its mitigation effort to protect the farmers and fisherfolks.

To address the problem, DA deployed its Regional Field Offices (RFOs) to provide interventions and initiate strategies and activities to the affected farmers as early as 2014 and regularly meets with PAGASA to monitor El Niño development. At present, DA has fully utilized its Quick Response Fund (QRF) worth P370.08 million, which has been allocated to the affected regions.

DA also allocated funds for small water impounding projects and diversion dams to help farmers produce source of water and in preparation for the onset of La Niña, which often follows El Niño episodes.

Further, DA released the following recommendations to mitigate El Nino: maximization of production in non-threatened areas, saving vulnerable areas through appropriate irrigation intervention or crop shifting using short gestation crops, massive information dissemination, and rehabilitation of vulnerable areas that cannot be saved.

The celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month is commemorated across the nation through the DA Regional Field offices from May 23 to May 27, 2016. #  Source – www.da.gov.ph

DILG TO NEWLY-ELECTED LGU OFFICIALS: SUBMIT POLL CONTRIBUTIONS, EXPENSES TO COMELEC BY JUNE 9

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is reminding newly-elected local officials to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), before they will be allowed to assume office.

In a memorandum addressed to all newly-elected governors, mayors, vice-mayors, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panglungsod/Bayan, and Governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento urged them to file their SOCE by June 9, 2016, and submit to the DILG a certification on SOCE compliance by June 17, 2016.

“Alinsunod sa batas, ang mga bagong halal na mga opisyal sa mga lokal na pamahalaan ay kinakailangang mag-file ng kani-kanilang mga SOCE bago pa man sila manumpa sa kanilang tungkulin, ” said Sarmiento.

Citing Republic Act (RA) No. 7166 otherwise known as “Synchronized National and Local Elections and for Electoral Reforms Act”, he said “No person elected to any public office shall enter or assume the duties of his office until he has filed the SOCE.”

Section 14 of the said law further states that: “Every candidate and treasurer of the political party shall, within thirty (30) days after the day of the election, file in duplicate with the offices of the Comelec the full, true and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election.”

The DILG Secretary also said the Department and the Comelec had also forged memorandum of agreement in 2012 which states that the DILG or any of its attached agencies shall require any winning candidate to present a Certification from the COMELEC that he or she has satisfactorily complied with his or her obligation under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 7166 by filing his or her SOCE with the Comelec.

“In the absence of this certification, the winning candidate cannot enter into the execution of his or her office pursuant to Paragraph 2 of the same provision of the law,” he said.

Winning Governors, Vice Governors and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members are to submit their Comelec certifications to their DILG provincial directors; City Mayors, City Vice Mayors and Sangguniang Panlungsod members to their DILG City Directors; and Municipal Mayors, Municipal Vice Mayors and Sangguniang Bayan members to their DILG Municipal Local Government Operations Officers.

For the newly-elected local government officials who will be filing their SOCE for the first time and for those who have further questions about this mandate, they can get in touch with the DILG at Telephone Numbers (02) 925 0351 or (02) 928 9181 or email at blgspcmd@gmail.com. #  Source – www.dilg.gov.ph

MAKALAWAS A WATER RATIONING, MAIPATPATUNGPAL

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Iti pannakiuman ti Web In-Action iti Waterworks Department, LGU-Cabugao iti Abril 23, 2016, imbatad ni Waterworks Supervisor Engr. Nestor B. Somera nga agtultuloy latta ti ipapaayda a serbisio kadagiti umili nga end-users ti danum a mainum nga aggapu iti Magarang Water  Springs,  Brgy. Cacadiran, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur ken iti Roma-Kinalian Sources iti Brgy. Maradodon ken Brgy. Catucdaan kadagiti service-barangays iti ili iti las-ud ti makadominggo. 

Iti agdama, maipatpatungpal latta iti water rationing  tapno maalay-ayan  ti panages-es  ti danum kadagiti masakupan ti service area ti waterworks iti  suplay  ti  danum nangruna kadagitoy a bulbulan. Kabayatanna,  adda met latta dagiti connection line ti tubo a tarimaanenda gapu iti panagrukop wenno dadduma pay a pakaigapuan ti panagproblema iti main line ken  distribution line. Ngem maaksionan a daras dagitoy ta agtultuloy iti repair and maintenance ti Opisina ti Cabugao Waterworks.

Innayonda  pay nga aksionanda  dagiti awag dagiti water-users ta inaldaw a nakasapulan ti danum.

Insupusopda a madagdagus a mataming  ti pakaseknan dagiti water consumers agsipud ta kankanayon latta met ti panagrekurida/monitor dagiti Collectors, Pifefitters ken Personnel a masakupan ti Cabugao Waterworks System.

Segun kadakuada a tinawen a mapasamak dagiti posible a pakaigapuan ti panages-es  ti suplay ti danum ket kangrunaan iti napaut a tikag; panagadu ti bubon  a panglakagan dagiti agmulmula   no panawen iti tikag ken mainayon manen a user nga agusar iti suplay a danum manipud iti paggapuan ti suplay ti mainum a  danum.   # (Web In-Action)

BMB HOSTS LOCAL CELEBRATION OF INT’L DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has lined up a host of events and activities to mark the annual International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22. This year’s theme is “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Sustaining People and their Livelihood.”

The highlight of the celebration is the photo and livelihood exhibit showcasing products and services that contribute to conservation of the country’s rich biological diversity.

Biodiversity-friendly businesses and products will be on display at the BMB Training Center inside the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City, starting May 20.

The exhibit will also feature the winners of the photo contest dubbed “Selfie for Biodiversity and Livelihood 2016,” which aims to show how efforts in protecting biodiversity help sustain livelihood.

The whole event is held in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation or GIZ.

Biodiversity conservation has long been at the forefront of environmental issues given that it is directly affected by climate change and in turn impacts food security.

In the recently concluded 2nd National Protected Area Conference held at the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria on April 26, Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje noted how protected area (PA) management enjoyed exponential support in the past years.
The environment chief added that substantial funding was also allocated for reforestation of beach and mangrove areas frequented by typhoons, after Supertyphoon Yolanda struck central Philippines in 2013.

“This is intended to restore the integrity of mangroves and ensure that they perform their function as natural buffers from typhoons and storm surges,” Paje said.

Under the Aquino administration, the DENR has received considerable foreign assistance to scale-up PA management effectiveness. #  Source – www.denr.gov.ph

BARO A BATCH TI AGBALIN NGA SCHOLARS, NAGEKSAMENDA

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Nageksamen dagiti naawat nga Aplikante para iti “libre a panagadal”  a programa ti LGU-Cabugao nga idauluan ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. ket naaramid ti Examination  idi Mayo 20, 2016 iti Municipal Conference Building, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. 

Ti  Cabugao Education Scholarship Program ket  naaprobaran a Gakat   ni SB Member Danilo Q. Gazmen nga indarirag  ti Joint Committee on Education and Appropriation  ti Sangguniang Bayan ken inaprobaran ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr.  idi Oktubre 14, 2013.

Daytoy a linteg ket ket maisagut dagiti makaruar iti eksamen nga  agtutubo ken ubbing  a naregget ti namnamada a makaileppas ti kurso iti High School ken Kolehio.

Tinarawidwidan ni Mr. Dario Roy Siruno, Information and Tourism  Officer ti LGU-Cabugao ti nadakamat a panageksamen.  # (Web In-Action)

DepEd K to 12 LAW ON ITS 3RD YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The Department of Education (DepEd) enjoins the whole country in the observance of the 3rd year anniversary of the signing into law by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, Republic Act No. 10533, An Act Enhancing the Philippine Education System by Strengthening Its Curriculum and Increasing the Number of Years for Basic Education otherwise known as the K to 12 Law.

The K to 12 Program covers 13 years of basic education with the following stages: Kindergarten to Grade 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grade 7 to 10 (Junior High School) and Grades 11 to 12 (Senior High School). This is found to be the best period for learning under basic education.  It is also the recognized standard for students and professionals globally.

The Program holds distinct significance this coming School Year 2016-2017 as the Department begins  the implementation of the Grade 11 of the Senior High School (SHS) Program, the first of the 2 cohorts (Grades 11 and 12) which were added to the country's 10-year basic education system.

Recently, the Supreme Court on March 15 dismissed several petitions filed against the implementation of the K to 12 Program, thus paving the way for its continued   operation particularly the said SHS
Program.

As the country girds for the opening of classes this coming School Year 2016-2017 on June 13, 2016, the Department through Education Secretary Br.Armin A.  Luistro FSC invites and enjoins everyone to give their full support to the successful implementation of K to 12 Program specially the SHS Program. # Source – www.deped.gov.ph

DEPED SENIOR HS VOUCHER ONLINE APPLICATION ENDS ON MAY 6

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminds private Grade 10 completers who are not Education Service Contracting (ESC) grantees to catch up with the voucher application deadline set on Friday, May 6, 2016 for its Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program.

DepEd through the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) reopened the application last April 22, 2016 to enable more Grade 10 completers to have the option to enroll in SHS in private schools, public and private universities and colleges, or technical vocational institutions come June 2016.

For the first batch of applicants for SHS Voucher Program, over 50,000 non-ESC private school grade 10 completers have been awarded vouchers. An estimated 70,000 to 75,000 non-ESC private school grade 10 completers may still apply for the SHS Voucher Program.

Deped reiterates that all public school Grade 10 completers and private school Grade 10 completers who are Education Service Contracting (ESC) grantees are automatically qualified voucher recipients. These students do not need to apply for vouchers.

Since its reopening, DepEd has received around 13,000 applications with complete requirements. Results will be announced on or before May 20, 2016.

All applications must be done strictly online by accessing PEAC's Online Voucher Application Portal (OVAP) at http://ovap.deped.gov.ph.

Concerns and queries regarding the ESC and SHS Voucher programs can be directed to gastpe@deped.gov.ph or to the DepEd Action Center at (02) 636-1663 or (02) 633-1942.

The SHS Voucher Program is intended for completers of Grade 10 who would like to pursue SHS education in private schools, private universities and colleges, local or state universities and colleges that have SHS offering starting School Year 2016-2017.  It grants students subsidy on tuition and other school fees. # Source – www.deped.gov.ph

PBOC PROCLAIMS GOV. RYAN SINGSON AND OTHER WINNING CANDIDATES

The Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) headed by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Rhodora Arrocena proclaims unopposed Governor  Ryan Singson, Vice Governor Jeremias Singson and other winning local candidates on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 3:00 PM.

Governor Singson got 278,501 votes and Vice Governor Jeremias Singson garnered 260,617 votes. Outgoing Vice Governor Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano won the congressional race for the first district of Ilocos Sur having 82,085 votes, more than thirty thousand lead over his opponent. Incumbent 2nd district Representative Ericson Singson was also proclaimed for his second term having 158,626 votes.

The PBOC raised the hands of the proclaimed Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members in the 1st district with Mika Mendoza having the most number of votes (92,254) followed by Christopher Baterina (77,955), Constante Oandasan (73,598), Ronnie Rapanut (70,207) and Efren Rafanan (65,026). For the 2nd district, Jaime Singson is the first SPM with 140,617 votes followed by Pablito Sanidad Jr. (105,156), Joselle Gironella (105,143), Gina Cordero (94,856) and Mildred Elaydo (75,085).

The proclaimed winners were accompanied by their family members who have been ever supportive since the day one of campaign.

Meanwhile, former Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson together with the winning officials had earlier proclaimed by the Municipal Board of Canvassers of Narvacan. Chavit Singson won as one of the Sangguniang Bayan Member of said town.

In an interview, Governor Ryan expresses gratitude to the people for the overwhelming support he and his team received. He calls out for unity among the newly elected officials and he said they should now start to work together for the province. “It has been an honor for me to receive such an overwhelming support from our constituents, we have now a new set of leaders, let us forget politics and we must unite to do better for Ilocos Sur”, Gov. Ryan added.

The oath taking of the proclaimed officials have yet to be set in the succeeding days. # Source – PIO Ilocos Sur

DEPED COMMENDS PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR ORDERLY, PEACEFUL ELECTIONS

Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC in a press briefing commended the public school teachers for their efficient and effective performance during the national and local elections.

“The teachers went out of their way to make this election generally peaceful and very orderly. Their transmission of the results is the fastest in my memory. They have proven that they can be trusted as they remained apolitical,” Luistro stressed.

He also expressed gratitude for their support, “Saludo ako at nagpapasalamat sa kaguruan. Sa palagay ko, ito na ang pinaka-successful, clean and very efficient election natin.”
Luistro reported that no untoward incidents had happened to any of the public school teachers nationwide who performed election duty.

“Ang napakagandang balita ay ang ating command center ay walang naitalang ulat ng any untoward incident especially with respect to our teachers. As of now, wala pa tayong natatalang death or injuries to our teachers,” Luistro said.

There are 409,392 DepEd personnel composed of Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEIs), Boards of Canvassers (BOCs), support staff and DepEd supervisors who served during the national and local elections.

“60% of more than 685,000 DepEd employees were part of the elections, either as BEI member, support staff or supervisor,” Luistro said.

The Comelec grants the DepEd personnel with poll duties the allowance of P4,500 for the chairman and members of the BEI; P1,500 for BEI support staff; P3,000 for DepEd supervisors and P1,500 for other support staff.

Luistro said that the public school teachers with poll duties can get their honoraria after the elections. # Source – www.deped.gov.ph

DSWD LEADS PH CELEBRATION OF INT’L DAY OF FAMILIES

“Families are the foundation of sustainable development. It is my hope that the incoming administration will continue to implement family-oriented programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino to ensure that families can attain progress and development.”

This was the message of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman during the celebration of the International Day of Families (IDF) at the SM North Skydome on Sunday.

The IDF is observed annually worldwide on the 15th of May based on the 1993 Resolution of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

Together with the global community, DSWD spearheaded the Philippine observance of IDF in partnership with other government agencies, civil society organizations, local government units, and the SM Foundation.
With the theme, “Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future”, around 500 families and family-advocates came together to celebrate this important day which highlighted the importance of family unity and togetherness.

Inspiration from Pantawid Pamilya
To inspire the audience, Sec. Soliman shared stories of family-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya who have achieved tighter family relationships through the program.
“May isang nanay na nagsabi na dahil sa isang session ng FDS kung saan tinalakay ay pagiging responsableng magulang ay naging maayos ang kanilang pamilya (A mother shared that through the FDS on responsible parenting, their family relationships became better),” Sec. Soliman shared.
Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18 years. It provides monthly cash grants to beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers, and attending the Family Development Sessions (FDS).

FDS is conducted monthly by DSWD and partners-NGOs in coordination with the private sector and civil society organizations. It serves as a venue where topics on effective parenting, husband and wife relationships, child development, laws affecting the Filipino family, among others.
Through the FDS, parents also learned about the benefits of positive disciplining versus corporal punishment.

International environment
Dr. Mariella Castillo of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Philippines also joined the activity to share the solidarity message of the international organization for Filipino families.

She emphasized the importance of the IDF’s theme which focuses on the significance of  families in global development.

“Families should remain at the center of social development whether in the conceptualization or implementation of policies and programs,” Dr. Castillo stated.

On the other hand, seasoned news anchor, Alex Tinsay also shared his thoughts on work-family balance during the event. He said that it is important to strive hard at working for the family’s future, but giving quality time to family relationships is also equally vital.

“The challenge for the Filipino family is to turn unattractive moments of family conflict into happy times of warm bonding. No amount of success could compensate our failure in our own families,” Tinsay emphasized.

A strong family advocate, Engineer Emerito Rojas shared his personal and family life story to inspire the participants in continuously upholding the Filipino tradition of strong family relationships.

Engr. Emerito, who is a cancer survivor, together with his wife and four children, has embarked on a unique advocacy to help fellow cancer survivors. As a result of this advocacy, the Rojas family became the 2015 Jollibee Family Values Awardee.

Engr. Emerito enjoined all families to work together to achieve progress and also to initiate change in the society.
“Change should start with the family, the smallest unit of the society. The government can only lead and show us the way,” he stressed.

Also present during the event were Commissioner Earl Saavedra of the National Youth Commission (NYC), Colonel Taharudin Piang Ampatuan of the National Defense Colleges of the Philippines (NDCP), and host-actor Robi Domingo, who came with his family.

As a follow through activity for the IDF,  DSWD also celebrates National Family Week every 3rd week of September. #   Source – www.dswd.gov.ph

#THINKOPENHEALTH: HACKATHON FOR HEALTH

Hackathon-winning device and app could help save lives
Contaminated water is a breeding ground for vector borne diseases. It can also be a source of dysentery, typhoid, cholera and various intestinal diseases. Sadly, it has adversely and consistently affected the health of countless Filipinos and has even claimed lives.
It is this health concern, a problem especially in rural areas and remote localities, that a group of students wish to address with their mobile device and application which won the grand prize in the recently concluded #thinkOPENhealth: Hackathon for Health held last April 16-17 at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati.

Team Quantum Hackers, composed of physics students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, created a mobile device which analyzes water quality.  Within twenty-four hours, team members Norman Mascarinas, Kit Guial, and Junel Bacong were able to come up with an affordable and user-friendly wireless sensor-based water quality testing device and app called Shine Herald that can test the salinity (saltiness) and turbidity (cloudiness) of water samples.
With a press of a button, barangay officials in far flung provinces can personally test the water using wireless sensor modules.  The results automatically sent to a preregistered Smart SIM card. In an ideal situation, agencies such as Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) can receive information on the quality of water in sites where sensors are installed.
The group was inspired to build the Shine Herald device and app by Guial’s sister, a nurse, and his friend, a public health student of UP Manila.  “During medical missions to the provinces, they told me that before they could go to a barangay, water quality has to be assessed first. It was a long and tedious process. Water had to be extracted from the locality and brought to Manila for analysis. Only then can the medical team go to the locality,” narrates Guial.
“Our goal is to identify which rural areas have polluted water which could lead to diseases. We want to equip barangays with affordable and easy- to-build instruments. The locals can test and assess water quality themselves. They just have to submerge the probe into the sample,” explains Mascarinas.
“As a startup, we could deploy to rural areas these devices with the help of the DOH. Many of these places are not easily accessible to government agencies. We want to automate the entire water testing and analysis process,” adds Bacong.
“The portable Shine Herald device, which cost just P4,000.00 to build, has a microcontroller that acts as its CPU. We wrote a program that can generate a message of 140 characters, very much like the maximum characters of a text message,” he says.

According to Mascarinas, “With the Shine Herald device and app, we have provided innovation in testing water quality, cutting red tape along the way. We will refine our product with more research and development through the DOST’s assistance.”
He says Team Quantum Hackers believes real solutions will eradicate public health problems. “This instrument is a step in solving public health problems in the country. The barangay officials can ask government agencies for assistance before an outbreak happens. If, for example, the water sample tested suggests the possibility of a dengue or diarrhea outbreak, lives could be saved if their locality could be warned and counter-measures are set in place.”
A total of twenty-one teams composed of IT professionals and students, and health professionals competed in the 24-hour hackathon organized by PLDT wireless unit—Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) in coordination with SmartDevNet, the developer community of Smart. (END)
For bagging the grand prize, Team Quantum took home P100,000 in cash plus assorted gadgets.  They also have a chance to be incubated by the DOH, the DOST-PCHRD and Smart – IdeaSpace.
The hackathon was held to encourage developers to create plug-ins for the SHINE OS+, an open-source electronic medical record (EMR) system developed by the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center in partnership with Smart. It also aims to find ways to connect and inter-operate with different systems to SHINE OS+ and create innovations that can ultimately assist local government and national health agencies in improving healthcare services. (END)              
A group of physics students from the University of the Philippines Diliman bagged the gold prize in the #thinkOPENhealth: Hackathon for Health held recently at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati. 
Twenty-one teams composed of IT professionals and students, doctors and nurses competed in the 24-hour hackathon organized by PLDT wireless unit—Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) in coordination with SmartDevNet, the developer community of Smart Communications, Inc.
The hackathon aims to encourage developers create plug-ins for the Shine OS+, an open-source electronic medical record (EMR) system developed by the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. Used mainly by local government-operated healthcare facilities as an EMR (electronic medical record), SHINE OS+ has opened its API to provide access to other systems to enable data sharing or data exchange for interoperability that can greatly impact the function of the local government and national health agencies in improving its healthcare services, adhering to its goal on Universal Healthcare program. Apart from creating plug-ins for SHINE, the Hack also aims in finding ways to connect and inter-operate with different systems to SHINE and create innovations. The Hack has shown the power of transparency and collaboration in finding new ways to approach old problems.
Paul Pajo, senior developer evangelist of Smart explained that Shine OS system was made similar to the basic content management system (CMS) with EMR in mind. “Shine has a lot of features and they have interoperability with other systems. The developers are now tasked to see how to exploit these interoperabilities by creating a plug-in,” Pajo elaborated.
Dr. Kenneth Hartigan Go, undersecretary of the Department of Health praises the real-world, innovative solutions presented by the hackers. He declared, “The hackathon helps our department think out of the box. If we want to have better outcomes, we should not be doing things again and again and expect different outcomes. We intend to adopt the innovative solutions that have been brought up by these young people.”

Team Quantum Hackers won the gold award with their mobile wireless sensor-based water quality testing device and app called Shine Herald. This tests the salinity (saltiness) and turbidity (cloudiness) of water samples. Using a Smart SIM card built into the same apparatus, water quality results may be sent automatically by barangay officials from across the country to the DOH and the DOST in Manila through the Shine Herald app. In the future, other water quality parameters can be measured. This is found crucial in the prevention and monitoring of water-borne illnesses that has a great public health impact, offer a real time potential tool to assist in field investigations and can save lives. Team members Norman Mascarinas, a graduate student, and undergrads Kit Guial and Junelle Bacong, won P100,000.00 and assorted gadgets.

Team Chunky Monkeys bagged the silver award for their entry Omni Health System. Elise Milo, Craige Milo, Bernadette Milo and Lloyd Ocampo developed the Omni Health System to make electronic medical records (EMRs) of patients accessible even from a different system. Unlike before when a patient’s EMR can only be accessed from the system of origin, Omni Health makes accessing EMRs from another system possible. Team Chunky Monkeys won P50,000.00 plus various gadgets with their innovative solution of incentivizing the hosting of EMRs in the RHUs (Rural Health Units) using the Ethereum blockchain technology and its built-in "smart contracts" capability.

The bronze award went to Team Jeepers Creepers. PJ Sales, Jon Tabac, and Paolo Balleza created the  Hx Fact Finder app to connect primary health institutions like community maternity clinics with larger health institutions like city hospitals. When patients go to provincial clinics, the Hx Fact Finder will help health workers get medical advice from doctors typically based in cities.  Team Jeepers Creepers won P30,000.00 plus assorted gadgets.
Aside from the cash prizes, the winning teams will have a chance to be incubated by the DOH, the DOST-PCHRD and SMART- IdeaSpace.
The other winners are: SHINE OS+ Award – Team Kembot (Penshin, a module developed for SHINE OS focused on pediatricians and data analytics for growth progress data); DOST-PCHRD Award – Team Kapit Bisig (Kabit Bisig App, a facility inventory and supply planning module that allows managers at different facilities to manage drugs, supplies, equipment and processes to achieve efficiency through data driven planning and decision making) ; DOH Award – Team Clutch (Ready Steth Go, an app which uses Android technology); and the  Student Award – Blastoise Brigade (Presky, an app which utilizes SHINE OS+' software and API to collect and visualize the data of prescribed drugs to sell in pharmaceutical companies to help companies optimize their resources and allocate them properly without much waste).
SHINE OS+ has been aligned with the Philippines eHealth Strategic Framework and Plan 2013-2017 of the Department of Health and the Department of Science and Technology. Its system and implementation are also aligned with the country’s health policies and programs. # Source – www.doh.gov.ph