Tag: education

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council approves resolution protesting the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to Bilibid Prison

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council approves resolution protesting the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to Bilibid Prison

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council approves resolution protesting the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to Bilibid Prison

This past Thursday, the Muntinlupa City Council passed a resolution to express their protest and opposition to the transfer of 18 women PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) who tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City to the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.

The City Council supports Mayor Jaime Fresnedi’s position against the transfer of the infected PDLs to Muntinlupa last April 21. Fresnedi denounced the transfer and said it was done without prior coordination with the local government.

The resolution stressed that such transfer cannot be done without prior consultation with the City Government and the people and villages living or residing near and surrounding the Medium Security Compound, Camp Sampaguita and without the prior approval of the Sanggunian.

Further, it cited the Local Government Code of 1991 which mandates all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic consultations with appropriate local government units, non-governmental and people’s organizations, and other concerned sectors of the community before any project or program is implemented in their respective jurisdictions.

According to the LGC 1991 Section 27, “no project or program shall be implemented by government authorities unless the consultations mentioned in Sections 2(c) and 26 hereof are complied with, and prior approval of the sanggunian concerned is obtained.”

The City Council pointed out that the transfer also compromises the safety and health of NBP prisoners as it involves a highly contagious and infectious virus that has affected and continues to affect the health and safety of our constituents in particular and the people of Metro Manila which is the most affected region in terms of number of infected persons.

Following the passing of the resolution, the Committee on Health and Sanitation is set to conduct a public hearing and invite officials from the Bureau of Corrections and all other sectors concerned, including residents of nearby communities in Katarungan Village and Southville 3, to discuss the said transfer.

Meanwhile, Congressman Ruffy Biazon sent a letter on April 22 to National Action Plan on COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. recommending the transfer of the COVID-19 PDLs to a more secure facility that has the capability to handle these cases pending the evaluation of the isolation facility at the NBP.

Mayor Fresnedi has yet to consult with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases appealing the relocation of COVID-19 PDLs back to Mandaluyong or a medical facility.

As of April 23, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 18 deaths and 19 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 16 “suspect” cases and 392 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases

In a bid to contain the further spread of COVID-19 in Muntinlupa, the City Government is considering to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of confirmed, suspect, and probable cases of COVID-19.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the City Government will begin implementing stricter measures following the sustained rise of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city. He said that the measure aims to prevent the movement of suspected carriers and curb the spread of the virus in the communities.

“It has become evident that curfew hours are not effective deterrent for the public to stay at home. I have instructed barangay chairmen to coordinate with PNP Muntinlupa to look into imposing pocket lockdown in their respective areas. Upon their assessment, they can implement tougher quarantine measures to reduce the risks of transmission in their barangays,” Fresnedi noted.

The mayor urged city residents to refrain from going out unless necessary and follow protocols provided by the local and national government.

Brgy. Poblacion Capt. Allen Ampaya announced on Wednesday that a modified lockdown will be in effect in their barangay starting April 23. Residents residing in Poblacion are only allowed to buy essential goods from 6:00 AM – 12:00 NN.

Ampaya noted that residents who tested positive for COVID-19, probable, and suspect cases, including their families, are prohibited from leaving their houses. He added that food assistance and other supplies will be provided by the barangay government to affected residents.

The barangay captain warned violators that they will be apprehended and filed with a case by members of barangay police and PNP Muntinlupa.

Under a new directive from the City Government, flea markets (talipapa) in the city now operates from 6:00 AM – 12:00 NN. While Muntinlupa City Public Market in Alabang and other supermarkets in the city operates from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Muntinlupa City has recently enforced a 24-hour curfew, anti-hoarding ordinance, closure of malls and other non-essential establishments, ban in the sale, delivery and consumption of liquor and other alcoholic drinks, and ban on spitting and disposal of personal protective equipment in public places.

As of April 22, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 18 deaths and 19 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 21 “suspect” cases and 331 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

While confirmed COVID-19 rises in the city, the number of cleared cases also improve with over 313 cleared “suspect” cases and 28 cleared “probable” cases.

For concerns related to community quarantine and COVID-19 testing, Muntinlupa City residents may reach hotline nos. 0977-240-5217 or 0977-240-5218.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government protests the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to New Bilibid Prison

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government protests the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to New Bilibid Prison

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government protests the transfer of 18 PDLs with COVID-19 to New Bilibid Prison

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi is denouncing and protesting the transfer of 18 Persons Deprived of Liberty from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City who tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to the New Bilibid Prison located in Muntinlupa City.

Fresnedi expressed his disappointment over the transfer saying that the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) did not inform the City Government when it transferred the prisoners to Muntinlupa on April 21.

“Coordination for the transfer of PDLs who are confirmed COVID-19 cases was not facilitated by BuCor to the local government. We were surprised to know about it from sources outside BuCor. We are all trying to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Muntinlupa and the transfer should not be done as it poses threat to the health of Muntinlupa residents,” the local exec said.

Fresnedi added that the local government has no information as to how the PDLs were transferred and if BuCor has followed protocols on safe patient transport for COVID-19 as provided by the Department of Health.

The Muntinlupa City Council is set to convene for a special session to file a protest opposing the transfer of confirmed COVID-19 PDLs from CIW. Congressman Ruffy Biazon expressed his support for the protest.

The City Government earlier announced that it will start to isolate suspect and probable cases in quarantine centers as a mitigation initiative to prevent sustained transmission in the communities.

A field hospital and isolation rooms have been constructed in Ospital ng Muntinlupa to accommodate suspect, probable, and confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the local government is considering to implement “pocket lockdown” in areas with high concentration of confirmed, suspect, and probable cases of COVID-19.

Navarro added that the unique measure aims to prevent the movement of suspected carriers and curb the spread of the virus in the communities.

Muntinlupa City has also enforced a 24-hour curfew, anti-hoarding ordinance, closure of malls and other non-essential establishments, ban in the sale, delivery and consumption of liquor and other alcoholic drinks, and ban on spitting and disposal of personal protective equipment in public places.

As of April 21, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 126 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 17 deaths and 14 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 23 “suspect” cases and 236 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

 

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa to start isolating suspect, probable cases in quarantine centers, earns praise for physical distancing measures

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa to start isolating suspect, probable cases in quarantine centers, earns praise for physical distancing measures

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa to start isolating suspect, probable cases in quarantine centers, earns praise for physical distancing measures

In an attempt curb the rise in the number of novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) cases in Muntinlupa City, the City Government is set to isolate suspect and probable cases in quarantine centers following the conduct of localized targeted mass testing.

Muntinlupa City started its targeted COVID-19 mass testing on April 13 and has finished collecting swab samples from 194 persons under investigation (PUI) for processing and testing.

As of April 20, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 121 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 17 deaths and 14 recovered cases. According to the local health office, there are 41 “suspect” cases and 189 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa to date.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the City Government will begin the transfer of suspect and probable cases from their homes to quarantine facilities as a mitigation measure in avoiding further spread of the virus in the communities.

“Suspect and probable cases who are in home quarantine will now be transferred in isolation areas. A more aggressive medical intervention is needed to effectively segregate, for quarantine purposes, the virus-stricken constituents of the city for appropriate medication and containing of the virus,” Fresnedi said.

A field hospital and isolation rooms have been constructed in Ospital ng Muntinlupa to accommodate suspect, probable, and confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The City Government has also started to construct a public crematorium facility in Brgy. Putatan in anticipation of the pandemic’s worst-case scenario in the city.

Meanwhile, the city’s rules on physical distancing for market-goers have earned praises from the Palace and was hailed as a best practice in the enhanced community quarantine.

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr. cited Muntinlupa’s measures as one of the best practices when it comes to physical distancing during a televised press briefing on Monday.

“We can see how they practice social distancing in the flea markets, as well as the public markets. They’re very orderly in Muntinlupa,” Roque said.

Muntinlupa City recently implemented a market schedule for residents in different barangays. The city public market in Alabang now operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Mondays for disinfection.

Residents of Barangays Tunasan, Poblacion, Putatan, and Bayanan can go to MCPM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays while those from Alabang, Ayala Alabang, Cupang, Buli, and Sucat can enter on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. All are required to show their quarantine passes and face masks before they are allowed to enter.

A queuing system has been imposed in the market in which those who are waiting need to fall in line with a distance of at least one meter from one another.

Only fifty individuals are allowed to enter the market to ensure that social distancing is observed. Senior Citizens, pregnant women, persons with disability, and children are not allowed inside the market.

Flea market operators were also ordered to implement a market schedule and set up stricter physical distancing measures as mitigation to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). City flea markets are now operating from 6:00 AM – 12:00 NN.

Mayor Fresnedi thanked Malacanang for recognizing Muntinlupa’s initiatives to strictly implement the enhanced community quarantine in the city.

The City Government has also enforced a 24-hour curfew, anti-hoarding ordinance, closure of malls and other non-essential establishments, ban in the sale, delivery and consumption of liquor and other alcoholic drinks, and ban on spitting and disposal of personal protective equipment in public places.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

71,000 scholars in Muntinlupa to receive allowances in advance amid COVID-19 crisis

71,000 scholars in Muntinlupa to receive allowances in advance amid COVID-19 crisis

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71,000 scholars in Muntinlupa to receive allowances in advance amid COVID-19 crisis

The City Government of Muntinlupa has started to distribute scholarship allowances in advance in light of the financial impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance 2020-087 for the early release of scholarship allowances to 71,000 Muntinlupa scholars covering the period of June to August.

Fresnedi said the City Government recognizes that most of the students under the local scholarship program belong to daily wage earner-parents and the allowance will help their families cope and get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Muntinlupa Scholarship Program piloted the distribution of allowances at Sucat Elementary School – Zone 4 on April 9.

In a Facebook Post, MSP explained that while the early distribution of scholarship allowance has rolled-out, there might be some delays as the government also considers the safety of the beneficiaries in the process.

“The local government hopes to deliver the scholarship allowance to every scholar during this COVID-19 crisis situation, however we also put into consideration the safety of the public as beneficiaries will gather in distribution locations,” it said.

MSP is posting distribution schedules in its Facebook Page to ensure the number of beneficiaries per location adhere to the protocols and guidelines given by the Department of Health and the COVID-19 Inter Agency Task Force (IATF).

The scholarship office advised claimants to strictly abide by the posted schedule (time, date and venue), observe social distancing, and wear masks in the distribution locations.

Parents and guardians of scholars with quarantine passes can claim the allowance. Guidelines in claiming the allowance are posted in MSP’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/muntinlupascholarshipprogram.

If they are unable to claim, scholars may still receive their allowance after the quarantine period by filing necessary requirements for re-processing.

Elementary and alternative learning system students in Muntinlupa receive an allowance of P4,000 per year. For junior high school students, the local government provides P5,000, while for senior high school students, P6,000 per year.

Further, State Universities and Colleges students, including beneficiaries of Continuing Assistance for Reintegrating Students Program, can receive a maximum incentive of up to P10,000 per semester depending on their academic performance.

As of April 19, the Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 117 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 17 deaths and 14 recovered cases. There are 76 “suspect” cases and 147 “probable” cases.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

Mindbuilders Preschool’s Plastic Collection Drive Sets New Record!

Mindbuilders Preschool’s Plastic Collection Drive Sets New Record!

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Mindbuilders Preschool’s Plastic Collection Drive Sets New Record!

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File photo from a previous plastic drive collection at Mindbuilders Preschool.

On February 6 and 7 along Tropical Avenue, BF International, Las Piñas City, Mindbuilders Preschool organized another plastic collection drive together with their strategic partners Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc. and Pure Oceans Philippines.

The result? 200.7 kilograms worth of soft and hard plastic materials were collected from the many people (including myself) who passed by their school. To put things mathematically, 200.7 kilograms is a 128% increase over what was collected last time.

You must be wondering…how did such a very big increase happen?

According to Mindbuilders Preschool directress Marah V. Estuesta, a lot of families of their students, including alumni, picked up the habit (cleaning used plastics instead of throwing it to the trash can and collecting it until the next drop-off drive.) She also said that CTSI Logistics, a company who saw their FB post sent over five boxes of plastic materials as well.

Already this the third plastic collection drive of Mindbuilders Preschool that I wrote about and, of course, I donated for the third time as well.

For the newcomers reading this, the materials at the preschool were picked up by Pure Ocean Philippines which forwarded them to Envirotech Waste Recycling. After that, Envirotech Waste Recycling upcycles all the collected plastic and produce brand new furniture and items out of them.

While I don’t know yet when will the next plastic collection drive happen at Mindbuilders Preschool, you can get updates from them by visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mindbuilderspreschool.page/

About Mindbuilders Preschool

Mindbuilders Preschool is a Multiple Intelligence school located at 168 Tropical Avenue, BF International, Las Piñas City. It was established in 2002 and is accredited by the Department of Education. The preschool is also an active member of the Association of Las Piñas Private Schools. To date, Mindbuilders Preschool established itself with not only good quality education but also worked with its students on several social responsibility projects. The schools prides itself in having strong home and school collaboration. The bond built with families is even carried beyond the child’s preschool years – evidence that Mindbuilders Preschool is more than just a learning institution.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Mindbuilders Preschool Chopin Seniors 2020 Project: Making the world a better place one small step at a time!

Mindbuilders Preschool Chopin Seniors 2020 Project: Making the world a better place one small step at a time!

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Mindbuilders Preschool Chopin Seniors 2020 Project: Making the world a better place one small step at a time!

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The Chopin Seniors 2020 with the children of San Roque de Alabang Parish, Rev. Fr. Rustico Cruz and the volunteers of San Roque, Mr. Nicolo Aberasturi of Down to Earth and the teachers and staff of Mindbuilders Preschool. Taken last Feb 1 during the feeding program and turnover ceremonies. (photo contributed by Mindbuilders Preschool)

Recently, Mindbuilders Preschool’s Kinder Class (Chopin Seniors 2020) organized a new project titled “Let’s Go and Grow!” which, unsurprisingly, turned out successful.

It all started in the first quarter when the children learned about food groups and the importance of eating nutritious food. They also learned that not everyone can afford it and some vegetables were sprayed with chemicals.

As such, the younglings thought of organizing a feeding program and raised funds by selling personally designed grocery bags. Along the way they also learned about urban farming (Aquaponics, Vegepod, Down to Earth Tower Garden) so people can plant their own vegetables and have regular access to organic vegetables.

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One of the three Down to Earth Tower Gardens donated by the Mindbuilders Chopin Seniors 2020 to San Roque Parish. This is located at San Roque Catholic School Annex. (photo contributed by Mindbuilders Preschool)

On February 1, 2020, they had their feeding program for the children of San Roque De Alabang Parish Zone 9 and turned over three Down to Earth tower gardens to the community.

The Mindbuilders community were thanked for their support. Their team was led by the Kindergarten teachers Teacher Merv Lugtu, Teacher Issa Menchate and Teacher Lyn Salutan

About Mindbuilders Preschool

Mindbuilders Preschool is a Multiple Intelligence school located at 168 Tropical Avenue, BF International, Las Piñas City.  It was established in 2002 and is accredited by the Department of Education.  The preschool is also an active member of the Association of Las Piñas Private Schools.  To date, Mindbuilders Preschool established itself with not only good quality education but also worked with its students on several social responsibility projects.  The schools prides itself in having strong home and school collaboration.  The bond built with families is even carried beyond the child’s preschool years – evidence that Mindbuilders Preschool is more than just a learning institution.

Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mindbuilderspreschool.page/ 

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

SISC Real-Time Financial Trading Lab Inaugurated

SISC Real-Time Financial Trading Lab Inaugurated

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On the afternoon of January 30, Southville International School & Colleges (SISC) formally inaugurated a new facility called the Southville Financial Lab which was designed to enhance students’ understanding of financial literacy and stock trading.

Las Piñas City Councilor Peewee Aguilar, Capital Market Institute of the Philippines president Dr. Edwin Valeroso and COL Financial Group Vice President of Sales and Customer Support Juanis Barredo cut the ribbon. Barredo also delivered a speech.

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The ribbon was cut jointly by Las Piñas City Councilor Peewee Aguilar, Capital Market Institute of the Philippines president Dr. Edwin Valeroso and COL Financial Group Vice President of Sales and Customer Support Juanis Barredo. (photo source – Southville International School & Colleges)

The Southville Financial Lab comes with many features like stock trading terminals as well as three global business broadcast stations that receive live feed of real-time stock quotes, live technical charts, market updates, and financial news from Bloomberg, ANC, and CNN which students can receive and learn from. The facility aims to instill an appropriate saving and investing ethos among students and faculty and to infuse the academe with a strong investment and entrepreneurial consciousness that will contribute to the growth of the country’s capital market and national economic development.

The facility has a very nice interior design and related reading materials that give users a strong sense of global business and finance culture. For the near future, the Southville Financial Lab will hold business and financial literacy classes which aim is for students to virtually execute an intensive knowledge on the global market trends from books into a real-time experience.

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Lots of reading materials on the table plus some high-tech equipment in the background. (photo source – SISC)
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Another look and the very modern Southville Financial Lab. (photo source – SISC)

According to SISC, the facility is inspired by the Capital Market Learning Center (CMLC) which is the brainchild of Southville Global Education Network (SGEN) from the joint endeavors of Dr. Genevieve Ledesma – Tan and Dr. Rhoderick Santos, in partnership with the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), the Rotary Club of Makati Salcedo, and Vulture Private Equity Unlimited, Inc.

To say the least, this latest development not only adds to SISC’s record of quality business education but also made it stand out among the many academic institutions in South Metro Manila.

+++

My special thanks to officials of SISC for the information.

My Observations: Participants Educated at Youth Forum in BF Homes

My Observations: Participants Educated at Youth Forum in BF Homes

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A youth group discussion.

For the entire day of August 31, over sixty youth from varied developing communities of Barangay BF Homes had fun, worked together and got educated during the Youth Forum (full title: Edukasyon Para sa Lahat – Kaeskwela Youth Forum) held at the Phase 1 gym along Pilar Banzon street, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City.

Under the watch of Barangay BF Homes Kagawad Rocel Espino (in-charge of the education committee), youth from Masville, Sampaloc and a few other developing communities formed seven groups and their respective members not only bonded but also learned new things. For fun, they took part in a series of games and contests.

In the afternoon, each group took on the challenge of getting their members together to discuss what issues they see affect the youth of their generation today, express what can be done to not only survive and progress, and express their suggestions on how the local authority – namely Barangay BF Homes – can help them through service.

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Barangay BF Homes Kagawad Rocel Espino talks to the youth.

During her address to the youth, Kagawad Espino announced that the Barangay BF Homes Youth Camp is already being prepared and soon they will announce when and where exactly it will be held. Espino told me that the Youth Forum served as a prelude to the Youth Camp.

“Why are we doing these activities? We have objectives set. While we (the barangay) cannot always build the future for the youth, we can help the youth develop ways to prepare themselves for the future,” said the Kagawad during her address. “Local youth can learn a lot to move forward through the activities organized by the barangay.”

During the group presentation of the Youth Forum, common issues that affect youth include Internet addiction, social media obsession, drugs, avoiding or cutting classes, depression, obsession with video games and computer games, bullying, peer pressure, gender confusion due to LGBTQ propaganda, exposure to sensuality and the like.

As I watched the groups express themselves, I noticed how much of an impact social media had on the youth. Through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, young people of today are so exposed to lots of random forms of information or images, videos and sounds which are clearly distracting to them. Some youth participants admitted they had trouble resisting social media use while others said they experienced temptations while online.

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Youth brainstormed together by group.

Compared to what I witnessed more than twenty years ago (before social media was realized), the new issues that affected the youth was the rise of Internet access as well as the rise of computer and video games. Back in those old days, there were lots of concerns and complaints from parents/guardians stressing that digital games and Internet addiction made educating and nurturing their children harder. There was also a wave of concern that young people will become violent and obsessive with digital content.

Going back even further into the past – specifically just before Internet access became available here in the Philippines – sexual and mature or violent content shown in movie theaters, television and print media were the hot issues related to the development of young people.

By today’s standards, those old issues seem to pale in comparison to the wide and powerful influence social media has on the current generation of youth who now enjoy better access to Internet due to the availability of cheap smartphones and the numerous WiFi hot spots around the communities. Such a high number of opportunities to connect online means more exposure to videos, images, verbal expressions that could influence users and even impact their behavior. Even worse, there could be potential victims by hackers among these young users. Imagine yourself being the parent of these youth.

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The young people brainstorming as observed by Kagawad Espino.
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A youth signs at a tarpaulin confirming his part as a participant.

Going back to the Youth Forum, the event ended with a positive and promising note. I noticed several participants were already excited about the upcoming Youth Camp which could attract a potential five hundred participants. What Kagawad Espino told me was significant.

“Today’s event is very successful as it has been very challenging to reach out and convince these kids to decide to participate. It was also challenging to engage them and maintain their attention all throughout. Regardless, the fact that they attended until five o’clock proves the success,” Espino said. “This Youth Forum was the result of requests by the parents of these youth and this serves as a prelude to this year’s Youth Camp. We received feedback from parents who noticed that youth seem disturbed and they requested for another Youth Camp to be held.”

Supported by Barangay BF Homes chairman Paolo Marquez, the August 31 Youth Forum was the latest youth-related achievement of Barangay BF Homes through the committee headed by Kagawad Espino. Prior to it, the Barangay BF Homes edition of the Linggo ng Kabataan 2019 celebration organized by the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) became a major success attracting more than three hundred (300+) youth. Kagawad Espino congratulated the BFSK during her visit at the August 17 Linggo ng Kabataan 2019 event.

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More youth signed on.
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A large group shot in front of photographers.

For updates regarding the youth activities and developments of Barangay BF Homes, come back here soon.

While waiting, you can read my exclusive interview with BFSK chairwoman Mariel Angela Tumang here, my exclusive scoop on BFSK’s campaign against youth suicide here and my exclusive interview of BFSK Kagawad Jerry Dalmero here.

Let me end this piece with this scripture from the Holy Bible.

The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men,

To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

Psalm 14: 2 (NKJV)

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

PRESS RELEASE: AASHPI 20th National Convention in Tagaytay City on August 28-30

PRESS RELEASE: AASHPI 20th National Convention in Tagaytay City on August 28-30

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AASHPI 20th National Convention in Tagaytay City on August 28-30

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The Asian Association of School Human Resource Management and Development Practitioners, Inc. is pleased to announce its upcoming 20th National Convention with the theme, “Building People: Leading the Future.” The convention will be held at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City on August 28 to 30, 2019.

As the academe faces the rapid changes and the profound impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), there is a strong need for school administrators to proactively shape and upskill their people. Prominent speakers were invited to share the best practices vital in attaining competitive advantage in the academe.

Mr. Gerry Plana, FPM (President, PMAP) will talk about Building People: Leading the Future; Mr. Yu Ming Chin (Executive Director, Viventis Search Asia) will discuss Leadership Skills of the Future: Are You Technologically-Adept?; Ms. Sarah McLeod (CEO.Integrator.Managing Director, Q2HR Solutions) will share Building a Robust Culture of Innovation; Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada (Managing Director, Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA)) will discuss the Recent Laws Affecting the Academe; Ms. Lirio Mapa (Vice President, Center for Leadership and Change, Inc.) will discuss The 4 Roles of Great Leaders (A Franklin Covey Leadership Program);  Atty. Willie Santiago (Director, Diaz Murillo Dalupan & Company) will talk about the TRAIN Laws and their Impact in the Academe; and Dr. Ronaldo Motilla (Consultant, ILAW Center, Miriam College) will discuss Developing Evidence-based Mental Health Programs for a Healthier Workforce.

For more details, you may call the Asian Association of School Human Resource Management and Development Practitioners, Inc. at (02) 825-3985 | (0917) 662-6782; email us at aashpi.org@gmail. or visit http://www.aashpi.org.ph.

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