In a bid to assist students and teachers during synchronous classes, including employees on a work-from-home set-up, the City Government of Muntinlupa is banning the use of videoke and other activities that create unnecessary noise disturbing residents in their study time and work at home.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed City Ordinance 2020-142 regulating the use of karaokes, videokes, and other similar equipment causing noise pollution in the community during weekdays and limiting its use and operation on weekends.
Fresnedi said the City Government recognizes the challenges of city residents in adjusting to distance and blended learning, as well as the working public, and how loud noises can distract them from concentrating on their activities.
Under the local ordinance, the use of karaokes, videokes, and other sound-making devices will only be allowed from 6:00am to 10:00pm during Saturdays and to 6:00am to 8:00pm during Sundays.
However, public announcements made by local and national government agencies using sound-producing machines/devices are exempted from the implementation of the ordinance. Residents who will violate the ordinance shall be penalized with a fine from P2,000.00 to P5,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days, or both.
Members of the Philippine National Police-Muntinlupa, Public Order and Security Office, City Security Office, Barangay Chairpersons and their personnel are set to augment monitoring and roving operations in the community to implement the regulation on videokes and other noise-making devices.
Recently, the City Government of Muntinlupa provided the first batch of 2,557 laptops and 28 photocopiers for public school teachers in a bid to help them adapt to distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
All Muntinlupa public school teachers in elementary, junior and senior high schools, including school heads, will each receive a brand new laptop with specifications prescribed by the Department of Education. Students who are in need will also receive tablets to help them access online learning resources.
Further, the Muntinlupa City Council also passed an ordinance imposing relaxed curfew hours in the city from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM until November 30 and 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM beginning December 1 during the Community Quarantine.
The City Council also approved the easing of age-based stay-at-home restrictions allowing persons who are at least 18 and not over 65 years old in Muntinlupa to go out of their residence unless expressly prohibited under the national and local issuances.
As of October 26, Muntinlupa City has 4,609 confirmed cases with 4,390 recoveries, 69 active cases, 150 reported deaths, 114 suspect cases, and 403 probable cases.
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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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, NOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from the officials of Mindbuilders Preschool and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Mindbuilders Preschool Adapts to the New Normal of Teaching Children
The months-long COVID-19 pandemic has deeply altered societies worldwide, causing businesses, civic organizations and academic institutions to slow down and even shut down.
I have written about this Mindbuilders Preschool for some time because of their very active role in the community here in the south. Not only do they teach children academics through their Multiple Intelligence curriculum, but also involve them regularly in social responsibility programs. Last school year, their plastics drive was a big success to create awareness among the kids to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
It became of interest to me to know how this school is adapting during this time of COVID-19 as DEPED has announced that schools may implement distance learning this coming school year.
Learning continues with Mindbuilders Preschool. (photo contributed by Mindbuilders Preschool)
How would preschools adapt, when the signature characteristic of teaching is the face-to-face and interactive learning inside a school setting, together with classmates and teachers?
Mindbuilders Preschool’s Model for Online Learning
I had a chance to talk to Mindbuilders Preschool’s Directress Teacher Marah, in relation to the preschool education’s current situation.
I asked her about the adjustments her own preschool has taken to keep operating and educating the children who need learning.
Teacher Marah mentioned that Mindbuilders Preschool’s bold move to shift to online class happened as early as April 2020, during the hard lockdown stages, when children and parents were staying at home and needed some way to continue learning.
Here’s a sneak peek at the Learning Management System (LMS) which has proven to be user-friendly and efficient for conducting learning online. (photo contributed by Mindbuilders Preschool)
Mindbuilders Preschool was quick to adapt to an online learning program which is a product of their commitment to give quality learning programs to the students and help the parents during this time of crisis. During the lockdown/quarantine, the preschool conducted two successful runs of their online summer program: Summer Tales and Busy Bees.
Summer Tales was initially offered to their own students, and subsequently, Busy Bees was opened to other kids. Not only were they able to attract enrollees based in Parañaque and Las Piñas, but also those from Quezon City, Antipolo, Batangas Province and even from the United States! This shows that being online allows opportunities to transcend geographical limitation.
It is marvelous to see that Mindbuilders Preschool’s credibility is growing as it also reaches overseas via online learning, literally crossing borders and attracting new learners.
Platform is important, according to Teacher Marah. When it comes to the design of their online learning system, Mindbuilders Preschool uses a leading, fully featured learning management system called NEO LMS by Cypher Learning. Based in San Francisco, California, Cypher Learning specializes in providing learning platforms for organizations around the world. It is the same platform used by other local schools such as Enderun, STI, iAcademy and DLSU–D.
Mindbuilders Preschool describes their Learning Management System as user-friendly. It has an interface that helps them easily deliver the lessons to their students. It is significant to note that positive feedback from parents who enrolled their children in Mindbuilders’ summer program, confirms the success of the NEO LMS as an online learning platform.
The asynchronous learning component of the LMS was a welcome development for parents who were working from their respective homes, as they now take an active role in the learning of their child. The system was not only fully functional and efficient, it was crucial in the success of the virtual, live classes conducted via the Zoom app, wherein Mindbuilders’ teachers were able to engage with their students from a distance.
As part of the process, the parents were given the means to access the LMS where they will find new video lessons for students to learn before the live Zoom classes commence. The video includes Circle Time, Story Telling, Lessons, Art Activity, Games and other Learning activities. The learning environment has proven to be very safe.
Multiple intelligence learning packets prepared for the students to use. (photo contributed by Mindbuilders Preschool)
Learning packets are also being prepared to aid the children in their hands-on learning. This includes a parent’s step-by-step guide, the schedules, learning materials such as worksheets, textbooks, art materials and school supplies.
Mindbuilders Preschool’s teachers and staff have adapted well to the new system and they are already working on ways to keep improving.
It is quite reassuring that an institution like Mindbuilders Preschool is opening the new school year with the experience they have gained and the tools they have been using to ensure that they will continue to deliver high quality, Multiple Intelligence education to the children.
School officially starts on August 3, 2020 for Mindbuilders. Along the way, FREE webinars will be offered, to help parents of the enrollees transition smoothly to distance learning. The sponsored webinar, “How to Create Learning Spaces at Home” will be held on August 1. The second webinar, “Education and Parenting in the Time of Pandemic,” is scheduled on August 8.
Also, Mindbuilders Preschool has scheduled a FREE trial class online on July 14, 2020 to give a sneak peek of how their online classes will be done. The class will be composed of two parts starting with a video lesson at 9AM using the NEO LMS, followed by the scheduled Virtual Class that will be done via Zoom at precisely 10AM.
To register, one must send via text message to 0927-2062506 or 0939-3527809 the following information: the child’s full name, birthdate, age, parent’s name, mobile number and email address (for class details to be sent to).
For more information, contact Mindbuilders Preschool via their Facebook page, or via mobile numbers 0917-2062506 and 0939-3527809.
For past articles about Mindbuilders Preschool on this website, click here, here and here.
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 Havenoris 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.
Allowances, Cash Incentives of 71,000 Scholars and Academic Achievers of Muntinlupa Raised
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and members of Muntinlupa City Council awarding local scholars during the city’s flag raising ceremony. (photo issued by Muntinlupa PIO)
With the new developments in the educational assistance program in Muntinlupa City, local students have all the reasons to be motivated and to study hard.
The City Government of Muntinlupa announced that the City Council has approved an ordinance increasing the annual allowance of scholars in the city and cash gifts given to honor graduates and licensure examination top-notchers.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed the City Ordinance No. 2020-054 amending sections of Ordinance 17-107 providing for an expanded Muntinlupa scholarship and educational assistance program and other incentives to students and academic achievers on February 5.
More than 71,000 scholars in Muntinlupa City are set to receive an allowance hike depending on their scholarship category.
Students in elementary, alternative learning system, junior and senior high school will have a P1,000 increase in annual allowance. The allowance of elementary/ALS students is raised from P3,000 to P4,000 per year, while allowance of junior and senior high school students are raised from P4,000 to P5,000 and from P5,000 to P6,000 per year, respectively.
Further, State Universities and Colleges students, including beneficiaries of Continuing Assistance for Reintegrating Students Program, can now receive a maximum incentive of P10,000 per semester. From base allowance of P5,000, college scholars will receive an additional P2,500 for having a GWA of 1.76 to 2.0 or P5,000 for having a GWA of 1.75 or better (or its equivalent grading system).
The City Government also increased cash gifts for its Honor Graduates Incentives Program and Licensure (Bar and Board) Examination Topnotchers.
Cash incentives for latin honor graduates residing in Muntinlupa were raised up to P10,000. Cash gifts for Summa Cum Laude graduates increased from P20,000 to P30,000, while for Magna Cum Laude, it is raised from P15,000 to P20,000. Cum Laude graduates will still receive P10,000.
In addition, the City Government raised the cash gifts given to licensure examination top-notchers by up to P100,000 and introduced a new bracketing system. For Bracket A which include Post Baccalaurate (Bar and Physician Board Examination) passers, Top 1 will receive P200,000, Top 2-5 will have P100,000, while Top 6-10 will get P50,000.
For Bracket B which cover Baccalaurate Degree (PQF Level 6) examination passers, Top 1 will have P100,000, Top 2-5 will have P50,000, while Top 6-10 will get P25,000. While Bracket C – NCIII, NCIV Certifications and Diploma Levels (PQF Level 3-5) topnotchers, Top 1 will receive P30,000, Top 2-5 will have P20,000, while Top 6-10 will get P10,000.
The development in Muntinlupa’s scholarship assistance also include the opening of additional slots for Educational Development of Government Employees (EDGE) program. The EDGE program will be expanded from catering to 20 slots for Undergraduate courses of City Government Employees to opening 50 slots while increasing slots for Graduate and Masteral program from 60 slots to 100 slots for Public School Teachers and 50 slots for City Government Employees.
The Muntinlupa City Council through Education Committee Chairperson Coun. Paty Katy Boncayao recognized the need to increase both the amount of allowances and number of beneficiaries to sustain the rising needs of the students due to inflation and other affecting factors.
Muntinlupa City holds the most number of scholarship program beneficiaries in the country with over 71,000 scholars. The City Government through the Muntinlupa Scholarship Program offers a comprehensive educational assistance program for students in elementary to college, including technical-vocational, graduate school, and for students taking up law and medicine.
Established in 1990, the scholarship program in Muntinlupa City initially catered to college students in local universities including the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, then called Muntinlupa Polytechnic College.
In 2013, under the leadership of Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, the City Government expanded to an inclusive scholarship bracketing as educational assistance was made available for elementary and high school students.
The mayor stressed his commitment to assist city residents in their education through financial assistance and other services. Fresnedi hoped that the scholarship program will inspire students in Muntinlupa to strive for academic excellence and be able to participate in nation building.
Muntinlupa Scholarship Program is headed by EnP. Alvin F. Veron and is located at Plaza Central Building, Brgy. Poblacion with tel. no. 8831-5971.
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This is an Official Press Release from the City Government of Muntinlupa
Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) Ends 2019 with Celebration of Achievements and Service to Local Youth
The Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) posed for me. From left to right were SK Kagawads Jerry Dalmero and Alma Galindo, SK chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang, SK Kagawads Kelly Haboc, Roselyn Regis, Irene Juanico, Stephanie Sebullen and SK treasurer Jefferson Ching.
For the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK), a lot has been achieved in the year twenty-nineteen (2019) and that alone was worth celebrating during their special event called the Katipunan ng Kabataan: Year End Gathering which was held on the evening of December 28 at the Phase 1 gym along Pilar Banzon street, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City, Philippines. It was attended by a total of close to two hundred guests.
Before focusing on the event, let’s take a quick look back at some of the achievements of the BFSK under the leadership of their chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang.
For this past year, the SK of Barangay BF Homes became independent from the main barangay in terms of financing and management. This is a milestone highlighting the reformed SK system of the entire nation. The BFSK budget for last year was over P6 million.
The event
Once I arrived at the Phase 1 gym, I saw BFSK chairwoman Mariel Tumang and some of the SK kagawads welcoming the early guests.
Afterwards dinner was served and more local youth arrived to join the celebration. By this time, music was playing and the photo booth was being used. The SK Kagawads became complete with the presence of Alma Galindo (who was dazzling with her white dress), Roselyn Regis, Jerry Dalmero, Kelly Haboc, Irene Juanico, Anne Gabrielle Corre and Stephanie Sebullen plus their treasurer Jefferson Ching.
BFSK Kagawad Alma Galindo.
“We have prepared for you games and the raffle draw of varied prizes,” BFSK Kagawad Alma Galindo announced on stage. “We take this opportunity to thank our key supporter Congresswoman Joy Tambunting.”
BFSK Kagawad Irene Juanico.
BFSK Kagawad Irene Juanico reiterated to the guests that they should just forget about the problems, reflect on what the youth council provided them and have fun to gain optimism for the new year. Other SK kagawads took turns with the microphone.
BFSK chairwoman Mariel Tumang delivered her remarks to the many guests who attended.
“We the SK are very grateful to you for attending this special event of ours, the Katipunan ng Kabataan Year-End Gathering,” BFSK chairperson Mariel Tumang said. “Come the year 2020, be assured that the SK will strongly support you and will visit your local communities with projects and activities that you will benefit from.”
After the speeches, music played again, the games finally took place and varied prizes were raffled off. The many guests who attended went home happy and satisfied.
Here are other pictures I took for your viewing pleasure. None of the local community print media publications of BF Homes have these and, at the same time, they are not authorized to use these images (as well as pictures shown earlier).
If you see any of the photos or content of this article used by the BF Homes local community print media publications, please inform me ASAP. Thanks.
BFSK Kagawad Jerry Dalmero explains something.
Dinner served to the guests.
Getting ready for a game.
The BFSK with a group of prize winners. BFSK Anne Corre seated leftmost.
The photo booth.
Winners of the raffle draw being called.
For this year, be assured that I’ll keep posting updates about the BFSK.
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.
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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com
Press releases/statements and photo releases are also accepted.
If you need to promote yourselves or your event or special projects, please check out my varied marketing services (including Twitter boosting) right here.
We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.
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 Havenoris 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
A Lively Family Day Celebrated by Mindbuilders Preschool in Tahanan Village
A grand shot of the families and students who were part of Mindbuilders Preschool’s Family Day celebration. (photo contributed by Mindbuilders Preschool)
On the morning of September 21, Mindbuilders Preschool successfully organized its Family Day event at the covered basketball court at the park of Tahanan Village in Parañaque City.
An estimated 100 families attended the event which was still a good turnout considering the weather that day. There was a huge audience of parents and other family members who witnessed the little kids participate in this year’s theme: Game of Cones which was a friendly competition in which the young children participate by teams (Blue and Red) to play different games that involved cones such as Cone Slalom, Stack of Cones Relay, Cone Hat Relay, Ball in Cone, Cone Scoop Relay, and Pass the Cone Relay. Finishing the task first or with the most number of cones makes a team win!
The Blue team scores.
Both participants got loot bags which contain prizes from parents/sponsors.
The most anticipated cheering competition was won this year by the the Blue Team.
During the event, Mindbuilders Preschool administrator Marah V. Estuesta confirmed that the turnout of families was greater than what was anticipated. Apart from the families of the students, families of alumni members of the school also attended and socialized with others.
So did the other side.
Mindbuilders Preschool’s Family Day was organized to bring families together, have fun watching the contests, and to socialize. The contests themselves were nice physical exercises for the participants which are quite meaningful given today’s social obsession (or strong attachment) with gadgets and social media.
The event was sponsored by Belo, Downy, Dole, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle, Potato Corner, Senor Rolando Lechon Belly House, Hobe, and Braiser’s Village Cafe. Thanks to the support of the sponsors, several packages of goods were given to the families.
A wider view of the Game of Cones.
In recent times, Mindbuilders Preschool has been active not only for its students but also for local communities. They successfully organized a plastics drop-off project with their strategic partners and they will do another edition of it on November 5 and 6.
For more information about Mindbuilders Preschool, click here.
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 recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 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 school 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.
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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com
We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.
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 Havenoris 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
If you are looking for any event in the entire South Metro Manila emphasizing the campaign against bullying, then you should go to Southville International School & Colleges (SISC) in BF International, Las Piñas City as they will organize their big event titled Be a Buddy, Not a Bully! – A Family Affair Against Bullying on October 25 and 26.
Set to take place from 9AM to 4PM on each day, admission is free according to SISC officials.
What will you get for free entrance? The organizers have prepared the following activities that are designed to give attendees a clear vision about what bullying is, what its effects are and what people can do to protect themselves from bullies.
Parenting talks
Storytelling sessions
Games
Merchandise exhibits
Food bazaar
Open house for all SISC and non-SISC families.
Previously I wrote about mobbing and that topic is closely related to bullying. To put things in perspective, bullying is defined as abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc. (according to Merriam-Webster.com)
If you want to tackle the topic of bullying seriously, take the opportunity to attend the Be a Buddy, Not a Bully! – A Family Affair Against Bullying at SISC on October 25 and 26.
For inquiries, call the school at (02) 8825-6374 local 100.
Resource speaker John Santos led the discussion about suicide awareness during the seminar of the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK).
On the afternoon of September 14 at the Phase 1 gym along Pilar Banzon street, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City, a seminar focused on the top of suicide awareness was organized by the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) for fifty local youth (aged 15 to 30) who attended.
John Santos, who serves as the head of Information Technology (IT) at Paranaque City Hall, conducted a lecture about suicide awareness and engaged with the attendees directly. BFSK chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang and SK Kagawads Alma Galindo, Roselyn Regis, Jerry Dalmero, Kelly Haboc, Irene Juanico, Anne Gabrielle Corre and Stephanie Sebullen were present to closely observe the lecture.
Early on, Santos mentioned factors that contribute to leading young people into thinking and even losing their lives by means of suicide such as peer pressure, broken hearts (due to the end of a romantic relationship with someone), confusion, fear, depression and the like. The resource speaker recalled during his youthful days when he had one friend who tried to take his own life but he ended up in the hospital due to a miscalculated attempt. That friend of his made a personal decision for suicide due to a heartbreak over an ended relationship and, as such, he did not go to his family for guidance.
“Real life incidents of suicide that happened from my past motivate me to speak out and help prevent youth suicide from happening,” Santos said.
Santos added that running away from the family and the community will not solve personal problems at all. He also advised attendees to be cautious when talking to troubled young people who are already leaning towards suicide as a final option of their lives. Even jokes or lighthearted words can push the troubled one to proceed with suicide.
With regards to the wide popularity of social media, Santos shared that he noticed that the youth are very expressive on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. At the same time, the vast amount of information, images and videos that the youth are exposed to make them vulnerable to being distracted and being influenced. Bad influence online can worsen the suicide situation.
“This seminar related to mental health awareness is our latest project in our effort to prevent youth suicide from happening as well as to keep suicide off the minds of our constituents,” BFSK chairperson Mariel Tumang said.
Before the seminar was conducted, the BFSK organized the Zumbarangay which was a series of physical exercise (with stretching) that include dancing to music. Pretty much the same people who exercised attended the seminar.
Youth wearing blue t-shirts (provided by the BFSK) follow the moves during the Zumbarangay session.
A view of the youth attendees from the other side.
Before the Zumbarangay started, BFSK chairperson Tumang announced local events happening such as the Satellite Voters’ Registration process (to be done by COMELEC) on September 21 at the Pergola Mall, a seminar on pregnancy and HIV/AIDS on September 28 and the 3rd quarter Waste-for-Rice activity on September 29. Tumang announced that 400 kilograms of rice grain has been released throughout the local communities via the Waste-for-Rice project.
Barangay BF Homes SK chairperson Mariel Tumang with the SK Kagawads on stage.
The Zumbarangay and the seminar were special projects of the BFSK supported by Barangay BF Homes captain Paolo Marquez.
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 Havenoris 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
July 25 of every year will mark the observation of National Campus Press Freedom Dayin all educational institutions.
This is the result of Republic Act Number 11440 (National Campus Press Freedom Day Act) that was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 28 and it was only yesterday (September 10) that a copy of the document (which includes signatures of Senate President Tito Sotto and then Speaker of the House Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) was released to the media.
“It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote, protect, and safeguard the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression, speech, and of the press,” the law read.
“As part of media, the campus press is an important institution in promoting and protecting the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression. As a testament to its remarkable contribution in the continued advancement of these freedoms, the State shall, as a matter of policy, promote the observance of July 25 of every year as ‘National Campus Press Freedom Day’,” it added.
Under RA 11440, educational institutions are mandated to provide full support and assistance to the preparation of the annual program of activities and events to be conducted by students in observance of National Campus Press Freedom Day.
It remains to be seen, however, if the campus press (specifically the news publishing divisions) of academic institutions nationwide would warmly embrace RA 11440.
Another thing to point out is whether or not National Campus Press Freedom Day will add anything at all on inspiring student writers to learn better and improve their craft before graduating and searching for writing-related jobs.
On face value, the campus press is supposed to help students develop their skills in writing news, features and opinions, as well as verifying the facts. Such orientation is supposed to help these future professional writers find the right companies (that offer writing posts) for jobs from the national-level press right down to the local communities.
If you – the reader – are one of those aspiring to work professionally as writers in the near future, be aware that there are some local community publications around that prefer to publish propaganda (self-serving and promotional in nature) instead of practicing real journalism. The good news here is that there are lots of writing-related jobs offered by companies (including those founded by foreign investors) here in the Philippines that focus more on marketing, SEO (search engine optimization), client-specific documentation and other types of writing jobs that are different from journalism and propaganda.
You really want to work as a professional writer with a competitive salary and attractive benefits? Search for jobs in the corporate sector and the national-level media outlets.
In today’s world of social media and widespread wireless access to the Internet (with multiple Wi-Fi spots present nationwide combined with more Filipinos acquiring smartphones), accessing news online is gradually becoming the more preferred way for people looking for news. Going back to National Campus Press Freedom Day, we will find out soon enough if it will help improve the standards of students aspiring to be writers and news searchers.
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 Havenoris 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 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.
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.
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.
The young people brainstorming as observed by Kagawad Espino.
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.
More youth signed on.
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)
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Parenting Session for Expats To Be Held At Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) on September 21
On September 21, Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) will be organizing an exciting event where expat parents can learn and share their experiences raising children in the Philippines.
Set to start at 10AM up to 12PM is the event titled “Adaptation: How to help your Child Assimilate in the Philippines” which will be held at the Southville main campus in BF International, Las Piñas City. SISC will offer opportunity for families new to the Philippines to learn from experts how to help their children grow and succeed in a new environment.
Featuring presentations by Southville’s International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Mr. John Wraith and Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign Universities Associate International Education Specialist/Business Development Officer and Southville Expat Parent, Mrs. Arjumand Nageen Ahsan, this event will be a chance to share experiences between families and make new connections. There will also be an open forum to be facilitated by SGEN Communication Director, Mr. Daniel Steel.
With is diverse community of international students, Southville International School and Colleges nurtures learners to achieve and uphold academic and values excellence. The academic institution reiterates its commitment to provide the highest-quality, national and international standards of education to all students. They also recognize that expat families face distinct challenges and have created this event as a way for our community of expat learners, teachers, and families to share their insights.
Author Carlo Carrasco 