DENR, DepEd proclaim SPUD as Eco-Friendly School in CV
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications has adjudged St. Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD) as the Central Visayas Most Sustainable and Eco – Friendly School.
This yearly nationwide search is organized to recognize efforts of various schools to undertake eco-friendly programs and activities.
According to External Affairs Director Rafael Duhaylungsod, SPUD won the same title last year for its environmental program known as ECO-SWARM or Ecological Solid Waste Reduction Management which implemented the Integrated & Sustainable Farming with livestock raising, Conservation & Preservation of Biodiversity that consist of a Butterfly Sanctuary & Aviary and the regular off–campus coastal cleanup activity.
The university also initiated a reforestation and Adopt a Tree Program in Lake Balinsasayao, Educational Curriculum Integration, the 5S’s Technology or Good Housekeeping and 4R’s or the Recover, Re-use, Recycle and Reduce plus a Composting and Vermi Culture Facility, said Duhaylungsod.
Recently, the school started the 4 in 1 Nature–Friendly Technology that stands for the Urine Diversion Dehydration Toilet, Green or Living Roof, Utilization of Recycled and Indigenous Materials and the Application of the Alternative & Renewable energy.
With these, different government and private sectors lauded the University for undertaking different environmental initiatives.
Moreover, SPUD is now offering a short–term modular course, a Certificate in Environmental Management supported by the League of Municipalities, DENR and TESDA. The said course is really intended for the various local government units, private and public agencies and individuals interested to be part of the environmental conservation and protection.
SPUD readies now for the national competition in a few months this year.
The nationwide contest dubbed, “2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools,” is a direct response to Republic Act No. 9512 also known as the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008. It is also the Philippine initiative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012).
Prizes for the national level include: P50,000 for 1st Prize; P40,000, 2nd Prize; P30,000, 3rd Prize, and plaques of recognition.
For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and a prize of P10,000 (in check) is given to regional finalists.
All winning entries, together with selected entries will be displayed during the national awarding ceremonies in November 2011, coinciding with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Soldiers join the ‘Run to Educate’
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA) The 302 Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has participated in a running competition dubbed as “Run to Educate- Silliman Run 2011” recently around Dumaguete City.
Initiated by Silliman University Alumni Association, about 3,000 runners from different groups in the city and Negros Oriental joined the competition as an opening salvo of the month-long celebration of 110th Founding Anniversary of the Silliman University which will be held on August 28, 2011.
According to the Army’s Information Officer, Maj. Benjamin Aguilan Jr. the army’s participation in the “Silliman Run 2011 –Run to Educate” is part of the new AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” putting premium on the importance of education as the key towards a better future and lasting solution against insurgency and poverty as well.
The running event was an open category composed of 1.1K, 5.5K and 11K run.
“Spectators and participants were amazed when the 105 Howitzer Canon of the Charlie Battery, 6th Field Artillery Battalion, Philippine Army fired a three blank ammunitions, as the starting gun of the running event,” Maj. Aguilan said. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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DepEd, MDC ink MOA for free computer repairs in public schools
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 9 (PIA) The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Metro Dumaguete College (MDC) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for free computer restoration in public schools in the province.
Unserviceable or junk computers in elementary and high schools will be trouble shoot, programmed and network free of charge by MDC under its e-com tech extension services program, cited MDC president, Dr. Delma Manila.
DepEd Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Milagros Velez lauded the MDC’s service program that significantly help DepEd's ICT efforts for the continued participation of the private sector.
“We have some existing damage computers that will be put back into working condition and these can be used again for laboratories to provide computer access to primary and secondary schools,” the DepEd official said.
Dr. Manila said the extension program is also implemented together with the offices of Representatives of the three districts in Negros Oriental, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and local government units.
To ensure the continuity and sustainability of the program, TESDA and the office of the representatives will recruit and finance scholars from the identified and towns and have trained at MDC, Dr. Manila said.
The MDC is one of the recognized TESDA schools training and assessment center especially in Computer Hardware Servicing.
For his part, 2nd District Congressman George Arnaiz said with this program partner agencies should get 80 percent of the junk computers in public schools will be working to help the students on computer literacy in the province.
Cong. Arnaiz said all high schools in the province have been computerized but because many schools lack of computer technicians and funding for maintenance, these computers laid idle.
Thus, MDC launched this program to collaborate the schools as part of college computer laboratory test of the students of hardware computer servicing. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Army’s 302 Brigade observes human rights law
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA) Army’s 302 Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Francisco Patrimonio led Monday the pledge of commitment in adherence to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), during a flag-raising ceremony at Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City.
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Special Investigator, Jesus Cañete has witnessed the ceremony before he delivered his message focusing on the importance of the IHL.
Investigator Cañete also provided a lecture to soldiers on the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law or Republic Act No. 9851, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity” to ensure that military operations would be compliant with international humanitarian law and other existing policies.
The activity is in line with the AFP’s taking part in a series of activities in celebration of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day anchored with the theme “IHL, the International Criminal Court, and RA 9851: Protecting against Impunity as an Instrument of Peace.”
According to Col. Patrimonio the unit’s observance of the IHL aims to promote the idea of the different stakeholders that the military personnel under his jurisdiction strictly adhere and are advocators of the Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and the Role of Law. (PIA NegOr/JCT)