by Eva Joyce S. Valenzuela

[NEWSFEATURE] “A stepping stone for young journalists,” said Mrs. Evelyn Navia, school paper adviser-in-charge in Cluster 2 and English head teacher in Los Baños National High School, as she discussed the 2013 Division Training-Workshop on Campus Journalism on August 28, Wednesday.

The Laguna Association of Secondary Schools Paper Adviser, Incorporated (LASSPAI) and Department of Education (DepEd) organized the training-workshops in preparation for the Division Secondary Schools Press Conference on October 17-19.

LASSPAI officers, members, and advisers gathered for a preliminary meeting on July 24 in Nicolas Galvez Memorial National High School. Details were finalized by Mrs. Erma Valenzuela as Education Program Supervisor (EPS I) in English, together with Mr. Jonathan H. Marquez, Mrs. Evelyn Navia, Mr. Mark Anthony Idang, and Mrs. Theodora Salamat in the DepEd Division Office last July 31, 2013.

Mrs. Valenzuela explained that the  Division Training on Campus Journalism would give the potential writers the opportunity to discover and to strengthen their journalistic skills. In addition, this training was also designed to help the school paper advisers to decide and to place the writer appropriate to his category.

The division training was divided into two types, namely team category and individual category. Under the team category are collaborative which requires each school to submit a mock paper at the end of the training; and radio broadcasting and scriptwriting which is composed of seven members: a scriptwriter, anchor, infomercials, news presenters, and a technical director). In the Individual category, it covers, news writing, sports writing, feature writing, editorial writing, copy reading, editorial cartooning, and photojournalism.

The division training was conducted by cluster to allow small group discussions providing close interaction between lecturers and the participants. It also offers achievable objectives of the training since in each cluster, students will be observed, taught, and assessed properly.

On August 10 and 17, clusters 1 and 2 conducted the training-workshop in Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial National High School (Jacobo MNHS) and Los Baños Community National High School (LBCNHS). The training aimed to expose the student-journalists and school paper advisers (SPA) with the new trends and practices and guidelines in campus journalism; assess the training needs of the participants as supported by their outputs; and provide our student-writers the opportunity to hone their journalistic skills.

About 800 students represented cluster 1, composed of the public and private secondary schools in San Pedro, Binan, and Cabuyao. On the other hand, 401 students represented cluster 2, which covered public and private secondary schools in Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, and Pila.

Mr. Jonathan H. Marquez of Pulo National High School was head of the organizing committee for cluster 1 training-workshop where each school was assigned a room to work in.

In cluster 2, the participants were grouped based on their respective categories allowing students from different schools to train together. According to Mrs. Navia of the Los Baños National High School and cluster 2 organizing committee head, this type of grouping will increase the fighting spirit of everyone where they can feel the training already as a competition which in return will motivate them to listen and participate in the lectures and workshop.

The training resource persons selected have who worked with the National level speakers or judges and were also the facilitators of the Division of Laguna.  The resource persons were requested to submit a Structural Learning Episodes (SLE) which consists of the flow of the speaker’s lecture, PowerPoint presentations, and exercises. The lecture discussions followed the 4As: Activity, Analysis, Abstraction, and Application. Each lecture was allotted two hours, one and a half hours for the discussion and the remaining 30 minutes for the workshop.

During the Radio Scriptwriting and Broadcasting lecture, students were able to identify the characters they fit in. It was like a skills orientation as well as voice training. During the session on photojournalism, the participants were strictly prohibited to use DSLR. Digital camera with minimum of 12 megapixels and maximum of 16 megapixels was be used.

Speakers for the individual category included Ms. Sherryl Ann M. Dadal of Sampaguita NHS in San Pedro for newswriting, Joselie G. Quemada of San Juan NHS in Kalayaan for editorial writing, Mr. Jonathan H. Marquez of Pulo NHS in Cabuyao for editorial cartooning. In feature writing, Marza Palentino of Philippine High School for the Arts in Los Baños trained the student while Mr. Paolo Manuel C. Fule of Plaridel NHS in Nagcarlan served as the resource person for sports writing. Lastly, the trainer for copy reading and headline writing was Mrs. Evelyn P. Navia of Los Baños NHS.

From the outputs of the participants who joined the individual category, top three best outputs were chosen. In cluster 1, 12 best outputs were chosen in each class, English and Filipino. These best outputs are selected based on the National Guidelines.  A total of 48 best outputs were recognized in cluster 1. On the other hand, there were 42 best outputs. From the winners, facilitators have observed that most of them are already experienced writers who attend the regional level and even the national level.

Mrs. Valenzuela explained that the large turnout of participants became the challenge for the training-workshop. The organizers created additional classes and invited other speakers to accommodate the journalists and to have quality training to address such concern. Despite such limitation, the participants found the training beneficial not only in honing their journalism skills but also for gaining new friends from other schools.

“Masaya po,” Kristine Faith B. Manayam  of Nicolas N. Galvez Memorial National High School said regarding the workshops she attended. The journalists-in-training said that their passion for writing increased after the training-workshop they attended. “Wag susuko!” was Kristine and her schoolmate Robert Borihaga’s  realization after the training.

by Krizza Lei T. Amoyan

[NEWSFEATURE] “You can only change the leadership during elections,” says Los Baños COMELEC officer Randy Banzuela as he encourages the voters to actively participate in the upcoming Barangay and SK elections.

Despite calls to postpone the 2013 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has held the voters’ registration almost a month ago. Few weeks before the election day, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is now gearing up for the planning and preparation for the smooth implementation of the elections in Los Baños this coming October 28.

Gearing up: Preparations for October 2013 elections

The voters’ registration was held last July 22-31 simultaneously in different barangays in the country. Voters for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) include the youth whose age ranges from 15-17, while those for the barangay election are composed of voters aged 18 and above.

For this year’s SK and barangay elections, the municipality of Los Baños has 30, 032 registered SK voters and 56, 856 regular [barangay] voters, this was as recorded by Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-Los Baños as of August 2013.

After the voters’ registration, the list of voters are then encoded for a better organization of the election files. With a thorough checking of the voters profile and after removing some of the deceased and transfer voters from the list, the voters tally is then submitted to the COMELEC main office.

After the submission of the voters tally, the COMELEC then assigned and prepared the polling precincts. According to Elections Officer Banzuela, there are 436 originally established precincts in Los Baños but as these precincts were clustered, only 182 cluster precincts remained, with each polling precinct  accommodating a maximum of four hundred voters.

“These are only the initial preparations, so for now, our priority is the organization of the list of voters and the polling precincts, and the preparation of those who will sit as board of election tellers,” says Banzuela.

The filling of candidacy will run from October 15 -17 and the campaign period will run from October 18 to 27.

With the preparation for the upcoming election is the strict implementation of the election laws as provided for in Article XXII of the Election Code of the Philippines.

• Common poster area. COMELEC requires every barangay to designate a common poster area within the community where they will post their campaign materials. This is to prevent the candidates from posting everywhere (e.g. Walls, private establishments, lamp posts), as well as for easy cleaning after the election. Posting outside the designated common poster areas will be illegal.
• Gun ban. COMELEC strictly implements the gun ban as early as September 2013 to prevent election related killings and to maintain the peace and order. The gun ban prohibits the carrying of firearms outside the residence or place of business. Any person who, although  possessing a permit to carry firearms, carries any firearms outside his residence or place of business during the election period, unless authorized in writing by the Commission will be charged.
• Alcohol ban. Selling, buying, or taking intoxicating liquor a day before and on election day is strictly prohibited. This is implemented to prevent election related crimes and violence, and to ensure a peaceful election.
• Distribution of campaign paraphernalia on election day. The election code prohibits the solicitation of votes or undertaking of any propaganda, on the day of election, for or against any candidate within the polling precinct. Electoral campaigns are strictly prohibited on the day of election because this may affect the decision of the voters.

Any person who will be found guilty of any election offense will be charged with the violation of election laws and may be punished by paying a fine or imprisonment.

The Team: Agencies and offices involved in the preparation

“During the election period, almost all government agencies are deputized by the COMELEC,” said COMELEC officer Banzuela.

Most especially, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is deputized for the peace and order. They are the ones who are assigned to monitor violations regarding the gun ban and alcohol ban, as well as to watch out for election related crimes.

The board of election tellers, composed of the teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd), are the ones who are expected to facilitate in the voting process and to monitor the honest outcome of votes.

The local government unit (LGU) is also involved in providing budget for the election. According to Banzuela, there is a portion which will be shouldered by the LGU regarding the funds for the cash payments of the board of election tellers and other expenses.

What we’re lacking: Election problems and issues

The ten-day registration period has been a national issue and many complaints from the voters have been reported, but Banzuela justifies that the ten-day period is just enough for the voters’ registration. He added that the COMELEC-Los Baños does not receive complaints from the voters regarding this issue, the “candidates” are the ones who are complaining.

Another issue is that there are these “candidates” who are starting they’re campaigns as early as now [before the campaign period]. “Hindi naman namin mapagsabihan dahil hindi pa namin sila sakop, they have not yet filed their certificate of candidacy, until such time na hindi sila nakakapagfile ng candidacy wala kaming magagawa”, explains Bazuela.

Also, one of the common issues during the election period is vote buying and vote selling. According to Banzuela, he has heard of many cases regarding this issue but no one is proven guilty. “Ang nagiging problema kasi ay yung mga witness, dahil sa haba ng proseso tinatamad na sila,” he said.

Information dissemination has also been one of the problems during the elections. Voter’s information regarding those who are running has been a problem because they do not know the candidates.

Banzuela doubts that the information presented in the campaign materials are sufficient for the voters to know the platform or programs that a certain candidate plans to implement. “Ang nangyayari ngayon, yung pagkatao ang pinagbabasehan, kung mabait ba siya, o pala-bigay ba yan, without even knowing or analyzing if he will be capable of the position he is running for,” explained Banzuela.

by Eunese Irish A. Garcia

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Los Baños is all set with the preparations for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay Elections 2013 on October 28.

According to Elections Officer Randy Banzuela, COMELEC has already created the project of precincts that will handle the election period. With 56, 856 registered voters in Los Baños, COMELEC is also reviewing the voters’ list to determine the active and inactive voters and the ones who are really registered in the barangays.

“Kasi may mga nagrereklamo na nawawala ‘yung pangalan nila sa listahan sa mga designated precincts sa barangay nila, kaya ngayon pa lang inaayos na namin dito,” Banzuela added.

With the 56,856 registered voters to date; 54,984 of which voted during the the last elections; COMELEC expects an increase of voters’ turnout given the 3,099 newly registered voters.

Manual voting will be used during the elections since the P-COS (Precinct-Count Optical Scanners) machines will be kept again for the next national elections. The elections officer also explained that since there are only a small number of voters during SK and Barangay elections, it is more appropriate to use the manual voting.

“We are hoping for more improvements during the elections so that we may serve our residents better,” Banzuela explained. He also encouraged residents to volunteer and help out during the elections. “May pinadadala rin naman ang PPCRV at NAMFREL during those times, but their primary concern is the total number of votes,” he added.

Aling Imelda Banyares, 43, a fruit vendor from Brgy. Timugan, said that she and her daughter, who registered last month, are going to vote. “Kahit ganito lang sa ngayon ang buhay namin, gusto naming bumoto para may magbago at may ikaunlad sa lugar namin,” she said.

Age is not a matter of concern in exercising the right to vote as with the case of Mang Roger Maningas, 75, a canteen concessionaire in Brgy. Timugan. Mang Roger shared that all of members of his family are going to vote because they want their voices heard. “Sa awa naman ng Diyos, laging payapa ang lugar namin, kasi magaling naman ang mga nabobotong kapitan [ng barangay],” the old man replied.

Some residents however, will not be able to cast their votes this October. Aling Merlinda Limco, 43, a housewife will not be able to vote because she was reached by the cut-off last registration. “Kung pinaabot sana ako, makakaboto sana ako, gusto ko rin naming bumoto. Eh siyempre, sa ganoong paraan ko lang masasabi yung gusto kong sabihin,” she said.

Diane Pombo, 18, was also reached by the cut-off and was not also able to register. Pombo will however, volunteer during the elections. “Okay lang kahit di ako naabutan basta gusto ko makatulong ako sa eleksyon sa October. Sayang kasi pagkakataon para mapakita ko na residente talaga ako ng Los Baños,” Diane said. She also encouraged others to volunteer for their rcommunity. “Minsan lang naman ‘to, di ba?”

The local government of Los Banos is preparing for “Banamos Fun Run 2013” to be held on September 21 as part of the celebration of Banamos Festival this month.

The run is divided into four categories: 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and 15 km. The planned route starts from the new LB municipal hall in Barangay Timugan and ends at the University of the Philippines Open University in Barangay Maahas.

Registration is Php 200 for the first two categories, and Php 300 for the last two. Councilor Jonjie Oliva, project head, said that proceeds will benefit the scholars of the municipal government of Los Banos.

“This event will not only benefit our scholars but will also promote brotherhood and friendly competition among citizens of Los Banos,” said Renee-vic Villanueva, legislative staff of Councilor Oliva.

Cash prizes await top finishers: Php 3,000 for the first placer; Php 2,000 for the second placer; and Php1,000 for the third placer. Interested runners may register at the office of Councilor Oliva until August 31. (with reports from Earl Gio Manuel)

by Myrrh Caithlin L. Gutierrez

BAY, LAGUNA – Brgy. Puypuy vermifarmers harvested about 200 kg of worms on August 26, 2013 with the help of the Green Wrigglers Enterprises (GWE). The harvest was transported to Tarlac for the opening of a new community development project.

Bay, specifically Brgy. Puypuy, is GWE’s largest source of vermicompost. The company also sources worms from Sta. Cruz, Nagcarlan, Pagsanjan, Calauan, and Baguio. “This community developmental project aims to create jobs and promote social equity through symbiotic relationship between vermiculture, organic farming, and solid waste management,” GWE owner and Laguna native Michael Cagas explained.

Vermiculture is the practice of culturing worms, specifically African nightcrawlers, to gather organic fertilizers called vermicast. It is done by first making beds where the worms can live and multiply. The worms are fed with animal manure and other biodegradable wastes at most once a week. This low-capital business can be profitable given the increasing demand for  organic fertilizers.

“I want to help my kababayan,” Cagas said. Through GWE, Cagas linked his community with various agencies that need vermicast. He explained that it was challenging to establish the vermicompost business. Cagas started with one-fourth kilo of African nigthcrawlers and within a year, his company was able to produce tons of earthworms.

The earthworm prices range from Php 400 – Php 1,000 depending on the bulk of order. Cagas coordinates with different agencies and links these agencies with vermicompost-producing communities. He also conducts seminars in different areas to propose the vermicast production as a profitable source of income.

GWE is a company consolidating the harvests of different communities. It is a member of the Philippine Vermi Society, Vermicology of the Philippines, and Rare Fruit Society of the Philippines; all of which are community development organizations involved in vermicast production for organic fertilizers.

ni  Zarrel Gel M. Noza at Elsie E. Reyes

Nanguna ang Paaralang Elementarya ng Lalakay sa pandistritong paligsahan ng sabayang pagbigkas na ginanap sa Paaralang Elementarya ng Mayondon sa Los Baños, Laguna noong Agosto 16, 2013. Ang paligsahan ay bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika na ngayong taon na may tema na “Wika natin ang daang matuwid.”

Ang nasabing patimpalak ay nilahukan ng anim na mababang paaralan sa bayan ng Los Baños. Dito ay ginamit nila ang piyesang “Tuwid na Daan ang Wika Natin” na isinulat ni Erico Memije Habijan.

Ayon sa kanilang punungguro na si Ginoong Anatacio, ang pagsali sa paligsahan ay hindi naging madali para sa kanila. Isang problemang kinaharap nila ay pampinansyal. Ayon sa punungguro, ang mga kasuotan ng mga kalahok ay gawa sa sako ng mais na ginawa at pinagtulung-tulungan mismo ng mga guro.

“Natuwa po kami kasi kami na po yung pinakamaliit na school. Lahat po kasi ng nakalaban namin ay malalaki. Malaki ang resources, malaki ang population ng mga teachers na magtutulong-tulong. Natuwa po kami kasi habol lang po talaga kami na sumali,” ani Anatacio.

Ang eskwlehan naman ay nagkamit ng sertipiko ng pagkilala dahil sa kanilang pagkapanalo sa pandistritong paligsahan.

Bukod pa dito, kanila ring nirepresenta ang bayan ng Los Banos sa pangklaster na paligsahan na ginanap sa Paaralang Sentral ng Calauan (Calauan Central School) noong Agosto 28. Sa paligsahang ito, limang bayan ng Laguna ang nakilahokkabilang ang Bay, Calauan, Pila, Los Baños, at Victoria.

Nanguna ang Calauan sa pangklaster na paligsahan, pumangalawa ang Los Baños, at nagkamit ng pangatlong pwesto ang Pila.

Maliban sa sabayang pagbigkas ay nagkaroon din ng ibang paligsahan sa pagtula, pag-awit, at pagsulat ng sanaysay.