by Mary Rose B. Manlangit

The Sangguniang Baranggay of Batong Malake is now becoming stricter in its implementation of peace and order measures.  This September, seven sets of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in Umali Subdivision, El danda, Agapita, Raymundo and F.O. Santos. This is Phase 2 of the camera system installation project according to Brgy. Captain Nilo Lapiz.  The 1st phase was already done during the first quarter of this year.

The installation will run from first week up to the third week of the month. A team from Tremendous Communication Incorporated (TCI) will install the seven CCTV cameras.

The CCTV system project

The goal of the CCTV system project is to ensure the peace and order situation of Batong Malake, Councilor Alan Leron explained in an interview.

Organized by the Sangguniang Baranggay, the project was already planned in 2010 but materialized only this year. Councilor Leron said that the arrangements with the bidding corporations and fund raising for the project were the reasons of the delay.

Councilor Leron said that contrary with what most barangay residents assumed, the CCTV systems were installed not just because of the various incidents that happened in UPLB such as the death of UPLB students Given Grace Cebanico and Rey Bernard Penaranda. He explained that it was already planned even before these happened. However, he admitted that the incidents triggered the faster implementation of the project.

On the other hand, Councilor Janus Lapiz said that among all the barangays of Los Baños, Batong Malake was the first to implement CCTV system. They are hoping that they would serve as an example for the other barangays to also include CCTV system in their projects.

According to Councilor Lapiz, the Phase 1 of the project had a budget of Php 500,000 where a complete unit of CCTV camera approximately costs Php 65,000 – Php 70,000. The budget included a high definition television monitor and antennas. “Now,” he said “the same amount will be spent for the Phase 2 project.”

The bidding for the Phase 2 of the project was already completed. Currently, legal arrangements with the winning bidder and equipment testing are being done to ensure the efficiency of the camera units.

The main source of fund for the project is the Baranggay Development Fund under the Peace and Order Committee of the Sanggunian. It accounts for the 20% of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) coming from the national budget.

CCTV cameras, the eyes of the barangay

“With the CCTV cameras, conflict on vehicular accidents were solved, masterminds of crimes such as budol-budol gang cases were arrested and street fights among teenagers were responded,” Alan Mabolo, a tanod of the barangay said.

Mabolo said that he and the rest of the tanods shift schedules to watch the CCTV monitor in the barangay almost all day and all night.

“In the monitor,” Mabolo said, “you can see almost everything that people do in the areas. In fact, every night we see teenagers dating in dark areas.” He said that they could respond more quickly because they can now see the place of an incident via the CCTVs rather than just relying on verbal descriptions via two-way radio.

Councilor Leron said that the CCTV cameras also helped in easing the flow of traffic. Traffic build-ups are prevalent along Lopez Avenue to UP gate. With the help of CCTVs, traffic enforcers could devise ways on how to moderate the flow of traffic congestion.

He also narrated that last July 21, a mother complained that their laptop was stolen in their house by three men believed to be members of akyat-bahay gang. She was able to identify the men with the help of the CCTV.  The complaint was immediately coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Los Baños. Thus on July 26, when one of the suspects was seen walking along the 7eleven store in Agapita, the police arrested him immediately.

Councilor Leron said that the CCTV also helped a lot in the arrest and eventual imprisonment of the drunk driver who hit the UPLB BS Nutrition student Nhelette Gonzales last August 7, 2013 along Lopez Avenue. He said that there was a concerned resident who tipped the barangay right after the accident. To identify if the car would turn towards Agapita or F.O. Santos Avenue, they played back the CCTV. There they have seen a fast moving car turning to Agapita. With this, the PNP Los Baños and the barangay tanods were able to strategize how to arrest the driver by analysing his possible exit points.

Information on the system project is not widely disseminated to the barangay residents because this would defeat the purpose of hidden cameras. However Councilor Leron said that sooner people will learn about it and in turn it will serve as a preventive mechanism for the residents not to do crimes and be wary of their actions.

by  Magno C. Ardenia Jr.

Concerned individuals from the Los Baños community extend their help to the needy children of Brgy. Anos, Los Baños, Laguna by providing the budget needed to continue the barangay feeding program until December 13, 2013.

Barangay officials, Los Baños citizens and several students from UPLB worked together to sponsor the weekly food budget for the participating children every weekday afternoon. According to Brgy. Anos Capt. Celerino Balasoto, these sponsors saw the feeding program sponsorship schedule posted on the barangay hall and volunteered to offer help by giving amounts coming from their own pockets.

Prior the July to December feeding program project, the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of Los Baños already facilitated a three month feeding program from April to July of this year. When the CWL’s feeding program ended, the barangay officials of Anos, led by Brgy. Captain Balasoto, felt the need to continue the program.

The barangay officials of Anos made a list of the foods that will be served every week, together with the cost of each menu, for the sponsors to see. A week of feeding program costs one thousand pesos. The list includes arrozcaldo, champorado, sopas and pansit lome. The menu is based on barangay officials’ observation that these “meryenda” type of foods are enjoyed more by the children than the full meal served by CWL.

“Kaya ko naman nilagay yun (weekly feeding program schedule), para malaman nila (people willing to help) na natanggap kami ng sponsor para sa feeding program, na kailangan ng sponsor dito.” The Brgy. Captain knew that he needed to set an example so other people would be motivated to extend help too. After shouldering the budget for the first two weeks, help from different individuals came in.

Out of Love 

Mrs. Edith Lozana is the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) assigned to facilitate the overall conduct of the feeding program. She is the one responsible for cooking and serving the food to the children.

Mrs. Lozano’s two decades of experience as BNS made her fit for the work as she is already familiar with the different ways on how to serve vegetables to the children.

She shared that everyday, an average of 25 children coming from the needy families of Brgy. Anos, come to the barangay hall to participate in the program. Some children come with their parents.

She further shared that it is very fulfilling to see improvements on the children’s health. Many of the participating children used to be sickly before the implementation of the program.

She also monitors the weight improvement of the children every end of the month. On the average, the participating children gain 3 grams every month. However, others who have chronic malnutrition do not gain weight easily.

Mrs. Lozana does not get tired of feeding the children. She has come to love the children who are always cooperative when they go to her for food every day. “Masisipag pumunta yung mga bata,” she shared. Seeing those kids’ happy faces motivates her to continue the work.

Feeling the need 

According to Mrs. Lozano, the children really need support. Many of them comes from a family who cannot afford to eat three times a day. That is why sponsors are a big help to continuously improve the children’s nourishment.

Kagawad Nona Umali, one of the sponsors, extended help because she can see that there are many malnourished children in Brgy. Anos. She wants to share some of her allowance from government service.      

“Syempre masaya kame,” she said seeing that the children are really happy with the program.

A student from UPLB who also sponsored the program shared that it is very fulfilling to be able to help. 

“Menos-menos sa gastos” 

Andrela Lapitan, a 30 year old dialysis patient from Rhoda Subdivison Brgy. Anos, is really thankful to those who are helping to extend the feeding program.  Her child is one of the program’s beneficiaries. 

Suffering from kidney problems, most of Andrela’s money is spent for her medicine.  She is also separated from her husband.  Thus, it is difficult for her to provide the needs of her child.

She is happy to see her child’s improvement in weight and performance.  Her child used to be selective on what food to eat but now enjoys the different foods served in the feeding program.

Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian Joyce Parco said that it is positive when a child learns not to be selective on food anymore due to the variation of food served.

Child’s Confession 

“Nakakabusog!” This what the 7 year old, Bea Pantallion, said when asked on how she feels about the feeding program. “Masaya! Ang sarap e,” the smile on her face shows that she really enjoys the food.

Bea, a grade two student from BN Calara Elementary School, said she has been part of the program for five months now. She already gained weight and is not as sickly as before anymore.

Just like the other participating children, she likes champorado the most.  When she gets home, she usually does not eat anymore as she is already full.

“Salamat,” she uttered as she expressed how grateful she is to the people who are giving supports for the feeding program.

“Madami ng bata ang nagugutom, hindi na kayang pakainin ng gobyerno, so kailangan yung private sector, yung may kaya, o yung mayaman, e tumulong, yung may magandang loob para dito sa feeding program,” said Capt. Balasoto.  “Hindi lang ‘to sa barangay lamang, kailangan nating magtulong-tulong,” he added.

Slots for the remaining unsponsored weeks are still open to those who would like to help and participate in the program.

The Los Baños Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested Glen Nocum and Anidem Medina in Brgy. San Antonio, Los Baños, Laguna on September 11 during the conduct of operation against illegal drugs . Nocum, a 22 year old service crew, and Medina, a 23 year old laborer, both from Purok 3, Brgy. San Antonio, were caught having a pot session at the residence of William Greso (aka Wences).

Prior to the operation, PCI Andres O. Simbajon Jr., Officer in Charge, received a text message from one barangay official of Brgy. San Antonio informing him that a pot session is on-going at Greso’s residence. The police officers were able to confiscate one strip of aluminum foil and three small transparent plastic sachets, all with white crystalline substance. Recovered substances were brought to the region crime laboratory at Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang, Laguna for laboratory examination.

Nocum and Medina, on the other hand, were subjected to drug test and medical examination prior to inquest proceedings.

The recovered substances were found to contain Methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) while the two suspects tested positive for the banned substance.

The suspects were criminally charged before the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Calamba City while Greso, who was able to escape from apprehending officers and is still at large, is subject for preliminary investigation.  Nocum and Medina are now detained at the Los Baños PNP’s detention cell while waiting for their commitment order and transfer to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Los Baños. (With reports from PNP Los Baños)

The Department of Development Journalism (DDJ), in partnership with the DEVC 80 (Communication and Society) class Section G, sponsored a seminar titled “EXPOSED: Facing the Pressures of Journalism in the Philippines” on September 9 at the College of Development Communication Lecture Hall, University of the Philippines Los Baños from 1pm-4pm.

The seminar featured Ms. Marites Vitug, editor at large of Rappler and Chair of the Board of Newsbreak / Public Trust Media Group, Inc.  She talked about her experiences as a journalist covering the Supreme Court for a long time.

A communication student from the Lyceum of the Philippines University in Calamba, Laguna participates in the open forum session after the talk of Ms. Vitug.

More than 200 participants attended the seminar including students and faculty from Laguna State Polytechnic University (Siniloan), Colegio de Los Baños, Lyceum of the Philippines University (Calamba), First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (Batangas), and Calamba Bayside National High School.

Books written by Ms. Vitug namely: Hour Before Dawn: The Fall and Uncertain Rise of the Philippine Supreme Court; Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court; and Our Rights, Our Victories: Landmark Cases in the Supreme Court were made available on that day.  A book signing followed immediately after the seminar.

Ms. Vitug writes her personal message on one of her books during the book signing session.

A multi-awarded journalist, Ms. Vitug is a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Filipinos Award (in the field of journalism). In 1986-1987, she was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. She also took postgraduate studies in international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Rodrigo “Jiggy” Manicad, GMA News & Public Affairs broadcast journalist, brought his free journalism seminar titled “Inspiring the Youth: Free Journalism Seminar for TV, Documentary, & Film” to UP Los Baños DL Umali Auditorium on August 30.

According to Manicad, the free seminar is his response to some “costly” seminars on journalism.

“Why not gawin na nating free kung kakayanin naman natin,” tells Manicad.

Manicad shared his unforgettable experiences and learning while doing TV reporting and production during the seminar. He also gave several tips in doing TV reporting.

Prior to Manicad’s talk, the seminar also featured Marnie Manicad, film and documentary director, and TV producer, and Maricar Cinco, Philippine Daily Inquirer Southern Luzon correspondent.

Marnie Manicad shared her experiences directing films such as the “Dance of the Steel Bars” with Dingdong Dantes and Hollywood actor Patrick Bergin.

“Find it in your heart to know what it is you want to do, and dapat masaya ka sa ginagawa mo,” advised Manicad.

Her other film “Inside Malacañang” was also showed after her talk.  It is a National Geographic Channel Documentary which features special areas inside the Palace and the people who are always with the president to ensure his safety, and protect his image.

On the other hand, Cinco discussed about writing for print media with focus on the basic steps on writing news stories. She emphasized the importance of having confidence when it comes to writing, through which perfection is not necessary.

Students who attended the seminar were inspired and delighted after listening to the three speakers.

The seminar was the second run of Manicad’s Free Journalism Seminar.  The first one was in SM San Pablo held last June 29.

The seminar was sponsored by the Office of Public Relations of the Office of the Chancellor, UP Los Baños; along with Grace & Truth Christian College, UP Community Broadcasters’ Society, National Geographic Channel, Jiggy Manicad Learning Program, and Department of Education (DepEd) Region 4A CALABARZON.

Manicad is an alumnus of UP Los Baños, a graduate of BA Communication Arts Class 1994. (Arron Lucius B. Herbon)

Students of the University of the Philippines (UP) showed their support to scrap pork barrel by joining the Million People March from Liwasang Bonifacio to Quirino Grand Stand on August 26.

“Makibaka, ‘wag mag-baboy!”  This was the shout by the thousands of people who joined the march.

“Participating in the Million March is being pro-active and not being apathetic. When Filipinos come together, we are taking a stand. The pork barrel scam is something that we don’t accept and we should stop it,” said Tristan Zinampan, a development communication alumnus of UP Los Banos (UPLB).

Meanwhile, Love Baurile, a devcom student from UPLB, shared that small movements could result to a big contribution.

The idea of the Million People March started with a Facebook event led by Arnold Pedrigal, Peachy Bretana, and Zena Bernardo-Bernardo in response to the pork barrel scam.

The pork barrel scam petition was triggered by President Benigno Aquino’s plans about the reformation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Said reformation was supposed to clear the corruption in the system.

Orly Putong, a UP Diliman (UPD) student, described it only as a “new program to cover up the old corruption system.”

“It should be abolished,” shares Jian Gomez, another UPD student.  He further commented that pork barrel should be re-channeled to public services such as education system, health service and transportation.

The Million People March served as the voice of the people’s assertions towards corruption. (Arianne Grace Bautista)