Malacanang says graduates of DepEd and Philippine Business for Education's 1,000 teachers program to be given hiring priority to teach in schools

The graduates of a scholarship program spearheaded by the Department of Education and the Philippine Business for Education will be given hiring priority to work as teachers in the country’s public schools, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Sunday.

According to Valte, the DepEd and PBEd’s flagship scholarship program called the 1000 Teachers Program aims to uplift the image and quality of the teaching profession by attracting the best and the brightest to join the teaching ranks.

Under the program, promising high school graduates, who are part of the top ten percent (10%) of their graduating class, are recruited and given four-year B.S. Education scholarships in select schools all over the country. Scholars may major in Math, Science, English, Elementary, or Early Childhood Education and are required to maintain an average of B to stay in the program.

The scholarship includes free tuition and miscellaneous fees care of PBEd’s reputable partner teaching institutions (TEIs), Php 2,000 monthly allowance, Php 2,000 semestral book allowance, and LET review and exam fees. Immediately after passing the LET, scholars are required to teach in a local public school for five (5) years as return service.

The 1000 Teachers Program agreement between PBEd and DepEd is in support of the Department teacher requirement under the K-12 program which the Asian Development Bank estimates at 84,616 items for around two million senior high school students in 2017.

The pledge to hire graduates from the scholarship program is included in the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the DepEd and the PBEd last May 16.

What every Filipino consumer should know

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- Lawyer Fel Lester G. Brillantes of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 10 shares important information and reminder to all “modern day” Filipino consumers.

He emphasized five reminders.

First, don’t let anyone insert or swipe your credit card twice without giving you a “transaction cancelled” receipt from the first swipe.

Second, if you have difficulty paying your credit card debt or you are complaining against excessive bank finance charges and credit card agents, do not go to DTI. Instead, lodge a written complaint with the Financial Consumer Affairs Group (FCAG) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Third, don’t respond to any text messages claiming that you won in a raffle and the source of the text is just an ordinary 11-digit number instead of the special three to four digit numbers. Most scammers love to identify themselves as “lawyers.”

Contact NTC’s one-stop public assistance center at 921-32-51 or 926-77-22 for sim card blocking request.

If you want to check whether or not a DTI sales promo number is genuine, verify the same at the DTI-NCR website. (http://dtincr.ph/verifysalespromo.php)

Fourth, tell your parents not to entertain “vulture agents.” They are the annoying people inside the malls asking you if you have a credit card. In some instances, target victims are approached by vulture agents informing them that he/she has won a gift or a “give-away.”

After fraudulent manipulation, victims will be convinced to part their money as insurance premiums or down payments of their products. If they are selling insurance products, lodge your complaint with the Insurance Commission for malpractices of insurance companies or agents.

Fifth, do not invest your money to companies with “Pyramid-Scam-Like-Behavior.” The only people that are able to make money on a pyramid scheme are the scammers at the top of the pyramid.

Pyramid scammers usually invite their members for a free seminar. At the seminar, you will be enticed to become an investor by paying a certain amount of money which will allow you to earn by recruiting two or more other investors and the pyramid goes on.

To disguise the scam as a legitimate networking scheme, scammers offer in their recruitment package some beauty, herbal or other products (usually overpriced, of poor quality and difficult to sell) for selling. The money received by the members comes primarily from recruitment and not from the direct selling of their products.

However, Pyramid scams are not that easy to spot. Thus, before joining any of their seminars, ask them if their company is a member of the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines (DSAP) and verify it at the DSAP website (http://www.dsap.ph/directory.html).

If the company is not a DSAP member, this should be a red flag and you should conduct further research about the company you are dealing with. If possible, secure copies of their Articles of Incorporation, General Information Sheet (GIS) and the like for verification with the SEC. These documents will aid government agencies to know the responsible directors/officers behind the corporation and proper service of summons in case of complaints.

You can also visit the official website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (sec.gov.ph) to check if a company is inside SEC’s public advisories or “babala” against scammers. (Atty. Fel Lester G. Brillantes/JMOR/PIA)

MOCAN to hold 30th International AIDS candlelight memorial, mobilization

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- Misamis Oriental – Cagayan De Oro AIDS Network (MOCAN) invites the whole community to join the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization “In Solidarity” on May 19, 4:30 p.m. at Kiosko Kagawasan, Divisoria, here.

The program will focus on the dangers, threats of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic, said Fritzie Caybot-Estoque, chairperson of MOCAN and director of Liceo Center for Community Development.

"It’s right here in Cagayan De Oro, dugay na pero kulang pa ta sa aksyon para ma prevent, para ma minimize ang pag spread sa disease (It has long been here but we still need to take more action to prevent and minimize the spread of the disease)," she said.

According to Estoque, MOCAN regularly conduct surveillance and at the same time provide care and support for persons living with HIV or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Particularly, they have conducted awareness programs by community dissemination, community education, and community organization. Through this, they have encouraged people to be aware and voluntarily get counseling and be tested especially in the vulnerable sector.

She added that through this program, almost every week during their field they would find one person positive with HIV.

As much as the group would like to remind people to be cautious of getting infected with HIV or AIDS, they also want people to join together and not discriminate those who have the infection. That way, people living with HIV/AIDS will have the courage to voluntarily be counseled and get tested.

When a person is found positive, Estoque explained that they need to undergo counseling specifically on the do’s and don’ts. Meanwhile people who have had negative results are given guidance as to what to do to prevent having the disease.

Lastly, Estoque said that the most effective way to prevent HIV/AIDS from happening to anybody is awareness and behavior change.

On Sunday, they have invited a Person Living with AIDS (PLA) for a testimony and Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, assistant secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) as their keynote speaker, she said. (Jennica Rojas/JMOR/PIA)

Read the yellow labels, says DOE

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy is calling the public to examine Yellow Labels or Energy Guides attached/printed in household appliances and lighting products to ensure efficient, quality products that can bring beneficial results during the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Seminar on May 6, here.

Kristian Carlo B. Victorio, DOE Research Engineer said the yellow-colored cards are indicators of a product’s efficiency and performance that the public should heed when buying appliances and lighting products.

“The rule of thumb is simple, the higher the number, the more efficient the appliance is,” Victorio added.

Victorio also cited important reasons why yellow labels should be taken seriously. First, it ensures consumers that their products are certified and efficient. Second, it trims down monthly electric bill, and it helps the environment.

For air conditioners, consumers should learn to look for the Energy Efficiency Ratio o EER.

The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner is. When considering a new unit, consumers must know first its cooling capacity or the ability of the air conditioner to cool (or remove the heat of) a given space in an hour. That is, by computing the floor area times 500.

Proper installation of the unit must also be observed, adequate insulation, and regular cleaning to make sure the unit will work properly.

The same rule is applied on refrigerators, the higher the Energy Efficiency Factor, the more efficient the refrigerator is. Like air conditioners, the size of the unit must be considered, its proper location, and maintenance to clean and defrost regularly.

On lamps, Victorio shared that people should look for the Ballast Efficacy Factor or BEF. The higher the BEF, the more efficient the ballast is. Ballasts prevent immediate destruction on lamps.

Like linear and circular fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are self-ballasted lamps that are recommended to use instead of incandescent bulb. Consumers should look for higher efficacy when buying CFLs.

In choosing appliances, Victorio encouraged consumers to check yellow labels that contain Certified Quality Product or the ICC logo, to ensure that it passed the Philippine National Standard.(Mary Nathalie Soldevilla/RTP/PIA10)

Mindanao region bags NGCP's 1st Lineman's Skills Competition championship

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 17 (PIA)-- The host region, Mindanao, emerged as overall champion in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) 1st Lineman's Skills Competition held at the Lineman's Academy in Maria Cristina, Iligan City on April 23 to 25, 2013.

Four teams composed of 14 linemen coming from several districts in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas , and Mindanao competed during the three-day event.

After such intensive and exhilarating competitions, the Mindanao Region garnered a total of six gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.

South Luzon came in second, followed closely by North Luzon and the Visayas.

Mark Emmanuel Villaspin, a lineman from North Luzon, was crowned 'Rodeo King' for garnering the highest score in the individual and group events.

The linemen were showcased in their full duty gear during the 10 events that they competed, particularly: Steel Pole Erection; Wood Pole Climbing; Rope Splicing; Pole Dressing; Conductor Riding; Knot Tying; Pole Undressing; Hurt Man Pole Top Resource; Bandaging, Splints, and Transfer; and Emergency Restoration System (ERS) Installation.

The event was designed to display the unique skills and talents of linemen that are rarely seen by the public.

Atty Cynthia P. Alabanza, NGCP Spokesperson and Head of Corporate Communications, clarified that more than showcasing the competence and expertise of linemen, the competition is an opportunity to honor unsung heroes. NGCP linemen are the frontliners of our operations. This would give everyone a better appreciation of the risks they take on a day-to-day basis and under all types of weather conditions.

Their commitment and passion to ensuring the safety and reliability of the grid makes them the heart and soul of NGCP, added Alabanza.

NGCP's regular training activities aim to enhance the quality of transmission services to ensure the reliability of electricity delivered to grid-connected customers like generators, distributors, and large industries, said Alabanza. (lvgabule/CCD-NGCP/PIA-LDN)

ARMM human rights body to look into displacement issue

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, May 16 (PIA) -- The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) has intensified efforts to address human rights issues especially for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region.

“Our regional office is not focused only on monitoring cases but is also collaborating with other agencies for potential solutions as well,” said lawyer Laisa M. Alamia, the agency’s chairperson said in a press briefing on Thursday morning.

The RHRC was established last year following the enactment of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 288 otherwise known as the “ARMM Human Rights Commission Charter of 2012.”

Alamia said that her agency has been receiving support from various sectors in Mindanao including a new vehicle recently donated by the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). She said that the vehicle will be used in its monitoring activities while noting that the autonomous region houses a number of displaced individuals.

“Forced displacement gave birth to human rights concern and we are banking on establishing human rights profile mechanism in the 110 municipalities across the region,” she said.

“Despite shortage in personnel and technical resources, we are ready to strategize provincial human rights action centers throughout the region,” she added.

In the 2012 forced displacement report released by UNHCR, 278,472 people were forcibly displaced in an accounted 35 incidents. Apart from natural disaster, the data cites that rido or clan feud were among the top three causes.

“We are happy that UNHCR has been one of the active partners of the current regional administration in curbing the problem of human rights abuses in ARMM,” said Atty. Anwar Malang, regional government’s executive secretary.

For his part, Arjun Jain, UNHCR Mindanao chief, has vowed to continue his agency’s support.

“Rest assured that UNHCR and many other United Nation agencies and the international community will be behind you, and will continue supporting your work,” said Jain.(ARMM CommGroup/PIA-10)

Misamis Oriental has new set of elected officials

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- Provincial Board of Canvassers on Thursday afternoon, May 16 proclaimed the new set of elected officials to lead the province of Misamis Oriental.

Despite some technical problems encountered in some Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines Compact Flash (CF) cards particularly in the towns of Manticao and Salay during transmission and canvassing, election returns were completed to 100% as of Thursday, May 16.

For the gubernatorial position, Atty. Cirilo Nala, chairman of the provincial board of canvassers proclaimed Bambi Emano (UNA) as governor of the province who garnered 190,986 votes against contender Norris Babiera (LP) with 170,321 votes.

For vice-governor, Joey Pelaez (UNA) won with 173,841 votes against contender Wayne Militante (LP) with 139,255 votes.

In the House of Representatives for the 1st district of Misamis Oriental, Peter Unabia (LP) was proclaimed winner with 127,065 votes against contenders Clyde Abbot (independent) and Rommel Zagado (Partido ng Mangagawa at Magsasaka).

For the 2nd district member house of representative, Julliete Uy (Independent) won over Jun Baculio (NP), Bong Calingin (Independent) and Jardin Jesus (LP).

Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on that same day for the 1st district went to Lagbas; Benedict with 66,767 votes; Pelaez, Vincent with 54,545; Dumadag, Bebing 53,637; Bernaldes, Abing 53,473; and Lagbas, Roldan 52,754.

Meanwhile 2nd District went to Emano, Eman Manok with 83,101 votes; Acain, Gagay with 77,675; Madjos, Manoy 601,406;Actub, Boris Oliver 63,782; and Mugot, Emmanuel with 64,271 votes. (JMOR/PIA)

Gov. Khalid Dimaporo wins re-election for third term

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, May 17 -- It was another landslide victory for Governor Khalid Dimaporo who is seeking his third term of office as chief executive of this province.

With 136,778 votes against 86,913 of nearest opponent Casan Maquiling (Liberal Party), Dimaporo was proclaimed on May 15 by the Provincial Board of Canvassers as the winning gubernatorial candidate in the province of Lanao del Norte.

Also proclaimed were the winners of top provincial posts, Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo as Representative for the 1st congressional district, Abdullah Dimaporo for the 2nd congressional district and Cristy Atay as Vice-Governor all from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

“As a third-termer this is my final stint as provincial governor. I will do my best that people are satisfied with my administration. So in behalf of Team Dimaporo and our party, we would like to thank the people of Lanao del Norte to choosing us to lead and administer the province,” Governor Dimaporo expressed.

Other winners proclaimed were the new set of Sanggunian Panlalawigan members. For the first district: Grecille Matalines (51,352 votes), Casimero Bagol (43,093 votes), Baldomero Zamora (38,661), Mac Dibaratun (36,246 votes), and Jackmar Maruhom (32,338 votes).

For the second district, only three board members were proclaimed: Benny Baguio (41,770), Harris Ali (35,138), and Omar Osop (44,480) pending transmittal of election data from the towns of Tangcal, Nunungan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) to the provincial canvassing board.

“We are very much thankful to all our loyal supporters who continue to believe in us and who voted for us despite the massive vote-buying and below-the-belt accusations and insults from our political opponents,” Congresswoman Imelda Dimaporo said.

The local COMELEC is expected to proclaim all the provincial winners by the end of the week. The provincial board of canvassers is headed by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Joseph Hamilton Cuevas. ( Vincent N. Labial/PIO-LDN/PIA)