DepEd Lanao Norte hosts Kid’s Peacetival

By: Lorry V. Gabule

BAROY, LANAO DEL NORTE, November 6 (PIA)—The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Lanao del Norte hosted the Division Kid’s Peacetival at the Baroy Central Elementary School, Baroy town, Lanao del Norte, slated October 30-31, 2013.

Schools Division Superintendent Emmalinda E. Duhaylungsod said the event aimed at promoting happy co-existence among schoolchildren in this province regardless of race, culture and tradition.

Further, the activity aims to promote the spirit of respect and understanding regardless of differences; develop social interaction skills; develop good values through peace journal writing and realize the importance of meditation in developing inner peace.

With the same spirit, we maintain the same activities practiced in the popularly known before as ‘Peace Village’ since it started eight years ago, explained Duhaylungsod.

What only differs this year is that it’s a school-based peace camp and we had it last September in all schools, this province. We thought of conducting the peace camp inside the campus, joining together in one schedule with the integrated competitions like journalism, science and math,  to be able for all school children to experience at the same time an event experienced by those children who attended the integrated competition in a limited slot only.

Also, this time, we want the community to experience, not necessarily the children alone,  but the parents, an eye to eye,  what their children understand of activities for peace could also be appreciated by their parents,  Duhaylungsod pointed out.

Peace Education Program is one of the programs in the Department of Education and let this program be felt by the children at the school level through this peace camp, likewise, we wanted this to be experienced by all, especially the participation of the community involving the adults too, and the DepEd’s stakeholders,  said the Superintendent.

More meaningful in this 2-day activity, since this is a culmination of what we have started in September at the respective schools province-wide.  We opted to create an activity in all schools, this division, on how we can help the people who were victims in Zamboanga seige, especially the school children there,  Duhaylungsod said.

We told our children to skip just one snack, a penny to share, as we will be sending to DepEd Zamboanga the contributions we raised from the school children and the teachers as well, explained Duhaylungsod.

One thing that is new with the Peacetival activity is that children would make peace cards, with their messages written in the cards for the victims of Zamboanga, and together we send to Zamboanga all stuff toys, school supplies we gathered from the children during this culminating day, said Duhaylungsod.

Moreover, with the Knowing Me, Knowing You activity, almost a thousand participants to this Peacetival culminating program were given a chance to open up and tell their stories.  In this manner, they were able to build friendships that may last for years.

The fun and games they were engaged within the day helped them build the foundation of trust with one another and, in some way, overcome personal biases against cultures that are truly different from one’s own culture.

Also, the conduct of the Ecumenical Prayer and Declaration of Peace added the spice to grace the second day. 

The peace camp experience is the most- thrilling learning adventure. Campers are amazed at the different wonders the learning hubs offered. Learning hubs are fabricated and engineered via the needs of the campers.

Each hub offers exciting short lessons, tricky trivia, thought-provoking puzzles and wonderfully -crafted arts and crafts. The vivid presentations of the different learning engagement facilitated by the staff of learning hubs make every visit of the campers fulfilled.

At the end of the Peacetival, participating schools and their children received special awards according to the category they particularly excel, said Duhaylungsod.  (LVG/PIA-10 LDN)

PNP sets up help desks during Pas’ Ungko S’g Misamis Occidental Festival

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Nov. 6 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province has set up “PNP Help Desks,” during the celebration of the 4th Pas’ Ungko S’g Misamis Occidental Festival, this November.

The move is among the security measures of “Task Force Pas’ Ungko S’g Misamis Occidental 2013” to ensure the safety of the public during the month-long festival that coincides with the celebration of the 84th founding anniversary of the province.

P/Sr. Supt. Jerry C. Linsagan, Provincial Director of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (PPO), said the Task Force will provide security and pre-empt any violent act or incident that may possibly disturb the peace and order during the festival.

Mostly held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city, activities have been lined-up for the whole month of November to showcase various social and cultural practices of the different cities and municipalities of Misamis Occidental.

Linsagan said the “PNP Help Desks” will be manned by uniformed PNP personnel and will be set up in all the places of engagement of these activities for the public to approach, in case their assistance will be needed and to ensure the safety of the participants and spectators.

He said with the various day and night cultural shows in store, many visitors, including high ranking public officials are expected to arrive and join the festivities.

Likewise, Linsagan said, no drinking spree will be allowed within the periphery and immediately outside the Provincial Capitol Grounds, during the conduct of the live band concerts, which are held at night. (RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

City solon calls for strict implementation of Anti-Mendicancy Law

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) – With the increase of street children singing Christmas carols and beggars knocking on vehicles here, the City Council Committee on Social Services calls for the strict implementation of the Anti Mendicancy Law.

City Councilor Annie Daba expresses concern with this issue saying “Kuyaw mangaligsan ug ang pinakalooy ang pag gamit sa mga batang walay boot aron magpakilimos,” (I dread they could be run over by vehicles and the worse is that these innocent kids are just used to beg).

Daba also appeals to motorists not to tolerate beggars or children on the streets singing Christmas carols and asking money in return.

Though we are temporarily making them happy and feeding their hunger, we are also exposing them to danger and health problems” Daba adds.

On the other hand, she proposes that donations or any help should be coursed through proper agencies and legitimate groups.

The Anti Mendicancy Law is mandated under Presidential Decree 1563 and section 492 of the City Codified Ordinance. 

Daba recalled that in 2007, City Council enacted Ordinance No. 10536 to address the problem. This was the Local Code on Children of Cagayan de Oro City also known as the Comprehensive Children’s Welfare Code of Cagayan de Oro City. (ELB/CdeOSP/JMOR/PIA)