Bukidnon News Online

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON— President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo received a very warm reception from the crowd, especially from the farmers group, as she lead the groundbreaking and time capsule-laying of the Damay-Kalampigan-Kalabugao road July 21, 2009 at Barangay Damay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON—The government chose to commemorate the country’s 111th year of independence by providing employment contracts, training vouchers, livelihood and scholarship grants to workers in Bukidnon province under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).

In consonance with this year’s theme: “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan: Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan”, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) awards “Pangulong Gloria” scholarship certificates and training vouchers to 150 beneficiaries.

Bukidnon TESDA Provincial Director Engr. Edgar Sales distributed eight types of scholarship certificates and training vouchers. These are: automotive servicing, bartending, building wiring installation, commercial cooking, computer hardware servicing, food and beverage services, housekeeping and slaughter operations.

In an interview, Sales said, “this is one of the many measures that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has taken to mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis. By training and / or retraining our youth and unemployed in new technical skills, the government is giving them an opportunity to find jobs in industries that need their skills and in some cases, the ability to start their own small businesses at home.”

To ensure greater efficiency in granting scholarships, Sales said the government has simplified the requirements so that more people can benefit from this program.

“If you are 15 years old and above, a Filipino citizen, and have a desire to learn a skill that will help you find a new job or start a business, then you are qualified to apply,” Sales further said.

Likewise, the Freedom Day events include the formal launch of mega jobs and livelihood fair which are simultaneously replicated in various towns of Bukidnon.

Jobs generation is the main thrust of CLEEP with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the lead agency in the pursuit of this endeavor. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

Malaybalay City - The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bukidnon are all ready to provide security and maintain peace and order for the opening of classes in June.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency Bukidnon, Deputy Provincial Director Police Superintended Canilo Fuentes said the police force will implement "Oplan Balik Eskwela" to ensure the operational readiness of police units in responding to peace and order concerns including threat from criminals who may take advantage of the school opening.

PNP Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Nerio Bermudo directed all units in the province to particularly zero in on drug traffickers, petty thieves and violent street gangs who may ‘infiltrate the ranks of the students’.

The police chief identified the problems perennially plaguing the opening of classes like traffic congestion, accidents and street criminals victimizing students.

"There are now more policemen in the streets and communities assigned to police visibility and patrol duties," Fuentes said

PNP will coordinate with school administrators and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure the safety and security of students, he added.

With the coordination and cooperation of other government agencies, law enforcement troops, local government units, NGOs and the religious sector, Bermudo is hopeful that under Oplan Balik Eskwela, the start of classes will get orderly and smooth as thousands of pupils/students once more troop to their respective schools. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

Malaybalay City - When public schools open this June, pupils need not stay outside to clean the school premises or repair things inside their classrooms.

They could go straight to their classrooms for their classes.

Department of Education (Depd) - Bukidnon Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Gloria Benigno said these are some of the positive effects of the “Brigada Eskwela”, a practice observed by parents, pupils, local government officials and teachers to prepare the schools for the opening of classes.

Cleaning the school premises is seen by school officials as well as parents as a way to prevent diseases in children because untrimmed shrubs and stagnant water could host pests like mosquitoes, which might bring illnesses like dengue.

Dr. Benigno emphasized that no budget is involved in the conduct of “Brigada Eskwela”.

Paints and other materials are contributed by parents and local officials in the communities.

"’Brigada Eskwela’ has borne very positive results. It has revived the spirit of Bayanihan in parents and local government officials. It has spawned unity, cooperation and the civic-mindedness of the people. It is a welcome yearly activity in Bukidnon, as in other public schools all over the country," Dr. Benigno said.

After a long vacation, returning to school will be exciting – with the newly painted walls and desks, and garbage-free surroundings to welcome pupils/students on their first day of school for another year of studies. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)