By Anthony A. Araos
Kiangan is a quiet and beautiful place rich in tourist destinations. One such site is Bagnit Waterfalls. This is a place where travelers take a glimpse of what Kiangan has to offer- the town’s truly unique environment, culture and resources.
There is a pool at its base and it is ideal for swimming and picnics. Stay fit, healthy and happy in this wonderful place. Chill out!
A visit might result in meeting new friends. Who knows?
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In the 1960s, 20 to 30 percent of the national budget went to education. Today, the allotment is down to 8 to 10 percent. The public school system has deteriorated. Saddening and disquieting indeed.
Here’s why the Philippines’ public school system is lagging behind her neighbors in the South East Asian region, in particular, and in Asia, in general. Classrooms are still crowded. Thus, it is simply hard to deny that there is a shortage of classroom problem.
Securitization of special education funds of local governments as a source of money for building more classrooms is a viable option. It means using school funds, part of local government’s internal revenue allotment, as collateral for bank loans that will be used to finance the building of new classrooms, most especially in far-flung barangays.
In a related matter, I just gathered that young, aspiring and promising campus press journalists from public elementary and high schools in Ifugao who took part in the just-concluded Division Schools Press Conference activity had to pay a Php50 registration fee while their teachers (who acted as school publication advisers) paid Php100 for registration. Since most of these competitors are from poor families, several teachers paid the registration fees of their pupils or students from their own pockets. I repeat, from their own pockets.
Given the fact that poor Filipinos are having a hard time making both ends meet, I would argue that investing in education must be treated as an issue of great importance. The amount of Php50 is better spent for a kilo of rice and two eggs.
In my view, the national government (or even the provincial government) should simply provide a subsidy for public elementary and high school campus press scribes who are taking part in this noteworthy endeavor. The officialdom should reinvent itself into a responsive entity, so it could alleviate the plight of these impoverished learners who are the future leaders of the nation. They shouldn’t be left out in the efforts to attain inclusive growth. They are hungry to learn more in order to improve their craft. What if they don’t have the amount of Php50 for the registration fee?
The government should also create or establish more science high schools in remote and underserved barangays such as those in Ifugao. The problem is not lack of funds. The solution to the problem only lies on the government’s sense of priorities and its judicious utilization of funds. Construction of these vital facilities, henceforth, is the best solution.
Again, I would argue that the best investment is in education because it gives the best returns!
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Temperatures are now dropping in the evenings in most if not all parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Take note of the chilly mornings as Christmas Day is just around the corner. This is certainly a welcome development.
It’s bye- bye time for the scorching heat of the sun. Believe it or not, last April 11, it was 51 degrees Celsius in Cabanatuan City. It is just three degrees below the so-called “extreme danger” level when heat stroke is imminent. For short, the heat index (actual temperature felt by the body based on air temperature and humidity) touched a dangerous level.
At a maximum heat index of about 41 degrees Celsius considered the “danger” level, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible.
Truth to tell, it’s easier for the human body to adjust to generally colder than average temperatures than to generally warmer than average temperatures. That is why “extreme caution” is being sounded or called against heat-related ailments.
In other words, when one is riding an air-conditioned van, bus or car, one who is feeling cold may wear a jacket or sweater. And you don’t turn off the air con. It is also unthinkable to turn off the air con in an airplane.
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November 30 is a very important day in the Philippines. On this day, Filipinos commemorate the life and heroism of Andres Bonifacio.
Bonifacio was born to a poor family in Tondo, Manila on November 30, 1863. He founded the Katipunan with the goal to win Philippine independence from Spain by means of armed revolution. The truth is, many are holding the belief that Bonifacio should be the national hero. I fully agree!
Gat Andres Bonifacio, also eluded to and known as the First President of the country, opposed Jose Rizal’s idea of assimilation of the Philippines as a regular province of Spain. Bonifacio fought valiantly during the Philippine Revolution. Thus, November 30 is a momentous and historic day.
The Philippine Revolution has been described as a “revolt of the masses.” But the Katipunan is not just an uprising of the masses and peasants. The Katipunan was also composed of soldiers, teachers, employees, merchants and even Filipino priests. The historical significance of November 30 or Bonifacio Day should be strongly stressed to the young.
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Oddities in life: Only in the Philippines!
In a classroom, a high school teacher was overheard scolding a student
Teacher: You’ve got to apologize to me for saying silly things.
Student: For saying what?
Teacher: Haven’t you forgot what I said, Don’t bark on the wrong tree.
Student: How can I bark, when I’m not a dog, and neither are you a tree?
(Actually, case in point involved this columnist who interposed the last question. No regrets at all)
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “Peace does exist. It exists in your heart and soul!” This is a quote from Sharon Stone.
“The federal states and their LGUs know better what are best suited for the development of their localities than the bureaucrats in Manila.” This is a quote from former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.
“Social justice means the promotion of the welfare of all the people.” This is a quote from the late President Jose P. Laurel during the Japanese occupation.**
