Vol 1 Issue No. 2 Alabel, Sarangani Province August - September 2014

In support to the DepEd Order No. 8 series of 2007, also known as the “No Junk Food Policy”, the Department of Education-Region XII had the launching campaign for a healthy and nutrition-promoting canteen last July 30-31, 2014. This policy strengthens the implementing guidelines on the operation

and management of school canteens both in public elementary and secondary schools.

The first day of the said campaign was conducted at Phela Grande Hotel, General Santos City. This campaign was made possible through the help of Save the Children, an International Non-Government

Organization that advocates the protection of the child’s rights and provides assistance to children in developing countries. Other partnerships include Wrigley, IKEA Foundation, Prudence Foundation and the National Nutrition Council.

Participants of this activity came from schools in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. Dr. Sylvia Galang, Chief-Health and Nutrition of DepEd Region XII. discussed the legal basis on the “No Junk Food Policy”. All participants are advised to monitor, assess and evaluate the functions of their respective school canteens in relation to implementing rules and guidelines of the DepEd Order No. 8 series of 2007.

Sarangani says NO to junk foodby Christine May S. Dofiles, T-1 Kalonbarak Elementary School

HEALTHIER OPTIONS, PLEASE. Pupils of Banate Elementary School express their disapproval of junk food in their canteen.

>> WE’RE ONLINE!The DepEd Sarangani Bulletin has

found its home on the web!Visit www.depedsarangani.pw to

access all our issues in digital format.

Glorious Glan Athletic Delegation garnered the over-all championship in the recently concluded Sarangani Province Athletic Association Meet (SPAA) held in Glan Elementary School SPED Center Grounds on September 24-27, 2014. Kiamba Dragons placed first runner-up and Alabel Volts was second runner-up.

Seven municipalities competed in the different sport events: Athletics, Elementary and Secondary Basketball, Football/Futsal, Volleyball, Softball, Arnis, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Badminton, SepakTakraw, Swimming, Chess, Boxing, Tennis, Billiard, which were played in different playing venues within Glan Central District. Participating delegations included Maasims Energizers, MaitumBlackstones, Malapatan and Malungon.

Other contests activities undertaken

during the four-day meet were: Best in Athletic Uniform which was awarded to Glan Delegation, Best in Saludo which were given to Alabel Volts and Malungon which tied for first placer. Most Clean Kitchen and Quarter was awarded to MaitumBlackstones.

Dance competitions were included in the activity. Hip hop first placer was awarded to (GSAT) Glan School of Arts and Trades, “Kiriwkiw” folk dance for Elementary was won by Maitum Blackstones including Dance Sports secondary.

Glan bags SPAA 2014 championshipby Elizabeth G. Torres

GLORIOUS OPENING. Palarong Pambansa medalist Jason Dave Leyble of Glan School of Arts and Trades light the symbolic friendship urn. Photo by Tres Besana

Combating Bullying in Schools

ARTURO D. TINGSON, JR., Principal I

Point of View

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ELIZABETH G. TORRES, EPSEditor in Chief

LAFOREZA L. MAGUATE, EPSAssociate Editor

ContributorsARTURO D. TINGSON, ART EUGENE A. YGONIA,

CHRISTINE MAY S. DOFILESARIEL C. LALISAN

Layout ArtistISAGANI S. DELA CRUZ, CESO IV

Schools DIvision SuperintendentDIOSDADO E. ABLANIDO

Assit. Schools DIvision SuperintendentDONNA S. PANES

Chief, CIDSHIRLEY M. CARDINAL

Chief, SGOD

2 Sarangani Bulletin AUG-SEPT 2014OPINION

ISAGANI S. DELA CRUZSchool’s Division Superintendent

SDSReflection

Bullying is a big problem. This has been a perennial dilemma in most pupils and students in schools. Every day

thousands of children and teens wake up afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem that affects pupils and students, and it has everyone worried, not just the kids on its receiving end. Yet because parents, teachers, and other adults don’t always see it, they may not understand how extreme bullying can get.

Although we argue that bullying is a natural by-product of classroom social dynamics, we are not suggesting that it is acceptable or that it is inevitable. On the contrary, our work suggests that when teachers and parents are aware of school social dynamics, they can create classroom environments that reduce the development of the structures and processes that contribute to bullying.

On the other hand, the Division of Sarangani have seen the tragic consequences that bullying, if left unaddressed, can have on many of the school children. Consequently, the office of the Administrative Officer continues to address the root causes of bullying

by bringing schools and communities together to change school climate and proactively prevent bullying in the first place. That’s why over the past several years, the division has been trying to combat and address bullying in schools. As

a matter of fact, division and school-based training as well as orientation of parents have been conducted since the opening of classes last June to identify and respond to bullying in school while teachers were advised to discuss bullying in the classroom.

Regardless of the approach to prevention and enforcement, it remains extremely challenging to teachers, parents and the community in this side of the country to convince bullies that their actions are disadvantageous for themselves, besides being injurious to the targets of their abuse. All too often, bullies gain from their use of power over weaker classmates.

Notwithstanding, bullying awareness campaigns can be very effective at getting a message out there. Thus, schools have to create some much needed public pressure to get some action taken. Strong family-school partnerships translate into healthier school environments and better student outcomes. Families and schools know that bullying isn’t an isolated problem, and they’re eager to find ways to work with the school community and educators in combating bullying at any cost.

Children are Gods best gift to parents. No parent in any part of the world would want

anything bad to happen to them. In fact every parent wants the best for their children. With this in mind the Department of Education Sarangani Province aims to institutionalize the learner-centered environment in its quest to deliver quality education to Sarangan children. Isagani S. Dela Cruz, Schools Division Superintendent reiterated this in his address during the conduct of Children’s Forum on September 12, 2014 at Lun Padidu Central Elementary School, that every MANCOM an activity for children and youth leaders be conducted to gather feedback from learners with regard to current issues and trends in education . “Listening to children’s voices will increase their personal worth and develop their innate potential as leaders and too, enhance interaction among themselves. Let us not only hear them, let’s listen intently, so we can perceive what’s in their hearts and minds”. These were part of the talk he had with the children leaders, advisers

and administrators of Alabel, Malapatan and Glan Cluster. With the successful conduct of the said forum to MAKIMA cluster, the Superintendent with the rest of Sarangani administrators saw the bright future for child centered activity. According to Genevive Rama Division Research Officer with Juliet Lomocso Division Guidance Coordinator the activity boosted the students confidence to speak out and be heard, their rights and responsibilities were reviewed and the workshops fostered clearer understanding of Dep Ed Order No. 40, “Dep Ed Child Protection Policy”. A safe learning environment is a requisite to pursue it. This requires respect and protection of the rights of children, however, giving them the chance to be heard is more valuable and immediate. Do you agree?

Valuing Children’s Voices

With the celebration of World Teacher’s Day, it could not be denied

that the teacher is already an in-ternational figure. Putting the ed-ucator in the center of the world is no joke, knowing that if honor is bestowed, critics would also at-tempt if not try to besmerk the fig-ure. No matter what the teacher is an edifice or an institution with solid foun-dation, grounded on tenets of virtues and a paragon of disciplines.

The teacher who is known worldwide as the molder of the youth, nurtures the hopes of the future. He believes that in ed-ucating children he is writing their tomor-rows. Academics are given lots of consider-ation alongside with other intelligences, as in the holistic development of the person, the heart and mind must be attuned to the

changes of time and the environment. Thus a teacher never gets obsolete in strategies, he just fade away physically as time passes by.

In this world of uncertainties the teach-er figure remains a constant. It is a truism that he is the purveyor of truth and right, so goes a line in a song. He will never sit on a throne but his life is full. Not in how much he earns but on the life he lives and his con-tribution to the society he belongs.

Strong Pillar

3Sarangani BulletinAUG-SEPT 2014 FEATURES

Who could ever think that among the multitude of schools in the region our school, Malungon

Central Elementary School SPED Center, would become a recipient of two classroom facilities.Indeed, it was a dream come true not only for the school but most especially for the children themselves.

For some time in the past some of our kindergarten pupils spent their classes either in a bodega-turned classroom or dilapidated and not too conducive room where every pupil had to adapt to the crowdedness caused by lack of space or study amidst the dimness and poor ventilated atmosphere.

If some stories we read hadsad endings, ours did not have because from out of the blue, just like the fairy tales we have, came heroes who helped turned the situation around.

The AGAPP Foundation and Jesus Del Rosario Foundation, Inc, , composed of some generous and wanted-to-remain anonymous individuals, named our school as one of their recipients of Silid Pangarap.Not only classrooms were freely given but also countless and various learning and teaching materials were handed over for both kindergarten teachers and pupils.

Who on earth would invest so much to children and community whom a person do not personally know? In reality, familiarity and ties are the basis of human’s generosity. Most people hesitate to give something especially to strangers.

But it is not the case for the AGAPP and JDL Foundations. Indeed, their mind set shows a total shift in paradigm. Theirs is truly unconventional. Their foundations’ existence, principles, philosophy, vision and mission are crafted not only for the

organizations’ sole purpose but for their countrymen. Though some of their members come from the business sector sharing their blessings (especially in financing projects nationwide) has never been difficult to them even though they know that their won’t be any return of investments (that is, in financial sense). Every project implemented is no longer aimed at gaining profit, prestigenor fame. Instead, their hearts long to see another form of “return of investment” that would spur onand shoot up from the children’s lives who are touched through the Silid Paaralan program the foundations implemented.

Seeing a birth of hope and dream for a brighter and better tomorrow in every child is already a glimpse of what can kind of “return of investment” the benefactors like to see in the future. When the child whom they touched have reached and seized those dreams, heaven knows, the “ROI” is even far greater and of much value than any wealth the world could give.

Today, almost every human person in this world hopes for a better world but only few have the strength and courage to make a leap of faith. Thanks to the AGAPP and JDL Foundations whose generosity is not rooted on mere familiarity and ties but on their care for others and solidarity with others.

May there be more willing hearts to make a paradigm shift, make a leap of faith, extend and share blessings to more children especially in the far-flung areas, so that a better and sturdeir tomorrow will come to us all.

To AGAPP and JDL Foundations, Inc. our deepest and sincerest gratitude, prayer and thanks go to you. We salute you!!!

Hearts with New Paradigmby Art Eugene A. Ygonia, T-II Malungon Central Elementary School SPED Center

S P O T L I G H T

NGOs in Action

In this section, we shine the light on various non-government organizations that operate in Sarangani. Let us take

a look at how they carry out their projects and how hey engage the participation of other individuals, organizations, and the community in creating a positive change for the Sarangan children.

HABI is composed of passionate volunteers from different academic as well as cultural backgrounds who help Dr. Roel Cagape in his “missionary works” in remote areas of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, General Santos City and Sarangani Province (SOCSKSARGEN) in Mindanao, Philippines. Flagship Project:Construction of Bahay-Tuluyan (makeshift dormitories) for pupils in far-flung schools. They have started in Malkahi, Malapatan, Sarangani Province. A special feature of the project is the active involvement of the community in the realization of the project.Recent Activities:September 9-10, 2014 - Distribution of rice and other food items, and medical mission at Sitio Safya, Malapatan, Sarangani ProvinceSeptember 20-21, 2014 - Distribution of school bags, feeding, and facilitating child-friendly activities at Sitio Kapanal, Brgy. Gasi, Kiamba, Sarangani ProvinceWebsite:http://habivolunteers.weebly.com/

Hearts and Brains, Inc. (HABI) Youth Volunteers

by Ariel C. Lalisan, T-I Alabel National Science High School

4 Sarangani Bulletin AUG-SEPT 2014FEATURES

The World Teacher’s Day is one of the most awaited celebrations for the whole school year as we give thanks and gratitude to all the significant roles played by teachers around the world in the society. In support to this endeavor, the Department of Education-Division of Sarangani will celebrate this event on October 3, 2014 at Isla Jardin del Mar, Sarangani Province.

“Around the World in One World Teacher’s Day” is this year’s theme for the said celebration. The white beach and scenic panorama of Isla Jardin del Mar is very excited to welcome all Sarangan Teachers coming from the different Municipalities of Sarangani, to wit: Alabel, Kiamba, Glan Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan and Malungon.

The Division of Sarangani, spearheaded by the Schools Division Superintendent, Isagani dela Cruz and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Diosdado Ablanido, prepared exciting and fun-filled activities for all the Sarangan teachers to enjoy. These activities aim to foster camaraderie and strengthen unity among the Sarangan teachers. Laro ng Lahi which promotes Filipino games like that of Patintero, Tumba Lata, Shatong, Kadang Bagul, Luksong Tinik, Palo Sebo and Pukpok Palayok are some of the thrilling games in the morning. There will also be “Parlor Games with a Twist” and “Beach Ball Games with a Twist” in the afternoon.

One of the significant activities of this celebration is the “Bloodletting Activity” which will be simultaneously done with the activities for the World Teachers’ Day. The Division of Sarangani is expecting a minimum of 300 Blood Donors on that day. Sarangan Teachers are encouraged to support this volunteerism activity to promote apostleship and spirit of partnership.

The highlights of this whole day celebration are the Recognition of Teachers those from the far flung areas and the most awaited Search for Mr. and Ms. DepEd 2014. Awardees of the said recognition are the teachers who exemplify heroic deeds to bring quality education to all our Sarangan learners. Some of these teachers traverse numerous rivers and climb the rolling hills of Sarangani to render services and inspire our learners.

The showcase of true beauty and wit will be conducted on the evening as teachers witness the Search for Mr. & Miss DepEd 2014. This pageant will display exotic beauties, talents and natural wits reigning in the DepEd-Division of Sarangani. Winners of the said event will represent the Division of Sarangani during the Regional Search for Mr. and Ms. DepEd 2014 on October 4, 2014.

This year’s celebration of the Division World Teacher’s Day will truly provide a good break for all the Sarangan Teachers. It allows all teachers to pause from rigorous teaching activities and enjoy all the nerve-wracking, fun-filled and exciting activities prepared all just for Sarangan Teachers.

Why the 5th of October?In 1994, UNESCO proclaimed October

5 World Teachers’ Day, in celebration of the great step made for teachers in 1966 when a special intergovernmental conference convened by UNESCO in Paris in cooperation with the ILO adopted the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.Why a day for teachers?

World Teachers’ Day held annually on October 5 is a UNESCO initiative, a day devoted to appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world. The real point is to provide a time to look at and address issues pertaining to teachers. Strangely one of the most central, vital professionals to society does not receive the respect it deserves in some parts of the world.

WTD is a natural extension of UNESCO’s all year round work of promoting teachers, ensuring that this profession, so vital to the healthy functioning of society, is itself “healthy”. Teachers are a normative indicator of social health.

Why an international day? Doesn’t each country have very specific issues?

Teachers are producing global citizens, so they are global teachers, who need to situate their advances on a global level. WTD is an opportunity to rethink national issues facing teachers from an international perspective, to benchmark progress made by national teachers in a global context. UNESCO provides the best global context to address and exchange ideas across borders.

>>ABOUT THE WTDSarangani celebrates World Teachers’ Day

by Christine May S. Dofiles, T-1 Kalonbarak Elementary School

edTECHwww.worldteachersday.org

Because our students deserve world-class education

ARIEL C. LALISANLead, Google Educator Group Sarangani

www.ariellalisan.comTwitter: @ariellalisanariellalisan@gmail.com

Let’s Go Google!The youth of today’s generation

are digital natives. They learn how to access content from the internet even before they understand fractions. They can figure out how to operate a gadget faster than they could express ideas in English. It is inevitable that our students can be dependent on technology more than we could imagine.

Many teachers would condemn technology as a hindrance to students’ learning. Many parents think that technology merely distracts students from their lessons.

I just think it is not a good idea for someone who has not fully understood technology to simply dismiss it as a bane to education. What are those studies that

reveal how students learn better when aided with technology for? Don’t you think teachers are partly to blame when students get addicted to technologies that do not help them learn? Don’t you think it is our responsibility to guide them in using the technology to help them become more productive?

But how could we carry out that responsibility if we, ourselves, are not willing to embrace these technologies? I know there are teachers who are interested to learn but they just don’t know how, where to start, and whom they could ask help from.

I have good news for you: the Google Educator Group Sarangani is here to help!

The Google Educator Group is a community of teachers who share the same interest in using technology as a

tool for helping students learn better. The GEG organizes meetups and workshops where teachers learn from each other, share best practices, and inspire and empower one another.

Alabel National Science High School has gone Google by implementing the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) learning environment last August 15.

Malungon National High School and Tokawal National High School teachers have also started learning Google Tools for Education last September 12 and 19, respectively.

If you wish to be part of the GEG Sarangani Community, please feel free contact me through ariellalisan@gmail.com.

Together, let us make a difference for the global Sarangan children!