Students nervous, happy on school day opening

By Leo Udtohan

Maurine Castaño,  principal of Dr. Cecilio National High School in Tagbilaran City,  says the school has 7, 288 students and counting. The school has also to construct makeshift classrooms after the four-story building was damaged by typhoon Odette (Rai) last year. Photos: Leo Udtohan

Grade school pupils and high school students have attended their first day of classes last Monday with a mixture of anxiety and excitement.

Lady Jeen Canabes, a 13-year-old first year student of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) in Tagbilaran City, said she was both happy and nervous on attending her first day of class along with thousands of students.

"I was nervous and excited because it's my first day of face-to-face classes," said Lady Jeen who had to learn how to wake up early. 

Authorities directed school officials of DCPNHS to vacate the four-story building for safety reasons.  

Principal Maurine Castaño said the building with 20 classrooms was damaged by typhoon Odette (international name: "Rai") last Dec. 16, 2021.  The roofs blown off by the typhoon were still on the ground.  The school authorities cordoned the area for the safety of the teachers and students. 

"If we are going to base it on our enrolment,  we really have a shortage of classroom," said Castaño.  "However,  we have innovative ways of overcoming that challenge."

Castaño said they have to construct makeshift classrooms inside the school's gymnasium to accomodate students.

The school also implemented the class program that a whole day is alloted for transient sections to accomodate those with no classrooms during vacant days.  

Some teachers were already using lapel mic on Monday's opening of classes.

Grade 7 teacher Ma. Claire Fudalan is using lapel mic while teaching  at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol during last Monday’s opening of classes. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Ma. Claire Fudalan, Grade 7-Hope teacher, used lapel mic to her 31 students.

She said she has been using lapel mic inside the class for the past years.

"Using this lapel mic,  the students can hear (me) loudly,  clearly using my natural voice.  Of course,  it's a great help for my throat,"  Fudalan said.

Since she doesn’t need to raise her voice because of the noise and the clatter of students hustling through the hallway, the students are more focused and fewer teachers with strained voices.

Her colleagues are  also using the lapel mic clipped to their uniforms to preserve their voice and prevent fatigue.

DCPNHS has 7, 288 students as of Friday's enrolment compared to last year's 8,420.  Still the school has the biggest population of students in Bohol.

The school is using blended learning,  face to face and modular.  The online learning was totally wiped out due to unstable internet signal after Odette. 

The school has another campus in Barangay Cabawan to decongest population. 

* * * 

Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Col. Osmundo Salibo,  director of the Bohol Provincial Police Office, on the alleged kidnapping incidents in Ubay and Calape: "There are no parents who complained that their kids were kidnapped. Actually,  there was an information but there was no confirmation." 

Dr.  Jaime Bernadas, director of DOH-Central Visayas,  during the  turned-over of 27 ambulances to Bohol towns: "Our municipalities are the frontliners for preventive and community medicine." 

Gov.  Aris Aumentado on being endorsed as chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-Central Visayas: "I decided to accept the nomination because we can have harmonious working relationship with the other local chief executives of Bohol, Oriental Negros and Siquijor.  Thank you for your nomination."  

Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor for donating a rubber boat and safety gears to National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 7-Bohol Integrated Irrigation System: "NIA plays a vital role from planning, design, construction, operation, management, maintenance, and even the rehabilitation and repair of the irrigation systems.  Hence, it is only fitting to support and give importance to the equipment they need." 

* * *

This anecdote from Capitol employee Miralyn Lopez- Munil she culled from the Internet. " Something worth sharing," she shared.  

Steve Jobs dies a billionaire, with a fortune of $7 billion, at the age of 56 from pancreatic cancer, and here are some of his last words.

“In other eyes, my life is the essence of success, but aside from work, I have a little joy. And in the end, wealth is just a fact of life to which I am accustomed.”

“At this moment, lying on the bed, sick and remembering all my life, I realize that all my recognition and wealth that I have is meaningless in the face of imminent death. You can hire someone to drive a car for you, make money for you – but you can not rent someone to carry the disease for you. One can find material things, but there is one thing that can not be found when it is lost – “LIFE”.  

Treat yourself well, and cherish others. As we get older we are smarter, and we slowly realize that the watch is worth $30 or $300 – both of which show the same time. Whether we carry a purse worth $30 or $300 – the amount of money in the wallets are the same. Whether we drive a car worth $150,000, or a car worth $30,000 – the road and distance are the same, we reach the same destination. If we drink a bottle worth $300 or wine worth $10 – the “stroller” will be the same. If the house we live in is 300 square meters, or 3000 square meters – the loneliness is the same.”

“Your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world.  Whether you’re flying first class, or economy class – if the plane crashes, you crash with it.”

So, I hope you understand that when you have friends or someone to talk to – this is true happiness! 

Five Undeniable Facts 

1)Do not educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. – So when they grow up they will know the 

value of things, not the price.

2)Eat your food as medicine, otherwise you will need to eat your medicine as food.

3)Whoever loves you will never leave you, even if he has 100 reasons to give up. He will always find one reason to hold on.

4)There is a big difference between being human and human being.

5)If you want to go fast – go alone! But if you want to go far – go together.

And in conclusion...  

The six best doctors in the world:  Sunlight. Rest. Exercise. Diet. Self-confidence.  Friends 

Keep them in all stages of life and enjoy a healthy life. 

Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down.

Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat yourself well. Cherish others. 

“Love the people God sent you, one day He’ll need them back.”

***

 

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Milan and a few of her favorite things

Having seen her as a tot in the loving arms of her mom, Flor, I have to rub my eyes twice to make sure that the dainty young lady, still 15 years old, before me is, indeed, Milan Angelie Lawangon, who just recently joined the Runway search. How she has grown!

Budding model Milan Angelie Lawangon
on sunflowers: "Sunflowers really make me feel bright and cheerful.'  Photo Angel Baldapan 

Milan Angelie Lawangon, a Grade 10 student at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS), started her modeling and pageantry passion when she was chosen to represent their year level during the 2018 Miss English Personality. A newbie, she won two minor awards-Miss Photogenic and Best in Talent.

After the show, talent scout and trainer Khim of The Art Noveau convinced her to join her team. But like other students, she was so busy  that she was unable to continue the trainings and workshops.

Last summer 2019, she decided to enroll  at FILCAN's modeling workshop held at the Island City Mall (ICM) Activity Center that helped her confidence on stage.  Even now and then,  she joined auditions on modeling industry and  she was chosen as one of the The Philippine Runway (TPR) models – Bohol edition. 

Last September 29, TPR's Catwalk for Hope, under the umbrella of Humanista International Charities Inc. Project, held a charity fashion show at Metro Center Ballroom. Milan won the Best Female Runway Crystal Coctail Concept Award.

Before that event,  at school she also represented their year level during the Science Competition of Futuristic Concept design. She won the major award as Best in Futuristic Outfit and Trashion Model 2019.

Get to know a little more about Milan as she "plays favorites."

• ACTOR (local): Daniel Padilla. ("Overload with cuteness. I like their team-up with Kathryn because he is loyal.")

• ACTRESS (local): Kathryn Bernardo. ("She is simple but elegant.")

• MOVIE:  Cinderella.  ("It is not impossible to marry a prince.")

• TV SHOWS (foreign): ELLEN

• TV SHOW (local): GGV

• SONG: MEMORIES by Maroon 5

• SINGER (foreign):  Billie Eilish

• SINGER (local): December Avenue

• CRUSH: He's Cole Sprouse! ("I like his personality, his characteristics, the black hair for sure, and just him as a person overall lead to me thinking about how cute he is.")

• HIDEAWAY:  Friend’s cribs or houses.

• HOBBIES: Rampa rampa!

• TIME OF DAY:  6 in the morning! ("It means a new beginning and a new opportunity.")

• DAY OF THE WEEK: Sunday.("It's restday and family day.")

• FOOD (Filipino): Adobo

• DRINK(s): Milk Tea

• FRUIT: Mango

• FLOWER: Sunflower. ("Sunflowers really make me feel bright and cheerful.")

• COLOR: White

• HANGOUT: Mall

• SUBJECTS (in school):  English

• PART OF HER FACE: Eyes

• PART OF A BOY’S BODY: Chest

• EXPRESSION: SANA ALL.

The sea of yellow sunflowers at RJ's Javier Tropical Farm
 in Barangay Cagawasan in Pilar town.

* * *

Boholanos remember 2013 quake with 6.3 tremor in Mindanao

Flashes of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake came into the mind of Boholanos when a tremor shook parts of Mindanao on Wednesday night, Oct. 16.

They were anxious when they learned

that a 6.3 magnitude shook a large swath of Mindanao since most of their families and relatives live or work in Mindanao. 

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting, a Grade 7 teacher at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in Tagbilaran City, was worried. Her uncle Capt. Abito Espejo and his family live in Bansalan town in Davao Del Sur, while her aunt Tita Baloco Suib in General Santos City.

She felt relief to find out nothing bad happened to them during the quake.

The tremor in Mindanao happened a day after Boholanos remembered the 6th anniversary of the powerful quake that hit the province in 2013.

Prince Salamat, 42, of Baclayon town, was at Carmen Public Market in Davao Del Norte  to buy durian after his whole day field work on Socksargen and Region XI.

He said it was raining with thunder and lightning at the time when the ground shook.

"I saw people coming out from the stores screaming and children were crying. I was frozen from where I stood. The Bachelor bus going to Tagum was moving to the left and right because of the strong earthquake. Motorcycles fell," narrated Salamat who works as a human resource officer in Mindanao.

Flashes of Bohol earthquake came into his mind.  He was in Bohol when the quake shook Bohol on October 15, 2013.

"I remembered the very strong earthquakes and aftershocks in Bohol. I was thinking of my family back home in Baclayon. These made broke more into tears,"  said Salamat.

At least five persons were reported to have died. 

It prompted several local authorities to suspend classes for Thursday.

As of posting, 246 aftershocks have been recorded in several parts of Mindanao, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

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Teachers use lapel mic to beat noise

Classrooms shortage at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS), the province’s largest and biggest integrated high school, has been addressed, according to a school official.

As of Friday, they have at least 6,270 enrolees--and still counting.  

                                            

“Our shortage of classroom has somehow been addressed for the time being,” according to assistant school principal II Melchor Daniel, Jr on Monday’s opening of classes. “We have enough for the meantime.”

Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School
in Tagbilaran City, Bohol has a
population of 6,270 students—and still counting.
Photos by Helen Castaño  

The two storey-buildings - with 32 classrooms-were just recently completed were occupied on Monday even though it lacked with sprinkler and electricity.

Daniel said because of the additional classrooms the school can decongest the classes because they have more than 50 students per class.

“Because of this development, we are trying to achieve the ideal number which is 45 students per class,” he said.

Unlike last year that students were greeted from an on-going construction of adjacent two classroom buildings, somehow they felt comfortable.

The shortage of classrooms last year forced them to use makeshift classrooms and the gymnasium.

“ So, there will be no more makeshifts and classes in the gym,”  he said.                  

Although there were two Grade 7 classes were held at the gymnasium on Monday, but it was temporary since the classrooms are still being done especially the flooring.

“Probably within the week and the work will be over so that they can transfer to their classrooms,” he said.

Daniel said they have had to adopt the double shifting scheme to accommodate all enrollees. The first shift is from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, and the second shift is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

He added that they would only prioritize old students and Tagbilaran residents.

“We are still currently accepting enrolments of our old students; transferees will have to wait and if ever they will be given slots, chances are very slim. It’s not promising for them to be able to study here because we have to accommodate our old students first,” said Daniel.

Daniel said it was impractical for the school to accept students from neighboring towns of Dauis and Cortes since there are high schools in these towns.

Grade 7 teacher Irish Baleling of Dr. Cecilio Putong
National High School is addressing her students
through a wireless microphone (lapel mic). She said
 the lapel mic helps to preserve her voice
 and prevent fatigue. Photo by Helen Castaño  

“We simply can’t accommodate the entire population of Bohol in our school because we have to admit a great number of our students would like to study in Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, and we simply we can’t accommodate all of them. It’s unfortunate but we have to be practical about things.  We can’t sacrifice quality over quantity,” Daniel quipped.

***

Not only pop icon Britney Spears and Madonna find lapel microphones or hands-free microphone useful.

At DCPNHS, some teachers have a rock-star look, wearing headsets in their classrooms to boost their voice over background noises and help prevent their voice strain.

 Grade 7-Compassion teacher Irish Baleling doesn’t need to raise her voice.

Her voice rises above distractions, such as noise and the clatter of students hustling through the hallway.

Even when she stands with her back to write on the chalkboard, the students can still hear her. But that's not because she's shouting.

Baleling, 31, is addressing her 43 students through a wireless microphone (lapel mic) clipped to her uniform.

She and other teachers at DCPNHS opted to use lapel mic during classes to preserve their voice and prevent fatigue.

There are at least 259 teachers at DCPNHS.

“As a teacher in this number of students, lapel mic is very much important because if we will not use lapel mic our voice will only last for an hour,” said Baleling who has been using the lapel mic for the past three years.

On Monday, Baleling distributed student handbook to her students. She also handled the one day orientation- about the school’s rules and regulations.

She also told them to spread kindness.

“We’d all like the world to be a better place. It doesn’t take much to turn someone’s day around. A smile, a compliment, a small gesture will do,” she said.

According to her, using lapel mic has proven practical and effective since it enabled her to overcome usual classroom noises and distractions.

“It relaxes me,” said Baleling, a teacher of 10 years.

Using lapel mic to amplify their voices in classrooms has proven practical and effective since it enabled them to overcome usual classroom noises and distractions. The results – the students are more focused and fewer teachers with strained voices.

Student Leah Mae Lozano, 11, said she could hear her teacher clearly.

“Makadungog ko klaro sa gisulti ni Maam tungod sa iyang mic (I can hear our teacher clearly because of her mic)” she said.

Daniel said he has seen similar benefits.  But he said not all teachers are comfortable using the microphones. He said he leaves it up to the teachers.

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome atleoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

67-year –old Grade 10 stude wants to finish K-12

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Reigh Monreal, this info he posted on Facebook: Congratulations to Boholano Scientist Caesar Saloma from Baclayon for having been ranked 8th by Google Scholar as among the top Filipino scientists in the country in terms of H-index, a measure of scientific productivity and citation impact based on their bodies of work as scientists. Dr. Saloma is a professor of the National Institute of Physics (NIP) at the University of the Philippines College of Science and a member of the National Academy of Science and Technology. He previously served as Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Diliman. He is included in the Marquis Who's Who in Science and Engineering 2011-2012 and in the Ultimate List of 15 Asian Scientists To Watch that was published by Asian Scientist Magazine in May 2011. Also an achiever, Saloma’s younger sister, Dr. Czarina Aya-ay S. Akpedonu, was also named Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology. She earned her Master of Arts in Population Science from Peking University and doctorate degree from the Universitaet Bielefeld in Germany, magna cum laude. She co-authored “Casa Boholana: Vintage Houses of Bohol” (Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2011) with her husband Erik Akpedonu. She is concurrently the Director of the Institute of Philippine Culture of the Ateneo de Manila University and Vice President of the Research Committee on Science and Technology of the International Sociological Association.

 

JR at Mag-aso Falls Courtesy: Jojo Baritua

Scene: Spotted in Bohol last week was soul singer Jay R. He was here for a photoshoot for 2GO travel magazine. Jay R went to Ma-aso Falls in Antequera town and in Santa Monica Church in Albur. Also spotted in Bohol was Drew Arellano who was here for the nth time to shoot a segment at the Cuisina ni Tisay for his Biyahe ni Drew. Cuisina ni Tisay offers authentic Boholano cuisine.

 

Scene: Remember this popular line, “And mundo ay isang malaking Quiapo. Maraming snatcher. Maagawan ka.”? Our socialite VRS (I miss you!-LPU) who works at the Bohol’s center of power and might shares this latest explosive news that the “other woman” finally broke-up with this man (who loves to click the camera) she loves so much. “She cries a river, guwapo baya ang bayu,” says VRS.  The “other woman” wanted to make their relationship open. Quoted, “You can call me whatever you want, snake, bitch or other woman, but I promise you, I will never be a pathetic and boring housewife.” Well, the “real woman” was happy to learn about the separation. She was quoted, "Kung ahas siya mas ahas ako! Tahimik pero kapag kinanti – nanunuklaw!" No, not the quote from Amor Powers: “Lahat ng hirap at sakit, ibabalik ko sa inyo Matitikman nyo ang batas ng isang api!”

 

***

By the time Virgilio Ganade Penticase finishes school, he'll be in his 70s.

 

As a grade 10 student at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS)  in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Penticase listens to lectures from younger teachers and sits with classmates who are old enough to be his kids.

 

"Walay problema nako na kay gusto ko makakat-on, " says the 67-year-old tuba gatherer (manananggot) and farmer.

 

While classes opened on Monday, Penticase wearing the school’s prescribed uniform diligently attended his classes. He is officially enrolled as Grade 10 section Young. He attends classes in the afternoon since the school has two shifts (grades 7 and 8 in the morning and grades 9 and 10 in the afternoon).

 

Tessie L. Sumampong with Drew Arellano at Cuisina ni Tisay.

He says he was excited to see new classmates and teachers.

 

Farmer

Born on June 26, 1948 to Antonio and Eusobia (both deceased) in barangay Catarman, in Dauis town, Penticase has one sibling, Leonardo, who is 65 years old.  

 

Penticase, who finished elementary in Catarman Elem School, didn’t pursue high school.  He says he was born after World War II that not everyone was interested in his community to get an education.  At eight, he joined his neighbors sailing to the sea to catch fish. He also helped his parents planting veggies and plants.

 

Penticase explains why he wanted to return to school.

 

“Daghan na panahuna nga sige ko ilarun kay dili man ko kamao mokwenta, lisud jud kung wala kay grado kay ilarun man ka,” he says.

 

It was his brother Leonardo, who lives with him, persuaded him to go to school.

 

“Siya ingon nako nga moeskwela ko dapat pero siya dili moeskwela kay mauwaw,” says Penticase.

 

Penticase is still single like his brother. He shared he had a girlfriend when he was young but he remained untied.”

 

“Mao tingali ni akong kinabuhi, walay swerte kay wala maminyo,” he says.

 

Lolo/Tatay

On June 4, 2012, with only P20 pesos, he went to DCPNHS to enrol. He brought with him his old birth certificate and a certification of good moral character from his barangay captain.

 

At first the school principal III then Mrs. Concepcion Bagotchay turned him away but soon understood how committed he was to learning.

 

“I was hesitant to accept him because I didn’t know his purpose. He’s already a senior citizen then mga bata iyang mga kauban tingali tudluan niya og binuang,” Bagotchay says.

 

Virgilio Penticase, 67, a Grade 10 student of
 Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, believes  that
completing his education is his only way
 to learn. 

Penticase was accepted after his pleading that he just wanted to finish school.

 

“I told him to enrol in other school in his hometown but he was persistent to study in Putong,” adds Bagotchay.

 

Penticase’s teachers confirm his diligence in attending schools since the town of Dauis is a 20-30 minute ride by a jeep going to Tagbilaran.

 

Penticase shares he has not experienced being bullied in school.

 

‘Wala ko kasuway i-bully sa mga bata. Tahud na sila tanan nako, mag-Tatay, mag-lolo. Gitun-an- tingali na sila sa ilang mga ginikanan ug sa mga maestra,” he says.

 

According to Penticase, Filipino and Araling Panlipunan are his favorite subjects. English, Math and Science are his least favorites.

 

But he has proved his worth as a good student. He finished Grades 7, 8 and 9  with passing grades.

 

 

Carpentry

As a student, Penticase gets “student’s discount” from tricycles and PUJs.

 

“8 pesos ra akong bayad instead nga P10 kay naay discount basta student,” says Penticase.

 

He shares he has no senior citizen ID since he didn’t apply for a membership in his locality.  He has no SSS as well.

 

On Saturdays, Penticase stays at home. He gathers native coconut wine.

 

“Mananggot ko ana kay himuon nako og suka kay mao akong ibaligya. Kung tig-uwan mag-uma nasab ko ana mananum og mais ug unsa nga lagutmon,” shares Penticase.

 

He says he goes to church on Sundays.

 

Penticase has to stay in school for another two more years because of the Department of Education’s 12- K Program. But he says he is willing to wait to complete his studies.

 

“Paningkamutan nako mahuman ang k-12 basta tagaan sa Ginoo og maayong lawas.Pero nay diperensya sa lawas dii jud na madayun dili maabot mounding nalang ko. Ako kayanun nga mahuman nako ang k-12,” says Penticase.

 

He shares he wants to major in carpentry in Grade 11.

 

“Ganahan lang ko magpanday, mao nga kana akong gusto i-major puhon,” he says.

 

Virgilia Omictin, Ll.B. is the new principal
of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School
with 4,000 students.

Because of his age, Penticase has experienced numbness in his right leg. He has also poor eyesight. Last year, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of DCPNHS president Dr.  Angelo Plaza gave him a pair of eyeglasses so that he could see and read clearly.

 

“Nakit-an nako siya naglisud og basa. Giduol nako siya kung unsay problema. Naglisud diay basa mao gitagaan nako siya og eyeglasses para magamit niya sa iyang pag-eskwela,” says Dr. Plaza.

 

Jun Gutierrez says the PTA shoulders Penticase’s school supplies.

 

“He will inspire children to get an education, nga ang kawad-un ug edad dili mahimong babag sa atong pangandoy,”  says Gutierrez.

 

Asked if he has dreams to achieve, Penticase answers, “Dili nako mangandoy nga mahuman  ko og college tungod sa akong edad. Ang Ginoo ray masayud.”

 

For Penticase, it’s never too late to learn.

READ HERE FOR THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER NEWS ON VIRGILIO PENTICASE.

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook