VP Robredo takes daughters on a bonding trip to Bohol; Bohol teachers use gadget to 'preserve voice'

•VP Robredo takes daughters on a bonding trip to Bohol

• Bohol teachers use gadget to 'preserve voice'

Cristopher Boncales felt nervous when he was tasked to give tour to the country’s second highest official who visited Bohol last Wednesday.

“I was speechless because I was nervous,” he told VRS.  He admitted that he was at a loss for words when he came face-to-face with Vice President elect Leni Robredo. He was relieved when the soft-spoken Robredo was smiling to him asking him simple inquiries on the places they went on Bohol.

Boncales, 40, a tour guide of 22 years, has been guiding VIPs, ambassadors and other high ranking officials to Bohol. He said it was a privilege guiding the Robredo and her family of their Bohol countryside tour.

Vice President elect Leni Robredo listens

 to tour guide Cristopher Boncalez (blue shirt) 

during their Loboc river cruise last Wednesday. 

Courtesy: Liza Macalandag

“She was very much interested on Bohol. She was interested about the Chocolate Hills, tarsier and Loboc River River,” said Boncales.

With only two weeks before she assumes office as the land's second highest official, Robredo and her three daughters- Aika, Trisha at Jillian- were visiting Bohol last Monday. 

Robredo took a break from work for some quality time with her daughters. She said her vacation was a family bonding because she missed taking care of her daughters during her poll campaign in the last 10 months.

“Ito kasi bakayon sa mga bata. Iniwasan ko talaga magtrabaho kasi halos na-neglect ko sila halos ng 10 months.  Eh, ngayon ito talaga para sa kanila,” Robredo told VRS in an interview in Loboc town.

Although Robredo was visiting Bohol thrice, it was this vacation she was able to explore the province’s tourist attractions.

“Masaya ako..ilang beses na din  akong nakapunta pero ngayon lang yata ako makakaikot.  Lahat na punta ko lahat trabaho. Ngayon lang talaga kasama ang mga anak ko ko na bibisita sa mga must- see na mga sights dito sa Bohol,” she said.

The family went to Oslob, Cebu for whale shark watching last Tuesday morning.  After Oslob, they went to Balicasag Island off Panglao town for snorkelling. Balicasag Island is a known world-class diving site.

Last Wednesday, they visited the Chocolate Hills in Carmen town. They also visited the man-made Loboc  and posed with the tarsier considered the smallest primate in the world. At 11 a.m., they had lunch at Loboc River together with Loboc Mayor Helen Calipusan-Alaba, provincial administrator Alfonso Ae Damalerio, Benjie Oliva and tour operator Lourdes Sultan.

During a stopover at the end of Loboc River for a cruise, the Robredo family joined with a local dance group which entertains the “cruisers.”

Robredo said she was not able to thank some Boholanos who voted for her last May 9 elections. She garnered 272, 649 votes in Bohol.

“Hindi pa lahat. Babalik ako,” she said.

With only two weeks before she assumes office as the land's second highest official, Vice President elect Leni Robredo has taken her daughters - Aika, Trisha at Jillian- on a special trip, spending quality time with the girls in Bohol province. With the Robredo family are Loboc Mayor Helen Calipusan and Travel Village owner Lourdes Sultan. Courtesy: Liza Macalandag

For  Damalerio,  the visit of  Robredo can help boost the tourism of  Bohol.  He said Robredo has recognized Bohol’s huge potentials in making a substantial contribution to national economic growth.

“Well, she assured she will promote Bohol,” said Damalerio who accompanied Robredo in her countryside tour.

“It was her first time to see Bohol, almost all the tourist attractions in Bohol. When she was here it was purely campaign. Now, she saw the wealth and wonder of Bohol,” added Damalerio.

The annual tourist arrival in Bohol is pegged at 500,000, a report from the Bohol Tourism Office. But the figure is expected to increase to 1.7 million per year once construction of the new P7.14-billion Bohol airport on Panglao Island is completed.

Robredo was mobbed by supporters during her stopovers. She gamely mingled with supporters and fans and participated in some photo opportunities.

Robredo said she has yet to talk with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte regarding her possible appointment to the incoming Cabinet.

Duterte and Robredo will hold separate inauguration ceremonies on June 30.

Robredo would be in Cebu City on June 28 to administer the oath of Cebu  City Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña, a good friend of her husband, the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo who died of plane crash in Masbate in August 2012.

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Teachers use gadget to 'preserve voice'

As classes opened on Monday, Rochelle Marie Bolotaolo’s voice rises above the usual classroom noises and distractions, such as the clatter of students hustling through the hallway, and a noise from an on-going construction of classroom buildings. The students can still hear her clearer. But that's not because she's shouting rather, Bolotaolo is addressing her students through a wireless microphone clipped to her uniform. 

Bolotaolo, 33, who has been teaching at the already congested Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) for five years, uses a portable sound system (lavalier or lapel microphone), a wireless, hands-free microphone to be heard by her students.

Grade 7 teacher Rochelle Marie Bolotaolo of Dr. Cecilio Putong 

National High School  in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, is using a portable 

sound system to be heard by her oversized class.

Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

“There is buzzing noise outside so I need to use a lapel,” said Bolotaolo.

She said she has been using the portable sound system for four years. She said she found it practical and effective.

"It is very effective. Aside from the microphone there is a USB I can use for my lesson,” she said.

Without the gadget, Bolotaolo said it would be next to impossible for her students to hear her as the noise of ongoing construction of more classrooms in DCPNHS drowns out class lessons.

And with 50 students, Bolotaolo can’t expect to be heard clearly by everyone in her class.

Bolotaolo’s class can be considered oversized as the ideal class size is only 45 students for high school and 35 for elementary school.

She said she had experienced fatigue before because she had to strain her voice.  

It’s the effect of lack of classrooms and more students as a result of the K-12 program that adds more years to basic elementary and high school education to meet international standards.

Another Grade 7 teacher, Jeanette Yenogacio, said she used the sound system to prevent too much strain on her vocal chords.

Virgilia Omictin, principal of Dr. Cecilio Putong 

National High School, says the gadget  

can prevent teacher’s fatigue since it can decrease teachers' 

voice strain, increase students' attention and aid in 

classroom participation as the country is

 implementing the K-12 program. Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

“I should preserve my voice because I still have six sections to handle,” Yenogacio said. The gadget, she said, helps her students,” even those seated at the back,” to hear her.

Boloatolo and Yenogacio bought the gadgets using their own money. They, however, don’t mind dipping into their own pockets because they know it would be for the benefit of their students.

“I believe better sound will translate into better learning. I noticed the students can absorb the lessons well,” said Yenogacio.  

Yenogacio noticed that her students were attentive and focus on the class.

“My students can hear me clearer and better,” she said.

Yenogacio, who was one of the teachers who used the portable sound system, recalled that she lost her voice a couple of times and suffered several sore throats when she was not using the gadget while teaching.

She said before none of the teachers wanted to wear the gadget. At least seven out of 150 teachers at DCPNHS are using lapel mic.

 “At first, none of us really wanted to wear mic lapel but years after we get used to it,” she said.

While education officials had said everything is set for the start of the school year and senior high school, perennial problems remain.

Class sizes had to be expanded and schools use one room for two or more classes, held by shifts, to cope with lack of classrooms.

Virgilia Omictin, DCPNHS principal, said she is encouraging teachers to use portable sound system since it is helpful.

“It can prevent teacher’s fatigue,” she said.

She also said by using the gadget, it can decrease teachers' voice strain, increase students' attention and aid in classroom participation.

"I think it has had an impact in the classroom teaching," Omictin said.

DCPNHS, which has at least 5,000 students this school year, hold classes from 6 a.m. to noon and from noon to 6 p.m. to accommodate two classes per room.

Omictin anticipated the school population to increase by 4 or 5 percent.

Grade 11, or senior high school, classes are to be held in morning and afternoon shifts.

In August, Omictin said two buildings with 16 classrooms would be finished and these could ease the shortage of rooms.

“But we are K-12 ready,” quipped Omictin.

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan 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!”

 

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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