Online schooling has a tech issue

Last month, some schools across the country have had to quickly shift to remote learning as they adapt to social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

In Bohol,  six-year-old Arvin Jay Curangcurang climbs on a makeshift tree house on  top of a hill in Barangay Cabatang in Alicia town to attend online classes. 

Arvin is a Grade 2 pupil of Advance Christian Academy-Banawa Inc.

When I visited Arvin, I'd learned that before classes opened last August 18, his grandfather, Martin, built a “tree house” on Gmelina tree located on top of a hill because it is the only place in the area where cellular phone signal is strong.

The tree house is actually made up of wooden floor with no walls and tarpaulin as roof. It has a small table and small chair. 

His android phone is on a small table, leaning on the tree trunk, to keep it steady while Alvin listens to the teacher.

Arvin's aunt, Giecel Marie Curangcurang, said Barangay Cabatang is a dead spot along with the other neighboring barangays. 

"We really have no signal at all," she said. 

The tree house was inspected by Pastor Eleazar Banawa, the school administrator, to ensure Arvin's safety.

He said he told the family not to bring the boy to the treehouse if the weather was bad since the area was landslide prone and exposed to lightning and snakes. 

Banawa assured that the school would provide a module as well as  video and audio recordings if Arvin failed to attend the online class.

In order to access stable internet connection, 6-year-old Arvin Jay Curangcurang in Alicia town, Bohol has to go to a small tree house to attend his online classes. Photo: Leo Udtohan

But the main problem remained connectivity.

Even if Arvin was already in the area where cellular phone signal was supposedly strong, it was not consistent. The classes have been bogged down by interconnectivity issues.

Many students from low-income families like Arvin’s lack the basic technology they need to study online, including access to a laptop and a reliable broadband connection. 

Broadband access has been a problem long before the pandemic, with limited competition, high prices, slow speeds, and a simple lack of coverage affecting communities nationwide. 

The  Department of Education (DepEd) -Division of Bohol is also  struggling to keep education accessible to all in this pandemic. 

In its August 26 report to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, DepEd-Bohol said 61% of schools in Bohol have no internet connectivity in schools, while 39% have limited internet access (insufficient bandwidth given by providers). 

My friends-- Butch Bernas, Ph. D and Edison Gumapac of Manga High School in Tagbilaran City said they and other educators are scrambling to teach themselves software like Google Meet, Google Classroom, Zoom, Facebook Chat to create interactive content to help students at home stay engaged. 

To address the problem on lack of internet connectivity, DepEd was eyeing radio stations and local cable providers to air its learning programs to be able to reach more students.

But in the province's biggest public school in terms of population, their blended learning of choice is the delivery of printed copies to their 6,339 students.

But the parents don't have to pay for these modules, said Maurine Castaño, principal of  Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) in Tagbilaran. 

“They will get the printed copies here and return these after use,” she said.

Pastor Eleazar Banawa, the school administrator, checks the place to ensure Arvin's safety. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Castaño explained that they could not go into online classes because most of their students come from low-income families.

She expects some adjustments since even teachers are learning from this new normal.

Arvin's touching story get inside our hearts that some have helped him in some ways. 

Thank you Ms Eden Descallar-Ceballos of Globe Telecom-Tagbilaran for the Globe At Home Prepaid Wifi for Avin! 

And thank you Ms Marissa Flores, senior vice president of GMA News for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8 for Arvin! 

Indeed, if there's a will, there's way. 

* * *

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

44 former rebels receive livelihood kits from DTI-Bohol

A total of 44 former rebels in Bohol who voluntarily surrendered to authorities received livelihood starter kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday. Photo courtesy: DTI-Bohol

While other areas in the country are hell-bent on fighting the long-standing insurgency problem, the province of Bohol, with an open heart, is embracing and helping those who returned to the folds of law.

Some 44 former rebels became recipients of the Livelihood Seeding Program (LSP) under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pag Bangon at Ginhawa (PBG) Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the turnover ceremony on Friday at the Bohol provincial Capitol. 

The   PBG   program   is   a   DTI   initiative   aiming   to   uplift   and   provide   livelihood   assistance   topotential and existing entrepreneurs, especially micro enterprises, in areas hit by both naturaland man-made disasters, including those affected by local armed conflicts. 

Each livelihood package  granted to  each  of the  beneficiaries are  in the form of informationmaterials,   entrepreneurship   training,   business   counseling,   and   actual   goods   amounting   to P10,000 supporting the establishment or re-establishment of their business activities.

Arist and environmentalist Pedro Angco shows his work  using old slippers and other discarded materials he collected from the sea. Photo courtesy: Kien Alphe Garsuta

The beneficiaries who came from 17 towns in Bohol is the second batch of PBG beneficiaries in the province who were former rebels, as 24 individuals were also given such assistance by DTI-Bohol last May 2020. 

Types of projects selected are sari-sari store package, rice and agrivetsupplies retailing, hog, cattle, and goat raising, eggs trading, bahalina production, bread andpastry making, and farming.

Personally conveying their support and encouragement to the beneficiaries were DTI Assistant Secretary Asteria C. Caberte, DTI-Bohol Provincial Director Marisol L. Balistoy, Governor ArthurC. Yap, Vice-Governor Rene L. Relampagos, 1st  District Congressman Edgar M. Chatto, 2nd District Congressman Aris C. Aumentado representative Nelson Pon, and Major Mozart Jaque,Executive Officer of the Philippine Army (PA) 47th Infantry Battalion stationed in Carmen, Bohol.

***

This interesting information from the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol: 

DID YOU KNOW?

Bohol nests the most precious Dinosaur Egg the country ever has, in the form of "Asin Tibuok". 

This art of salt making in Bohol dates back to the pre-colonial period wherein our ancestors trade salt for rice and vice-versa.

Now, only two families in Alburquerque produces this rare artisanal sea salt.

Dinosaur's Egg? Now, only two families in Alburquerque produces this rare artisanal sea salt. Photo: Asin Tibook Facebook

Nestorio Manongas and his family have their production area in Eastern Poblacion and Mario Baluarte and family in the village of Sta. Filomena.

It takes a lot of passion and love for their work to create this masterpiece since it is a very labor-intensive activity in which the entire process may take three to four months from soaking the coconuts into the sea to burning these using local hardwoods and then slowly roasting the clay pots containing the salt. It boasts of its rare flavor: smoky, sweet salt which comes from different ingredients used to make the "Asin tibuok".

It may be a dying industry but unless it's completely gone, this art can still be preserved and passed on to the next generation of Alburanons.

Another interesting person is Pedro Angco Jr., an artist from Baclayon town, who creates artworks using old slippers, discarded wires, and plastics that washed up on the shore of Barangay Laya. 

Angco and his works became viral in the social media when a youth leader Kien Alphe Garsuta and his fellow youth leaders discovered him at his humble hut. 

Angco won the second prize in the sculpture category at the GSIS Art Competition in 2017. 

Interesting! Interesting! 

* * *

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

47th IB convenes partners to end local communist armed conflict

A souvenir group photo during the camp tour of the uniformed personnel and the Audio-Bohol members with the two (2) military tanks, part of the assets of the PA 47th IB.

The weather was fair last Friday, August 28, when my media colleagues - DYMR Radyo Pilipinas Cebu’s Jessa Agua-Ylanan and Helen Castaño, traveled to the town of Carmen, together with the Association of United Development Information Officers (Audio)-Bohol members composed of information officers from the local government units and national line agencies, for the briefing on “Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict” (ELCAC) slated to be held at the Camp Rajah Sikatuna in Barangay Katipunan.

Arriving at the venue, the program kicked off with the preliminaries. City Government of Tagbilaran’s Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin, Audio-Bohol president, welcomed the attendees and expressed profound gratitude to the Philippine Army 47th Infantry Battalion headed by LTC Allan J. Tabudlo, Battalion Commander, as well as the partner agencies, for sponsoring the activity as an awareness campaign on  poverty, social injustice, and other problems that trigger insurgency and the need for dynamic partnerships, unified move, collective effort, and application of good governance as a tool for local government units (LGU), pursuant to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Executive Order 70  institutionalizing the whole-of-the-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, especially in the midst of the CoViD-19 pandemic.

The Philippine Army 47th Infantry Battalion officers, Audio-Bohol members, and resource speakers observe physical distancing during the activity. With DYMR Radyo Pilipinas Cebu’s Jessa Agua-Ylanan,  Bohol Island News’ Helen Castaño, 47th IB Civil Military Operations Officer 1LIT Elma Grace Remonde and Audio president Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao – Gabin of the City Government of Tagbilaran.

1LT Elma Grace B. Remonde, PA 4th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer, discussed on the Civil Military Operations, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and the CMO  Accomplishments. Their CMO operations is anchored on the following pillars: psychological operations and information support affairs that weakens will of enemy and supporters and changes behaviors in favor of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); civil affairs that legitimizes AFP presence and activities and mitigates impact of operations; and public affairs that ensures the public is well informed and actively builds the reputation of the AFP.

 It may be recalled that the mission of the Philippine Army is to “organize, train, equip, deploy and sustain ground forces in the conduct of support to operations to “win the peace” in order to help the Filipino nation create an environment conducive for sustainable development and just and lasting peace”.

Giving a clear picture through personal testimonies of their actual experiences as insurgents returning to the fold were Don A. Dane, secretary of the People’s Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment, Inc. and “Ka Mariel”, who are now actively supporting government initiatives to combat insurgency.  

Audio-Bohol members pose with the "kumpit" boat - a "souvenir" of the April 2017 Abu Sayyaf clash with government forces in Inabanga, Bohol that is now in the custody of the PA 47th IB.

Other resource speakers were Rachel S. Torremocha, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bohol’s Local Government Operations Officer II and Peace and Order Concerns Focal Person (role of DILG in the ELCAC); Bohol Provincial Police Office’s (BPPO) and Baclayon Police Station’s PMaj Jacinto Mandal (ELCAC Efforts of the Philippine National Police); and Governor’s Office Program Officer Renato Espinosa, Jr. (Provincial Government of Bohol’s support for ELCAC). Philippine Information Agency – Bohol Information Center Manager Rey Anthony H. Chiu, gave the closing remarks.

***

Samantha Nicole forwarded to me "rules" which was forwarded to them by their friends who must have gotten it from their friends as usual without attribution to its author (unknown, unidentified).

It’s feel-good Sunday to share the "rules" with the readers to veer away their attention from anxiety-inducing news from around the world.

RULES TO TEACH YOUR SONS:

1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.

2. Learn how to cook a signature dish.

3. Spend 30 min a day reading up on current events.

4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.

5. Request the late check-out.

6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.

8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.

9. Play with passion or don’t play at all…

10. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye.

11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.

12. Stand up when she enters the room.

13. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.

14. You marry the girl, you marry her family / children

15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.

16. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.

17. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.

18. Never turn down a breath mint.

19. A sport coat is worth 1000 words.

20. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.

21. Thank a veteran. Then make it up to him.

22. Open her door and walk on the outside of the street.

23. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.

24. Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win.

25. Manners make the man.

26. Give credit. Take the blame.

27. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied.

28. Write down your dreams.

29. Add value everywhere you go.

30. Be confident and humble at the same time.

31. If ever in doubt, REMEMBER WHOSE SON YOU ARE and REFUSE to just be ordinary!

32. Change the world, don't let it change you.

* * *

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

'Encantadia' -inspired face shields grab attention in Bohol

Some residents wear the normal design and 'Encantadia' -inspired face shields locally produced in Tagbilaran City, Bohol to protect them from the virus. Photos: Leo Udtohan

After losing his food business due to the health crisis, Diego Salvador is now overwhelmed with the exponential increase in the number of orders he gets for producing customized face shields. 

Different kinds of face shields are sprouting everywhere as local governments declared them mandatory to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Diego's face shields started when he thought of a business that it is in line with the current COVID-19 needs for protection. 

Diego, 34, came out with a unique handmade design.

He explained that face shields require flexible materials to hold the plastic cover around the head.

He said the face shields production not only help protect people, but also support people so that they could survive through the economic crisis while providing readily available and locally made face shields. 

"A D-I-Y (do it yourself) face shield comes from an affordable materials with 100 percent quality,with variety of designs you can choose from," said Diego, also a musician. 

For normal design face shields, the cost is P40 each. 

Some people asked him to make face shields inspired by the headpieces worn by Sang'gres on GMA-7 teleserye "Encantadia."

He sold the bedazzled face shields at only P190 each.

A small group of young "Encantadia" fans were even seen sporting the product and emulating the Sang'gres-Amihan (keeper of gem of wind/air), Elena (keeper of gem of water), Danaya (keeper of gem of earth) and Pirena (keeper of gem of fire). 

Diego Salvador makes locally produced face shields. Photo: Leo Udtohan

For inquiries about the face shields, you can contact Diego through mobile phone number  09952069573. You can also order online through "Kinamot Ta Bai" on Facebook. 

Avisala Eshma! Ashte Mashte Lesnum Bohol! (Thank you! May peace be kept throughout Bohol!). 

 * * *

Here’s an interesting article written by Dr. Mark Romero, MD he posted on Facebook.  I can't resist sharing his article. 

I write tonight as an individual citizen and as a doctor. Neither do I claim to speak for the institution I work in, nor for the organizations I belong to.

There is talk of the business sector lobbying local government to further ease restrictions and to fully open the economy.

Whether these rumors are unfounded or not is another topic altogether, but I hope to convey to local leaders of industry that their concerns are not without basis.

This conviction, however, reveals gaps in what many -- leaders, businessmen, citizens -- know about the local situation, as seen by someone on the front lines:

(1) #Bohol's healthcare system is inadequately prepared for any (present or future) surge. While we thank our leaders for the two PCR labs we have, one fact remains:

The province only has one (1) Covid hospital (GCGMH). The district hospitals administered by the province are not designated as such.

This fact alone should give us pause.

(2) Prematurely reopening the economy will further add losses to businesses in the long run.

That everyone is suffering is a fact. And so the question becomes: Short of eliminating the economic loss, how do we minimize it?

The internet is rife with analyses by economists both foreign and local, and the aforementioned consensus is clear:

Rushing things through with little regard for data, science, evidence, and global best practices will hurt everyone in the long term. (The public has a sense of this, as per research done by Mr Michael Canares.)

(3) It is incumbent upon leaders -- legislators, the executive, and the business community -- to proactively and willingly learn how evidence is generated, and how contemporary science works.

Gone are the days when any science textbook (or website, or page) is as good as any. The only thing better than good science is better science (one that is founded on emerging evidence, not on any preconceived belief or convenience).

(4) Communication and transparency is key, more so in crises. It is not enough that the public is informed of decisions made -- Equally important too is communicating how these decisions were made. -- And this principle should cut across all levels: national, provincial, city/municipal, and down to the institutions and hospitals we work in. 

I pray we move forward stronger.

#Amping.

* * *

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

Nasal washing is important

Siblings Drs. Doloreich Dumaluan (left) and Theodore Dumaluan on fighting against COVID-19. Photo: Allen Doydora/DYRD

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has ignited interest in viral transmission and prevention owing to the extent of it and significan morbidity and mortality associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Nature Medicine said the cells in the eye and some other organs also contain the viral-entry proteins. The study also predicts how a key entry protein is regulated with other immune system genes and reveals potential targets for the development of treatments to reduce transmission.

The COVID-19 affects the lungs and airways. In the worst cases, the virus causes pneumonia that can ultimately lead to death. The virus is thought to be spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and appears to be easily transmitted within affected areas. 

Just like our teeth, our nasal needs cleaning.

Last Saturday's "The Doctor is In" (with Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan as the main resource person), the topic was about nasal washing. 

Sinus rinsing, using a saline solution of salt and water, can be beneficial for those with allergies and sinus and nasal diseases. 

It moisturizes the nose while flushing out allergens and mucus, says Theodore "Doyet" Dumaluan, M.D., an eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT) surgeon. 

He said all infections of the body result from failure of innate immune system.

The primary defense against respiratory infection is in the nose in the way of mucus clearance. 

Dumaluan recommends spray washing (not nasal irrigation) "because it is very convenient and gentle, easy to apply on daily basis, adaptable to all ages and generally safe."

But with the rise of the novel coronavirus, nasal washing is recommended. 

Here' an article from Theodore Dumaluan, EENT about  Novel Nasal Wash for Airborne Particles: a home remedy solution I lifted from his Facebook page" Nasal Care": 

Nasal washing, in its practical sense, would mean sanitation. That is, lessening the number of contaminants lodged in the nasal cavity. Since it started as an ancient Hindu practice in preparation for meditation, a significant amount of liquid was used to pass into the nasal cavity to cleanse it.  Neti pot, a tea pot shaped vessel, was popularized in the early 70’s. It delivers saline solution into the nasal cavity by gravity; that is, positioning the tilted head below the pot while pressing the spout into the nostril. 

Since then, with the basic principles in place, nasal washing evolved with the use of squirt bottles and mist sprays (and even automated irrigation-aspiration device). 

A study was done to prove the efficacy of saline nasal lavage for long term use (1 year) with unfavorable outcome, showing lower incidence of infection AFTER discontinuing. 

The recommendation then was not to use saline nasal irrigation on a regular basis, only when there is infection. One possible reason for the risk of infection is the retention of fluids in the sinuses, when not properly drained, which favors pathogenic eruption as normal saline has no antiseptic potential.

Saline nasal (lavage)wash is basically good, but not for long term. We unknowingly inhale airborne particles (dust, pollen, virus, bacteria etc.) from the environment most of the time, on a daily basis, that would trigger allergic reactions to acute and chronic infection. These micro-particles are initially trapped in the mucus layer covering the nasal epithelium. Our innate immune system has limited capacity, depending on the load and virulence of the pathogen, among others.

How do we balance the issues of long-term wash, daily airborne-particle load, and pathogenic virulence which maybe carried?

In washing, what you cannot do with small volume, you can compensate with technique. Mist sprays cannot mechanically displace contaminated mucus but can deliver enough liquid coating to lessen viscosity and make it more displaceable. If we coat it with layers of saline, good mucus clearance is attained easing down particle load, without possibility of fluid retention in the sinuses that predisposes to infection.

Apparently, saline is not enough.  How do we address pathogenicity?

 Povidone-Iodine (PVI) is a very potent antiseptic, which is widely available and has been around for ages. It is the only antiseptic which increases biocidal potency, at contact time of 15 seconds, when diluted. Free Iodine, the active component, is released when 10% PVI is diluted, with the highest free Iodine at 0.1% dilution (4.88 ppm) where it is tasteless, odorless and colorless. 

At the same dilution, studies have shown that it is non-toxic to the ciliary lining of the nasal mucosal epithelium.  The free Iodine is involved in blocking viral attachment to cellular receptors and inhibits viral release and spread from infected cells. PVI is useful to prevent infection and limit spread of human and avian influenza viruses. 

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is generally recommended and safe (GRAS) oil for oral intake and local application. It has antiulcerogenic activity, thus a good mucosal conditioner, minimizing the mild irritating effect of hyperyonic saline. Its monolaurin compounds reduce viral infectivity of enveloped RNA and DNA viruses. Though local application may trigger irritation and mild allergic reaction, it is not common.

Delivering the saline wash thru pump mist spray minimizes fluid retention; VCO promotes nasal mucosal epithelium function, and together with the free iodine from PVI, biocidal activity is potentiated without ciliotoxicity. This Saline-Iodine-VCO (SIV) emulsion wash is a novel home remedy solution made with boiled/sterile water.

 

Thus, SIV emulsion is a safe nasal wash solution for daily hygiene, with minimal tolerable irritation, delivered with pump nasal spray bottle and can be applied 2-3x a day.

Homemade saline solution requires the following:

1. 4 cups of distilled or boiled (for at least 20minutes) water. Cooled later.

2. 1 tsp iodized salt

3. An airtight storage container with a lid, such as 350ml bottle 

To make saline solution (stock): 

 A. Wash hands thoroughly

 B. Sterilize container and mixing utensil using dishwasher or boiling them in water

 C. Pour 300-350 of the cooled sterile water into 350 ml sterilized bottle

 D. Add and mix 1 tsp of iodized salt into the bottle.

To make SIV emulsion wash with 30 ml saline in spray bottle:

A. Add 3-5 drops of 10% PVI (Betadine) then

B. Add 2 ml VCO

To apply, shake the spray bottle thoroughly to emulsify the oil before using.  Position spray tip 2-3mm in the nasal opening. Apply 3 rounds of 5 puffs per nostril, sniffing in every puff and blow out gently after every round. Wash nose 3x a day. Refill with stock saline when consumed then add PVI and VCO.

(See technique at  "Nasal Care" Facebook page)

https://www.facebook.com/107202160845042/videos/507688963266732/

* * *

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

SK Bahi will definitely impress you

Youth leaders of Barangay Bahi in Alburquerque town in Bohol push their mobile classroom to teach schoolkids this pandemic. Photo: Leo Udtohan

How's your barangay’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) doing so far? Are they living up to your expectations of them? If not, they can probably learn a thing or two from the SK of Barangay Bahi in Alburquerque town. 

The SK officials of Barangay Bahi has successfully implemented "Project Tulak Karunungan - eSKwela Program Mobile Kariton Klasrum" last July 18 with some 100 grade school pupils as their beneficiaries.

Last week, your VRS had personally witnessed how SK Barangay Bahi chairman Kien Alphe Garsuta and his councilors and a volunteer pushed their cart filled with books, papers, and chairs while they roamed around in the village. 

Their destination was sitio Pantad at least 1.5 km from village proper on a mission to teach children whose studies has been interrupted by a pandemic through their "kariton klasrum" (cart classroom). 

As I accompanied them, I personally witnessed their dedication as well as their endurance. When they reached a hilly part of the road, they pushed the cart with all their might  or else the cart would push back against them.

"We created this mobile classroom so we can just go to them so would not leave the barangay. That's what we thought 'pushing wisdom,' we 'push wisdom' to the children," said Garsuta.

When the "mobile classroom" debuted last July 18, there were only 20 students. Now, they have already taught 100 schoolkids. 

Garsuta, 23, said his team noticed that children got bored at home during the quarantine with activities limited only to watching TV and using cellphone. 

"We want to continue what they have learned in their schools, " said Garsuta, who was also the municipal federated SK president. 

Garsuta’s team looked for a design. But it was their fellow SK Lourdes Ungab who designed the pushcart and transformed it into a makeshift, mobile classroom. 

The SK of Barangay Bahi in Alburquerque: Their routine includes pushing the mobile cart on some up and down slopes that they pass along the way. Photo:  SK Bahi

Garsuta always believed in the capability of the youth to implement projects that don’t have to be costly. He also wants to minimize the use of the SK’s funds.

The cart costs them P8, 000 including labor, and another P10, 000 for educational materials such as papers, books and pencils, chairs, pails and soaps. 

The cart was perfect for the task which is small enough to roll in roads. 

The schedules would depend on their availability but they were able to teach thrice a week with Sunday as the group's fixed day.  They just finished eight session last Sunday, August 2. 

The class lasts for two hours would start at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. held in a vacant lot. 

It begins with a prayer and singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Bohol and Alburquerque hymns. 

A story telling would follow, then a five-minute exercise. 

Children from kindergarten to Grade 4 were grouped by their levels with assigned volunteers-teachers who would teach about reading, writing, counting, and proper handwashing. 

"We teach children the tracing of letters, basic reading, basic writing, identifying colors and shapes, as well as spelling, and then we teach them proper hand washing because we are here in the pandemic. We taught them how to sanitize and wash their hands," said Garsuta. 

The community gladly welcomed the "mobile classroom".

One of them was the 25-year-old Antonette Pabio whose five-year-old Jayshine Dave attended the class.

"This is a big help for our children especially now  there are no classes, no teachers because of  COVID-19. It's okay for me to bring my son here because he will also learn something," she said. 

 

Pabio said making children stop schooling in midstream breaks momentum of the learning process and makes them lose interest and the motivation to study to better themselves.

Hence, the mobile classroom refreshes what they learned from school.

Kimberly Channel Garsuta, 9, one of the students, said she was energized to study again. 

She would be in Grade 4 this August 24 if classes will push through. 

"I want to attend here because I learned a lot and then I'm happy I have a lot of friends here," she said. 

After the sessions, the youth leaders have to clean the area and  place the chairs and other materials in the cart. 

Going back is also challenging due to a slopping ground.

But these youth leaders have no qualms since they have a  meaningful and fulfilling day. 

Garsuta is a kind of a youth leader who can motivate his peers and lead by example that will make the youth group stronger and more effective.

He also encourages other youth to also do their share in making a difference in the community.

Garsuta said they have to learn to adapt and evolve just like the coronavirus is doing, by improvising, innovating and pioneering without stopping education. 

* * *

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

Local farm sites: Agriculture for food security and sustainability amid pandemic

Candijay-born politician-turned organic farmer Robert Olaer, with wife Brenda from the Yu political clan of Calape, owners of Iyaah Eco-Farm in a pose with Audio-Bohol president Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin from the City Government of Tagbilaran.

The members of the Association of United Development Information Officers (Audio) in Bohol had been looking forward to July 29 and 30, 2020 as another exciting learning opportunity. Dubbed "Blogging Forum", the activity included lectures and expository tours to farm tourism sites being assisted by the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) for Central Visayas headed by Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio based in Barangay Cabawan, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. 

Recently, Bohol Governor Arthur C. Yap emphasized the importance of agriculture to Boholanos incorporating agriculture in the tourism industry. 

Farm tourism is the business of attracting visitors to go to farm areas, generally for educational purposes, while encouraging economic activities that can provide both the farm and community income. 

However, due to the CoVid-19 strict health and safety standard protocols, the AUDIO-Bohol group composed of information officers from the local government units and national line agencies in the province led by City Government of Tagbilaran's Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao - Gabin as president, were divided into two groups for July 29 and 30, but with the same itinerary. 

The Audio members with Robert and Brenda Olaer, ATI-RTC 7's Doris Isabel Racho, and PIA-Bohol's Rey Anthony Chiu and Elvira Bongosia at Iyaah Eco-Farm.

ATI-RTC 7's Doris Isabel Racho facilitated the activity which started with the opening program sharing the ATI TRC-7 agricultural development thrust, as well as its staunch commitment to the “Bayanihan to Heal Act”, while teaching new trends in communication such as blogging and vlogging and showcasing different farm technologies. 

After the lecture of Bohol Bloggers' Collective former president and content writer Jhuriz Dugaduga about blogging who taught the group on how to make interesting posts that attract engagements using the social media, Jomer Balag, the owner of Jolit's Eco-Garden in Cambacay, Batuan town, took the Audio members for a brief tour of the area and explained the fruit fermentation process using molasses to provide the necessary nutrients to his plants in the farm. 

The visitors were also served all-natural passion fruit juice. Nestled in the interior part of the province, the place is, indeed, a haven of locally produced vegetables and ornamentals that are a sure delight to every "plantliner".

The most-awaited part of the visitors was the chance to choose and buy the ornamentals that made the ATI coaster look like a crowded "lasang" (forest) on the way back to Tagbilaran.

Jomer Balag of Jolit's Eco-Garden explains the fermentation process using molasses.

IYAAH Eco-Farm, coined from the word “kinaiyahan” (nature), an acronym meaning “Inigsoonay'ng Yano Alang sa Agrikulturang Hamugaway”, is situated on a 10,500 square meter-property less than 5 kilometers away from the center of Tagbilaran City.

 It is classified as an integrated diversified farm that has been registered as one of ATI-RTC 7’s learning sites.

The owner, former Candijay Sangguniang Bayan member Robert Olaer, supported by his wife Brenda, shared their passion for the conservation of nature and its sustainability which aligns with their strong advocacy to have a “Happy Living, Healthy Lifestyle, and Holistic Life”.

 According to Olaer who is the Tagbilaran City Agriculture and Fishery Council (CAFC) chair,  Kapunongan sa mga Bol-anong Organikong Mag-uuma (KBOOM) vice-president, and Central Visayas Farm Tourism Association (CeViFTA) vice-president, they are basically teaching “harmonious living by eating locally-produced organic foods, while constantly communicating with nature. After all, nature does it all.”

Capping the educational part of the one-day activity was the lecture on vlogging by noted Panglaoanon graphic artist Rowell Clenuar, founder of Travel 29, the marketing agency that popularized the Alicia Panoramic Park, who challenged the Audio members to harness their creativity. 

On behalf of group, Audio-Bohol president Gabin expressed profound gratitude to the ATI-RTC-7 for sponsoring the blogging forum geared towards teaching a more interesting platform of sharing knowledge while expressing oneself, refining communication skills, expanding professional networks, making a difference to the general public,  and learning how to appreciate and be engaged in the promotion of agriculture  towards food  security and sustainability, especially  in this time of pandemic.

PIA-Bohol’s Rey Anthony Chiu and Elvira Bongosia also provided coordination.

* * *

Sweet memories

Someone forwarded this article he culled from the Internet. I think this is worth sharing. 

As a kid,  Regardless of the weather, our dinner time was at 7:00PM and bed time was 9:00PM.

Eating out at a #restaurant was a huge deal, and usually to celebrate a special occasion.

There was no such thing as fast food on every other day, and having a bottle of soft drinks or a large ice-cream from the local shop was a real treat. Boy oh boy! Pass your final exams and then you may get a new pair of shoes or set of clothes! 

You took your school clothes off as soon as you got home and put on your ‘home’ clothes. There was no taking or picking you up in the car, you either boarded the school bus or rode on public transport!  Or simply walked back. You got home did your chores and your homework after dinner. 

We didn’t have #cabletv #wifi or #Netflix, we had only a few channels to watch and not available 24/7.

We played shatong, tumbang preso, Hide & Seek, marbles, jack stones, and any other game we could come up with.....  At home, we stuck to chess, scrabbles, ludo, snakes and ladders. 

Staying shut in the house was a PUNISHMENT and the only thing we knew about "bored" was --- "You better find something to do before I find it for you!"

We played music via records, magnetic tapes or listened to the radio. 

We went to the local shop for groceries and candy used to be a few cents or at the most one cent.

We ate what Mom made for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even snacks were homemade. Bottled water was unheard of. We drank tap water. At home it was boiled and cooled . While playing outside straight from the tap.

We weren't AFRAID OF ANYTHING.  We played until dark... sunset was our alarm.

We hung around with real friends not virtual. We rode our bicycles or walked to meet our friends at their houses. Friends houses were extension to our home.

If someone had a fight, that's what it was and we were friends again a week later, if not SOONER.

We watched our MOUTHS around our elders because ALL of our aunts, uncles, grandpas, grandmas, AND our parents' best friends were all extensions of our PARENTS and you didn't want them telling your parents if you misbehaved! Or they would give you something to cry about.

We respected the Police, Firemen, Ambulance workers, Teachers, Doctors and Nurses. 

We never answered back..... ever!! 

We got detention at school for not doing homework, being late to class or being naughty. Our teachers spanked us when we deserved, and our parents did not complain about it.

Those were the good days. So many kids today will never know how it feels to be a kid the way we used to be 😁.  I loved my childhood and all the friends I hung around with. Good Times 🤓😘

* * *

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