My Environmental Journalism Articles

Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Environmental Journalism

Vermi Composting for Nutritious Crops

With the new practice of organic farming in the Province of Negros Oriental through Vermicomposting, organic fertilizers can be easily obtained and might give healthy and nutritious crops as a result.

To fully understand, Vermi composting is the biological degradation of organic wastes into vermicompost or vermicast which is a high quality and chemical-free natural fertilizer through the digesting action of selected worms.

According to Provincial Agriculturist Gregorio Paltinca, the province has been using organic farming since 2004.

Paltinca shared that they are using the African night crawler worms since these has the largest body of 90-300 millimeters long compared to other worms.

He said that the said worms rapaciously feed on organic wastes like cow manures, grass, dead leaves or discarded vegetables.

Through constant feeding, it can produce 40 grams of its wastes which well become organic fertilizer and that a kilo of these worms can produce one kilo of vermicompost each night.

Paltinca explained that every week, these worms can produce capsules or eggs with three worms inside it. Also, it multiplies twice its number each month.

In vermicomposting, 10-15 days are needed to complete the process, as said by Paltinca. First is to undergo the Thermophilic stage or the method of drying waste before feeding it to the worms. Then the Partial Decomposition stage wherein wastes are sprinkled with water before it is placed to the vermi bin for vermicomposting.

Vermi bins can be made up off cement, sacks or woods, Paltinca revealed. Also, he said that the amount of fertilizer collected will also depend on the quantity of waste placed on the bin to decay.

In addition, Paltinca stressed that this process can increase food production and lessen garbage in the city. With these, he said that healthier and chemical-free crops can be harvested from organic farming.-AMGA


Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Environmental Journalism

Flashfloods Devastate Millions

Flashfloods showed its power and destroyed millions worth of properties in the different parts of Negros Oriental last New Year’s Eve.

According to the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), the recent flashfloods and landslide destroyed almost P11 Million of properties in Dumaguete City, Vallehermoso, San Jose, Dauin and Valencia.

The City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) of Dumaguete City reported that 23 houses made of light materials were washed out by the strong current from Banica River.

In San Jose, Negros Oriental, seven households were affected after Ayuquitan Dacu River in Barangays Cangcawas, Camandagan and Calo River of Seniora Asion overflowed. An estimated P200, 000 was damaged in San Jose.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council (MDCC) in Vallehermoso also reported that an estimated damage of P8 Million was brought about by the said calamity.

Also, MDCC reported that flashfloods washed out fishponds, crops, livestock, farm equipment, public cemetery, school buildings, government offices and other infrastructure projects at Barangays Bagawines, Macapso, Tabon and Puan in Vallehermoso.

Other parts in Dauin and Valencia also received great lost of residential houses, farm lands, buildings and other properties.

In trying to examine the causes of the huge floods that had occurred, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Officer In-charge Charlie Fabre said that the main cause of the floods were the low pressure and the change in climate.

Fabre lamented that due to the long and strong rain, the soil becomes very soft and with continued pouring, thus damages and erodes the soil causing landslides and flashfloods.

In contrast, Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Agricultural Technologist Phero Alabado said that the lack of forest covers due to cutting of trees is the main reason for the occurrence of this disastrous calamity.

However, he did not confirm that illegal logging could be the main cause for there have not occur any serious floods as this since 1980.

Yet, Alabado stressed that flashfloods could destroy food production because it exterminates the nutrients from the plants and crops.

Also, he shared that flashfloods might lead to the sea and with its unwanted waste materials, it could cover and kill the marine life especially the coral reefs.

In continuation, he suggested that concerned citizens should plant trees and rehabilitate the forest so that lots of plants can prevent huge flashfloods from happening again.AMGA



Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar

Environmental Journalism

Loggers to Transfer in Mt. Talinis,
Cut and Replace Trees

Loggers in Sibulan and Pamplona are advised to shift logging in Mt. Talinis and to plant a seed and rehabilitate the forest when deciding to cut even a single tree.

Presence of illegal logging in Negros Oriental specifically in Pamplona and Sibulan is a proof that illegal logging still exist as said by Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Officer In-charge Charlie Fabre.

As said by www.wikipedia.com, Illegal logging is the harvest, transportation, purchase or sale of timber in violation of national laws. The harvesting procedure itself may be illegal, including using corrupt means to gain access to forests; extraction without permission or from a protected area; the cutting of protected species; or the extraction of timber in excess of agreed limits

Also, another form of swift extermination of trees is the Kaingin (slash and burn) which consists of cutting and burning of forests or woodlands.

In related subject, last December 31, 2008, huge flashfloods and landslides occurred due to the lack of forest covers due to cutting of trees as believed by Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Agricultural Technologist Phero Alabado.

In connection with this, Fabre suggests that loggers who still choose to do it might as well cut trees in the areas of Mt. Talinis since there is still abundance of trees in the said mountain.

Also, Fabre said that Mt. Talinis has an estimated 17,000 hectares of trees–a quantity that can still rehabilitate in a certain time if ever some timbers would be cut.

According to the World Trade Organization, forest trees provide so-called ecosystem services that are vital to humanity. For example, they play a key role in regulating water flows on Earth by helping stop floods, preventing soil erosion and evaporation from the soil, regulating rainfall and river flows, and providing clean, and reliable supplies of water.

Even if humanity could reproduce these services through Technology, we could not afford to do so, on the scale already offered by forests. We are all dependent on the world’s forests functioning properly, both locally and on a global scale.

Forests help slow climate change by absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere and burying carbon as peat. Destruction of forests generates 20 per cent of man-made carbon dioxide emissions and is a significant cause of climate change, including regionally.

As a result, defending forests is crucial to our ability to combat climate change. Current predictions are that at the present rate of change, the economic costs of climate change will outstrip total world economic output by 2065. This means that we will be literally unable to afford the damage caused by climate change unless dramatic action is taken soon.

Since forest trees play such a big role in mitigating the damage caused by climate change, for example by providing flood protection, protecting forests is a crucial aspect of protecting our economies as well.
As a solution, Fabre suggested that everyone, including loggers should plant trees like Gemelina or Mahogany that make excellent lumber and Acacia or Mangium which are fast growing trees so that the forests here in the province well never extinct.-AMGA

My Old Public Information Articles

Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Public Information

Showcasing Negros Oriental’s Assets through “One Visayas” Celebration

Yes, Negrenses has it too!

To promote the tourist spots, delicacies and other beautiful qualities that the province of Negros Oriental has, the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) will join “One Visayas” which is a cultural exhibit this coming March 1-8, 2009 at the International Convention Center in Cebu City.

The said activity will feature and four provinces including Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and the Negros Province. Foreign visitors are expected to be attending the said event since this will coincide with the Creative Cities Project with delegates from Great Britain.

In connection with this, the PTO together with the support of Governor Emilio Macias II will expose the province’s best chattels by building a three-storey native booth for the event and showcasing the different products and other exclusivity that can only be found in Negros Oriental.

According to Tourism Operations Assistant Bobby Villasis, the government is allocating P200, 00 as budget for building the booth and transporting the needed materials that will be used for the event.

He informed that the booth will comprise an Art Gallery in the third floor, hand made crafts in the second floor and a food court selling Negros Oriental’s finest original delicacies and viands in the ground floor.

Also, in addition to the preparation, they will be printing posters and leaflets to distribute to probable visitors and they will arrange a visual CD showcasing Negros Oriental and its possessions.

“This will be very beneficial for the Negrenses since this will give us the opportunity to publicize the unseen beauty of Negros Oriental which helps to boost up our tourism industry,” Villasis said.

Furthermore, Villasis added that with the help of this event, Negrense’s talents like in the field of Arts and Craft and in Culinary Arts will be shown which helps for additional business incomes and employment.-AMGA



Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Public Information

NOCAC and PTO Drafts GASA

In its aim of showing and celebrating achievements and developments since the 1990 Centennial of Negros Oriental Province, the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) and the Negros Oriental Culture and Arts Council (NOCAC) will be releasing a book entitled “GASA”.

The said 200-page book is interconnected with the KABILIN (legacy) book which is nurtured in the form of GASA (gifts) for the stewards of the future.

As said by Tourism Operations Assistant Bobby Villasis, the provincial government will be subsidizing a budget of P1.2million to launch and release 500 copies on October in time with the celebration of the yearly Buglasan Festival.

Villasis informed that this book will be containing all the information, status and developments of Negros Oriental for the past 10 years from LGU updates, Business and Economy, Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Special Events, Academe, Infrastructure as well as from the Tourist Spots.

Villasis enlightened that this book will serve as a proof and pride that Nergos Oriental has really grown and progressed all throughout the years.

Also, enclosed in this book will be feature stories of the 26 awarded Outstanding Oriental Negrenses.-AMGA


Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Public Information

Negros Oriental devises Provincial Photo and Essay Competition

With the theme, “My Negros Oriental,” Governor Emilio Macias II in cooperation with the Provincial tourism Office (PTO) formulated a photo and essay contest to perceive how Negrenses envisioned their own province.

According to Tourism Operations Assistant Bobby Villasis, this contest is created to promote participation from Negrenses and foresee how they view their homeland.

The said contest is open to all Filipino citizens of all ages who were born in Negros Oriental or have been bona fide residents of the province for at least five years prior pt the start of the competition.

The essay writing contest works in a way that a participant would submit a 12-page original feature story supporting the theme.

On the other hand, the mechanics of the photo contest is that they would submit a collection of photos specifically 10-12 images of how they see Negros Oriental. It can be any picture depicting any illustration as long as it supports the theme.

Villasis said that they will be choosing 10 winners for the essay writing contest and 10 winners for the photo competition. He continued that the works of the 20 winners will be featured in the soon to be launched book-GASA.

The said contest opened last January 1, 2009 and will end on June 30, 2009.

My Old Features Articles

Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Feature Writing -Success Feature Story-

Rita’s Struggle for a Better Life despite Being Handicapped

I once had a friend who became handicapped. She was 13 years old when she got electrocuted by accident and both her hands stretching to her arms suffered severe burns that the doctors decided to have them cut.

I and my brother used to play with her when we were young. We would play basketball, volleyball and all kinds of ball games including jackstones. Every afternoon, we would go to the river to swim and catch some catfish in the swamp. We invented things and we cooked exotic food. We have played all the possible street games we could play.

Rita, as what we fondly call her or “Ita” because she’s dark like the natives from the mountains is a very optimistic and fun-loving girl. Despite the low status of her family in our barangay knowing that her father was just a garbage collector and her mother sells vegetables in the market that never hindered her optimism and her dreams of becoming a famous surgeon someday.

Rita, being the only daughter and child of her family was very adored and loved by her parents. She was their inspiration to work hard in order for them to help her achieve her dreams in the future.

In return, Rita was a respectful daughter as well. She was loving and obedient to her parents and she would always make them proud with every medal that she brings home to her parents. She, for me was a very great and strong-willed person.

As a friend, I always remember how Rita made me feel strong and helped me get up everytime I come crying because I cut my kneed or bruised my arms when I clumsily run and stumbled down. At my young age, I felt that I have found a sister and a confidante in Rita.

Yet, the accident changed her life. I didn’t know why of all the people, God chose her to suffer the horrifying accident.

She was heading towards the store to buy a bottle of vinegar one stormy night when the electric cables snapped and landed over her hands causing her to be severely electrocuted and burned.

We were all relieved that she was able to survive in the accident. I prayed she would and I knew in my heart that she would make it because she was strong.
But the aftermath changed and took away the old Rita I knew. The little dark-skinned girl that contained the purest heart became dull and wicked.

Often, he would break things purposely in her house whenever she tries to do something yet can’t manage to do so due to her incapacity. She became disrespectful and would often shout at people who would visit her and appeased them till they go. She even did it to her parents. And she also did it to me.

She would swear all the time and even cursed god for her misfortune and afterwards would break down and cry in grief.

But being her friend, I never gave up on her. I insisted visiting and seeing her even if she would scream at me and order me to go away. I took all of this and gave Rita my deepest understanding and patience though I know her actions were wrong.

Then, one Christmas evening came and I brought her apples and she threw it all on me. That did it! I was thinking that I had to open her eyes and make her realize things even if it meant breaking her heart or our friendship. I fought back and shouted at her, telling her how bad she had become since the accident. I scolded her and I said every probable thing I could say just to win her courage back again.

Finally, when I said to her that I was leaving for college and would not care to meet or see her anymore, she started crying. Then I disclosed saying I no longer knew her and that she was not the Rita I once shared my childhood experiences with. And I said she was a total stranger since she came back from the accident.

A year passed and I never heard anything from Rita no more. She and her family moved to their relatives in the hinterlands.

Then suddenly, I saw her during the fiesta celebration of our city. She was helping her mother bring in costumes for the “Sinulog de Tanjay” festival which was our city festival in Tanjay. It turned out, she came back to her old self and she became productive in her own simple ways. She paints and designs costumes for festivals.

I have to admit, it was really overwhelming to have seen her after a long period of separation. Without a word, I immediately hugged her and told her how much I missed her and we enjoyed the fiesta whole day together. We were able to have a heart-to-heart talk.

As of now, she is in Cebu city running her aunt’s gown shop.

I had always believed she had never lost her touch. I knew she had always been strong. I knew it the time she grabbed me when I was about to fall off the bridge.-AMGA

Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Feature Writing -How-to Feature Story-

How to Adjust Living Life Normally with a Roommate

Roommates!
What comes in your mind when you hear the word “roommates”?

I graduated my secondary education at Tanjay City Science High School at Tanjay City. When I stepped into college, I enrolled at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) since I wanted a finer quality of education and this was the only nearest yet most deserving university I could afford to continue on.

Since Dumaguete City is still a few farther municipalities away from my home city, I decided to rent a bed space in a boarding house to minimize the hassles of waking up early in the morning and to avoid the very stressful everyday commutation. The boarding house I rented was exclusive for girls yet I stayed with five roommates.

I had to admit, the first time when you live with roommates who are considered strangers to you yet stay in the same roof and the same room, eat in the same table, shower and fine comfort in the same bathroom and especially change in the same single room is really awkward and uncomfortable.

Back in our house in my home city, I live with my family that I have come to get used to and I have my own room where I could always get the privacy and space I need every time I feel like having it.

Yet here, you can’t always impose that only your wants and needs are granted for living in a boarding house with roommates is an adjustment. A very huge adjustment from you and your roommates who are maybe from another place containing different cultures and beliefs from you. And these things, these are the things that you need to respect from your roommates so that in exchange, they would do the same to you.

In my first two weeks of stay in my new domicile, some of the problems that had usually aroused were the issues concerning room space, use of food utensils, furniture and clothes, lights, noise, visitors and of course, busting of privacy and occupant disturbance as a whole.

Those weeks were really a great racket and fracas to me yet I realized that if I want to live life normally while I’m in my new nest and doing my everyday activities without getting interrupted, I should compromise, face the problem and solve it with the people concerned--my roommates.

The first thing I did was set a meeting with my roommates talking about room rules and property division. We discuss everything in a fair manner and I presided so that our main directive would be achieved smoothly. I was very careful with my words while asserting my point so that I won’t step on anyone’s feelings.

Me and my roommates talked and got to know each other. We talked about cultures, habits, setting music too loud, leaving the lights on the whole night, opposite sex visitors and their frequency of visiting, tidiness in the room, amount of space in the room, and other concerns about privacy and boundaries.

After our conversation, I realized that communication really plays a big role in bridging the gap and solving the problems. This time, I know now as to how I would act on this roommate of mine who hates loud music and my other roommate who can’t sleep with lights on in the evening or my roommate who hates plenty of outsiders staying in the room.

Then, we decided to provide a protocol so we bought a cork board placing all our reminders there and our room assignments as to who will do this or that and somehow it also helped us keep track of everything for us not to forget what to do next. We also placed there, our to-do-list including any expected activity that will take place or any visitor that may come so that we are notified ahead of time.

A few weeks past and yet we stayed being peaceful roommates. I learned to respect other’s boundaries and privacies and they compromised too.

Once we had a problem with one of my roommates who didn’t want to scrub the floor on weekends so we set rules on the rotations of applying floorwax and scrubbing of the floor. It was settles reasonably.

And then there was also one time when one of my roommates came home crying because of a personal problem then me and my other roommates gather up with all ears for her and we comforted her till she recovered. It was a great and self-fulfilling feeling to have helped a “rommie” as what I call my roommates.

Another incident that made me confused was when the folks of one of my rommie came confronting me about their daughter’s schooling status and I didn’t know what to do. I thought hard and I decided that I’d be out of it since I have no right to go in between their personal family problems and I was not the most appropriate person to relay any information. And I was glad I’d stayed out of it because I could have created tensions and conflicts to my roomie had I said a wrong information to her parents.

Trough the rest of the months that passed, we learned to enjoy each other’s company and we looked for ways and recreations that we can all enjoy and participate on like doing aerobics in the room or role playing which we like best.

I was just thinking; I know it’s never easy to live with somebody you don’t even know that much but being adaptable, mutual and respectful to the adversity you are in, provided that they would do the same if you give them kindness makes the stay a wonderful experience in the end.

There was even a moment wherein it was Christmas break and we had a Christmas party and we exchanged gifts and we cried knowing that after that night, we would be going home to our respective homes and won’t be seeing each other for quite some time.

That’s when I realized that it is not too bad to have roommates as long as you know how to be flexible and adjust with them and treat them with the great respect and equality that they need. Eventually, with roommates around, you might get headaches sometimes but heck; you could also gain friends for real, for life and possibly for always.-AMGA

Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Feature Writing -Odd/Profile/Funny Feature Story-

My description of JOY

My joy is not about the usual word “joy” that you often hear which is synonymous to happiness, delight, pleasure, enjoyment, bliss, ecstasy or elation. It’s not the famous dishwashing soap product called “Joy” or the well-known “JOY” tissue paper that is said to be the softest, most convenient and affordable tissue paper in the world.

It’s not even the Thai Horror Doll named Joy that mysteriously animates at the stroke of midnight and goes out haunting and killing people in the movies. No. Not at all!

The Joy I am referring to is simply… My teacher!

I knew you are all wondering why I am writing a story about a teacher who lives a simple and ordinary life. But you may think there is nothing so special about her persona under her three-letter name but as odd as it may seem, we, her students think that there must have been a miracle when Maam Joy was born. This is because as surprising as it may seem, her name corresponds so much to her attitude as though her parents were able to foresee the future and gave her a simple yet marvelous name that best suited what she is now.

And this is the story of a girl who doesn’t know how to frown.

“Happiness” as what we had fondly ciphered her instead of Joy, had always made every listener laugh or smirk every time they knew it was Maam Joy we were talking about. Often, they would ask why we named her that instead of using her real name. And after relating the reasons, they would all nod in agreement then recount stories that coincide with our reasons.

We would always see Happiness walking along the pathways and corridors of our school wearing her best, most relaxing outfit which composed of an oversize T-shirt, jogging pants or jeans and her on-the-go snickers that never made her wrong. Her hair, if not ponytailed or pushed back would be placed with a headband to give her a clearer view of everything that her eyes can reach and what her optimistic viewpoint could collect and decipher.

She always stands-out in the crowd because of her simple yet unusual get-up that is so eye-catching. Frequently, students I have known would unquestionably scratch their heads after finding out that Happiness is the Chair of the Mass Communication Department and holds a high position of being the university Public Information Officer. It is as though they are thinking, what a way to dress from someone who is as outstanding as her.

If I’m not mistaken, this had been the form of clothing she had been used to in her long stay abroad. She wears clothes for comfort.

Unknown to her, people often taunt her because of her attire. But somehow, Happiness is slowly blending now with the norms and had dressed into how a typical teacher would dress. Though I prefer the old apparel of Happiness wherein she looks bubbly, approachable and spirited, I think its best that she does what the Romans do to shun those doubting Thomas kinds of people around her.

But unknown to many, Happiness is not what they think she is. She’s totally different from those other mentors who dress up for show but couldn’t even manage to properly dress up their character. She is not the type of teacher who is schooled but with uneducated manners.

Honestly speaking, she is one of the prides of our university for she attained high quality education. Unknown to many, humble Joy G. Perez has traveled different parts of the world just to achieve excellent teachings so that she can serve her country with the highest knowledge that she can share to many, to us−her students and to her followers.

Joy has proved a lot of things to many people throughout her enormous achievements in her own simple ways. Not only is she the pride of our university but she is as well the pride of Filipinos for the astounding accomplishments she had garnered even in her simplicity.

With every article and story that she makes, she informs, creates awareness, sights moral lessons; touch lives and empowers people. I believe that with every place she goes, she leaves them with mementos and a solid legacy that is worth keeping.

But I’d like to say that it’s not only about the degree and all that jazz. Again, not at all! It is about who she really is that makes her very special and worth talking about! As what I’ve said earlier, she is a person who doesn’t know how to frown.

We, her students would often think that it is no wonder why she was named Joy by her parents because regardless of the situation or whatever happens, she always manages to wear a smile.

Never in my life have I seen Maam Joy a.k.a “Happiness” frowning or wearing a gloomy face. When she talks, she hasn’t delivered the punch line yet but she is already laughing which gives us puckered brows or the feeling of droll confusion and weirdness over her.

As funny as it may seem, it has been very common to us when we see her telling off a person while in good spirits. Sometimes we think that Happiness talks like the celebrity Kris Aquino but still there is something different about her that makes you chuckle whenever you rekindle her.

I would never forget how she showed us pictures and at moments of hiatus would laugh or smile from time to time. That scene for me was still as vividly clear as though it was only yesterday when Happiness presented the pictures and would interpret them one by one and give an example story with laughter included.

Though the statement she’s hearing is not funny, still Happiness chortles. It is as if it is her way of showing appreciation to people.

I really don’t know if that is nature in her attitude of being like that and I don’t know if she is also aware of that trait of hers.

But nature or not nature, I love how she teaches in class and how she would praise students for their job well done and how she would slightly tell them off only when needed and doing it without offending them.

I have come to wondered what helps and inspires her to live life happily and contentedly despite her customary activities of going to school, teaching, reading and making articles. For me, she always finds a way to make a better version of a certain thing or situation.

Despite the life of being single, alone and away from the family, she still manages to recreate and enjoy herself. And I have to say I have a hundred more reasons why Maam Joy or Happiness or Miss Perez is worth talking about.

With her as an example, it made me realize that there should be more happiness to life than just money, power, career and other passing possessions! It’s something that cannot be paid, cannot be measured, cannot be stolen and like love, it is an abstract that gives an indescribable feeling… A feeling that can only be given-life and best named and defined in tree simple letters. J-O-Y!

Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Advance News Writing

Fire Destroys 25 Houses

The biggest fire damage recorded this year!

Some 25 houses were burned at Purok Santan, Brgy. Taclobo, Dumaguete City yesterday after an electrical wire sparked and landed on a wall made of amakan.

Authorities’ Side

According to Chief Investigator SFO2 Lyndon Patrocinio of the City Fire Investigation and Intelligence Division, the fire started at 1:10 in the afternoon at the amakan walling in the house of Melito Narciso. He said that 21 houses were totally burned and another four houses were partially burned when fire-out was finally declared by the fire marshals at 4:15 in the afternoon. Patrocinio affirmed that nobody was hurt during the incident.

Fire Arson Investigator Hercel Vidal reported that May Martinez, a resident of Purok Santan whose house was not affected by the fire, informed their office about the incident. He said that they arrived 30 minutes after the call and were not able to respond quickly to the fire because the area was very congested and had only few road entrances for the fire trucks.

Vidal continued that majority of the houses were made of light materials that cause the fast widespread of fire. He said that an estimated damage of P1.2 million was taken away by the fire. Vidal said that this was the biggest fire case recorded as of October this year.

Patrocinio commented that the affected residents did not seek help immediately to them which is why the fire outburst was extensive. He then suggested that next time there would be a fire, residents concerned should first contact them before trying to nurse the situation before it aggravates.

Also, Vidal recommended that residents should have lectures and trainings on what to do during fire accidents and organize a fire brigade to primarily control the fire while help is still on the way.

Residents’ Grieves

Maricel Esmero, 20, a resident of Purok Santan expressed her worries now that they do not have shelter anymore. “I just don’t know if someone called the fire station,” Esmero said.

Esmero narrated that they were watching the television show “Wowowee” when one of her neighbors shouted “sunog” that forced them to vacate their house. She said they were able to save handy things to carry and some clothes but had to leave their furniture because the fire was fast coming in to their house.

Also an affected resident of the fire, Vilma Catina, 50, sobbed in despair as she watched her house slowly turned into ashes. She complained that fire fighters were already skipping their house and went to the lesser affected houses when her house is still burning. Catina said that lots of fire cases in Dumaguete City ends up outsized because of the lack of water. She disclosed that she does not know what to do anymore now that their only foundation is gone with the wind.

Residents’ Comments following the Aftermath

Givanna Panlobasan, 34, an affected resident of the incident still cannot believe that they had lost their home when fire struck their barangay. “It’s like, we also lost our future because we don’t know what to do or where to start now that everything was taken away from us by the fire,” Panlobasan said. She shared that for four days, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) had temporarily provided them with food and other relief goods.

Amado Panlobasan, husband of Givanna who is a construction worker inferred that it would be difficult for them to start over again especially that his income is just enough to attend to the needs of his family. He said he was disappointed with the burglars who instead of helping them robbed the remains of his burned house.

Amado mentioned that they only rented the lot and the owner who is a court judge had already fenced his owned area−a sign that he does not want people to reside in the land again.

Luz Lacson, 42, a sales lady of Partosa Department Store said that she was not there when the incident occurred. She got worried because her husband who was a contractor was also at work and only her aged mother with her two young children was left in the house that day. She felt lucky that no one in her family was hurt but was feeling upset that her newly built house that was still under construction was destroyed by the fire.

As of press time, the LGU is still agreeing as to where the victims of the fire accident would be relocated. Also, residents are still waiting and hoping that the land owner would still consider them to construct new houses in the lot and continue residing in the same area they had live.-AMGA



Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Advance News Writing

Motorists Oppose the Use of Helmets

Motorcycle users expressed their intense disagreement against the implementation of the use of protective devices such as goggles, leather boots, and other protective clothing especially the use of helmets at all times when driving.

Several motorists in Dumaguete City planned a signature campaign to stop the new ordinance that is yet to be implemented mainly concerning the use of helmets permanently.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who introduced the ordinance to the congress adopted the regulation from the United Nations Vienna Convention for Road and Traffic of 1968.

Written under Executive Order No. 292 otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987 and the United Nations Vienna Convention for Road and Traffic of 1968 in accordance with Department of Order No. 93-963 states one of the rules which quotes, “Protective devices shall include helmet, goggles, leather boots, and protective clothing such as heavy pants, heavy jackets, leather gloves and rain suit.

Though it is still agreed in congress and has not been fully approved yet, motorists showed discontentment to the ordinance.

Motorists’ Points of View

Emmanuel Aguilar, 22, a motorcycle user for more than four years said he doesn’t like that this ordinance be implemented for it is not really a necessary thing to do here in the Philippines. Aguilar explained that this ordinance was practiced in United States of America (USA) because if they do not use helmet and other protective devices, their government will be held liable for their safety which is why it is a must in their place. He continued that, unlike in the USA whatever happens to the motorists, the Philippine government does not pay for them that is why he strongly disagrees.

Also, Aguilar said that the penalty for failure to comply the ordinance is worth thousands which he thinks is a big amount for a faux pas.

Algie Abuda, 33, a motorist for almost 10 years said it would be a big waste of time and money if they would practice this ordinance for they had to buy helmets and wear appropriate clothes which for him are great interruptions and discomforts in their part. “Wouldn’t it be dire if I will only buy a piece of shampoo and had to be all dressed-up and wear a bulky helmet just to follow the ordinance?,” asked Abuda.

Aside from this, Abuda pointed out that helmets could be a great risk of accidents during rush hours in busy highways or at downtown because you may not be able to see people from the sides or behind you due to the helmet. Abuda then suggested that the ordinance should clarify their rule that it will only be done when traveling in distant places.

Reynante Torres, 39, a “Habal-Habal” driver for six years said that the ordinance could be a big hassle and disruption in their job if all his passengers would have to wear helmets and the appropriate attire just so they can go home to their remote villages. Torres feared that there is a tendency that they might lose their only means of living if this ordinance will be realized.

Authorities’ Side

Traffic Operations and Control Director Danillo Atillo of the Traffic Management Office (TMO) commented that he personally is also not in favor of the said ordinance.

Atillo finds the ordinance inconsistent and inapplicable in the city. He expounded that the roads here in Dumaguete City are compressed and smaller compared to bigger highways wherein you really need suit and head gears.

Also, Atillo said that Philippines is expected to commonly use motorcycles because it is the most affordable and accessible means of transportation compared to the Americans who seldom use motorcycles, only cars. “That is why they wear helmets while riding on a motorbike because it is what they are used to and they don’t often use two wheels that is why they wear head gears not like us who are already used to it,” Atillo said.

Atillo added that since Dumaguete City is the motorcycle capital of the province, the fines for not following the ordinance should only be in a smaller amount. He shared that the city and municipality mayors will file a motion of disapproval for the ordinance and another complain against the Department of Communication and Transportation (DOTC) for overprizing the tariff of motorcycle penalties.

Moreover, Atillo said that the operation of helmet usage of Sibulan District is considered illegal since the ordinance is still in the congress and is not yet considered an authorized law.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) hesitated to give comments.

As of press time, they are still waiting for the results on the status of the ordinance to the city.-AMGA



Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Advance News Writing

US Peace Corps Integrates with NORSU

Some three US Peace Corps volunteers will be staying in Negros Oriental Sate University (NORSU) for a practicum in co-teaching and co-planning for an actual English training in the classroom.

The volunteers— Sydney Alexia Merz, Daniel Greenland and Sally R. Porter— will be staying from the last week of August until the early part of October.

According to Dr. Rosemarie Pinili, assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Science (CAS) and head of the English Department, the three volunteers will be paired with some of the English teachers here in NORSU. She added that they are expected to co-plan with their English teacher counterpart every Monday, and co-teach in the classroom for the rest of the week.
According to www.wikepedia.com, the Peace Corps is an independent United States federal agency. The Peace Corps was established by Executive Order 10924 on March 1, 1961, and authorized by Congress on September 22, 1961, with passage of the Peace Corps Act (Public Law 87-293). The Peace Corps Act declares the purpose of the Peace Corps to, “promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps, which shall make available to interested countries and areas men and women of the United States qualified for service abroad and willing to serve, under conditions of hardship if necessary, to help the peoples of such countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained manpower.”
Since 1960, more than 190,000 people have served as Peace Corps volunteers in 139 countries.
One of the Peace Corps volunteers, Sally R. Porter, aged 80 years old from Texas said being a Peace Corps volunteer is what she had wanted to do all her life. However, because of some uncontrollable circumstances, she was not able to do it earlier.

Porter said that though this is her first time to be a Peace Corps volunteer, she said that she loves it already. She also shared that she is expecting to meet lots of different people and mingle with them.

Also a Peace Corps volunteer, Sydney Alexia Merz from Nebraska said that she is very excited to teach NORSU students and to know different Filipino practices and everything about Philippines for it would be a new experience for her. She stated that the goal of Peace Corps is not for them to come in and take over but it is to work together and learn from each other.
Merz shared that for two years and four months, Peace Corps has gave her a fulfilling experience starting from Armenia where she was first assigned that she decided to continue volunteering until here in the Philippines.

In continuation, Pinili said that apart from the academic activity, they will also be involved in community program like in the National Service Training Program (NSTP) - Literacy Training Service (LTS).

Pinili added that one of these three will be staying here in NORSU for the next two years and will be starting to teach by the second semester of school year 2008-2009. She said that they won’t be the one to choose who will stay, but the US Peace Corps Philippines.

She also explained that in the two years that they will be staying in the university, they will be catering to the needs of College of Education (CED). Pinili explained that as future teachers they should be exposed to a native speaker in English language since the medium of communication in most subjects is actually English.

As of press time, they are still undergoing three-month training, studying the Filipino culture and learning the dialect.-AMGA



Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Advance News Writing

iTax Gives Promising Results to Negrenses

After its successful implementation among 11 cities and municipalities, Integrated Tax (iTax) once more continues to its second round with another five new Local Government Unit (LGU) entries.

As written in the Gesellschaft Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) Fiscal Decentralization Project manual, iTax is a computerized tax collection system for Local Government Units (LGUs). It was first developed in Tanzania and used in a national level while it is only being used in local level when it was introduced in the Philippines by the German Development Corporation.

In addition, it is software, designed to customize the local functions of the LGU in every city or municipality. iTax turns the manual process into a fast, computerized method with automated data evaluation and computation.

In their first attempt to decentralize the use of the iTax system, 11 pilot LGUs adopted the system that include the cities of Dumaguete and Bayawan City and the municipalities of Zamboanguita, Valencia, Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan, Pamplona, Manjuyod, Bindoy and Mabinay. Following batch will be Vallehermoso, Basay, Dauin, Bais, Bacong, Canlaon, Sta. Cantalina and Tanjay City.

GTZ Program Officer Mary Margaret Kirit said that their company provides free training, software and the technicians but the LGU has to secure their own equipments and manpower to operate the system.

Kirit said that only Siaton in the South and five other LGUs are not responding to the program yet. However, she said that their company will give full attention in implementing the iTax in the entire Negros.

Dumaguete City Chief Floresita Pada in the Land Tax Division of the Treasurer’s Office said that iTax for her is a big help to them because now, their work becomes faster and easier. Pada continued that it is not like before that they had to do it manually which she considers a very tedious job.

However, Pada also stressed out that sometimes, the computer hangs and malfunctions which at times, stop their operation temporarily. But, she said that they always have a written backup copy incase the said situation happens.

A devout tax payer, Dr. Felimon Flores who is a retired surgeon at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) showed his appreciation for the new and high technological system of collecting taxes in the city. He said that the iTax is more convenient because with it, the transaction becomes more efficient and faster.
Flores shared that now; he does not have to wait long hours but just minutes to pay his taxes. He also commented that the primary setback of new technology is that not all can learned it easily just like him who, according to him, is not a computer savvy.-AMGA



Ameurfina Mitchtiaquem G. Aguilar
Advance News Writing

Religious Groups Say “NO” to RH Bill

Group of Religious Organizations, Government Officials and other Academic Institution showed their discontent to the new RH Bill in the form of a prayer rally at Quezon Park, Dumaguete City.

Congressman Edcel Lagman who is a member of the United Nations was the main proponent of this newly proposed regulation.

What it is about

As written under the Republic Health (RH) Bill #5043, it is to promote sex education for the children and adolescents, empowering them with “informed choice” and sexual rights.

The Section 10 of the RH Bill states that contraceptives are considered to be an essential medicine.

The Section 12 of the RH Bill states that children starting from fifth grade in the elementary until fourth year in high school should be fully informed about sexual matters.

Furthermore, Section 21 of the RH Bill mandates that any person who will violate this law incurs a punishment of up to P50, 000 worth of fines or an imprisonment of up to six months or both.

Religious Groups’ Response

The Diocese of Dumaguete City conducted a signature campaign to strongly oppose the said bill. Stated in the campaign is that the poor need real medicines and not contraceptives. Also, it quoted, “we hereby register our strongest opposition to this bill and say NO to state coercion…”

During the rally Vicar General Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing responded that it is too early to wake the sexual faculties of the child. Tulabing shared that there is no need for contraceptives to become an essential medicine. He asked and quoted, “When you say medicine, it is to cure an illness but pregnancy is not an illness so why should they consider contraceptives as a medicine at all?”

Academic Department’s Comments

West City Elementary School Principal Rosalina Lacorte said that they should only end up in teaching the students about their reproductive organs. She feared that students might initiate pre-marital sex due to curiosity that could result to unwanted pregnancies.

However, several students from the Negros Oriental High School (NOHS) defended that they should be given the rights to explore their sexual life since the world today is already practical.

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Vice President Victoria Dinopol suggested that all educators should study the bill carefully and understand the dangers that it could bring to many.

Government’s Reply

City Mayor Augustin Perdices is in favor with the religious groups’ stand to resist the implementation of the RH Bill. “I call upon my constituents in Dumaguete to adopt the natural mean of family planning in order to show the strength of our Christian faith,” Perdices disclosed.

Congressman George Arnaiz of the second district in Negros Oriental and Congressman Orlando Fua assured the Catholic Church that they will not sign the bill.

On the contrary, Congressman Henry Pryde Teves of the third district had signed the bill but is willing to withdraw if his revisions towards the bill will not be honored in House of Representatives.

Furthermore, Congresswoman Josielyn Limkaichong of the first district stressed that she too, will not sign if her revisions on the bill will not be approved.-AMGA

A negative and empty space.. The notch towards the journey..

Hiyah bloggers. So sorry if i had inked my spot so late. As always, i had been lost for quite some time now. I'm trying to go back to my old self though. Oh well, just wish i could do it right this time as this is gonna be my bazillion time to renew myself again. Well, what's new to Amy? Same old, same old dim-witted girl. I'm actually nervous while writing this right now coz lots will critic and give awful side comments which I'm not sure if i can surely take. I mean i can but maybe not everything especially from those who are clever ones compared to me whose acting like one though not really sure if she is or if she is capable or is really one of them bright ones. Well, what the heck? And what in the world am i doing, talking to myself and criticizing my own words and work???!!! Cheese it Amy..!
Haayyy.. Don't know what to do with myself anymore. I got such a low self-esteem. Could somebody help me renew myself? I'm still starting yet i don't even know which path to take. It's like i lost my map maladroitly coz i get too excited and clumsy and all. And now, I'm lost with nothing but pain, regret and shame. You just don't have any idea how those feel.
K guys. If you have time, just send them advices coz i'm really gonna be needing them for sure.
Alright. I think that's about it for now. I'll just add up some when i'm not that preoccupied no more. Take care and God bless you all mighty bloggers. Mwahhh... Ciao ciao... :)