On to Binabalian
A Chronicle of the Beach and the Bitch
Webster’s New World Dictionary (Third College Edition) defines:
beach (bēch) noun. an area of shore as a place for swimming often washed by high water
bitch (bich) noun. malicious, bad tempered or aggressive person
To be by the beach is a pleasant experience; by a bitch, vexing.
I have had both of the above last December 19, 2007 as our TCA-iSchools team went to Binabalian National High School for an on-site visit and inspection. We were quite a crowd this time, with the whole team present plus Dr. Guillermo Rillon, dean of the Institute of Engineering and Computer Studies and Dr. Benjamin Hilario, former vice-president for Academics Affairs.
Most of us are beach lovers, so the very thought of going to one, thrilled us.
Bolinao is infamous for its shores glorified by white sand. On top of this, we were onto visiting an island which made this “laboratory-readiness evaluation” sound like an adventure trip, more than a task.
But indeed, one can’t have all the good things at a time. This explained the presence of a bitch among the group, perpetually maligning me when “it” finds opportunity to do so, whenever, wherever. “It” (the bitch) is superiorly gifted with the art of slandering. “It” is always on the go of uttering a slur which never fails to upset me. I tried to buckle down and gather all effort to act like a civil man does midst this adversity, although I was really boiling inside.
On our way to Bolinao, this bitch blabbed on— I tried not to mind those humiliating words from “it.” Yet, “its” degrading words have the power to permeate even through unyielding ear.
I wished I was not there with “it.” The beach in Bolinao, I badly needed… it will pacify this intensifying animosity I harbor, before it grows into uncontrollable rage.
After almost four-hour drive, we were at the Bolinao town proper, Mr. Domingo S. Gamueda, principal of Binabalian National High School was there to usher us. The excitement among the team went high in anticipation of the views and the experiences that await us.
I could have totally forgotten I was with a bitch because I will be by the beach, but “it” saw to it that I will feel “its” presence. While traveling to the port, which is approximately 10 minutes away from the town proper, “Its” spirit-piercing, double-bladed-shaming verses were sung to me again. The puzzle of my life: “What have I done to deserve this kind of treatment?”
Maybe the wind by the sea will blow away “its” fetish along with my growing hatred towards “it” which by this time, I was shakingly controlling.
On the motor boat, I share the feeling with the members of the team: we were awestruck by the spectacular vista—bit by bit uncovered as we sail along the sea. We saw few houses-built-on- islands overlooking the seemingly infinite water. The islands we saw were canopied by greeneries, each seemed to lure us to explore what’s hidden among the foliage. The sea itself evoked mystery as it changed its colors. At one time; it reflects the blue sky, then the shade of emerald green would take it over. Maybe driven by the ecstasy this experience caused, Dr. Rillon waved at the other sailors we met, as if he were a superstar greeting his fans.
The bitch was silenced by the beach. Not even “its” obsession of pissing me around overpowered the splendor of the sea and its islands. I was entirely at peace with the environment. The fury inside me was cooled down.
But some good things never last, they say. Now, the spell of the beach to the bitch was gone. The curse on me resumed, because “it” saw something on me again.
Sometimes, I was envious of the people from Binabalian National High School whom “it” talked with, because “it” explained with compassion. When Mr. Gamueda learned about the postponement (again) of the handing over of the PCs, he was not able to hide his disappointments. Like most of the schools we were in-charge of, the school’s computer center is ready for the installation of the PCs and the air-conditioning units although the MOA is just short of the division superintendent’s signature to be assumed finished. The principal and his ICT coordinator only managed to ask “When?”
“It” is all we need to justify the delays of the handing over of the iSchools project’s components. “It” clearly explained:
· the Department of Education and Commission on Information and Communications Technology wrangled over which schools must be benefited;
· the DepEd insists on CICT to take the recommendation of giving the PCs to the public high schools the former has identified;
· the DepEd main office may not officially excuse its teachers if they are to attend the seminars sponsored by the iSchools, however “ Principal Empowerment” may be exercised to deflect this; and
· the PCs are on trial run-through to evaluate their durability and efficacy, this means that the computer units are available, and after the test, will be ready to be delivered to the iSchools beneficiaries.
With genuine compassion, “it” disscussed with the principal, among others of the sure delivery of the PCs come January 2008. “It” can really be nice to other people but me. As we took the refreshments served, the bitch hot eyes and blaspheming tongue targeted me again. I wish I can detail how damaging “its” words were to me, but I will not give a clue on who he/she is. How I longed to be by the beach again.
Heading home, I thought of the experiences we had. I concluded that there are only two things which can stop the bitch from doing “its” compulsion to put me down: vocal/physical tiredness and the magic of the beach.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
iSchools beneficiaries to CICT:
‘Quando, quando, quando?’
The TCA- iSchools staff split to two groups (Tarlac and Pangasinan) last December 19, 2007 for its on-site visits for the following purposes:
*to monitor and evaluate the developments of the drafting of the Memorandum of Agreement between the recipient schools and their target stakeholders;
*to assess the readiness of the rooms intended for the computer centers;
*to personally explain what’s going on the project and what’s causing the postponement of the deployment of the project’s components.
After consolidating the reports of the two groups, it is found out that most of the target schools are more than ready, save for the MOA which were not yet signed by the congressmen in their respective jurisdictions.
When I arrive home, I was greeted by the melody from the old, faithful turntable, and I knew right there and then that my father is again down the memory lane, reminiscing his days. The almost-four decade-year-old phonograph record (cd is the modern counterpart) reads, “The Greatest Hits of Monroe, Humperdinck, Jones and Sinatra.”
I was reminded of the words from the people whom we talked as the as the music of “Quando, Quando, Quando” fills the house…
“Tell me when will you be mine?
Tell me quando, quando, quando?…”
Most of the school heads whom we have conversed with, stepped further than we have required of them. In the case of Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades in Lingayen, the ceiling of their center was made heat and soundproof. This they have done to economize with electricity since air-conditioning units are among the components of the project. This is also the very reason Pangasinan National High School has installed tiles on the floor of their laboratory. With the former’s heat-proof ceiling and the latter’s tiled floor, the use of the electricity for the aircon units will be minimized thereby saving money which can be used for other purposes.
“Will these efforts go futile? CICT, when will you deliver the PCs?” said Ms. Shernalyn Macob, PSAT’s ICT coordinator.
“…When wil you say ‘yes’ to me?
Tell me quando, quando, quando¿
You mean happiness to me
And please darling tell me when?
Every moment’s a day
Everyday seems a lifetime
Let me show you the way
To a joy beyond compare…”
Pangasinan National High School evidently lacks classrooms to accommodate its 5,241 students. Despite this, Dr. Aurora Micu, prinicipal, reserved and fixed one room for the computer center. If we are to estimate, PNHS has spent 50,000 pesos in its bid to retrofit its computer center with the specifications the CICT has set. Consequently, Mr. Richard R. Garcia, the ICT coordinator of the said school has been hearing taunts from his colleagues and the Parents-Teachers-Community Association. The amount that was spent for the project according to these “critics,” will only be wasted.
Apparently, they are losing faith with the CICT and TCA (as the local implementor of iSchools Project) save for Dr Micu and Mr. Garcia wisecracking,“Hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Mano ba yung maghintay? Gusto kong ipakita na hindi palpak ang project na to. Kailan nyo ba ide-deliver yung mga computers ? (I have not lost hope. There’s nothing wrong with waiting. I want to prove that this project is not a failure. When will you deliver the computers?) ”
Indeed, the impending deployment of the computers will make Mr. Garcia and Dr. Micu feel “a joy beyond compare.”
“I can’t wait a moment more.
Tell me quando, quando, quando?
Say it’s me that you adore
And then darling tell me when?”
Mr. Alfredo P. Galano Jr., ICT coordinator of Mangatarem National High School revealed that the cubicle units were specially ordered, costing 800 each. This is in anticipation of the forthcoming delivery of the PCs. MNHS tied up with the nearby communities to sustain the operation of the laboratory. Capability-building seminar-workshops such as “invitation-making” will be held in and hosted by this school after the delivery of the iSchool’s components.
On the other hand, Dr. Merlita A. Pasiliao principal of Labrador National High School headed the construction of a building intended to be the computer center. Bigger than the others, Dr. Pasiliao envisions this center to be the DepEd Division of Pangasinan I’s main ground for IT-related trainings.
With these lofty targets, we just can’t prolong the agony of waiting.
It would seem that these recipient public high schools have done their part for the iSchools. In my head, I could almost see the principals and the ICT coordinators singing in unison:
“OH, MY DARLING TELL ME WHEN?”
‘Quando, quando, quando?’
The TCA- iSchools staff split to two groups (Tarlac and Pangasinan) last December 19, 2007 for its on-site visits for the following purposes:
*to monitor and evaluate the developments of the drafting of the Memorandum of Agreement between the recipient schools and their target stakeholders;
*to assess the readiness of the rooms intended for the computer centers;
*to personally explain what’s going on the project and what’s causing the postponement of the deployment of the project’s components.
After consolidating the reports of the two groups, it is found out that most of the target schools are more than ready, save for the MOA which were not yet signed by the congressmen in their respective jurisdictions.
When I arrive home, I was greeted by the melody from the old, faithful turntable, and I knew right there and then that my father is again down the memory lane, reminiscing his days. The almost-four decade-year-old phonograph record (cd is the modern counterpart) reads, “The Greatest Hits of Monroe, Humperdinck, Jones and Sinatra.”
I was reminded of the words from the people whom we talked as the as the music of “Quando, Quando, Quando” fills the house…
“Tell me when will you be mine?
Tell me quando, quando, quando?…”
Most of the school heads whom we have conversed with, stepped further than we have required of them. In the case of Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades in Lingayen, the ceiling of their center was made heat and soundproof. This they have done to economize with electricity since air-conditioning units are among the components of the project. This is also the very reason Pangasinan National High School has installed tiles on the floor of their laboratory. With the former’s heat-proof ceiling and the latter’s tiled floor, the use of the electricity for the aircon units will be minimized thereby saving money which can be used for other purposes.
“Will these efforts go futile? CICT, when will you deliver the PCs?” said Ms. Shernalyn Macob, PSAT’s ICT coordinator.
“…When wil you say ‘yes’ to me?
Tell me quando, quando, quando¿
You mean happiness to me
And please darling tell me when?
Every moment’s a day
Everyday seems a lifetime
Let me show you the way
To a joy beyond compare…”
Pangasinan National High School evidently lacks classrooms to accommodate its 5,241 students. Despite this, Dr. Aurora Micu, prinicipal, reserved and fixed one room for the computer center. If we are to estimate, PNHS has spent 50,000 pesos in its bid to retrofit its computer center with the specifications the CICT has set. Consequently, Mr. Richard R. Garcia, the ICT coordinator of the said school has been hearing taunts from his colleagues and the Parents-Teachers-Community Association. The amount that was spent for the project according to these “critics,” will only be wasted.
Apparently, they are losing faith with the CICT and TCA (as the local implementor of iSchools Project) save for Dr Micu and Mr. Garcia wisecracking,“Hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Mano ba yung maghintay? Gusto kong ipakita na hindi palpak ang project na to. Kailan nyo ba ide-deliver yung mga computers ? (I have not lost hope. There’s nothing wrong with waiting. I want to prove that this project is not a failure. When will you deliver the computers?) ”
Indeed, the impending deployment of the computers will make Mr. Garcia and Dr. Micu feel “a joy beyond compare.”
“I can’t wait a moment more.
Tell me quando, quando, quando?
Say it’s me that you adore
And then darling tell me when?”
Mr. Alfredo P. Galano Jr., ICT coordinator of Mangatarem National High School revealed that the cubicle units were specially ordered, costing 800 each. This is in anticipation of the forthcoming delivery of the PCs. MNHS tied up with the nearby communities to sustain the operation of the laboratory. Capability-building seminar-workshops such as “invitation-making” will be held in and hosted by this school after the delivery of the iSchool’s components.
On the other hand, Dr. Merlita A. Pasiliao principal of Labrador National High School headed the construction of a building intended to be the computer center. Bigger than the others, Dr. Pasiliao envisions this center to be the DepEd Division of Pangasinan I’s main ground for IT-related trainings.
With these lofty targets, we just can’t prolong the agony of waiting.
It would seem that these recipient public high schools have done their part for the iSchools. In my head, I could almost see the principals and the ICT coordinators singing in unison:
“OH, MY DARLING TELL ME WHEN?”
Writers woe over 'evaluation' results
Like students who are protesting about unannounced quizzes, the appointed iSchools writers complain about the unexpected evaluation conducted by the heads of iSchools Project last November 14-16, 2007.
The designated writers/reporters who attended the training-workshop held at Hillside Resort, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, were evaluated. This was to determine whether these local staff members were skilled enough to discharge the responsibilities assigned to them.
The lectures on every topics close in with some practicum, the outputs were then submitted. Ms. Yvonne Chua and Ms. Luz Rimban, the workshop’s lecturers and appointed evaluators rated them using the outputs that the participants have come up to and presented to them. It was found out that only 2 out 29 participants were “skilled enough” and fit for the designation as writer/reporter for the project.
In a forum among the participants through their Yahoo Groups, one of the writers who flunked the evaluation wrote:
“Fellow writers,
It really took me long time to finally say my piece about the write shop cum evaluation in Palawan.
May I say that more than any aspect of my (our) personality, it is my (our) ego which is really beaten hard by the sad fact that there were only two who passed the test of competence (the yardstick, let's hope we'll know soon!).
The CICT people are talking about taking the flunk as a challenge. I believe they were right. But how about the pain that we are still nursing? Can they imagine the shame that's consuming me (us) from thevery moment the announcement was posted till now? I have beenjournalistically writing for 6 years. Does this mean that I have been wrongly journalistically writing for the same age? For participants, who like me were instructors, professors of journalism or communication arts subjects, will the idea of a CHALLENGE overshadow the feeling of sudden inferiority? I don't know how will you react to this.”
However, CICT reconsidered its judgments and brought out new list of passers in an assessment with new sets of criteria after hearing some objections.
Like students who are protesting about unannounced quizzes, the appointed iSchools writers complain about the unexpected evaluation conducted by the heads of iSchools Project last November 14-16, 2007.
The designated writers/reporters who attended the training-workshop held at Hillside Resort, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, were evaluated. This was to determine whether these local staff members were skilled enough to discharge the responsibilities assigned to them.
The lectures on every topics close in with some practicum, the outputs were then submitted. Ms. Yvonne Chua and Ms. Luz Rimban, the workshop’s lecturers and appointed evaluators rated them using the outputs that the participants have come up to and presented to them. It was found out that only 2 out 29 participants were “skilled enough” and fit for the designation as writer/reporter for the project.
In a forum among the participants through their Yahoo Groups, one of the writers who flunked the evaluation wrote:
“Fellow writers,
It really took me long time to finally say my piece about the write shop cum evaluation in Palawan.
May I say that more than any aspect of my (our) personality, it is my (our) ego which is really beaten hard by the sad fact that there were only two who passed the test of competence (the yardstick, let's hope we'll know soon!).
The CICT people are talking about taking the flunk as a challenge. I believe they were right. But how about the pain that we are still nursing? Can they imagine the shame that's consuming me (us) from thevery moment the announcement was posted till now? I have beenjournalistically writing for 6 years. Does this mean that I have been wrongly journalistically writing for the same age? For participants, who like me were instructors, professors of journalism or communication arts subjects, will the idea of a CHALLENGE overshadow the feeling of sudden inferiority? I don't know how will you react to this.”
However, CICT reconsidered its judgments and brought out new list of passers in an assessment with new sets of criteria after hearing some objections.
iSchool writers undergo trainings
With the aim of equipping the designated iSchools Project’s writer-reporter with the necessary skills, the Tarlac College of Agriculture sent Mr. Ramir D. Lambino to On-line Writing Techniques training-workshop on November 14-16, 2007 at Hillside Resort, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Ms. Yvonne T. Chua and Ms. Luz Rimban, both from the University of the Philippines, Diliman and are accomplished journalists served as the resource speaker. In this training hosted by Western Philippines University, the following topics were discussed:
*Newswriting
*Editorial writing
*Feature Writing
* Basic Photography and Photo Editing
* Online Writing
*Creating Blogspot
The workshop was participated in by 29 of the iSchools writers all over the country.
iSchools staff members attend workshops
In preparation for the training roll-outs to the CICT’s iSchool Beneficiaries targeted for the month of October and November, 2007, simultaneous trainors’ training on Computer and Internet Literacy Course, and Monitoring and Evaluation; were attended by the College’s staff who are part of the said project’s team last August 22 – 24 at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet and National Computer Center-Commission on Information and Communications Technology Head Office at UP-Diliman, Quezon City, respectively.
In preparation for the training roll-outs to the CICT’s iSchool Beneficiaries targeted for the month of October and November, 2007, simultaneous trainors’ training on Computer and Internet Literacy Course, and Monitoring and Evaluation; were attended by the College’s staff who are part of the said project’s team last August 22 – 24 at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet and National Computer Center-Commission on Information and Communications Technology Head Office at UP-Diliman, Quezon City, respectively.
As TCA’s counterpart of the Intenet for Schools or iSchools Project with the CICT, Tarlac College of Agriculture sent five computer studies instructors to the Computer and Internet Literacy Course workshop. They were Mrs. Catherine S. Rosete, Ms. Maria Regina G. Mari, Ms. Sheila A. Ragasa, Mr. Rodel R. Ramos and Mr. Ruben R. Parazo. All of whom are belonging to the to the college’s Institute of Engineering and Computer Studies. The said faculty members are International Computer Driver’s License certified after taking and having passed an exam at the CICT. After the training, they will serve as lecturers for CILC trainings at the projects recipient schools.
Meanwhile, after having been assigned as iSchools Project staff’s area coordinators, Ms. Gracielle Hilario and Mr. Ramir Lambino of the Institute of Education and Institute of Arts and Sciences, respectively, attended the trainors’ training on Monitoring and Evaluation. In the implementation of the project, Hilario and Lambino will be responsible for:
*assisting in the management of all activities of the iSchools Project,
*organize and manage trainings for the iSchools Project recipients
*serve as Training Manager for the scheduled dates of training
*conduct overall evaluation of the project, and
*help in the efficient handholding of the project to the recipient schools
Thursday, November 15, 2007
CICT teams-up with TCA for iSchools
In a bid to bridge the digital divide among the public high schools in the country, Commission on Information and Technology tied up with Tarlac College of Agriculture for its iSchools Project.
After conducting site surveys, TCA has identified 10 public high schools in Tarlac and Pangasinan that will be recipient of internet laboratories and ICT equipments. These are:
Mangatarem National High Shool
San Pedro National High School
TCA shall assist in all technical and hand-holding activities of the project. To guarantee the success of the project, the college had created its project staff consisting of the coordinator as the head, an assistant, and area coordinators. Experts from the college will serve as resource speakers in capability-building workshops which will ensure sustainability, maintenance and effectivity of the project
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