DPWH conducts massive tree-planting activity along the national highways

 

A DPWH employee planted falcata tree seedling

ILIGAN CITY – Tree planting activity is a coping mechanism conducted by the Department of public works and highways (DPWH) 2^nd district Engineering office of Lanao del Norte to replace the number of trees affected during the road widening project along the national highways of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, an information relayed by Mr. Vincent Labial, public information officer.

Labial said the just recently tree-planting activity reforestation effort was conducted at barangay Rogongon by the DPWH employees planted 4,500 falcata seedlings. DPWH's "Tree Replacement Program" is in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) requiring DPWH to plant 100 trees for every tree cut.  

“The on-going road-widening is a priority project of DPWH to improve access to rural areas and spread economic development to the countryside”, explained District Engineer Alykhan Ali.

DPWH employees posed during the tree
planting activity

The fast-growing falcata tree species was chosen for the program due to its nitrogen-fixing property which improves the soil condition and is well-suited for the high-elevation level of barangay Rogongon.

To ensure a high survival rate, DPWH has deputized local farmers to help cultivate the newly planted seedlings. A team from the Planning and Design Section led by Engineer Rachid Mudag, Jr. was created to monitor the replanted trees.

“Every time we implement projects, we are always mindful of the environmental impact and its effect on the community”, District Engineer Ali concluded.

Ali also vowed to continue the DPWH’s active involvement in different activities of DENR such as tree planting and clean-up drive. (VNL/DPWH-PIO, Edited by Jun Enriquez)

Military neutralizes three local terrorists, discovers enemy lair in Maguindanao

Zamboanga City – Military neutralized three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and discovered an enemy lair in two separate operations in Maguindanao on June 19 and 20, 2021.

In a statement released by Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, based in Camp Navarro, Calarian this city, said troops of the Joint Task Force Central conducted focus military operations when they encountered more or less 10 BIFF members under Muslimin Amilil, a.k.a. Mus of the 2nd Division of Karialan Faction.

 “Firefight ensued at Sitio Proper, Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao at about 5:52 a.m., Sunday, June 20, 2021, which resulted in the deaths of three BIFF militants,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

While clearing the clash site, troops recovered the remains of the slain enemies and war materials including three cal. 45 pistols, two hand grenades, eight grams crystalline substance believed to be “Shabu”, and PhP1, 000.00 cash. Recovered cadavers and materials were brought to 1st Mechanized Battalion headquarters for identification, documentation, and proper disposition.

Meanwhile, in a focused military operation conducted at around 4:30 p.m. Saturday (June 19), an abandoned enemy lair was discovered by operating troops at Sitio Tubak, Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The lair site is situated in an area along the hillside and is believed to be owned by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said the lair can accommodate at least 80-100 persons.

It has more or less 12 foxholes, three overhead bunkers, eight bunkers, three guard posts, and running trenches. While scouring the area, soldiers recovered one bandoleer, four magazine pouches, one short magazine, one pressurized improvised explosive device, one pair of combat boots, one butane stove, backpack, pants, ICOM antenna, kettle, Quranic book, pail, iron stove stand, solar panel, whiteboard, and suspected IED components. Said items are placed under the custody of the 92nd Infantry Battalion for safekeeping.

Vinluan congratulated the troops of the Joint Task Force Central for these significant accomplishments. “Rest assure that the armed forces will continue to conduct focused military operations to hunt down and pound on the enemies, and recover their strongholds and armaments, troops continue to scour the area.” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added. (Westmincom Press release; with reports by Jong Cadion; Edited by Jun Enriquez, Managing Editor)

MSU SYSTEM STRENGTHENS ITS MANDATE TO PURSUE TRANSFORM AS WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITY

- Dr. Habib Watamama Macaayong delivered his yearend report. 

 BY ASANGAN T. MADALE 

 Marawi City - In an interview with Dr. Habib Watamama Macaayong, President of the Mindanao State University System (MSUs), he stated “We had great plans for thriving as a world class University in Southern Philippines in accordance with the mandate of the university vision and mission but pandemic came and disrupted everything.” 

He was appointed on March 9, 2016 as seventh regular President of the Mindanao State University System (MSUs) with a fixed term to expire in 2022. 

As we would probably know, we did not just sit out the long lockdown imposed by the National Inter-Agency Task Force and the Department of Health (IATF-DOH) to strictly observe the standard health protocols. 

Instead, the Office of the President supported by the Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Deans and Directors including our external campuses went online to plan intervention programs to continue their works as well as the education of our students.

In his year-end accomplishment reports for 2020 was focus on the following basic principles, such as Infrastructure development, Policy reforms, Crafting new relevant and initiating massive curricular revision, Forging linkages/partnerships for collaborative projects, preventing and protecting MSU main campus in Marawi City against extremism especially during the Marawi siege, and mindful of the principles of clientele satisfaction and continued improvements among others. First, on infrastructure development 

The President's term has been much of a construction boom expended on the completion of the construction of new buildings.

Among these are the College of Education, College of Public Affairs, College of Business Administration and Accountancy, College of Social Sciences and Humanities. On (Dream Buildings) includes the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Engineering, College of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Center for Hotel and restaurant, Convention Center, College of Forestry, College of Fisheries, and Information and Communication Technology College, Institute of Science Education, University Hostel and (2) Faculty Housing.

The completion of these buildings solved the longstanding problem of classroom shortage.

Second, was on the crafting of new relevant programs and initiating curricula revision. The Marawi Siege that broke out in May 2017 crudely jolted society into an awareness of the insidious taking root and spread of violent extremism.

As a response to this new threat, President Macaayong using the mandate and mission the MSUs as a National Peace University, spearheaded the crafting of a Peace Education course (FPE 101- Fundamentals of Peace Education), and its inclusion in the various curricula offerings as a general requirement or part of the General Education Course.

This move was lauded by universities in Manila like Miriam College and De La Salle University as "trailblazing”. In fact, CHED proposed that the MSU be in the vanguard in training faculty Peace Education pedagogy in other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). Lastly, the forging linkages/partnerships for collaborative projects.

President Macaayong has been very active in forming linkages with foreign universities in Southeast Asia-e.g. Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia- and in Turkey (specifically Kastamuno University). Through these MOUs, the university hopes its student-and-faculty exchange programs will lift off the ground. ( Edited by Charina Enriquez,Executive Editor; Technical Editor Jong Cadion; Managing Editor Jun Enriquez)

DPWH supports DepED’s “Brigada Eskwela”

 

DPWH Maintenance crews from Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office mow the lawn of Miguel Obach Memorial School at Brgy. Ubaldo Laya, Iligan City

ILIGAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through its Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office continued its commitment to extend assistance to the Department of Education’s (DepED) year-round “Brigada Eskwela” activity.

Mr. Bong Labial, Information officer of the DPWH 2nd Engineering office, Lanao del Norte said, there were Four local schools in this city recently benefitted from the grass-cutting activity conducted by the DPWH maintenance personnel from their office for a weeklong work ended June 4 last week.

Among the schools worked by the maintenance teams include Miguel Obach Memorial School of Barangay Ubaldo Laya, Pugaan Elementary School of Barangay Pugaan, Esperidion F. Encabo Memorial High School also of Barangay Pugaan, and Dona Juana A. Lluch Memorial Central School of Pala-o, all of Iligan City.

The Brigada Eskwela is a National Schools Maintenance Week, aims to bring together all education stakeholders to help prepare public school facilities be ready for the opening of classes, as the case may be.

The DepEd district office of Iligan City headed by DepEd Superintendent Roy Angelo E. Gazo expressed their utmost appreciation of the maintenance works initiated by the DPWH 2nd Engineering district office of Lanao del Norte headed by District Engineer Alykhan Ali. “Despite the challenges of he COVID-19 pandemic, we should continue to ensure that our children’s future is promising and safe”, District Engineer Alykhan Ali stressed.

In a phone interview with "Brigada Eskwela" program coordinator Ms. Erlinda Basmayor, DepEd Senior educator program specialist said that the DPWH 2nd Engineering district office of Lanao del Norte, as one of the stakeholders, showed their support to the spirit of Bayanihan system under the Brigada Eskwela with other stakeholders such as private institutions and individuals, government agencies, local government units, and other organizations contribution to DepED’s campaign of providing Filipino children access to quality basic education. Basmayor said traditionally the Brigada Eskwela will kicki-off one week before the start of classes but later on it became a whole year-round activity.

She said there is no definite resumption of face-to-face learning in school pending the order of DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones, due to the unstable situation of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the country. Basmayor added, distance learning education will still prevail despite the many challenges encountered but managed and overcame the situation. "The DepEd community always adhere and strictly observed the standard health protocols for the protection of everybody.” Basmayor pointed out.

Labial said, Last year, there were four local schools received hygiene packs from the DPWH 2nd Engineering office, Lanao del Norte in support to the annual Brigada Eskwela activity. Each hygiene pack includes face shields, face masks and 4 gallons of ethyl alcohol. (VNL/DPWH-PIO; with reports and edited by Jun Enriquez, Jong Cadion)

Solid foundation for the Panguil Bay mega-bridge project

 Installation of solid foundation for the Panguil Bay mega-bridge

Iligan City – The much-awaited Panguil Bay mega-bridge project, one of the flagship infrastructure projects of President Rodrigo Duterte administration is now progressing at full scale on its construction schedule.

This was revealed during the site visit on June 4, 2021, of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd District Engineering office for Lanao del Norte, District Engineer Alykhan Ali, Project Manager Miguel Ramos of the DPWH - Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) and consultants from the Korean consortium who are jointly undertaking the bridge construction.

“We are very much pleased to learn that the construction of Panguil Bay bridge is on track despite the prevailing pandemic, and big thanks to Secretary Mark Villar for his innovative ways to push for this mega-project forward while keeping the workforce safe”, expressed District Engineer Ali.

According to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, the P7.38 billion mega-bridge project is a 3.169-kilometer two-lane bridge which will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod town in Lanao del Norte will drastically reduce travel time between these two points from the present two-and-a-half hours to only 10 minutes.

The Panguil Bay Bridge (PBB) project will be the longest bridge in the country, overtaking the San Juanico Bridge that links Samar and Leyte by more than 1-kilometer.

 The Panguil Bay bridge will also shorten trips from the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan to Tangub and Zamboanga region in western Mindanao.

District Engr Alykhan Ali (2nd from left), Maintenance Engr Norodin Batabor (left), Kim Keun Young (2nd from right) of the Korean consortium and Engr. Abdul Khalid Lomangcolob (right) of DPWH-UPMO.

Villar said bridges are key to developing the Philippine transport industry, as they are crucial in improving mobility and interconnectivity among nearby cities and provinces. An estimated 200 local workers are currently employed by the Joint venture contractor Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumgwang for the implementation phase of the PBB project.

Also joining District Engineer Ali during his site visit are Maintenance Engineers Norodin Batabor and Hadjinor Sukarno. (VNL/DPWH-PIO; Edited by Jun Enriquez)

USAID executive officer lauds MSU Aga Khan museum as Repository of Cultural Heritage

 

MSU employees posed in front of MSU Aga Khan Museum headed by Dr. Linang Cabugatan

BY ASANGAN T. MADALE

“He who denies his heritage, has no heritage”- Kahlil Gibran

MARAWI CITY - Executive Officer of the Marawi Response Program USAID Plan International Mr. Lauro Tito C. Ilagan in his message during the celebration of the National Heritage Month held May 27, 2021 at Aga Khan Museum building, MSU main campus this City, "The MSU Aga Khan Museum is a Repository of Cultural Heritage in Southern Philippines," Ilagan lauded.

Mr. Lauro Tito C. Ilagan

"As I know under the Charter of MSU System (Republic Act 1893 ,under Section 2 enjoins that institution is task to undertake studies of Filipinos Native Culture, along with sciences and humanities , to implement its charter, the university founded this Aga Khan from acquiring its collection to the continuous process of museum and development and especially its importance to students and researchers to study of their historical heritage." Ilagan added.

Just recently, the Aga Khan Museum and Arkat Lawanen celebrated the National Heritage Month or Pambansang Buwan ng Pamana with this year’s theme "VICTORY AND HUMANITY Upholding Filipino Heritage and Identity " Ilagan emphasized.

The month of May is National Heritage Month, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 439 s. 2003. Every Filipino is enjoined to take part in this celebration and help create among us a consciousness, respect, and love for the nation’s historical heritage.

As we reflect on and celebrate National Heritage Month in the midst of the most challenging year in recent memory owing to the pandemic, it is more important to look at how we can contribute to preserving our culture and heritage, which help shape our society and our nation’s identity.

However, Ilagan said "Ang pagtulong namin sa mga sector kabilang na ang mga traditional handwoven goods at pati na yung mga gumagawa ng baur at brassware ay malaking bagay po upang magkaroon tayo ng mga pagkakataon pang magkaroon ng mas maraming economic opportunity sa pamamagitan ng trabaho, dagdag negosyo at kita dahil sa kanilang pagproduce at pagbenta ng mga produktong ito, Subalit kasama rin diyan ang pagsuporta rin na mapreserve yung traditional skills at art ng Meranaw people. [ Our support to help the sectoral groups including the traditional handowven goods who are engaged in making "baur" or wooden chest is to improve their economic opportunity by creating more jobs out of the products they produce, and above all our major concern is to help preserve the traditional skills , and arts among the Meranaw people"]

PCW Commissioner Asliyha Limbona

Meanwhile, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Commissioner on Culture and the Arts Bae Asliyha Limbona was grateful enough for the support received through her initiative to protect, preserve and transmit Meranaw traditional weaving and other items, "I am always thankful to the Marawi Response Program USAID International Plan, my counterpart Dr. Linang Cabugatan, head of Aga Khan Museum and to everyone who have exerted their efforts for the success of the program.

Dr. Cabugatan in her welcome address recognizes the importance of preserving one’s heritage because heritage is who we are as a people and heritage is our history.

Cabugatan stressed the importance of the created initiatives designed to protect not only our cultural heritage but also our natural heritage like the Lake Lanao. "As the people of the Lake, it is incumbent upon us to take care of it," Cabugatan pointed out in her message. (Edited by Jun Enriquez; Photos contributed by Asangan T. Madale) 

Miltrasco, LTFRB guested by Congressman Siao launches modern jeepneys under the government PUV modernization program

Turnover of Automated fare collection device (AFCD) 

and Power card

By Jun Enriquez 

Iligan City (Edited May 26, 2021)– “Despite the many challenges encountered by the Misamis Iligan Lanao Transport Service Cooperative (MILTRASCO) on its application to acquire the 15 units modern passengers’ jeepney under the Public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government,success is still on our side,” this is the message of the Miltrasco chairman, Jaime Pableo, in his welcome address during the launching of the project on May 22, 2021 held at the Magoong Multi-purpose gymnasium, Linamon, Lanao del Norte attended by the invited guests, visitors, members and officers of the cooperative. Pableo lauded the dynamic support of the officers and members of the cooperative in achieving success. He also extended thanks to the Lone district representative of Iligan City, Congressman Frederick Siao for the untiring support to Miltrasco. Pableo said that the modern jeepney is a long wait categorized as class 2 vehicle that would ply up to 60 kilometers. 

During the interview, Mr. Raul Permites, General manager of Miltrasco said that the project was funded through loans approved by the Land bank of the Philippines (LBP). Permites added that each unit will cost at 1.9 million pesos or a total of 28.5 million pesos for the 15 units payable in seven years. The modern jeepney vehicle is fully loaded with air conditioned equipped with Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, wifi and television set with seating capacity of 23 passengers. Routes will be considered from Iligan city proper going to Buru-un and vice versa assigned seven jeepney units to pick-up passengers to travel a distance approximately 10 kilometers west of Iligan city. Another route also considered to pick-up passengers plying from city proper at the Robinsons place going to Linamon, Lanao del Norte and vice versa to travel a distance of approximately 15 kilometers west of Iligan City assigned eight modern jeepney units. 

Mr. Jaime Pableo

Its operation will formally start immediately as soon as the franchise from the Land transportation franchise regulatory board (LTFRB) will be released. The eight jeepney units assigned for the Linamon 

route will be operational as soon as the traffic code of the Local government of Iligan City will be amended for outside Iligan routes the soonest time possible, in support to the national government PUV

modernization program of the Duterte administration. 

There was the presence of the National Confederation of Transport workers Union (NCTU) represented by Jaime Aguilar, General secretary . Aguilar said it is not easy to convert the Association into transport cooperative but it was done. The NCTU is supporting the PUV modernization program of the government. Aguilar said that they help the Miltrasco of the many obstacles they were facing during the period of the difficulties. 

Mr. Jaime Aguilar

He said that the next round of challenge is sustainability of the project implementation, the capacity to manage the operation. Therefore, Aguilar said due to the spirit of unity and cooperation, the Miltrasco achieved the fruit of success. 

On the other hand, Romeo Macailao, NCTU National treasurer who is also the General Manager of the Batangas Transport Service Cooperative (BATRASCO) explained concerning the Service contracting in the transport sector. He said service contracting will supplement the economic problem of the transport sector this time of pandemic. The NCTU was able to coalesce with the Labor center in Manila to move as one and lobbied in congress to access budget under the Bayanihan 2 and allocated the amount of 5.5 billion pesos intended for the service contracting. 

Mr. Romeo Macailao

   Under the service contracting scheme, Macailao said that the modern     jeepney will only accommodate 50% passengers’ capacity due to the     pandemic situation and the other 50% vacant seating capacity will be     paid by the government under the service contracting budget at               eleven pesos per kilometer per vacant seat to help compensate the           obligations for the maintenance cost of the unit. There is also a               driver’s subsidy at four thousand pesos to buy mobile phone to be           used in daily operation. There will be a payout to the drivers in the         amount of 25,000 pesos to help them on their domestic needs. 

Regional Director Amenodin Guro of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Region 10 in his message, he congratulated the Miltrasco for a job well done. Guro said that there will be a free rides to frontliners in the fight against COVID-19 and  the Authorized persons outside residence (APOR) provided they will show their works identification cards a proof of their identity. Guro said that there are 10 major components of PUV modernization program, mentioning the few, first is the modernization that passengers will be more comfortable with the gadgets and accessories in PUVs. Industry consolidation requires all individual operators to consolidate into one juridical entity such as cooperative and corporation. 

Mr. Amenodin Guro

Financing provided by the two government banks, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to help the small operators to acquire new units. The    overhaul Land transport system that balances the progress of the public land transportation sector for the convenient of the riding public. Since last month the LTFRB office held five launchings with 47 modernized PUVs. To date there are already more than 200 modernized PUVs and franchise compliance in the region. Guro extended his thanks to the Local government of Iligan city and  Linamon municipality and the office of Congressman Frederick Siao of the lone district of Iligan City as partners of the project. 

Mr. Dima-arig Diamla, 

LTFRB Assistant Director Dima-arig Diamla, Iligan Sattelite officer in-charge also shared his success story of the processes of Miltrasco. He gave advises to Miltrasco officers many times to ensure the approval of their application for the PUV modernization program in the acquisition of the 15 units modern jeepneys. 

Mr. Alexander Hernandez, General manager of the Legacy Trucks and Tractors, Incorporated said that they support not only for the acquisition of units but also supporting the business and success of the cooperative. Hernandez said that they conducted 2 days trainingto the drivers to capacitate how to operate the modernized vehicle. The vehicle has an applied technology so that it will be more efficient and productive that the cooperative will become financially healthy and profitable. 

Mr. Alexander Hernandez

Mr. Benjamin Javier, Jr., President and Chief Executive officer (CEO) of Nfinite solution. Javier said that all modernized vehicles of Miltrasco have been installed with Global positioning system (GPS) to be used where the exact location of the vehicle and its distance through the satellite and the user. There is also a gadget called Automated fare collection device (AFCD) to collect fare rates from the passengers through the power cards similar to the ATM card. The power card will be sold to the    passenger to pay fare rates online. 

Mr. Benjamin Javier, Jr. with AFCD

The Miltrasco power cards is orange in color will be loadable with amounts to pay for fare rates in the modernized vehicles. The drivers, conductors, members and officers of Miltrasco will educate the riding public in using the Miltrasco power cards for easy use. The students and senior citizens still entitle of the 20% fare discount. The power card will be used nationwide and will last for 10 years. The money collected from the passengers power cards will directly goes to the bank account of Miltrasco and the bank will automatically deduct the amount deposited to pay the loans of Miltrasco.

Congressman Frederick Siao

Congressman Freddie Siao, Lone district representative of Iligan City in his message said the success is credited to the resilient and dynamic leadership of the Miltrasco. He congratulated Miltrasco because It’s not easy to achieve success without the cooperation of the members and the outside network to work for the many challenges that would respond for the best of the cooperative. Siao said he always    support Miltrasco. He reiterated success will always be achieved if government guidelines will be followed.Congressman Siao said the strength and united Miltrasco must be continued. 

Mun. Councilor Rene Pestolante

Municipal Councilor Renato “Atoy” Pestolante of Linamon, Lanao del Norte in his message said that in the 1990s the Iligan City council created a traffic code to restrict provincial route outside Iligan City to enter the city proper and was only up to the south bound terminal in Barangay Tomas Cabili five kilometers away from the city proper. He said that it will take two rides for the people from Linamon in going to the city proper unlike before the created traffic code will only take one ride. He said that the modern passenger jeepney plying the route from Robinsons place in Iligan going to Linamon and vice versa is a big help for the commuters from Linamon to solve the transportation problem of PUVs direct route to Iligan city proper. Pestolante also informed the ongoing construction of Jeepney and bus terminal in poblacion Linamon to serve the transportation sector and commuters for public convenience. Linamon municipal councilor Kempee Macapil also present during the occasion.

Mr. Camcer Imam

Camcer Imam, In charge of thr Office of transport Cooperative (OTC) based in Cagayan de Oro City in  his message said the OTC was tasked to oversee the welfare of the transport cooperative all over the  country  committed to provide valuable undertakings and facilitate the transformation of transport cooperative to become highly competitive transport and  business organizations through genuine  operations. In 2019, the PUV modernization program, the OTC is     also committed that by 2040 transport cooperatives shall enjoy sustainable income and improve quality of life for all its members. 

Ribbon cutting ceremony led by Congressman Siao and LTFRB 10 Director Amenodin Guro was successfully done and turnover of keys and internet gadgets was conducted by the stakeholders from   

the LBP, Legacy trucks and tractors and Hfinite solution and was formally accepted by the Miltrasco officers of the 15 units of modern PUV jeepneys. 

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Iligan City councilors Simplicio "Pisyong" Larrazabal, Chairman of the committee on transportation and Jesse Ray Balanay, Chairman of the committee on cooperative of the Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) were invited for the launching activity but they did not showed up for unknown reasons. The PUV modernization program is a thrust of the national government under the Duterte administration as one of the solutions to the traffic problem and provide sustainable income for the transport sector in the country. (with reports by Mar Sabate and Hermie Arcilla)

CSOs extends Distance learning assistance to poorest of the poor students

 

Queennie Obedencio, Staff volunteer teacher, in a tutorial session with students

  

By Charina H. Enriquez

Linamon, Lanao del Norte - One of the most essential things in society that most affected by the global pandemic caused by the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19), is the education sector. This COVID-19 disturbed the lives of many learners and students in the Philippines since March 2020. This pandemic has seriously impacted the education system not just in the Philippines but worldwide.

The Philippine Government has not yet allowed the face to face classes since most areas of the country still have high active cases of COVID-19. But the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) believed that the pandemic is not a hindrance to having access to quality education and learning must continue despite the situation. Concerning this, they implemented the “new normal” strategy of education which is “distance learning” where students are not allowed to go to school for face-to-face classes, but they will be given modules to answer in the comfort of their homes. Some of the schools enforced having online classes to reach out to the students in this academic year. 

But the problem does not end with this “new normal” education system. Most of the students have no access to internet connection and gadgets for online classes and some students have difficulties understanding the modules given to them. And in response to this call, the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP), in partnership with DXRC – Freedom Radio 91.5 FM, Linamon, Lanao del Norte, Department of Education and German Development Cooperation (GIZ),  conducted a program to help the poor students to understand the distance learning education using the social media and modular learning processes, specifically in the 8 Barangays of Linamon, Lanao del Norte, namely: Napo, Larapan, Samburon, Magoong, Poblacion, Robocon, Bosque and Purakan.

The program has 8 volunteer teachers assigned in the 8 barangays of Linamon, directly connecting to the poor families and assists at least 5 Elementary students with preference from grades 1-3 for basic elementary education and 5 High school students with preference from grades 8-10 which is basic for a college education. The volunteers will directly be engaged to the poor families and extends help to poor students, and still practicing the health protocols given by the government. This project aims to aid the large difficulty faced by our education system due to the present pandemic COVID-19. As of the call of President Duterte in the new normal education system that “Together, let us work to achieve a more informed and enlightened, inspired citizenry, starting with our children,” he said. The pandemic also helps us realize to strive harder and make advance strategies to have a better education amidst of this trying times.