Tribute to Brother Jesse Robredo

We deeply mourn the untimely demise of Secretary Jesse Robredo or "Bro Jess". We are grieving and we could not help but reluctantly realize that we lost a good gentleman whose commitment to public service, integrity and good governance has become synonymous to his name. He was a staunch supporter of change and reforms. A silent worker whose stewardship has won him the admiration of his co-workers in government and the entire Filipino nation.

Bro. Jess was a true leader, a loyal friend and a genuine public servant. He leaves to us and the future generation a legacy of unconditional dedication to work and devotion as a loving family man.

He will be missed but would always be remembered. He will be gone but would always stay with us.

In Leadership, Friendship and Service. May We Always Be.

Salamat Bro. Jesse !

PATULOY NA PANANALANGIN

Ating patuloy na ipinapanalangin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kapatid na sina Kalihim Jesse Robredo at mga kasama niya na magpahanggang ngayo'y hindi pa natatagpuan matapos na bumagsak ang eroplanong sinasakyan nila. Tayo ay umaasa na sila ay mabuting kalagayan, ligtas at malayo sa ano mang panganib. Ating hinihiling na sila'y pagkalooban ng ibayong lakas ng katawan, mas matibay na kalooban at biyaya ng buhay. Tayo ay nananalangin din para sa kanilang pamilya, at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng search and rescue operations na pinangungunahan ng ating Pangulong Aquino. Kailangan natin si Kalihim Jesse Robredo. Kailangan siya ng sambayanan. Tunay na lingkod bayan. Tapat sa tungkulin. Maasahan at walang bahid.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino !

Ang pagbibigay ng kahalagahan sa sariling at pambansang wika ay hindi matatawaran. Ito at itinaguyod at patuloy na isinusulong ng iba't ibang bahagi ng ating lipunan sa pangunguna ng ating pamahalaan. Ang nagkakaisang layunin ay upang sa pamamagitan ng pambansang wika, ang minimithing pagkakaisa ay makakamtam.

Ang antas ng kaalaman at kasanayan ng mga Pilipino sa pambansang wika ay nararapat na manatiling mataas, o mas higit pa sa kasalukuyan. Ito ay mangyayari lamang kung ang bawat isa sa atin ay gaganap ng tungkulin na mahubog ang mga susunod na henerasyon sa mundo ng makasaysayan at mayaman kultura ng Pilipino.

Hindi iniaalis sa mga Pilipino na hayaang lumawak ang kaalaman ng mga bata at kabataan sa mga wikang banyaga o kultura ng ibang bansa. Ngunit huwag naman na tatalikuran ang pinanggalingan tulad ng sukdulan at tahasang pagpapalimot sa wikang Pilipino.

Ating pagyamanin ang ating kaalaman at paggamit ng ating sariling wika. Manalig tayo na ang susi ng pagkakaisa ay nasa bawat isa sa atin, at sa ating katapatan na gampanan ang mga alintuntunin ng tunay na mabuting mamamayan. Isa na rito ay ang pagtataguyod ng ating Pambansang Wika, taas nuong pinagmamalaki, dito man sa ating bansa o saan mang sulok ng daigdig.

Sa araw na ito, ating pinaparangalan si Manuel Luis Quezon, pangulong tunay, nagtaguyod at nagmahal sa ating Pambansang Wika.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino !

A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR SECRETARY ROBREDO AND HIS COMPANIONS

"Almighty God and Father, we humbly offer this special prayer for the safety and protection of our brother, Secretary Jesse Robredo and his companions. May You bless them with the physical strength and the will to live more than ever. We ask this through Your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen."

PASSING THROUGH

"Kumusta na? Been quite some time ah. How's the family?", Aaron asked his friend Mike. "Ok lang kami pare. Ikaw ba kumusta na?", as Mike responded, he likewise asked the same question. It was still raining that afternoon, well, actually for nine straight days already. In fact practically 60 to 70 persent of Metro Manila had been under water and a state of calamity was declared in several affected areas.

"Naku, our friend Bert and another, Ben have just died one after another." Aaron obviously and naturally forming a sad face as he broke the news. Mike was surprised, "Ano?! Grabe naman. Ano na ba nangyayari? Di ba kailan lang, kamamatay lang ni Owee."

"Oo nga pare. Mukhang iniisa-isa na tayo. Kaya pakabait ka na." quipped Aaron, to which Mike said "Pare, ikaw ang dapat mag reality check, mas marami kang kasalanan sa akin."

Joe another friend arrived and joined Aaron and Mike. "Wow pare looking good and signs of progress ka ah. Kumusta ang monsson rains? Oo nga, ano balita", Mike and Aaron asked Joe. "Eto, for sure alam na ninyo tungkol kay Bert at Ben?"

Mike replied "Pinaguusapan nga namin si Kamatayan eh." He added, "ayan si Aaron, worried, kailangan daw niya ng time to think it over, if h he can postpone a little bit his death." Everyone laughed, and Aaron can only smile, but Joe was quick to add, "guys, all of us will go through the same ritual of dying from this life and living once again in another. All of us are passing through this world, like transient passengers on a short journey."

Stunned, Aaron staring at Joe, while Mike could hardly gulped down the soda he was drinking. "Oh come on! What is the matter with you guys?! Have you not heard of the afterlife?"

"Look Joe, it's not that we don't know anything about afterlife, or whatever. But you see, it is quite un-Joe of you to be talking about these things." Aaron continued, "Besides, just last month, were talking about Bert Ben and Owee."

"Ok, ok, eh ano naman ang connect? Hindi naman natin pinaguusapan kung ano mangyayari sa kanila. Besides ang usapan natin eh puro good memories." Mike nodding and who seems to approve what Aaron has said.

Thea coming from out of nowhere greeted everyone, "Mukhang seryoso yata mga tao rito ngayon ah. Kumain na ba kayo?" "Thea, saan ka ba galing? Kanina pa kami rito." Joe was quick to asked when he himself was late too.

"After keeping his silence for over an hour, Ton blurted, "Hay naku, walang pinagusapan mga yan kung di puro walang saysay na problemahin sa ngayon. Tama, in this life, we are on a short journey. We are passing through. Kaya naman anything you can do to make life better, hindi lamang buhay mo but also those of others, aba eh gawin na. Huwag pasaway. Huwag abusado. Dapat maging mabait. Ewan ko ba. Bakit ganyan ang tao, gagawa ng masama tapos later on puro regrets. Pwede naman gumawa ng mabuti, eh parang hirap na hirap. Tulad na lang ng graft and corruption, aba eh kinamulatan na natinyan ah. Hanggang ngayon ba naman nariyan pa yan. Nagiging biktima na nga tayo eh. Tulad ng baha. Kung tama ba naman ang paggamit ng salapi ng gobyerno para sa flood control at rehabilitation ng mga sirang facilities or equipments, magkakaroon ba naman ng Ondoy? Kung tayo ba ay susunod lang sa tamang pagtatapon ng basura, o kaya ang batas ang talagang ipapatupad, e di kahit papaano, medyo mababawasan ang sana'y hindi naman dapat problema. Hirap kasi sa buhay nating ito, pagka-walang eleksiyon, ayun, tahimik at solve na solve sa kung ano mang bagong sasakyan, bahay, gadgets, and take note, jetsetting sprees si pulitiko. Magkano lang naman ang sweldo pero buhay milyonaryo. Ganyan din naman mga iba sa gobyerno. At eto namang nasa private sector, mga negosyante, tinotolerate naman. Tapos ang madlang people, tahimik, nagmumukmok and at the same time, entertained."

"O ayan ang iniwan sa atin ni Ton bago siya tuluyang nag pass through sa mundong ito." Aaron reminding everyone what Ton said to everyone before he met an accident that claimed his life at the age of 27. "Oo nga", Joe and Mike in unison. Thea was still in a state of bewilderment and ignorance, not knowing still what was happening with the group that led them to such profound discussion about life.

Which of the roles would you fit in? Aaron, Mike, Joe or Thea? Bert, Owee or Ben? Ton?

STATE OF CALAMITY

As a consequence of the catastrophic floodings caused by the "destructive" monsoon rains, several areas have been declared under a state of calamity.

 

Briefly, it means that a state of extreme distress or misfortune produced by some adverse circumstances or events or any great misfortune or cause, or loss or misery caused by natural forces such as earthquake, typhoons, floods, hurricane, epidemics or other disaster  causing widespread loss of, and /or extensive damage to human lives, livestock, crops and property.

 

Over a decade ago, based on a government issuance, unless recently amended, a city, municipality, province or region may be declared under a State of Calamity whenever two or more of the following conditions brought about the fire of catastrophic magnitude, destructive typhoons, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods lasting for at least four (4) days, or drought affecting crop production are present:

 

1) At least twenty percent ( 20 %) of the population are affected and in need of emergency assistance or those dwelling units have been destroyed.

 

2) A great number or at least 40% of the means of livelihood such as banoas, fishing boars, vehicles and the like are destroyed.

 

3) Major roads and bridges are destroyed and impossible for at least a week, thus disrupting the flow of transport and commerce.

 

4) Widespread destruction of fishponds, crops, poultry and livestock, and other agricultural products, and

 

5) Disruption of lifelines such as electricity, potable water system, transport system communications system and other related systems which cannot be restored within one (1) week, except for highly-urbanized areas where restoration of the above lifelines cannot be made within twenty-four (24) hours.

 

Upon the declaration of a state of calamity, the following remedial measures may be undertaken by the concerned national agencies/ LGs in order to mitigate the effects of the disaster and stabilize the situation in the disaster-stricken areas:

 

a.   Automatic imposition of price control. Monitoring, prevention and control of overpricing/profiteering and hoarding of prime commodities, medicines and petroleum product by the Local Price Coordination Council; (see 1 of R.A. 7851)

 

b.  Programming/reprogramming funds for the repair and safety-upgrading of public infrastructure and facilities;

 

c.  Allowing the granting or restructuring of loans by government financing or lending institution to bonafide victims of the disaster in accordance with their respective charters.

 

The same deferment or moratorium shall be granted to corporate borrowers of aforesaid government credit institutions whose operations are seriously impaired by the calamity.

 

d.  Release of national calamity funds to agencies involved in relief operations and rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructures as well as to affected LGUs.

 

e.  Release of Local Calamity Funds within the affected LGU or other areas affected by a disaster or calamity for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and other works or services.

 

Under Section 19 of REPUBLIC ACT No. 10121, when there is a State of Calamity, any person, group or corporation who commits any of the following prohibited acts shall be held liable and be subjected to the penalties as prescribed in Section 20 of this Act:

 

(a)   Dereliction of duties which leads to destruction, loss of lives, critical damage of facilities and misuse of funds;

 

(b)   Preventing the entry and distribution of relief goods in disaster-stricken areas, including appropriate technology, tools, equipment, accessories, disaster teams/experts;

 

(c)   Buying, for consumption or resale, from disaster relief agencies any relief goods, equipment or other and commodities which are intended for distribution to disaster affected communities;

 

(d)   Buying, for consumption or resale, from the recipient disaster affected persons any relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities received by them;

 

(e)   Selling of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities which are intended for distribution to disaster victims;

 

(f)    Forcibly seizing relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities intended for or consigned to a specific group of victims or relief agency;

 

(g)   Diverting or misdelivery of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities to persons other than the rightful recipient or consignee;

 

(h)  Accepting, possessing, using or disposing relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities not intended for nor consigned to him/her;

 

(i)    Misrepresenting the source of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities by:

 

(1)  Either covering, replacing or defacing the labels of the containers to make it appear that the goods, equipment or other aid commodities came from another agency or persons;

(2)  Repacking the! goods, equipment or other aid commodities into containers with different markings to make it appear that the goods came from another agency or persons or was released upon the instance of a particular agency or persons;

(3)  Making false verbal claim that the goods, equipment or other and commodity m its untampered original containers actually came from another agency or persons or was released upon the instance of a particular agency or persons;

 

(j)    Substituting or replacing relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities with the same items or inferior/cheaper quality;

 

(k)   Illegal solicitations by persons or organizations representing others as defined in the standards and guidelines set by the NDRRMC;

 

(l)    Deliberate use of false at inflated data in support of the request for funding, relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities for emergency assistance or livelihood projects; and

 

(m) Tampering with or stealing hazard monitoring and disaster preparedness equipment and paraphernalia.

Henesis 8:7-12 ngayong 8-7-12

Henesis 8:7-12 “At lumulan sa sasakyan si Noe at ang kaniyang mga anak, at ang kaniyang asawa, at ang mga asawa ng kaniyang mga anak, dahil sa tubig ng baha.”

 Panalangin

Ama Namin, Makapangyarihang Tunay, Lumikha ng Langit at Lupa, Kami’y Nananalig sa Iyong Dakilang Awa, Kahabagan Po Ninyo Kami Sa Mga Panahong Ito, At Pahintulutan Po Ninyo Na Masinagan Muli Kami Ng Dakilang Bahaghari Na Tanda Ng Inyong Tipan Sa Lupa. Nawa’y Ang Panalanging Ito’y Maging Kalugud-Lugod Sa Inyo, Mula Sa Aming Mga Munting Nilalang. Ang Lahat Ng Ito Ay Aming Hinihiling Sa Ngalan Ng Inyong Bugtong Na Anak Na Si Hesus Na Aming Panginoon. Siya Nawa.

Pilipinas

8-7-12

Hazing : The Truth and The Tales

Recent events involving the deaths of two students from the San Beda College of Law have once again raised so much uproar and condemnation against the practice of hazing in fraternities. Family members are grieving, the guilty parties are unable to show themselves up, obviously confused and uncertain of their future, except criminal prosecution, an entire school and its alumni likewise condemning hazing, law enforcement agencies are preoccupied with the crime scene and in running after the suspects, lawmakers are on the drawing board and started to announce the conduct of legislative inquiries for purposes of reviewing and amending the present anti-hazing law, and of course, the media is equally and naturally outraged.

There is no doubt that somebody has to answer for the deaths of the hazing victims. From their grave, they are crying out for justice. Like anyone else who are already members of fraternities, they too would like to be called brothers. But fate have not been kind to them.

 Is hazing really necessary? Are fraternities and sororities or similar organizations still relevant? Can hazing be eradicated? What is the truth about it? What are the lies?

Fraternities and Sororities

Fraternities, and sororities are commonly known nowadays as college secret or more accurately “secretive” societies with noble objectives. They are exclusive and members are known to strive for academic excellence and service to fellowmen. True enough, quite a number do excel in their studies and works. They are regarded as successful, and even if one may not be as successful, the fact that he carries the name of the organization would suffice to make him like or feel like one.

Generally, the names of these organizations comprise any two or more of the greek alphabets, from Alpha to Omega to represent the outstanding qualities and intelligence of those who join these fraternities, or at least in the process of being a member, one would have such qualities. The inspiration came from ancient Greeks (philosophers, scientists and inventors) who were regarded as superior, and thus, once a person becomes a fraternity brother or a sorority sister, the real world is opened up, wisdom abounds and life will no longer be “greek” to such person.

Symbolisms and Practices

One must expect that greek letters in the names of these secret societies are symbolisms with attached meanings where normally, only the members will know. Further, passwords and grips are uttered and made, and from that moment on, likewise being symbolisms, they create an automatic bond that will transform complete strangers into brothers or sisters, and unfortunately, anyone who may be in their midst who is not a member will become the stranger, and an intruder.

These symbolisms and their rituals make them exclusive. Each member is deemed special and privileged.

By the way, not all are known as greek-letter societies or organizations. In law schools, latin sounding names have been adopted like lex and juris, among others. 

Though secretive and exclusive, fraternities and sororities will never claim being elitists.  Or at least a majority of them will not. Although they want to be treated and feel being entitled as such, by tradition and as an unwritten rule. Its apparent exclusivity is marked by situations where members group themselves together whenever they may be to the exclusion of others. Non-members are regarded as barbarians while members of other fraternities are treated as ordinary or inferior.

They always strive for superiority and they prove this in terms of numbers – like, having the most number of prominent and influential members or alumni, the most number of projects and accomplishments, and in law schools, the most number of bar topnotchers, scholars, bar passers, student leaders, and successful alumni members like judges, justices, government officials and politicians particularly in the halls of congress, and in local government units, such as governors and mayors including sanggunian and barangay officials.

Anti-Hazing Law or R.A. 8049

Unfortunately, most of these organizations are engaged in initiation-related violence consisting of fist blows, kicks, cigarette or candle burns, and paddles, and other means of inflicting physical and psychological pain and sufferings upon a neophyte or pledge before becoming a member. This is hazing as punished under R.A. 8049 otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law.  

            Hazing as defined under the law, is an initiation rite or practice as a prerequisite for admission into membership in a fraternity, sorority or organization by placing the recruit, neophyte or applicant in some embarrassing or humiliating situations such as forcing him to do menial, silly, foolish and other similar tasks or activities or otherwise subjecting him to physical or psychological suffering or injury. There are exclusions from this definition such as the physical, mental and psychological testing and training procedure and practices to determine and enhance the physical, mental and psychological fitness of prospective regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

            Admittedly, the law did not totally outlaw hazing. It merely regulated the practice of hazing or initiation processes by requiring prior written notice to the school authorities or head of organization seven (7) days before the conduct of such initiation, and in the conduct thereof, at least two (2) representatives of the school or organization must be present in order to see to it that no physical harm of any kind shall be inflicted upon a recruit, neophyte or applicant.

It is also provided that if the person subjected to hazing or other forms of initiation rites suffers any physical injury or dies as a result thereof, the officers and members of the fraternity, sorority or organization who actually participated in the infliction of physical harm shall be liable as principals. The person or persons who participated in the hazing shall suffer penalties ranging from prison correccional in its maximum period (4 years, 2 months and one day to 6 years) to reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment), depending on the gravity of the offense.

            Administrative sanctions may be imposed separately from the criminal prosecution. The owner of the place where hazing was undertaken, the parents or homeowner where it was held, the officers, former officers, adviser or alumni who planned the activity, school authorities or faculty members who consent or has knowledge about it but did not do anything, and those present when hazing was taking place shall be held libale, either as principals or as accomplices.

When death, rape, sodomy or mutilation results from hazing, the penalty is reclusion perpetua. The law also imposes the maximum penalty which is life imprisonment, in any of the following instances: (a) when the recruitment is accompanied by force, violence, threat, intimidation or deceit on the person of the recruit who refuses to join; (b) when the recruit, neophyte or applicant initially consents to join but upon learning that hazing will be committed on his person, is prevented from quitting; (c) when the recruit, neophyte or applicant having undergone hazing is prevented from reporting the unlawful act to his parents or guardians, to the proper school authorities, or to the police authorities, through force, violence, threat or intimidation; (d) when the hazing is committed outside of the school or institution; or (e) when the victim is below twelve (12) years of age at the time of the hazing. It may be noted however, that if a neophyte is traumatized and suffers psychological damage, other laws will apply and not R.A. 8049.

Phenomenon and Herd Mentality

            The question remains, despite the presence of the law, “why is it that there is still hazing?”

            Hazing is a group phenomenon characterized by a herd mentality. Simply put, hazing is peer pressure, and anyone who does not pass through this, can never be a member. This is wrong because hazing is a lie in legitimate fraternities and sororities, for the truth is that there is an initiation process that must be followed and adhered to where hazing is not tolerated.

It must be emphasized that hazing is never a tradition. It is a penal offense. It does not serve any practical purpose. It will not make a neophyte a better person. It is a means that does not justify the end.  To allow oneself as a “neo” and to be subjected to hazing is a personal but may not be an informed decision. To participate as the so-called “master” in hazing practices is a deliberate act with awareness of its nature and consequences. Hazing becomes the common bond that ties the brothers or sisters together and no longer the organization's principles, doctrines and cultural values which are supposedly imbued into every neophyte. 

Hazing cannot be “minimized” for that is a relative term. One cannot measure hazing. It cannot be quantified. A paddle whacked on one person could be fatal, while 20 paddles on another would mean nothing. Medical attention or monitoring during the hazing process is not a solution. It will only embolden the participants and inflict more pain and injuries upon the neophyte.
          It is not surprising for prospective members to still pursue their determination to belong and become a brother or a sister - and the reasons are many. It could be due to the noble objectives of the organization to which there is a special place in his heart - like service, academic excellence, family tradition, professional camaraderie, or camaraderie;  personal – political clout, prestige , financial or academic solutions; and sinister – connections, protection, ego tripping or pleasure. The list is not exclusive but those with the most trivial or selfish motive would more often than not fall out and quit.

The notion that hazing would insure the loyalty of the neophyte to the organization is a misnomer. It does not build loyalty. It does not train the body to endure pain which may be inflicted during frat wars. It is not a means to test the intelligence or I.Q. of a person.

Amending the Law Against Hazing

Hazing is actually torturing a person - physically, mentally and emotionally -  which may result to psychological damage or even death. Since when can injuring a person or perhaps even murdering him be regulated and not totally banned or outlawed. Hazing is mala in se and inflicting injuries or causing death to a person is totally wrong, harmful, immoral and lawlessness. This is inhumanity in its most condemnable form.

Hence, hazing has no purpose and should be completely banned. Condemning hazing is not enough. There should be no let up until a new law or amendments to the existing law are passed. The new law must explicitly define hazing as a criminal offense and not merely regulate its practice. It should be differentiated from the process of initiation where the dignity and integrity of the person are respected, upheld and enhanced. The penalty for hazing should be reviewed. The school authorities must compel the registration of legitimate fraternities organized and existing under Philippine laws, require the submission of the names of student members and its council of advisers composed of its alumni members, monitor the activities and projects of the organization, insure the presence of a school representative in the initiation process or ritual, and such other measures which will insure that the organizations are closely monitored against the commission of hazing to its students.

In addition, since the concern is not strictly confined to hazing, in as much as there are also issues, among others, on frat wars causing injuries and deaths to frat members, the law shall create a national council of school fraternities and sororities to be headed by the Secretary of Education and operated by an Executive Director, that will serve as the national registry of fraternities and sororities, and it will also function as a consultative or even a regulatory body with research capabilities and investigative functions. All appeals pertaining to administrative cases filed in relation with the violation of the new law shall be decided by an adjudicatory board whose decision shall be final and immediately executory once approved by the said council.

Conclusion : Fraternities and Sororites

As Partners in National Development

There are probably hundreds if not thousands of fraternities, sororities, and other organizations or secret societies as well as their chapters in various high schools, colleges and universities, all over the country, and there is no way by which the growth or birth of new ones could be stopped.

The concerns are for real. But the potentials of these fraternities and sororities in contributing to national development are great and may be harnessed.

Meanwhile, the entire nation can only pray for those who have died because of hazing. They are innocent and helpless victims of the prevailing system. In order that they shall be deemed not to have died in vain, the campaign against hazing, as well as the advocacy espoused by a clear conscience as laid down herein, must be pursued. 

VP BINAY’S PDAF FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, MEDICINE, RELIEF GOODS AND CENTERS FOR ELDERLY IN 4TH TO 6TH CLASS TOWNS

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay funded through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) the construction or repair of senior citizens' centers, scholarships, health services and assistance to indigent or displaced families in calamity prone areas in 4^th to 6^th class municipalities.

 

Reporting on his accomplishments for the last two years as Vice President, Binay also said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is set to sign memorandum of agreements with various national government agencies and local government units who will be recipients and implementors of his PDAF projects for 2012 to guarantee "greater transparency and accountability" in the use of the funds.

 

Congress provides P200 million in PDAF to the Office of the Vice President (OVP). This year, the DBM included the amount in the regular budget of the OVP.

 

The Vice President has already expanded the scholarship grant-in-aid program to poor but deserving students. Previously available only to students of State Colleges and Universities (SCUs), the scholarship grants are now also offered to students of select private schools.

 

The choice of projects and beneficiaries are consistent with the Vice President's advocacies, and aligned with the national government's budget priorities and the Ten-Point Legacy Agenda of President Benigno Aquino III.

 

These are AMA Computer University/ACLAC/ABE, St. Jude College & Medical Center, Manila Central University, Manila Business College and University of Batangas.

 

The OVP has also partnered with the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and local government units (LGUs) to provide technical non-formal education training.

 

In 2011, the Vice President signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and representatives of SCUs in the country to provide a P9,000-annual educational assistance to 10 scholars for each of the 109 SCUs nationwide.

 

"We will give priority to those who will be enrolling in agriculture, education, commerce (entrepreneurship), engineering, and information technology," he said.

 

For School Year 2012-2013, the OVP earmarked P18 million from the first tranche of its PDAF to offer 2,200 scholarship grants to SCUs, including 20 slots for undergraduate students of the University of the Philippines (UP).

 

For SY2011-2012, 960 freshmen from SCUs and 30 from private institutions availed themselves of the program. The UP Diliman also listed two scholars from the School of Urban and Regional Planning, and five from the College of Law.

 

Meanwhile, P150 million or 75 percent of the 2011 PDAF was earmarked for the construction and repair of 300 senior citizen centers nationwide. For the first tranche of his 2012 PDAF, the OVP also set aside P50 million for the same purpose.

 

The centers serve as venues for assemblies, recreational and sports activities and medical missions for the elderly.

 

"Our elderly links us to our past and serves as our guide towards the future. We should thank them for their valuable contributions to our country," Binay said.

 

Last year, the OVP earmarked P10 million to provide emergency and immediate relief assistance to indigent families affected by typhoons and other calamities.

 

Since becoming Vice President, Binay personally led relief operations in some areas, particularly in Bulacan after typhoon Pedring. He was also one of the first national official to provide assistance in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, both of which were severely affected by typhoon Sendong.

 

For the first tranche of 2012, the OVP also allocated P10 million for relief operations as well as other social services, including the provision of school supplies and burial assistance.

 

The OVP also held medical missions in and provided medicines and medical equipment to 4th to 6th class municipalities in the country. P30 million was used for this purpose in 2011 and P12 million for the first tranche of 2012.