SCHOLARSHIPS for blast victims in the 2003 Sasa Wharf and Davao City old airport continue after 14 years. The City Government's Educational Assistance for relatives of victims of the tragedy continues according to the City Social Services Development Office (CSSDO). The government had spent almost P5 million for this.
Some 500 scholars, who are children and kin of the 15 killed and 46 hurt victims, are enrolled in various Davao colleges and universities. What amazes me is this. The scholarships are continuing until now as long as the scholars choose to avail of the grants of the public and private schools of their choice.
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There are plans to revive the Science Centrum of Mindanao. The project entitled "Revitalization of the Mindanao Science and Technology Centrum" (MSTC) aims to serve as an avenue for new local discoveries and technological breakthroughs. It will also showcase the culture and arts of Mindanao.
The President believes that this Centrum will be an essential factor in the economic progress of the country. As part of the community involvement, four members from the indigenous tribes are trained to be part of the project. The planners aim to include even the marginalized communities through science and technology, empower teachers to create and integrate all projects on biological and physical sciences, and to expose students to interactive learning of science and technology.
I had experienced these with my science classes in Metro Manila where field trips always included visits to the science centrum. My students marveled and learned the biological theme, the virtual trip of how food is eaten became vital parts of their body and wastes materials expelled through the anus.
For physical science they viewed the heavens, the stars and constellations, the movement of the earth from daybreak to night time in the centrum for Astronomy. This extended the classroom's four walls into the whole world.
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The Philippine Higher Education Career System (Philhecs) Executive Development Program is open for applicants to broaden their knowledge of Science and Technology. The Ched (Commission on Higher Education) with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are all invited. Applicants must be 35 to 55 years of age, at least five years in a senior level administrative position with an academic rank of assistant professor or higher, must have a doctorate degree from a reputable university. Deadline for applicants is April 17, 2017.
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DOST is training nurses to operate the mobile telemedicine equipment to service far-flung areas without access to nearby hospitals. Routine medical examinations and laboratory tests are provided like X-ray, blood examination, urinalysis, fecal examination, blood pressure, and simple laboratory procedures. Patients are made aware of their health conditions and precautions about their lifestyle for health reasons.
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In Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, this project to build more classrooms is undertaken to strengthen the provision of quality education in the province. Governor Emmylou "Lala" Mendoza underscored that she aims to help the youth become productive individuals in the future. For this reason, she plans to build more classrooms in far flung and conflict- affected areas. A total of P 10.6 million worth of funds built 15 classrooms in the towns of Banisilan, Carmen,Tulunan and Midsayap.
Latest beneficiaries are the Datu Dima Ambel Memorial High School in Barangay Kilada, Mataram.
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The US Agency for International Development (USAid) recognized 10 research scholars and 37 grant recipients in science, technology, and innovation to support the government's move for innovations led and inclusive growth.
The grantees represent the best scientific minds in the Philippines.
The program aims to upgrade inclusive growth, generate jobs and investments, build skills and capacities in communities, lead academic undertakings, and companies' businesses.
Awards include P54 million ($100,000) per year for research as part of the Philippines' collaboration with the research in the US. Recipients are University of the Philippines, Diliman; Western Philippine University, Southern Philippine University, and the Philippine Technological Institute.
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I find this last item quite unique but very interesting. Have you come across a program to achieve this? "How to be a better Dad."
In Cebu, they organized a workshop called "Be a Better Dad." This was attended by 110 community stakeholders, religious leaders, barangay officials and youth leaders.
The participants learned the importance of a family vision as a legacy to their children. They took up fatherhood tools to enrich their relationships with their children.
This is very timely to help in the Philippine National Police's campaign in internal cleansing and ministering to drug rehabilitation centers and building a drug-free life. The seminars were sponsored by civic-minded citizens, religious group, and the military.
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