VOLUME XXIV Issue 2

Serving Los Baños and nearby communities www.lbtimes.ph

Libre!

MARCH 2014

GAD Office builds brgy. officials, focal persons’ capacities on VAWC, gender sensitivity by Arbil Bucatcat and Ana Catalina Paje

The Los Baños Gender and Development (GAD) Office conducted a series of seminars on violence against women and their children (VAWC) and gender sensitivity for barangay officials and GAD focal persons last March 11, 15, and 25 at Brgy. Lalakay, Brgy. Batong Malake, and Brgy. Baybayin, respectively. The GAD Office identified VAWC as one of the major issues in the barangays despite having no increase in the reported VAWC cases. One of the reasons identified by the GAD Office was the lack of skills of the socalled “frontliners” such as barangay officials and focal persons to handle VAWC cases. To address such concern, the GAD Office organized the series of seminars on VAWC and gender sensitivity in the barangay level.

Marivic Ramos, vice president of ASP-Laguna, discusses the special needs of children with autism to the delegates of the responsible parenting seminar (Photo courtesy of the Public Information Office).

PESO to conduct livelihood trainings by Monica Mirjana Cruz

From March up to June 2014, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will be sponsoring a series of livelihood trainings for residents of Los Baños. With the theme Kasanayan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, the trainings aim to equip Los Baños residents with skills that they can use to earn income. Conducted annually, the series of trainings are primarily intended for mothers, out-of-school youth, persons with disability (PWD), and senior citizens. Resource persons are from the Livelihood and Technological Resources Center (LTRC) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). On April 24 and 25, the training on paper

products for PWDs and senior citizens will be held. Meanwhile, other upcoming trainings, which will be conducted in barangays, are as follows: • Shoe- and slipper-making (5 days) • Solar energy (2 days) • Crocheting (5 days) • Fashion accessories-making (2 days) • Corporate giveaway and novelty items (5 days) • Giveaways from dried leaves and grass (3 days) • Bamboo crafts (5 days) • Small wood works (5 days)

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Karen Lagat Mercado, designated municipal GAD officer, said that the seminar equipped the participants with knowledge on legalities and procedures on VAWC cases. She added that through the seminar, the GAD office would be able to build capacities at the grassroots level. She mentioned that based on their data, majority of barangay officials and GAD focal persons are not knowledgeable on how to properly handle VAWC-related cases. She explained that they tend to follow old practices because they are unaware that there are procedures. For instance, Mercado, also a former barangay councilor, added that when victims of violence go to the barangay to report the incident, the common response of the officials is to reconcile the partners. Mercado said that frontliners are not aware that the incident should be immediately reported to the police. However, Ellen Ramos, GAD office staff, pointed out that an important aspect of VAWC that needs to be addressed is maintaining economic stability in the family in instances when the abuser is sent to prison. Continued on page 3

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NEWS

LOS BAÑOS TIMES

GAD office sponsors seminar on caring for children with autism

by Stephanie Pearl Orendain

The Los Baños Gender and Development (GAD) Office, in partnership with the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) - Laguna, held a seminar on responsible parenting for parents of children with autism last March 26 at the new Los Baños municipal hall. Participated in by 31 parents, the seminar focused on general management strategies in dealing with special children, self-care and independent living, and diet intervention. Held as part of the celebration of women’s month, the seminar targeted mothers as they are the ones mainly caring for special children, according to Lian del Valle, director of Autism Resource Center in Los Baños, and a member of ASP Laguna. Here are some tips on dealing with special children: • Set clear rules. Parents were advised not to use the words “No”, “Stop”, and “Don’t” to avoid triggering aggressive behavior. ASP encouraged parents to use positive words. • Use language that the child understands. Visual cues are also helpful. • Be firm but do not resort to physical violence. • Follow a regular routine. For example, if the child insists on playing computer

Lian del Valle, director of Autism Resource Center, gives out pointers and guidelines for parents in dealing with special children (Photo by SPOrendain).

games, set a specific time when the child can play. • Praise positive behavior. ASP helps parents with special children through the organization’s various programs. Angeli Orense, whose child suffers from developmental delay and young stroke, is one of the beneficiaries of ASP. Through the activities of ASP, Angeli

was able to learn how to handle the special needs of her child. Aside from Angeli, Germalyn Ignacio is another participant and supporter of ASP’s activities. ASP helps Germalyn coordinate with the municipality regarding transportation assistance for her child’s therapy every Monday in Ortigas. For more details, the GAD Office may be contacted through (049) 536-2818.

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PESO to conduct livelihood trainings • Livestock and poultry products (2 days) in partnership with the Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster of the College of Agriculture at UP Los Baños • Stuffed toy-making (5 days) According to Gliceria Trinidad, head of PESO, the abovementioned trainings will be conducted in barangays to ensure higher participation rates. Barangay officials will be tasked to scout for potential participants of these trainings in their area. Although the

trainings have intended participants, individuals who are interested may also attend. Aside from these livelihood trainings, PESO also provides Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited skills trainings, employment facilitation and referral, local recruitment, and job fairs.

E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Ricarda Villar

Sarah Bautista ■ Maria Celina Bernardo ■ Arbil Bucatcat ■ Monica Mirjana Cruz ■ Joyce Marie Maloles Kathleen Mae Idnani ■ Dominique Marrielle Associate Editor Lapinid ■ Stephanie Pearl Orendain ■ Ricarda Villar Layout Artist Ana Catalina Paje ■ Easter Paz Issa Rosa Pilipinas Fadri-Francisco Paulmanal ■ Ruth Anne Ruelos Editor-in-Chiel

Adviser

Writers

Trinidad said that people who continue to participate in their programs inspire them to do better in their work. She added that Los Baños residents should not hesitate to seek help from PESO because there are several job opportunities that they could provide and their office is more than willing to help them. For inquiries about the trainings and other PESO programs, you may contact their office at (049) 536-5976.

The Los Baños Times is produced by the students and staff of the Department of Development Journalism at the UP Los Baños College of Development Communication. No part of this paper may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means stored in a database or retrieval system without prior consent. All rights reserved. The Los Baños Times is located at Rm. 201 B, Department of Development Journalism, College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños College, Laguna Tel. No.: (049) 536-2511 local 401 or 410 Email: [email protected] Website: http://lbtimes.ph

NEWS

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LOS BAÑOS TIMES

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GAD Office builds brgy. officials, focal persons’ capacities... Furthermore, Eleonor P. Jimenez, the newly designated GAD desk officer in Brgy. Baybayin, said that members of the community are not aware of VAWC. She explained that some couples consider verbal, physical, or economic abuses as normal part of married life. She added that husbands do not know that physical battery is a crime. On the other hand, Romeo Oro, a barangay councilor in Brgy. Baybayin, said that men and women should be represented in VAWC equally. He added that hunsbands should also be informed about the consequences of their actions. Aside from the seminar, Mercado shared that the next step that their office would like to focus on is to make a comprehensive list of all VAWC-related cases. She said that the Philippine National Police - Los Baños has only three to four recorded cases but statistics may be higher based on feedback from barangays. Meanwhile, in celebration of the women’s month, the GAD office also conducted a seminar themed Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong, last March 19 at the GAD municipal office. Mercado said that the activity aims to empower women by educating them about

their rights. Dr. Helen Dayo, director of the UP Los Baños (UPLB) Gender Center and one of the resource persons, stressed that women should know their rights so that they would be able to exercise their rights and assert themselves. She added that most wives suffer from physical violence because they tolerate their husbands’ behavior, thinking it is how it should be. Another speaker, Prof. Amelia L. Bello, coordinator for the UPLB Gender and Rural Development Office (GRDO), talked about some of the laws related to violence against women such as: 1. Republic Act (RA) 3815 or the Revised Penal Code, which defines and provide penalties for VAWC cases; 2. RA 7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, which declares all forms of sexual harassment in the employment, education and training environment as unlawful; 3. RA 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, which reclassifies rape as a crime against persons, defining it as a public rather than private crime;

4. RA 8551 or the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, which mandates the creation of Women’s Desk in all police stations throughout the country; 5. RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 which defines prostitution and penalizes people engaging in services such as sexual trafficking; and 6. RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 which defines VAWC and penalizes the commission of such acts and provides for the security and protection of the complainant/victim, and her family through barangay, temporary, or permanent protection orders. Sairah Saipudin, university research associate at the UPLB Gender Center, said that the GAD Office’s seminar will hopefully make a significant change in the field of gender education since their audience are from the grassroots. She added that aside from informing women about their rights, it is also their advocacy to make men aware that any form of violence against women is not only disrespectful but is also punishable by law.

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Epitomizing a mother’s devotion to her children... Although there are times when worries seem to overcome her, she just remembers Carl Adrian’s determination to reach his dreams. For Mommy Mayette, this is enough for her to face another day. Mommy Mayette said it was Carl Adrian’s decision to study in UPLB where his older sister is also studying to become an electrical engineer. Mommy Mayette also sees her son’s determination to become a professional. There are also times, however, when he is panicsticken with the requirements that he has to complete, especially during “hellweek”. Being a UP alumna, Mommy Mayette is familiar with the demands of a UP education. She said that it is during these times that she should be there for him. She explained that their relationship is give and take-- her son draws courage from her but she also draws courage, inspiration, and drive from her son and her whole family. “Very caring, responsible, and willing to sacrifice for us,” this is how Carl Adrian describes Mommy Mayette. Although the buildings in UPLB are not suited for people with physical disabilities,

Mommy Mayette shared that the faculty members and staff make up for this. She said that there were instances when they were able to negotiate for the transfer of a class in a room located in the first floor. She added that faculty members have been understanding and considerate. For group meetings, Mommy Mayette would volunteer their apartment to be the meeting place if they could accommodate the group. She added that she makes it a point that there is someone to assist Carl Adrian when he goes to activities like film showing at the D.L. Umali Auditorium as there was an incident when he almost fell. The family’s dedication has paid off. Carl Adrian has consistently been in the list of honor students in the University. In the first semester of academic year 2013-2014, he garnered the ninth highest general weighted average (GWA) among BS Computer Science students. For his internship this summer, Carl Adrian was accepted in a company based in Taguig City.

Mommy Mayette shared what has kept her going through the years: “…He [God] will not give me something that I cannot handle; support and understanding extended by family and friends; and the great courage that my son has.” Inspiring other mothers, Mommy Mayette said that, “Lahat naman tayo may pinagdadaanan at kanya-kanya din tayo ng faith. Kung nakikita mo na yung sinusuportahan mo positive naman siya, so dapat positive ka din para mag-tuloy tuloy din siya (All of us face challenges and rely on our faith. If we see that the person we are supporting remains positive, we should also remain positive so they would go on).” Just like other mothers, Mommy Mayette would like to see his son reach his goals in life. No matter how difficult the future might be, Mommy Mayette will always be a constant source of inspiration for Carl Adrian and her family.

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LOS BAÑOS TIMES

FEATURE

Get to know Mayette, Marvielyn, and Maribel. In celebration of Women’s Month this March, we are featuring stories of three inspiring women in Los Baños.

MAYETTE CASTUERAS Epitomizing a mother’s devotion to her children

FIRE OFFICER MARVIELYN Thriving in a man’s world

These days, Mommy Mayette frequents the Physical Sciences Building (PhySci) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Wearing denim jeans, t-shirt, and a backpack, she may even be mistaken as a student. But Mommy Mayette is in UPLB not to earn another degree, but to help his son Carl Adrian earn his BS Computer Science degree and live his dream.

It was a family decision to help Carl Adrian live a normnal life despite his condition. The family knew that it would be far from easy. When Carl Adrian was in grade school, Mommy Mayette accompanied him to school and fetched him at the end of the schoolday. It was only when Carl Adrian reached sixth grade that he needed to use a wheelchair. It was also the time when she already hired someone to assist her son in school.

In 2009, Marvielyn I. Cortez traded her nurse’s cap with a firefighter’s helmet, after earning the necessary qualifications. She then joined the Bureau of Fire Protection Office (BFPO) in Biñan, Laguna. She was a licensed nurse but she eventually chose to follow the family tradition of working in the fire bureau. Four years after, Fire Officer (FO)1 Cortez became a part of Los Baños BFPO as the administrative and field operational firefighter.

Mommy Mayette admitted that it was difficult for her to accept that there is no cure for her son’s condition. She is worried about the difficulties that Carl Adrianwould encounter in the future. “I just had to keep in mind that he needs assistance [and] that I should always be there for him to not lose hope or drive,” Mommy Mayette said.

In her line of work, being a female is not an excuse for a special treatment. She explained that having gone through the same rigorous training, she is treated like other firefighetrs. FO1 Cortez believes that females can break the image of being less capable in male-dominated fields such as

by Sarah Bautista

by Monica Mirjana Cruz

Since 2011, Mommy Mayette has accompanied Carl Adrian in his classes. As students scurry for their next class, Mommy Mayette pushes his son’s wheelchair out of the crowd and on to his next class. In between classes, she spends most of her time in building corridors outside her son’s classrooms. She passes time by catching up on her reading and making calls to her family to keep in touch. When she is allowed to sit in classes, she encounters familiar concepts and is able to answer some of Carl Adrian’s questions about his lessons. Carl Adrian has been diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare disease occurring primarily in males and is characterized by rapid and progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. Carl Adrian dreams of becoming a computer scientist someday. His family is committed in helping him pursue his dreams. Their day starts at around 5 AM in their Brgy. Batong Malake apartment to prepare for his 7 a.m. class. Mommy Mayette and Carl Adrian spend the weekdays in Los Baños and the weekends in Batangas City. Mommy Mayette is a mother of three. She is blessed with a daughter and two sons. A former market research analyst in a big corporation, she stopped working and has since dedicated her time nurturing her family. Carl Adrian was seven years old when Mommy Mayette noticed that he was often tiptoeing and wobbling. At first, the family thought that his condition only needed corrective shoes. But a doctor told them that Carl Adrian has DMD.

Photo by MMCruz

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FEATURE CORTEZ

LOS BAÑOS TIMES

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DR. MARIBEL L. DIONISIO-SESE A woman scientist worth emulating by Maria Celina Bernardo and Dominique Marrielle Lapinid

firefighting. She emphasized that a person’s limits depend on the strength of her will and determination – not her gender. FO1 Cortez finds fulfillment in being able to save lives and protect properties which families have worker hard for. Being a firefighter has become a source of pride, not only for herself, but also for her family. A native of Cabanatuan City, FO1 Cortez settled in Calamba City when she married her husband and fellow firefighter Stephen in August 2010. Being in the same profession has helped the couple understand the demands of their work and allowed them to spend time with their three-year-old daughter.

Photo courtesy of MCortez

“A good teacher and a good researcher.” Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese answered when asked what she wants people to know about her first. Dr. Dionisio-Sese, a botany professor from the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) - College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) - University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), knew early on what profession she wanted to pursue. Inspired by her elementary teacher, Dr. DionisioSese dreamed of becoming a teacher someday. She got into botany simply because she excelled in it and did not want to go with the commonly chosen fields such as accountancy, finance, and banking. She wanted to stand out and be unique, which she was able to accomplish. A cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Botany from UPLB, Dr. DionisioSese also finished her master’s degree in botany in the same university. In 1990, she specialized in plant physiology for her doctorate degree at the University of Tokyo. She has been a recipient of fellowship grants, for instance as post-doctoral fellow at the Marine Biotechnology Institute of Japan, as visiting research fellow at the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, and as Alexander von Humboldt research fellow in Germany.

Some of her students say that her exams are difficult. Nevertheless, she still receives very good evaluation from students. She was given the Outstanding Teacher Award in Biological Sciences by UPLB and the Distinguished Alumna Award for Instruction by UPLB-CAS Alumni Association in 2010. Though she prefers not to change her way of constructing exams, she always tries to teach her subjects better. She expects her students to know more and be updated as they already have access to new learning technologies and information sources. She has also been an adviser, committee member, dissertation reader, and an external examiner. A junior and senior author of books and monographs, she has written wholly, or in part, more than 12 lecture syllabi or laboratory manuals on introductory botany and plant physiology. Aside from being a teacher, Dr. DionisioSese is also an administrator. In February 2004, she served as the officer-in-charge at the College Secretary’s Office of CAS and was appointed as the College Secretary from March 1, 2004 to November 30, 2006. She also served as head of the Plant Biology Division of IBS from June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012. Since June 1, 2012, she has served as Director of the UPLB Interactive Learning Center. A multi-awarded scientist Dr. Dionisio-Sese has done many researches about plant/microalgal physiobiochemical responses to abiotic stress, algal physiology and biochemistry, regulation of photosynthetic enzyme induction and characterization of plant photoreceptors. For the important contributions of her research, the then 34-year-old Assistant Professor III was recognized in 1995 as Outstanding Young Scientist in Plant Physiology by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Continued on page 8 Photo courtesy of MLDSese

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LOS BAÑOS TIMES

ANO’NG MASASABI MO? Anong paghahanda ang inyong ginagawa upang masigurong ligtas sa sunog ang inyong bahay? “Makakaiwas tayo sa sunog kung uugaliin nating patayin at tanggalin sa pagkaka-plug ang mga appliances na hindi ginagamit para hindi magoverheat. Ganun din sa gasul, ugaliing patayin ito pagkatapos gamitin.” - Alyssa Therese Palanginan, Brgy. Anos “Kapag aalis ng bahay, siguraduhing hugutin ang hindi kailangang appliances.” - Narciso Manabat, Brgy. Maahas

“Ang mga basura, inilalabas ng bahay kasi baka maging cause pa ng sunog dahil mainit ang panahon. Alamin din ang number ng action center.” - Aira Jill Salazar, Brgy. Baybayin “I-check ang gasul, bunutin ang mga saksakan, [at] alamin ang numero na dapat tawagan, in case of emergency.” - Tess Magsino, Brgy. Mayondon “Kapag umalis [ng bahay], tanggalin lahat ng saksakan ng appliances. Number 1 ‘yan eh. Kapag aalis ka na walang tao sa bahay, ‘yun talaga ang dapat gawin. Araw-araw ‘yun, para iwas sunog.” - Paul Ingino, Brgy. Anos “Bago umalis lahat ng tao sa bahay, ibaba ang fuse. At saka siguraduhing naalis lahat ng saksak ng appliances. ‘Yun ang pinakamahalaga, at saka patayin ang kalan.” - Carolina Soriano, Brgy. Maahas “Wag pabayaan ‘yung mga posporo na paglaruan ng mga bata. Tapos laging siguraduhin na ‘yung gasul at kuryente kailangang laging maayos yung mga outlet. At saka hindi pwedeng pabayaang nakasaksak lagi sa outlet yung mga TV, electric fan, at flat iron kasi madaling masunog ‘yun.” - Russel Linde, Brgy. Tuntungin-Putho “[Kapag umaalis ng bahay], inaalis ko ‘yung saksakan ng kuryente. Electric fan at ilaw lang naman ang gamit naming sa bahay.” - Evangeline Yara, Brgy. Tuntungin-Putho “Kailangan siguraduhin mo ‘yung gasul nakasarado, bago umalis ng bahay halimbawa. Kailangan naka-unplug lahat ng mga appliances.” - Ma. Rosario Perez, Brgy. Timugan “Pagka-gising sa umaga, bago umalis ng bahay, ite-check lahat [ng saksakan]. Tatanggalin ang electric fan kasi hanggang umaga ‘yun eh, pati ‘yung ilaw.” - Junel Laryosa, Brgy. Timugan

ULAT BAYAN

BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION OFFICE (BFPO) Bilang bahagi ng selebrasyon ng National Fire Prevention Month, kinapanayan ng aming reporter na si Monica Mirjana Cruz ang fire marshal ng Los Baños na si Chief Inspector Eric G. Tioco. Mga programa ng BFPO May apat na pangunahing proyekto ng BFPO. Kabilang dito ang: 1. fire safety awareness and education para sa mga pribado at pampublikong paaralan sa Los Baños, 2. ugnayan sa barangay, 3. fire safety inspection sa mga kabahayan, at 4. fire drill at fire safety inspection sa mga pribado/komersyal at pampublikong gusali. Fire safety awareness and education Nakikipag-ugnayan ang BFPO sa tanggapan ng iba’t ibang paaralan sa Los Baños upang makapagsagawa ng seminar at magorganisa ng field trip sa BFPO para sa mga mag-aaral. Sa ilalim ng proyektong ito, nagkakaroon ng oportunidad ang mga mag-aaral na makilala ang mga firefighter ng munisipyo, maging pamilyar sa operasyon ng fire truck, at matutunan ang mga dapat gawin upang maiwasan ang sunog at kung ano ang mga dapat gawin upang manatiling ligtas kung sakaling magkaroon ng sunog. Ugnayan sa barangay Katuwang ng BFPO ang iba’t-ibang konseho ng barangay sa pagpapalaganap ng kaalaman sa fire safety sa pamamagitan ng pamumudmod ng information, education, and communication (IEC) materials at pagbibigay ng seminar.

Fire safety inspection sa mga kabahayan Nagsasagawa ang BFPO ng pagsusuri sa mga gusali sa residential area upang matiyak na walang fire hazard sa mga kabahayan at sa mga bakuran. Bahagi din ng proyektong ito ang paglilibot sa kabahayan sa Los Baños upang magpalagap ng kaalaman kung paano matitiyak na ligtas sa sunog ang mga tahanan. Fire drill at fire safety inspection sa mga pribado/komersyal at pampublikong gusali Ang BFPO, sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng iba’t-ibang pribadong ahensya at tanggapan ng gobyerno sa Los Baños, ay nagsasagawa ng fire drill at live demonstration kung ano ang nararapat gawin sakaling magkasunog sa lugar na kanilang pinagtatrabahuhan. Bahagi rin ng proyektong ito ang pagsusuri sa istruktura ng gusali, electrical wiring, evacuation plan, at mga fire fighting equipment na naaayon sa Fire Code. Layon ng mga programang ito na maiwasan ang karagdagang insidente ng sunog sa munisipyo nang sa gayon ay maiwasan ang anumang danyos sa ari-arian at higit sa lahat maiwasan ang anumang kapahamakan sa mga mamamayan. Ipinanawagan ni Chief Inspector Tioco sa mga residente ng Los Baños na tandaan o laging magtago ng kopya ng BFPO hotline (049) 536-7965.

OPINION

LOS BAÑOS TIMES

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Gaano nga ba kahanda ang Los Baños sa sunog?

Ating alamin mula sa panayam ng programang Dito sa Laguna kay Chief Inspector Eric G. Tioco ng Bureau of Fire Protection Office (BFPO). Ang Dito sa Laguna ay isang programang ipinalalabas tuwing Sabado sa Community Cable Channel 8 sa ganap na ika-10 ng umaga. Laman nito ang mga magagandang kwento, masasayang karanasan, at makabuluhang mga usapan patungkol sa Laguna. Ang replay ay tuwing Lunes (2PM), Miyerkules (4PM), at Biyernes (10PM) sa parehong istasyon.

Ayon sa tala ng Los Baños Bureau of Fire Protection Office (BFPO), mayroong anim na insidente ng sunog na naitala sa Los Baños sa buwan ng Enero at Pebrero. Noong 2013, 30 insidente ng sunog ang naiulat at 24 naman ang naitala noong 2012. Ang pinakamadalas na uri ng sunog sa Los Baños ay grass fire, rubbish fire, at electrical post fire. Makabubuting mapaalalahanan tayo tungkol sa mga uri ng sunog, mga kaparaanan upang makaiwas sa sunog, at mga dapat gawin sa oras ng sunog.

Ano ang kinalaman ng pag-init ng panahon sa paglaki o pagdami ng kaso ng sunog? Madaling mag-ignite ang mga light or shanty materials ng mga bahay. Madalas din ang paggamit ng mga appliances, particularly ng electric fan o air-conditioning unit, kaya kapag nagkakasabay ang gamit, nagkakaroon ng overloading na sya namang pinag-uumpisahan ng sunog. Ano ang common fire hazards sa bahay? Posporo, lighter, kuryente, tangke ng LPG, kandila, sigarilyo, at mga lutuan. Paano maiiwasan ang sunog? 1. Ilagay ang posporo o lighter sa mataas na lugar or safe place para hindi maabot ng bata. 2. Sa kuryente, iwasan ang mag-overload. Tanggalin sa saksakan ang mga appliances matapos gamitin. 3. Siguraduhin na walang tagas o leak ang tangke ng LPG. Para malamang walang tagas ang tangke ng LPG, a. Isawsaw ang kapirasong dishwashing foam sa tubig na may sabon o soap solution. b. Buksan ang LPG tank. Ipahid sa hose ang foam na may sabon. Pagmasdan ang ansabing hose kung ito ay magkakaroon ng bula. May singaw ang bahagi ng hose na may bula. c. Gawin ito minsan sa isang buwan. 4. Matapos namang magluto, unang isara ang tangke ng LPG kaysa sa stove.

5. Anu-ano ang mga karaniwang fire hazards sa opisina? Electrical. Yung tinatawag na octopus connection o sala-salabat na outlet. Kapag higit tatlo ang nakasaksak, maaaring magoverload. Importante ay mayroon tayong fire extinguisher sa opisina.

Ano ang requirement ng BFPO sa mga bagong opisina o gusali? Opisina o mga gusali. Ang LGU ay magbibigay lamang ng permit for occupancy or business kung ang may-ari ng gusali ay may fire safety inspection certificate. Ang certificate na ito ay bininigay ng BFPO matapos masuri ang gusali. Bahay. Bago makapagpatayo ng bahay, kailangang masuri muna ng BFPO ang plano ng bahay. Matapos magawa ang bahay, ito ay muling susuriin ng BFPO. Nakasaad sa Fire Code na dapat mayroong fire extinguisher sa bawat bahay.

Ano ang ibig sabihin ng iba’t-ibang alarms para sa sunog? • 1st - 2nd alarm. Ang sunog ay kaya pa ng kapasidad ng kabumberuhan ng Los Baños. • 3rd alarm. Ang mga kalapit bayan ay tutulong na sa pag-aapula ng sunog. • General alarm o task force. Buong CALABARZON na ang magreresponde. Ano ang dapat tandaan ng taong-bayan kapag may sunog na? 1. Pinakamahalaga, huwag mag-panic o mataranta. 2. Tandaan na sa loob ng dalawang minuto ang kabahayan ay maaaring kainin ng usok. 3. Ang emergency exit plan o fire escape plan ay mabisang sandata para sa anumang delubyo o pagdating ng sunog. Kaya iminumungkahi sa mga padre de pamilya na maging fire marshal ng kanilang tahanan. Maglaan ng kaunting panahon o oras sa pamilya para mapag-usapan ang do’s and don’ts, kung paano at anong gagawin kapag nandyan na ang sunog.

4. Ang apoy ay mabilis kumalat. Sa kalahating minuto, nadodoble na ang laki nito. Kapag nakita na malaki ang sunog, unahin ng i-rescue o salbahin ang pinakamamahal sa buhay. Sumegunda na lang po ang importanteng dokumento o ariarian. Kapag nasa labas na at hindi naisalba ang mga important documents o ari-arian, huwag ng bumalik at baka madelikado pa ang buhay. 5. Kung na-trap naman sa nasusunog na bahay o kwarto, lumapit sa pinakamalapit na bintana, buksan ito at tumawag ng saklolo. Kung walang rumeresponde, maghanap ng telang matingkad o makulay at iwagayway sa labas ng bintana dahil nakikita ito sa malaking usok. Alisin din ang kurtina sa bintana dahil madali itong kainin ng sunog. 6. Kapag sukol na sa usok at wala nang makita, maaaring dumapa. Ang usok ay nakalutang ng isa o dalawang talampakan sa sahig kaya may malinis na hangin sa ilalim. Ito ang last recourse upang maisalba ang buhay. Maghanap ng basahan. Mas mabuti kung ito ay basa. Itakip ito sa bibig at ilong at maghanap ng malalabasan.

Paano ba maging bumbero? 1. Graduate ng kahit anong 4-year course 2. Board passer o civil service eligible 3. May tangkad na 5’2” (babae) o 5’4” (lalake) 4. Edad ay 21-30 Mayroon bang programa para sa mga gustong mag-volunteer? Maaring mag-volunteer anumang oras. Isang credit po ng pag-volunteer sa fire station ay ang certification na maaaring maging reference ng higher headquarters. Maaaring i-priority sa pag-a-apply ang mga naging volunteers. Para sa mensahe, kumento, o suhestiyon na maaaring mapag-usapan sa Dito sa Laguna, tumawag o mag-text: Send LAGUNA

to 0916-188-DZLB (3952) o tumawag sa 536-2433. Ang Dito sa Laguna ay nasa ilalim ng produksyon at pamamahala ng Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication ng UP Los Baños College of Development Communication.

Mga natatanging kwento ng Los Baños Mga lapis, crayola, at pambura, kwentong pambata, at masasayang kanta - ito ang mga binabalikan ng mga bata sa eskwela. Ngunit hindi magiging kumpleto ang silid-aralan kung wala ang magiting na guro na siyang gagabay sa kanilang pag-alam sa mga bagay-bagay. Teacher Ayleen kung siya ay tawagin. Isa siya sa mga day care workers ng Los Baños. Higit 12 taon na mula nang magsimulang maglaan ng panahon sa pagtuturo sa mga maliliit na bata si Ginang Ayleen Palanginan. Walong taon na ang nakalipas mula nang siya Easter Paz Issa Paulmanal ay mapunta sa Brgy. Anos at magsilbi bilang guro ng mga bata. ni Kathleen Mae Idnani at ne Ruelos larawan mula kay Ruth An Nagkaroon na rin siya ng pagkakataong maibahagi ang kanyang kasama ang mga ulat at kaalaman sa mga bata sa Brgy. Bambang at Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin.

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Hindi man nagtapos sa kursong Education si Teacher Ayleen, hindi naman ito naging hadlang upang magampanan niya ang kanyang tungkulin bilang guro. Sa halip, ang kurso niyang BA Communication Arts ay nakatulong rin sa kanya upang mas maging epektibong gabay sa mga batang kanyang tinuturuan. Bagamat nahirapan siya sa mga unang araw ng kanyang pagtuturo, agad rin naman niyang natutunan kung paano makisalamuha sa mga bata at maging sa mga magulang. Hindi tulad ng ibang day care workers, si Teacher Ayleen ay nagtuturo sa apat na klase. Araw-araw niyang nakakasalamuha ang higit isang daang mag-aaral mula sa Makiling Subdivision at Brgy. Anos. Sa dami ng kanyang tinuturuan, hindi maiiwasang magkaroon ng problema sa loob ng silid-aralan. Isa na dito ang pakikisama sa mga batang may Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at autism. Hindi kasi hiwalay ang mga batang may ADHD at autism sa ibang mga mag-aaral. Bilang tugon sa hamong ito, ang mga day care workers ay sumailalim sa mga pagsasanay kung paano ang tamang pakikipagsalamuha sa mga may ADHD at autism. Upang mapanatili ang atensyon ng mga bata sa pag-aaral, gumagamit si Teacher Ayleen ng mga makukulay na visual aids at iba pang kagamitan sa pagtuturo. Paminsan-minsan naman ay gumagamit siya ng ilang mga educational videos na kanyang

pinapanood sa mga mag-aaral upang mas mapadali ang pagbahagi ng ilang kaalaman sa kanyang mga mag-aaral. Nabanggit ni Teacher Ayleen na katuwang ng day care centers ang lokal na pamahalaan upang mas mapaayos at mapaganda ang kalidad ng edukasyon na kanilang ibinabahagi sa mga bata. Dahil hindi naman obligadong magbayad ang mga magulang para sa pag-aaral ng kanilang mga anak, tanging tulong lamang mula sa ilan sa kanila at sa barangay ang pinagkukunan para sa ilang mga pangangailangan ng day care center. Maituturing na isang volunteer work ang pagiging isang day care worker. Hindi biro ang trabaho at oras na kailangang ilaan ngunit hindi naman kalakihan ang natatanggap na allowance. Kung susumahin, tumatanggap lamang siya ng P 1,360 sa isang buwan. Bukod dito ay nakakatanggap din sila ng subsidy mula sa pamahalaang probinsyal ng Laguna. Mayroong inilalaan ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Laguna na P1,500 minsan sa tatlong buwan para sa mga day care worker tulad ni Teacher Ayleen. Maliit kung tutuusin ngunit nabanggit ni Teacher Ayleen na sapat na para sa kanya ang kanyang natatanggap. Ito ay sa dahilang itinuturing niyang tulong sa mga mamayan ng Brgy. Anos ang kanyang serbisyo. Hangga’t may mga gurong katulad ni Teacher Ayleen na handang magbigay serbisyo, tiyak na magiging kumpleto ang karanasan ng mga batang nais matuto sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan.

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A woman scientist worth emulating...

In 2003, she was named the Distinguished Alumna Awardee in Basic Research by the UPLB-CAS Alumni Association and Outstanding Researcher by IBS-UPLB in 2008. Recently, Dr. Dionisio-Sese has also been given the title UP Scientist I. In addition, she was the recipient of various professorial chair awards such as the Jose R. Velasco Professorial Chair in Botany (2002), the SEARCA Professorial Chair (2008), the UPLB Centennial Professorial Chair (2010), and the UPLB Diamond Jubilee Professorial Chair (2012).She is also a prolific author, having published more than 20 articles in international refereed journals, which made her a recipient of the International Publication Awards from the University of the Philippines System since 1999. For her professional achievement, she was awarded Distinguished Alumna of CAS, UPLB in 2012. She was also given the Outstanding Botanist Award during the 2010 Botany Centennial Celebration of IBS.

As a role model “Do the best that you can. In everything you do, try to do the very best,” advises Dr. Dionisio-Sese. She inspires her students and young professionals in the way she handles and carries herself in and outside the classroom. She makes sure that she teaches to the best of her abilities. Indeed, Dr. Dionisio-Sese’s work in the last 31 years has been a testament to her being a good teacher and a good researcher, and even more.

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