I REALLY wonder where Omar is. You remember Omar, right? The gardener I wrote about on January 22, 2021 (www.panaynews.net/meet-omar-our-gardener/). I haven’t seen him since April, this year. That’s like ages ago! As a result, my pockets of garden are weedy. I had to do the trimmings myself occasionally but it’s very minimal work and not satisfying.
The roadside was cleared by the new neighbor tending to a cow. Thanks to our reliable neighbor Dante Duque for contacting the guy. However, the roadside is back to weedy again.
When in need, be creative! Thus, when the private garbage collectors came this morning, I negotiated with one to come on Sunday to clear the weeds. Hopefully, Marty will show up. Fingers crossed!
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We’re now in November, thank God! The year is nearly ending, and we have witnessed the change in people’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the massive vaccination program of government, the decrease in active cases, and the easing of restrictions.
It is indeed a good sign. Perhaps next year, our country could slowly bounce back from its sad state. And gradually, school can return to face-to-face classes considering the challenges encountered by online classes and blended learning.
Talking about face-to-face classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) has already completed the list of one hundred public schools that will participate in the pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes, which is expected to push through on Nov. 15, 2021.
According to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones on Wednesday, Nov. 3, the participating schools come from the following regions: Ilocos – 10; Central Luzon – 10; Calabarzon – 5; Bicol – 9; Western Visayas – 3; Central Visayas – 8; Eastern Visayas – 10; Zamboanga Peninsula – 8; Northern Mindanao – 10; Davao Region – 8; SOCCSKSARGEN – 5; Caraga – 14.
According to news report, DepEd is still identifying twenty private schools that will join the pilot run of in-person classes. Briones said face-to-face classes will begin on Nov. 15 for public schools and Nov. 22 for private schools.
With the time devoted to preparations, we hope DepEd can execute this “new normal plan” as scheduled.
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General Santos FishPort Complex holds Resbakuna Express
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 12, the local government unit of General Santos, SARGEN FishPort Tuna Handline Fishing Association, Inc., and the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. continues to provide vaccination services until Jan. 12, 2022.
The campaign aims to inoculate all fishing stakeholders and fishing workers including their family members. As of Nov. 2, 2021, the Resbakuna Express has already inoculated a total of 306 individuals – first dose; and 396 – second dose.
According to PFDA data, a total of 6,919 individuals have been vaccinated since July 24, 2021, up to present. Out of the 6,919 individuals, 5,823 are fully vaccinated.
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Meanwhile, in support of culture and history, I am planning to visit Batulaki in Glan, Sarangani to see for myself the quincentennial historical marker that was unveiled on Oct. 26, 2021. The date is exactly the 500th year after the remaining crewmembers of the Magellan-Elcano expedition were forced to drop anchor to seek shelter from the “most furious storm” as described by chronicler Antonio Pigaffeta.
On Oct. 28, 2021, the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines concluded with the last historical marker unveiled at Sarangani Island (Municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental).
Accordingly, the marker in Batulaki is the 32nd of the thirty-four historical markers installed throughout the country.
In an article written by Beverly C. Paoyon on the subject, she quoted Gina Batuhan, Historic Sites and Education Division Chief of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, who explained thus: “Batulaki was a turning point in the life of the remaining crewmembers of the fallen Ferdinand Magellan” as they almost died in a storm.
I hope to visit this marker in coordination with Glan local government unit Economic Consultant, Joseph A. Hulguin, my MBA classmate.
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Food for Thought
No matter the revelations of alleged shenanigans, corruption, and questionable dealings of the so-called government leaders, we are still called on to love our country. It’s the only one we have.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
