Climate Change Scuttles Mangrove Planting Activity

It was hot. It was raining hard. And it was supposed to be Christmastime!

This was the scenario on December 28, the scheduled mangrove planting activity of the OSCI awardees and friends.

The mangrove planting was OSCI's way of greening and cleaning Iloilo River. It was also a response to the wider environmental call of combating climate change. But that day was an example of climate change!

Many of these young environmentalists left their hometowns past 5:00 am to get to the Iloilo River planting site at exactly 7:00 am; only to arrive at SM City under heavy downpour. Some were already in Molo waiting hopelessly for the rains to subside.

Anyway, those who came were ushered to a hearty breakfast at Chowking in Molo; and an impromptu OSCI meeting which everyone enjoyed.@

Yes, mangrove planting activity pushes thru!

Above photo is the part of Iloilo river where OSCI will plant mangrove propagules. The area is upstream from Carpenter's bridge and is on the Mandurriao side of the river.

Activity: Mangrove Planting by the Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo (OSCI) in coordination with the Iloilo City Agriculture Office

Date/Time: Friday, Dec 28, 2007 7:00am – 10:00am

Place: Iloilo River, near the Mandurriao approach of the Carpenter’s Bridge

How to get there: Those with cars: Take Diversion Rd or Benigno Aquino Hi-way. Turn to San Rafael (when coming from SM City, turn Right on reaching Juan’s Resto-Bar). Go straight to Mandurriao passing new site of Ateneo de Iloilo. Turn left upon reaching Mandurriao national road. The bridge in front of Saviour Hospital is Carpenter’s Bridge. There’s a wide open lot for parking at the upstream side of the Mandurriao approach. Those who will commute: Take the Mandurriao via Molo jeepney. From the City Proper, the jeep passes through Molo plaza towards Mandurriao. The bridge near Saviour Hospital is Carpenter’s Bridge. Get down at the Mandurriao side of the river. The site for planting is upstream of the bridge.

What to bring: Waiver and Release of a Student duly signed by the parents/guardians; Extra clothing, rubber gloves, wading boots if possible. (A bamboo raft will be supplied by the Iloilo City Agriculture Office. The river is muddy during low tide.)

Others: Snacks will be served. Certificate of attendance will be given. OSCI T-shirts will be available.

Contact Persons: Henry B. Caspe 09187973041; Dimpna Castigador 09194980077


(Above Left) Saviour Hospital with Carpenter's Bridge as seen from the Mandurriao side of Iloilo River. (Above Right) The bridge is flanked to the right by the old city slaughterhouse.

(Above Left) Upstream on the Molo side of the river, across from the site for planting, is Southville subdivision. (Above Right) The Mandurriao approach of the old Carpenter's Bridge. Behind the trees is Saviour Hospital.

(Above) The planting site starts from where the cameraman is standing to about 100 meters upstream, and about 10 meters at the widest from the existing mangrove trees. The portions are mudflats during low tide.

Modern Day Pieta

The above photo was taken in the 1970's by William Eugene Smith, one of the world's most accomplished photographers, in Minamata, Japan. It shows an outwardly healthy mother bathing her fetal-poisoned 16 year old daughter, Tomoko Uemura, physically crippled since birth, an effect of industrial mercury poisoning of Minamata Bay.

The mercury in the Bay was traced to the waste water dumped by Chisso Corporation, a company which produces plastics, drugs, and perfumes. After a few decades of Chisso's full operation, the people of Minamata, a fishing village, began to see the effects of the as yet unknown mercury pollution. Cats scavenging in the fishing docks began to have seizures, and would later drop dead. After some time, humans, too, had seizures. "Victims were diagnosed as having a degeneration of their nervous systems. Numbness occurred in their limbs and lips. Their speech became slurred, and their vision constricted. Some people had serious brain damage, while others lapsed into unconsciousness or suffered from involuntary movements."

What's the significance of this story and the accompanying picture to the residents of Iloilo City?

The local government of Iloilo City is planning to build a coal-fired power plant in the city. And coal-fired power plants emit pollutants which contain mercury! Yes, MERCURY as in MINAMATA BAY!

What can OSCI say?

A picture speaks louder than words.@

Pasko na sinta ko! Sana ngayong pasko ay maaalala mo ako.

Yeeessss! It's now Christmas in the Philippines! Leave your books and classroom cares for a while. Just listen to these stirring songs by Leah Salonga.

Mangrove Planting on December 28, 2007

The planting of mangove propagules along Iloilo River by OSCI members, as discussed during the meeting at Jess Cafe, is scheduled on December 28, 2007, Friday, at 7:00 am. The target area is near the Carpenter's bridge in Molo, Iloilo City.

The activity is being coordinated with the Iloilo City Agriculture Office.

Please post your comments as regards the schedule.@

Update: Nikko Jones G. Servanio makes it to Ayala Youth Leaders Congress short list!

Nikko Jones G. Servanio, TOSSS 2006 and a sophomore student of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, made it to the Ayala Young Leaders Congress short list. According to the AYLC website, "Out of a record-high of 595 applications received this year nominated by 104 colleges and universities from all over the country, the number of applicants has been trimmed down to 157 representing 64 schools. The panel interview is scheduled on November 21 to 23, 2007 at the Headquarters of Ayala Corporation in Ayala Tower One, Ayala Triangle, Makati City." @

Joshua Misajon on TV

Catch Joshua J. Misajon, TOSSS 2006, every Friday at 6:30 am over ABS-CBN's Sikat Ka Iloilo. He is one of the hosts of the TV program's Friday edition which deals with campus and youth-oriented issues.

Minutes of Jess Cafe Meeting

1. The General Assembly Meeting, which was held at Jess Cafe from 9:30-12noon, was attended by 19 OSCI officers and members (the final highlights will list these attendees).
2. Agenda (based on the order by which they were actually tackled):
a. Fund-raising: ads (P500 min quota for each member), T shirt (pale blue with logo, with collar for members, without collar for sale to others, design to be facilitated by the officers)
b. Mangrove planting
Seedlings from City Hall. To be open to OSCI members, friends, relatives, etc.
Schedule to be advised later (will check first on low tide sched). To be done after Dec 25
3. Review of vision/ missions/ goals/ objectives
Add to the mission "advocacies towards information and education campaign and civic action on current and pressing issues in Iloilo"
Objectives have been accomplished except for resume of past awardees; need to update objectives
4. School contact persons
UP - city - Verni
- Miag-ao - Carl
Phil Sci - Shari
Ateneo - Lorente
5. Suggestions re search
a) Remind girls not to wear backless or spaghetti. Should be Sunday dress with sleeves.
b) Interview: last ones had to stay a long time (drawing of lots done at venue)
c) Dr. Gensaya advised that schools need feedback how their nominees fared
d) Grades as big percentage (15%) - varying school standards for grades but this is offset by exams, extracurricular and interview
e) Accdg to Chairman Caspe, feedback from city schools: co-curricular % very high as province has more levels of competition
f) Interview has predetermined questions some of which are to test the stress management of interviewees
g) Dr. Gensaya mentioned that the area near the Jalandoni bridge is to be made into a subdivision. Mangroves in the area can be replanted.
h) Blog- Members are encouraged to email the Chairman about their achievements/ activities for posting
i) Coal-fired power plant in La Paz - environmental/ health hazard; call for more groups to resist move.
Suggestions: 1. OSCI should join advocacy; members should educate their families
2. Position paper: J. Misajon and Dr. Gensaya to prepare@

Venue of Meeting Changed to JESS CAFE

The October 24, 2007 meeting will be held at Jess Cafe, located just in front of the CPU Main Gate. All other details remain the same.

Announcement: Meeting on October 24, 2007

Meeting of Members and Recent Awardees
Date: October 24, 2007
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Conference Room, College of Medicine, Central Philippine University


1. Opening Prayer
2. Brief introduction of attendees
3. Overview of OSCI

Vision: An organization that identifies outstanding and promising young students and acts as venue where these students bond, learn and work together as preparation for their future roles in the community.

Mission: To institutionalize the annual search for Ten Outstanding Secondary School Students (TOSSS) and Ten Outstanding Pupils (TOP) for the city and province of Iloilo.

Goal: To tap past outstanding student awardees to initiate, sustain, and enhance the annual search for TOSSS and TOP

Objectives (starting school year 2005-2006):

to locate past outstanding student awardees and convince them to join OSCI
to come out with a list and resume of past awardees
to launch a search for TOSSS and TOP
to develop and maintain working relationship with the local office of Department of Education and other entities that could be of help in sustaining the annual search for TOSSS and TOP and the subsequent activities of the awardees.


4. Status of current search/ financial report
5. Projects
a. Community projects
b. Income-generating proj (IGP)
6. Election of officers
7. Next steps/ closing prayer

Moderators: Dr. Diadem Pearl Sonza-Equina, Ms. Dimpna Castigador @

2007 Solicitations

We would like to thank all those who supported the 2007 SEARCH.

Line Ads: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Clarisa's House of Beauty, Commonwealth Glassware, Dr. Alma Mae S. Bedia, Dr. Carol Joy Quimpo, Dr. Diosdado Amargo, Jr., Dr. Helen B. Minguez, Dr. Lovella L. Andarza, Dr. Rosita Conducta, Dr. Suzanne Lucero, Victor Amantillo, Jr., Drs. Joselito & Marie Faith Villaruz, Elsa Gabaduyan, Hazel P. Villa, Kent Giftshop & Boutique, Lily Chua, Mr. Isaac Lee, Mr. Othelo Buensuceso, Ms. Demi Belandres, Rev Marvin, Inno Bito-onon, Susan Ng,

500: Dr. Libutaque

1/4 Page Ads: 3-7 Auto Marketing, Allied Bank, Ashere Nisseth Equina, Asian Hybrid Seed, Direct Electrix, Dr. Donna Ledesma Bedonia, Dr. Jose Y Soriano, Dr. Moody & Cristina Erum, Dr. Peachy Salazar, Dr. Rex Melchor Muyco, Dr. Sajo, Friends of OSCI/Dr. Aimee Chua, Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral/Albito, Josmef Enterprise, Lilibeth French, MJA Pharmacy, Mr. & Mrs Alexander Jamerlan, Novartis/Anselo Tribunal, Panaderia de Iloilo, Roche, Tribu Latino

1/2 Page Ads: Ad Majorem Dei, Atty Antonio Salinas, Davies, Dr. Ma. Ana Pama - Ausan, Dr. Ma. Victoria Bucane, Land Bank, Lopez Engineering, Olivia P. Javellana, Ruel Romarate

1 Whole Page Ads: Anton Betia-Evangelista-Atienza, Berpa-Flex Technologies, Dr. Daisy Aboltivo-Altamera, Globo Resources,
GP Genesis/Mrs. Ma. Gene Perez, Plaza Libertad Medical Specialists

Gift Certificates: Amigo Terrace Hotel, Negros Navigation

Note: Because of press deadline, some paid ads were not included in the souvenir program.@

2007 Ten Outstanding Elementary Pupils of Iloilo

1 Sira, Liza Marie S. - Sta. Barbara Central Elementary School
2 Fuego, Alyanna Krista - Ateneo de Iloilo - Sta. Maria Catholic School
3 Demafiles, Shaynne Laurice A. - Iloilo Central Elementary School
4 Amit, Sheena Mae F. - West Visayas State University - ILS
5 Cortum, Alyanna Sinel - SPED Integrated School for Exceptional Children
6 Adolfo, Estee Joy G. - Guimbal Central Elementary School
7 Garrido, Excelle Anne C. - San Enrique Central School
8 Tronco, Christina Mae M. - Cabatuan Central Elementary School
9 Lizada, Adrian Nichol - Don Eugenio Ladrido Memorial Elementary School
10 Hualde, Karla Rosa S. - New Lucena Central School

2007 Ten Outstanding Secondary School Students of Iloilo

1 Pamillo, Ray John - Central Philippine University High School
2 Robinson, Victor B. III - Ateneo de Iloilo - Sta. Maria Catholic School
3 Hualde, Ken C. Cabatuan - National Comprehensive High School
4 Leda, Francis Pauline B. - Lambunao National High School
5 Cadete, Ivory June J. - SPED - Integrated School for Exceptional Children
6 Abalajon, Karl Vincent - University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo
7 Lazaro, Joe Abad S., Jr. - Don Felix Serra National High School
8 Tacaisan, Ability-Ann G. - Colegio Del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus
9 Dato-on, Luville J. - San Enrique National Comprehensive High School
10 Fresnido, Donna Isabelle M. - University of San Agustin High School

2007 Awarding Ceremony

AWARDING CEREMONY
2:00 pm, March 14, 2007
Monfort Hall, Department of Education Bldg., Lapaz, Iloilo City

I Entrance of colors/ processional .. led by the CPU Developmental HS Boy Scouts

II Invocation ……………………….....… Bryan Eric Cerebo
TOEP 2006


III National Anthem …………………. CPU Developmental HS Choir


The CPU High School Chorale and Boy Schouts opened the program as their school topped this year's TOSSS awards.



IV Welcome Remarks ……………….. Mr. Henry Bueron Caspe
TOSSS 1975; Chairman, OSCI

V Message …………………….…........... Dr. Erlinda Gencaya, PhD
Schools Division Superintendent
Dept of Education, Division of Iloilo City

VI Message …………………………........ Mrs. Irma Ganela
OIC, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent
Dept of Education, Division of Passi City

A performance from the Rondalla Troupe of Sta. Barbara Central Elementary School, which topped the 2007 TOEP awards.




VII Special Number …………………... Sta. Barbara Central Elementary School Rondalla

VIII Inspirational Message …………. Dr. Daisy Aboltivo-Altamera
Valedictorian, St. Elizabeth
Academy 1974; TOSSS 1974

(Right) Dr. Daisy Aboltivo-Altamera,
2007 Inspirational Speaker

IX Presentation of Awardees



A. Elementary ……………….................. Engr. Dimpna Castigador
Chairperson, Elementary Screening Committee
TOEP 1975

B. Secondary ………………..................... Dr. Japhet Gensaya – F. de Leon
Chairperson, Secondary Screening Committee
TOSSS 1975

(Right) Ms. Lisa Marie Sira of Sta. Barbara Central Elementary School, 2007 Most Outstanding Elementary Pupil of Iloilo, with her parents and DepEd officials




(Left) Mr. Ray John Pamillo of CPU High School, 2007 Most Outstanding Secondary School Student, with his father and CPU school officials





X Reading of Citation to Schools…...... Mrs. Lyn Madera-Bautista
TOEP 1971

XI Presentation of Awards …………..... Dr. Raymundo A. Lapating, Dr. Erlinda G. Gencaya, Mrs. Irma Ganela and OSCI members

XII Responses

Liza Marie Sira, Most Outstanding Elementary Pupil of Iloilo for SY 2006-2007
Ray John Pamillo, Most Outstanding Secondary School Student of Iloilo
for SY 2006-2007



(Left) Dr. Nelson Pomado, CPU High School Principal, receiving the certificate of merit for CPU from OSCI officials







XIII Impressions on the
OSCI Awards …………………................ Dr. Myrna Castillo, PhD
Asst. Schools Division Superintendent
Dept of Education, Division of Iloilo

XIII Closing Remarks ………………..... Dr. Japhet Gensaya – F. de Leon
Vice Chairperson, OSCI

XIV Recessional




Program Hosts : Joshua Misajon, TOSSS 2006
Dr. Diadem Pearl Sonza-Equina, TOEP 1975, TOSSS 1979

Press Release, March 2007: CPU, Sta. Barbara Students Top OSCI Awards

Press Release
March 2007
by: The Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo


CPU, Sta. Barbara Students Top OSCI Awards




Ray John Pamillo of Central Philippine University High School, and Liza Marie Sira of Sta. Barbara Central Elementary School are the Most Outstanding Secondary School Student and Most Outstanding Elementary Pupil of Iloilo for school year 2006-2007, respectively.

Pamillo is a multi awarded public speaker and Mathematics wizard. He has won honors in national and international Math competitions. Sira is a rounded valedictorian who also excels in integrated campus journalism.

The two topped the list of Ten Outstanding Secondary School Students and Ten Outstanding Elementary Pupils of Iloilo for school year 2006-2007. All will be awarded with plaques and medals in an awarding ceremony on March 14, 2007, 2:00 pm at Monfort Hall, Department of Education Bldg., Lapaz, Iloilo City.


John Ray Pamillo (above, right); Liza Marie Sira (below)



The awardees were evaluated based on academic record, co-curricular activities, written examinations, and interview. The evaluation was done by the Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo (OSCI), a group of former recipients of outstanding high school and elementary students awards handed out by former Iloilo Governor Hon. Conrado J. Norada.

The other high school awardees are Victor B. Robinson III of Ateneo de Iloilo – Sta. Maria Catholic School, Ken C. Hualde of Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School, Francis Pauline B. Leda of Labunao National High School, Ivory June J. Cadete of SPED – Integrated School for Exceptional Children, Karl Vincent Abalajon of University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo City, Joe Abad S. Lazaro, Jr. of Don Felix Serra National High School, Ability-Ann G. Tacaisan of Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Luville J. Dato-on of San Enrique National Comprehensive High School, Donna Isabelle Fresnido of University of San Agustin High School.

Other elementary awardees are Alyanna Krista Fuego of Ateneo de Iloilo – Sta. Maria Catholic School, Shaynne Laurice A. Demafiles of Iloilo Central Elementary School, Sheena Mae F. Amit of WVSU Integrated Laboratory School, Alyanna Sinel Cortum of SPED Integrated School for Exceptional Children, Estee Joy G. Adolfo of Guimbal Central Elementary School, Excelle Anne C. Garrido of San Enrique Central School, Christina Mae M. Tronco of Cabatuan Central Elementary School, Adrian Nichol Lizada of Don Eugenio Ladrido Memorial Elementary School, and Karla Rosa S. Hualde of New Lucena Central School. @

2007 Search Diary

Search for Ten Outstanding Secondary School Students
And Ten Outstanding Elementary Pupils of Iloilo for SY 2006-2007


Schedule of Activities

I Deadline of Submission of Nominations …. January 23, 2007

II Written Examinations ………………………... February 9, 2007

III Panel Interview ……………………………...... February 16, 2007

IV Awarding Ceremony ………………………..... March 14, 2007

Screening Committee

Dr. Japhet Gensaya – F. de Leon ……………… Over-all Chairperson
Engr. Dimpna Castigador …………………………. Chairperson, Elementary
Dr. Caroline Arroyo ……………………………….... Member
Mrs. Lyn Madera-Bautista ………………………. Member
Mr. Henry Bueron Caspe ……………………….... Member
Dr. Diadem Pearl Sonza-Equina ……………….. Member
Mrs. Amihan Tamayo-Panes …………………… Member

Criteria

Academic Grades ……………………………... 15%
Co-Curricular Activities …………………….. 35%
Written Examination ………………………… 25%
Interview ………………………………….......... 25%



Panel of Interviewers

Elementary

Mrs. Ma. Nelma Casamayor - English Supervisor, Department of Education
Division of Passi City

Mr. Alfredo J. Chavoso, Jr. - Training Specialist II
Department of Social Welfare & Devlopment

Dr. Aimee Chua - Practicing Psychiatrist; Faculty, College of
Medicine, CPU, WVSU

Engr. Virgilio Fabronero - OIC, Project Planning and Information Systems
DENR Region VI

Mr. Rene Monteclaro - Station Manager, Radyo Ng Bayan

Ms. Clarissa G. Zamora - Administrative Officer IV
Department of Education, Division of
Iloilo City

Secondary

Dr. Henrietta C. Espanola - Chair, Dept. of Pshyciatry
WVSU College of Medicine and
Saint Paul’s Hospital

Mrs. Irma Ganela - Asst. Superintendent of Schools
Department of Education, Division of Passi City

Mr. Edgar Javison - Chief, Technical Division
Department of Budget Management Region VI

Mr. Ricardo Monegro - OIC, Office of the Asst. Regional Director
Department of Labor and Employment R-VI @