The cost of Philippine education

Just watch the video as presented by Atty. Adel Tamano.

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.

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.

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 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

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 @

2006 Awarding Ceremony

Awarding Ceremony
2:00 pm, March 14, 2006
Monfort Hall, Department of Education Bldg., Lapaz, Iloilo City

I Entrance of Colors/Processional............ led by the Ateneo de Iloilo CAT Corps

II National Anthem ........................... Ateneo de Iloilo

The Ateneo de Iloilo Glee Club (right) led the singing of Lupang Hinirang as their school ranked first in the TOSSS.

III Invocation .............................. Engr. Dimpna Castigador
TOEP 1975
IV Welcome Remarks .......................... Dr. Diadem Pearl Sonza-Equina
TOEP 1975, TOSSS 1979

V Opening Remarks ........................... Mr. Henry Bueron Caspe
Chairman, OSCI; TOSSS 1975


VI Message ................................... Hon. Niel Tupaz
Governor, Province of Iloilo

(L-R) Hon. Jeffrey Ganzon, Iloilo City Councilor; Mr. Mario Nillos, Provincial Planning Officer

VII Message .................................. Hon. Jerry P. Trenas
Mayor, Iloilo City


Deaf-mute special students from SPED rocking the stage.

VIII Special Number .......................... SPED - School for Exceptional Children

(L-R) Dr. Raymundo A. Lapating; Dr. Erlinda Gencaya

IX Inspirational Message ..................... Dr. Raymundo A. Lapating
Schools Division Superintendent
Province of Iloilo

X Presentation of Awardees

A. Elementary .............................. Engr. Dimpna Castigador
Chairperson, Elementary Screening Committee

Marianne Mellizas, Cabatuan Central Elementary School

Bryan Eric Cerebo, New Lucena Central Elementary School

Lennon Ponta-oy, Dingle Central Elementary School

B. Secondary ............................... Dr. Japhet Gencaya-F. de Leon
Chairperson, Secondary Screening Committee

Jilyn Almendros, Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus

Mellisa Pruto, Mina National High School

Neil Andrew Llorente, Ateneo de Iloilo-Sta Maria Catholic School

XI Reading of Citation to Schools

XII Presentation of Awards .................... Dr. Raymundo A. Lapating, Dr. Erlinda Gencaya, and OSCI Members

XIII Responses

Shari A. Altamera, 2006 Most Outstanding Elementary Pupil
Neil Andrew Chiu Llorente, 2006 Most Outstanding Secondary School Student

XIV Challenge: The Task Ahead ................. Dr. Erlinda Gencaya
Schools Division Superintendent
Division of Iloilo City

XV Closing Remarks ............................ Dr. Japhet Gensaya-F. de Leon
Vice Chairperson, OSCI
TOSSS 1975

XVI Recessional
Program Hosts: Dr. Diadem Pearl Sonza-Equina, Engr. David Robert de Leon

2006 SEARCH Diary

Schedule of Activities

I Deadline for Submission of Nominations ............ February 1, 2006
II Written Examinations .............................. February 18, 2006
III Panel Interview ................................... February 27, 2006
IV Awarding Ceremony ................................. March 14, 2006

Screening Committee

Dr. Japhet Gensaya-F. de Leon ........................ Over-All Chairperson
Engr. Dimpna Castigador .............................. Chairperson, Elementary
Dr. Caroline Arroyo .................................. 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 Esterlita M. Baddong, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist,
DTI, Iloilo Province

Dr. Rosalea G. de Leon, Program Director, Emmanuel Foundation for Special Children

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

Secondary

Engr. Gilberto Altura, Supervising Economic Development Specialist, NEDA, Region VI

Dr. Myrna Castillo, Asst. Schools Division Superintendent, Department of Education
Division of Iloilo

Dr. Henrietta C. Espanola, Chair, Department of Pshyciatry, WVSU College of Medicine
and St. Paul's Hospital

Mrs. Rachel Nufable, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, DTI, Iloilo