STRIVE Int’l Technical Asst joins NOSHS for First One-School Try-Out for SPPD

To facilitate the process of developing a training plan for program designs, Strengthening implementation of Basic Education in the Visayas (STRIVE) International Technical Assistant, Louise Quinn joined and worked with the Negros Occidental Science High School Faculty Members headed by Mr. Michell Acoyong, for developing a training plan for Professional Development, the School Plan for Professional Development (SPPD), last December 4, 2008 at Negros Occidental High School, Victorias City.

With Quinn were Dr. Twila Punsalan, National Technical Assistant for Training and Development, Dr. Purita Bilbao, Technical Adviser, Teacher Education Development Program-Training and Working Group (TEDP-TWG), Jonathan Batenga, Education Development Project Implementation Task Force (EDPITAF) Training and Development counterpart, Jose Freddie Mocon, STRIVE Division of Negros Occidental Project Coordinator, and Marsette Sabbaluca, Training and Development chair, Division of Negros Occidental and representatives of Regions 6, 7 and 8

“I am happy since Negros Occidental Science High School was prepared to support STRIVE”, Quinn said.

The training was focused on the developing the school’s plan for professional development, a major blueprint that directs and influences all activities related to professional development of the school’s teaching and non-teaching staff over a given period.

The said SPPD is accomplished to enable a school to plan and prioritize the teachers’ professional development activities.

The planning was first tried in NOSHS and it gained positive impressions and support from both the teachers and STRIVE people.

“It is the first time we have tested this process and we are hoping that this process is something that can be used not only across Regions 6, 7 and 8 but as well as across the Philippines, “ Quinn pointed out.

“So it is very important and we are pleased to be here,: Quinn added.

The process worked was developing a training plan and the next step is to take that plan and develop it into program designs for specific needs that are identified in the plan and after the STRIVE will be working on developing and supporting the delivery of those development programs.

Quinn said that STRIVE will work through the whole system waves that include Training Needs Assessment (TNA), Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDP’s), planning and design, and extra-delivery system.

However, when asked about her impressions about Victorias City and the faculty and staff of NOSHS, Quinn said, “Well, Victorias people are very hospitable, and the teachers…I was impressed with their maximum participation and used of technology especially the laptops in which everyone has.”

“And that’s a great help for the teachers’ work since everything is electronic-based, so they can easily do their work fast,” she added.

On the other hand, Mr. Bernard Belleza, a faculty member said that with the support of everybody “I guess” this will benefit not only the teachers but for the students as well.

Mr. Michell Acoyong, Science Education Supervisor of the Division of Negros Occidental, Training and Development Co-Chair of STRIVE of the division and OIC of NOSHS expressed optimism and enthusiasm about the process.

“I am very optimistic about it and I believe it will bring new and progressive results,” Acoyong said.
-by: Josanio M. Caldera

HUMANITARIAN MISSION ON GOING IN VICTORIAS


Thirty-seven (37) delegates composed of doctors, nurses, medical technicians and auxiliary support staff of Memphis Mission of Mercy from the United States of America is currently conducting free medical services in Victorias City and its neighboring towns and cities.
The humanitarian activity started November 9 at Barangay VI-A and November 10 to 14, 2008 at the ground of Immaculate Conception Health Center, Bandong Village.
The Memphis Mission of Mercy is non-profit organization whose goal is to reach out primarily to the medical and spiritual needs of the less fortunate people in the Philippines. The chairman and founder of the organization is Mr. Renato Zalamea, a nurse anesthetist.
Now on its 5th year of service to the people of Victorias, the Memphis medical mission is made possible by the combined efforts of the city government of Victorias and the Kaayong Lawas Foundation, Inc.

CITY PEOPLE MEMORIAL PARK TURNS 2


November 1. Victorias City People’s Memorial Park commemorated its 2nd year anniversary in time with the celebration of All Saint’s Day.

The activity started in the afternoon with thanksgiving mass, blessing of the graves and followed by a food festival. Guests and locals take pleasure in the showcase of native delicacies that were served to them for free. The celebration ended up with the performance of the local band from Bacolod City.

Started in 2006, Mr. Ramon Ko, City Administrator, spearheaded the activities in People’s Memorial Park. Activities like food festival and band performance were conceptualized to give colorful mood to the occasion as well as to the traditional way of celebrating the All Saint’s Day.

With this activity, the city believes that it can draw more potential clients to choose People Memorial Park as the best place not only for their departed love ones but also to the visiting families.

The City’s Memorial Park is situated in a 5 hectares of 50,275 square meter lot of Hda. Estrella, Barangay XIV, approximately 3 kilometers or 10 minute drive from the City proper. The People’s Memorial Park is one of the City’s emblem of its commitment to its people to give better service.
- by remia m. matti