3 Aggie "Secretariables" @ PHilMech's 32nd Anniversary

This is my final chance to attend anniversary celebration of my unit, the former Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension, now named as Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), as my early retirement under EO 366 (Government Rationalization Program) will finally take effect on May 31, 2010. The anniversary celebration was held today, May 26, 2010 at the Training Hall, PHilMech Compound, CLSU, Nueva Ecija, with the theme Transforming the Future of Agriculture.

The 32nd PHilMech anniversary was highlighted through the observance of Postharvest Industry Day, where a national conference on posthatvest and mechanization technologies was conducted. At least three candidates for DA top post graced the occasion. They are Leonardo Montemayor of ABA-AKO Partylist and FFF (Federation of Free Farmers), Proceso Alcala, former Congressman of Quezon province, and Joel Rudinas, DA Undersecretary for Operations. Also in the roster of speakers was Asst. Secretary Doy Salacup. All of them gave their messages, appreciating among others, the role PHilMech played in increasing agri-productivity. Mayor-elect Efren Alvarez of Munoz Science City also gave his piece, though he did not finish the program ceremony. CLSU president Ruben Sevilleja, PCC director Libertado Cruz, PhilSCAT director Romeo Gavino, and BFAR director Melchor Tayamen were also in attendance.

Another highlight of the program is the giving of awards to outstanding PHilMech employees and cooperators. Donors like KOICA and JICA were likewise publicly recognized.

PHilMech is the newly transformed postharvest bureau of the Department of Agriculture under EO 366, currently headed by Director IV Ricardo Cachuela, with 3 Director I, Arnel Apaga (also designated as Director III or Deputy Director), Manolito Bulaong (Director I for R&D Cluster) and Raul Paz (Director I for Extension). There were 11 Division chiefs in the new structure. Total present plantilla positions is 132. (JSF Blogs)

PHilMech's Ating Glory Celebrates Her Senior Citizenship

25 May 2010, Food Protection Division, PHilMech, CLSU, Nueva Ecija – Outgoing postharvest entomologist Dr. Glory Sabio of this unit treated PHilMech staff to a sumptuous lunch as a way of belatedly celebrating her 60th birthday a month ago (April 24), and as a thanksgiving for all blessings she received throughout the year, the recent one was the hefty amount of retirement pay she got for serving the Philippine government for almost 4 decades. The celebration is also a way of despedida as all rationalized staff of the Center shall have until May 31, 2010 only to work therein.

Yet, Ating Glo, as she is fondly called, is somehow self-obliged to visit PHilMech occasionally because she is leaving with unfinished work on coffee postharvest, a professional self-commitment she had for this mother organization.

FPD chief Ms. Miriam Acda hosted the fellowship-lunch, while this blogger, being the adopted son of FPD (until he leaves on May 31, 2010) lead the invocation for the celebration. (30)

Bible College Graduate Passes April 2010 Teacher's Exams

A lone member of ICCM's first batch of graduates (under CHED-accreditation) who boldly applied and took Teacher's board exams last April 2010 successfully made it, praise the Lord.

Ms. Ma. Carissa O. Arevalo, Bachelor of Theology, major in Christian Education graduate of the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) is one of the new qualified Secondary (High School) teachers, to wit: (excerpt from PRC website)

"Manila, Philippines. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Professional Teachers (BPT) announce that 4,835 Elementary Teachers out of 31,306 examinees (15.44%), 4 Accelerated Teacher Education Program (A.T.E.P.) graduates out of 109 examinees (3.67%) and 6,483 Secondary Teachers out of 27,802 examinees (23.32%) successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T)given last April 18, 2010 in 13 testing centers all over the Philippines and Hong Kong."

Aysa, as she is fondly called, is in fact a "test" graduate to take such prestigious exams for teachers amidst unconfirmed report that ICCM's curriculum is short of education units. Despite of this, the determined servant of God went to PRC, presented her credentials and took the exams, even as she only did self-review.

While the Bible college is committed to continuously upgrade its curricular offerings, Aysa's passing in LET is a vindication for her school from misinformation. Most, if not all of the ICCM graduates under CHED-accreditation are gainfully employed and/or into Christian ministry.

On the lighter side, ICCM can be likened to the prime state university UP Diliman, which passing rate is 100%, only that UP has 95 examinees took the test.(JSF Blogs)

Church of Christ Pastor @ PHilMech's 32nd Anniversary Celebration

Pastor Melchor N. Gervacio of San Francisco Church of Christ (San Francisco, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija) will be the guest speaker on this year's Ecumenical Service on the occasion of 32nd anniversary celebration of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech, formerly BPRE). He will likewise be introduced by another Church of Christ elder, Bro. Josue S. Falla, an outgoing training director of the said Center. The ecumenical service will be held at the Center's auditorium on May 24, 2010, 9:00 AM.

The program for the ecumenical service is as follows:

1. Opening hymns by the Praise and Worship group
2. Call to Worship thru responsive reading (Psalms 121)
3. Opening Prayer by Engr. Genaro Tolentino
4. Bible reading (Gen. 41:29-30 and 47-49) by Ms. Beth Ramos
5. Special Song Number
6. Introduction of the God's Messenger by Dr. Josue S. Falla
7. Inspirational Message by Pastor Melchor Gervacio
8. Closing Hymn by the Praise and Worship group
9. Closing Prayer by Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy
10. Dedication of the New ManCom Members and Benediction by Pastor Gervacio

After this, everybody shall proceed to the former TED for the dedication and blessing of the renovated rooms.

This year's anniversary theme is "Transforming the Future of Phil. Agriculture", with Mrs. Miriam Acda of the Food Protection Division as the chair for the ecumenical service. (30)

19 Rationalized Officials and Employees To Severe Their Connection with PHilMech By End of May

May 31, 2010 is the expected cut-off date for 19 rationalized officials and employees to work for the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) as they are set to receive their respective GSIS retirement pay before the month ends. This was discussed last May 16 during a meeting with Dir. Ric Cachuela, who affirmed that the affected staff shall still received their salaries including allowances until all of their government benefits are received.

The rationalized staff shall still be treated as PHilMech staff, and shall join the Center's 32nd anniversary celebration next week. PHilMech's management is committed to abide by the provisions of the Exec. Order 366 (Govt. Rationalization Program).

The final retirement benefits for the rationalized staff shall come from the Mutual Home Devt. Fund aka Pag-IBIG Fund, which negotiation/arrangement shall be done individually by the concerned staff.

It is worthy to mention that the PHilMech management has succesfully prepared the affected employees and officers for their post-retirement lives through the manpower development program of the Center. (30)

STCC Honors 12 Moms @ Mothers' Day 2010

At least a dozen of Christian moms were honored in the local congregation of Sto. Tomas Church of Christ on Sunday, May 16, 2010 through a special Sunday celebration and recognition ceremony. The twelve mothers who were appreciated with a modest token gift by the Church administration are Rose Falla, Rosie Torres, Oma Sagun, Andring Caibio, Gigi Caibio, Lota Anog, Imelda Salazar, Pilita Baluran, Betty Pantanilla, Emma Flores, Alpha Delos Reyes, and Sonia Nonog.

Part of the recognition program is the testimonies of selected moms narrating their joys and pains in doing their roles and responsibilities as female parent.

Mothers' Day is an annual special holiday usually observed worldwide in the month of May. This year's celebration falls on May 9, but this local Church did it on May 16 instead, as the congregation agreed. (JSF Blogs)

MCC Hosts 35th SKKM Annual Youth Summer Camp

Masaguisi, Bongabong Or. Mindoro – The Samahan Ng Kabataang Kristiano ng Mindoro (SKKM) hold its 35th annual summer camp in the coastal village of Masaguisi in the southern municipality of Bongabong, eastern province of Mindoro. Hosted by the Masaguisi Church of Christ, one of the biggest local churches in the island, the camp was held at the spacious, convenient campus of Masaguisi National High School (MNHS) from April 25 to May 1, 2010. This year’s theme was “History Maker” based from Hebrews 11: 39 - 40. Main speakers included Bros. Edson Arsua and Gener Famorcan.

As in previous camps, this year’s typical daily program included morning devotion, physical exercise, praise and worship, theme exposition, review of basic doctrines, music time and evening session. There were also scheduled sports activities, acquaintance, election and banquet night.

This 35th youth summer camp was organized by its officers led by Bro. Jahaziel Falla as president, Sis. Abilene Riza Geron and Sis. Rhoda Mallen as vice-presidents and many more. Advisers were Bros. Robert Flores, Aldrin Roco, Gener Famorcan, Aldrin Villacrusis and Sis. Ulysie Alcoba. (JSF reports)

Kyle and Grandad/mom @ World of Fun

On a weekend prior to this country's first automated national elections, this blogger spend a day with grandson Kyle (whom I call Bodjong, his exclusive pet name from lolo Joe). Here are some pictures taken at SM-San Fernando's (Pampanga) WORLD of FUN. Enjoy . . .!

The New Masaguisi : A Photo Gallery

These pictures were taken in the coastal side of Masaguisi, my birthplace. Some of the new developments here include the construction of sea wall, and the development of nearby public cemetery. (JSF Blogs)