LOOSE CANON

DOMINIC S. SUNGA

Runners, students, teachers and cyclist enthusiasts converged in Bebe Anac,Masantol last December 03, 2016 as they took part in the first ever MHS Pedal Para Sa Kinabukasan and Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan Year 4.

The fun ride for the future and run for the environment fund raising drive began at Bebe Anac, Covered Court at 5:30 a.m. Based on the record, more than 900 runners participated in two categories and about a number of cyclist ride for the cause of the said event.

The cyclists were piloted by the Bikers Never Stop Group, composed of the Masantol and Macabebe chapters. And the runners were led by Dr. Elmer L. Meneses, Ph.D., Principal III of Masantol High School. It was organized by the MHS Science Club and YES-O thru the effort of Sir Dominic S. Sunga, (Program Coordinator) TIC-Science Department with the marvelous deeds of MHS Science Teachers.

The project seek for sponsors, donors, benefactors, and cyclists’enthusiasts are invited to hit the trail and help raise money to raise fund to materialize and sustain the implementation of the school venture.

Proceeds from the said event will be utilized to grant bicycles for qualified students coming from far flung areas. The project advocates “student on wheels innovative strategy” that no children will be left behind the school due to lack of transportation means in going to and from the school. The “Pedal Para sa Kinabukasan” project is an innovative strategy to reduced the students at risk of dropping out by providing bicycles for qualified students who comes from distant areas of Masantol. It will also educate the beneficiaries the rules on road safety and will create awareness on wellness on bikes and as a means of sustainable transportation.

The Municipality of Masantol is in full support to the event, headed by Mayor Danilo Guintu and Vice-Mayor Ralph Nulud, aside from donating units of bikes, the LGU also mobilized the Masantol PNP for security and order, and sent nurses and ambulance from the Rural Health Unit for medical assistance. Barangay Captain Gil Navarro with his barangay council and Lupong Taga-pamayapa also fascinated the event with his remarkable remarks and for extending support and assistance in managing the traffic and orderliness.

A total of 47 units of bikes were raised from the said event. 15 units coming from the proceeds, surprisingly 22 units come from our alumni, donors and sponsors, and another 10 more bikes were pledged. The awarding of units last January 06, 2017 was witnessed by the very supportive and dynamic OIC-Asst. Division Superintendent Ma’am Rowena Quiambao, who is a former mentor of the said school. A thanksgiving mass and blessing of the units was highlighted by Rev. Fr. Mark Manabat, parish priest of Masantol.

The projects work plan is set out and the sustainability of the implementation of the project will depend on the finances. A developmental perspective will build the project in phases depending on the availability of the funds coming from the sources of funding. The most crucial projected results of this project will be to attain the school mission to reduce the risk of dropping out of students.

A progress indicator tools will be used to monitor and evaluate the project on regular basis. Donor and benefactors have the right to monitor and supervise the project to assess performance and progress

— oOo— The author is Teacher III (TIC-Science) at Masantol High School

CAMILLE B. JIMENEZ The war against drugs, waged by President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte is on ineffective way of handling the nation’s greatest vice as it’s unnecessarily violent. His way of purging the drugs will tear the nation apart before it completes its objective.

President Duterte has a certain way of handling “Issues” such as the concern voiced by the United Nations (U.N) and President Barack Obama. His hate for people affiliated with drugs has gotten as to invite vigilantes and vengeful people to euthanize without worrying of the consequences as he claimed he would handle it.

His statements that invited scorned people to kill are usually said without a second thought. “Kill all drug related people and I’ll go to jail for you,” he said. His big mouth is giving the wrong type of encouragement the nation needs during this bloody time.

More than three thousand drug users were killed and less than half of them were killed in police operation. Duterte inexplicably leaks the names of suspected drug users, pushers and traffickers without proof they’re handling drugs. The list is public and regularly updated, usually clearing a name or two but adding hundreds to the list. It has become a hit list instead of a watch list.

The blood and violence against drug addicts, traffickers and all those people whom are connected to drugs are unnecessary and it will become a stain in Philippine history, similar to Marcos’choice to turn his democratic ways into dictatorships. There is always a better and safer way of banishing and purging drugs from the nation system compared to his bloody ways, which is more of an embodiment of his bloodlust rather than a method of cleaning the country. — oOo— The author is English teacher at Sta. Cruz Academy, Lubao, Pampanga