Editorial: Debate on Cha-cha: Where will it lead us?

Insights and perspectives have been aired by luminaries and experts during the first Senate hearing last January 17 on the proposed Charter change to shifting to federalism from the present unitary form of government.

Without mentioning the personalities, among the highlights or inputs in the discussion (as gathered from the ANC) were:

        * 1987 Constitution may be imperfect but it is the best in the world.

        * Shifting to federalism is a lethal experiment.

        * Good provisions (1987 Constitution) should not be revised.

        * 1987 Constitution expanded the democratic space… but then conditions have changed since it was enacted.

        * Many provisions have not been implemented, some still need enabling laws.

        * Local Government Code can be amended to distribute power and wealth equitably.

        * Strengthen the institutions first before changing the Constitution.

        * PH is a failing democracy because of unitary government.

        * Regional autonomy could be a model for an evolving federalism.

        * We need young and best leaders with the goal of good governance.

        * Poor will be poorer under a federal government.

But what are the pulse of the people? How many of our populace know the difference between a federal and unitary state which are both democratic forms of government? How many of the households have a copy of the Constitution where the people are the framers when at the start and end of the Preamble it states: “We the sovereign Filipino people… do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”?

We need a well educated and intelligible populace in discerning the provisions of the Constitution. The academe may be privy with the subject as discussed in Political Science course but many are not aware of the supreme law of the land.

Do we need Charter change? The answer to the question is debatable. How ready are the many to discuss the matter? Unitary or Federal?  Where will this lead us politically and economically?

Will debate on Cha-cha centered only on the form of government or will this open to other amendments in the Constitution? Dear citizens, we ask your sensitivity on the matter(s).

Editorial: Grab the chance: NDU still offering OSY skills training courses

SKILLS training for out-of-school youths, those 15 to 24 years old, is continuing at Notre Dame University (NDU) in Cotabato City with enrollment still ongoing for the next scheduled courses.

Courses offered for the trainees are bread and pastry baking, food processing, housekeeping, automotive, computer system servicing, and electrical installation. 

A minimum requirement of 15 students must be enrolled to begin the regular classes. Electrical Installation has begun training as of January, but Program Head Joseph P. Fernandez of the Office of Social Development reassured that “it is not too late to catch up.”

The Skills Training for Out-of-School Youths is a program that offers courses open for all genders and persons with disabilitiesin Cotabato City, so long as they are able to cope with the requirements.

Many working students and professionals enroll for the courses either to upgrade their skills or as a requirement from their company. Partner industries like Em Manor and Al-Nor host the on-the-job training or OJT of some of the offered courses.

All paid courses offered have an average of P3,000 to P4,000 peso fee plus P500 for the assessment process.

The basic requirements are birth certificate and  barangayclearance, ensuring that the youth is a bona-fide resident of the barangay where one resides. If interested, inquire at the Office for Social Development for other course requirements. 

Meanwhile, sponsorship programs are pending approval. Once consented, NDU will open up first-come, first-serve slots to youths meeting the same qualifications mentioned.

Program head Fernandez stated that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will hopefully approve of its coupons around February or March this year. 

NDU had visited different barangays in Cotabato to raise awareness among the youths regarding the program offering for them. “Tok’hang” kids may be signed up for the training as a program by their barangays to assist in their rehabilitation from their past with illegal drugs. 

Another skills training program hosted by NDU last year was MYDev or Mindanao Youth Development, a scholarship grant sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development. It ended in July 2017, but has since been requested for an extension.

Graduates of MYDev have been offered jobs from the partner establishments of the program following graduation. On pastry course that year, out of the 414 enrollees, 350 students from 14 classes graduated.

Graduates of housekeeping are offered jobs by partner industries like the Em Manor and Al-Nor. Food processing graduates have mostly been hired by fast food chains such as  Jollibee. Other course finishers were offered jobs by private entities.

MYDev sponsored 25-30 youths to enroll to a class, unlike the minimum 15 of a regular class.

Once contracts are settled, MYDev will start enrollment around February this year. Unlike the Skills Training Program offered for Cotabateños only, MYDev allows any youth from across Mindanao to enroll, with the same basic requirements. (JUWAIRIYAH BINT EMRAN MOHAMAD, NDU BA-COM 3 – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cotabateño excels in academics abroad

Dr. Ramjie Y. Odin

A Cotabateñohas received one of the highest academic distinctions abroad.

Born and raised in Cotabato City and of Maguindanaon descent, Dr. Ramjie Yusoph Odin received the H.S. Swingle Award for Outstanding Doctoral Student in Auburn University, USA in December 2017.

Dr. Odin, who finished Doctor of Philosophy in Fisheries and Applied Aquaculture, was still in awe with the achievement he obtained in the United States.

He said that the Swingle Award is a highly anticipated recognition desired by both graduate students and professors abroad.

Now back to his beloved hometown, he wishes to serve his fellow Cotabateños and may be considered as an inspiration to everyone to be at their best at all times in order to reach their goals.

At present, he returned to Mindanao State Unibversity - Maguindanao where he teaches and performs his obligations as a reseacher. He also hopes to train his fellows to become experts in the same field.

Proud and happy, Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi congratulated Dr. Odin for his remarkable achievement.

The lady mayor is also confident to share that Cotabateños can actually compete anywhere even in an international academic arena.

She said "Kaya ng Cotabateño"  as she also she expressed her utmost support to those who aspire to enhance their potentials in their chosen fields. (COTABATO CITY GOVERNMENT – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)