Author: Florendo Guevara

Marantao, ano daw?

Posted on by Florendo Guevara

A 3-part series on the Marantao Solid Waste Management Training Workshop 

Part 1: Gusto Namin

Marantao, is a Malay word that means “to embark on a new adventure.”

Any adventure calls for a certain breed of people who are willing to explore, take risks and have fun.

True enough, the Municipality of Marantao is home to people who have eyes for new and bold undertakings and the heart for transformative experiences.

This was clearly reflected in the manner by which a community was prompted to act on the triggers for change in their waste management practices and consequently was motivated to be part of a larger vision to create cleaner and greener Marantao.

To respond to the triggers for change means the community is ready to put itself at the center of the problems and challenges and say “Gusto namin makibahagi sa solusyon!”

Marantao is facing several challenges in its waste management system, such as: nearly a thousand tons of waste generated annually, the perennial lack of waste management facilities, and the growing danger of waste flowing into Lanao Lake.

And to its advantage, inspired by their faith and the Quranic verse “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves” (Quran 2:222)”,  ninety eager participants wholeheartedly embarked on this new adventure where they talked about these triggers and their resolve to take action through this training workshop conducted by  Synergeia, the CocaCola Foundation and the local government of Marantao on Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS).

The goal of this partnership initiative is to empower community members with the skills to collect accurate waste data and develop effective waste reduction plans tailored to Marantao’s needs. 

Part 2: Kaya Namin

The community of Marantao showed that real empowerment comes from the people themselves to accept, not resist,  the need for change and to act, not react, on a lingering and potentially dangerous situation arising from inappropriate waste management behavior.

In the two day training workshop, utllizing games,  interactive sessions, and hands-on experiences in waste management,  the ninety Marantao adventurers and solution seekers, learned how to segregate waste into different categories, gaining insights into the composition of waste in their community. They also acquired practical skills in weighing collected waste and calculating percentages, essential for understanding the waste stream’s dynamics.

The training had a profound impact on the participants. They learned about waste segregation, measurement, and analysis and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable waste management. 

With this knowledge, they are now ready to establish Barangay WACS teams to gather data from different areas within the community. Under the guidance of the Municipal Environment Officer, these teams will present their findings at the upcoming Environment Summit, showcasing Marantao’s commitment to sustainable practices. The WACS Training equipped participants with practical skills and instilled a sense of ownership and responsibility toward waste management, laying the foundation for a cleaner and greener Marantao.

“Kaya Namin” seemed to echo in the training hall, amplifying a positive and assuring voice from the community of Marantao that change ia indeed coming. 

Part 3: Şama-sama Tayo

Encouraged by Mayor Akira Alonto’s presence and support during the workshop, the participants have begun forming their Barangay WACS teams. They have started to apply their knowledge and take action by gathering precise waste data and crafting tailored reduction plans.

“Şama-sama tayo” filled the spirits of the people of Marantao, enriched by its local leadership which believes in the capacity of its people to work together and help transform its community towards a cleaner, greener and environmentally sustainable haven in Lanao del Sür. 

Truly,  the task ahead of them is not easy. Yet, armed with faith, relentless spirit, and the determination to make things right, Marantao absolutely gives  a new meaning to adventure and change.

There is something new to learn about LEARN

Posted on by Florendo Guevara

First, it is an organization of like-minded local leaders whose vision for education is as long and enduring as its name. LEARN stands for “Learning Environment Accessible in Rebuilding the Nation.”  

Second, there is nothing typical about the LEARN Council in terms of its broad membership which compares with the focused, area-centric representation of a standard  “regional education council.” It has for its members the Local Chief Executives from across Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas and Surigao del Norte.  

Third, because of this more expanded and diversified structure, the LEARN Council rises with a resolute and determined energy and passion,  allowing it to joyfully experience a kind of  “rebirth” that exemplifies its resurgence towards the opening of a new chapter in its existence.

 Its readiness and wherewithal to lead LGUs in the implementation of education governance programs extends beyond a renewal of faith in its mission but more of a strengthening of vigor and dedication to what its name is hoping to achieve.

Finally, the renaissance of the LEARN Council promises to be a living proof of  the capability and leadership of its officers and members to improve the reading proficiency of children, share and adopt best practices in education governance and work to encourage more LGUs to be part of LEARN.  

Mayor Agatha Paula Cruz of Guiguinto, Bulacan is the new Chairperson of the LEARN Council.  Other newly-elected officers are:  

Mayor Alfredo Coro II of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte – Vice-Chairperson

Mayor Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City – Secretary

Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City – Treasurer

Mayor Francis Garcia of Balanga City, Bataan – Auditor

Mayor Josell Aimee Vistan of Plaridel, Bulacan – Communication Officer

In its two meetings this  year, the LEARN Council has accomplished quite a feat. It reviewed its by-laws and analyzed the education performance of members towards solidifying their goal and success metrics as an education council. 

Indeed, we can trust that the LEARN Council is relentless to put education of our children on the right and more progressive track. 

Part 1: Hope In The Meeting of Minds and Hearts

Posted on by Florendo Guevara

Imagine Iligan, the City known for its ” Refreshing Waterfalls”  brimming with energy during its inaugural Education Summit.  Under the leadership of Mayor Frederick Siao, this landmark gathering brought together over 300 individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with a unique story to share and a dream to nurture. 

It was a picture of hope in the meeting of minds and hearts for a better quality of life in this awesome city in Mindanao. 

The summit opened with a detailed presentation by Mayor Siao himself. He unveiled the education data of the city. He highlighted key challenges such as the National Achievement Test (NAT) results and the persistent struggle with reading comprehension among students.

As the summit unfolded, the participants confronted the stark realities impacting education in Iligan. Discussions deepened into the challenges students face with NAT scores and the ongoing battle with effective reading strategies. Stories emerged, painting a narrative of hurdles like limited parental involvement, the call for empowering teacher training, poor nutrition among students , lack of school personnel and reading resources.