MOBILE KDC VISITS BAGGAO, CAGAYAN

The KDC of Saint Paul University Philippines (SPUP) and the SPUP Community Development Center joined forces in sharing knowledge with young residents of Sitio Tananguinit in Bitag Grande, Baggao Cagayan on March 16, 2008 as part of its Mobile KDC project. They briefed the parents on the objectives of the program and the planned activities for both adults and the children of the community. Reading and storytelling sessions were conducted by the team using books borrowed from the SPUP Grade School Library.

The next stop for the team was the SPUP Pastoral Center at San Jose, Baggao, Cagayan where they organized a library for the community. The donated materials included books selected from the KDC, the Knowledge and Information Resource Network and those donated by the Asia Foundation through the World Bank Philippines KDC. The team also provided magazines bookends and a magazine stand for the new library.

SPUP KDC NOOKS VISITED

The SPUP World Bank Knowledge for Development Center staff visited SPUP KDC nooks located in the province of Cagayan, Kalinga and Isabela on February 7 and 11, 2008 to monitor their practices as regards utilization, promotion and organization of the collection. Information materials such as books, periodicals, CDs and posters were distributed during the visit to enrich the collection of the nooks.

Nooks found in Cagayan State University Lal-lo, Cagayan, Isabela Provincial Museum and Kalinga Provincial Capitol were visited by the SPUP KDC librarian, Ms. Joan Tamacay accompanied by Mr. Romeo Ong-ongawan, SPUP KIRN librarian, on February 7, 2008. Ms. Eva Brillo, SPUP KIRN Director, and staff visited the nooks located in Cagayan National High School and Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Office II on February 11, 2008.

The following were recommended to the nooks: (1) separate bulletin board and logbook; (2) active participation in SPUP KDC activities; (3) KDC materials to be separated from the general list of materials being posted in bulletin boards; and, (3) relocation of the KDC shelf for greater accessibility.

SPUP CONDUCTS WB 101/KDC 101 FOR LIBRARIANS

The St. Paul University Philippines World Bank Knowledge for Development Center conducted WB 101/KDC 101 to Cagayan-Kalinga-Apayao Librarians Association (CAAKAP) officers on February 12, 2008 at the SPUP WB-KDC. The participants are employed from the following libraries of Cagayan and Kalinga.

• University of St. Louis Library, Tuguegarao City
• Cagayan National High School Library, Tuguegarao City
• Cagayan State University-Caritan Campus Library, Tuguegarao City
• Cagayan Colleges of Tuguegarao Library
• Tuguegarao City Public Library
• Kalinga-Apayao State College, Tabuk City
• F.L. Vargas College-Abulug Campus Library, Abulug, Cagayan
• DepEd Region II Library
• Gattaran Trade School Library

The orientation was followed by a tour to all sections of the SPUP Knowledge and Information Resource Network.

SPUP WB-KDC CATERS TO YAWDs OF CAGAYAN

The St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) World Bank Knowledge for Development Center and the Office of the Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disabilities (BBY) of the Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas Inc. (KAMPI) entered into an agreement for the training of Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWDs) in the Province of Cagayan through a Memorandum of Agreement signed at the SPUP Boardroom on March 1, 2008 by the SPUP President, Sr. Remy Angela Junio, spc and two KAMPI representatives, Ms. Fleurdeliza Nawew and Mr. Sonny Jim Sali. The SPUP KIRN Director, Ms. Eva Brillo and the BBY Project Coordinator, Ms. Venus M. Ilagan signed as witnesses.

In the MOA, SPUP KDC shall act as cooperating partner of KAMPI’s BBY in the empowerment of Cagayan YAWDs by providing free trainings and workshops.

SPUP KDC INSTALLS KDC NOOKS @ TAGGA, TUGUEGARAO CITY

The Saint Paul University Philippines World Bank Knowledge for Development Center, in cooperation with the Office of the SPUP Planning and Development, installed a KDC nook at Brgy. Tagga, Tuguegarao City on April 1, 2008 after conducting on-site visit and WB 101/KDC 101 for the barangay officials. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the representatives of Brgy. Tagga officials and SPUP KDC Team. SPUP KDC Coordinator, Ms. Eva Brillo and the SPUP Planning and Development Director and KDC Team Member, Dr. Josephine Campanano, represented SPUP KDC.

The MOA provided that the SPUP KDC shall: (1) provide materials needed in the training activities; (2) train the library custodian who will be appointed by the Brgy. Tagga Council, (3) provide bimonthly outreach services for the children of the barangay as part of its KDC program, and (4) provide expertise for focused group discussions upon the request of Tagga Barangay Council. On the other hand, Barangay Tagga shall provide space and needed facilities for the mini-library collection that include shelves, reading tables, chairs and a bulletin board for posting current information.

As an initial compliance to the provisions of the MOA, the SPUP KDC brought books and book ends for the project.

SPUP WORLD BANK KNOWLEDGE FOR DEVELOPMENT CENTER CONDUCTS KDC 101 FOR BARANGAY TAGGA OFFICIALS

The Saint Paul University Philippines (SPUP) World Bank Knowledge for Development Center was the venue of the UN Habitat Call 2015 discussion-forum on procurement held on February 12, 2008 by the SPUP Planning and Development Office headed by Dr. Josephine Campanano.

Ms. Eva Brillo, KDC Coordinator, was given the opportunity to orient the participants about the KDC. She discussed the mission-vision and functions of the KDC and how members of the community can use it. She also discussed KDC nook installation and the participants Tagga expressed interest to install a KDC nook in their Barangay Hall. Ms. Brillo then presented the requirements for becoming one.

Free World Bank information materials were distributed to the participants and the best information sources on good governance were exhibited.

The orientation was followed by an on-site visit to the Barangay Tagga Center to check the site where the nook will be installed.

SPUP WORLD BANK KDC HOSTS 7TH ANNUAL KDC MEETING

St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) hosted the 7th Annual KDC Meeting on April 21 to 24, 2008 with the SPUP KDC Committee headed by Sr. Remy Angela Junio, spc, SPUP President. The theme for this year's meeting, “Strengthening KDC Partnerships for Transformational Leadership and Good Governance” is supported by the following objectives: (1) Review KDC Mission and Vision, and its link to the university programs; (2) Develop a concrete plan for the involvement of the KDC network in social accountability and procurement reform based on the KDC mission and vision and the university programs; (3) Train participants on basic procurement guidelines, including PHILGEPS compliance; (4) identify options for the appropriate technology and interconnectivity in the network; and, (5) Hold activities that will facilitate teamwork and further interaction between members of the network.

The four day event was held at the SPUP Learning Resource Center, Hotel Roma and Tagga Barangay Hall, Tuguegarao City.

Day 1

• Two parallel sessions were held separately at the third floor of the Learning Resource Center: (1) Presidents Hour at the Knowledge for Development Center led by Maryse Gautier, World Bank Manager for Portfolio and Operations; and (2) WB 101 at the Discussion Room 1 led by Veronique Danforth, World Bank Consultant, Washington D.C.

Day 2

• This day marked the opening of exhibits. The following were the exhibitors: (1) Saint Paul University Philippines; (2) Ateneo De Naga University; (3) Palawan State University; (4) Asian Institute of Management; (5) UP School of Economics; (6) National Economic Development Authority-National Office; (7) National Economic Development Authority-Region 2 Office; (8) Silliman University; (9) University of San Carlos; (10) Central Philippine University; (10) University of Southeastern Philippines; (12) Notre Dame University; (13) Western Mindanao University; and (14) World Bank Philippines. This activity was led by Maryse Gautier and Sr. Remy Angela Junio, spc, SPUP President.
• KDC University Presidents and the World Bank Staff had a conference with Radyo ng Bayan at the SPUP KDC.
• The first lecture entitled, “Being Change Agents for Transformational Leadership and Good Governance” was presented by Fr. Rod Salazar, SVD.
• The second lecture, “Climate Change and Its Likely Impacts on the Philippines”, was presented by Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, Silliman University President.
• A film entitled, “Katiwalian” was shown during lunch at the Mary Madeleine Hall.
• Andrew Parker, Senior Rural Development Specialist of the World Bank, talked about “Being Catalysts for Innovation and Knowledge Sharing”.
• University Presidents met for a parallel session on KDC Program and Strategies at the SPUP KDC while the Richmonde Group met at the Discussion Room 1 for Procurement Reform where Moira Enerva WB and Archie Navarro, GPPB, were the facilitators.
• Awarding of the KDC STAR and Star KDC Member was held at the SPUP Poolside. University of San Carlos (USC) bagged the Star KDC award and its President, Fr. Rod Salazar, garnered the Star KDC Member Award. The Star KDC Award is given to the KDC that stood out during the year in demonstrating its commitment to knowledge for development, and in its creativity, innovation and effectiveness in being: (1) a hub for consultation and dialogue; (2) A catalyst for innovation and knowledge sharing; (3) A Change Agent for Transformational Leadership and Good Governance, and (4) a link in a network of development partners beyond the academe.

Day 3

• The third day, started with a lecture on “Knowledge Sharing and e-Learning from Dr. Ben S. Malayang III of Silliman University.
• Fr. Rod Salazar, SVD, University of San Carlos President and Star KDC Member Awardee, delivered a speech about the best practices of the USC Knowledge for Development Center.
• Erlinda Ganapin, Executive Vice-President of Palawan State University, talked about “Steering the KDC Program in the University”.
• The first part of the KDC Planning took place.
• In the afternoon, “Online Procurement in the LGU” and the Academe was presented by Edsel Naguit and Archie Navarro. A demonstration on the use of Philippine Government Electronic System (PHILGEPS) was handled by Rey Villon.
• A Garden party at Patio Enrico concluded the day’s activities.

Day 4

• A videoconference on the challenges and possibilities of social media with Pierre Wielezynski, World Bank executive, as the keynote speaker took place at the Mary Madeleine Hall. Skype was used in this session.
• The participants had a second planning session.
• Participants left SPUP for a project visit and dialogue in Tagga, Tuguegarao City.
• Participants proceeded to Hotel Roma for more parallel sessions: (1) ePIC and Powerpoint tips handled by Veronique Danforth and Chi Kim Tran, both from the World Bank; (2) showing of the film “Gamu-gamo sa Dilim”, with workshop on outreach, facilitated by Eva Brillo, SPUP KIRN Acting Director and Rosemarie Rosali, Head Librarian, UP Diliman School of Economics Library.
• The participants finalized their KDC plans for the year 2008.
• The 7th Annual KDC Meeting ended with a closing dinner and awarding of prizes.

KDC LIBRARIAN ATTENDS NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

The SPUP KDC librarian, Mr. Romeo Martin Ong-ongawan, attended a two-day symposium entitled, “Breaking Barriers for Children and Young Adults with Disabilities through Inclusive Education", on May 10-12, 2008 at the Holiday Park Hotel, Baguio City. This activity was conducted by the Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAMPI) through its project, Breaking Barriers for Children and Young Adults (BBCY), headed by Ms. Venus Ilagan, BBCY National Project Director, in partnership with the Danish Society of Polio and Accident Victims (DANIDA) to orient tertiary education institutions and line agencies on their programs and services in various components such as EDUCATION, SOCIAL and PSYCHO-SOCIAL. It also aims to solicit the help of participants in the implementation of the BBCY project most specially in the inclusion of Children and Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWDs) in the regular classroom and possible employment after schooling.

Legal issues as regards the rights and privileges of PWDs as well as some other social issues were discussed. Action plans were created and presented by the participants for their respective areas to help carry out the objectives of BBCY in the empowerment of YAWDs.

SPUP KDC TRAINS YAWDs OF CAGAYAN

The Saint Paul University Philippines Knowledge for Development Center and the Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disabilities (BBY) conducted one week Basic Computer Skills and Adaptive Technology Training for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired at the Lorenzo Ruiz Building, Saint Paul University Philippines on May 19-23 2008. This is the second activity conducted as a result of the signing of MOA between SPUP KDC and BBY on March 1, 2008 where the SPUP President, Sr. Remy Angela Junio, spc and KAMPI (Katipunan ng Mga Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas) President, Mr. Jose Pepito DG. Manio were signatories.

SPUP trainers, Mr. Ronaldo Sumait, Mr. Santiago Tagacay, and Mr. Venancio Pamittan were assisted by two BBY Social Workers, Ms. Margie Espilan-Obonan and Dianne Roxas who attended the Training for Trainers of JAWs (Job Access with Speech) held on March 24-28, 2008 at the same venue.

The participants, composed of young adults of various disabilities, were trained on the use of Microsoft Office Applications such as Microsoft Powerpoint, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word. Basic internet skills were also introduced especially the use of e-mail.

Three (3) of the participants who were visually impaired were assisted by JAWS in the training. JAWS is a screen reader that “reads” and converts to audio whatever text or operation appears in the computer screen. KDCs offer JAWS to make information available to persons with disabilities.

BREAKING BARRIERS FOR CAGAYAN YAWDs

The great multitude of children who are not able to go to school worldwide (UNESCO, 2005) due to poverty makes it impossible to achieve universal education as endorsed by 180 countries in the Millennium Development Goals.

Based from studies conducted, youth with disabilities in developing countries are not able to go to school due to the fact that disability is always associated with extreme poverty. This thwarts their opportunity to acquire human capital that will allow them to have possibilities to earn incomes as adults or grownups. The impact of keeping disabled young adults at home and economically inactive, denying them education and members of their families being also kept at home to take care of them all contribute significantly to the poverty of persons with disabilities and their families in general.

The partnership of SPUP KDC and KAMPI’s (Katipunan ng mga Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc.) Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disabilities Project aims to ensure that the Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWDs) of Cagayan shall be included in the development equation, not only to improve their economic and social welfare but because they themselves can contribute to the development process of the province. This partnership will explore innovative possibilities to break the physical, cultural and other barriers which hinder their development to be productive and contributing members of their families, communities and societies. It will help them to gain rightful employment through trainings, workshops and inclusive education in tertiary education.

YAWDs of Cagayan have a great deal to offer society and can contribute significantly when given the opportunity. In the activities that will be conducted, they are expected to develop career awareness and work skills that will enable them to live an independent and productive life as well as getting into a stable relationship and having a family of their own. It will help them to interact freely in the locality and will make them realize that they are accepted as members of the society and that their existence is not a barrier to development.

The projects in the partnership will help them pursue and secure real economic opportunities including access to financial institutions, private corporations, government and non-governmental institutions. It will help them to obtain compensation, privileges, benefits, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances as a qualified able bodied person.

This partnership shall raise awareness and increase the capacity of all local governmental entities, parents, disabled persons and the community to develop YAWDs towards achieving their full potentials.

REFERENCES

Ilagan, Venus M. “Breaking the Barriers: Enabling Children with Disabilities in the Philippines”. Development Outreach: Putting Knowledge to Work for Development. July 2005: 22.

“Education for All”. (2008). Quezon City: Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (2008). Quezon City: Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc.

KAPAG MAY ACCESS, MAY SUCCESS!

The SPUP Knowledge for Development Center participated in the opening of the first ever province-wide celebration of the National Disability, Prevention and Disability (NDPR) Week held on July 17, 2008 at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, Capitol Hills, Tuguegarao City. This year’s theme is “Kapag May Access, May Success!”

Ms. Eva Brillo, SPUP KDC Coordinator, delivered a talk on the programs and services that the SPUP KDC provides for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). She presented the assistive devices of the KDC, namely: JAWS (Job Access with Speech), Kurzweil 1000, Zoom Text and Focus Braille Display.

JAWS is a screen reader that works in Windows Operating system to provide access to today’s popular software applications and the internet. It interprets content of the monitor into audio version of what is on screen of a computer.

KURZWEIL 1000 is a Windows-based software application that makes printed and electronic materials accessible to people who are blind or have limited vision by converting printed or electronic word into speech.

ZOOMTEXT allows persons with limited vision to see and hear everything on the computer screen. It provides complete access to applications, documents, e-mail and the internet, enlarges texts and images.

FOCUS BRAILLE DISPLAY is for those who are both visually and hearing impaired. KURZWEIL is used to scan text then FBD displays the text which can be sensed by stroking the keys.

SPUP KDC CONDUCTS DISCUSSION-FORUM ON PHILGEPS

The SPUP Knowledge for Development Center conducted half-day PHILGEPS (Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System) discussion-forum for SPUP students on August 7, 2008. This activity aimed at supporting the youth in promoting transparency in online procurement in local government units of Cagayan.

PHILGEPS is the single, centralized electronic portal that serves as the primary and definitive source of information on government procurement. Procuring entities are required to post all procurement opportunities, bids and results and other related information in the procurement of goods, general and support services, civil works and consulting services.

Mr. Mark Dominador Ventura of the SPUP KDC was the keynote speaker.

The students were also given orientation on how to participate in the online discussion on exercising citizenship for the youth at www.IspeakNow.multiply.com/. This online discussion is a component of the World Bank proejct entitled, "Popularizing and Operationalizing the 2007 World Development Report: Exercising Citizenship in Transparency in Local Government Procurement".

THE MOBILE KDC

The SPUP Mobile KDC, the only mobile KDC in the Philippines, once again conducted storytelling sessions in Tananguinit, Bitag Grande, Baggao, Cagayan on August 31, 2008.

The KDC Librarian, Romeo Ong-ongawan and 3rd year SPUP BLIS (Bachelor of Library Science) students, namely: Merlie Narag, Girlie Cabrera, Maryjane Tagacay, Marjorie Turingan, Jaymar Esteban, and Benjie Cabrera composed the Mobile KDC Group. Storytelling sessions were done in two ways: plain or direct storytelling and storytelling with pictures. Each student related one kind of story and the children were asked to draw the characters or any of the events that took place in every story related.

After the activity, the group proceeded to San Jose, Baggao, Cagayan to help arrange the library of the SPUP Pastoral Center and to deliver books donated by the SPUP High School Library.

This project has been made possible by the unending support of the SPUP Community Development Center headed by Sr. Edna Tagamolila, spc

OPERATIONALIZING AND POPULARIZING THE 2007 WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Saint Paul University KDC, in cooperation with Silliman University, held training sessions for students and focus group discussion for out-of-school-youth on September 17 to 18 at the Saint Paul Campus.

These activities aimed at:

1. discussing issues and opportunities that will help the youth in the Philippines in Exercising Citizenship specifically in promoting good governance and transparency in governance;
2. developing an advocacy tool using creative alternative ways of presenting and packaging the World Development Report 2007, Chapter 7: Exercising citizenship;
3. supporting the youth in promoting transparency in online procurement in local government units, using simplified versions of the social accountability tools developed by local civil society groups;
4. developing policy proposals the represent the youth’s views about development based on the dialogues among the youth from various countries.

Day 1: September 17, 2008

PHILGEPS or Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System Training of students from the following colleges and universities at the Computer Laboratory A, Lorenzo Ruiz Building

St. Paul University Philippines
Saint Tonis College, Tabuk City
University of St. Louis
Kalinga-Apayao State College

PHILGEPS is the single centralized electronic portal that serves as the primary and definitive source of information on government procurement.

The trainer for PHILGEPS is Joel H. Eayte, Chief, Training and Operations, Department of Budget and Management. The training session enabled the participants to help monitor transparency in procurement in local government units.

Focus Group Discussions with Out-of-School Youth (OSY) were held simultaneously with the PHILGEPS training session. They were facilitated by Mark Raygan Garcia, Director of Information and Publications, Silliman University and the project leader for the KDC project.

The participants tackled 12 questions and these were all about the participation of the youth in development in the country, especially in promoting good governance. These were the same questions tackled in the online discussion at http://www.ispeaknow.multiply.com/.

Day 2: September 18, 2008

Three (3) alternative packaging training sessions were held simultaneously for the out-of-school youth to solicit their creative interpretation of the 2007 World Development Report on Exercising Citizenship in Promoting good governance in the local government by means of painting, singing, and dancing.

The output of these trainings will be presented to local government officials of Cagayan in the 2nd week of November.

SPUP KDC CONDUCTS KDC 101 FOR PAULINIANS

The Saint Paul University Philippines Knowledge for Development Center conducted KDC 101 for 25 sophomore BSED (Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education) and 10 3rd year BLIS students at the request of Mrs. Lolita Liban, School of Education Instructor, in her class, Developmental Reading 1 on September 8, 2008 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM.

Mr. Romeo Ong-ongawan, SPUP KDC Librarian, handled the orientation. The lecture covered what the KDC is all about, its background, its resources and services and the system by which books are organized.

WHERE THE BLIND CAN SEE THROUGH COMPUTERS

Two (2) Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWDs) who attended the basic computer skills training conducted by the KDC on May 19-23, 2008 in St. Paul were back to further enhance their computer skills.

John Paul Q. Pamittan and Gil B. Ramos, both visually impaired, from the Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disabilities Training and Development Center located in Gosi Norte, Tuguegarao City, have been visiting SPUP KDC since September 25, 2008 from 9:00AM to 12:00NN. With them were students of Fil-Canadian School of Caregivers, Tuguegarao City.

The SPUP KDC has been promoting the assistive facilities for the visually impaired not only to the people of Cagayan but also to nearby provinces like Isabela and Kalinga.

MOBILE KDC @ Tagga & Bitag Grande

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The SPUP Mobile KDC, in cooperation with the SPUP Community Development Center, held storytelling sessions in Barangay Tagga, Tuguegarao City on September 13, 2008. The SPUP KDC Librarian, Romeo Ong-ongawan, and 3rd Year BLIS students, namely: Merlie Narag, Sheila Mei Soriano, Maryjane Tagacay, Fredina Calimag, Maryjane Padilla and Melody Remudaro composed the Mobile KDC Group. The activity was attended by 36 children from ages 4 to 10.

Storytelling sessions were also conducted at Tananguinit, Bitag Grande, Baggao, Cagayan on October 5, 2008.

Storytelling sessions were done in two ways: plain or direct storytelling and storytelling with pictures. Each student related one kind of story and the children were asked to draw the characters or any of the events that took place in every story related.

2007 WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPORT ALTERNATIVE PACKAGING

St. Paul University Philippines Knowledge for Development Center, in cooperation with Silliman University, conducted focus group discussion, film viewing and alternative packaging training sessions on visual and performing arts for Cagayan Out-of-School Youth on October 25, 2008.These activities were conducted as follow-up to the same events held on September 17-18, 2008 of the World Bank-funded project entitled, Popularizing and Operationalizing World Development Report 2007: Exercising Citizenship in Local Government Procurement.

The project aimed at discussing issues and opportunities that will help the youth in the Philippines and East Asia Pacific exercise citizenship, especially in promoting good governance and transparency in governance. It also aimed at developing an advocacy tool using creative alternative ways of presenting and packaging the 2007 World Development Report.

PARTICIPANTS

The SPUP KDC recruited 29 participants with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office II (DSWD FO II) and SPUP Bachelor of Library Science students. Twenty five of the participants were from Roma Norte, Enrile, Cagayan who were joined by four (4) OSYs recruited from Tuguegarao City. Participants from Roma Norte were officers and members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines -Roma Norte Chapter. Mrs. Pasenciana Ancheta, Regional Rehabilitation for Youth Focal Person of the DSWD FO II was responsible for bringing the OSYs to St. Paul with the assistance of Ms. Divine Pasaraba, also from the same office.

TRAINING SESSIONS

The OSYs were divided into three groups in the alternative packaging training sessions: singing, dancing, and painting. A song entitled, “Hinaing” was then composed by the singing group and was adapted into dance and painting by the other groups of OSYs. This song was based from the topics discussed during the focus group discussion and film viewing of Kara David’s documentary films in the GMA 7 program, “I Witness” prior to the art workshops. The trainer for the painting workshop was John Mark Rasos, SPUP BSN 4 student while Mark Anthony Ollesca, SPUP BSHRTM 3 student, was the trainer for singing and dancing.

REHEARSALS

Rigid rehearsals were carried out by the singing and dancing groups with their trainer, Mr. Mark Anthony Ollesca, at Roma Norte Cagayan open gymnasium from October 29 to November 9, 2008 in preparation for the culminating activity on November 11, 2008. These rehearsals were supervised by Mr. Romeo Ong-ongawan, SPUP KDC Librarian, and Mrs. Pasenciana Ancheta, DSWD FO2 – RRCY Focal Person. The OSYs arrived in Tuguegarao City the night before the culminating activity to prepare for the final presentation the next day.

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

The culminating activity on November 11, 2008 was held from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the St. Paul University Philippines Gymnasium. Barangay officials and representatives from SPUP faculty and students as well as the SPUP President, Sr. Remy Angela Junio, spc attended the presentation. Also present, were staff members from DSWD FO2 and DBM RO2. Silliman University (SU), the project leader, was represented by the KDC Librarian, Ms. Gemma Plasabas.

The presentation started with an invocation and singing of the national anthem. This was followed by opening remarks from Sr. Remy Angela Junio, spc, SPUP President. Mr. March Magat, 3rd Year Public and Legal Management student presented the project background and Mrs. Ancheta talked about Pag-asa Youth Association and how the Roma Norte Chapter was organized including the projects of this local PYAP. The OSYs then presented their life stories and their ideas of good governance, as well as the song and its dance and visual art adaptations. The painting group presented their artwork and their interpretations. This was followed by a dialogue with the guests. The guests shared very inspiring messages and life skills which enlivened the spirit of the OSYs as gleaned from how they responded to the guests. Ms. Plasabas delivered a message and this was followed by closing remarks from Ms. Eva B. Brillo, Director, SPUP Knowledge and Information Resource Network.

PROMOTING KDC RESOURCES

To promote the resources of the SPUP KDC, new acquisitions were exhibited at the venue. Two (2) computer units were also provided for the World Bank and KDC powerpoint presentation featuring basic facts, resources and services. The culminating activity ended with dinner for the participants and guests.

CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFERS (CCT) VIDEOCONFERENCE @ SPUP KDC

The St. Paul University Philippines Knowledge for Development Center was a connecting site of the discussion-forum on Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) held on Thursday, December 4, 2008, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

The forum—jointly organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Asian Institute of Management and the World Bank—focused on the global and Philippine experience in developing a program of safety nets for the poor, specifically CCT. CCT aims at reducing poverty in the short term through cash transfers, while at the same time encouraging investments in human capital by making these transfers conditional upon regular school attendance or the regular use of preventive health care services.

Secretary Esperanza Cabral of the Department of Social Welfare and Development presented the Philippines' experience in implementing CCT program, its objectives, and challenges.

Ariel Fiszbein, World Bank Chief Economist for Human Development, provided insights from global experience based on a forthcoming seminal publication about learning and experience from CCT programs in various countries.

Margaret Grosh, World Bank Social Protection Specialist and Lead Economist, discussed key issues related to the design and implementation of effective safety nets, based on the new World Bank publication that she co-authored, entitled "For Protection and Promotion.”