Siquijor NGO sponsors consultation, rehab program for special children

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SAN JUAN, Siquijor, Nov. 18 (PIA)—The Gihi-Usang Ginikanan na May Kapansanan (GUGMA) recently sponsored a consultation and rehabilitation program held at Special Education (SPED) School in San Juan Central School, Maite San Juan, Siquijor.

GUGMA President Joselito Maghanoy said at least 30 children mostly enrolled in SPED classes in San Juan and Siquijor towns were examined by Occupational Therapist Joyce Rosales and Physical Therapist Patrick Lawrence Delantar from the Options, Inc. of Mandaue City.

Earlier, 10 children with mental disabilities were sent to Cebu and Dumaguete City to undergo neurology check-up. Most of the recommendations require children to be examined by an OT or a PT.

DepEd Supervisor Arlene Buhian and Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer (PSWDO) Thomas Villarubia thanked the two specialists and the GUGMA organization for sponsoring the consultation.

“This is the first time that most of the children underwent physical examination,” they said.

Meanwhile, Magahanoy encouraged the parents who have children with disabilities to join the organization so they can avail of the sponsored consultations in the future. 

Interested parties may contact phone number 09163039019. (PIA-Siquijor/with reports from Joselito Maghanoy) 

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STEP competition shows off children’s skills

By Richard Aresgado

ENRIQUE VILLANUEVA, Siquijor, November 18 (PIA)-- The 11th Student Technologists and Entrpreneurs of the Philippines (STEP) Division Skills Development and Competition held at the municipality of Enrique Villanueva in October showcased various skills of selected elementary and secondary students province-wide.

This year’s theme: “Celebrating 10 years of inspiring STEPs” has set goal and aspiration to the participants to soar to greater heights with their skills.

For a decade of determining 'stand-outs' provincewide who will later represent Siquijor province to regional competition, STEP has paved the way towards molding young technologists and entrepreneurs as one of the banner programs of the Department of Education (DepED).

Prior to the kick-off ceremony of the competition, participants and coaches attended a Holy Mass and followed with an opening program and later the skills competition proper.

Enrique Villanueva Vice-Mayor Earl Stanley Matas warmly welcomed the participants saying the small town of “Talingting” is blessed to host the competition as it witnessed the showcase skills of participants both from the elementary and secondary levels in the province.

Education program supervisor Wilfredo Duran delivered his short statement of purpose to the waiting crowd of coaches, parents, friends and supporter who were there to support their various contestants.

The competition was divided into two categories, each with varied skills. At the end of the event winners were proclaimed.

For the Elementary Category, the top 10 winners included the Asexual propagation of Tagmanocan Elementary School; Applique ofTimbaon  ES; Flower Arrangement , Lazi Cental ES; Tie Dye of Dap-dap ES; Fabric Hand Painting for Cantabon ES; Simple wiring circuit and Medicine kit shelf from the Tagmanocan ES; Tool box making, Siquijor Central ES; Sales Inventory from Enrique Villanueva Central ES; and Fresh fruit shake preparation from Larenna Central ES.

 Winners from the Secondary level included the Cake decorating (golden wedding) skills, Summer Dress Sewing, Table skirting and setting and Cocktail mixing from the Enrique Villanueva national High School; Hair trimming with facial day make-up of Ponong NHS; Dish gardening from Candaping NHS; Knockdown toddler’s furniture study table of Leon Parami HS; Electronic bookkeeping from Siquijor Provincial Science High School; and Business planning of Siquijor Provincial Science HS.

Winners and runners-up received medals for their outstanding skills and will represent Siquijor province for the regional competition sometine next year. (PIA-Siquijor/rac & DepEd/ra)