200 children now certified readers

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 May 2014) – Two hundred children with reading difficulties can now read, thanks to Community Teach a joint program of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Department of Education – General Santos (DepEd - GenSan) and Smart Communications.  

On Tuesday (May 27), 200 kids from 10 different public schools in the city held their commencement exercises from the Community Teach - a reading and supplementary feeding program for selected incoming Grade 3 pupils. 

These pupil-beneficiaries of Community Teach were chosen based on last year’s data from the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (PHIL-IRI).

Most of the kids were classified as non-readers, according to DepEd - GenSan. 

Mayor Rivera lauded the success of the preliminary days of the all year round Community Teach.

Community Teach continues every Saturday during the school year in the same schools with the same students.

"We had been through a lot before we realized Community Teach. We had to get everyone to participate on it because the community should be involved. Good thing we have Smart Communications and DepEd to help us. And now, I'm really happy to hear that these children can now read," Rivera said in vernacular.

Julisehl Babia, a teacher of General Santos City Elementary School for the Arts in Barangay Apopong and a volunteer of the Community Teach said, "indeed, Community Teach is a very excellent and wonderful initiative of Mayor Rivera to help these kids to learn how to read. Since they are only 20 per class, we can teach them on how to read with all of our focus,” Babia said.

"In Community Teach, their learning is continuous and the reading schemes are very effective. Actually, the program supplemented our remedial reading classes during school days,” she added.

The Community Teach also held a feeding program in which breakfast and lunch were prepared for every class.

Jeanith Libabone, 10, a beneficiary of Community Teach and a student of General Santos City Elementary School for the Arts said that she likes to go to the program because she can eat while learning.

"I can't practice how to read in our home because I have to tend to my siblings. Aside from that, my mother has no job that's why I don't always eat when I go to school, thus I can't learn well," the kid narrated.

"I like the Community Teach because I can eat chicken as our viand. I rarely eat chicken," Jeanith shyly stated.

Julisehl Babia, Jeanith's teacher, said that the kid has gained weight during the course of Community Teach. She gained 2 kilos; from 23 kilos from her weigh-in last April to 25 kilos after the Community Teach. 

Mayor Rivera is planning to add more schools and beneficiaries to the program after the success of the Community Teach in its first batch.

"After seeing that there are still those children that need our help, I am compelled to continue and expand this initiative," Mayor Rivera stated. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera delivers armchairs to public school

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) - Another school in Barangay San Jose, Shuttle Elementary School, receives 80 armchairs from City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and RD Foundation Thursday, May 22, through their program "Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko". The donation is part of the educational thrust of the mayor to address the 14,000 lacking armchairs in the public schools of the city. Since October 2013, the program has already produced more than 4,000 armchairs. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Elementary school gets 100 armchairs from Mayor Rivera, RD Foundation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera with the RD Foundation delivers 100 armchairs to Bia-o Elementary School in Barangay San Jose Thursday, May 22. The armchair donation is a part of the educational initiative "Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko" of Mayor Rivera in partnership with RD Foundation to supplement the shortage of school armchairs in the city. These armchairs were manufactured by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to give them livelihood. As of now, the program has already donated more than 4,000 chairs to different public schools in the city since October 2013. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Yaman GenSan coming soon

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) – In preparation for the 12th Yaman GenSan this coming second semester of the year, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development (SMED) Council installs its new set of officers in the presence of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. The officers are: Rosana Bernadette Contreras (president), Tita Suib (vice president), Atty. Raul Miguel (secretary), Marife Quiam (auditor), and Engr. Maria Theresa Pacheco and Bro. Bob McGovern (members of Board of Trustees). Mayor Rivera said the aim of the partnership of the city government and SMED Council is to lower the poverty rate in the city by encouraging everyone to start their own small enterprise. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

More PhilHealth MDRs to barangays

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) - Five more barangays receive their PhilHealth Member Data Records (MDR) on Tuesday, May 20, with the coordination of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and the City Social Welfare and Development Office. These barangays are Mabuhay (1,180), Conel (782), Olympog (476), City Heights (883), and San Isidro (1,102). The giving of MDRs is part of Mayor Rivera's thrust to provide accessible health services to all the constituents of the city. It is under the mayor’s flagship CLEAN GenSan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) agenda. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera in People’s Day

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) - Everybody now has a chance to meet-and-greet City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. The first People's Day program was initiated by the City Mayor's Office Tuesday, May 20. Mayor Rivera personally welcomed those who came to see him. He also listened to their concerns and gave appropriate assistance through the local government, if needed. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Community Teach project tutors, parents feed pupils in school

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera joins pupils over lunch on Thursday, May 15, at Bula Elementary School. The pupils are beneficiaries of Community Teach project of the mayor wherein pupil beneficiaries are given free breakfast and lunch for a 15-day duration of their remedial reading classes. Their Commencement Exercises will be on May 26 during the City Hall flag raising ceremony. Afterwards, the beneficiaries will be toured to SM City and treated with sumptuous lunch by the mayor. Community Teach continues every Saturday during the school year in the same schools with the same students. The project is in partnership with DepEd GenSan and Smart Communications. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Pledge of commitment for Modelo Project and Brigada Eskwela signed

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and DepEd GenSan Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda lead the signing of the pledge of commitment to support the launching of Modelo Project and Brigada Eskwela 2014 Wednesday, May 21. Modelo Project is an initiative of Mayor Rivera to fully engage the participation of the community in rearing a holistic and conducive learning environment for the children of the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera launches Modelo Project and Brigada Eskwela

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera spearheads the launching of Modelo Project and Brigada Eskwela 2014 Wednesday, May 21, at KCC Veranza. With the Department of Education (DepEd), different barangays, and even the private sector, Mayor Rivera pointed out that he wants "to invest in education", giving priority on how to address the issues and concerns regarding the educational system of the city. In the Modelo Project, the mayor is hopeful that with the help of the community, every child in the city can access a quality learning environment. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Biodiesel plant in GenSan starts operations

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) - GenSan's first biodiesel plant, Econergy Corporation, officially starts its operations Tuesday, May 20. In the presence of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Department of Energy OIC Assistant Director Marrissa Cereso, the Econergy proprietors Zaide Family Corporation explained how coconut oil is processed to become coco methyl ester (CME) or simply biodiesel. Mayor Rivera has a positive outlook on the operation of Econergy in GenSan. He said "it will boost GenSan on its goal to be the agri-industrial hub of the region". (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Armchair donation resumes for opening of classes

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 May 2014) - The armchair donation project of RD Foundation and City Mayor Ronnel Rivera resumes again Wednesday, May 21, before the school year begins. This time, 250 armchairs were given to Bawing Elementary School. Mayor Rivera said that as of today, there are already 4,000 armchairs that have been distributed to different schools since the start of its operation last October 2013. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Kids dine with Mayor Rivera

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 May 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera enjoys his meal together with the student beneficiaries of Community Teach Project at Bula Elementary School on May 15. The nutritious meal was cooked by the parents of these kids, part of the supplemental feeding program of the Community Teach project. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Parents, community vital to children’s education

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 May 2014) - City Administrator Arnel Zapatos and a CSWDO community worker engage in a lively discussion with mothers of the student beneficiaries of Community Teach program at Pedro Acharon Elementary School in Barangay West on May 15. Atty Zapatos explained why the participation of parents and their respective communities is important in rearing their children's education. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Department of Education with the partnership of Smart Communications have organized the Community Teach to encourage the entire community to work hand-in-hand in shaping an accessible, quality public school education in the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Smart’s Community Teach project gets keen volunteer

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 May 2014) - Even with a broken arm, Hazel Rico, a teacher at Dadiangas South Elementary School, still chose to teach the student beneficiaries of the Community Teach project of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Department of Education, with the partnership of Smart Communications. In her 17th year in the service, Rico said that being part of the Community Teach is an opportunity for an ordinary teacher to do something special for these needy students. And even with her injury, Rico bared that she will continue to be a volunteer teacher for the Community Teach, just for the sake for her students.  (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo) 

Why I can't read? Stories from inside the Community Teach

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 May 2014) – Eight year old, Jonamie, a resident of Lanton, Barangay Apopong knew already that he has struggles when it comes to reading.

He was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Community Teach -- an educational program of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and of the Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc.

The Community Teach is a remedial class for selected incoming Grade 3 students from 10 different public elementary schools in the city. A supplemental feeding program is also included in the program.

“My grandmother told me that they (in the Community Teach) will teach me how to read that’s why I decided to attend the classes,” Jonamie said in vernacular.

“She even encouraged me that if I go there, they will give me free breakfast and lunch.  Sometimes, we don’t have any food in our house that’s why I have nothing to eat,” He added.

Jonamie, together with his two siblings, are living with their grandparents at purok Lanton.

“My grandparents are old already that’s why they no longer work. My lola (grandmother), earn through panghihilot or the traditional massage,” he said.

“My parents are separated. Papa (father) went with another woman, while Mama (mother) is in Manila—working as a yaya (housemaid),” Jonamie quipped.

“She (mother) doesn’t always send money to us that’s why we don’t always have food,” he added.

Because of this, Jonamie narrated that he goes to school with an empty stomach and he can’t concentrate on the lessons in class.

“I don’t know how to read well because I’m hungry during class,” Jonamie said shyly.

Thanks to the Community Teach program, Jonamie has improved his reading skills and he can now read simple Tagalog and English.

“(I’m) happy now because I can read plus I can eat here, too!” Jonamie exclaimed.

Jonamie is an incoming Grade 3 pupil of Lanton Elementary School and is just one of the 200 beneficiaries of the Community Teach program; all of which have their own personal stories of struggles.

Ma. Regina Reburcio, a teacher of Lanton Elementary School, attested to the hardships of these students. “Most of them are really poor; their parents can’t fend for themselves. That’s why many are absent and if not, they attend classes with empty stomachs,” Reburcio said.

“This is the reason why most of them are inattentive during lessons. And we just try to understand them while doing our best to teach them,” the teacher added.

Aside from that, Reburcio cited other factors why these students can’t read such as the size of the class and the retention capacity of the students.

“I am very thankful to the Community Teach Program because they help us attain our goal to make these children read. Our dream is just simple: we just want to teach them how to read,” Reburcio said.

Mayor Rivera, in a statement, said that he is “hopeful for the outcome of the Community Teach.” He added that he will give his full support for the success of the project.

The mayor also expressed his gratitude to DepEd and Smart Communications for their full support in his educational advocacies to General Santos City.

“I believe that if a child can read and understand what he is reading, then he can also understand other lessons as well,” Mayor Rivera said. (GENSAN CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Community Teach helps kid read

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (15 May 2014) - Rommel, an incoming Grade 3 pupil of Romana Acharon Elementary School in Barangay Calumpang learns how to write and pronounce the letter "M" through the program Community Teach of the city government and Department of Education  with the participation of Smart Communications. The Community Teach is an initiative of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to help kids like Rommel attain quality public school education. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Kids read with Community Teach

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (15 May 2014) - The Community Teach Program is an educational initiative of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Department of Education in partnership with Smart Communications that offers remedial reading classes and supplemental feeding program to selected incoming Grade 3 pupils. In the photo are student beneficiaries of J.P Laurel Elementary School in Barangay Apopong being taught how to read simple word pronunciation and syllabication. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Noah’s Ark Project begins

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (15 May 2014) - The Noah's Ark Project starts as representatives from Corporate Network for Disaster Response and Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, Librado Aro and Jukes Nunez, lecture different barangay officials regarding Community Risk Assessment Tuesday, May 13, at CSWDO office. Included in the assessment are community risk mapping, discussion of risk assessment tools, and disaster action plans per barangay. The Noah's Ark Project is a partnership of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Smart Communications to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response of the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Reading and feeding program ongoing in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (15 May 2014) - Selected incoming Grade 3 pupils of Lanton Elementary School in Barangay Apopong who are beneficiaries of Community Teach Program queue as a nutritious breakfast is being served to them. Corollary to the remedial reading classes, the Community Teach also runs a feeding program as a supplemental support to the learning of these kids. The project is an educational thrust of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Department of Education in partnership with Smart Communications to raise the academic standards of public schools in the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo) 

Mayor Rivera, DA team up to upgrade GenSan soils lab

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (08 May 2014) – In an effort to jumpstart the city’s bid to become the next “Agri-Industrial Hub” of Region 12, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera announced the upgrade of its soils laboratory.

The mayor said the project is funded mainly by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The upgrading of the General Santos City Soils Laboratory has already been “substantially finished” and is now fully operational, according to the mayor.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala handed to the mayor the certificate of completion of the upgrade during the 4th Area Development Plan (ADP) board meeting at Sun City Suites Wednesday (May 7).

The DA earmarked P7,275,000 for the upgrading of the soils laboratory while the city government pitched in P1,284,664.

Upgrades include the renovation of the building for supplementary space needed for the additional laboratory equipment; and the procurement of laboratory glassware and equipment needed for the improvement of the facility.

Prior to the upgrading, the laboratory was limited to basic soil analysis and soil pH determination through the use of soil test kits.

The upgraded soils laboratory can now do analysis for soil, organic fertilizers, both micro and macro nutrients, and as well as water analysis.

“Now that the laboratory has been handed to us, this is a good benchmark for us to gear the city to become SOCKSARGEN’s Agri-Industrial Hub. We can attract those who are in the line of agriculture and related industries to invest in GenSan because we have now additional support facilities for them,” Rivera stated.

Aside from the soils laboratory, Mayor Rivera is expecting Alcala’s approval regarding the proposed construction of Integrated Food Terminal and funding for the mango industry in the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

GenSan gets soils lab from DA

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (08 May 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera accepts the turnover of the completed General Santos City Soils Laboratory project by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala Wednesday, May 7, at Sun City Suites during the 4th SOCSKSARGEN Area Development Plan Board Meeting. The soils laboratory located near the Lagao Public Market is an P8.5 million project proposed by Mayor Rivera and the City Agriculturist’s Office to the Department of Agriculture. This laboratory will be used in analyzing the quality and nutrient contents of the soil substrates in the city, which in turn would be significant in making GenSan as an agro-industrial hub of the region. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

GenSan hosts National Dairy Conference

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (08 May 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera joins officials at the 17th National Dairy Conference at Family Country Hotel Wednesday, May 7. With the 35 % growth in the Philippines dairy production, Rivera is optimistic that the country will further develop into a competitive dairy hub in the global market. The city mayor pushes on strengthening various agricultural projects to make General Santos as the agri-hub of the South. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

GenSan receives livelihood kits from DOLE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (08 May 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera receives P1.2 million from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Ofelia Domingo to start two DOLE livelihood projects in the city. The "NegoKart" and "Starter Kit" are DOLE programs that will be implemented by the city government to generate employment for those in the marginalized sector by helping them to start their own small businesses. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera teaches kids

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (08 May 2014) - Children beneficiaries of Community Teach Program in Lanton Elementary School, Barangay Apopong pay attention as City Mayor Ronnel Rivera teaches them how to read. The Community Teach is an educational initiative of the city government in partnership with Smart Communications, Department of Education and RD Foundation Incorporated that offers remedial reading classes to selected incoming Grade 3 pupils from 10 public elementary schools in the city. Education is one of the three priority areas the mayor is focusing on under his banner program CLEAN GenSan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-Building). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Thousands get PhilHealth membership

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 May 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, CSWDO head Rebecca Magante and PHILHEALTH representative Emily Facelo distribute PHILHEATH Member Data Record (MDR) to thousands of residents Tuesday, May 6, at Lagao Gymnasium. At least 2,876 MDRs were released to four barangays in the city namely Batomelong (706), Upper Labay (723), Katangawan (777), and Tinagacan (664). The MDR is a proof that the bearer is a bonafide member of PHILHEALTH with access to the institution's services. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

PhilHealth beneficiary thanks Mayor Rivera

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 May 2014) - Ceasar Cordona, 78, a resident of Barangay Katangawan, is one of the thousands who received their PHILHEALTH Member Data Record (MDR) Tuesday, May 6, at Lagao Gymnasium. Cordona is thankful to City Mayor Ronnel Rivera for coordinating with PHILHEALTH to expedite the release of their MDRs. He said the MDR would be a big help to the health needs of his family. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera urges BDP for villages

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 May2013) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera appeals to barangay officials to come out with a comprehensive barangay development plan (BDP) during the BDP seminar conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government at Venue 88 Tuesday, May 6. The city mayor reiterated his development outlook for General Santos. He encouraged barangay officials to include in their BDP at least initiatives for clean water projects and botika sa barangay. Rivera’s administration primarily focuses on health, modified social services and education. (GENSAN CPIO/Russel Delvo)

LYR Marketing donates patrol motorcycles to GenSan police

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (06 May 2014) - LYR Marketing donates two patrol motorcycles to the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) with the presence of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera at Camp Fermin Lira on Monday, May 5. Frederick Rubinos, vice president of LYR Marketing, said the donation is in adherence to the drive of Mayor Rivera for private companies to work hand-in-hand with the police in keeping GenSan safe and business-friendly. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell

Mayor Rivera with pupil beneficiaries

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 May 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera finds time to have a photo opportunity with teachers and pupil beneficiaries of Community Teach and People's Day programs during the launching Wednesday, April 30,  at SM City GenSan’s activity area. The education reform project initiated by the mayor is in partnership with RD Foundation Inc., Department of Education and SMART Communications. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

DepEd, Smart sign Community Teach agreement

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 May 2014) - From left, Haydee Bernabe, SMART Public Affairs Senior Officer;  and Mario Bermudez, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent sign the memorandum of agreement for the implementation of Community Teach, a reading remediation with supplementation feeding program in selected schools in the city. Community Teach was launched Wednesday, April 30 at SM City GenSan. Community Teach is a component project of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera's education reform program under Alay sa Kabataang Generals Lahat ng Alaga at Talino-Early Childhood Care Development Initiative (AKLAT-ECCDI). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Community Teach for education reform

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (1 May 2014)  - “I believe that if a child can read and understand well what he is reading, then he can also understand other lessons as well,"  City Mayor Ronnel Rivera emphasized in his speech during the launching of Community Teach and People's Day programs Wednesday, April 30, at SM City GenSan’s activity area. Community Teach was initiated by the mayor in partnership with RD Foundation Inc., Department of Education and SMART Communications. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)