Mindanao Daily Lifestyle (October 8, 2014)

Mindanao Daily NEWS LIFESTYLE . PEOPLE . PLACES . EVENTS Bringing Bringing Good Good News News of of Mindanao Mindanao

Volume III, Volume III, No. No.114 114

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Wednesday Wednesday

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“I-DALI Mo” Advocacy Campaign aspires for “Stroke-Smart” Region X O

ne in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. With changing lifestyles, stroke has become more prevalent in developing countries like the Philippines and around the world, with stroke as the second leading cause of death. It is the leading cause of chronic disability in adults and the second leading cause of dementia.

Lower national income has been associated with higher relative mortality and burden of disease from stroke.

One third of stroke survivors are left permanently disabled for life and three quarters are vocationally impaired. Such is the burden of stroke.

Last August 8, 2014, the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) launched a three-pronged counter attack on stroke with the inauguration of its 11-bed Neuro Intensive-Acute Stroke Unit and 10-bed Stroke Ward, dedication of the “AGPAS” (Active Group of People Against Stroke) Team , and the launching of the “I-DALI Mo” early stroke recognition advocacy campaign.

“I-DALI Mo” aims to ramp up public awareness about stroke and make North-

KUNG IKAW NAG SUSPETSA SA

By MIKE BAÑOS

ern Mindanao a stroke-smart region, with the capability to effectively prevent, treat and rehabilitate stroke patients,” said Dr. Arturo F Surdilla, MD, president of the Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP) Northern Mindanao Chapter as he launched the Stroke Public Awareness Campaign.

“Every stroke patient deserves the best functional outcome,” he noted. “Thus, our “I-DALI Mo” (A Bisayan acronym for “I-dali mo ang pag-atiman ug pagtambal sa pasyente na na-stroke”) campaign will focus on four important messages: Prevention, Early Recognition, Effective Treatment, and Rehabilitation.

Figures from the DOHCHD, NM (FHSIS) show while there was a 5-year average of 15,868 cases in Region X (1999-2003) or 528.42 cases per 100,000 population, the leading cause of deaths for the same period was “Diseases of the Circulatory System” with 2,945 cases or an incidence of 98.07 per 1,000 population. Even more ominous, the number of cases had climbed to 3,842 by 2004 with a higher rate of 101.63 cases per 100,000 population.

Dedication of the Brain Attack AGPAS Team with Dr. Ramon Moreno

The AGPAS team takes up the pledge to serve stroke patients

Risk factors of stroke are often related to lifestyle changes: dietary changes leading to hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolenenia, and diabetes; physical inactivity, cigarette smoking and alcoholism.

A rise in the systolic and/ or diastolic blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and brain damage following a stroke.

Dr. Surdilla, who is also the Director of Stroke Services and founder of AKBAY Stroke Care and Neurological Rehabilitation Center, said stroke is preventable through identification and modification of risk factors (Prevention); it is a brain attack emergency where early recognition and timely intervention is absolutely imperative (Early Recognition); it is treatable with specific and proven means (Effective Treatment) and not the least, the best functional outcome after stroke is achievable with optimal rehabilitation (Rehabilitation).

Dr Ma. Cristina Z. San Jose, in her first official function as national president of SSP, acknowledged in her keynote address that despite these significant advances, gaps exist between what we know about and what is done for stroke.

“Lack of knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and the urgency of seeking medical attention by patient account for a major cause of delay in hospital presentation,” she noted. “Our mantra that Stroke is Brain Attack, Stroke is an Emergency, Stroke is Treatable and Stroke is Preventable has yet to be reach far flung areas. We need more stroke champions in the Philippines.”

Dr. Surdilla said even in advanced countries like the US, stroke statistics indicate that adults for 50 years old and above, 38 percent do not know where a stroke occurs, 50 percent

do not know when a stroke occurs, 40 percent did not know the warning signs of stroke, 12 percent did not know of any risk factors, only 40 percent will call an emergency number when they experience stroke-like symptoms; and only one percent is aware of stroke as a leading cause of death. (source: www.stroke.org/ Stroke_Facts.html) Stroke statistics are even more depressing for devel-

oping countries where the incidence of stroke is on the rise due to decreased physical activity and dietary changes arising from a more affluent lifestyle and 60 percent of all strokes occur in low and middle income communities.

“The prognosis is poor,” Dr. Surdilla admits. “Some 30-35% of all stroke victims die, 35-40% will suf-

Stroke Smart | Page C2

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LIFESTYLE . PEOPLE . PLACES . EVENTS Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Happy wife,Happy Life 6 “It was just a harmless talk with an officemate, what seems to be the big deal?”

“I was just concern about her situation, I was just giving her moral and emotional support?”

Nobody gets married with the intent to be unfaithful.

Nobody planned to have a broken family.

Nobody wants to cheat the love of their life.

But how come some people ended up becoming unfaithful; cheated, and in the end have a broken family.

Based on my counselling and coaching experience; having an affair is not planned, and does not happen overnight. It is packaged and presented as an innocent behavior, which usually ends badly.

This is just like the boiled frog principle.

They say that if you put a frog into a pot of boiling water it will leap out right away to escape the danger.

But, if you put a frog in a kettle that is filled with cool and pleasant water; then you gradually heat the kettle until it starts boiling; the frog will not be aware of the threat until it is too late.

The frog’s survival instinct is geared towards detecting sudden changes.

Source: http://allaboutfrogs.org/stories/boiled. html In other words, you cannot touch fire without being burned.

If unaware; you might fall into a deep well that you cannot get out of.

If you want your marriage to be happy and intact, I would suggest that you need to be aware of the ….

THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID DOING, WHEN IN A RELATIONSHIP NEVER BE WITH AN OPPOSITE SEX ALONE “Chinkee, what if I need to bring someone home?”

If you need to drive someone home, make sure you ask them to sit at the back of the vehicle, not in front. It is not wise for you to sit with someone of the opposite sex; especially if you are married. It does not look good, and at the same time it does not speak well of the situation. People might read it differently.

“Chinkee, what is wrong if I eat out with an office mate?”

Eating out alone with an opposite sex or even having a chat online is not also healthy.

Would it be OK with you if your spouse is investing time with an opposite sex?

How would you feel? You may feel it is harmless at the start; remember every drug addict never started as an addict, but started experimenting and trying.

It seemed harmless at first; until such time they like the feeling and they become addicted. Unfaithfulness often starts from friendly chats and conversations; showing concerns, and appreciation towards each other. He or she understands what each are going through, unlike their spouse who do not appreciate or care how they feel.

It will be too late to realize that they have invested so much time, and emotion; they are already drawn towards each other.

I know my personal weakness and limitations; it will not be wise for me to enter the lion’s den, even if I didn’t know the lion is present or not.

NEVER GIVE COUNSEL PRIVATELY TO AN OPPOSITE SEX As a wealth and life coach; this is the first rule that we had learned. It is not wise for you to be alone with an opposite gender especially when one is expressing their personal problems and concerns.

When things turn emotional; they may need a hug or a shoulder to cry on, then one thing leads to another.

This rule does not only apply to life coaches, but also to anyone who gives counsel with an opposite gender.

Your intentions maybe good, but it may backfire if we do not apply wisdom. I would recommend that you seek counsel from a close friend, relative, professional counsellor or a spiritual adviser.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

NEVER SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE AGAINST YOUR SPOUSE Do you want people to talk behind you? I’m sure we do not want others to talk about us; without our knowledge. How much more if the one your trust most talks about you?

Please don’t talk or complain about your spouse with your friends, and office mates publicly. If you have something against your spouse, it is best that you bring it up to him or her personally. If your spouse refuse to listen; then, that is the only time you are allowed to speak to a close friend, relative, professional counsellor or spiritual adviser.

I truly appreciate my wife of 15 years. She has been truly honest with me at all times. She has the gift of correcting me in an encouraging way. Every time she confronts me, she sees to it that I will go out of the room encouraged.

Stroke Smart | from page C1

TAN

by CHINKEE

Talking behind your spouse is a form of betrayal. Once trust is broken, it is so hard for you to restore it . Do your very best to make sure that your communication line is constantly open.

Always be honest with your feelings.

In line with this ….

NEVER CORRECT OR HUMILIATE YOUR SPOUSE IN FRONT OF OTHERS We need to treat our spouse with honour and respect. If you want to be honoured and respected, you should make sure that you also treat others the same way.

Being humiliated by others can be a painful experience. What if it comes from the person you loved the most?

You expect your spouse to love, honour, protect, and respect you? If there is something wrong, you must take this with your spouse privately.

Attention wives: the quickest way to emasculate your husband is to correct and humiliate your husband in public.

Instead of saying negative things; you need to talk about something that is good about your spouse, and brag about it.

“I am so blessed to have a ___________ spouse; you will never find a person that is more ____________ than him.”

My rule in life is: If I do not have anything good say about anyone, I just keep quiet.

To be continued ....

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fer a major disability and 10-18% will have another stroke within one year.”

Even in the US where advanced medical and health care is more prevalent, stroke statistics show that of those patients who suffer a stroke, 71% are vocationally impaired after 7 years; 35% are unemployable below 65 years; 31% require assistance with care; 20% need help with walking and 16% are institutionalized. (source: Framingham Study Cohort, 1991).

“SSP has taken steps to raise public awareness through advocacy and provision of health care services nationwide through the establishment of various chapters,” Dr. San Jose said.”While there are victories, much remains to be done.”

As a start, SSP is pushing the imperative to “Think Globally, Act Locally” in implementing the following principles: acknowledging that Stroke is a “BRAIN ATTACK” needing emergency management, including specific treatment and secondary and tertiary prevention; Stroke is an EMERGENCY where virtually no allowances for worsening is tolerated; Stroke is TREATABLE optimally, through proven, affordable, culturally acceptable and ethical means; and most important perhaps, Stroke is PREVENTABLE in a manner that can be implemented across all levels of society (First Stroke Congress, 1999).

“The setting of care is important, hence the guidelines for establishment of stroke and critical care units,” Dr. San Jose noted. “Many hospitals are ill – equipped or unprepared to handle hyper acute stroke. We cannot undermine economics and lack or limited resources as major barriers to access and provision of standard of care in a country such as ours.”

Thus, the NMMC sought to address this crying need with its 11-bed Neuro Intensive-Acute Stroke Unit and 10-bed Stroke Ward, ably staffed by the “AGPAS” (Active Group of People Against Stroke) Team.

“We aim to provide the best possible outcome for every stroke patient with our Stroke Services in NMMC,” said Dr. Surdilla. “Our mission is to decrease the incidence and morbidity from stroke in the region through clinical excellence, research and education with the establishment of the Stroke Unit & Stroke Ward.”

The Stroke Ward was established by simply designating some beds in a ward, where stroke patients go straight from the Emergency Room (ER) to avert any delayed stay in the ER which predisposes them to secondary complications like pneumonia and bedsores.

At present, stroke patients face a dismal 10:1 patient to nurse ratio and very often, nurses have no expertise in dealing with stroke, have no knowledge of routines, standardized tools or protocols, and have no facilities or equipment such as monitors.

Thus, the dedicated AGPAS Team was organized to fill the gaps in stroke care: meeting the patient and family upon arrival at the ER; assist with the ER assessment; coordinate and communicate with the team; screen inclusion/exclusion criteria for possible intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA)* ; update and educate the family; ensure stroke nursing for the patient from the ER to the Acute Stroke Unit/Stroke Ward; respond to in- hospital stroke alerts; and audit and communicate outcomes of the stroke services.

“The task to reduce the burden of stroke in the Philippines is formidable. With an aging population and increasing urbanization, we foresee a rise in the number of cases in the coming years,” Dr. San Jose stressed. “The burden of stroke does not only translate to a socio-economic burden on society as actual health care costs and productivity losses but also disability and impact on the quality of life (QOL) of the survivor and caregiver.”

She cited the “Life After Stroke” program of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City where patients and caregivers are re-educated about stroke, taught of the importance of compliances and adherence, and coping mechanisms.

“Change and commitment should begin from within as expressed in the theme for the 2009 World Stroke Day “What I can Do,” Dr. San Jose said. “As an individual, as a health care provider, as member of a team or a community, as a voter fighting for legislative change, there is no limit to the many roles as your imagination, time, and resources allow.”

“Aside from individual efforts, partnership and concerted efforts of both private and governments agencies and sectors, and institutions is needed if we truly want to achieve a stroke free Philippines. A perfect example of partnership and teamwork is what we are witnessing in NMMC,” she added. (*Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), a specific clot-busting drug now available in Cagayan de Oro City, is used to treat ischemic stroke within the crucial first 3 hours (in some eligible patients, up to 4.5 hours) from onset of acute stroke symptoms). - I N D N J C -

Mindanao Daily C3 NEWS

Daily Guide

wednesday | october 8, 2014

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LIFESTYLE . PEOPLE . PLACES . EVENTS Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

A clash of inspirational titans FOR the past two weeks, our City of Golden Friendship (call it City by the Bay if you may) is being bombarded by motivational speakers from around the country. Maybe it’s that season of the year that they’re here or maybe it’s just coincidence that certain organizations have invited them to speak in this particular time of 2014.

John Calub. Francis Kong. Chinkee Tan. If you’ve been to all of their lectures compressed in two weeks’ time, there’re only two things that’s gonna happen – either you go crazy practicing

all they’ve preached at the same time or you just sit down exhausted and confused on which principle you should follow.

Why? Because while John Calub, Francis Kong and Chinkee Tan’s teachings are anchored on the same premise – how to become successful, the roads to success that they define don’t exactly complement each other.

Last October 1, GoldLife invited John Calub to do a seminar to inspire their members and encourage the audience who are not yet members of the multi-level marketing firm. It was my third

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time to watch John Calub speak. The first was earlier this year at Grand Caprice.

The second was at the jampacked Liceo Civic Center.

John Calub would tell his audience that dreams are free so one should entitle himself/herself to dream big. “Don’t dream to own a bahay kubo, dream to own a mansion. Don’t ask for a second-hand car to come your way, desire a Lamborghini,” he would tell his audience.

Enter Francis Kong.

Francis Kong was in the city last week to flare up a group of HR guys. Prior to listening to Francis Kong speak, I hurriedly

How to play the game?

Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition

across 1. Introductory book 6. Singer Fernandez 10. Trip by vehicle 11. Jai_ 12. Augury 13. Affectionate 14. Pounding device 16. Balanced 17. Assistant 18. Film spool 20. Discharged indebtedness 22. Upholstered seat 25. Narcotic drug 28. Squanders 31. Lanao del Norte city 32. Rubber object 33. Aloe_ 34. Arabian ruler

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - Your technical skills take a real leap forward today, Pisces. It seems all that training you’ve done is finally paying off. Your new skills will greatly increase your efficiency and enhance your marketability. If you’ve been thinking about applying for a new position, get your resume ready to send out when you see an appealing ad.

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) - Don’t be surprised to see your co-workers acting a bit silly today, Aries. There is no getting around the high spirits that permeate the office environment. It’s almost impossible to get any work done with today’s planetary atmosphere. Rather than cracking the whip and trying to increase productivity, why not join in? Lighten up a little.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - Life’s been a real social whirl lately, Taurus. You may feel a bit overwhelmed by all the people and parties. It’s fun to see everyone, but a bit daunting to renew ties with old friends and try to remember the names of new ones. Names and faces mingle to the point where you aren’t sure of your own name, much less anyone else’s.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - With all the social events you’ve attended lately, Gemini, it’s likely that you’ve met some people in the healing professions. These doctors, nurses, and technicians could be useful to you later. Be sure to file their contact information away for future reference. On another front, expect to receive some good news concerning your finances.

Yesterday’s Answer

of the same digit.

35. Old 36. Give in DOWN 1. Fit 2. Frost 3. _of March 4. Of the mind 5. Governed 6. Cover with asphalt 7. Singer Newton John 8. Window glass 9. Affix a signature to 15. Lithium symbol 19. Extensive territory 20. Pale and light in color 21. Arid land 23. Proprietor 24. Musical tone 25. Prima donna

26.

27.

29.

30.

Designer Cassini Mild oath Opportune moment Ireland

Yesterday’s Answer

clifford’s

Daily HOROSCOPE CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - You may discover an untapped talent today, Cancer. Perhaps there’s a new machine in the office and you’re the only one who can figure out how to use it. Maybe drafting a simple business proposal makes you realize how much you enjoy the writing process. This is a good day for any kind of creative endeavor, as well as for paperwork of all sorts.

LEO (July 23 – August 22) - Expect some positive developments today that impact the whole family, Leo. Perhaps you or your mate will receive word of a significant raise or great job opportunity. Perhaps you meet the one who is right for you, and you know it the instant you shake hands. Whichever it is, don’t let the opportunity pass. If you don’t seize it, someone else surely will.

nowhere to go. He experienced boredom. So he ventured into baseball. In other words, he was never contented in his success in basketball that he went to another sport. I’d like to add another example that Chinkee did not mention.

Mr. Joseph Estrada’s career peak was his presidency.

Living former presidents would usually turn up as guest lecturers or autobiographers. But no, Mr. Estrada wasn’t contented with his presidency, he reverted back to mayor again.

What about you?

Which formula will you follow? Will you be like

Mark Francisco

John Calub the persistent dreamer? Or will you be like Francis Kong, the practical dreamer? Or Chinkee Tan the success definer. You can’t mix them all. Otherwise, you’ll need a lot of aspirin for that headache to follow.

United

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD puzzle

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) - This is a good day for sharing friendship with pals and co-workers, Aquarius. People will be in a light, socializing mood and not much in a working frame of mind. There’s really no use fighting this energy. Enjoy yourself today and allow yourself to detach from work issues. You can all get back to the grindstone later. The work will still be there.

browsed through one of his Philippine Star column editions so I can have some background on the guy. In his column, Francis Kong categorically stated that dreaming is not enough. We must not imagine or visualize our way to success, we must act on it.

For a guy like evangelical-Christian-whohapp ens-to-b e-a-motivational-speaker-too Chinkee Tan, success is not measured by money, fame or achievement.

Consider Michael Jordan for instance, he said.

Michael Jordan retired in his prime because he had

The Chameleon

Special Gospel of the day: John16:1215(October8, 2014-Wednesday) John 16:12-15-I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you: 1 John 5:7-For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. According to St. Augustine, the “Holy Trinity” are “united in love and even equal” in everything since “they existed before

Biblical reflection

Bro. Edcel L. Closas

anything else.”In Psalm 90:2-before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God. John 10:30-I and [my] Father are one. How about you, are you close to God? Printing paid by: Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! #0928414949009279551247: Question – Prayer request: Please follow me “WORD ON FIRE” on CCTN channel 12-CDO @ 10 PMMondays, Tuesday @ 3:30 PM and 2:00 AM Sundays. God loves you!!!

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - You should be feeling especially confident today, Virgo. You’ve been working especially hard lately, and the recognition you’ve received goes a long way toward reinforcing your feelings of self-worth.

Your life goals suddenly seem more attainable and you’ll pursue them with renewed vigor. Your confidence is grounded in reality. You will surely succeed.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - This is a day made for fun and frivolity, Libra, not one in which you’re likely to get many of your chores done. Try as you might to focus on the task at hand, there are distractions everywhere you turn.

Your email pals could be sending you jokes and notes, and your friends could be bugging you to join them for an outing of some sort. You may as well give in.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) - You’re a person of many talents, and today you’re likely to discover yet another one, Scorpio. The delivery of a new piece of equipment makes you feel like you’ve been given a toy for your sole enjoyment. But once you get the computer or piece of machinery up and running, you need to share it with your co-workers!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) - Don’t be surprised if people surround you today, each one anxious to confer with you. It seems that you’re the authority on all topics, Sagittarius. All the attention is flattering, but it makes it difficult to get any work done. Do what you can to help your co-workers, and then tell them that the help desk is closed for the day.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) - Don’t let yourself be manipulated by needy friends, Capricorn. With today’s planetary energies, it’s a good time to think about setting clear boundaries. You know which friends are there for you and lift you up and which ones tend to drain all your time and energy with the constant need for your immediate attention. Try saying no. You can’t fix other people’s lives for them anyway. Think about it.

Mindanao Daily NEWS LIFESTYLE . PEOPLE . PLACES . EVENTS Bringing Good News of Mindanao

Volume Volume III, III, No. No. 114 114

Assistant Editor: Mark Francisco Assistant Editor: Mark Francisco

Wednesday Tuesday

October 8, story 12 C4 OctoberSee 8, 2014 2014 See story on on Page PageC4 12

Promoting the scouting movement

By ANSELMO B. MERCADO

O

n 30 September, 2014, I was invited to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Investiture Ceremony at the Balubal National High School of Barangay Balubal, Cagayan de Oro. The ceremony was held in honor of forty (40) boy scouts of that school who were awarded their Certificates of Membership to the BSP. It was an impressive ceremony, simple, symbolic and official. It began with the march-in of the colors (Philippine flag and Scout flag), followed by a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. Then, two designated Boy Scouts went up on the stage, the first one led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and the second scout led the Re-dedication of the Scout Oath and Law. This was followed by a welcome address by the principal of the school, Dr. Clarito H. Oras. Immediately following that, was the speech of the Investing Officer, BSP Cagayan de Oro Council chairman Atty. Roy H. A. Raagas, and then followed by a brief message from the FICCO Community Outreach Foundation (FCOF) chairman, Anselmo B. Mercado.

The symbolic ceremony consisted of: 1) the lighting of candles (one big candle by the school head, 3 smaller candles by the school BSP coordinator, and then 12 candles were lighted by designated scouts one after another signifying the 12 laws (or values) of the scouts, namely: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent; 2) the donning of the scout neckerchief on the individual scouts by the parents, and 3) the granting of the Membership Certificates.

As each scout went up to the stage with his parent to get the certificate, he gave the three-finger scout salute and offered the left scout hand-shake with the officials

on stage. An impressive ceremony indeed!

The ceremony was attended by a good number of students and 11 teachers of the school led by their principal, the parents of the Boy Scouts, and some guests, including Atty. Raagas, Scouter Marilyn Guligado, Kagawad Rosel of Balubal who represented the Barangay Captain and Barangay Balubal, and FCOF chairman Anselmo B. Mercado and FCOF staff.

As I write this today, it is the feast day of the Holy Guardian Angels of the Lord. The Bible reading of the day narrates how our Good Lord loves children and entrusts them to His angels, saying: “Anyone who welcomes one little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.”

The Boy Scouts at the Balubal High School investiture ceremony are God’s little children, and so with thousands of other scouts (boys and girls) all over our nation.

These Filipino young ones will grow-up to be men and women, the adult citizens of tomorrow, to replace the “young once” of today. Their proper up-bring to be the persons we can all be proud of – possessing high moral standards, economically productive, socially concerned and actively involved, intellectually able, willing to serve their fellowmen and country, and God-loving – is crucial to our society. The scouting movement (BSP and GSP) is one good way to help along in the person’s development we want for our children.

Acknowledging the scouting movement’s development role for the young, the FICCO Foundation, the Boy Scouts Council of Cagayan de Oro, the Girls Scouts Council of Misamis Oriental and partner-schools, have forged a four-way Partnership Agreement to embark in a joint undertaking, “Adopt Boys and Girl Scouts and Scout Units Program”.

This joint undertaking will initially support 320 boy scouts in several schools in Cagayan de Oro, and

200 girl scouts in several high schools in Misamis Oriental (Alubijid National High School, Bugo National High School, Medina National High School, Casinglot National High School, PN Roa National High School, the Elementary Schools of St. John, San Simon, Sacred Heart Village and Malasag and National High Schools of Balubal, Tagpangi and Indahag).

This is just the first step, and just a “drop in the bucket”, for the fact is, so many boys and girls out there in our schools cannot afford to join the scouting movement because of economic hardship.

At the Balubal National High School, the principal was telling us that the majority of the students come from very poor families, many from “broken families” whose parents have separated or have been negligent of their parental obligations. In fact, the principal added, some teachers have “adopted” some of the students just to help them survive and stay in school. Just before the ceremony started, we witnessed a father of a student coming into the campus, obviously drunk. He was not making any trouble, but he acted funny. It was a disheartening scene in a school.

In his speech, CDO BSP Council chairman Atty.

Roy Raagas revealed the Council’s plan to get more membership and support for the Scouting Movement, targeting an increase of membership of Boy Scouts by 5,000 initially and eventually to reach 25,000 within 2-3 years. He said that this planned expansion could be done with financial support from more partners, sponsors and supporters from civil society and government because funding would be needed for the scouts’ needs (i.e., annual membership dues, scout neckerchief, trainings, camping and jamboree activities).

Let us remember what our Good Lord has said: “Anyone who welcomes these children in my name welcomes me. Do not despise any of them, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.”

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