10 Mindanao Daily NEWS
Tourism
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Surf’s up in Siargao’s Cloud 9 for better tourism GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island — Some 20 surfers lined up at Cloud 9 surfing spot in Barangay Catanglan shortly after lunch time on Tuesday. The swell was not higher than a house ceiling but the waves were just right for young local surfers to show some stunts. Beginners with their instructors tried to catch the smaller waves. From the wooden tower a few meters from the beach, tourists watched and might have been amused by the site of surfboards and surfers rolling along with the white wash. General Luna had had drawn a steady influx of tourists, both domestic and foreign. An average of 60,000 to 70,000 tourists arrived here every year in the last three years, Municipal Mayor Jaime Rusillon said in an interview. Most of them visited the town for its famous Cloud 9, especially during international surfing competitions in September. The mayor, however, said cleanliness and tourism facilities need to be improved and maintained. For one, the wooden bridge towards the three-story tower about 50 meters away from the shore has to be repaired. It allows surfers and viewers to be closer to the action. Business owners here are also concerned about solid waste management, beautification, medical facilities, and safety. Some tourists wanted the place to be less noisy from passing motorbikes. The con-
struction of a tourism road has piqued some visitors. Yet, while Siargao Island had contributed to the country’s growth through tourism, Rusillon noted that they still need support from different sectors to take the next bigger step. “We need money now for tourism development,” he told MindaNews on Wednesday. TOURISM TAX Over a decade ago, Rusillon’s wife Cecelia, the municipal mayor then, issued an order to collect a 10-percent tourism tax from resort owners. Rusillon said the tax will be used for the “services rendered to the people”. The implementation had not been effective, however, he said. That’s why he urged for an efficient collection this year. He explained that years ago, “there was nothing here in Siargao, especially in General Luna”. Then, the local government welcomed investors with less cost for registration and permits. “In other words, the policy was do not tax them first,” he said. “Now that they’re (investors) established already, we’ll start hitting them now. And tax them heavily. They can’t withdraw anymore,” he said. Over a hundred accommodation establishments operate in town. And they had organized themselves as the Siargao Tour Operators Association, which was formally established this year but already existing since 2010. They are willing to cooper-
21st Century Skills: Foundation for K to 12 Curriculum By Allan B. Roxas Head Teacher-I Oguis Elementary School
It is said that nothing is permanent in this world except change. The ultimate reason for this is to cope with the changing demands of times and go with the fashion of society so that no one will be logged behind in terms of global developments. From this point of view Philippine Education continuously shift to abreast with global standards. The K to 12 Curriculum aims to equate Philippine Education and conforms to the international standard which is twelve years of basic education. The feature of this new system focus on skills development thus to prepare graduates for work which is vital and essential factor in building the nation. After schooling it is believed that students are then ready for work not only in our country but as well as around the globe. The first seven years of basic education focus on the so called 21st century skills. These skills are then the foundation for the child’s education as he goes further in the educational ladder. As early as Kindergarten pupils are taught on how to manipulate, perform,
think, and the proper values for work. It is believed that if pupils are properly molded and nurtured during his formative years then definitely it wouldn’t be difficult for him to acquire the basic skills which are vital and essential tool as he learns the complicated and complex skills of his chosen field of educational endeavor. On the other hand, Junior High School and Senior High School focus on skills of their field of interest thus enable the students prepare themselves either for work and college education. There are three major areas that a student may choose in the Senior High School these are Entrepreneurship, Vocational-Technical Courses and College Preparatory Subjects. If students opted not to pursue his college education then he is indeed ready for work using his NC-II certificate which is acceptable worldwide. Finally, Philippine Education is now tantamount to the educational system adopted worldwide with this we will be able to produce globally competitive graduates.
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ate with the municipal government for a year-round tourism promotion in town. A resort whose accommodation rate ranges from P3,300 to P5,500 a night (inclusive of three meals) may spend P16,000 to P18,000 for renewal of business permits and all other requirements. On top of that, it has a quarterly obligation of P6,500 to P8,000. A resort also pays the mu-
nicipal government P10 for every guest. SURFING CUP Siargao Island had produced two women champions in the international surfing competitions—sisters Nildie Rietenback and Nilbie Blancada. Rusillon said he is proud to be one of the founders of the international surfing cup
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in Siargao, which is now on its 20th year. He said every year, they need a budget of at least $40,000 for organizing, $30,000 of which will go to the prizes for winners. Contestants who would come from neighboring islands and provinces will be provided free food and lodging as most of them are children of fisherfolk, he added. The mayor also mentioned
that he invited President Benigno Aquino III to attend the upcoming surfing cup. Former presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Arroyo had once visited the island to witness the event. This month is not the best surfing season in this side of Siargao Island. But, the small town of 17,000 residents is up for a challenge, while waiting for bigger waves. Surf ’s up! (Lorie Ann Cascaro/MindaNews)
SUDOKU How to play the game? Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition
of the same digit.
CROSSWORD puzzle across 1. Breathe laboriously 5. Cancel 11. Profound 13. Energy freld 14. Skyward 16. Gem weight 18. Nickel symbol 19. Close friend 21. Albumin or globulin 23. Rainbow 25. Brought into being 27. Deteriorated 30. Rescued 31. Jacob’s son 33. Feels concern 35. Manipulate 36. Linking verb 38. Fool 40. Lithium symbol
41. 43. 45. 46.
Municipality Horn blast Perspiration Float DOWN 2. _hoc committee 3. Securities and Exchange Commission 4. Pod contents 6. Naive 7. Greek letter 8. Ornamental vase 9. Den 10. Roman god of love 12. Head of government 15. City of lights 17. Dry 20. Moderate purple 22. Unit of length 24. Tropical grassland
Yesterday’s Answer
2 6. Denizen of hell 28. All around (prefix) 29. Numeral 32. _and pieces 34. Social climber 37. Female swine 39. and I 42. are the World 44. Preposition
Yesterday’s Answer