Manila-On November 13, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated over 200,000 learning materials worth P25 million ($450,000) to Philippine government agencies that support educational, skill-building, and employment programs for out-of-school youth.

USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn led the handover ceremony during the USAID Opportunity 2.0 Youth and Partners Summit in Quezon City, which gathered around 500 youth development champions from across the Philippines.

The donation, which consists of various educational resources such as life skills and work-readiness training modules, entrepreneurship guidebooks, and teachers’ manuals, will benefit programs like the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) technical-vocational training programs, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

“USAID is proud to empower out-of-school youth by helping them acquire the skills and training needed to find good jobs and begin building careers,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Washburn. “Our partnerships with DepEd, TESDA, DTI and other government partners grew out of our shared vision for creating a supportive learning environment for out-of-school youth across the Philippines.”

The donation also includes manuals for local governments on establishing local networks that address the needs of out-of-school youth, as well as guidebooks and handouts for colleges and universities that support out-of-school youth programs.

In his message, DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said that USAID’s O2 program “has shown us what is possible in the Alternative Learning System: a thriving program fostered by an open partnership. Thousands of out-of-school youth across the Philippines have benefitted from its well-crafted and targeted interventions.”

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, representing the 15 city partners of the O2 program at the summit, cited how the program has helped create “more resources, improved access to education and training, expanded entrepreneurial opportunities for youth, and reconnect the out-of-school youth to the formal education system.”

Since its inception in 2020, USAID’s O2 program has reached over 90,000 youth across the Philippines through DepEd, TESDA, higher education institutions, and other local service partners. More than 82,000 young people have completed workforce development training, and more than 6,400 educators and administrators from DepEd and TESDA have learned innovative teaching strategies geared toward the learning needs of out-of-school youth.
Over 2,200 businesses have also provided work-based learning, career guidance and coaching, and employment opportunities for out-of-school youth.

Co-designed with DepEd and TESDA, USAID’s O2 program is implemented by the U.S.-based Education Development Center in partnership with Accenture, Catholic Relief Services, Philippine Business for Education, SEAMEO INNOTECH, and Voluntary Services Overseas. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-A 75-year-old widower was found lifeless in his room on November 19, in Barangay 5, Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

The victim, identified as “Noning,” a resident of Barangay Paya, Giporlos, also in Eastern Samar, was discovered by his personal assistant, “Marc,” 63, a single tricycle driver residing in Barangay 8, Guiuan.

According to the police report, Marc grew concerned when the victim had not come out of his room by 7:30 am.

He went to check on Noning at his boarding house and, upon entering the room, found him lying unresponsive on his bed. Marc immediately contacted the Guiuan police for assistance.

Responding officers conducted an investigation, which revealed that the victim lived alone in the boarding house.

There were no signs of forced entry, disturbance, or missing belongings, and the premises appeared orderly.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Ma. Socorro A. Flores conducted a post-mortem examination and declared the victim dead.

Authorities noted no indications of foul play, and the cause of death is believed to be natural. The incident serves as a reminder for those living alone to maintain regular contact with family or caregivers.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ALLEN, Northern Samar— An electrician narrowly escaped death after accidentally touching a live wire while working on an electric post in Barangay Sabang Zone II, Allen, on November 18.

The victim, identified as “Jarold,” 38, married, and a lineman for the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (Norsamelco), is a resident of Barangay San Roque, San Isidro, also in Northern Samar.

According to the Allen Municipal Police Station, a concerned citizen reported the incident, prompting authorities to respond immediately.

Initial investigations revealed that the victim was replacing old equipment and repairing electrical cables when he accidentally came into contact with a live wire. The sudden electrocution caused him to lose consciousness.

Jarold was promptly rushed to Allen District Hospital, where he received medical treatment.
According to Dr. Janina Faye Orbase, the attending physician, the victim is now in stable condition and recovering from the incident.

Despite the serious nature of the accident, Jarold survived what could have been a fatal electrocution.

Authorities have reminded utility workers to strictly observe safety precautions when working with high-voltage lines to prevent similar incidents. (ROBERT DEJON)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Chiefs of Army and Sergeants Major from the ten ASEAN countries gathered for the ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting (ACAMM) and the ASEAN Sergeants Major Annual Meeting (ASMAM) on November 21, 2024 at the Hilton Hotel in Clark Pampanga to forge bonds and renew their commitment towards a united ASEAN Region.

The Philippine National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo M. Año graced the ceremony as the guest of honor and speaker and emphasized the importance of multilateral coordination in achieving lasting stability in the region.

During the ceremony, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido acknowledged the ASEAN Armies’ role in maintaining and reinforcing stability in the region.

This collaboration strengthens not only our respective militaries, but also the region as a whole, ensuring that ASEAN is not just a strategic geographical area but a powerful force for stability,” he said.

ACAMM aims to maintain ASEAN nations’ multilateral cooperation in addressing traditional and non-traditional security risks. It also underscores the ASEAN leadership’s collective resolve to bolster regional peace and stability with a shared vision of fostering enhanced military cooperation and mutual understanding among member states. On the other hand, ASMAM continues to be a cornerstone of ASEAN military cooperation by bringing together the NCO leadership from across the region to foster a stronger, more cohesive Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) network.

The multilateral meetings, which form part of the key component of the ASEAN Armies Annual Meet (AAAM), served as a platform to display genuine commitment among the ASEAN Chief of Armies and Non-Commissioned Officers to work together in the face of evolving challenges. Participating countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (PR)