Hometown Mangaldan

MCS receives TV sets and DVD players from Canada

by Anna Marie C. Palma

Five brand new TV sets and five brand new DVD players were donated to the Mangaldan Central School by officers of Biskeg Pangasinan Friendship, Cultural and Aid Association. This is an association of Pangasinenses based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It has been a tradition within the group that whoever is held as president for the year gets to initiate a sponsorship project for his or her hometown. The president, Mr. Gerardo Palisoc, is from Mangaldan and it follows that the pet project for the year redounds to Mangaldan, specifically to MCS where Mr. Palisoc is an alumnus.

 Photo shows the members of the Biskeg Pangasinan Friendship, Cultural and Aid Association of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. From L-R, first row: Perry Ambrose, Amante Agbulos, Jesse Papilla. Second row: Guillermo Ambrose, Jr., Marilyn Anderson, Juanito Serrano, Councilor Mike Nickel, Gerardo Palisoc, Araceli Pasalo, Dyianna Devilla. Third row: Greg Mejia, Rolando (Bong) Biala, Randy Patague, Dindo Lucero, William Angeles, Gil Pasalo, Edmund Acosto and, Joselito (Jojo) Quinto.

The TV sets and DVDs were turned over by Mr. Julio "Bong" Tamondong, a first cousin of Mr. Palisoc, to the officers of the MCS Teachers Club, Parent-Teachers Community Association and admnistrative staff and were distributed to the different grade levels.

This gesture holds a significant promise in the ducation of the young since children at this age tend to be more receptive to inputs that generally appeals to the five senses. Audio visual aids are most helpful in teaching the sciences and similar disciplines.

On behalf of the association, Mr. Julio Tamondong turns over the audio-visual sets to Dr. Teresita G. Cera, Principal III of MCS in the presence of MCSTC President Lita Ubaldo, PTCA President Ric Soriano and other teachers.

Mr. Julio Tamondong, the representative of the donor poses with different grade level pupils of Mangaldan Central School.

Mangaldan: A Future Center for Madrasah Education

by Anna Marie C. Palma

Madrasah is the Arabic word for any type of school, secular or religious (any religion). In common English usage, "madrasah" is taken to refer to an Islamic religious school.

In a recent regional training held at RELC (Regional Education Learning Center) in San Fernando, La Union, all municipalities that are possible sights for Madrasah gathered in preparation for a full implementation of Madrasah Curriculum as authorized under DepEd Order No. 1, series of 2004 for SY 2006-2007.

Since Mangaldan is in close proximity to Dagupan City where there is a Muslim community, the town is deemed to be one of the possible sights for Madrasah. According to feasibility studies conducted by DepEd, there is a growing Muslim community in Mangaldan. Before, the Muslims here are just transients, now, more and more muslims are going to Mangaldan I Central School. Dr. Teresita G. Cera, Principal III of Mangaldan I Central School was designated by the Division Office to attend said training.

In the interest of national unity and implementation of the 1996 Peace Agreement, Madrasah Education is declared a vital component of the National Educational System.  What is Madrasah? A minimum of 15 Muslim pupils, shall be sufficient to open classes in Arabic Language and Islamic Values. For schools with predominant Muslim population, classes shall be conducted in accordance with the normal procedure. For schools with the mized enrolment of Muslims and non-muslims, the Arabic Language and Islamic Values shall be scheduled after classes in the Restructured Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC) subjects of the DepEd, or as may be preferred by the Principal or Head of School. The teachers shall be appointed by the region with the following qualifications:

• college graduate of an Islamic institution in Muslim countries or a local Madrasah if available; otherwise, a high school graduate but proficient in Arabic Language or an experienced Madrasah teacher may be temporarily hired; and
• for high school graduates and/or experienced teachers in Weekend Madrasah, a certificate on their proficiency in Arabic Language and Islamic Values by a reputable Muslim organization is required.
• Teachers to be hired shall be paid on honorarium basis funded by the Local Government Unit/Local School Board or from other sources. Schools Division Superintendents together with the Regional Directors are encourage to request/appeal for financial support from their mayors/governors.