PIOs tackle cyber pornography, human trafficking in recent meet  
By: Amor Saludar

CEBU CITY, August 22 (PIA) – Cases of cyber pornography and human trafficking, two of the hottest issues in Cebu today, were tackled during the recent gathering of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) at the Cebu City Hall.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director S/Supt. Patrocinio Comendador who was the main resource person for the topics told the public information officers (PIOs) that one of the reasons why cyber pornography seemed to be spreading widely in the province is because of the budding existence of internet cafes in the province and the volume of internet users.

Another reason cited by Commendador is that Cebu is one of the favored tourist destinations among foreign visitors, which is why prostitution also thrives as well as human trafficking.

As reported, the Philippines ranked fourth in all Southeast Asian nations where cyber sex and human trafficking involving young boys and girls are rampant.

Comendador however, said that even with the seeming proliferation of home-based cyber pornography and cases human trafficking that have created public alarm, crimes of both nature are not alarming.

 “Cases of cyber pornography and human trafficking are just widely publicized in the media giving the impression that these crimes are an alarming trend here,” Commendador said.

Comendador said their office is coordinating with some groups focused on human trafficking and anti-pornography involving minors and women so that actions are coordinated and there is regular information sharing so that suspected areas where crimes of this nature are engaged can be closely monitored.

But to stop cyber pornography and human trafficking, Commendador said this needs concerted efforts from every sector in the community such as government agencies, barangay officials, parents, private sector among others.

Comendador urged the public to be vigilant and to support the police by reporting any suspicious activities within their areas. 

The PIOs for their part, pledged to do actions to stop cyber sex and human trafficking in the province through massive information dissemination in their respective areas. (FCR/AS/PIA-Cebu)

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Senate honors Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Teachers of 2011

Manila, August 21 (PIA) -- The Senate of the Philippines honors Metrobank Foundation for its commitment in honoring the teaching profession through its Outstanding Teachers 2011 awards.

The Senate commended Metrobank for its continuing efforts to recognize the teacher's exemplary competence, dedication to service and commitment in providing quality education. 

This year the Metrobank Foundation has chosen the 10 outstanding teachers namely;  Marcela E. Jingco of Angeles Elementary School, Angeles City;  Lora E. Añar of Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City; Dr. Teodora D. Conde of Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Manila;  Djhoane C. Aguilar of Panabo Central Elementary School, Panabo City; Dr. Chelo C. Tangan of Cagayan National High School, Tuguegarao City. 

Buenaventura D. Luces of Lusacan National High School, Tiaong, Quezon;  Vilma C. Ambat of Baguio City National High School, Baguio City;  Maricel S. Franco of Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Dr. Jericho Thaddeus P. Luna of the University of the Philippines-Manila; and Dr. Allan B. De Guzman of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. 

To join the Metrobank Foundation in honoring those outstanding teachers, the Senate of the PHL passed resolution-564 filed by senator Loren Legarda.

“Teachers are considered the heart of our educational system, heralded as the molders of our children’s future, and among the most prized leaders of the country,” reads Senate Resolution No. 564. 

“Amidst the difficulties our Filipino teachers are facing because of meager salaries and benefits and the deplorable condition of many of our school buildings, teaching materials and equipment, they remain reliable and dedicated in their duty of educating the youth,” the resolution continued.

The resolution said that despite the valuable contribution of our teachers to the advancement of the country, their efforts continue to be largely unacknowledged and oftentimes taken for granted. 

Senator Legarda with Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin S. Villarama, is the co-chair of the board of judges of the Metrobank’s search for outstanding teachers of 2011. 

Legarda noted that paying homage to the country’s unrecognized heroes, Metrobank Foundation has given recognition to some of our country’s educators through its annual search for outstanding teachers for the past 27 years.(PIA-7/MBCNewman with reports from the Office of Senator Legarda)