7 Pinoy students survive West Virginia's worst flooding

Seven Filipino students were among the hundreds affected by the flooding that left 24 dead and hundreds homeless in West Virgina, U.S. last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

DFA Charles Jose confirmed that the students were on-the-job trainees from the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

Jose said the Philippine Embassy in Washington evacuated the students to a safer area after floods swept the house where they were staying.

 DLS-CSB students said the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC has reached out to them for assistance pic.twitter.com/CMFYZo9P1F — Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) June 27, 2016
 
Before this, the group sought shelter at a cave near the resort, according to a report from ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda.

ABS-CBN's Jeff Canoy also reported that the students lost all their belongings, including passports and other travel documents in the flood.

DLS-CSB students among those who survived the historic floods; They're in #WestVirginia for an internship program pic.twitter.com/ahHq9oHzQD

— Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) June 26, 2016

Jose said they continue coordinating with DLS-CSB authorities to help the seven students.

The DFA spokesperson said there were no reports of other Filipinos affected by the flooding.

U.S. President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster for West Virginia and ordered federal aid to affected individuals in Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties.

A Reuters report said up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) of rain fell on Thursday in the mountainous state, sending torrents of water from rivers and streams through homes and causing widespread devastation.

Devastating scenes in White Sulphur Springs. At least 24 dead in flood-hit #WestVirginia @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/oxUwFil7Ey


 — Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) June 26, 2016
 
West Virginia's death toll from flooding is the highest for any U.S. state this year.

The state is home to some 3,000 Filipino expatriates. -- With a report from Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy students win 26 medals, awards in Malaysia math contest

MANILA – Young Filipino students won big in their last international math competition for the year.

The Philippine team bagged 26 individual medals and team awards in the International Teenagers’ Mathematical Olympiad (ITMO) 2015 held in Malaysia from December 10 to 14.

They won two gold, three silver and nine bronze medals and two merit awards in the individual contest; four first runner-up and four second runner-up awards in the team and group contests; and two awards in the Puzzle Challenge.

According to team leader Dr. Isidro Aguilar of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines, the individual awardees are:

Gold Medal
Jinger Chong - St. Jude Catholic School
Stefan Marcus Ong - St. Jude Catholic School

Silver Medal
Steven Reyes - St. Jude Catholic School
Andres Rico Gonzales III - Colegio San Juan de Letran
Terence Brian Tsai - Chiang Kai Shek College

Bronze Medal
William Joshua King - Bethany Christian School
Eason Wong - Philippine Cultural College-Annex
Alyana Zoie Chua - MGC New Life Christian Academy
Natalia Beatrice Dy - St. John's Institute
Tiffany Mae Ong - Immaculate Christian Academy-Greenhills
Eion Nikolai Chua - MGC New Life Christian Academy
Bryce Ainsley Sanchez - Grace Christian College
Elijamin Wolfgang Claveria - Philippine Science High School-Main
Xavier Jefferson Ray Go - Zamboanga Chong Hua High School

Merit Awards
Jarrett Ian Lim -Philippine Academy of Sakya
Xuanye Li - Xavier School

In addition, Wong and Eion Nikolai Chua also won second runner-up and third runner-up, respectively, in the Puzzle Challenge.

For the team and group contests, Philippine Team D (composed of Gonzales, Tsai, Claveria and Li) won two first runner-up awards.

Team C (composed of Reyes, Ong, Sanchez and Chua) and Team B (composed of Chong, Chua, Dy and Ong) took home first and second runner-up awards.

Meanwhile, Team A (composed of Go, King, Wong and Lim) grabbed two second runner-up awards.

The contestants were joined by team leaders Prof. Arvie Ubarro, Renard Eric Chua, Manuel Kotah and Aguilar, and deputy team leaders Dr. Enerio Sagusay, Joseph Wee, Ivan Roblas, and Juriel Pollisco.

A total of 160 contestants joined this year’s ITMO. Aside from the Philippines, other participating countries include Bulgaria, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Prime Minister Key: More opportunities for Pinoys in NZ

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said they are increasing opportunities for Filipino students to study in New Zealand.

Key, who is in the Philippines for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, said New Zealand's demand for Filipino workers particularly in the construction and health care industry also continues.


As flights from the Philippines to New Zealand to start next month, Key believes this will bolster tourism between both countries.

Meanwhile, Key is hoping other member-economies of APEC, including the Philippines, would join Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).

A champion of free trade, Key said joining the TPP produced good results for their country and the nations they signed the agreement with.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy students win 27 medals in China math contests

MANILA – Continuing the country’s string of victories in international math contests, young Filipino students won a total of 27 medals in two recent competitions in China.

Each of the five Philippine delegates brought home a medal at the China Girls Mathematical Olympiad (CGMO) held in Guangdong from August 10 to 14.

Andrea Jaba and Jinger Chong of St. Jude Catholic School in Manila each won a silver medal, while Isabel Jocyn Villanueva of PAREF Woodroose School in Muntinlupa, Natalie Beatrice Dy of St. John’s Institute in Bacolod City and Tiffany Mae Ong of Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan were given bronze medals.

“I congratulate our young girls for winning in this year’s CGMO,” Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Phlippines (MTG), said in a statement.

Aside from the Philippines and China, which topped the competition, other participating countries in the CGMO include the United States, Singapore, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Macau and Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the Philippine team bagged three gold medals, 19 bronze medals and 30 merit awards at the 2015 World Mathematics Invitational (WMI) contest held in Gullin, China from August 8 to 12.

The contest also included participants from Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea and Macau.

Here are the winners in the WMI, according to the Mathematics Development Academy of the Philippines or MathDAP:

Gold medal

1. Philip Ezekiel Tan III - Philippine Science High School-Main
2. Ayezza Myrisse Candelario - Negros Occidental National Science High School
3. Eric Fabian Mendez Jr. - Philippine Science High School-Bicol Region

Bronze medal

1. Evan Nathaniel Collantes - Divine Light Academy
2. Nathan Gabriel Neria - Grace Christian College
3. Alyanna Almirol - Falcon School
4. Franz Achilles Lindayag - Ateneo de Davao University
5. Cyrus Nolasco - Dasmariñas II Central School
6. Andrea Zyrene Palisoc - BHC Educational Institution
7. Jehan Domenden - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
8. Angie Claryl Caccam - Tuguegarao West Central School
9. Gianna Patricia Jimenez - San Beda College-Alabang
10. Martin Johan Ocho - De La Salle Zobel
11. Bedrich Damasco - Immaculate Conception Parochial School
12. Justin Reign Aguinaldo - Philippine Yuh Chiau School
13. Hannah Isabelle Mediavillo - Colegio San Agustin-Biñan
14. Amery Caleb Atinon - Xavier School
15. Natasha Mae Delmo - Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School
16. Nazka Leosala - Taguig Science High School
17. Makarios Joash Wee - Philippine Christian Gospel School
18. Maria Cassandra Vitug - International British Academy
19. Nicanor Chan Jr. - St. Paul University

Merit award

1. Kyla Keith Tan - Lanao Chung Hua School
2. Kristen Anne Deodores - Colegio San Agustin - Biñan
3. Shaun Nicolo Salazar - PAREF Southridge School
4. Daryl Josef Fernandez - Dasmariñas II Central School
5. Joan Ian Ross Llavore - Macalva Elementary School
6. Roy Vincent Lopico - Saint Barachiel Special Science School
7. Jhurgen Keith Selwyn Pascua - Eastern Gate Christian Academy
8. Maria Domnique Beltran - University of St. Louis Tuguegarao
9. Ashlyn FarahTadeo - Jesus is Lord Colleges Foundation
10. Alexa Frann Barbadillo - Colegio de San Ignacio
11. Jan Michael Ortaliz - Trinity Christian School
12. Karylle Faye Lopez - Tuguegarao West Central School
13. Jomico Marcus Costales - BHC Educational Institution
14. Kasey Amira Cristobal - Columban College - Barreto
15. Ella Katrina Sesuca - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
16. Melissa Joy Co - Ke Bing School
17. Ma. Allyssa Bea Duya - Iloilo Scholastic Academy
18. Macky Emerson Benitez - St. Augustine's School
19. Francesca Bettina Bernabe - Philippine Yuh Chiau School
20. Kasler Dell Abansi - BHC Educational Institution
21. Julla Gray Cerezo - Divine Word Academy of Dagupan
22. Marinel Conceja - Lyceum of Aparri
23. Josua James Angelo Galotera - Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas
24. Ivaniel Salen - Sen. Renato Compañero Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School
25. Bryan Kier Leopando - Tagbilaran City Science High School
26. Diego Gabriel Rodriguez - on Bosco Technical Institute
27. Jethro Mendoza - Regional Science High School I
28. Samantha Jule Ebarle - University of San Carlos-South
29. Christel Joyce Castro - Sen. Renato Compañero Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School
30. Markus Christoffer Toribio - Lyceum of Aparri

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

2 treated for serious injuries after school blast

VALLEJO, California - Filipino students were among those who were evacuated at Vallejo High School after firefighters received reports of an explosion inside a computer lab/photo studio at about 8:20 a.m. on Friday.

The blast, which authorities say was caused by natural gas explosion, injured two school district employees performing maintenance in the room.

Both employees have been rushed to the hospital for serious injuries. Balitang America is still trying to determine if any of them are Filipino.

Authorities said there were no students inside the building at the time, and no students were injured. The photo lab is in a building separate from others on campus.

A few Pinoy students said they did not hear an explosion, but they did smell gas.

"The fire alarm went off. They said there was a gas leak so we just left the classroom. Nobody was really scared," said student Nick Patricio.

Two hours after the explosion, authorities said the dangers have been isolated and mitigated and classes at Vallejo High resumed. Students were given the option to go back to class or to go home.

The cause of the blast is still under investigation.

For now, Vallejo High officials are blaming the incident on the Bay Area earthquake in August, saying the school district employees turned the gas on after repairing damage from the quake which resulted in the blast.

Read more from Balitang America

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Japan invites anime fans to youth exchange program

MANILA - Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is looking for Filipino students interested in manga, anime, and cosplay for its latest youth exchange program.

The 5th JENESYS 2.0, organized by the Japan Information and Culture Center and the Japan International Cooperation Center, will be sending 23 Filipino students, aged 18-30, for a cultural immersion to Japan.

The 10-day long program, from March 21-30, will be focusing on the Japanese pop culture, mainly in the art of manga, anime, and cosplay.

One of the highlights of the program will be a trip to one of the largest anime festivals in the world "Anime Japan 2014."

Interested applicants can visit the Embassy of Japan website for qualification, guidelines, and entry forms.

The deadline for submission of applications is on January 31, 2014 (Friday)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

5 Pinoys get perfect scores in Aussie math tilt

MANILA – Five Filipino students achieved a milestone this year by getting perfect scores in the recently held 2013 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).

They are Adrian Reginald Sy and Matthew Angelo Isidro of St. Jude Catholic School, Clyde Wesley Ang of Chiang Kai Shek College, Kyle Patrick Dulay of Philippine Science High School, and Shaquille Wyan Que of Grace Christian College.

Five other Filipino students bagged the AMC Prize Awards – Matthew Ryan Tan of St. Jude Catholic School, Christian Philip Gelera of Philippine Science High School-Main, Dion Stephen Ong of Ateneo de Manila University Grade School, Dominic Lawrence Bermudez of Notre Dame of Greater Manila-Caloocan, and Shawn Chua of MGC New Life Christian Academy.

Meanwhile, 63 students earned High Distinction Awards for making it to the top 2% of the AMC, which drew thousands of participants from Australia, Bulgaria, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, New Zealand, South Korea and Hong Kong.

All of the Filipino winners will be awarded in the Philippines next month by the contest’s organizer, Australian Mathematics Trust, said Dr. Simon Chua, president of Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines.

The 63 High Distinction awardees from the Philippines include:

1. Enzo Chan, Bayanihan Institute
2. Lyonel Justin Ching, Jubilee Christian Academy
3. Nathan Mayer Dy, St. John's Institute
4. Keshia Ianthe Gutierrez, Special Education Center for the Gifted
5. Mikyla Taryn Kua Keng, UNO High School
6. Keean Nathaniel Tang, UNO High School
7. Jedd Sebastian Abrigo, Notre Dame of Greater Manila, Caloocan City
8. Immanuel Josiah Balete, St. Stephen’s High School
9. Sted Micah Cheng, Hope Christian High School
10. Clarissa Lois Dalian, Precious International School of Davao
11. Daryll Carlsten Ko, St. Stephen’s High School
12. Rene John Ongchua, Solomon Integrated School de Iloilo
13. Allyana Coleen Reyes, Falcon School
14. Ron Lian Nikolaus Tan, Morning Star Montessori Los Banos
15. Patricia Faith Capito, University of the Philippines - Integrated School
16. Eion Nikolai Chua, MGC New Life Christian Academy
17. Drew Skyler Co,Jubilee Christian Academy
18. Maxinne Louise Co, Ateneo de Iloilo - SMCS
19. Jessica Gan, St. Jude Catholic School
20. Genrish Ng, St. Jude Catholic School
21. Francis Matthew Pascua, Kaj-Play and Learn Center of Bolinao
22. Steven Reyes, St. Jude Catholic School
23. Colin Beiel Rosales, Notre Dame of Greater Manila, Caloocan City
24. Bryce Ainsley Sanchez, Grace Christian College
25. Sherwin Adrien Tiu, St. Stephen’s High School
26. Juan Pablo Abola, PAREF Southridge School
27. John Henry Marquez,University of the Philippines - Integrated School
28. Stefan Marcus Ong, St. Jude Catholic School
29. Mickel Lyle Angelo Pe, Antique SPED Center
30. Patrick Nino Policarpio, Greenpark Montessori Learning Center
31. Gabriel Joseph Pua, St. Stephen’s High School
32. Andrhea San Gabriel, Small World Christian School Foundation
33. Kathleen Ann Sison, Huasiong College of Iloilo
34. Audrey Sy, St. Jude Catholic School
35. Matthew Tan, St. Stephen’s High School
36. Jinger Chong, St. Jude Catholic School
37. Jan Joshua Cruz, Pasig Catholic College
38. Sedrick Keh, Xavier School
39. Jose Ignacio Locsin, Philippine Science High School-Main
40. Angelika Joie Tagupa, Philippine Science High School-Main
41. Steven John Wang, UNO High School
42. Eason Wong, Philippine Cultural College
43. Elijamin Claveria, Philippine Science High School-Main
44. Miguel Lorenzo, Ildesa Phil. Science High School-Main
45. Errol John Suarez, Aquinas University of Legazpi
46. Farrell Eldrian Wu, MGC New Life Christian Academy
47. Alfonso Miguel Abella, Grace Christian College
48. Johann Carta, Hope Christian High School
49. Andrew John Chan, Hope Christian High School
50. Raymond Joseph Fadri, Makati Science High School
51. Kelsey Lim Tiong Soon, Grace Christian College
52. Gerald Pascua, Philippine Science High School-Main
53. Andrew Lawrence Sy, Xavier School-High School
54. Isabella Tan, St. Jude Catholic School
55. Nathanael Joshua Balete, St. Stephen’s High School
56. Austin Edrich Chua, St. Jude Catholic School
57. John Thomas Chuatak, St. Stephen’s High School
58. James Daniel Cordon, Philippine Science High School-Main
59. Ma Czarina Angela Lao, St. Jude Catholic School
60. Emilio Paul Nogales, Philippine Science High School-Main
61. Mario Antonio Ongkiko, Xavier School
62. Immanuel Gabriel Sin, Ateneo de Manila University High School
63. Kaye Janelle Yao, Grace Christian College

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

California's biggest college fights to stay open

Main campus has 4,000 Pinoy students

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco City College’s fight to keep its accreditation got much-needed support from San Francisco Attorney Dennis Herrera.

Last week, Herrera filed a suit in Superior Court against the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, to stop the agency from revoking the accreditation of the city’s community college on July 31, 2014.

The commission has cited problems with the City College’s governance and fiscal planning. The sanction could shut down California’s largest school, because it would lose access to local, state and federal funding.

The City College of San Francisco has about 85,000 students. In its main campus alone, 4,000 of the 35,000 students are Filipino, the largest population of Filipino students in any school outside the Philippines.

"There’s no question in anyone’s mind that City College is really a piece of the fabric of the City and County of San Francisco. Everywhere I go, everyone I’ve spoken to, have either taken a class, or have a relative taking a class here," said Dr. Robert Agrella, Special Trustee of the school.

In a recent press conference at the New America media, Agrella assured people that the City College of San Francisco continues to operate as it tries to meet the requirements for accreditation.

“We are alive. We are well. We are fully functioning. We are fully accredited, as we go through all these processes leading to the maintenance of our accreditation. We remain an accredited institution,” Agrella stressed.

In fact, City College officials said that the quality of education there has not been sacrificed, despite the crisis it’s going through.

“Our number of sections for the classes that we are offering this year, is actually up, in our credit area in particular. We have not made a big reduction. We are looking to see that the classes meet the demands of our students,” said Joanne Low, Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs.

Low added that the school is even hiring more instructors to accommodate more classes.

City College officials hope that the school will show enough progress that the commission could extend its accreditation deadline. But while it’s still open and trying to recover, students are worried about its future. The community college has so far suffered a 10 percent decline in its enrollment for the new semester.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com