With the opening of classes for this school year drawing near, many Filipino students who had to climb trees or mountains just to get a good internet signal for their online classes have gone viral in social media.

Last July, nine students from Brgy. Rizal, Sorsogon caught the netizens’ attention when they built a hut that will serve as a learning kiosk where they can have their classes. 

The students, who are cousins, resorted to creating a learning kiosk to meet the demands of schooling this year. 

To ensure that the said students will have a comfortable place to study, UNTV’s Serbisyong Bayanihan (SB) hosted by Kuya Daniel Razon (KDR), the Members Church of God International (MCGI) led by Bro. Eli Soriano, and the Bible Readers Society (BRead) Society went out of their way to convert the makeshift hut into a sturdy cottage.

Moreover, they also received two tablets, which they can use in their distance learning, from Wish 107.5’s digital concert “Notes of Hope” held last August. Sen. Bong Go likewise gave nine tablets to the said students and to the two teachers from Sorsogon who volunteered to supervise them once classes started. 

These nine students are among the millions of students who wish to continue their studies despite the Covid-19 pandemic. What is even more remarkable about them was their willingness to help their fellow students who are also in need; they decided to give them the extra tablets that they received.

Apart from internet access, distance learning continues to cause a lot of worries for many families, especially those who could not afford to buy the necessary gadget.

On the September 7 episode of Serbisyong Bayanihan in partnership with sponsors from different parts of the world, were able to provide tablets to the following: 

• Anabelle Rodriguez from Isabela;
• Hazel Joy Marcelo from Davao City;
• Cecilio Abella from Paco, Manila, who would also receive additional medical help for his prostate problem and hernia;
• Rizalia Caber from Payatas, Quezon City, who also received pineapples and face masks that she can sell;
• Rochelle Cabading from Sta. Cruz, Laguna;
• Regie Sales from GMA, Cavite;
• Fe Abanes from Western Samar; and
• Marites Cortes from Iriga City, Camarines Sur

SB was able to provide the water tank requested by Ma’am Shalimar Pilapil, a teacher from Gonzalo Aler National High School in Camarines Norte.

Printing materials for modules were likewise sent to Manili National High School in Candaba, Pampanga, upon its school principal’s request, Dr. Runilo Sanguyo. 

Learn New Skills from Serbisyong Bayanihan’s Sa ‘Tin ‘To

To help those looking for work, SB’s segment Sa’Tin ‘To, provided tips in enhancing active listening skills and in developing typing skills, and also urban gardening tips for those who live in cities. 

An impressive active listening skill is a qualification that many jobs are looking for, especially in call centers. One way of achieving it is by answering online English listening tests at www.examenglish.com and www.englishstore.net.

Aside from answering free online listening tests, another way of improving active listening skills is through watching YouTube videos that provide English listening lessons. When up for a phone interview, having good active listening skills can take you a long way. 

A proof that the applicant understands and hears what the interviewer is saying is, if he does not ask him to repeat the question. Using a perky or energetic voice when talking to the interviewer is also advisable to show attentiveness and eagerness to get the job.

When it comes to office jobs, typing skills is a job qualification that any applicant should possess. Learning this skill would entail knowing the “home keys.” 

In a computer, it is noticeable that the F and J keys have marks. Sa’Tin ‘To emphasizes the importance of such keys in learning the rest of the home keys. Here are the tips for learning the home keys:

• Start with F and J – put the left index finger on F, and right index finger on J;
• The left middle finger goes on the letter D, left ring finger on letter S, and the left pinky finger on A;
• On the other hand, the right middle finger goes on the letter K and the right ring finger on the letter L, with the right pinky finger to be placed on the colon-semicolon key; and
• Two thumbs are to be placed on the space bar.

It is also advisable to practice typing “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.” to become familiar with the home keys.

Lastly, for those who want to start urban gardening, Sa’Tin ‘To encourages the planting of vegetables that are easy to grow, such as cabbage, lettuce, okra, string beans, and tomatoes. With the popularity of online stores nowadays, anyone can buy seeds via door-to-door delivery to avoid going to public markets.

Moreover, the Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, gives free vegetable seeds such as eggplants, string beans, tomatoes, bitter gourd, okra, and kangkong, or water spinach. 

To request for free vegetable seeds, send an email today to bpi.crpsd.planning@gmail.com.

Serbisyong Bayanihan Provides Medical Assistance and Small Business Fund

As the world continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic, many who lost their jobs and livelihood are now looking for ways to sustain their needs.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the funds to start a small business. Moreover, those who are already suffering from an illness even before the pandemic started are now problematic on how they can continue with their medications since they have lost their livelihood.

Hence, it has always been the goal of Serbisyong Bayanihan to help anyone in need, whether medical, educational, or financial. The program caters, without discrimination, to people of all religion, gender, age, status, and political affiliation.

For this week’s SB episodes, Kuya Daniel reached out to the following recipients either to start a small business or get the medical assistance that they need for their loved ones:

• Divina Boncodin from Paco, Manila received goods for her sari-sari store. Meanwhile, Joy Alvarez from Makati City and Evangeline Maniscan from Carcar, Cebu, requested for a small capital to start a food store;
• Brgy. Bagbag in Quezon City also received medicines and medical equipment for senior citizens in the area upon the request of their Brgy. Chairman, Richard Ambita; 
• Gener Cabangisa from Valenzuela City already received the reading glasses, vitamins, and medicines that he requested from KDR, while Juanito Frenisma, Jr. from Matnog, Sorsogon and Anna from Cainta, Rizal, received relief goods. 

At the end of the show, Kuya Daniel reminded everyone that there is nothing wrong in starting small — whether it is in looking for a job or in starting a business. There is no need to rush things because success does not come overnight.

According to the veteran broadcast journalist, with perseverance and God’s help, any small beginnings will eventually grow and prosper. (Glaicee Joy Paner)