A 38 year old barangay chair, and a day care worker were among of the 13 trainees that have undergone the first “basic internet literacy class” for 2012, Saturday, January 14, 2011 at mayor’s office, here.

Osting Tilo and Ulysses Sambog, Kablon barangay chairman and day care worker respectively were quick to avail of the free internet literacy class under the “munisipyo sa barangay” of Tupi local government.

The program, now on year 2, aims to equip Tupinian on internet literacy skills and bridge the digital gap. Priorities are those in the countryside who have no direct access on information technology services.

“Masaya ako na meron tayong programang ganito” (I am happy that we have this program) Tilo said adding “Ngayon meron na akong naging kaibigan sa internet at hangad ko pang matuto ng computer para magamit ko sa aking tungkulin bilang isang opisyal ng barangay.” (Now I have gained friends on the internet and I want to learn more on computer operation so I can use the same on my work as barangay official).

Of the 13 trainees, 11 were from Barangay Kablon, and only two came from Barangay Cebuano. Kablon was able to generate more participants for Tilo took the lead in bringing down his constituents aboard barangay service vehicle.

Under the internet literacy crash course, participants are taught the basics of internet operation to include the yahoo account registration, and on social networking site such as face-book.

Last year, the program has trained 110 Tupinians mostly coming from the countryside.

There is more fun in traditional over digital mapping. It may not be as good as the conventional one but its’ contents and uses are the same.

All are indicated - that in a glance, one could see the areas resources and potentials, and they were doing it with fun.  That’s the traditional mapping skills of Matutum B’laans. Over a piece of manila paper, boundaries, owners, plants, species, and structures are found.

Assisted by the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO), B’laans had produced an alternative map with legends via the Community Based Resource Assessment and Mapping (CBRAM).

“CBRAM is very important in planning for the sustainable development of the proposed tarsier habitat” said Forester Jane Manlisis, Chief, PEMO – South Cotabato adding “for through community participation we would be able to identify all resources, land uses and the issues in the area.”

PEMO is presently facilitating the CBRAM in the Puroks of Bagong Silang, Bayanihan, Malipayon and Fortuna all of Linan and on the foot of Mt. Matutum in support to the tarsier research of Endangered Species International (ESI).

The said puroks are identified to be the habitat of the Matutum tarsier and are being eyed in reclaiming back the lost forest to pave way for the conservation of the threatened Matutum tarsier.

Tarsiers have been deprived of its habitat on Matutum as little have been known for its eco tourism values and ecological importance.

ESI, a San Francisco based non government organization and is committed to reduce the human induced wildlife extinction is currently undergoing tarsier research on Matutum.

The activity aims to provide eco tourism and economic opportunities to bolster B’laan pride while safeguarding the trees and resources within Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape.

The project is undertaken in partnership with the municipality of Tupi, the province of South Cotabato, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with other Matutum stakeholders.

Starting Sunday, January 15, Tupi will be smoke free as the "Anti - Smoking" ordinance will be fully implemented after a successful launching ceremony,Tuesday morning, January 10, at Tupi Sports and Cultural Center (TSCC).

Ordinance No. 663 "An Ordinance promoting a Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Environment Policy" was passed and approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Tupi last year, but its implementation was deferred pending the review of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of South Cotabato.

Instead, a massive information campaign were conducted in all of the 15 barangays of Tupi on the intention of the ordinance, its penal provision to include the ill effects of smoking to humans' health.

"Although this ordinance is very debatable, I fought for it because I believed that this is for the welfare of everybody" said Councilor Glenn C. Hatulan,  Committee on Health Chair and author of said ordinance.

Guest speaker, Dr. Virginia M. Sulit, TB Diagnostic Committee (TBDC) Chairman, pleaded to the young ones not to smoke and encourage the teachers to be role models for the children. "I hope that the persons  implementing this ordinance will be diligent for the welfare of everybody" said Dr. Sulit.

"I would like to congratulate the municipality of Tupi and the leadership of Municipal Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., Councilor Glenn C. Hatulan and the  Sangguniang Bayan members for passing this ordinance", said Dr. Rogelio B. Aturdido, adding "Let's work together for the health of the people of Tupi."