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Another form of "alternative education" under the Center of Continuing Cultural Exchange (CCCE) will be formally launched during the "Yam Gin" Festival to be held in the towns of Loboc and Corella from December 20 to 29, 2007.

According to CCCE Executive Director Marietta Biliran, similar to the (Department of Education-sponsored) informal course undergone by world-renowned People's Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, the new found educational method only occasionally uses the classroom for the course. The community and the place of work (i.e. farm) can become the student's laboratory to validate the theory in real terms.

The courses (mostly 25 students per class) will be conducted by an Asian expatriate teacher and a Filipino hiree which will ensure an integrated region approach to the study materials.

Loboc will have the "prep school" alternative, which makes large use of the child's family and community as "the bigger classroom" and in which culture, art and consciousness of the (natural) environment will be integrated in the learning process.

Corella on the other hand will conduct a four-year course, focusing on the agriculture, as compared to the purely academic courses in the regular high school.

Graduates in both courses will receive certificates of completion which is equivalent to the regular diplomas of the academic schools.

Scholarships can be granted to students who cannot afford the already reasonable "tuition rate" for the courses, according to Biliran who is also in charge of the "Yam Gin" Festival. Bohol will aim to establish two Guinness Book of World Records distinction for the largest ginger muffin Christmas Tree at the Loboc auditorium and the longest Ubi jam chain in Corella town at 7 p.m. on Dec. 28.

The festival which aims to develop agricultural products and awareness of the environment is an offshoot of the Philippines' commitment to the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations Organization. The Philippines has launched the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program and the Bio Fuel Act of 2007.

Aside from the seminar on the benefits of Jathropa Curcas propagation, a "Cycling for Clean Air" or the Clean Island Bicycle tour will be conducted by local cycling enthusiasts which include several town mayors on December 22 at 9 a.m. in Loboc.

Participants may bring their own bikes or rent them at Nuts Huts in Loboc (0920- 846-1559).

Giveaways like the Corella kinampay and Loboc fresh ginger will be given during the festival.

Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap and the senior officers of the Department of Agriculture are expected to grace the occasion.

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