Amidst Critics, DepEd gears up for K to 12 full implementation

DepEd Philippines

"On this 5th year of K to 12 implementation, we are running a marathon and I can already see the finish line. We are on our last mile," said Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC after presenting a midterm report to the 16th Congress on the K to 12 Basic Education Program. 

In his presentation, Luistro outlined developments in the implementation of the K to 12 Program, specifically, the provision of fundamental education inputs from 2010 to 2014.  He asserted that, “All 220 divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) have finished planning and have figures on enrolment a year in advance. Plans were reviewed per division and against national figures then we [took results and] consulted with industry representatives.”

Since 2010 to 2014, DepEd has filled 128,055 new teacher items and constructed a total of 88,805 classrooms. DepEd expects 1.2M to 1.6M students from public high schools to enter Grade 11 in 2016 and 2017.

Of the 7,914 public high schools, DepEd identified 5,020 as potential Senior High Schools that are expected to accommodate 1.6M to 2.2M students. The remaining 800k to 1M students are expected to go to non-DepEd providers such as private high schools, private HEIs, SUCs and LUCs offering Senior High School.

Amid criticisms, the education chief encouraged openness to dialogue and extended gratitude to partners in the legislative who were instrumental in creating the Enhanced Basic Education Act and ensuring that no learners are left behind.

“The curriculum is done and it is the first time in history that it can be accessed in its entirety in the DepEd website,” Luistro said. He added that while it is complete, the Department welcomes feedback from the public. He maintains that education is everyone’s responsibility.

Commenting on the strengths of the K to 12 Program, Luistro said, “We looked at the exits (of the K to 12 curriculum).  Each Filipino should have skills in Information Technology, Learning and Innovation, Communication, and Life Skills. Mas importante po ang life skills, hindi lang ang nakukuha sa libro. Every Filipino will have the skills to be able to go to school, start their own businesses or be employed.”

Amid claims that a number of teachers stand to be unemployed because of the K to 12 Program, Luistro gave his assurance saying, "The situation is manageable. We will be hiring an estimated 30,000 to 41,000 high school teachers for 2016 and 2017 and we will give priority to the displaced teaching and non-teaching staff."

In his closing remarks, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. vowed to block attempts by Congress to suspend the K to 12 Program’s implementation saying, “We in Congress have given them the law and it cannot be suspended. Based on the discussion today, I think they [DepEd] are on the right track.”

As of March 5, there are 1,116 private schools that applied for SHS permits for SY 2016. Luistro said, “By the end of March, we will be able to issue actual probationary permits (for these applicants).”

Typhoon Ruby's Two to Three-day Forecast, Tracks and Position

UPDATED 12pm today 12-8-2014:  STY Hagupit (Ruby) has been downgraded into a tropical storm and is now rampaging the sea near the island of Marinduque Province in Region IV-B,  

As of 11 am Monday, the eye of the storm was located 20 kilometers east of Torrijos, Marinduque, with maximum sustained winds of 105 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 135 km/h. The storm's diameter has become smaller, now just 450 kilometers across, and moderate to heavy rainfall is expected by places under this area. Rappler reported. 

Ruby is still moving 10kmh west north west but slightly changed its course upwards.  It instead of having landfall at northern Mindoro, it will be hitting Batangas Province, 6-8pm. With the distance of Batangas to Metro Manila, it is expected that the place will be experiencing heavy rains and strong winds

Currently, except Metro Manila, signal # 3 is up over Regions IV-A and B including Lubang Islands.

New path of Ruby as of 11am.  Image Courtesy of PAG-ASA-DOST

As of 11am, Ruby is located at  20 km east of Torrijos, Marinduque, 13.3°N, 122.3°E, Maximum sustained winds of 105 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, it is expected to be 85 km Southwest of Quezon City and 295km Southwest of Quezon City by Thursday.  It's movement slightly increased from 10-13km/hr, West, North-West.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 – 15 mm per hour (moderate – heavy) within the 450 km diameter of the typhoon.

 "RUBY" and the Northeast Monsoon will cause rough to very rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas. Fisherfolks and those using small sea craft are advised not to venture out over the said seaboards.

Expected to Exit PAR: Wednesday evening.

Sources:  DOST-PAGASA and RAPPLER

Luistro Greets Batch 2013 in his Graduation Messages, reiterates society's role

Hon. DepEd Sec. Bro. Armin A. Luistro, FSC has not only greeted Batch 2013 but also called for continuing support from the different sectors of the society.

In his messages, he explained that the country is entering a period in the world’s history in which many of the old systems are being dismantled, gradually being replaced by newer, and hopefully, better ones. Technology, governments, businesses are fast evolving, recognizing that you, the individual, are a significant part of a bigger whole. You matter, and what you do matters.

The Philippines as he explained is not an stranger in this transforming reality.  "More than ever, your country recognizes your role in society, government and the economy. And so we are investing heavily on you; putting our hopes in each one of you," he emphasized.

As he mentioned the changes introduced to make the education relevant, he pointed out that the fruits of these efforts will take years before it yield fruit and so called on supporters and detractors alike for their continuing support and generosity  in sharing resources and support for it will go a long way and return to them a hundredfold, in one form or another.

Below is his complete message to Batch 2013.

M E S S A G E

To our Dear Students, Parents, teachers, Staff, Administrators and Partners in Education,

Greetings of Peace!

Another school year is coming to a close, signaling the start of a new chapter for most of you. You’ll move on to high school, college, or vocational school, while some of you may immediately join the workforce. Whichever path that stretches out before you, you can be sure that it is a fresh one, a renewed one.

We are entering a period in the world’s history in which many of the old systems are being dismantled, gradually being replaced by newer, and hopefully, better ones. Technology, governments, businesses are fast evolving, recognizing that you, the individual, are a significant part of a bigger whole. You matter, and what you do matters.

The Philippines is no stranger to this transforming reality. More than ever, your country recognizes your role in society, government and the economy. And so we are investing heavily on you; putting our hopes in each one of you.

In education, alone, we have introduced changes which aim to equip you with more relevant knowledge and skills for the new economy. The K to 12 Basic Education program is a massive upgrade of lessons, subjects and methods, to ensure we are honing your gifts to maximize your potential. You are at the heart of this upgrade. In helping you grow to be the persons you are meant to be, we are helping build a nation’s future.

The fruits of these efforts will take years before they yield fruit, but they will definitely affect, with positive force, all sectors of society. You have the capacity to effect these changes. I pray that you relentlessly seek and build better lives for yourselves and for the larger community around you.

To our parents, teachers, staff and administrators, I thank you for your patience and support as we undergo these radical changes. An investment is not an investment without capital. Your support and sacrifice make up the capital which would bring us to see our children lead and live in a country much transformed by your investment. Thank you!

And to all our partners in education, to our proponents in congress, local government units, the private sector and various non-profit organizations, you are well-aware that your generosity in sharing your resources and support will go a long way and return to you a hundredfold, in one form or another. Thank you for believing in the Filipino youth!

On behalf of the Republic of the Philippines, we congratulate you, our graduates of 2013!

Mabuhay ang Kabataang Pilipino!

(Sgd) BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSC

Secretary

Benefits of the K to 12 Program of the Department of Education

By:  Gilbert M. Forbes
DepEd- Quezon
Region IV-A

Though quite a number of the populace are already amenable with the K to 12 Program of the Department of Education, still quite a larger chunk are not still convinced about its relevance even when it is already starting  this school year 2012-2013.  They still contend that it will be problematic.  It is not surprising however because of the popular media.

Education practitioners particularly school leaders believe otherwise.  Contrary to popular beliefs, the program intends to benefits families and individuals and most importantly the economy for the following reasons:

• Enhanced and Decongest the Curriculum.  This set up will give students more time to master competencies and time for extra-curricular activities, thus allowing for a more holistic development.  Teachers will also be able to ensure that every competencies are taught and mastered and all the necessary skills are transferred and developed.   Usually teachers are not able to teach all the content of the curriculum due to time constraint particularly the competencies of the fourth quarter which are all essential and prerequisites for the next level.  It is further complicated by calamities both natural and man made plus a lot of holidays and celebrations which are usually extended shortening the number that pupils and students should spent in school.  What is most surprising is the fact that, we are teaching a curriculum which requires at least 12 years to finish for 10 years only!
• Acquisition and possession of skills relevant to the job market.  At present, most of our graduates are either too young or lacking the necessary skills and competencies most of the companies requires.  Most believe that only college education is the best way to be gainfully employed.  However, even having college education is not enough and actually is not the job market needs thus many ends up factory workers, call center agents, service industry crews, repairman.  For both the struggling and middle income families, it is a great waste of time of money.  The K to 12 basic education curriculum will be sufficient to prepare students for work.  So most parents are freed from the burden of having to spend for college just to make their children employable.  It will also slowly erase the common weak thinking that college is only the best route for success and gainful employment.
• Higher opportunity for gainful employment or becoming an entrepreneur.  Currently, high school graduates are not only too young but are actually ill equipped for work so if their families can't afford to send them to at least two-year technical courses end up idle.  Hence they have nothing to do, they end up joining their peers or barkada and usually learn vices or worst end-up into serious trouble.  If they would have been in school, it would likely be no happening.  On the other hand, those who are able to finish at least two-year technical and vocational courses of commercially oriented institutions are hardly fit for work particularly those in Marine Transportation and IT because the industry commonly demands at least four years of education. With K to 12, students are given opportunity to acquire Certificates of Competency (COC’s) and National Certifications (NC’s) in accordance with TESDA training regulations thus allowing graduates to have a middle level skills which will offer them better opportunities to be gainfully employed.  There will be school-industry partnership for technological and vocational (techvoc) tracks to allow students gain work experience while studying and offer opportunity to be absorbed by the companies.
• Better prepared for college.  Due to enhanced curriculum that will provide relevant content and attuned with the changing needs of the times, basic education will ensure sufficient mastery of the core subjects to its graduates such that graduates may opt to pursue higher education if they choose to.  Those who don’t could immediately start earning for their livelihood thus contributing already to the improvement of their families and of the economy.
• College Graduates recognized anywhere in the world.  Our graduates, particularly engineers, doctors, architects, etc., could now be recognized as professionals  anywhere in the world.  Those who intend to study abroad will meet the entrance requirements of foreign schools.  Currently, except for the middle east, our professionals are not regarded as equal in countries in America and Europe.  The Washington Accord prescribes 12-year basic education as an entry to recognition of engineering professionals.  On the other hand, the Bologna Accord requires 12 years of education for university admission and practice of profession in European countries.
• Economic Growth.  The economy is expected to experience accelerated growth in the long run.  Several studies have shown that the improvements in the quality of education increases GDP growth by as much as 2%.  Studies in the UK, India and US show that additional years of schooling also have positive overall impact on society..  
• Sound foundation for long-term economic development.  A better educated society provides a sound foundation for long- term development for the new system will contribute to the development of emotionally and intellectually mature individuals capable of pursuing productive employment or entrepreneurship or higher education disciplines.

Other worries such as higher drop out rate are unnecessary and are irrelevant for the Department of Education has already set programs that will address this.  The department in partnership with other government agencies is working together so that the transition will be smooth for it could not afford to fail.

Not only that, the Department is only making sure that it is delivering quality education which every Filipino is entitled to.  This is in consistent with Article XIV, Section 2(1) of the 1987 constitution which states that “The state shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.”

We Filipinos love changes.  It is evident in the way we embrace almost anything that is new.  Therefore, why not changes in education which after all is intended to make it relevant to the need of the times.

Of course, it would be difficult for some but it is only for the start.  Once we got adapted and used to, it will be just as natural and as easy as before.

We got to remember this,  “The illiterate of the new millennium is not the one who will not be able to read or write, but one who will not be able to learn, unlearn and relearn.”- 1998 Delor’s Education Report

(The writer has been working in the Department of Education as a public school teacher and school principal for sixteen and a half years.  Currently, he works as Elementary School Principal II of a central elementary school in the division of Quezon. He holds Bachelor Degree and MA in Educational Management (CAR) from the Philippine Normal University, Manila)

References:

Cue Cards Prepared by Gilbert M. Forbes as part of the Practicum on Basic Training Management and Oral Presentation Skills conducted by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines in partnership with DepEd Region IV-A (CALABARZON), April 21- 24, 2012.

Primer on the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program

K to 12 Basic Education Program Frequently Asked Questions as of November 25, 2011

Discussion Paper on the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program, October 25, 2010

You may also like reading:

Why K+12 is necessary? Information Dissemination Campaign, Key to Public Awareness and Acceptance of K+12 Program

K+12 to integrate best features of basic education

K to 12 will define our youth

The Economics of K to 12 

2012 National Regular, Non-Working and Special Holidays

As  early  as November 24 and released on December 1, 2011, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation 295 declaring 10 regular holidays, five special non-working holidays and a special holiday (all schools) for 2012.

Noted in the said proclamation are the celebration of Chinese New Year and November 2 as additional special working holiday.  Accordingly, Chinese New Year was included as a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people.  23 January 2012 may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest.

November 2 on the other hand falling between Thursday, 1 November 2012 (All Saints Day) and Saturday, has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country to give full opportunity to our people to properly observe All Saints Day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions in the country.  Like the Chinese New Year, it may also be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest the document emphasized.

The following regular holidays and special days for the year 2012 shall be observed in the country:

A. Regular Holidays

• New Year's Day - January 1 (Sunday)
• Maundy Thursday - April 5
• Good Friday - April 6
• Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 (Monday)
• Labor Day - May 1 (Tuesday)
• Independence Day - June 12 (Tuesday)
• National Heroes Day - August 27 (Last Monday of August)
• Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Friday)
• Christmas Day - December 25 (Tuesday)
• Rizal Day - December 30 (Sunday)

B.  Special (Non-Working) Days

• Chinese New Year - January 23 (Monday)
• Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Tuesday)
• All Saints Day - November 1 (Thursday)
• Additional special (non-working) day - November 2 (Friday)
• Last Day of the Year - December 31 (Monday)

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)

• EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Saturday)
• Eid’l Adha (Islam Feast of Sacrifice) – to be announced later 
• End of Ramadan (Eid’l Fitr) – to be announced later

DepEd warns the public on all forms of violence against children in school

DepEd, July 13, 2011

The Department of Education will soon come out with a more comprehensive child protection policy to shield the child against abuse, exploitation and discrimination including bullying and other forms of violence against children in school. 

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said school personnel and the public in general must be reminded that corporal punishment and violence in any form is not allowed in public schools whether committed by adults or the children’s peers.

 “We reiterate that school personnel who commit such acts are violating the provisions of Batas Pambansa 232 and that they can be held criminally liable including dismissal from the service,” added Luistro. 

On the other hand, Republic Act 7610 listed down acts that constitute child abuse and are therefore considered a criminal offense. This includes psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment. Also included is any act by deeds or words which debase, degrade or demean the worth and dignity of a child; unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival such as food and shelter; as well as failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting to serious impairment of his growth, permanent incapacity or death.

In view of this, DepEd as early as 2006 issued DepEd Memo 297 Prohibiting Acts Constituting Violations of RA 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Family Code to set a limit on the substitute parental authority being exercised by some DepEd authorities. 

The order specified that substitute parental authority can only be exercised within the school premises and it shall be exercised only to protect and promote the physical, mental and moral well-being of the students.

To further strengthen the campaign against child abuse in school, DepEd is developing a more comprehensive policy in consultation with teachers and other stakeholders. 

“This is a serious matter that we  cannot put off nor delay because it involves the over-all well being of our learners which  when not addressed promptly may negatively affect them for life,” said Luistro. 

The proposed policy will cover measures to prevent abuses against children in the school and the processes to be observed when abuses are committed. It will also include the procedures to follow and possible referral to other concerned agencies. 

 Meanwhile, DepEd expresses its supports to the anti-bullying bill of Senator Antonio Trillanes which seeks to institutionalize its teaching in schools and the creation of public awareness on its ill-effects on child development. This is consistent with the mandate of DepEd which puts premium on child safety in schools while providing an environment conducive to learning.

DepEd also believes that addressing the issue on bullying in school cannot be simply addressed by dismissing or suspending the offending child because it requires a more thorough approach that involves both the school and the parents to be able to get to the root of why a child resorts to bullying. Oftentimes, bullying is a manifestation of problems that stem at home.      

DepEd launches campaign to say “thank you” to teachers

DepEd Press Release

Sept. 11, 2011

Have you ever said thank you to at least one of your teachers who created a big difference in your life?

If not, this is your chance as the Department of Education launches a campaign that encourages every Filipino to say a word of thanks to their teachers – a fitting highlight to the annual celebration of Teachers Month  this September and World Teachers’ Day celebration on October 5.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said it is but proper that the country dedicate a whole month to recognize teachers for their unique role in preparing students for the future, in strengthening communities and in building a nation.

“I think we should regularly take time to revitalize the image of teachers and draw public attention to their value in society,” said Luistro. 

All public and private elementary and secondary schools, division and regional offices are enjoined to conduct programs and activities that support the Teachers Month and the World Teachers Day.

One of these is the say “thank you” campaign where students are encouraged to write a letter, send a card, offer a gift or post a greeting in various social networking sites.

“We have many creative ways and various media platforms to be used to express our gratitude to our teachers,” added Luistro.

DepEd likewise enlists the support of television and radio station anchors, hosts and artists to say “thank you” to their mentors in their respective programs.

Schools are encouraged to feature stories or write-ups on their teachers through their school papers, websites and Facebook accounts. They can also submit these write-ups to local newspapers and national broadsheets.

Moreoever, DepEd division and regional offices can mobilize support from the community and commercial establishments in paying tribute to teachers by encouraging them to give discounts, freebies and special treats and promos for the whole month of September until October 5.

DepEd calls schools to strengthen environmental education

In  view  of  the  pressing  global  concerns and  issues  on  the  environment,  the Department  of  Education  (DepEd) urges all public and private schools to lead the role on environmental  awareness  by  enhancing  environmental education  and  by  pursuing effective school-based activities that seek to preserve and protect the environment through a DepEd Order No. 52. s, 2011.

This is  in pursuant to Republic Act  (R.A.) No.  9512, entitled "An Act to Promote Environmental Education and  for Other Purposes."

Towards  this end,  all  public  and  private schools  are called to undertake  the  following activities:

• Intensifying  lessons  regarding environment  on all  science  subjects. Environmental concerns shall also be used as  tools for classroom drills, discussions and activities and shall be  taught and  be integrated in the related learning areas; 
• Encouraging  the  school  administrators,  officials  and  teachers  to  use various instructional materials  such  as   books, visual  aids,  teaching guides and materials in making the students aware of  the concerns and issues on  the  environment which  shall  promote students' participation in environmental activities and advocacies and instill in their minds the need to preserve and protect the environment;
• Encouraging  the  teachers  to  attend  lecture-seminars, workshops, conferences  and  other forums relating  to  environmental education which may be considered in their application for promotion;
• Establishing the Youth for  Environment in  School Organizations  (YES- 0) pursuant  to DepEd Order  No.  72, s. 2003  by  all  public and  private elementary  (Grades IV-VI) and secondary schools; and
• Establishing,  registering,  monitoring  and  evaluating  the YES-0  and other  related  organizations, which  shall  be  under the  administration and supervision  of  the DepEd7s Center  for  Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (CSCA); hence, regular reports shall be submitted by the CSCA to the Undersecretary  for  Programs  and  Projects, Undersecretary for Regional  Operations  and Undersecretary  for  Legal  and  Legislative Affairs. 

Aside from the formal public-private schools, the Bureau  of  Elementary Education (BEE), Bureau  of  Secondary Education (BSE) and Bureau  of  Alternative Learning System  (BALS) shall integrate environmental education including issues and concerns in their review of  existing curricula.

How does it count to be green? School in Bali Indonesia proves it otherwise

Andrew Stevens, CNN
July 19, 2011 -- Updated 1227 GMT (2027 HKT)

Bali, Indonesia (CNN) -- Learning Shakespeare under a thatched roof in a building made almost entirely from bamboo. The Green School in Bali, Indonesia, is like no other.

The idea came to its founder John Hardy after his wife took him to see the Al Gore's movie "An Inconvenient Truth."

Hardy -- who retired from running a successful jewelry business in 2007 -- was horrified by what he saw on screen and how climate change might affect his four children. So, he resolved to dedicate the rest of his life to do whatever he could to make their lot better, he says.
At the Green School, students from nursery to eighth grade get, what Hardy calls, "a holistic education" -- well rounded, with a special emphasis on the environment.

"The whole idea of sustainability and holism, which this school is based on, is that you don't dig everything up and spend it...and live inside your environmental means..." Hardy says.

His goal is to decrease the school's carbon footprint even further, which means growing organic vegetables in the garden and using waste from livestock and turning it into biogas for cooking.
Power is generated with the use of this hydroelectric vortex, and soon solar panels will be installed, taking the school completely off the grid.

But Hardy isn't without his critics.

The Green School is an international school that charges steep fees (from nearly $6,000 to almost $13,000 per annum). Most of its students are foreigners with Indonesians making up only 20% of the intake, and most of them are on scholarships.

"We haven't been entirely successful at getting local parents, with means, to send their children to come to the Green School".

Still, the school is expanding. When it opened in 2008 it had 98 children. This year they expect 300 students to enroll.

Hardy's vision has grown since he first saw Al Gore's movie. He says the Green School is just the anchor for what he hopes will become a truly green community.

Just over half a mile from the school Hardy is creating the Green Village.

"Having to put kids in cars or public transport every morning is silly," he said, "so the kids from the Green Village -- it is 900 meters from the school - will be able to walk through the Balinese fields to the school."

Helping Hardy develop this unique housing enclave is his 30-year-old daughter Elora. She gave up a high profile graphic designer job in New York and put her skills to work in Bali.

Like the Green School, these houses are made mostly from bamboo.

"From a resource point of view, bamboo is incredibly green," Elora Hardy said, "and I think that the spaces we're making have the effect when people go inside of feeling connected to nature."
Some of these homes cost up to half a million dollars and most are owned by wealthy families whose children go to the school, trading their city lives for greener lifestyles.
Hardy takes much pride from his daughter's choice to join him in what he describes as an amazing journey.

"We really have to develop into a sustainable system and a sustainable place, so that the grandchildren can go: 'ok we were headed to the abyss but Dad, Mom and Grandpa put the brakes on. Now...things are looking good.'"

Syndicated from:  http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/07/18/green.school.bali/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

'Be Solemn and Austere on 2011 Graduation Exercises' - DepEd

Just like in its previous pronouncement over the years, DepEd has emphasizes austerity measures and solemnity in the holding of graduation exercises as the school year ends.

In a department order released on January 17, 2011, DepEd Order No. 4, s. 2011, reminded schools of DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2005  which states that school heads, teachers and other DepEd personnel are not allowed any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for graduation rites.  PTA may solicit voluntary contributions from each members but warn of teachers and school head involvement in the collection process.  It furthers that the graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating students and parents and shall not be used as a venue for political forum.

The graduation rites shall be scheduled any day between April 1- 7, 2011 as corrected by DepEd Order No. 7, 2011 (Change in DepEd Order No. 4, s. 2011 which earlier dated it March 24- 28)  focusing on the them “The Graduate:  A Partner Towards Transformational Society, An Answer to Societal Changes” (Ang Mga Magsisipagtapos:  Kaagapay Tungo sa Pagbabagong Anyo ng Lipunan, Tugon sa Hamon ng Sambayanan).

DepEd bats for stakeholders support for the Success of Early Registration Day

To ensure the success of the Early Registration Day for pre-scholers or kindergartens, grade one and first year high school pupils and students, schools nationwide are enjoined to work with parents, local barangay officials, other stakeholders, pupils and students for support.

DepEd by virtue of DepEd Order No. 2, s. 2011, declares January 29 as Early Registration Day in public schools with the theme “Makapag-aral ay Karapatan Mo, Magpalista Ngayong Enero,”  primarily aimed at achieving universal participation in basic education.

The program sets four major objectives thus seeking the assistance of all stakeholders from parents and local officials from the barangay level onwards.  These include  reaching out all 5 and 6-year olds children and ensure their enrolment next SY 2011-2012, to guarantee the enrollment of all prospective grade six graduates in their preferred high schools, to anticipate potential resource needs in time for the opening of classes on June, and the last, to support schools in their efforts of providing education intervention to prevent children and youth from dropping out from school.

Parents and Barangay Councils nationwide could help not only in information dessimination campaign but more importantly in providing schools correct data and helping them identify, find and encourages all school-age populace to be in school.

Deped celebrates 2010 Education Week

“Edukasyon, Tungo sa Tapat na Pagbabago at Pag-unlad,” is the theme of the 2010 Education Week Celebration of the Department of Education held Dec. 6- 10 nation wide.

According to DepEd Memo No. 491, s. 2010 released by the central office last Friday, the celebration aims to reaffirm and emphasize the role of education in empowering and developing the young to become productive citizens of the country and responsive to the needs of the times; strengthen cooperation among stakeholders in education to support the necessary and significant changes to achieve quality and relevant education and inspire every educator to do more for the schoolchildren to ensure their future.

All school officials are encouraged to conduct simple and austere programs and activities consistent with the theme and objectives of this year’s celebration during the week while regional directors and schools division superintendent are enjoined to take active lead in it.

Part of the suggested activities are simultaneous flag raising and inspirational talk of highest official present, putting-up of bazaars or tiangge, seminar, training workshops, team building for teachers and students, exhibits of outstanding achievements, academic and co-curricular contests, tree planting, tree growing and tree-caring activity, run for education funds collected will help in renovating school buildings destroyed by typhoons, Brigada Eskwela Plus, Balik Paaralan (The Supreme Student Governments and School Pupil Governments officers will serve as teachers to out-of-school youth, street children,  and others.  They may give books, papers, pencils, pens and other school materials) and Pasko Na! (Schools and Offices will conduct a pre-Christmas activity like gift-giving.  Beneficiaries should come from poor communities, orphanages and others.

Any of the said activities however are not suppose to disrupt classes so necessary arrangement should be made, DepEd emphasized in its memo.