DepEd beefs up on good governance
“Just as we demand accountability and honesty from others, so should we assess ourselves and strive to be law-abiding citizens,” said DepEd chief Jesli Lapus. He added the topics were timely and relevant for DepEd officials in performing their duties as public officials.
It may be noted that the DepEd recently ranked number one least corrupt agency and number one in public approval rating in a 2009 Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan national survey. Secretary Lapus was also voted best performing cabinet secretary in the same poll.
A two-day Anti-Graft and Corruption Seminar was conducted by the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV) for various government agencies. It is pursuant to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s on-going thrust for good governance and campaign against graft and corruption.
CRFV held seminars for Regions I, II, III, and IX including school divisions and districts from January to July 2009. Anti-graft and corruption seminars are slated soon for Region I, IVA, IVB and VI.
Lapus urges participants to, “walk out of the seminars with a plan to, not only spread these good values by word of mouth but to aggressively live them as well.”
According to Nenita Olairez, Education Supervisor II, Elementary Education Division, “It boosted morale, served as guide and inspired us in carrying out our tasks as public servants.”
“The seminar reminded us not only of our rights and privileges, but also our duties, limitations and responsibilities,” shared Marlene Castillo, an elementary school principal.
Last year, Lapus was conferred the Manuel L. Quezon Good Governance Award for his exemplary management skills and leadership that saw the Department of Education registering marked efficiency in resource mobilization as well as improving performance of public school students in national tests.
The award was bestowed by the Good Citizenship Movement during the Joint Congress of the Federation of Catholic Schools’ Alumni Association. The movement comprises 200 non-government organizations nationwide. Other awardees in 2008 were Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando and SM Prime Holdings President Teresita Coson.
CRFV enjoins all sectors of the government, including officials and employees, to actively participate in eradicating graft and corruption practices. (DepEd)
Lapus urges private sector to support ICT-enhanced education
“Enhancing the curriculum with ICT is the only way for our public school children to meet the challenges of 21st century learning,” Lapus said as 40 Intel Classmate PCs were turned over to public schoolchildren in Concepcion, Tarlac recently.
Lapus said, “We thank our partners in Intel for investing in education, and for supporting our major thrust to introduce technology in education. This intervention would not have been possible without their support to DepEd through the Adopt-A-School Program.”
A Classmate PC includes two gigabytes of memory storage and Microsoft Office. It is internet-ready, portable, and user-friendly for children.
To date, 280 Classmate PCs have been turned over by DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program to public schools in Pampanga, Baguio City, Sagada, and Taytay, Rizal. Some 400 Classmate PCs are scheduled for turn-over to other DepEd elementary schools in different divisions nationwide.
Lapus added, “This partnership with Intel is geared towards building the ICT Enhanced Elementary School Model, which puts a premium on ICT-enhanced education. We hope to achieve this goal and turn every public school into a space where teaching and learning outcomes are improved by technology.”
Aside from Intel, collaboration is ongoing with Aralandesk.Net for the creation of the ICT Enhanced Elementary School Model. Together with these partner institutions, DepEd ensures full utilization of ICT facilities to improve the teaching and learning process in public schools.
A workshop on mapping digital resources in English is being conducted with support from Aralandesk.Net at no cost to DepEd. The department is also heavily investing in the drafting of a Digital Learning Resource Management Guide that will serve as standards for identifying and harvesting digital materials, and matching these with the curriculum.
The Adopt-A-School Program is DepEd’s venue for cooperation between the government and the private sector. Since it was relaunched by Lapus in 2006, more than PhP12 Billion worth of assistance to public schools have been committed by the private sector. Private groups and individuals can support DepEd’s education initiatives in exchange for up to 150% tax incentives.
Private sector assistance ranges from technology support to supplementary learning materials, from literacy programs to physical infrastructure and facilities to feeding programs. Companies and individuals may also extend direct assistance to public schoolchildren in the form of school supplies.
The DepEd Chief added, “I urge other companies to invest in education through Adopt-A-School and join us as we say Edukasyon Ang Solusyon. Our initiatives in education would not have been successful without our partners’ all out support.” (DepEd)
NGO assists pupils in Mt Province
by Juliet B. Saley
The ACESS is an organization of a group of professionals in the province tied up with Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) in Manila that is supportive to the educational development program of the national government.
Now on its sixth year of operation, the ACESS this year is benefiting 90 identified elementary pupils in the province. There are 20 pupils each from Betwagan Elementary School in Sadanga, Puya-ao Elementary School in Natonin, Caneo Elementary School in Bontoc, Ogo-og Elementary School in Barlig and 10 from Guinaang Elementary School, also in Bontoc.
According to Mr. Norberto Cobaldez, a member of the organization, the assistance given to each identified beneficiary who belong to low-income families include T-shirt, notebooks, ball pen, color and padpaper. (PIA MP)
Madrasah Education: DepEd invests in peace-building in Mindanao
Pasig City (25 August) — In an unprecedented move, the Department of Education has started to grant financial assistance to private madaris (Muslim schools) that adopted the Madrasah curriculum which has both Islamic studies and standard basic education subjects taught in all public schools.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said the mainstreaming of Madrasah education in our system of basic education will give our Muslim schoolchildren an education that is culturally-sensitive, Islamic friendly and will give them equal work opportunity. “This is DepEd’s significant contribution in building a culture of peace in Mindanao through education,” he added.
A total of 36 private madaris with 3,834 Muslim pupils have qualified for financial assistance of P5,000 per enrollee per school year which started in school year 2008-2009. The guidelines are contained in DepEd Order no. 81 series of 2007.
DepEd has earmarked P20 million from its 2008 budget as financial assistance to private madaris to encourage Muslim educators to adopt and implement the standard Madrasah curriculum.
Secretary Lapus led the ceremonial turnover of the financial grants to the private Madaris today at the DepEd Complex in Pasig City. It was attended by DepEd partners, representatives from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference and other DepEd and ARMM key officials.
In the ARMM region, 26 madaris from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan and Tawi-tawi qualified after a thorough and rigorous screening and validation, There are two in Davao City and eight in Cotabato City and General Santos City.
The financial assistance for each recipient Madrasah shall be for specific purpose: 80% will go to pay the salaries of teachers handling secular subjects and 20% will be for the improvement of classroom and other school facilities.
This is the very first time ever in the history of Philippine education that private madaris are mainstreamed as a component of National System of Basic Education following a single curriculum for basic education, common to both public schools and private Madaris.
“We purposely designed the Madrasah education to be able to respond to the needs and realities of our Muslim learners,” Lapus explained.
There are two types of curriculum prescribed in Madrasah Education — the Enriched Curriculum for Public Elementary Schools and the Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris. The former has been implemented in all DepEd regions nationwide for Muslim students and is known as the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Program. Islamic culture and language can be preserved among Muslim children while they are enrolled in public schools.
The Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris, approved in 2004, aims to put in place an educational system that is appropriate for the Muslim population.
The Standard Curriculum combines basic secular subjects with religious subjects such as Qur’an, Aqeedah and Fiqh, and Seerah and Hadith. Through this curriculum, the Filipino national identity is promoted even as the Muslim’s cultural heritage is preserved.
Lapus stressed: “With such a curriculum, the Philippines will have a Madrasah education system where students from private madaris can transfer to public schools and vice versa. It will likewise give them equal chance in employment opportunities.”
The education chief added that this year, DepEd shall expand the program by renewing the financial assistance to the current 36 madaris which are expected to accept grade 1 new entrants by school year 2009-2010.
“We shall also accept new applications from other private madaris and will continue to do so until all madaris shall have adopted the standard Madrasah curriculum,” he said.
“We all want peace and we want it now. With this curriculum now in place, we are actually building the foundation for national understanding and unity. And hopefully lasting peace.” (DepEd)
16 rebel-returnee dependents get scholarship grants
by L. Lopez
Tabuk, Kalinga (8 August) — Sixteen children of former rebels got scholarship grants this schools year, bringing to 29 the current number of scholarship grantees under the government’s rebel returnee program in the province.
Rebel Returnee Program Coordinator Bing Haddac of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) said the grantees are provided scholarship under the Study Grant Program of the Office of Presidential Assistance on Peace Process (OPAPP) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The students who are now enrolled in various colleges and universities get P5,000 cash stipend per semester, Haddac said.
Haddac clarified that the scholarship is limited only to direct family members of former rebels such as wives and children. She noted that many wanted to apply but were found out to be relatives of rebel returnees.
The Study Grant Program of OPAPP and CHED aims to provide educational support to family members of rebels who returned to the fold of the law, as part of the government’s Social Integration Program.
Haddac said since the start of the program, many beneficiaries successfully finished college and are now employed in government agencies.
Last April, two grantees graduated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. Toni’s College here, while some expect to graduate from other courses this year.
As additional support, the PSWDO offers food-allowance to student-grantees who render extra-work during their free time at the office, to augment their needs, Haddac said.
Government’s program for rebel returnees has been so effective in the campaign against communist insurgency in this part of the country. (PIA-Kalinga)
DepED to pilot on-line education program in Baguio City
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (8 August) — In line with the country’s commitment to provide an “Education for All” by 2015, under the Millennium Development Goals, the Education Department (DepED-CAR) will be pilot- testing “On-line education” at the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS), as part of its Drop-Out Reduction Program (DORP).
According to BCNHS Principal, Dr. Elma Donaal, the existing Drop-Out Reduction Program of BCNHS consists of two components, the Effective Affordable Secondary Education or EASE and the Open High School.
Donaal explained that under the EASE component, they provide a modular program to currently enrolled students, who for some reasons (such as getting sick for a month) would experience a hard time coping with his studies, so as to prevent the student from dropping out.
In the Open High School, drop-out students who are not currently enrolled for some reasons (like marriage, having children or because of work) could be able to continue their studies through this program, wherein they need not need come to class daily but could continue studying by attending class once a week.
Donaal also proudly announced that they have already 56 graduates under the said program. “We have been proud of helping people who are enthusiastic to finish high school,” she said.
The “on-line education,” Donaal explained is an added innovation under the Open High School program. Drop out students can continue their studies through the internet. Instead of attending class once a week as in open high school, they do their lessons on line.
In the same forum, Donaal lauded the government’s effort, under the initiative of the President, for including education in its primary focus. Donaal is also grateful for the new salary increase given to teachers.
Donaal also affirmed that the state of education in Baguio, especially in BCNHS, is better today, not only in terms of teacher’s salary but also in terms of equipment. BCNHS is also a beneficiary of new classrooms/buildings under DepED’s School Building Program, aside from the on-going renovation of its oldest building in its main campus.
Donaal also stressed, that they are lucky in BCNHS because their teachers and even their non-teaching staff are involved in massive trainings, as part of the government’s effort to standardize everything in the education department, under its Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda. (PIA)
DOST-Abra urges applicants for Phil Science High School to submit applications early
by Maritess Beñas
Bangued, Abra (8 August) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Abra Provincial Office is urging applicants for the Freshman Admissions Examination to the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) to file their application forms to the DOST office earlier to catch up with the deadline.
In an interview with Mr. Menandro Buenafe of the DOST-Abra, he advised applicants to file their application forms at least two days before the deadline of submission to the Regional Office to give time for the provincial office to send the applications.
The deadline for submission of applications at the DOST-CAR is on August 31, 2009. However, applicants may submit their forms directly at the PSHS campuses on or before September 9, 2009.
The schedule of examination is November 7, 2009.
The PSHS which operates under one system of governance and management provides scholarships to students with exceptionally high aptitude in science and mathematics. It offers an education that is humanistic in spirit, global in perspective, and patriotic in orientation.
The curriculum of the PSHS has emphasis on science and mathematics, and the development of well-rounded individuals as it prepares students for careers in Science and Technology (S&T) in order that they would contribute to nation building in the future by helping the country attain a critical mass of professionals and leaders in S&T.
Scholarship privileges in the PSHS are fabulous. Scholars are given free tuition fee, free loan of textbooks, monthly stipend, uniform, transportation and living allowances especially those who belong to the low income groups.
Who are eligible for PSHS National Competitive Examination? Graduating elementary pupils from a duly recognized school by the Department of Education who belong to the upper 10% of the current graduating class as certified by the School Principal. However, pupils who have special aptitude in science and math as evidenced by the report card and a recommendation letter, with at least a grade of 85 in all subjects on the 5th and 6th grade may apply even if they do not belong to the upper 10% of the graduating class.
The applicant is a Filipino citizen and has no pending application as immigrant to any country; must not be more than 15 years old by June 30, 2010; must be in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program; must be of good moral character; and must not have taken the PSHS NCE previously.
Applicants are required to accomplish the Application Form in duplicate copies with 2 identical 1×1 ID pictures accompanied by a copy of the report card and letter of recommendation if the applicant does not belong to the upper 10% of the current graduating class. Testing fee is P100.00 for applicants coming from private schools while pupils from public schools are free.
Application forms are now available at the DOST – Abra offices based in the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) in Lagangilang and at the Provincial Capitol Annex Building in Banged as well as the Philippine Information Agency also in the Provincial Capitol Annex Building. (PIA-Abra)
Learning science and math now possible online
Lucena City (4 August) — The Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-AST) and the Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently launched Courseware Website at the Philippine Science High School, Davao City. Now, Internet savvy kids will have a more fun-filled way of learning. Courseware Website is a virtual classroom that features interactive lessons in math and science.
The website (http://courseware.dost.gov.ph) features interactive and animated science and mathematics modules released in 2006 in CD format and now are made available online. Students, teachers, parents and individuals looking for a novel way to teach and learn about science and math can log on for free.
Director Denis Villorente during the launching recounted the milestones of the courseware project, underlining the significance of information technology in uplifting the student’s imagination, creativity and interest in education. Elementary pupils who attended the science camp in Philippine Science High School -Davao had a hands on experience on some of the modules. They navigated through the courseware webpage and answered exercises that followed the lessons.
DOST Secretary Dr. Estrella Alabastro expressed her support on the project and on the continuing initiative of SEI and ASTI in integrating technology to classroom learning. ASTI and SEI are currently implementing as similar project that plans to develop 500 modules on science and mathematics for the secondary level. These are expected to be completed in 2012. (DOST/PIA4A)
DOST now accepts applications to science and technology scholarship exam
Lucena City (4 August) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Science Education Institute is pleased to announce that DOST is now accepting applications to the CY-2010 Science and Technology Scholarship Examination for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Programs; namely, the Science and Technology Scholarship (RA 7687) and the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship.
Ms. Ma. Esperanza Jawili of the DOST- PSTC-Quezon said the applicants should meet the following qualifications: Belong to the upper 5% of the high school graduating class; a natural-born Filipino citizen; be in good health and of good moral character; have not earned units in any post-secondary/undergraduate course; have not taken any DOST-SEI Science and Technology Scholarship Examination and the applicants have not applied for immigrant status in the USA or any other country.
Jawili added application forms can be obtained and filed at the Science Education Institute, 3/F PTRI Building, DOST Compound, Bicutan Taguig City. Metro Manila; DOST Regional Office No. IV, Jamboree Road Barangay Timugan, Los Banos Laguna or at the DOST-PSTC-Quezon, G/F MSEUF Building, cor. Granja and Enverga Sts. Lucena City.
The deadline for filing of application is on September 30, 2009 (Wednesday) while the date of qualifying exam. is on November 15, 2009 (Sunday) at the designated examination venues. (DOST/PIA Quezon)
CSC cited Bicol’s eco-friendliest school
by GS Rubio
Virac, Catanduanes (3 August) — The Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) here notched the top place in this year’s Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools in the Bicol region for carrying out various institutional initiatives on environmental protection and conservation.
Engr. Gilbert Gonzales, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Bicol chief, announced that the regional screening committee has chosen thee CSC as the regional winner in the tertiary school category of the awards program.
Gonzales also informed Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre, CSC president, for this achievement, adding that the same state college will represent the Bicol region in the national finals in time for the National Environment Awareness Month on November, this year.
He said CSC has been cited for programs promoting environment-friendly atmosphere in the campus, including recycling of scrap materials and converting them into source of revenues for the school, greening program, implementation of waste segregation and putting up of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), off-season vegetable production, urban agriculture and bio-intensive gardening, among others.
DENR-EMB V has also commended CSC for its environment-related features in its curriculum as well as presence of vibrant eco organizations, linkages in environmental programs and projects with other agencies and organizations also bannered the school’s winning in the said competition.
Over the years, the CSC has been an active front liner in various coastal clean-up drives, biodiversity and natural resources studies.
CSC is also one of the higher education institutions in the country that has tied up with Tanggol Kalikasan in establishing the Institute of Environmental Governance.
This has provided training programs, extension activities and consultancy services to local government units.
In June 2008, the CSC was also a recipient of the much coveted Saringgaya Award, a regional citation conferred by the DENR for its efforts and support for maintaining meritorious and outstanding initiatives in environment protection and conservation.
Sustainable eco-friendly schools are environment-friendly learning institutions that have initiated and integrated in their instruction, research, extension and administration programs which are environment-friendly.
Programs can be in the form of environmental policies, physical cleanliness, energy and water conservation, waste recycling and waste reduction, pollution control, reforestation and other greening projects.
Other initiatives that are considered in evaluating the school’s pro-environment program are environmental audit of school’s operations and facilities, integration of environmental themes into the school curriculum, including environment-centered curriculum and co-curricular activities, environment and natural resource-related research works, linkages with government and NGOs.
The CSC earned high points for its environment-related school policies such as its systems and procedures on waste management, energy conservation, and creation of waste management committees which were all covered under Office Circulars issued by the CSC Office of the President.
DENR-EMB V, in cooperation with Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), under its Kabalikat sa Kalikasan, Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), spearheaded the contest among elementary, secondary and tertiary public and private schools. (CSC/PIA)
