Category: Literacy

MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday expressed her gratitude towards President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his ongoing support and trust in her role as the Secretary of the Department of Education.

According to Philippines News Agency, she thanked President Marcos for his unwavering confidence in her capabilities to lead the educational sector. "Thank you, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., for your unwavering trust in me as the Secretary of the Department of Education," Duterte conveyed. She committed to continue prioritizing the welfare of learners across the nation.

Duterte further assured that the Department of Education, along with its teachers and non-teaching personnel, will remain dedicated to faithfully serving the educational needs of every student. Meanwhile, President Marcos, on the same day, affirmed there was no need to consider a replacement for Duterte as the education secretary, emphasizing that decisions regarding Cabinet positions are made based on performance.

The Vice President and the President are scheduled to have a private discussion soon to address various pertinent issues.

MANILA — In a display of resilience and skill, National University (NU) secured its third consecutive women's championship, while University of Santo Tomas (UST) continued its dominance in the men’s division of the UAAP Season 86 tennis tournament. The event, which concluded on Sunday, was hosted at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

According to Philippines News Agency, NU's women's team overcame a shaky start to clinch a 3-2 victory against UST, highlighted by Elise Abarquez's decisive win over UST's Justine Maneja with scores of 6-3, 6-0 in the third singles match. NU's team captain, Allyssa Mae Bornia, reflected on the team's journey to victory, emphasizing the importance of their loss in the first tie as a crucial wake-up call that galvanized the team to overcome their challenges.

UST's attempt to usurp the women's title seemed promising initially, as they led the championship with Alexei Santos and Rookie of the Year Kaye Emana securing early victories in their respective matches. However, NU made a strong comeback with Bornia and Alliah Ragunton's crucial doubles victory, followed by wins from Danna Abad and Rovie Baulete, which leveled the championship at 2-2 before Abarquez's match-winning performance.

In the men's division, UST successfully defended its title against Ateneo de Manila University with a 3-1 score. The victory began with a setback as Noy Seno of Ateneo defeated Christopher Sonsona. However, UST swiftly reversed their fortunes, winning the next three matches to secure the championship. UST's triumphant streak was bolstered by the efforts of Steven Sonsona, Nilo Ledama, Ericjay Tangub, and the duo of Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines, showcasing the team's depth and strategic preparation.

Reflecting on the pressure to retain their titles, UST's assistant coach and renowned national player Johnny Arcilla commended the team's extensive preparation. He also revealed plans for scouting new talent at the upcoming Cebu Palarong Pambansa in July, indicating a forward-looking approach to sustaining the team's success.

In defeat, Ateneo's coach, Gee Abacan, expressed pride in his team's performance throughout the school year, acknowledging UST's superior performance in the championship.

With the conclusion of the UAAP Season 86 tennis tournament, both NU and UST have solidified their status as powerhouses in collegiate tennis, setting the stage for the next season's anticipated challenges and triumphs.

Kiulap - The Kolej International Graduate Studies Alumni Association recently hosted 'Santai, Kira Imarahkan Ramadan' and 'Sahur Sabtu' events at the college campus in Kiulap. These gatherings aimed to enrich the Ramadhan experience for attendees, providing both spiritual insight and support for local businesses.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The event featured a talk titled 'Apa Khabar Ramadan Kita?' ('How's Our Ramadhan?'), focusing on valuable practices learned during the holy month. Furthermore, the Sahur Sabtu event created a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products and services, fostering community support for local business ventures.

MANILA - In a thrilling day of tennis at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, both the Ateneo de Manila University men's team and the National University women's team overcame the University of Santo Tomas to set up winner-take-all finals in the UAAP Season 86 tennis championship on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Ateneo men's team edged out defending champion UST with a narrow 3-2 victory. Freshman sensation JD Velez was pivotal in Ateneo's triumph, securing a 6-4, 6-4 win over Seb Santos in a crucial third singles match. Velez expressed relief and determination post-match, acknowledging the pressure of facing the defending champions but emphasizing a fearless approach and commitment to giving their all.

Ateneo's path to victory began with Noy Seno's comeback win over two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nilo Ledama, followed by a dominant doubles performance from Rookie of the Year Axl Gonzaga and Nio Tria. However, UST mounted a comeback with EJ Tangub and the duo of Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan winning their matches, setting the stage for Velez's decisive win.

On the women's side, the National University Lady Bulldogs also forced a final showdown against UST with a 3-1 victory. Despite UST's promising start with Kaye Emana's swift win, the Lady Bulldogs, led by reigning MVP Alyssa Mae Bornia and Alliah Ragunton, quickly leveled the tie in the doubles matches. Elsie Abarquez and the team of Rovie Baulete and Danna Abad clinched the next two matches to secure victory. Abarquez highlighted the team's mindset of playing to their strengths while aiming to recover from their initial setback.

The tension and excitement are set to continue as both the men's and women's final matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday at the same venue, promising a day filled with competitive tennis as the teams vie for the UAAP Season 86 titles.

CALAPAN, ORIENTAL MINDORO - Medical professionals in Oriental Mindoro have initiated a targeted educational program for village health workers to enhance early detection and prevention of breast cancer, responding to a concerning rise in incidence rates within the province. The initiative, organized by the Mindoro Breast Cancer Support Group, convened at the Calapan Convention Center, assembling health workers from all 62 local villages.

According to Philippines News Agency, a leading surgeon involved in the effort, the program aims to bridge the gap between community members and medical services, addressing the reluctance to seek professional care due to costs and limited cancer awareness. The seminar covered crucial topics such as early breast cancer detection methods, consultation processes, operative treatments, and the integral role of barangay health workers in cancer mitigation.

Dr. dela Paz underscored the positive impact of their educational campaigns, noting an encouraging trend of earlier cancer detection stages among patients, which significantly lowers mortality risks. He referenced data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, highlighting an uptick in breast cancer-related fatalities in the Mimaropa region from 190 in 2020 to 225 in 2021. Moreover, the Philippines has been identified as having the highest breast cancer prevalence globally in a 2017 study by the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society.

The Mindoro Breast Cancer Support Group, established in 2023, underscores a proactive response to the escalating breast cancer cases in the area. The recent workshop aligns with the National #BustOutCancer campaign and the Philippine Commission on Women's National Women's Month, emphasizing comprehensive care approaches presented by oncologist Dr. Abigail Aylette Barrientos. She elucidated the multifaceted needs of cancer patients, including psycho-social and mental health support.

Participants, primarily barangay health workers, pledged to disseminate their newfound knowledge within their communities and advocate for regular self-breast examinations, marking a significant step toward community-driven health empowerment in Oriental Mindoro.

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Philippines - In a significant step to enhance financial literacy and prevent investment fraud, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has joined forces with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Antique Chapter. The collaboration aims to educate investors and promote awareness through various initiatives and programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cristina Montelibano, the partnership is crucial for expanding outreach and enhancing the effectiveness of the commission's mandate. The initiative seeks to connect various sectors, fostering a collaborative environment essential for advancing financial literacy and investor protection.

The agreement, signed by Montelibano, PCCI Antique Chapter President Rani Rodriguez, and Vice President Aben Ortega, outlines a framework for continuous dialogue and joint efforts in financial education. The parties committed to designing and implementing programs that will inform the public about sound financial practices and the risks of investment scams.

Through the SEC Capital Market Promotion and Awareness Inter-Agency Network (SEC CAMPAIGN Network), the collaboration will feature activities focused on empowering individuals with the necessary knowledge to make informed financial decisions and recognize fraudulent schemes. Montelibano emphasized the proactive nature of this initiative, aimed at preempting investment scams in Antique, which currently has no reported cases.

Rodriguez highlighted the PCCI's role in guiding local businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), on formalizing their operations through SEC registration. This process not only legitimizes businesses but also facilitates access to financial services, including loans for growth and expansion.

To further support the Antique business community and individual investors, the SEC plans to establish a local station or satellite office, eliminating the need for stakeholders to travel to Iloilo City for SEC-related transactions. This move is expected to enhance the accessibility of SEC services and reinforce the agency's commitment to investor education and protection in the region.

MANILA, Philippines - The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) has urgently recommended the enactment of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act by June this year. This call to action is aimed at addressing the significant learning losses suffered by Filipino students due to the pandemic.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ARAL Program Bill, initiated by Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, is among the top 20 priority bills that LEDAC urges to be passed imminently. The legislation aims to establish a national program dedicated to helping students reach the appropriate educational standards for their grade levels and to expedite the remediation of the educational setbacks experienced during the pandemic.

LEDAC, serving as an advisory committee to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., plays a pivotal role in identifying and prioritizing legislative measures that are crucial for the Philippines’ socioeconomic development. Among the various sectors under consideration, the improvement of the education system has been highlighted as a key focus in the Philippine Development Report 2023.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized the need for a transformative approach in the education sector to solve perennial problems that contribute to low productivity and employment mismatches. Balisacan stressed the urgency of adapting to rapid technological changes to enable Filipino students to meet current and future challenges effectively.

The passage of the ARAL Program Act is seen as a critical step towards equipping students with the necessary support to not only recuperate from their educational losses but also to thrive in an evolving global landscape. The House of Representatives has already shown unanimous support for the initiative, passing its version of the bill on Monday.

In addition to the ARAL Program Act, LEDAC has outlined other priority legislation, including the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and reforms in government procurement, taxation, and ecosystem management, among others. These bills aim to fortify various sectors and pave the way for comprehensive national development and prosperity.

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced plans on Monday to allocate more funds for modern kitchen facilities in higher education institutions to bolster tourism and hospitality management programs nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of education in these fields.

According to Philippines News Agency, the funding initiative follows a recent grant of approximately PHP25 million provided to the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) through its Institutional Development and Innovation Grant (IDIG) for the procurement of advanced kitchen equipment. CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III stated that the commission has already funded similar facilities in nearly ten other state universities and colleges and plans to support the establishment of fifteen more hot and cold kitchen facilities in both public and private universities this year.

The new facilities at LSPU are equipped with industry-standard equipment such as three-door glass chillers, planetary mixers, automatic coffee machines, culinary blenders, food display refrigerators, charcoal tandoor ovens, and electric convection ovens. These improvements are designed to provide students with hands-on experience using professional-grade culinary tools.

Charmine Rivera, Dean of the LSPU College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, expressed gratitude for CHED's support, reminiscing about the days when students had to bring their own cooking stoves and plates for practical lessons. She highlighted the transformative impact of the new facilities on the educational experience.

Around 1,400 students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) programs at LSPU are expected to benefit from this project. De Vera emphasized the goal of producing skilled graduates ready to contribute to the tourism industry, aligning with the objectives set out in the Tourism Act of 2009 and the directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Additionally, the Department of Tourism-Regional Office of Laguna emphasized the importance of investing in upgraded educational facilities to prepare an industry-ready workforce, particularly in the tourism sector.

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced plans on Monday to allocate more funds for modern kitchen facilities in higher education institutions to bolster tourism and hospitality management programs nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of education in these fields.

According to Philippines News Agency, the funding initiative follows a recent grant of approximately PHP25 million provided to the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) through its Institutional Development and Innovation Grant (IDIG) for the procurement of advanced kitchen equipment. CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III stated that the commission has already funded similar facilities in nearly ten other state universities and colleges and plans to support the establishment of fifteen more hot and cold kitchen facilities in both public and private universities this year.

The new facilities at LSPU are equipped with industry-standard equipment such as three-door glass chillers, planetary mixers, automatic coffee machines, culinary blenders, food display refrigerators, charcoal tandoor ovens, and electric convection ovens. These improvements are designed to provide students with hands-on experience using professional-grade culinary tools.

Charmine Rivera, Dean of the LSPU College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, expressed gratitude for CHED's support, reminiscing about the days when students had to bring their own cooking stoves and plates for practical lessons. She highlighted the transformative impact of the new facilities on the educational experience.

Around 1,400 students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) programs at LSPU are expected to benefit from this project. De Vera emphasized the goal of producing skilled graduates ready to contribute to the tourism industry, aligning with the objectives set out in the Tourism Act of 2009 and the directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Additionally, the Department of Tourism-Regional Office of Laguna emphasized the importance of investing in upgraded educational facilities to prepare an industry-ready workforce, particularly in the tourism sector.

CAMARINES SUR, Philippines — Beginning Monday, approximately 1,200 students in Camarines Sur have begun receiving financial assistance as part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program aims to support assessed and eligible students in addressing their educational needs.

The cash aid distribution was led by Laurio, Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte, and Senator Imee Marcos at the municipal covered court in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. DSWD-Bicol information officer Marygizelle Mesa reported that PHP6 million in total has been allocated for the initiative, with each beneficiary receiving PHP5,000 to assist with school-related expenses.

During the initial payout, 622 junior, senior high school, and college students received their financial support. The remaining beneficiaries are scheduled to receive their aid on March 20 and 21. Libmanan Mayor Jesus Camara expressed gratitude in a social media post towards the DSWD, Senator Marcos, and Governor Villafuerte for their roles in facilitating the assistance distribution, highlighting the significant impact of their collective efforts on the local community.

The AICS program, as explained by Mesa, is designed to aid individuals and families recovering from crisis situations, including illness, death of a family member, and other emergencies, by providing timely financial support.

ANKARA — Hacettepe University Medical School in Ankara, Turkey, has successfully utilized an advanced robotic device, Zap-X, to halt the progression of hearing loss in an elderly patient suffering from a tumor affecting auditory functions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Gokhan Ozyigit, the Zap-X gyroscopic radiosurgery device has been employed for the first time at the institution to treat patients like Gunsel Karaca, a 64-year-old retired English teacher. Karaca was struggling with an acoustic neuroma, a tumor located on the nerves responsible for hearing and balance. The application of Zap-X has successfully stopped the growth of her tumor, thereby saving her from the risk of total hearing loss.

Dr. Ozyigit highlighted the unique capabilities of the Zap-X device, which allows for highly precise treatment of tumors that are difficult to remove surgically, particularly those affecting the auditory nerve. Traditional surgery in this area risks further deterioration of hearing. However, with Zap-X, patients experience a preservation of their current hearing levels and prevent the tumor's growth without undergoing surgery.

The treatment with Zap-X, which utilizes ionizing radiation, is non-invasive and takes only half an hour. Dr. Ozyigit emphasized the benign nature of acoustic neuromas but noted the serious health risks they pose if they grow large enough to compress the brainstem. He also mentioned the added comfort for patients, who can listen to music during the procedure and return to their normal lives immediately afterward without any surgical intervention.

Dr. Gozde Yazici, another member of the radiation oncology department, pointed out that Zap-X is currently limited to treating tumors in the upper parts of the head and neck. However, advancements are expected to extend its applicability to lower regions. She stressed the significant reduction in adverse effects provided by the technology, which is also showing promise for certain eye tumors, potentially allowing for treatment while preserving the patient's sight.

Patient Gunsel Karaca shared her experience with Zap-X treatment, detailing her initial symptoms of hearing loss and vertigo that were initially overlooked. After various consultations and an eventual diagnosis at Hacettepe University Medical School, Karaca underwent treatment with Zap-X 1.5 months ago. She expressed her happiness and relief at being able to lead an active life again without experiencing any side effects from the treatment, underscoring the technology's impact on her quality of life.

Abra, Philippines - Members of the Abra Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are leveraging their entrepreneurial spirit by participating in trade fairs to support their scholarship fund for local students. Despite their primary roles as combat operatives, these officers are dedicated to making a significant impact on the education of young individuals in their community.

According to Philippines News Agency, the team crafts and sells various products, including etag (smoked meat), dishwashing liquid, fabric conditioners, and specially designed printed shirts. The proceeds from these sales are entirely allocated to the scholarship fund, demonstrating the officers' commitment to giving back to the community and providing educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Abra police's current beneficiaries include a 24-year-old female civil engineering student from the municipality of Tubo, poised to graduate this year, and a senior high school student. These scholars were identified through the officers' engagements in anti-insurgency internal security operations within the villages of Abra. Dialogues with the community, known as tungtungan, have been instrumental in determining the most effective ways to contribute to ending local communist armed conflicts by supporting education initiatives.

The PMFC's support extends beyond tuition assistance, covering the scholars' boarding house rent, subsistence allowances, school supplies, and other incidental expenses such as field trips. This comprehensive approach to sponsorship underscores the police force's dedication to ensuring the success of their scholars, fostering a path to a brighter future for the students and their families.

Lagua expressed optimism about the graduating engineering student's prospects, hoping that her academic and eventual professional success will uplift her family. Furthermore, the PMFC has extended an offer of assistance should she express interest in joining the police force, highlighting a full-circle opportunity for beneficiaries to contribute to their community's safety and development.

The initiative by the Abra PMFC exemplifies the broader impact law enforcement officers can have within their communities, showcasing their roles as not only protectors but also as benefactors and mentors to the youth.

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN - In a move to bolster education in Pangasinan, the Lotte Scholarship Foundation, based in South Korea, has established a scholarship program in collaboration with the provincial government and local higher educational institutions, providing financial support to 80 students across the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, the selected students will hail from Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), Pangasinan State University, Binalatongan Community College of San Carlos City, and University of Eastern Pangasinan in Binalonan for the Academic Year 2024-2025. Notably, PPC's beneficiaries will be part of its inaugural batch of students, with their academic program slated to commence in August.

Vice Governor Lambino shared insights into the formation of this partnership, which was initiated through the provincial government's network. "Lotte Foundation approached us with the intention of presenting opportunities and partnerships beneficial to our province," Lambino stated. He further explained that the educational institutions involved were chosen by Lotte after a thorough review of their backgrounds, highlighting their role in serving underprivileged and marginalized student communities.

The details of the scholarship, including its duration, will depend on the requirements of each educational institution and the specific courses of study, maintaining a focus on academic and behavioral standards.

Chang Haesun, chair of the Lotte Scholarship Foundation, emphasized the importance of education in shaping future leaders and expressed her gratitude towards the collaboration with Pangasinan's educational leaders. "Our foundation has been dedicated to fostering global talents by investing 3.8 billion won over the past 40 years," Chang remarked during the MOU signing ceremony in Lingayen. The foundation's commitment to education extends globally, with partnerships in 38 schools across several countries, boasting a scholarship budget of approximately 400 billion won (about PHP16 billion).

Governor Ramon Guico III expressed his gratitude for the partnership, assuring active involvement from local officials and stakeholders in the successful implementation of the scholarship programs. This initiative marks a significant milestone for educational advancement in Pangasinan, opening new avenues for student support and development.