Category: Literacy

Manila – The National University Lady Bulldogs have advanced to the final of the UAAP Season 86 women's basketball tournament after claiming their 12th consecutive victory on Wednesday. This triumph at the SM Mall of Asia Arena brings them one step closer to their eighth straight title.

According to Philippines News Agency, Camille Clarin and Karl Pingol were instrumental in the Lady Bulldogs' 58-43 victory over the No. 4 Lady Eagles. Clarin contributed 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Pingol added 10 points and three steals. The top-seeded Lady Bulldogs will now face the winner of the match between No. 2 University of Santo Tomas and No. 3 University of the Philippines in the best-of-three championship series. The Fighting Maroons have already forced a rubber match against the Growling Tigresses following their 88-80 overtime win. Louna Ozar led UP with 25 points. NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan acknowledged the challenge posed by Ateneo's key players, Kacey Dela Rosa and Jhazmin Joson, and commended his team's effort in limiting their impact. Dela Rosa managed 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Joson, in her final game, scored seven points. NU's consistent performance, including contributions from Gypsy Canuto, Marylene Solis, and Pingol, was critical in maintaining their lead and ultimately securing their place in the final. Junize Calago led Ateneo with 12 points, and Sarah Makanjuola added eight points and 16 rebounds.

Negros Occidental – In a significant gesture of support, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has released PHP1 million in educational assistance to the next-of-kin of former rebels from the Revolutionary Proletarian Army - Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB). The aid was distributed during a ceremonial event at the Negros Residences.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a statement, emphasized the province's commitment to ensuring a sustainable education system for the youth as part of its peace and security programs. He expressed hope that the beneficiaries would become confident individuals and effective contributors to the community and the nation. Funded under the province's Gender and Development Program for 2023, 30 out of the 200 grantees received PHP5,000 each during the turnover ceremony. The event was attended by Director Christina Loren Umali, director of the RPA-ABB and Cordillera Bodong Administration - Cordillera People's Liberation Army Concerns Office of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and Veronica Tabara, co-chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee. This assistance is part of the government's commitment to the RPA-ABB and its political wing, the Rebolusyonaryong Partido Manggagawa ng Pilipinas (RPM-P), under the Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG), now known as Kapatiran. This commitment is part of the institutional transformation under the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) to the peace agreement signed with the national government in 2000. Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the Philippine Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade, reaffirmed their partnership with the provincial government in supporting these students. The distribution of the educational aid followed the graduation of former combatants and dependents of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG in Negros from basic military training, marking another fulfillment of the CID of the peace agreement.

Central Visayas, Philippines – In a significant step towards self-sufficiency, around 30,000 families in Central Visayas, previously beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), are now in the process of exiting the national government's conditional cash transfer program. This development marks a notable transition for these families as they progress to a level of self-sufficiency.

According to Philippines News Agency, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), these families have been identified as 'non-poor' in the Listahanan 3 database, indicating their improved economic status. The 4Ps program currently has 75,331 households enrolled in Central Visayas. The latest reassessment, utilizing the Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) tool, revealed that 26 households are at the survival level, 45,386 at the subsistence level, and 29,919 have achieved self-sufficiency.

The SWDI tool is instrumental in measuring the well-being of households in terms of economic sufficiency and social adequacy, guiding the 4Ps program in identifying necessary interventions for families to reach self-sufficiency. Lucero explained that households assessed at Levels 1 and 2 will remain in the 4Ps program, while those identified as Level 3, or self-sufficient, will begin the exit process through the 4Ps Kilos Unlad Social Case Management Strategy.

Lucero assured that families graduating from the program would continue to receive support from the DSWD, local government units (LGUs), and other partner stakeholders. These entities will provide interventions and services to help these families sustain their well-being. Furthermore, under the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2022-001 between DSWD and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), LGUs are encouraged to enact social protection ordinances complementing the 4Ps program, including post-program interventions for the graduating families.

Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives committee has given the green light to a bill that proposes the establishment of the Private Basic Education Voucher Program, extending government subsidies to students in private schools from kindergarten through secondary levels. This initiative represents a significant extension of government support to private education in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, it will determine the voucher amounts, ensuring that they are not less than the subsidies currently provided. The voucher assistance will be based on the tuition and other school fees, as well as the socio-economic needs of each student. Priority will be given to students from the most vulnerable and underprivileged segments, specifically those in the bottom first to fifth income deciles as determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). These priority students will receive higher voucher amounts.

During the hearing, the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, led by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, approved a substitute bill that would amend certain sections of the Republic Act (RA) 6728, known as the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act. The new program, as proposed, will provide government-issued vouchers to recognized private basic education schools, encompassing kindergarten, elementary, and secondary education. This expansion comes in addition to the current subsidies provided only to senior high schools.

The bill also includes provisions for the creation of the Bureau of Private Education (BPE) under the DepEd, which will oversee the administration, supervision, and regulation of private basic education institutions. This bureau will also be responsible for monitoring and assessing the implementation of policies, plans, and programs by these institutions. It will set and enforce minimum standards for programs and institutions of learning, ensuring high standards of excellence and accountability.

Furthermore, the committee approved House Bill 3174, authored by Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto, aiming to rationalize the allocation of the DepEd budget for capital outlay. This amendment to RA 7880, or the Fair and Equitable Access to Education Act, seeks to address the ongoing issue of classroom shortages in public schools.

DINAGAT ISLANDS - In a commendable move to promote academic excellence, the provincial government of Dinagat Islands honored 108 top-performing senior high school students with cash incentives on Friday.

Governor Nilo Demerey Jr., in an interview conducted on Saturday, explained that the initiative aims to encourage students to excel academically. The cash incentives are seen as a way to motivate students to enhance their performance in their studies.

According to Philippines News Agency, the beneficiaries of this program included 46 students who were recognized as top 1 achievers and 62 as top 2 achievers. The students acknowledged as top 1 achievers received PHP 5,000 each, while those who achieved top 2 status were awarded PHP 3,000 each.

Governor Demerey expressed that this program is expected to inspire high school students to aim higher and invest more effort in their academic pursuits. He also mentioned that the financial rewards are likely to boost the confidence of these young achievers.

The governor highlighted the positive impact of such initiatives, not only on students but also on their parents. He emphasized that parents feel a sense of pride in their children's academic accomplishments, and the program serves as recognition of the hard work and dedication of students in schools.

This initiative by the Dinagat Islands provincial government reflects a commitment to fostering a culture of academic achievement and providing tangible support to students who excel in their educational endeavors.

Temburong District - Sultan Hassan Secondary School in Temburong District honored 37 students with prizes and certificates on 18th November afternoon. These awards were given for outstanding achievements in the Brunei Cambridge General Certificate of Education O-Level and IGCSE.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the ceremony is part of an initiative to encourage students towards academic success. Last year, the school reported that 31.13% of students achieved 5 or more credits in O-Levels, and 32.8% in IGCSEs achieved the same benchmark.

The Student Council of the JPMC College of Health Sciences (JCHS) led the Grow a Tree Project, planting 132 tree saplings at the Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park. The event aimed to foster environmental awareness and sustainable development among students.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, was present at the activity. The project emphasizes the importance of students' active contribution to community and environmental health.

The Ministry of Education's B.E.S.T Forum 2023, focusing on bullying issues, was held on the afternoon of 18th November at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School Hall. The forum highlighted approaches and measures from various agencies and parties to combat bullying.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Present was Dr. Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin, Permanent Secretary for Core Education, Ministry of Education. Themed "Together We Support BEST," the forum is part of the Ministry's efforts to curb and prevent bullying in educational institutions.

The Down Syndrome Association, ABLE, organized the Short Story Writing Competition 2023, which concluded with a Prize Presentation Ceremony at the Raja Isteri Girls High School on the morning of 18th November.

According to Radio Television Brunei,This competition served as a platform to develop students' talents in essay writing. The competition, which saw participation from eight Secondary Schools and three Primary Schools, was divided into three categories: Primary School, Secondary, and Special Needs Students. The contest provided students an opportunity to express their views and knowledge on Down Syndrome.

MANILA - The Department of Education (DepEd) has reiterated its proposal to realign the disapproved confidential fund towards the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP), emphasizing the potential benefits for learners. DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas discussed the proposal during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the realignment of the PHP150 million confidential fund to the NLRP would greatly impact learners as the country is still recovering from learning losses incurred during and prior to the pandemic. This suggestion arose after senators expressed interest in providing additional funds for the Government Assistance for Private Education (GASTPE) program. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte assured that, even without the confidential fund, DepEd is committed to addressing threats to the learning environment and ensuring the safety and security of its personnel. The threats identified by DepEd include sexual abuse, violence, graft and corruption, illegal drug involvement, recruitment for insurgency, terrorism, violent extremism, child labor, child pornography, and criminal activities. Senator Ronald dela Rosa also called for increased vigilance against insurgent recruitment among basic education learners. Bringas reassured that DepEd will continue to focus on improving literacy levels and implementing programs that protect learners from external threats, emphasizing the inclusion of peace education in the curriculum to foster appreciation for peace and nationalistic values among students.

Quezon City, Philippines - Misinformation is a significant challenge facing Filipino students pursuing education abroad, leading to unmet expectations and academic difficulties. Jose Miguel Habana, director of IDP Education Philippines, emphasized this issue during a press briefing at the IDP office in Quezon City on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, students often face challenges such as course mismatch, climate and cultural adjustment issues, and struggles with work-study balance. IDP Education Philippines, an Australian-listed company, operates in over 80 countries and provides international education services. Habana, who has children studying abroad, shared insights into the common difficulties Filipino students encounter overseas.

IDP Education Ltd.'s research indicates that approximately 53,000 Filipino students are studying in the top five destination countries - Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Ireland. The market for Filipino students abroad is growing annually by 8 to 13 percent. Maria Cecilia Mundo, sales and operations head at IDP Education Philippines, noted a rising interest in international studies among Filipino students, driven by the prospect of work opportunities abroad and the desire to support their families.

Mundo pointed out that many Filipinos seek quality education, including courses not available locally. Popular fields of study include business and management, health and allied courses, information technology, data analytics, hospitality and tourism, engineering, age care, early childhood, creative arts, and game design. She mentioned that around 60 percent of Filipinos studying abroad are pursuing post-graduate studies.

While specific figures were not provided, Mundo indicated that the number of IDP Education Philippines' students completing international studies and securing jobs abroad is increasing annually. Habana expressed satisfaction in seeing IDP alumni thrive and noted that many of their referrals come from satisfied students.

IDP Education Philippines offers free counseling and webinars to align students' career goals with the appropriate academic institution, course, and country. The company does not charge upfront fees and earns commissions once students enroll in their chosen institutions. They also provide support for students to adapt to their new environments and offer information on academic scholarships.

On November 15, IDP Education Philippines opened a new office in Quezon City, which includes a free study abroad service center and an international English Language Testing System test center. This addition marks the 8th IDP student placement office and the 15th IELTS Computer test center in the country.

Iloilo, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has called upon the newly-elected officials of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to collaborate in advancing the province's education and psycho-social welfare programs. This partnership aims to engage the youth in critical areas of development and welfare.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a press conference, Defensor emphasized the significant role of the youth in the present, particularly in education and psycho-social welfare. He outlined the province's plan to establish youth development centers in all secondary schools, with support from local government units.

Defensor expressed his desire to integrate the Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion (PRIME), a psycho-social program developed as part of the province's pandemic recovery plan, into these teen centers and the SK. The Sangguniang Kabataan is envisioned to play a central role in identifying and addressing youth concerns through this program.

Additionally, the provincial government will involve the SK in the 'Bulig sang Eskwela sang Probinsya' (BES PROBINS) initiative, which focuses on creating an effective, relevant, and transformative education system in Iloilo. This program comprises three components: career guidance and counseling aligned with the Career Guidance and Counseling Act, a voter's education program for secondary schools, and support for public school infrastructure, facilities, and operations.

The development of the career guidance module is a collaborative effort with the Department of Education and other stakeholders, while the voter's education module is being created in partnership with the University of the Philippines Visayas. The voter's education module, nearing completion, is intended to enhance the next SK elections.

Governor Defensor's initiative underscores the importance of youth involvement in educational and socio-psychological development, fostering a more inclusive and progressive approach to local governance.