Archive for August, 2012

Deped, Petron, USAID join forces for pupil reading enhancement

(DEPED PRESS RELEASE)

The Department of Education has partnered with Petron Corporation and the United States Agency for International Development- Education Development Center (USAID-EDC) in launching the Whole School Reading (WSR) program that is expected to improve the reading skills of some 35,000 students in conflict- affected communities in Mindanao.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that the program aims to provide the beneficiary schools in Regions 9, 12 and the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with teacher training as well as books and learning materials for marginalized children in Mindanao.

“This is a much needed partnership with other sectors. We need all the help we can solicit especially on this vital program that focuses on reading enhancement, which is the foundation of all other learning,” added Luistro.

The agreement was signed by Luistro, Petron Corporation president Eric O. Recto and EDC chief of party Marcial A. Salvatierra today, August 31.

The WSR runs parallel to Deped’s “Every Child A Reader” program where the government channels resources to enable Grade 1 pupils to read with comprehension at their level.

Petron and EDC have successfully collaborated from 2007 to 2011 under the EQuALLs project which provided educational support to marginalized children and youth in poverty-stricken parts of Mindanao.

In this partnership, the thrusts are to promote reading in public schools and to ensure the professional development of public school teachers in the teaching of beginning reading.

The project runs for 16 months – from March 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

USAID-EDC contributes US$1.3 million to WSR while Petron provides P21 million. DepEd will provide the policy guidance and direction to ensure the proper implementation of the project. Aside from their financial support, USAID-EDC and Petron will jointly develop with DepEd the objectives, targets, strategies and implementing mechanisms of the project.

The WSR program which enjoins the support of the private sector in filling up education resource gaps is part of the initiative of DepEd’s Adopt-A-School program.

Payatas teachers get keys to their own home

(DEPED PRESS RELEASE)

A life of dignity befitting teachers awaits an initial 20 teacher-beneficiaries in the Payatas District in Quezon City as they receive the key to their respective homes which were constructed under DepEd Project: Shelter, a program for teachers and DepEd personnel.

The awarding of the housing units was led by Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and PAGIBIG Fund chief executive officer Atty. Darlene Berberabe.

Also present representing the LGU were Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who identified the property for mass housing construction and Habitat for Humanity Managing Director Charlie Ayco. Habitat for Humanity offered its model of house construction for teachers by encouraging the housing recipients to put up sweat equity of at least 400 hours.

Meanwhile, employees of West African Embassy and 20 Marine soldiers also rendered sweat equity as their contribution to the housing project for teachers.

“We identified as priority recipients our teachers who have no homes – those living with their parents, leasing or living in depressed communities and those teaching in schools in or near the Payatas District,” said Luistro.

According to Luistro there are a total of 56 units intended for teachers of Payatas district, 36 of which will be ready for turn-over by September.

Meanwhile the Bank of the Philippine Islands also pitched in to the housing project by providing an interest-free seed money to HABITAT to start the construction.

The house and lot package is payable within 30 years at a monthly amortization of P2,700.

DepEd’s other  existing housing projects for teachers  in partnership with LGU, Habitat and NGOs are in Daet , Camarines  Norte;  Bogo City,  Panabo City and  Teachers’  Village in  Lasang Davao City and  Strike Vil  in Bacoor, Cavite.

Schools nationwide to discuss Robredo’s life and legacy

(DEPED PRESS RELEASE)

As a tribute to the late Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, all schools nationwide will have a discussion about his life tomorrow, August 28, the day of his funeral.

Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro FSC instructed all Department of Education Regional Directors to disseminate a module developed by DepEd Region V where Robredo served as Mayor of Naga City for 19 years before being appointed as Cabinet Secretary under the Aquino administration. 

“It is important for our students to understand why the whole nation is mourning the loss of Sec. Jesse. There is much to learn about his life, his principles, his commitment to public service and his dedication to the common good” Luistro said.

Two modules were distributed to schools – one for Araling Panlipunan and another one for Values Education. The module for Araling Panlipunan includes topics on good governance and public service.  To demonstrate the importance of the family as an institution and its role in building better community relationships, the module for Values Education will highlight Robredo’s example as a family man. 

“If our students recognize honest and dedicated public servants as the norm rather than the exception, this will help accelerate the process of social transformation, then Sec. Jesse would not have died in vain” ended Luistro. 

DepEd donations reach over 1,700 families in flood affected areas

(DEPED PRESS RELEASE)

Relief goods and cash donations for victims of monsoon rains raised by the Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office have reached 1,793 families in 10 evacuation centers in affected areas by the recent calamity. 

DepEd volunteers, with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserved Command (AFPResCom), were the first to reach the schools and distributed relief goods to the affected families in Gulod Elementary School, Gulod National High School, North Marinig Elementary School and Butong Elementary School in Cabuyao, Laguna.

The Department has also distributed goods to Napindan Elementary School in Taguig and San Joaquin Elementary School in Pasig. Further, evacuees in Calumpit National High School, Northville 9 Elementary School, San Marcos Elementary School, and Calumpit Elementary School in Calumpit, Bulacan have also received goods from the donations sent through DepEd.

DepEd thanks those who have sent their donations and will continue to receive the same until Aug 23, 2012 from 8am-6pm at the DepEd complex, Meralco Ave, Pasig City.  Donations needed are food, blankets, school supplies, slippers, mats, clothes and water.

Meanwhile, cash donations may be deposited at any Land Bank of the Philippines branch under account name: OSEC Trust, Account no.0672-1000-20.

The operation of DepEd’s Relief Operation Center is in support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) efforts to help the victims affected by the recent calamity that hit the National Capital Region, Regions I, III and IV-A.

For inquires please call telephone numbers: 6374933, 6321362 and 6321370.

DepEd PPP bid, a success

(DEPED PRESS RELEASE)

The results of today’s opening of financial proposals by the Department of Education (DepEd) for its Public Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) reveal a successful bid.

The PSIP is a build-lease transfer contract for the design, construction and maintenance of 9,301 classrooms (with toilets and furniture) in Regions I, III and IV-A for a period of 10 years.

The submitted bid prices are lower than the total Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of PhP16.4 billion.

The ABC for PSIP was derived using the DepEd’s cost for single and two-storey classroom construction, considering efficiencies brought about by the use of new technologies in construction and by economies of scale. This translates to a cost of PhP620,812 per single storey classroom, inclusive of toilets and furniture; and a cost of PhP1,062,890 for a two-storey classroom, inclusive of toilets and furniture.

Of the required 9,301 classrooms, 69% are two-storey buildings, while 31% are single-storey buildings.

Since the Project is a lease, other costs are factored in such as maintenance costs, financing costs and taxes. The inclusion of periodic maintenance every 4.5 years ensures the durability of the structures and helps extend their design life. The financing costs, on the other hand, represent the cost of using private sector money to construct the classrooms today and pay it back over a period of 10 years. Meanwhile, although tax payments are factored in the cost, these ultimately revert back to government as part of internal revenues.

Of the six pre-qualified bidders, BF Corporation-Riverbanks Development Corporation and Citicore Investment Holdings-Megawide Construction Corporation submitted technical and financial proposals for the Project. The technical submissions of these two bidders were opened last July 18, 2012.

After close review and evaluation, the Prequalification, Bids and Award Committee and its Technical Working Group found that the two technical proposals, including the mock up structures constructed in Malolos City, Bulacan, are compliant with the PSIP’s Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications.

“Many are called but few are chosen” remarked Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC as he congratulated the bidders and thanked all the agencies that helped the Department reach this milestone.  “What was once unimaginable – closing classroom shortage – is finally within our reach.  Now we can say that it is possible because we worked together and we did this for over 20 million young people, to provide them access to quality education.”

“We have always been at the fore of groundbreaking this (PPP) process, now we can truly push for real public-private partnership – an engagement that goes beyond a purely business venture but one that engages the rest of the nation in planting seeds of hope” Luistro added.

The DepEd expects to issue the Notice of Award to the two bidders within the next four weeks.

DepEd, Makati City, TESDA formalize pact to model K to 12’s Senior High School program

(PRESS RELEASE)

The Department of Education (DepEd) signed a memorandum of agreement today with the city government of Makati and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), formalizing the modeling of Senior High School (SHS) in the University of Makati (UMak) under the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

The agreement was signed by DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, Makati Mayor and UMak Chairman of the Board of Regents Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, and TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva.

The city government of Makati, through its locally funded University of Makati is taking the lead in modeling the proposed Senior High School (SHS) program. Modeling of SHS will help the Department identify best practices in preparation for the nationwide implementation of Grades 11 and 12 in SY 2016-2017.

DepEd began rolling out K to 12 this school year with new curriculum for Grade 1 and Grade 7 (or 1^st Year Junior High School).

“We support K to 12 because it is aligned with the needs of industry partners of Makati and we have long been implementing at the UMak an integrated lifelong learning program among our students,” said Binay.

According to Luistro, the Senior High School Program will help shift the attitude of parents and students into believing that the completion of secondary education is more than just preparation for college, and that it can be sufficient for employment and career readiness.

“Senior high school program will offer our students various specializations leading to different career paths, without denying them a chance to pursue college education if they so desire. Embedded in the Senior high school program are TESDA-recognized skills that can lead to productive employment after graduation from high school,” he said.

When classes opened in June this year, UMak took in its college-bound freshmen students as Grade 11 students. Two years of SHS allow students to mature and integrate acquired academic skills and competencies with their eventual career paths. The UMak SHS program offers specializations in Science and Technology, Business Education, Information Technology, Business Process Outsourcing, Performing and Broadcasting Arts, Athletics, and Allied Health Services.

“We hope to erase the stigma that blue collar jobs are inferior to a university degree. At the same time, we want parents and students to realize that there are viable and lucrative career options beyond those enabled by a four-year college degree,” explained Villanueva.

Graduates of the University’s SHS program have the option to take TESDA assessment for national skills certification and get employed or explore entrepreneurial opportunities. They can also pursue a college degree in UMak.

DepEd gives shelter to over 14,000 families in flood-affected areas

(PRESS RELEASE)

Over 160 schools in flood-affected areas are currently providing shelter for over 14,000 families affected by flooding due to continuous rains in Luzon.

In an emergency meeting called for by Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC this morning, he instructed Schools Division Superintendents of Department of Education – National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) to work closely with Local Government Units as well as the City Social Welfare and Development Offices in their respective areas.

“We need to make sure that we have enough supplies to provide for the needs of evacuees under our care. Let us work hand in hand with our City and Baranggay officials to ensure that urgent needs are provided given the current situation,” Luistro said.

NCR has the largest number of evacuees with 9,741 families housed in 115 schools. In Region 3, there are 2,568 families in 36 schools, while 17 schools in Region 4A are providing shelter for 2,180 families.

Aside from ensuring the smooth operation of schools used as evacuation centers, local officials of DepEd NCR are currently finalizing a plan for the resumption of classes including provisions for make-up classes. Details of which will be released tomorrow, August 9.

Cebu invests in education with TEN Moves, makes initial pledge of Php1.9 million to build classrooms in public schools

Since its inception, the social mobilization campaign TEN Moves, which aims to build 10,000 classrooms across the country, has inspired individuals, corporations, and educational institutions to make their move in order to improve the education of Filipino students.

One of the Philippines’ highly urbanized areas and a center for trade and industry in the Visayas region is making a significant move in support of TEN Moves. Cebu has pledged Php1,898,300.00 to boost the campaign, through the donations of local corporations and organizations.

For Atty. Manuel Gordon, President of the Ayala Business Club Cebu, Inc. (ABCCI), one of the prime movers of the campaign in the area, supporting TEN Moves is one step to ensuring that Filipino children have a solid educational foundation, through environments that support and encourage learning, regardless of their age, heritage, or location.

“Our youth deserve classrooms that will give both their bodies and their minds the room to discover and to learn,” states Atty. Gordon. “Through TEN Moves, every Filipino can make a crucial investment in the educational future of Filipino children everywhere.”

Joining the ABCCI in moving for TEN Moves are the Bank of the Philippine Islands-Cebu, Marriott Hotel-Cebu City, Cebu Holdings, Inc., Globe Telecom, Honda Cars-Cebu, Inc., and Isuzu-Cebu, Inc.

As of July 2012, 2,741 classrooms have been pledged for TEN Moves’ mother campaign, Bayanihang Pampaaralan, with 880 classrooms having been built.

As Cebu joins the campaign to build 10,000 classrooms, Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC commended the commitment of private-public partnerships to education, which has allowed TEN Moves to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children.

“The TEN Moves campaign is the campaign of the Filipino people,” says Secretary Luistro. “The continued outpouring of support from individuals, the academe, non-government organizations, the private sector, and local governments is testament to the possibilities that we can achieve for our children, if we all work together.”

 “With the help of every Filipino, we hope to fill up the classroom backlog, and ensure that every Filipino child and educator will have the space that they need to fully appreciate the gifts of learning,” continues Secretary Luistro.

For Mario Deriquito, Senior Director of the Ayala Foundation and a primary mover of TEN Moves, education remains a key contributor to the success and development of a nation. “With the participation of Cebu in this campaign, we hope that it will inspire more communities to make their move to improve the state of education in the Philippines, to help the country stay on course to true development.”

Interested donors are encouraged to donate P300 a month for 10 months to help build the construction of 10,000 classrooms under TEN Moves. To learn more about TEN Moves, please visit www.tenmoves.org or email info@tenmoves.org

DSWD hosts Inter-agency Regional Directors Consultation to strengthen Pantawid Pamilya

(PRESS RELEASE) 

Regional Directors of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) recently held a three-day Inter-agency Regional Directors Consultation Workshop at Bayview Park Hotel Manila.  The conference aims to strengthen the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program also widely known as the Philippine conditional cash transfer (CCT).

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman, during the dialogue, lauded the contribution of partner agencies including the local government units and civil society organization in ensuring that Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program achieve its goal of keeping children in school and keeping them healthy.

Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said, “CCT can remain a national program implemented in coordination with LGUs and the DILG acts as bridge between the national government and local chief executives.”

On education, DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that they have allocated funds to further close the gaps in education supply side.

“We also now have the Learners Reference Number for all students enrolled in the public school system.  All Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are tagged in our database.  It will soon be easier to monitor and track the attendance of the children,” Sec. Luistro said.

DOH Secretary Enrique T. Ona committed for the mobilization of the Community Health Teams (CHTs) to ensure the health of beneficiaries particularly of women and children.

“The Community Health Team (CHT) are mobilized not only to check on the health of beneficiaries but also to provide information on good health practices particularly for pregnant women and children,” said Sec. Ona.

The dialogue was also attended by Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindadano (ARMM) OIC Vice Governor Hadja Bainon Karon and ARMM DOH Secretary Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Jr.

The three-day workshop focused on updates on program implementation, issues and concerns encountered by implementing regions, and commitments from participating agencies on how to resolve identified concerns.

DSWD is the primary implementing agency of the Pantawid Pamilya and the three other national agencies play important roles in the program implementation. DepEd helps in monitoring the compliance of beneficiaries in terms of the 85% attendance requirement. DOH provides health services for the children and pregnant women and helps in monitoring their compliance to health conditions. Lastly, DILG helps in the provision of supply side requirements such as additional human resources, and health and educational facilities.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a rights-based social protection program that aims to prevent the intergenerational cycle of poverty by ensuring that 3-14 years old children go to day care centers and schools with 85% minimum attendance and pregnant women and 0-14 years old children get basic health services. By investing in the human capital of the poor, it is hoped that they are assured of a better future and will be equipped with necessary skills to contribute to their community and to the growth of country as a whole.

Free training for science club advisers and teachers

(PRESS RELEASE)

Yes, there is free training in the sciences – and it comes with free lunch.

Pursuant to Department of Education Memo No. 129, series of 2012, there will   be free training for science club advisers , science teachers and enthusiasts for both elementary and high school and all they have to do is make a request.

The free training offer is ongoing from the last week of July 2012 to end of March 2013. It is open to all public and private schools and is under the auspices of the Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines (SCAAP).

“This is part of our continuing thrust to improve the teaching of sciences in basic education with the hope of producing a new generation of science-oriented learners,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.

The training program aims to continuously revitalize science education pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 28 dated September 4, 1986 and Presidential Proclamation No. 264 dated September 23, 2002. It shall be conducted upon request preferably on Saturdays from 9:00 to 4:00 pm. No registration fee will be collected and free lunch will be served.

The training supports the implementation of the enhanced science education curriculum under the K to 12 Basic Education Reform Program. “This will help strengthen the capabilities of science club advisers and teachers which they will impart to their students,” Luistro added.

K to 12 is a component of the Go Education campaign which seeks to address teachers’ training, education resource gaps and curricular change.

Interested parties may contact SCAAP at Mobile 0949-8236899 or email arcatabona@hotmail.com.