Press Releases

Secretary Luistro conferred Doctor of Humanities, cited for achievements in DepEd

(PRESS RELEASE)

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC was conferred a Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) by the Foundation University of Dumaguete City, citing him as an educator par excellence for his accomplishments at the Department of Education.

The University took cognizance of his strength of character, the power of his achievements and his dynamic and highly effective management of the DepEd, the largest government bureaucracy in the Philippines.

According to Foundation University President Mira D. Sinco, Ph.D. Luistro was chosen for his aggressive promotion of the K to 12 Basic Education Program that will equip the youth with skills and prepare them for the future. Luistro, the citation said, also exhausted all means to reach learners who are out of the formal system by offering various learning alternatives to make them functionally literate.

Luistro continues to address education resource gaps by encouraging the private sector, other government agencies and the general public to pitch in for education.

Luistro was also commended for encouraging the students to thank their teachers, thus giving dignity to the profession and for continually finding ways to improve classroom instruction by the inclusion of local cultures to the curriculum and the use of mother tongue for better learning outcomes.

In his University commencement address, Luistro noted that the batch of 2013 is graduating at a most auspicious period in our country’s history when the economy is growing and that hope is everywhere. “For the first time in years, perhaps even decades, the morning sun is arising, and its golden light is spreading across the land,” he said.

According to Luistro, these are certainly good signs as more options are made available when the graduates join the workforce. “You, dear students, are graduating at a time of hope with each one of you is forming a crucial part of that hope.”

DepEd had to face challenges in introducing radical changes and reforms, in maneuvering a massive bureaucracy, thus, it is inevitable that it would rouse the ire of critics, skeptics and hostile forces. “But through perseverance and hope, we are finally making headway,” he beamed.

“The greatest obstacle to this change is ourselves. Not the guns, not the system, not the opinions of others, not the typhoons or destruction or the lack of resources. Our greatest obstacle is our own skepticism, our unbelief. Against all these, we have to combat with hope.”

“You, dear graduates, have more reason to hope in these bright days of our history. Claim it for yourselves. And claim it for your country.”

DepEd renews partnership with Rappler for 2013 Palaro

(PRESS RELEASE)

The Department of Education has renewed its partnership with Rappler, Inc., a media organization of veteran journalists, as its official social media partner for the 2013 Palarong Pambansa set in Negros Oriental this April. Read more…

Best public school teachers of financial education recognized

(PRESS RELEASE)

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of Education bared  the winners in the  2012 National Search for the best public school teachers of savings and financial literacy who  received generous financial reward for their effort.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC identified the national winners who received P100,000 each as Violeta Roson of  F. Benitez Elementary School of Makati City, May Villanueva of Sta. Rosa Elementary School of Laguna, Lynie Maria Amboni of Baguio Central Elementary School of Davao City and Evelyn Balunsay of Aurora Quezon Elementary School of Malate, Manila.

The national winners of the 2012 Guro ng Pag-asa (Gantimpala Para sa Ulirang Pagtuturo sa Pag-iimpok at Araling Pansalapi) award were selected from the 28 finalists from the regions. The respective schools of the national winners were also given a complete set of computers.

“We are thankful to the BSP for partnering with us in giving this award which helps generate awareness on the importance of responsible financial stewardship at an early age,” said Luistro.

Meanwhile, a new criteria for the 2013 Search for Guro ng Pag-asa was also released by BP and DepEd.

Nominees should be recommended by the School Head and must have a very satisfactory performance rating for the last two years. Moreover, nominees should write an essay about their nomination to the award.

They must be able to present a lesson plan integrating savings, investments and other financial literacy concepts and values. Additionally, nominees must have participated in training programs on financial education including microfinance and entrepreneurship and they must be a member of a professional organization that promotes savings and entrepreneurship.

Inquiries about the other criteria may be addressed to Mr. Jester Tan at phone number 708-7140 or Dr. Rogelio Dones at telephone number 638-4799. Or email jmtan@bsp.gov.ph or rogelio_dones@yahoo.com.ph.

DepEd endorses kinder curriculum developed for Muslim preschoolers

(PRESS RELEASE) 

The Department of Education endorses the Tahderiyyah Curriculum in Islamic community schools operated by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), giving Muslim preschool children equal access to quality kindergarten education.

The Tahderiyyah curriculum was developed for five-year old Muslim pupils in schools under the BDA. The standards and competencies of the curriculum are aligned with the kindergarten curriculum implemented in all public schools nationwide.

It was developed through the collaborative effort of BDA, Community of Learners Foundation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the DepEd, observing the curriculum development process.

“We recommend the Tahderiyya curriculum because it is aligned with the policy of the State to make education learner-oriented and responsive to the learning needs, culture, circumstances and diversity of the learners and the community,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.

The Tahderiyyah curriculum also compliments the Madrasah Kindergarten curriculum which implements the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program in government assisted private madaris (Muslim schools).

Luistro added that the implementation of the Tahderiyyah curriculum is part of the government’s commitment to make quality education accessible to all learners in consonance with the Millennium Development Goals on achieving Education for All.

The Philippine government has recently inked a peace pact with the Moro International Liberation Front which is expected to usher peace in Muslim Mindanao. Education is one of the key areas being given attention by the government, the private sector and international donor communities to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Public schools operating expenses increased

(PRESS RELEASE) 

The Department of Education has significantly increased its allocation for schools maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) by 46% this year as the government intensifies its efforts to achieve the learning targets of some 20 million students in elementary and secondary public schools nationwide.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said DepEd and the Department of Budget and Management both agreed to adopt a refined formula for setting the MOOE budgets of public schools, which takes into account not only the number of students in a school, but also the number of classrooms and teachers. The new formula is more responsive to the requirements for improved classroom instruction and better school management. The increase in MOOE comes together with the government’s classroom construction program and its massive teacher hiring program, which are part of the government’s continuing thrust to improve conditions in public schools and upgrade the quality of education.

“There has been a significant increase of budget for the school MOOE in 2013. We reiterate the guidelines to ensure that the budget really goes to schools in critical and priority areas that would help their conditions and improve quality of learning in our schools,” added Luistro.

The increase in school MOOE is more significant for elementary schools, which expanded by 68%, from approximately P3.97 billion in 2012 to P6.67 billion in 2013. For the secondary level, the school MOOE rose from P3.85 billion in 2012 to P4.75 billion this year or an increase of 23%. The average elementary MOOE per school is PhP173,450 (68% increase) while the  average secondary  MOOE per school is  PhP635,700 (23% increase). This reflects the Department’s desire to address the relatively more pressing needs faced by elementary schools in the country.

There was also a significant increase in funding for in-service training for teachers (INSET) which reached a total of P337 million an additional P67.981 million from the previous budget.

Luistro explained that the administration of the Department is best seen in how the schools are managed on a daily basis, thus,   the principals are given funds to empower them to maintain the schools well. “By increasing the MOOE, our schools can be well maintained so that it becomes the proud center of the locality,” he said.

The Secretary also enjoined principals to monitor and demand the release of the MOOE funds to their schools by the Division Offices. The amount of MOOE per school will be published in the Department of Education’s website. The Department also encourages parents, communities and other stakeholders to monitor the utilization of these funds to help ensure that these go to the most critical priorities of the school.

DepEd releases guidelines on granting of Performance Based Bonus

(PRESS RELEASE)

The Department of Education releases the guidelines on the granting of Performance Based Bonus (PBB) for its personnel, based on Executive Order No. 80, s. 2012 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III. The guidelines take effect February 28, 2013.

DepEdhas created a Task Force composed of DepEd officials and field officersto formulate and finalize the guidelines. After an arduous set of meetings, the committee has come up with guidelines containing policies and clarifications on the implementation of PBB.

In line with this, DepEd will evaluate and grant the PBB to all bureaus or delivery units and employees who have worked diligently and have performed well according to their contribution to the achievement of the Department’s overall performance targets, which in turn, will determine the amount of PBB to be received.

According to DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2013, the implementing guidelines shall be adopted and will take effect once the Department is identified eligible to the PBB. To get the top-up bonus for the Fiscal Year 2012, the following criteria and conditions should be met by DepEd:

a.       Achieved at least 90% of FY 2012 targets of each Major Final Output (MFO), Support to Operations (STO), and General Administrative Support Services (GASS);

b.      Achieved 90% of each priority program/ project targets agreed with the President under the five Key Result Areas (KRAs) of Executive Order No. 43; and

c.       Satisfied 100% of good governance conditions.

Those who have qualified from the Central Office (CO), Regional Offices (ROs), Division Offices (DOs) and attached agencies, shall be further evaluated based on the said guidelines and on their individual performance.

As for teaching and non-teaching personnel of the schools, there will be no individual ranking at the school level. Thus, the performance category of the school shall determine the level of PBB that each employee will receive.

Furthermore, DepEd employees who are recipients of awards such as the Literacy Awards and national awards from the Civil Service Commission and Metrobank Foundation in FY 2012, are guaranteed beneficiaries of the P 35,000.00 bonus– the highest incentive level of PBB.

On the contrary, employees who received a “Below Satisfactory” rating or who are guilty of administrative and/or criminal charges, shall automatically be disqualified from receiving the PBB.

The PBB will act as an incentive in addition to the across-the-board bonus of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) and will not replace any formerly-given incentive. It aims to promote excellence and accountability among government employees thus, providing their best public service.

More learning centers for Muslim learners to open in Mindanao

(PRESS RELEASE) 

An alternative delivery mode of education for Muslim schoolchildren supported by international agencies continues to reach   more areas in Mindanao just a year after its launch.

To date, the BRAC (formerly Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) Alternative Delivery Mode has 410 learning centers (292 preschool and 118 elementary schools) serving some 11,868 learners throughout the provinces of Lanao Sur, Maguindanao and Tawi-Tawi.  An additional 400 learning centers are targeted to be organized in Sulu and Basilan when school year 2013-2013 opens in June.

BRAC is a non-government development organization that originated from Bangladesh that aims to find practical ways to increase the poor’s access to resources, including education, and empower them to become agents of change.

The BRAC education program is one of the components of Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao – ARMM funded by the Australian Assistance for International Development (AusAid).

Bangladeshi Ambassador to the Philippines, John Gomes, said his country has long been engaged in the peace process in Mindanao through the Organization of Islamic Conference.

The anniversary celebration held in Cotabato City last February 27 was graced by multi-awarded BRAC Founder and Chairperson Fazle Hasan Abed and AusAID Counselor for Human Development Elaine Ward.

Ward said the learning centers are a very important component of Australia’s larger investment in building a better education for the children in Mindanao. “We want to contribute to the alleviation of poverty and peace promotion through strategic investments in education.”

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hutaman said they are humbled by the presence of the Chairperson of BRAC-one of the worlds no 1 NGO. “With BRAC I am confident that we will see more children provided with safe, happy and quality education in ARMM, “he added.

For his part, Abed made an offer to the ARMM Regional Government for scholarships in governance and education leadership at the BRAC University in Dhakka. “The Philippines, actually, is the 1st country that recognized us in 1980. We thank you for having us in this country and I hope this will show good results.”

DepEd and Negros Oriental sign MOU for 2013 Palarong Pambansa

(PRESS RELEASE)

The provincial government of Negros Oriental is this year’s host of the 2013 Palarong Pambansa, the country’s biggest sporting event that aims to develop world-class athletes.

Participated in by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide, the annual sporting event will be held at the Don Mariano Perdices Memorial Coliseum in Dumaguete City from April 21 to 27, 2013.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo signed on Friday the memorandum of understanding that stipulates the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well-managed and professionally-run Palaro.

“Yung Palaro ay marami siyang aspeto, hindi lamang ito yung games mismo. Pero yung ating tinututukan sa DepEd at sa bawat Palaro ay kalimutan niyo na ang lahat h’wag lang kalimutan ang ating mga atleta. Siguraduhin natin sa Palaro, ang star dito ay yung mga atleta,” said Luistro.

Based on DepEd Memo No. 4 series of 2013, the events played in the 2012 Palarong Pambansa and the related technical guidance shall remain in effect unless amended.

However, three more events will be added as demonstration sports this year. These are wushu for secondary boys and girls, billiards for secondary boys and futsal for elementary girls.

Luistro said the additional sporting events is consistent with DepEd’s policy to work closely with the Philippine Sports Commission  in promoting sports where Filipinos have a greater chance of excelling in the world sporting arena.

He also emphasized the values that the athletes get from competing in a sports competition such as Palaro. “Ang ating mga atleta ay hindi lamang nakikipagpaligsahan sa isa’t isa at hindi lamang ang makakamit ng gintong medalya ang dapat isipin. Ang pinakamahalaga po ay lumalakas ang ating katawan at ang ating disiplina para makamit natin ang inaasam-asam na pangarap. Hindi man tayo manalo, dapat maitatak sa isip at puso ng mga atleta na hindi naman nasa medalya ang pagpapanalo, ito ay nandoon sa papaano natin tunay na isinulong ang ating mga hinaharap sa buhay.”

DepEd is the lead agency in the conduct of the annual Palarong Pambansa to promote physical education and sports as an integral part of learning. It hopes to develop and mold a holistic youth who are socially responsible and globally-competitive.

DepEd allots additional grant for private Muslim schools

(PRESS RELEASE)

The Department of Education has earmarked an additional P250,000 grant to each  Muslim school (madaris) to upgrade their physical facilities and  improve operational capabilities to better implement a cuturally sensitive and Islam-friendly curriculum.

The one-time financial support forms part of the Sajahatra program which seeks to deliver enhanced public services to the communities in the Bangsamoro as a result of the peace agreement signed on October 15, 2012 between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said the financial assistance to private madaris is aimed at realizing the vision of bringing socio-economic progress and genuine human development to the Bangsamoro people through education.

“When we invest in education, we also address a host of other socio-economic challenges that trigger conflict. With education, we spread the light of understanding and solidarity among people,” Luistro said.

DepEd will extend the additional support to private madaris in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Based on DepEd Order No. 6 series of 2013, one of the main objectives of the grant is to enable the private madaris to improve their operational capabilities and allow them to undertake necessary curriculum adjustments in order to deliver quality education to students.  The end-goal is for them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills while developing themselves as good Muslim Filipinos.

To qualify for the grant, private madaris must submit a letter of application for the fund mobilization complete with the name, address, contact details and the name of the head/principal of the school. There must also be the endorsement of the OPAPP which should be prepared in coordination with OPAPP’s counterpart in the peace negotiation. Another requirement is for the private madaris wishing to apply for the grant to have a minimum of 50 students.

President Aquino included Madrasah education for Muslim learners as one of his priority concerns in his Ten-Point Education Agenda. In 2011, he approved the allocation of P300 million — from P200 million in 2010 – to fund various initiatives to ensure that the education the Muslims get is responsive to their specific learning needs.

Lessons of EDSA People Power to be taught in schools

(PRESS RELEASE)

Learning modules that teach students the lessons of EDSA will debut in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide this week as the Department of Education’s contribution to the 27^th commemoration of the People Power Revolution.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said it is important that the lessons of the critical markers in Philippine history are not lost in generations of Filipino. “EDSA People Power is about freedom, democracy and unity which we should always protect and cherish,” added Luistro.

The EDSA People Power modules were developed by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines of DepEd in response to Presidential Proclamation No. 224 which mandates the commemoration of EDSA People Power Revolution. “This is our modest contribution in creatively promoting the values of EDSA,” pointed out Luistro.

The modules for elementary pupils and high school students will be introduced by teachers on the week of February 17 to 23, 2013. Luistro explained that learners must be able to understand this critical phase in our country’s history so that people will be able to generate ideas on how we can work together for a better Philippines.

The module is incorporated under the subject Araling Panlipunan. It aims to highlight the importance of learning the lessons of history and in preserving the gains of democracy. The learners are also expected to understand how EDSA Revolution continue to shape the lives of Filipinos today.

“Equally important, we want our young to protect our sovereignty and uphold freedom and justice at all times,” Luistro added.