(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 27th 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.
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(PRESS RELEASE)
Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC introduced on Monday newly appointed officials Mario A. Deriquito as Undersecretary and Lorna D. Dino as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education.
A former Senior Director from the private sector, Deriquito imparts DepEd his experience in public service by conceptualizing and leading education initiatives such as “The Entire Nation Moves”, or more widely known as TEN Moves campaign, to raise funds for classrooms in public schools.
The newly-appointed Undersecretary is a graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Engineering. He has participated in the International Visitor Program of the US State Department back in the year 2000, and was also a part of the pilot class of Bridging Leadership Training Program of the Asian Institute of Management. In addition, he has undergone a Leadership Enhancement Acceleration Program from the joint effort of Harvard University and the Bank of Philippine Islands.
On the other hand, with more than 30 years of academic expertise and managerial experience, Dino has been accustomed to the DepEd ways – from being a teacher in the Division of Sorsogon to being a regional director in CALABARZON. She is also a trainer/resource speaker of various subjects such as reading education, leadership and management, English proficiency and public speaking.
Dino has completed the academic requirements for a doctorate degree in educational management at the University of St. Anthony and has a Master of Arts degree from the Annunciation College. Moreover, she is also a diplomat in Language Studies, which she obtained from the University of the Philippines Open University on a scholarship. She has also attended a series of trainings and numerous conferences concerning education and leadership.
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QUEZON CITY, 19 February 2013—The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, the Department of Education (DepED), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched today an innovative project called Early Learning for Life which aims to help children ages 3-5 years old get ready for school.
“The vital years of the child 0-6 yearsold should be a collective aspiration,” said Dr.Teresita G. Inciong, Chairperson of the ECCD Governing Board. She continued: “It is in this light that the Project responds to the urgent need for children to get the right start to learning and development, and eventually complete their education.”
Significant research studies show that 50 per cent of a person’s ability to learn is developed in the first few years of life. However, national statistics indicate that only 78out of 100 Grade 1 entrants have kindergarten experience.
“This initiative is most welcome as it will give our young learners a strong foundational head start in early education,” Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said.
The US$18M project, funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and in collaboration with UN children’s agency, UNICEF, will be implemented in 36 disadvantaged areas in the Philippines until 2016.
A synergy of efforts that builds on the work of local and national government, and links with the government’s flagship poverty alleviation projects, it also seeks to build models of quality early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs and mainstream innovations and quality standards at the national level.
ECCD is a critical foundation for lifelong learning—it paves the way for children to be ready, to stay, to participate more and to learn better in school. Rich early learning experiences have a strong, positive impact that reaches well into adulthood. Based on a number of studies internationally, it is known to have a wide range of significantly positive impact on people’s life not only during childhood but also well into adulthood, such as better academic performance and higher educational attainment; higher socio-economic status; higher job skills; better health-related behaviours; and lower rates of crime commitment and incarceration.
It is a wise investment that consequently translates to a strengthened platform for poverty reduction and economic growth.
“Improving the quality of basic education is a priority for Australia’s development program in the Philippines. We understand that access to quality education improves one’s opportunities in life to help people overcome poverty. Australia invests in early childhood education in recognition of the significant role ECCD plays in improving the quality of learning outcomes, retention and completion rates of school children,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said.
Early childhood care and development is also a child’s right. It is a responsibility not only of parents, but of the community and the government. Providing improved access to quality ECCD for Filipino boys and girls is aligned with, and support the Philippine government’s convergence and reform agenda in education, social protection and poverty reduction.
“We should continue to build on thework of the government and understand the many challenges that keep children from getting the right start to learning. These 36 areas perform much lower than the national average when it comes to school readiness. If we are able to address the challenges facing children who are most deprived, we will be in a better position to ensure their growth and success. By creating an early learning model that is sensitive to their situation, we are able to offer a solution that works for all areas in the country,” UNICEF Philippines Representative TomooHozumi said.
The Early Learning for Life program will reach out to the most disadvantaged children who suffer from multiple vulnerabilities as a result of armed conflict, disaster and urban challenges.
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About Australian AID
The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is the Australian Government agency responsible for managing Australia’s overseas aid program. The fundamental purpose of Australian aid is to help people overcome poverty.
For more information, please contact:
Australian Embassy Manila
JP Agcaoili, Media Officer, JuanPedro.Agcaoili@dfat.gov.au
Tel: 757.2173; Mobile: 0917.512.9676
www.philippines.embassy.gov.au
http://facebook.com/AustralianEmbassyManila
About UNICEF
In the Philippines for over 60 years, UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For more information, please contact:
Marge Francia, mfrancia@unicef.org, Tel. +632 901.0173, Mobile +63 917.858.9447
Angela Travis, atravis@unicef.org, Tel. +632 901.0177, Mobile +63 917.867.8366
www.unicef.ph
http://facebook.com/unicefphilippines
http://twitter.com/unicefphils
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(PRESS RELEASE)
The construction of more than 9,000 classrooms under the Department of Education’s PPP for School Infrastructure Project – PSIP is about to begin. In a recent meeting at the DepEd Central Office, proponents of the Project representing two private companies assured Education Secretary Armin Luistro that classrooms will soon be up in Regions 1, 3 and 4A – areas identified under the agreement.
The BF Corporation Consortium reported that they have already started the fabrication of the steel panels that would be used for the construction 2,157 classrooms in Region I.
Meanwhile, the Megawide Consortium,contracted to design, construct and maintain 2,885 classrooms in Region III and 4,259 classrooms in Region IV-A, reported that theyhave organized and trained69 construction teams, which will undertake construction works simultaneously for the Project.
“The main task is for everyone to work together as a team and deliver based on the specifications, or even better than expected. This project is a chance for us to showcase Filipinos coming together, a chance to bring out our best” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.
Under the PSIP, DepEd provides the private sector the business opportunity to invest in the design, construction and maintenance of classrooms (with toilets and seats) using its resources and technology, consistent with the minimum performance requirements set by the DepEd. The construction, maintenance, and lease of school buildings is under a Build-Lease-and-Transfer contractual arrangement pursuant to Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by Republic Act No. 7718, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
In his closing statement, Luistro reiterated the importance of transparency saying that these classrooms would stand as a testament that the Philippines is capable of building classrooms in the most efficient and expedient manner.
Aside from building the classrooms in a short period of time, the PSIP intends to provide high quality classrooms that are completely furnished and ready for use.
The PSIP aims to supplement current initiatives of the DepEd to address classroom backlog.
An inter-agency committee has also been formed to undertake the bidding and procurement of 10,679 classrooms in 14 regions under the second phase of the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP II).
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(PRESS RELEASE)
The Department of Education is reopening the accreditation of Private Lending Institutions (PLIs) that can offer more alternative credit windows with better terms and lower financial charges on loans availed by teachers and personnel of the Department.
Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said there is a need to widen the field some more so that public school teachers and non-teaching personnel can choose which ones have the best offer. “This is part of our on-going reform to prevent our teachers from falling prey to loan sharks.”
Under DepEd’s Automatic Payroll Deduction System Clean Up program, PLIs that charge exorbitant fees and unreasonable loan terms have been deleted from the accreditation list. Applications for PLI accreditation may be submitted to the Office of the Undersecretary for Finance and Administration until March 31, 2013.
The grant of automatic payroll deduction for loans extended to public school teachers and employees through the issuance of a lending code is a privilege extended by DepEd and not a matter of right to be invoked by any outside party.
Interested PLIs may download the complete requirements and accreditation criteria by downloading DepEd Memorandum No. 228 series of 2011 at www.deped.gov.ph.
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(PRESS RELEASE)
How far have Department of Education and the private sector gone in improving the country’s public school system?
This will be answered during the Greater Opportunities! (GO!) Education Finale exhibit slated on Feb 9 – 10 at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia.
The event aims to create public awareness on the accomplishments thus far of the department especially in improving teacher quality, reform in the basic education curriculum through K to 12 as well as initiatives to fill up education resource gaps to achieve zero backlog by the end of 2013.
“This will be a celebration of milestones we’ve achieved since 2010 in line with President Noynoy Aquino’s 10 point education agenda. It is also a celebration of partnerships and a call to the public for continued support to sustain these reform programs,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.
The public and education stakeholders are invited to the two-day event which will be highlighted by presentations of private partners, a VIP event, and a Rock Ed concert featuring Moonstarr88 and Ebe Dancel at 8pm on February 9.
“We chose a popular and accessible venue to give public space for supporters from various sectors to express their commitment to education” Luistro added.
The GO! Education exhibit will be open during mall hours this weekend.
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(PRESS RELEASE)
Bayanihan, that Filipino tradition of helping one another, takes center stage again as government agencies led by the Department of Education (DepEd) and food giant Jollibee Corporation work together to build armchairs for public schools.
Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje, Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Joel Villanueva and Jollibee Group Foundation President Grace Tan Caktiong, signed today a memorandum of agreement to formally launch the schools armchair “Bayanihan” project.
“This convergence project between the government and the private sector is in response to the call of President Aquino to fill in shortages in public school armchairs by engaging all sectors and harnessing available resources,” Luistro said.
Under the agreement, DENR will donate confiscated logs to TESDA in the form of lumber. TESDA will produce the armchairs and deliver them as knock down to the beneficiary schools. Jollibee Group Foundation will provide P2M to finance the production of armchairs.
The knock down armchairs will be assembled in the school by the employees of Jollibee Group Foundation, parents and students as their share in the bayanihan.
The target date for the assembling of the armchairs will be during the Brigada Eskwela week in May.
“The new armchairs should be ready for the beneficiary schools when classes open in June,” Luistro added.
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(PRESS RELEASE)
Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and Union Bank chair and chief executive officer Justo Ortiz have signed an agreement to produce learning tools in the teaching of literacy, English proficiency and values education for public school pupils.
The project is Union Bank Learning System which integrates the teaching of Literacy, English Proficiency and Values Education in Grade 2 English subject.
As stipulated in the agreement, DepEd will develop the Learner’s Material (LM) and Teacher’s Guide (TG) based on the K to 12 basic education curriculum standards and competencies.
UnionBank grants all the copyright materials to DepEd at no cost.
“We are thankful to Union Bank for the learning system that will enable us to integrate, adopt and use the LM and TG in the context of K to 12,” Luistro said.
“The LM is like a student’s work text which every pupil can study, answer and write on, and bring home as their own,” added Luistro.
Meanwhile, the Teachers Guide is reusable on a 1:1 ratio, for Grade 2 English teachers nationwide and appropriate printing of the TG for all teachers shall be made by DepEd.
Also present during the signing of the agreement are Union Bank executives Maria Gonzalez Goolsby, Executive Director, Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility and Ilene Ruivivar, Manager, Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility. DepEd Undersecretaries Dr. Yolanda Quijano for Programs and Projects and Alberto Muyot for Legal attended the MOA signing, too.
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(PRESS RELEASE)
The Department of Education has created a committee and a technical working group to undertake the bidding and procurement of public school buildings to address classroom backlogs under the second phase of Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP II).
Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that the Department is on track in its goal to eventually close the classroom shortage by the end SY 2013. “We believe that we are right on target in tapping the private sector and other education stakeholders in addressing classroom shortage,” he added.
Based on DepEd Order No 4 s. of 2013, DepEd has created an inter-agency pre-qualification, bids and awards committee after getting an approval for the Phase II of the PSIP from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
The Committee is chaired by DepEd Undersecretary Francisco Varela with DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali as secretary. Its members are DepEd Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo, DPWH Assistant Secretary Ma. Catalina Cabral, DPWH Director Judy Sese as alternate and DepEd Engineer Oliver Hernandez.
Acting as observer is Executive Director Cosette Canilao of the Public Private Partnership Center of the Philippines. To serve as observers are the Ateneo School of Government, Office of the Solicitor General, the Commission on Audit and the Office of the Resident Ombudsman.
The PBAC shall be responsible for all aspects of the procurement process for PSIP II pursuant to the provisions of the RA 6957 as amended by RA 7718 and its implementing regulations. Also, a technical working group composed of representatives from various sectors was created to aid the PBAC in performing its responsibilities.
The Phase I of the PSIP consists of 9,301 classrooms covering 2,204 public elementary and secondary schools. The construction is expected to commence this February. Phase II targets 10,679 classrooms in 5,167 school sites covering 14 regions.
PSIP supplements other on-going initiatives of the DepEd to address classrooms shortage in public schools.
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MANILA. At a meeting with Summer Institute of Linguistics International Executive Director Freddy Boswell, SIL Philippines Director Glenn Stallsmith and other SIL leaders, Education Secretary Armin Luistro expressed appreciation for the significant role that SIL plays in sustainable language development within the Philippines. He noted in particular the important ways that SIL connects various stakeholders in the language communities.
Secretary Luistro also explored how this international linguistics organization can further partner with DepEd to serve educational and language development goals of Philippine IP communities. Luistro is eager for SIL’s compilation of Philippine language data, collected through 60 years of fieldwork, to be readily available in accessible formats. SIL continues to publish its renowned catalogue of all the world’s languages, the Ethnologue.
SIL, also known as the Summer Institute of Linguistics, is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that has worked in the Philippines since 1953. In cooperation with the Philippines Department of Education, SIL members carry out linguistic research and documentation of Philippine indigenous languages. As appropriate to the language community, SIL also promotes literacy, health, and community development projects among speakers of those languages, as well as translation of materials into the vernacular.
Contact:
Glenn Stallsmith, Director SIL Philippines
02-631-3839
director_philippines@sil.org
www.sil.org/asia/philippines
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