Snippets of Palarong Pambansa 2016 and the Things We can Learn from it

I've been following the yearly updates of Palarong Pambansa ever since I've started with my other
blog in Wordpress (my lifestyle and parenting blog).  It took me more than a year since then to fully realize it's cause.  Don't get me wrong, I do believe in sports, and I encourage my kids to be involved in sports.

However, I never pushed my kids hard enough for them to make it to District eliminations.  It's not easy rearing four children, each having their own unique interests, let alone tag along them in practices and school meets you know (who's complaining, I did want to be a stage mom, but...).  So I give props to parents who have supported and are supporting their kids be good in sports.  They deserve to give proper recognition too.

MOA for 2016 Palarong Pambansanow Inked by DepEd and Albay

The Department of Education (DepEd) signs an agreement with the provincial government ofAlbay—the host of the2016 PalarongPambansa in Legazpi City—stipulating the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well-managed and professionally-run annual national sporting event.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said this year’s staging of the Palaro will have many “firsts.”  “I want to highlight that this is Albay’s firstever hosting of the Palaro. This is also the first time that 18 regions will take action -- not theusual 17 regions --because of the participation of   the Negros Island Region,” he explained.

Luistro added that this is also the first time that the Palaro will be conducted following very specific provisions of the law.”

Based on the Republic Act No. 10588 also known as the PalarongPambansa Act of 2013, the elementary level would have to compete in 15 games and the secondary with 17 games and four (4) demonstration sports, namely Futsal, Wushu, Billiards and Wrestling. In addition, four special games will also be conducted for our special athletes.

Participated in by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide, the annual sporting event will be held at the Bicol University, Legazpi City from April 10 to 16, 2016.

“We are institutionalizing this sports program to   ensure that we are developing athletes that are of international caliber,” Luistro pointed out. Together with   the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the provincial government  of Albay, DepEd will see to it that  the standards are at international level and that the coaching staff, the technical officials as well as the playing venues conform to international standards,” the education chief said.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda responded by stating the province’s readiness and eagerness to host the Palaro.

“We want to show that it will be a joyful Palaro. It's something that celebrates the spirit of national unity, especially in Albay. Sigurokungmayroonisangbagay to define Albay, it is our resiliency orability to recover from adversity—nakahit may bagyongayon, paggisingmokinabukasan, ni-isangpirasongkahoywalakangmakikitasadaan. Gusto naming ipakitanaangisangbayan, no matter how modest, no matter how  limited its  capacity, will still have the unity and ability  to host the Palaro,” Salceda shared.

DepEd launches the first T'boli Senior High School

After extensive consultations and planning with the indigenous peoples’ community, local government, and education partners, the Department of Education (DepEd) established the first Tboli Senior High School.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “This is the first of its kind. We endeavored to make sure that the curriculum as well as its [senior high school] offerings are in line with Indigenous Peoples culture and language. Ang eskwelahan dapat ang link between culture and development.”

He said, “Ito po ang kauna-unahang Senior High School na sinikap ng DepEd—kasama ang Ateneo de Davao—na kunsultahin at pakinggan ang mga hinaing at mga pangarap ng ating mga katutubo.”

Tagum City is Palarong Pambansa 2015 Venue

Photo credit here

After careful deliberation, officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) have selected Tagum City, Davao del Norte to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. The city beat out five other bidders – Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Koronadal City, Lanao del Norte province, and CARAGA region.
Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked for the support of the cities that were not selected. “This is a vote for Mindanao. This year we were surprised at the number of bidders. We hope that we still have your support.”

When asked what he expected from the host Luistro replied, “The only thing we need to expect is for Tagum to deliver.” He added, “Ang maganda sa Tagum ay mukhang handa na ang lahat. Hindi na kailangan pa ng dagdag na buwang preparasyon.” The Palarong Pambansa is held in May with hosting duties rotating yearly among the island groups.

Turkish Gov't. Amps up DepEd Computerization Program

The holistic growth for learners is a crucial factor in realizing the need to raise the standards of our public schools to cope up with the curriculum standards for K-12 schools in the Philippines.  This was one of the basic priorities DepEd had been putting effort into filling up that need.  As the curriculum had been upgraded and now is being implemented aptly, the development of facilities to answer this need is utmost important.

DepEd Task Force Yolanda Updates as of 12 November 2013 and a Message from Sec. Luistro, FSC

Yesterday news from DepEd came in, upon seeing the harrowing aftermath of Yolanda to Region 8 and other towns, I wonder where DepEd will begin again.   I wonder how painful this would be once again for the education workers, stake-holders and of course to the one who leads DepEd, who have coursed an up hill battle to build schools and made sure that our students are given enough materials as K to 12 was established this year.   News about building being devastated, schools for sure would not be excused from this, more so our teachers, and the students, who right now, might be grieving, hungry, or worst, sick and unsheltered.

DepEd Press Release:

PASIG CITY – 24 hours after the establishment of Task Force Yolanda the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the status of the division offices affected by the typhoon. All divisions in regions 4A (Calabarzon), 4B (Mimaropa), 5 (Bicol), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 13 (Caraga), and the National Capital Region are considered operational and are now tasked with contacting the various districts and schools under their supervision to determine their status.

Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), which bore the brunt of Yolanda, remains the most severely affected, with only four (4) out of 13 divisions operational. Ormoc City and Western Samar divisions remain closed, while no reliable communication lines have been established with the divisions of Baybay City, Biliran, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Catbalogan City, Leyte Province, and Tacloban City.

Eastern Visayas has a total of 4,132 public schools manned by 58,179 teachers and a student population of 1,107,367. Resumption of classes is determined by the division superintendent in coordination with local government officials. School heads have also been given authority to suspend classes in damaged schools until the structures have been properly assessed and cleared by DepEd or LGU engineers.

With this to note, let us here from the DepEd secretary himself, Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC.

Look for the lost sheep

Statement of Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC to Visayas regional directors, superintendents, school heads and other DepEd personnel in Yolanda-affected areas.Delivered during a crisis command meeting at the DepEdEcotech Center in Lahug, Cebu.

* * * * *

This is a crucial time for us. It is during times like this when you are most needed. It is important that you recognize your leadership role. The leader has to stand strong. Without a leader, chaos just spontaneously erupts. These are trying times, but you don’t have to rely on yourself alone. A good leader always creates the team, strengthens the teams. In times like this, you need leaders who are not just designated, but who are actual leaders on the ground. For good decisions, good judgment and a big heart are a must; because when all else fails—no more records, no communication—you have to rely on your judgment, on the bigness of your heart.

Before anything else, let’s look for our people. Let’s list all affected regions, contact one person so we could get a description of what is going on. Regions contact divisions. Divisions contact schools. Schools establish contact with teachers and staff. Let’s look for people first. Don’t worry about damages to property—we will deal with that later. The worst thing is to count buildings and fallen trees and not account for our people.

Second, let’s bring our children back to school. The best way for kids to recover is to bring them back to their routine as soon as possible—and that is to bring them to school. There is no need to conduct classes right away. Let them play. Do activities.

The Department of Education must be the spokesperson for children. Bring them back to school; then we will start accounting for them. Let’s see who are not present and who cannot be contacted: sick, missing. In times of crisis, we account for the lost sheep. This is what the leader should do: to leave the 99 and look for the lost sheep.

Indeed, these are anxious times—people are really left to fend for themselves—but we are good at this. We filter this anxiety and bring science to it. Two anchors of DepEd: we see things in the point of view of children and we bring light into the darkness.

As educators we are the sobering element. We are the calming effect in any crisis. When everything falls, and we have nothing to rely on, we stand tall—not for ourselves, but for others.

DepEd, IP Communities Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month

Our natives may seem to adrift in the modern world, but they too have rights to be educated according to the government's laws.  Evident that the country, rich in culture and traditional heritage have drifted along with the tide of progress leaving behind our brothers and sisters in far-fetched areas, in the mountains, in the islands, sitting, awaiting to be illuminated with the whole educational context which every child has a right to, even our indigenous people.

In light with this, the Department of Education (DepEd) have concerted much efforts in bringing our modernized education system (K to 12) to them.
This month they hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) gathering at the DepEd Central Office, bringing together some 140 representatives from Indigenous Peoples Organizations/IP Communities, representatives from civil society/non-government organizations (NGOs) with IPEd Programs, IPEd advocates, and other government agencies that have a stake in strengthening mutli-sectoral support for DepEd’s IPEd Program and K to 12.

With the help of the Department’s Indigenous Peoples Education Office (IPEO), a program was organized which included statements from representatives from DepEd, House of Representatives, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), civil society, and elders, leaders, and youth representing IP communities. A painting depicting elements and the education vision of IPEd was also symbolically unveiled by the participants at the start of the program.

As according to Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo gave DepEd’s message to the various IP representatives, speaking engagements are being made to IP continually so that DepEd  can sufficiently give the right response towards education and that all of us is to be sensitive enough in considering their culture.

Amongts the people present were Rep. Nancy Catamco, Chair of the House Committee on Indigenous Peoples, Leonor Oralde-Quintayo, Chair of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Commissioner Alice Panares of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), ARMM Deputy Governor for Indigenous Peoples Timuay Hilario S. Tanzo, and Nemia Gareza  of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

The event intends to increase awareness on DepEd’s IPEd Program and the educational vision of K to 12 and strengthen linkages among the various stakeholders towards the realization of a culture-responsive and contextualized education for IP communities. It was also a promotion of respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity of our communities and learners. The Department has been pursuing these advocacies in line with the National IPEd Policy Framework (DepEd Order No. 62, s. 2011).

Signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10533)”

   The Department of Education (DepEd) headed by Bro. Armin A. Luistro, FSC , together with Hon. Patricia Licuanan as the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) with its Director General Joel Villanueva signed  the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10533). Last September 4, 2013 at Don Alejandro Roces National High School, A. Roces Ave. cor. Sct. Tuazon, Brgy. Obrero, Quezon City.

   With the signing of the IRR, we as parents are rest assured that the changes made which promised a more developed and effective educational system in our country shall now be fully implemented not later than 2016.   DepEd envision to equip our learners and the entire Filipino nation with a globally-competitive system of education.

   The provisions of this IRR shall primarily apply to all public and private basic educational institutions and learning centers. This IRR shall also apply to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs), duly recognized organizations acting as Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), and foundations.

  The enhanced curriculum system is a modified version of the acquired curriculum which is more geared to meeting the diverse needs of our present students.  

  Let me give you a glimpse of what is indicated on the IRR.

"Pursuant to Section 3 of the Act, basic education is intended to meet basic learning needs which provides the foundation on which subsequent learning can be based. It encompasses kindergarten, elementary, and secondary education as well as alternative learning systems for out-of-school learners and those with special needs under Section 8 of this IRR."

" Kindergarten Education is the first stage of compulsory and mandatory formal education which consists of one (1) year of preparatory education for children at least five (5) years old as a prerequisite for Grade 1.
Elementary Education refers to the second stage of compulsory basic education which is composed of six (6) years. The entrant age to this level is typically six (6) years old.
Secondary Education refers to the third stage of compulsory basic education. It consists of four (4) years of junior high school education and two (2) years of senior high school education. The entrant age to the junior and senior high school levels are typically twelve (12) and sixteen (16) years old, respectively.
The DepEd may allow private educational institutions flexibility in adopting the program provided that they comply with the DepEd-prescribed minimum standards consistent with the Act."  (Based on Section 6, of the Enhanced Basic Education Program)

   As educators, advocates and parents we are bound by the law under this implementation that..."It shall be compulsory for every parent or guardian or other persons having custody of a child to enroll such child in basic education, irrespective of learning delivery modes and systems, until its completion, as provided for by existing laws, rules and regulations."

There are also clauses for such "inclusiveness under the Enhanced Basic Education":

•  Programs for the Gifted and Talented
•  Programs for Learners with Disabilities. These
•  Madrasah Program
• Indigenous Peoples (IP) Education Program.  
•  Programs for Learners under Difficult Circumstances

For a complete file of the IRR, kindly click on the photo below: 

 For more updates on K to 12, or other DepEd related info log on to their FACEBOOK page.

DEPED's Message to Answer Issues Regarding Class Suspensions

photo from iamjammed.com

   I'm sure, you are all concerned of your kids school status.  With the continuing number of days of class suspensions brought about by the typhoon Maring and this year's "habagat," parents like me have been clamoring for information on how the incoming school schedules will be.   Unaware of such situations from our kid's schools, we can not be sure of how our kids will be able to cope up with what they have left from school works.
   So, while we are enjoying bonding moments (and me savoring every bit of it, with my two older kids helping out with the chores) let us hear from the Department of Education.

PRESS RELEASE from Office of the Secretary, DepEd:

PASIG CITY – Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC has called on school officials to plan make up classes for the days when classes were suspended as a result of massive flooding spawned by the “habagat” and typhoon Maring. 

Based on the school calendar issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), elementary and high schools have to fulfill a minimum of 180 days contact time with students for each school year or 45 contact days per quarter.
The education chief said public school superintendents are mandated to consult with their school principals to decide on how best to conduct make up classes.
“If there are class disruptions, these can be made up through additional take-home modules or actual make up classes either on Saturdays or by extending class hours on weekdays,” Luistro explained.
According to Luistro private schools are given the authority to come up with their own measures to meet the required contact time with students. “For private schools, we trust the decision of the school management,” he said.
The DepED annual calendar of some 200 school days already includes 20 days buffer for class disruptions.
Many public school buildings were either damaged or used as evacuation centers as a result of massive flooding   made even worse by tropical depression Maring. Classes and office work were suspended for most of the third week of August as a result of the weather disturbance.   

   /So, it all depends on the school now.  Let us make the most of what the school will be planning out.

NCAE No More Needed

Photo from Forever Smile at me blog

During our time, back in those days, we had NCEE or National College Entrance Examintaion (hope I got it right, after all those years).
This time, two of my kids had the same aptitude examination, my son who had it two years ago when he was at 4th year and last year my daughter had it, she was third year then.  It's not anymore called NCEE, but NCAE.  The National Career Assessment Examination, known mostly as NCAE, is administered yearly to measure students aptitude and skills in the areas of general scholastic aptitude, technical- vocation aptitude, entrepreneurial skills, non-verbal ability and occupational fields of interest.  In essence, students who intend to go to college or take vocational courses need to take the exam.  As a parent and educator, I believed in the purpose of this but DepEd knows well where the innovations will lead our future professionals.

With that said, let us hear an announcement from The Department of Education (DepEd).  According to DepEd, the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE), which determines the interests and career inclination of students, will no longer be administered to Grade 8 students this year.

“As the pioneer batch of the senior high school, NCAE is no longer deemed necessary for our Grade 8 students since they will have a comprehensive learning of what career they want to pursue when they reach Grades 11 and 12.” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.

The NCAE will still be administered to third year high school students in both public and private secondary schools on August 28, 2013. Also covered are fourth year high school students applying for scholarship programs offered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). It is also open to other interested fourth year students, out-of-school youth and A and E passers.

Greater Opportunities for Education in the Philippines

   Education is progressing and the future is looking great. After less than two years since the Aquino Administration started, significant battles have been won and paths have been paved by the Department of Education.  

   Greater Opportunities! Education, or more widely known as GO! Education, had its first exhibit in July 2012 at SM North Edsa. Since then, the exhibit has traveled to SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Manila, SM Pampanga, and SM Bacoor. This weekend, the GO! Education Exhibit culminates in SM Mall of Asia with a VIP event for education’s biggest supporters, a RockEd Concert, various programs, and of course, the full exhibit highlighting the GO! Education Program reforms. 

   GO! Education is a program to bring the advocacy of education reform closer to every Filipino. The Department of Education and its various supporters continue to address the need to inform and engage the general public and its internal stakeholders in its mission to provide Education for All in the Philippines. It focuses on the three primary components towards improving access and quality of basic education: (1) Curriculum Enhancements through the K to 12 Basic Education Program, (2) Provision of Sufficient Resources to Eliminate Basic Education Input Gaps, and (3) Improvements to Quality of Teachers and Teaching.  

    Last February 9 and 10, 2013, the last leg of the exhibit culminated at the Music Hall  of SM Mall of Asia.

   In July 2012, the Department of Education, together with Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) through the support of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the US Agency for International Development, launched the GO! Education campaign to the public, with the aim of garnering massive support from the Filipino people for programs addressing teacher quality and welfare, gaps in the curriculum through the K to 12 system and provide for much needed resources.

   “Because of the overwhelming support for the GO Education program from various sectors and you, our partners, we are closer to bridging the gaps in education before the end of this year: we have more classrooms, more competent teachers, more seats, more textbooks, and more sanitation facilities,” according to Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, in his message to DepEd’s supporters.

   He also mentioned milestones such as the recent ratification of the Enhanced Education Act of 2013 or more widely known as the K to 12 Law, a 23% increase in the DepEd 2013 budget to reach P293 billion, Public-Private Partnerships, and other external initiatives for education.

   “While we have made significant inroads, much work is left undone. Lasting basic education reforms will take more years and decades to fully implement and realize,” said Luistro. 

   More than a celebration of accomplishments so far, the GO! Education event last weekend hoped to inspire continued support with even more vigor as DepEd continues pushing for its holistic reform agenda. It is a long and difficult road for education but with the support of various sectors, success is within reach.

Towards the end of the program, a symbolic kite flight was done showing how DepEd is progressing   through the unified cooperation from various sectors, with it is the timely Firework display form SM.

    If you missed the event, let me share one of DepEd's video for public awareness about how
Go! Education would help students, teachers and parents.

   To know more about education reform and DepEd’s programs, visit DepEd Philippines on Facebook (www. facebook.com/DepEd.Philippines) or the official DepEd website (www.deped.gov.ph).

Thank You Teachers!

October 5 is the day where we recognize the importance of educators in shaping the minds of tomorrow.   In fact it will be celebrated globally.  There are many teachers that I’ve encountered over the years that have made a difference in my kids life and in mine too, and I’m sure that educators continue to be a source of valuable knowledge and support to the students of today. Even as technology is rapidly changing around us, nothing can replace the value of a truly dedicated teacher, her mild-toned voice, the hugs, tap on the back and shoulders and risible expressions. Our hats are off to you today and everyday! Keep up the good work!

With this let me share you what the Department of Education enunciates on this.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC has urged the nation to look kindly at our teachers and give them the recognition they deserve by saying “thank you” to them.
 “All of us were once students and we all have at least one teacher who have made a difference in our lives and to whom we owe who we are today,” Luistro said.
 The education chief is taking the lead in the celebration of the 2012 World Teachers’ Day set on October 5 in Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City. CDO was chosen as this year’s venue to highlight the heroism of teachers during the onslaught of Sendong.
 DepEd is continuously looking for ways to further improve the economic lot of public school teachers as well as their professional advancement. “But I do believe that if only we, as a nation, learn to appreciate the value of teachers, the rest of our needs (as a nation) will be provided much easier.  A nation that is unable to appreciate the contribution of a teacher is a nation that is unable to see a bright future,” explained Luistro.
 In a press briefing yesterday, the Education chief expressed his thanks to his former college professor in De La Salle University, Professor Emerita Quito, as one of his life changing teachers. He said “Prof. Quito taught me that life is beyond textbooks and Philosophy is everywhere.”
 President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared September 5 to October 5 every year as National Teachers’ Month (NTM) through Presidential Proclamation 242 signed in 2011. The NTM seeks to empower Filipino teachers by engaging the public in creating a strong movement that cultivates a Filipino culture that celebrates the service and heroism of all teachers.
 DepEd is enlisting the support of teachers groups, student organizations, educational institutions, private corporations, professional organizations, media, corporate foundations and the local government units in coming up with novel ways to celebrate the teaching profession. 

Yep, even those who are seated in the government know how to thank their teachers.  I too was once a student and I definitely owe a lot to them, having them as a part of those who have shaped me as I am now.   I used to be a teacher too and it just melt my heart hearing nice words of gratitude (even receiving gifts) from my pupils and their parents, it encouraged me to do more for them even without asking for anything in return.    It builds up a cloud around me which no one could steal nor harm.   Moments when you go back at times when I'm down realizing that I am important.  Those kids perhaps are now in high school or grade school, though they nay never remember me anymore, I still treasure their cute voices saying "Thank you Teacher."

I realized, my kids have teachers, and I know how my kids could be rough at times but my kids are happy with them and what's important is of course they're learning.   So to thank them and foster them to do the same, we baked batches of Strawberry Swirl Muffins to give to them.

Also, to all my teachers in elementary, high school, and college with special mention to Chef Sylvia Reynoso-Gala (who taught me how to bake properly with fun and science involved) here's to all of you, my very first take on the Best Ever Cheesecake I have made so far.  I will share the recipes in another blog and will link it here.

My first-grader insisted in decorating the cheesecake with chocolate chips,
but happened that there seemed to be less space for the word Teachers.  LOL

From Gastronomy by Joy, THANK YOU TEACHERS!

HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS DAY

How about you?  Have you said thank you to your teachers yet?  Well you don't need to wait a lifetime to do it.  Join us till tomorrow as we profess our appreciation in a gamut of ways.

GO! Education Exhibit Expo Officially Launched

Remember my last post about DepEd's latest program,  with the title "DepEd to Broaden Awareness of DepEd’s K to 12 Program With Mall Exhibits?" 
This morning the Department of Education (DepEd), with the support of the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched an Exhibit Expo to introduce the Greater Opportunities! (GO!) Education campaign to the broader public. GO! Education focuses on the three primary components towards improving access and quality of basic education in the country, namely, improving Teacher Quality, Curriculum Enhancements through the K to 12 Basic Education Program, and addressing the gaps in Resources.

The exhibit has been launched in the wake of the 2012 State of the Nation Address address where President Aquino highlighted his full support for the agency’s reform agenda by pushing for an increase of P55.9 billion to P292.7 billion for the 2013 budget of DepEd.   This sustains the continued budget increase for basic education, from P177 billion in 2010, to P207 billion in 2011, and P238.8 billion in 2012.

"We hope that through this Expo, people will fully appreciate the benefits of the reforms we are implementing, including those on curriculum through K to 12," said DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC. "We also want people to know that aside from curriculum reforms, we have also carried out and continue to implement reforms focused on improving teacher quality and augmenting resources."



In his recent SONA, President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded Secretary Luistro’s efforts to bridge various resource gaps. "I have great faith in Secretary Luistro: Before the next year ends, we will have built the 66,800 classrooms needed to fill up the shortage we inherited—of this, we expect 40,000 for this year. The 2,573,212 backlog in chairs that we were bequeathed will be addressed before 2012 ends. This year, too, will see the eradication of the backlog of 61.7 million textbooks—and we will finally achieve the one-to-one ratio of books to students," he said.
 “Our educational reforms are a significant undertaking; one that will require everyone’s full support and participation,” said Luistro. “Through GO! Education, we want to encourage the entire Filipino community to support DepEd as it pushes for an education that will provide greater opportunities for our citizens,” Luistro said.

 Part of the program is the presentation of the different components along the GO! Education campaign.  Lou Sabrina Saavedra Ongkiko, Teacher Sab, to her students, talked about how important the roles of teachers are.   With her support to  the campaign laid down by DepEd.  Representing  the educator sector, she iterated that teacher training is important in giving out quality education to every students.

Representing the parents is a mother of five, Peachy Flaviano, who supports the campaign as well.  She totally agree that the new K to 12 Curriculum will be able to give her kids all the help they can get to be able to have their dreams a reality. 

The GO! Education Exhibit Expo will run from July 27 to 29 at the The Block Atrium Activity Center, 2nd Floor, SM City North EDSA.   In succeeding months, the Expo is set to run in key areas—SM Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Pampanga, SM Bacoor, SM Iloilo, SM Cebu, and SM Davao—to bring the advocacy of basic education reform closer to every Filipino.

Batangas Brew Now with a School

You can not be  coffee gourmand if you don't know "Kapeng Barako."   The strong kind and exotic coffee that is found mainly in most parts of Batangas is actually a Liberica type.   This kind of coffee in Batangas suffered from coffee rust that caused its decline many decades ago, but now it  is expected to be served hot again when coffee growing technology will be  taught to senior high school students under the K to 12 basic education reform program.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC led key officials during the launch of the Coffee Academy at Pinagtongulan National High School in Lipa City today, June 8.

“The academy is envisioned to produce students who have the technical know-how on research, cultivation and production of the famous Batangas coffee,” said Luistro.

The Department of Education’s K to 12 basic education program was designed to produce graduates who are equipped with knowledge and skills to prepare them for the world of work or college education. Senior high school (Grade 11 and Grade 12) will be devoted to the honing of students skills in their preferred industry or line of work.

The curriculum under K to 12 was designed to make it adapt to local employment and industry needs. DepEd Division of Lipa City will pilot the Lipa Coffee Academy in Pinagtongulan National High School. It will be a special program for senior high school starting school year 2012-2013 (Grade 11) and 2013-2014 (Grade 12). Some of the subjects to be taught under the special curriculum include basic research method, project feasibility study, coffee nursery management and practices, as well as entrepreneurial development.

“Using education as one of tools to revive the industry, we want our youth to take part in bringing back the glory days of coffee in Batangas,” explained Luistro.

Coffee, which was first introduced in 1740 in Pinagtongulan, Lipa, Batangas by a Franciscan monk, thrived in the towns of Ibaan, Lemery, San Jose, Taal, Tanauan and Lipa, earning for it the title of Coffee Capital of the Philippines.

In 1860, Lipa started exporting “Kapeng Barako” to San Francisco, California, USA. When the Suez Canal was opened, a new market was opened as well in Europe. At the height of its popularity, the Kapeng Barako commands five times the price of other Asian coffee beans. In 1889, however, coffee rust and insect infestation affected all the coffee trees which forced many farmers to shift to other crops. It did not cause the total collapse of the industry but the planting area was greatly reduced and the industry suffered heavily.

A Mommy's view:  

This would coincide with TESDA's growing famously short-courses, like "Barista" classes and some coffee franchising burgeoning businesses course offerings.    Don't you know that most of the commercial coffees known all-over the world can be produced here in our country, even the infamous Civet Coffee is widely available in some parts.  Thus it would be just as fitting to inculcate deep appreciation on coffee and it's production and eventually, manufacturing to our students.   

With the K to 12, issues have been pruned down regarding future high-school students who would become products of the said curriculum about having to go to college, or having to send kids off to college but without the resources.   I don't know what the status is right now in terms of students not having to go to college in Batangas, but this  Coffee Academy with DepEd's  hardwork in finding ways to solve some of those issues can be a great help.    

Sustainability in farming industries as such can also be managed in his kind of programs.    

With a country like ours who have a very large population of coffee drinkers even coffee-addicts would really benefit in studies like this and might somehow help more coffee farmers, might also even produce coffee engineers and hopefully we don't have to import coffees.