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From 4Ps Beneficiary to UN Advocate: Hanelie Millamina-Lopez's Inspiring Journey Hanelie Millamina-Lopez's life is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the transformative potential of education . Growing up in a family that struggled financially , Hanelie's path was not paved with ease. Yet, she defied the odds, breaking the cycle of poverty and emerging as a champion for the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) on the international stage. Hanelie's family , once beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) , understands the program's significance firsthand. "Laking pasasalamat namin sa gobyerno dahil sa tulong na ito," (We are very grateful to the government for this assistance) Hanelie expresses, acknowledging the program's role in supporting her family's dream of educational attainment. Contrary to negative perceptions about the program, Hanelie's story underscores the power of 4Ps in fostering self-rel...

Surigao's Hero Educator: Bringing Science to Life through Innovation Venus Metilla Alboruto , a name synonymous with educational innovation in Surigao City, Philippines, is a shining example of how one person's dedication can transform the lives of countless students. As a former teacher at Surigao City National High School and now an Education Program Supervisor , Alboruto's commitment to tackling the challenges of large class sizes has led to the creation of groundbreaking learning materials that are not only effective but also engaging. Strategic Intervention Materials (SIMs): A Lifeline for Students Recognizing the difficulties students face in large classes , Alboruto developed the Strategic Intervention Materials (SIMs) . These comprehensive learning packages, composed of various components like Guide Cards, Activity Cards, and Enrichment Cards , cater to different learning styles and provide students with the tools they need to grasp even the most challenging scien...

Senate Bill Proposes Increase in Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) for Government Employees Manila, Philippines  — Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito has introduced a bill aimed at providing much-needed financial relief to government employees. The proposed legislation seeks to raise the  Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA)  from its current level to a more substantial amount. Background The PERA was initially established in 1991 through Budget Circular No. 4. At that time, it granted a modest P500.00 allowance to government employees . The purpose was to help offset the impact of inflation caused by rising oil prices. Over the years, this additional compensation was extended to public school teachers and uniformed personnel in the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines under Administrative Order No. 53 , issued in 1993. In 2009, Joint Resolution No. 4 increased the PERA to its current level of P2,000.00. This adjustment aimed to s...

Building Bridges, Building Skills: Philippines and Cuba Forge Educational Partnership The Philippines and Cuba are taking their long-standing diplomatic relationship to the next level, with a renewed focus on education. A recent virtual meeting between the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines and the Cuban Ministry of Education marked a significant step forward in fostering collaboration and sharing best practices. The meeting, the first since 2017, highlighted the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral relationship. This renewed connection comes on the heels of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations in December 2023, opening doors for collaboration across various sectors, including education. The focus of the discussions lay in identifying areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. The Philippine delegation showcased the "MATATAG" curriculum , which emphasizes producing competent, job-ready citize...

A Closer Look at Equity in Education: The Philippine ESC Program Dilemma In a recent revelation that has sparked widespread debate, Senator Win Gatchalian has called into question the fairness of the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) program’s beneficiary selection process. The ESC , a joint initiative with the Department of Education (DepEd) , is designed to alleviate congestion in public junior high schools by subsidizing the education of students in private institutions. However, the senator’s scrutiny of the Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) data for 2020 and 2022 has uncovered a disconcerting trend: a significant majority of the beneficiaries come from non-poor households. The APIS data indicates that in the School Year 2020-2021, 68% of ESC recipients were from families whose income levels were at or above the per capita threshold. This figure was slightly lower, at 59%, for the previous school year. These statistics are alarming, especially when considering the prog...

Academic freedom is a cornerstone principle in education, allowing educators to teach and discuss ideas without fear of institutional censorship or discipline. In the context of the Philippines , the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers , specifically Republic Act No. 4670, enshrines this principle for public school teachers. Understanding Academic Freedom in the Magna Carta Academic freedom, as stated in the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers , is the right of teachers to freely teach and discuss according to their best understanding of the subject matter. This freedom extends to the choice of teaching methods and the creation of a classroom environment conducive to learning.  The Act emphasizes that teachers should enjoy academic freedom in the discharge of their professional duties, particularly with regard to teaching and classroom methods 1 . Examples of Academic Freedom in Action An example of academic freedom in practice could be a history teacher choosing to incorpora...

Balancing Act: The Study Habits of Working Students in the Philippines In the bustling streets of Manila, Cebu, and Davao, among other cities, a silent revolution brews in the lives of countless Filipinos. These are the working students, a growing demographic who juggle employment and education, striving to better their lives amidst the challenges of time and energy management. The Early Bird and the Night Owl For many working students in the Philippines, the day starts before dawn. They are the ‘early birds’ who maximize the tranquility of morning hours for study. With fewer distractions and a fresh mind, they absorb knowledge from textbooks and online resources, preparing for the day ahead. Conversely, the ‘night owls’ utilize the stillness of the night. Post-work hours are dedicated to catching up on lectures, completing assignments, and revising notes. The quiet of the night offers a respite from the day’s chaos, allowing for focused study sessions. Strategic Breaks and the Pomodor...

Make Your Voice Heard: Editorial Examples for Students So, you've got an opinion and you want the world to know it! Editorials are fantastic platforms for students to express their views on issues that matter to them. But where do you even begin? Fear not, aspiring writers! This blog post dives into the world of editorials and provides some engaging editorial examples for students to get your creative juices flowing. What is an editorial? An editorial is an opinion piece published in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. It expresses the writer's perspective on a current issue, often aiming to persuade readers to consider a specific viewpoint. What makes a good student editorial? Strong opinion:  A clear and well-defined opinion forms the backbone of any good editorial. Supporting evidence:  Back up your opinion with facts, statistics, and expert quotes to strengthen your argument. Engaging writing style:  Use clear, concise language, and incorporate rhetorical str...

Unveiling the World: A Student’s Travelogue Exploring New Horizons, One Adventure at a Time As a student, the world is your classroom, and travel offers a unique opportunity to learn beyond textbooks. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an international escapade, keeping a travelogue allows you to relive your adventures and share them with others. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of writing captivating travelogues, complete with inspiring examples. What Is a Travelogue? A travelogue is more than a mere itinerary; it’s a vivid account of your journey. Imagine blending storytelling, personal reflections, and cultural insights into a delightful narrative. Let’s break down the essential components: Descriptive Details : Transport your readers to the heart of your destination. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Make them feel the cobblestone streets of Prague, the salty breeze of Santorini, or the bustling markets of Marrakech. Subjective Experiences : Share your tho...

Criteria and Point System for Hiring to Teacher I Positions Are you interested in becoming a Teacher I in the Philippines? If so, you need to know the criteria and point system that the Department of Education (DepEd) uses to select and hire teacher applicants for Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School levels. In this blog post, I will explain the different criteria and how they are scored, as well as some tips on how to prepare for the application process. According to DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2023, the criteria and point system for hiring to Teacher I positions are based on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST), which define the competencies and performance indicators expected of teachers at different career stages. The criteria and point system cover the following aspects: Education units and/or degree relevant to the position to be filled Training hours in Curriculum and Instruction and/or other specialized training for skills develop...