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Showing posts from December, 2024

✝️ Jesus’ Body Found? Unraveling the Shocking Archaeological Discovery That Could Change Christianity Forever

In a discovery that could potentially rewrite religious history, a team of archaeologists claims they may have found the body of Jesus in a tomb just outside of Jerusalem. The implications of this finding are staggering, prompting theologians, historians, and scientists alike to re-examine long-held beliefs about the resurrection of Jesus , the cornerstone of Christian faith . 🏺 The Tomb Discovery: A Hidden Chamber Beneath the Old City The site, located beneath an unmarked stone structure buried deep under layers of sediment, was uncovered after a seven-year excavation project aimed at exploring lesser-known burial sites from the first century CE. According to the team’s preliminary report, the chamber contained a well-preserved ossuary— a limestone bone box —with an inscription that loosely translates to "Yeshua bar Yosef" ( Jesus son of Joseph ). While skeptics argue that the name was common during the time period, researchers point out a series of peculiar coinciden...

Understanding DepEd Order No. 021, s. 2024: Streamlining Recruitment and Appointment in the Department of Education

Introduction On December 23, 2024, the Department of Education (DepEd) released DepEd Order No. 021, s. 2024 , introducing amendments to DepEd Order No. 007, s. 2023 . These changes aim to further streamline the recruitment, selection, and appointment processes within the Department, ensuring the timely and efficient filling of vacant positions. The amendments are designed to align with existing Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules, the Agency Merit Selection Plan, and other related guidelines. This blog explores the key points of the amendments, focusing on their implications for teacher applicants, school administration positions, and the overall recruitment process. Key Amendments to DO 007, s. 2023 1. Scope of Recruitment Guidelines The amended order reiterates that DO 007, s. 2023 governs the recruitment, selection, and appointment processes for: Teacher I positions (Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, and Alternative Learning Systems). School Adminis...

Angara Commends Marcos’ Support for Education, Vows Continued Reforms Amid Holiday Season

December 25, 2024 - Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his steadfast support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and pledged to push forward key reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s education system as the nation celebrates the holiday season. “Sa suporta ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at ating mga kasangga sa pamahalaan at pribadong sektor, magpapatuloy tayo sa pagsusulong ng mga programa at reporma upang iangat ang sistema ng basic education sa bansa (With the support of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and our partners in the public and private sectors, we will continue to pursue programs and reforms to elevate the basic education system in the country),” Angara said in a statement. President Marcos has previously pledged significant improvements for teachers, including career progression, opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, increased teaching and medical allowances, and a S...

Should DepEd Move the Class Resumption to January 6?

The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that the resumption of classes for all schools after the Christmas break will be on January 2, 2024. This decision aligns with the official school calendar, which aims to fulfill the required number of school days for the academic year. While the intention is clear—to ensure students receive the mandated instructional hours—many stakeholders find the January 2 resumption challenging, particularly in light of its timing. Why January 2? The DepEd school calendar is meticulously crafted to meet the required 200 school days for the academic year, as stipulated in education policies. This schedule is essential for maintaining the quality of education and ensuring that students receive adequate instruction time. Recent years have seen numerous disruptions due to natural calamities, typhoons, and other unforeseen events. These suspensions have created significant challenges in achieving the required number of school days, leaving little room f...

Teachers and Non-Teaching Staff: No On-Site Reporting During Suspensions

Education is an essential service, even during disruptions caused by natural disasters, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. The Department of Education (DepEd) addresses this need through specific guidelines outlined in DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024 . The policy emphasizes the maintenance of the workforce and activation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Teams to ensure continuity of learning and operations. Key Guidelines on Workforce Maintenance 1. Attendance During Suspensions When classes are suspended, teaching and non-teaching personnel, including Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers, are generally not required to report on-site. However, exceptions are made for staff with critical roles in security, safety, finance, engineering, sanitation, health, and disaster response. This ensures that essential operations and emergency response are sustained even during class suspensions. 2. Support for Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) Teachers may implement ...

Understanding DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024: Guidelines on Make-up Classes

In response to challenges in ensuring consistent classroom learning, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued Order No. 022, s. 2024 , which provides detailed guidance on the conduct of make-up classes. This directive aims to address missed competencies due to class suspensions, holidays, or other disruptions, ensuring that students achieve the minimum number of required contact days for quality education. Key Highlights of the Policy 1. When Are Make-up Classes Necessary? Make-up classes are mandated under the following circumstances: The number of actual school days falls short of the 180 mandatory contact days outlined in the school calendar. For exceptional cases where the school calendar is shortened, make-up classes will be required if the actual school days fall below 90% of the total days in the revised calendar. 2. Scheduling Make-up Classes School heads, in collaboration with teachers and parents/guardians, are responsible for scheduling make-up classes. These classes: Are ...

Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension in Schools During Disasters and Emergencies

On December 23, 2024, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024 , providing comprehensive guidelines for class and work suspension during disasters and emergencies. This order reaffirms DepEd’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel while emphasizing the importance of learning continuity during such events. Key Highlights of DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024 1. Rationale DepEd upholds its dual mandate of safeguarding the welfare of learners and personnel while maintaining academic continuity. This policy recognizes: The vulnerability of disaster-prone areas. The necessity of adopting flexible learning modalities, such as modular or online learning, during in-person class suspensions. The importance of balancing safety and academic progress. 2. Scope The guidelines are mandatory for: All public schools. DepEd-operated Community Learning Centers under the Alternative Learning System (ALS). Private schools and educati...

Comprehensive Guide on DepEd Order No. 020, Series of 2024: Initial Evaluation of Applicant Qualifications

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued Order No. 020, Series of 2024 , which outlines the processes for the initial evaluation of applicants for teaching and non-teaching positions. This guide focuses on Section C: "Initial Evaluation of the Qualifications of Applicants," providing a detailed breakdown of key provisions and their implications for Human Resource Management Officers (HRMOs) and applicants. Qualification Standards (QS) and Initial Evaluation 1. Ensuring Alignment with CSC-Approved Standards Upon receiving applications, the HRMO evaluates the applicants’ qualifications based on the Civil Service Commission (CSC)-approved Qualification Standards (QS). This process involves assessing whether applicants meet the minimum requirements in the following areas: Education Experience Training Eligibility Competency (if applicable) 2. Performance Requirements Internal Applicants: A minimum performance rating of Very Satisfactory (VS) in the most recent complete pe...

Guidelines for Submission and Receipt of Application Documents: A Comprehensive Overview

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released detailed guidelines for the recruitment, selection, and appointment to higher teaching positions through DepEd Order No. 20, Series of 2024 . These guidelines emphasize transparency, objectivity, and integrity in the application process, ensuring equal opportunities for all aspiring candidates. Below, we provide a comprehensive summary of the requirements and processes to assist applicants in successfully navigating this procedure. 1. Submission of Application Documents All interested applicants must submit the required documents to the respective Human Resource Management Officers (HRMOs) through the Records Unit or designated sub-committees on or before the deadline specified in the Schools Division Office (SDO) memorandum. 2. Mandatory Documentary Requirements Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents: a. Letter of Intent: Addressed to the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS). Should include a statement of...

Streamlining Teacher Career Growth: DepEd Order No. 20, Series of 2024

In its continued commitment to uphold the principles of meritocracy, competence, accountability, transparency, and equal opportunity, the Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced a transformative policy: DepEd Order No. 20, Series of 2024 , outlining the Guidelines on Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment to Higher Teaching Positions. This policy reaffirms DepEd's dedication to professionalizing its workforce, ensuring that the process of appointing teachers to higher teaching positions adheres to stringent standards while providing opportunities for career advancement. Rationale: Building a Robust Recruitment Framework At its core, this policy echoes the principles enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the Civil Service Law, emphasizing: Merit-based Appointments : Positions in the civil service, particularly in DepEd, should be filled based on merit and fitness. Inclusivity and Fairness : Opportunities for government employment must be open to all qualified ind...

Weather Disturbance and Its Impact on the Final Week Before Christmas Break in DepEd Schools

As the holiday season approaches, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued an advisory regarding a potential weather disturbance. According to PAGASA, a weather system may form outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and could enter about a week before Christmas. While it has a low to moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, the disturbance might affect the eastern sections of Mindanao, Visayas, and Southern Luzon. Should it develop into a storm, it will be named Querubin. This advisory raises important considerations, particularly for schools under the Department of Education (DepEd), as the last week before Christmas break is traditionally a time filled with activities, culminating in holiday celebrations and other year-end events. The Impact on Schools Potential Disruptions to Classes and Activities The possibility of inclement weather could lead to disruptions in the academic schedule. In areas ...

Enhancing Efficiency Through Delegated Authority – DepEd’s Revised Signing Policy for Foreign Travel

The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to streamline its administrative functions with the release of DepEd Order No. 018, s. 2024 , dated December 13, 2024. This order addresses the delegation of signing authority for foreign travel —a move aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring the seamless execution of DepEd’s mandates. Why Delegate Authority? In large organizations like DepEd, efficiency is key. The Revised Administrative Code and Republic Act No. 9155 empower the Secretary of Education to delegate authority to department officials. This framework allows the Department to: Optimize decision-making processes. Ensure swift approval of essential matters. Focus the Secretary’s attention on high-level priorities. The revised order updates the roles and responsibilities outlined in earlier directives, such as DepEd Order No. 1, s. 2023, and DepEd Order No. 15, s. 2024. Key Changes Introduced in the Order Delegation to Specific Officials by Hierarchy The order assig...

DepEd to Start Releasing Php 20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) by December 20

December 16, 2024 - The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to make December 2024 a memorable month for its employees as it rolls out the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) amounting to Php 20,000 for teaching and non-teaching personnel. This marks the first time in the agency’s history that staff will receive the maximum grant allowed under the program, reinforcing DepEd’s commitment to acknowledging the dedication and hard work of its workforce. What is the SRI? The Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) is a cash bonus granted by the Philippine government to reward the service and contributions of public sector employees. Mandated under Administrative Order No. 37, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the SRI aims to recognize the tireless efforts of government workers in ensuring the efficient delivery of public services, especially in education, which remains a cornerstone of national development. Historical Context: A First for DepEd While government employees have receive...

President Marcos Jr. Approves One-Time Service Recognition Incentive for Government Employees

December 13, 2024 -  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 27, authorizing the grant of a one-time Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) of up to ₱20,000 for government employees across various branches and levels of government for fiscal year 2024. The directive acknowledges the significant contributions of government personnel in achieving the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the administration's 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. Coverage and Conditions The SRI is aimed at rewarding civilian, military, and uniformed personnel in national government agencies (NGAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other eligible institutions. Employees must meet the following criteria to qualify: Active service as of November 30, 2024 ; At least four months of satisfactory service within the year; Those with less than four months of service will receive a pro-rated amount based on their length of...

Empowering Education: Republic Act No. 12028 - Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act

The Philippine government has taken a significant step in addressing learning gaps with the enactment of Republic Act No. 12028, also known as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act . This groundbreaking legislation aims to bolster the education system by providing targeted interventions for students in need. What is the ARAL Program? The ARAL Program is a national learning intervention initiative designed to help students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in public schools enhance their proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science . Its overarching goal is to assist learners in mastering essential competencies and recovering from learning losses caused by various circumstances. Who Benefits from the ARAL Program? The program specifically targets: Students returning to school after a furlough. Those performing below the required proficiency levels in reading, mathematics, and science. Learners who struggle in examinations and assessments during the school yea...

The Pros and Cons of DepEd Teachers’ Loan Moratorium to Private Lending Institutions (PLIs) and GSIS

The announcement of a loan moratorium for Department of Education (DepEd) teachers has sparked significant discussion. This policy allows temporary suspension of loan payments to Private Lending Institutions (PLIs) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). While it may seem like a financial relief, it comes with both benefits and challenges. Below, we delve into the pros and cons of this moratorium. Pros of the Loan Moratorium 1. Immediate Financial Relief The moratorium provides teachers with short-term financial breathing room. With no loan payments due, teachers can redirect their income towards urgent household expenses, education for their children, or other pressing needs. 2. Reduced Financial Stress Loan payments can be a significant burden, especially when combined with rising living costs. A moratorium alleviates this stress, allowing teachers to focus more on their personal well-being and professional responsibilities. 3. Increased Liquidity For teachers facing fina...