I love Education

Imagine thousands of classrooms sitting idle while students study in crowded hallways or under tents. That’s the irony the Department of Education (DepEd) wants to solve with its new idea—leasing unused private schools and properties. This bold move could be the most practical shortcut to tackling the country’s long-standing classroom shortage. The Classroom Shortage That Sparked Innovation In 2022, the Philippines faced a staggering classroom deficit of over 165,000 . Many schools were forced to implement shifting schedules , squeeze learners into cramped spaces, or hold classes in makeshift areas like covered courts and barangay halls. For decades, the government’s solution was simple: build more classrooms. But that approach often hit delays—slow procurement, limited funds, and the lengthy process of construction permits. Each year that passed meant more students sharing desks meant for two, and more teachers improvising their way through the chaos. That’s why DepEd, under the...

Imagine trying to focus on teaching your students while juggling hundreds of meetings, reports, and projects—none of which directly involve the classroom. That’s the reality the Department of Education (DepEd) faces today, now entangled in 261 interagency bodies across government. While collaboration sounds good on paper, this growing web of duties may be stretching the agency—and its teachers—too thin. The Expanding Web of Interagency Work DepEd’s involvement in 261 interagency bodies is no small matter. Education Secretary Sonny Angara himself described it as “coordination spread thin,” during a recent hearing with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2). The department chairs at least 20 of these councils, and jointly manages 21 more with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). That’s a steep rise from just 63 interagency roles reported in EDCOM 2’s Year One Report . This expansion was m...

Did you know that the number of schools a division office oversees can affect everything from teacher support to student outcomes? With over 200 School Division Offices (SDOs) in the Philippines, the distribution of these offices and the resources they provide isn’t always as fair as we might think. A recent review of Republic Act 9155 highlights how discrepancies in school supervision could be holding back the country’s education system. In this post, let’s break down why this law may need an update to address these issues more effectively. The Unequal Distribution of School Division Offices Imagine this: in one part of the Philippines, a single school division office manages 1,300 schools, while another only supervises 28. These disparities have a real impact on the quality of education, making it clear that the current distribution of School Division Offices (SDOs) under Republic Act 9155 isn’t as equitable as it should be. In 2001, Republic Act 9155 (the Governance of Basic Educ...

When I was a kid, I thought “nutritious” meant “boring.” My mom would pack me vegetables, and I’d trade them for chips behind the classroom. (Sorry, Ma.) Years later, after a health scare in college and learning how nutrition affects learning, mood, and energy, I realized how crucial proper nutrition really is — not just for adults but especially for growing kids. That’s why this new initiative from Unilever Philippines and the Department of Education (DepEd) caught my attention. It’s not just another campaign — it’s a movement to make nutrition fun, accessible, and sustainable for Filipino families. A Partnership That Nourishes Minds and Bodies In October 2024, Unilever Philippines, through its beloved brand Knorr , signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DepEd to roll out nutrition education programs nationwide . The goal? To empower learners and families to make informed food choices even with limited resources. As Marinelle Villanueva , Foods Marketing Head of Unilever...

When I first heard about Vice Ganda’s comment on the schools in Sorsogon, I didn’t think much of it. I’ve been a teacher long enough to know that education issues can easily get lost in the noise of social media. But then, as I watched the debate unfold online — Heart Evangelista’s name trending, Bicolanos defending their schools, and fans taking sides — I realized something deeper: this wasn’t just about two celebrities. It was about how we, as a nation, talk about education , accountability , and truth . 🎭 Beyond the Drama: What Really Happened Vice Ganda, in a segment of It’s Showtime , shared an emotional story about visiting a school in Sorsogon that allegedly had “no reading materials” and “dilapidated facilities.” He said he cried upon seeing it — a sentiment that, in isolation, many could relate to. But his statement struck a nerve when he mentioned it was in Heart Evangelista’s province . Fans felt it unfairly targeted her, given that she’s not an elected official nor re...

When I first read about DepEd’s Work-from-Home Wellness Break , my first thought was, “Wow, government employees actually get to rest?” It’s not every day you see a national agency officially telling its workers to slow down, breathe, and prioritize wellness. But that’s exactly what’s happening. From October 27 to 30, 2025 , the Department of Education (DepEd) will allow its non-teaching personnel to render services from home for up to two days during the Midyear Wellness Break . It’s part of a new effort to balance public service with personal well-being—a small but meaningful pause in the fast-paced world of education. 🌿 What the DepEd Memo Actually Says According to DepEd’s memorandum , non-teaching staff may work remotely for up to two days within the four-day wellness period. The arrangement must be approved by the Head of Office and followed by an accomplishment report —because even wellness has a structure. The policy aligns with DepEd Order No. 4, s. 2025 , which promote...

I still remember sitting in class one rainy morning when the downpour suddenly turned into a flood. Within an hour, our classroom became a temporary shelter, desks floating, notebooks soaked. That was the day I realized something heartbreaking — when disasters strike, learning often takes a back seat. But what if it didn’t have to? That’s exactly the vision behind the Department of Education’s (DepEd) new PHP1.35 billion initiative — a plan designed to keep learning alive, even when the storms won’t stop coming. A Billion-Peso Promise for Learning Continuity In a statement released Friday, DepEd announced a PHP1.35 billion allocation to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure learning never halts, no matter the calamity. The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard learners and teachers while maintaining quality education nationwide . Education Secretary Sonny Angara summed it up beautifully: “Education must be the last to stop ...

I used to dread the idea of “working” during school breaks. The thought of spending a portion of my precious time off in meetings or workshops felt like trying to swim through molasses. But then, I stumbled upon the concept of Vacation Service Credits (VSC) in the Philippines. Suddenly, the midyear break, from October 27 to 30, wasn’t just time off; it was an opportunity for growth, recognition, and yes—actual credits for our service. I remember my first workshop. I went in skeptical, exhausted, and secretly wishing I could nap instead. But by the end of it, I realized how powerful intentional learning could be—even during “downtime.” What Are Vacation Service Credits Anyway? Simply put, VSCs are a way for teachers to earn credit for voluntary participation in professional development activities during approved breaks. In the Philippines, these credits acknowledge teachers’ dedication and commitment to continuous learning. Here’s how it works in practice: Teachers attending p...

I’ll admit it—I once stared at a pile of assessment results and felt like I was reading an alien language. Numbers, percentages, competency levels—it all blurred together. That’s exactly how many aspiring school leaders must have felt when DepEd released Memorandum 097, s. 2025 , detailing the results of the National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) FY 2025 Batch 1. But here’s the thing: these numbers aren’t just statistics. They’re stories of real educators working hard to lead schools effectively. And understanding them can help us see where leadership in schools is thriving—and where it could use a little nudge. What Is the NASH and Why It Matters DepEd’s National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) isn’t just a fancy test. It’s a carefully structured evaluation meant to measure conceptual understanding and situational critical thinking among aspiring school leaders. A few key facts: The NASH aligns with the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH) . B...

When it rains, it really pours — especially in the Philippines. As Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen) lashes the country with strong winds and heavy rains, the Department of Education (DepEd) has raised serious concerns about the safety of thousands of schools sitting in high-risk areas. According to the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) , more than 10,538 schools across 113 divisions are in danger of flooding , while 12,602 schools in 103 divisions could face rain-induced landslides . That’s not just a number — that’s tens of thousands of classrooms, teachers, and learners who may need urgent support as Ramil continues to drench the archipelago. 🌀 Ramil’s Wrath: What’s Happening Now As of 11 a.m. on October 19, 2025 , Ramil hovered near Manila Bay , moving west northwest at 15 km/h, packing 65 km/h winds and gusts of up to 90 km/h , according to Pagasa . Signal No. 2 was raised over Metro Manila , Central Luzon , and parts o...