TESDA and DepEd Seal Data Sharing Agreement to Benefit SHS-TVL Students

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have officially partnered to make it easier to identify Senior High School Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (SHS-TVL) track students and graduates.

The two agencies signed a data sharing agreement at the TESDA Central Office in Taguig City on August 14, led by TESDA Secretary Francisco Benitez and Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Streamlining the Assessment Process

Janet Abasolo, executive director of the TESDA Certification Office, explained that the partnership will validate learners’ identities using DepEd’s Learners Information System (LIS) and TESDA’s Assessment Schedule Information System (ASIS).

“This would streamline the competency assessment process, and prevent delays in endorsement, as well as identity mismatches and duplication of data,” Abasolo said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

With this integration, SHS-TVL graduates will be more efficiently scheduled for their assessment, eliminating unnecessary hurdles for both students and TESDA personnel.

Protecting Students’ Data

The agreement is also designed with student privacy and data security in mind. Abasolo emphasized that the initiative complies with the Data Privacy Act and incorporates multiple safeguards, including:

• Appointment of data protection officers in both agencies

• Use of encryption and multi-factor authentication

• A strict breach notification protocol

These measures ensure that sensitive information is protected against fraud, errors, and duplication while making services faster and more reliable.

A Learner-Centered Public Service

TESDA Secretary Benitez highlighted that this collaboration is about making services more transparent, efficient, and learner-centered.

“By linking our systems, we ensure that every learner is properly identified and given access to the assessment services they deserve,” Benitez said.

He added that the agreement is a model of how government agencies can work together, reducing the burden not just on students but also on DepEd and TESDA personnel.

Why This Matters

For SHS-TVL graduates, the competency assessment is a crucial step in securing national certification, which serves as a passport to employment opportunities both in the Philippines and abroad. By simplifying the process and ensuring data integrity, this partnership is a big win for learners who aspire to build their careers through technical-vocational skills.

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✨ In summary: The TESDA-DepEd data sharing agreement is more than just a tech integration—it’s a commitment to efficiency, security, and student empowerment.

📚 Here Are the Resources for ARAL-Reading (Tutor’s Guides & Workbooks)

In the Philippines, reading is not just a subject — it is the foundation of all learning. Yet many Filipino learners still struggle with reading proficiency, especially after the pandemic widened learning gaps.

To respond, the Department of Education (DepEd) introduced the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program in Reading (ARAL-Reading). Beginning School Year 2025–2026, this program will provide structured support for learners in Key Stages 1 to 3 (Grades 1–10) to help them catch up with grade-level expectations.

If you are a parent, teacher, or tutor, you may be asking: Where can I find the official sources for ARAL-Reading workbooks and guides? This post will walk you through the background, benefits, and official references for the program.

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📖 What is ARAL-Reading?

ARAL-Reading is a DepEd-led initiative designed to improve literacy among Filipino children.

• Objective: To provide timely and effective support to learners who fall below reading proficiency levels.

• Coverage: Key Stages 1 to 3 (Grades 1–10).

• Basis: Republic Act (RA) No. 12028, DepEd Order (DO) No. 018, s. 2025, and implementing guidelines.

• Start Date: Second quarter of School Year 2025–2026.

The program will use Tutor’s Guides and Learner’s Workbooks in both English and Filipino, ensuring that teachers, parents, and tutors have the resources they need.

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🇵🇭 Why ARAL-Reading Matters for Filipinos

1. Closing the Reading Gap

Many Filipino children are unable to read fluently at their grade level. ARAL provides a structured approach to help them catch up.

2. Accessible in Real-Life Filipino Conditions

• During brownouts and typhoons: Printed materials ensure learning continues even without electricity or internet.

• In rural areas: Workbooks are more practical than online modules where internet access is unreliable.

3. Community and Parental Support

The Tutor’s Guide makes it easier for parents and volunteers — not just teachers — to guide children in reading.

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🌟 How ARAL-Reading Will Be Implemented

According to DepEd’s memorandum:

• Enclosure No. 1: General guidelines for ARAL-Reading implementation.

• Enclosure No. 2: Implementation for Key Stage 1 learners.

• Enclosure No. 3: Implementation for Key Stages 2 & 3 learners.

Schools needing more preparation time must coordinate with their Schools Division Office.

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📌 Sources and References for ARAL-Reading

If you want the official sources, here they are:

1. Republic Act (RA) No. 12028 – An Act Establishing an ARAL Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor.

2. DepEd Order (DO) No. 018, s. 2025 – Implementing Guidelines of the ARAL Program.

3. DepEd Memorandum (2025) – Operational guidelines for ARAL-Reading implementation for Key Stages 1–3.

4. Tutor’s Guides and Learner’s Workbooks – Will be distributed by DepEd to schools starting SY 2025–2026 (English and Filipino versions).

👉 For updates, visit the DepEd Official Website or check with your local Schools Division Office.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ARAL READING RESOURCES

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ARAL READING MATERIALS

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✅ Conclusion

The ARAL-Reading Program is a timely response to the literacy challenges facing Filipino children. By providing clear sources and official guidelines, DepEd ensures that parents, teachers, and communities are equipped to guide learners toward stronger reading skills.

👉 Takeaway: Bookmark the official DepEd orders and prepare to use the Tutor’s Guides and Workbooks once they are rolled out in schools by SY 2025–2026.

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🔎 FAQs

Q: When will ARAL-Reading start?
A: In the second quarter of SY 2025–2026.

Q: Where can I get ARAL-Reading materials?
A: From DepEd — distributed through schools and divisions starting 2025.

Q: Are the materials in Filipino?
A: Yes. Both English and Filipino versions will be available.

Here are the Links for NASH FY 2025 Batch 1: Schedule, Mock Exam, SEB Installer, and User Guides

The National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) FY 2025 Batch 1 is set for September 14, 2025, with a Mock Assessment scheduled on September 7, 2025. Both will be administered through a secured online platform at designated sites.

To help all takers prepare, here are the official links and resources you need, including the Safe Exam Browser (SEB) installer, setup guides, and the LMS User Guide. Bookmark this page and make sure to complete all requirements ahead of the schedule.

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📅 NASH FY 2025 Batch 1 Schedule

• Mock Assessment: September 7, 2025

• Main Exam: September 14, 2025

👉 Use the mock assessment to test your device, check compatibility, and get familiar with the platform.

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💻 Device Requirements

Before you install SEB or access the exam, ensure your laptop meets the following requirements:

• Laptop only (no mobile devices or tablets)

• Windows 10 or higher

• Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 (dual-core or higher)

• Minimum 4 GB RAM

• At least 500 MB free disk space

• Must allow SEB installation and automatic uninstallation of prohibited apps

• Updated browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera, or Brave)

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🔒 Important Links for NASH FY 2025 Batch 1

• 📥 Safe Exam Browser (SEB) Installer: Download here

• 📖 SEB Installation & Setup User Guide: Download here (same link for installer and guide instructions)

• 📘 LMS Platform User Guide: Download here

👉 Always log in using your official DepEd Google Account when accessing the platform.

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📞 Need Help?

If you encounter technical issues, coordinate directly with your SDO Information Technology Officer. Do this before exam day to avoid last-minute disruptions.

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✅ Key Takeaways

1. Mark your calendar: Mock Exam – Sept 7 | Main Exam – Sept 14.

2. Prepare your laptop and verify requirements in advance.

3. Install and test the Safe Exam Browser (SEB) early.

4. Read and follow the official User Guides carefully.

5. Contact your SDO IT Officer for any technical assistance.

🎒 National School Backpack Awareness Day: Why It Matters for Filipino Students

In the Philippines, students often carry more than just books in their bags—extra uniforms for PE, packed lunches, water bottles, and even emergency gear during rainy season or brownouts. For many kabataan, their backpack is a daily companion, but it can also become a source of hidden health risks. That’s why National School Backpack Awareness Day, observed every third Wednesday of September, is so important.

This annual observance reminds us that how students wear and pack their backpacks affects their posture, health, and overall well-being. Let’s explore why this matters so much for Filipino learners and families.

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📖 What is National School Backpack Awareness Day?

Every year on the third Wednesday of September, schools and health advocates mark National School Backpack Awareness Day to raise awareness about safe backpack use. In the Philippines, where many students walk long distances to school, ride jeepneys or tricycles, and often endure heavy loads of textbooks, the campaign is extra relevant.

Why Filipinos Should Care

• Many public schools still use printed modules and thick textbooks.

• Students from provinces often travel far, making lightweight packing essential.

• Back pain and posture problems are on the rise among youth due to improper bag use.

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🏫 The Effects of Heavy Backpacks on Filipino Students

1. Health Risks

• Back and shoulder pain – Common in high school students carrying multiple textbooks.

• Poor posture – Slouching or leaning forward due to heavy loads.

• Long-term spine problems – Especially risky for growing children.

2. Daily Challenges

• Walking to school – Many Filipino kids walk several kilometers with heavy bags.

• Jeepney and tricycle rides – Overstuffed bags take up space and cause discomfort.

• During calamities – Bags are used not just for school, but also for carrying essentials during typhoons and floods.

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✅ Backpack Safety Tips for Filipino Students

How to Wear Backpacks Properly

• Always use both shoulder straps.

• Adjust straps so the bag sits at the middle of the back, not hanging low.

• Keep the backpack close to the body to reduce strain.

Smart Packing Tips

• Pack heavier books closest to the back.

• Use multiple small compartments for better weight distribution.

• Don’t overload—backpack weight should be no more than 10–15% of body weight.

Alternatives and Solutions

• Rolling bags for younger children.

• Digital learning tools (tablets or e-modules) to lessen book loads.

• Community lockers in some schools to store books safely.

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Local Examples and Relevance

• In Bicol and Eastern Visayas, students often carry rain gear, flashlights, and extra clothes due to frequent typhoons.

• In Metro Manila, kids commuting on crowded MRT or jeepneys struggle with bulky bags.

• During brownouts or floods, backpacks become survival kits, holding flashlights, food packs, and power banks.

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Conclusion

National School Backpack Awareness Day, celebrated every third Wednesday of September, is more than just a reminder about bags—it’s a call for Filipino families, teachers, and schools to prioritize the health and safety of students. A well-packed and properly worn backpack can prevent pain, improve posture, and make daily commutes safer and easier.

👩‍🏫 Takeaway for Kababayans:
Check your child’s backpack today. Is it too heavy? Are they wearing it properly? Small adjustments can make a huge difference in their health and future.

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📌 FAQs for Filipinos

Q: When is National School Backpack Awareness Day celebrated?
A: It is observed every third Wednesday of September each year.

Q: What is the best type of school bag for Filipino students?
A: A lightweight, two-strap backpack with padded support is ideal. Rolling bags are good for younger kids.

Q: How heavy should my child’s backpack be?
A: It should not exceed 10–15% of their body weight.

Q: How can I help my child carry less?
A: Encourage digital notes, leave non-essential books at home, and pack only what’s needed for the day.

Protecting Education in Times of Crisis: Why the International Day to Protect Education from Attack Matters

In the Philippines, education is often challenged not just by poverty and limited resources, but also by natural calamities like typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and even man-made conflicts. Just last year, millions of Filipino students missed classes due to typhoons Paeng and Egay, as classrooms were used as evacuation centers. These realities remind us that education is fragile and vulnerable.

That’s why the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, observed every September 9, is so important. It raises global awareness about the need to safeguard schools, teachers, and students from violence, war, and disruptions that threaten their right to learn. For Filipinos, this isn’t just a global issue—it’s a local reality.

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Why This Day Matters to the Philippines

The United Nations declared September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack to highlight how schools worldwide are at risk due to armed conflict, terrorism, and instability.

In the Philippines, while we may not always face large-scale wars, we deal with:

• Armed conflict in Mindanao, where some schools were once caught in crossfire.

• Natural calamities that force schools to close or convert into evacuation centers.

• Social and economic struggles, where lack of access to safe and consistent education affects millions of Filipino children.

Protecting education means protecting the future of our youth—the very foundation of the country.

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Why Filipinos Should Care

1. Education is the best defense against poverty

Many Filipino families believe that “Edukasyon ang puhunan” (education is an investment). When attacks or disruptions stop students from learning, it increases inequality and poverty.

2. Teachers and schools need protection

Teachers in conflict-affected areas often risk their lives just to continue teaching. Ensuring their safety is just as important as keeping students safe.

3. Calamities highlight education’s vulnerability

Typhoons, earthquakes, and floods regularly damage school facilities. After Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), thousands of schools were destroyed, and students had to wait months before returning to classrooms.

4. Peace and learning go hand in hand

Without safe schools, there can be no sustainable peace. Protecting education is part of building a stronger, more resilient Philippines.

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Local Examples & Developments

• Mindanao Schools: The 2017 Marawi Siege forced thousands of students to flee, with some losing access to education for years.

• Typhoon Season: Schools in Samar, Leyte, and Bicol are often turned into evacuation centers, disrupting learning.

• COVID-19 Pandemic: Though not an “attack,” it highlighted how fragile our education system is when faced with emergencies.

These situations prove that education needs strong protection systems—from disaster-resilient schools to conflict-free learning zones.

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A Call for Every Filipino

Protecting education from attack is not just the government’s responsibility. It’s a collective duty of communities, parents, and leaders to ensure that no child is left behind, even in times of crisis.

👉 As Filipinos, we can:

• Support initiatives for disaster-resilient schools.

• Advocate for peaceful, safe communities.

• Help local schools recover after calamities.

On this International Day to Protect Education from Attack, let’s commit to making sure that every Filipino child can learn in safety and dignity—because when education is protected, the future of the Philippines is protected.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the International Day to Protect Education from Attack?
It’s observed on September 9 to raise awareness about safeguarding schools and students from conflict, violence, and crises.

Q2: Why is this day important for Filipinos?
Because schools here are often disrupted by typhoons, floods, and even local armed conflicts, making education vulnerable.

Q3: How can Filipinos support this cause?
By advocating for safe schools, supporting disaster relief for education, and promoting peace in communities.