How Unilever and DepEd Are Transforming Nutrition Education in the Philippines”

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.

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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 Philippines, beautifully put it:

“Education is a powerful tool. When people are empowered with the right information, even with limited resources, they can make better decisions for themselves and their families.”

This isn’t just corporate talk — it’s a science-backed, community-driven initiative. The collaboration is anchored on The Makulay ang Buhay EduTainment series, produced with GMA Network, and the Knorr NutriSarap Recipe Booklet, co-developed with the DOST-FNRI (Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute).

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The Makulay Revolution: Learning Through Laughter and Food

When the pilot run launched at Taguig Integrated School in July 2024, over 300 students, parents, and teachers gathered for what felt more like a festival than a classroom event. There were nutrition-themed games, screenings of the Makulay ang Buhay episodes, and live cooking demos.

And honestly, that’s the secret ingredient — engagement.
Kids (and adults!) learn best when learning is fun and relevant. The EduTainment series turns complex nutrition science into simple, relatable stories, showing Filipino families that “nutritious” doesn’t mean “expensive” or “hard to cook.”

Did You Know?
According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 1 in 4 Filipino children suffers from malnutrition. This program aims to close that gap through education, not just donations.

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Empowering 40,000 Schools — One USB at a Time

One of the most brilliant parts of this rollout is its reach. Unilever and DepEd distributed 40,000 USB drives containing the Makulay ang Buhay EduTainment episodes to schools nationwide — even those without stable internet.

This means even rural schools can access the same quality learning tools as urban centers. It’s a subtle but powerful step toward educational equity — bridging not just the nutrition gap but the digital one too.

And from a teacher’s standpoint? It’s ready-to-use, relatable material that helps reinforce DepEd’s Gulayan sa Paaralan and School-Based Feeding Programs.

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A Personal Take: From Guilty Snacker to Conscious Eater

When I started working from home, I fell into the “instant noodles trap.” Easy, salty, and, well… soul-comforting. But after covering stories like this, I started experimenting with simple veggie recipes from Knorr’s NutriSarap Booklet — adding malunggay to tinola, replacing fried snacks with boiled camote.

And the result? I felt more alert, more energetic, and oddly… proud. Because nourishing yourself is a quiet kind of self-respect.

It reminded me that change doesn’t have to be loud or complicated. Sometimes it starts with the smallest things — like learning what truly nourishes you.

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Why This Matters More Than Ever

Nutrition isn’t only a health issue — it’s a learning issue, an equity issue, and a future issue. When kids are well-nourished, they focus better, learn faster, and dream bigger.

Programs like this prove that corporate social responsibility can go beyond logos and photo ops — it can reshape communities.

As someone who once thought veggies were punishment, I find this partnership deeply hopeful. It’s a reminder that transformation starts with small, everyday choices — a handful of malunggay, a lesson in class, a shared meal at home.

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The Heart of the Matter

Unilever and DepEd’s nutrition education partnership shows what happens when public and private sectors align for the common good — a more informed, nourished, and empowered generation of Filipinos.

And maybe, just maybe, those kids trading vegetables today will grow up to teach others the true meaning of “Makulay ang Buhay.”

So tell me — what’s one food memory or healthy habit that changed your life? Share it in the comments below. Your story might just inspire someone to start theirs.

The Vice Ganda–Heart Evangelista Issue and What It Says About Education in the Philippines

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.

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🎭 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 responsible for public infrastructure.

This led to a wave of reactions online — some praising Vice for caring, others criticizing him for being careless with his words.

Here’s the truth: both sides had a point.

Vice’s compassion is commendable, but the focus should’ve been on the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government accountability — not personalities. It’s a reminder that when we talk about real-world problems, context matters as much as intention.

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🏫 The Bigger Picture: Education in the Philippines

Here’s a sobering fact: as of 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that only 22 classrooms were completed out of thousands planned nationwide. [Source: Senate Finance Committee Hearing, 2025]

In many regions, teachers still spend their own money for supplies. I’ve done it myself — printing handouts using my own ink, buying chalk from the local sari-sari store, and even using my phone flashlight during power outages to check test papers.

That’s why Vice’s emotional story hit home for many of us educators. Yes, some schools lack resources. But pointing fingers at individuals — even celebrities — misses the systemic issue: our schools need stronger support from DepEd, LGUs, and the national budget.

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💔 My Personal Lesson in Public Perception

Years ago, a parent once told me, “Teacher, why are the classrooms dirty?” I remember feeling embarrassed — even defensive — because I was doing my best. But what she really meant was, “Why does the system make it so hard for you to do your job?”

That’s the same nuance lost in online debates like this one. The public outrage isn’t just about who said what — it’s about frustration with how long we’ve accepted the cracks in our education system.

Lesson learned: empathy without accuracy can sometimes harm more than help.

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📚 Did You Know?

DepEd oversees more than 47,000 public schools in the Philippines — one of the largest school systems in Asia.
Sorsogon, Heart Evangelista’s home province, has several award-winning public schools recognized for reading programs and community literacy drives.
Many public classrooms rely on donations, alumni associations, and private sector partnerships to stay functional.

So yes — there are struggling schools. But there are also stories of resilience, of teachers and students who thrive despite the odds.

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🌱 What This Says About All of Us

At the heart of it, this issue reminds us that education is everyone’s concern — from celebrities to policymakers, from teachers like me to viewers at home. When someone speaks up, let’s channel the emotion toward solutions, not blame.

The next time you hear a story about a “broken school,” remember: it’s not just about who said it. It’s about why it keeps happening — and what each of us can do to fix it.

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✏️ In the End

The Vice Ganda–Heart Evangelista issue isn’t really about showbiz. It’s about how we respond to truth, compassion, and accountability in a world quick to judge. As educators and citizens, we owe it to our learners to focus less on the personalities — and more on the policies that shape their future.

Maybe if we all start listening — really listening — our conversations will build classrooms, not just trends.

CHED vs DepEd: What’s the Real Difference in Philippine Education?

Education in the Philippines is built on a unique partnership between two major agencies — the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Each plays a distinct but complementary role in guiding Filipino learners from the early years of schooling all the way to advanced university studies.

While these two institutions often get mentioned together, their responsibilities differ significantly. Knowing where one ends and the other begins helps parents, students, and educators understand how the system truly works — and why it’s designed that way.

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What DepEd Does: Building the Foundation

The Department of Education (DepEd) handles basic education, which includes kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and senior high school.
Its mission is simple yet powerful — to “protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education.”

DepEd ensures that learning is accessible to all, whether through public schools, private institutions, or the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for those who can’t attend formal classes.

Some of its most well-known programs include:

• The K–12 curriculum, which added two years of senior high school to prepare students for college or employment.

• Brigada Eskwela, a community-led school maintenance initiative.

• Oplan Balik Eskwela, which helps ensure a smooth opening of classes every school year.

DepEd focuses on foundational learning — literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and values formation. It’s where the country’s educational journey truly begins.

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What CHED Does: Shaping Higher Learning

Once students finish senior high, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) takes over.
Created in 1994 through Republic Act 7722, CHED oversees all colleges and universities across the Philippines, both public and private.

Its main goal is to make higher education globally competitive, research-driven, and socially relevant.

CHED’s responsibilities include:

• Setting academic and quality standards for degree programs.

• Accrediting universities and ensuring compliance with international benchmarks.

• Supporting research, innovation, and faculty development.

• Managing scholarships and partnerships with foreign institutions.

In short, while DepEd builds the learning foundation, CHED refines it — shaping students into professionals ready for the modern world.

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CHED vs DepEd: Key Differences Simplified

To understand their distinction, imagine education as a two-stage journey:

1. DepEd takes care of the first phase — from learning to read and write up to mastering critical skills in senior high school. It focuses on access, inclusivity, and character development.

2. CHED manages the next phase — higher education and advanced studies. It focuses on quality, research, and aligning Filipino graduates with global standards.

DepEd ensures that learners have the tools and values they need to succeed, while CHED ensures they have the expertise and qualifications to compete internationally.

Both agencies operate independently but must coordinate closely to keep education smooth and progressive — especially during transitions like the shift to the K–12 system.

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How DepEd and CHED Work Together

The Philippine education system operates under a tri-focal setup:

• DepEd for basic education

• CHED for higher education

• TESDA for technical-vocational training

This structure allows each agency to focus on its area while staying interconnected. For instance, when the K–12 reform was rolled out, DepEd and CHED worked together to realign college curricula and reduce overlapping subjects.

Their collaboration ensures students graduate from senior high school with the right preparation — whether they choose to enter college, join the workforce, or take vocational training.

It’s a delicate balance: DepEd opens doors, CHED raises ceilings, and TESDA provides practical routes in between.

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Lessons with Global Relevance

Even beyond the Philippines, the CHED–DepEd model offers valuable lessons for other education systems:

• Clear governance improves accountability. Dividing responsibilities avoids duplication and confusion.

• Continuity matters. Smooth transitions between education levels help reduce dropout rates.

• Quality assurance ensures growth. Standards and accreditation keep higher education relevant and credible.

• Coordination is essential. When agencies communicate well, learners get the best possible outcomes.

These principles reflect a truth that transcends borders: good education doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built on structure, cooperation, and shared purpose.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding CHED vs DepEd is more than a matter of memorizing government acronyms. It’s about recognizing how two powerful institutions work together to shape the nation’s learners — from first alphabets to final theses.

DepEd lays the foundation for literacy, empathy, and lifelong learning. CHED builds upon it, pushing for excellence, innovation, and global recognition.

Together, they embody the Philippines’ vision of education as a bridge — connecting every Filipino’s potential with opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

What’s your take? How does your country manage basic and higher education? Share your insights in the comments — your perspective could spark a valuable conversation.

When Rest Becomes Policy: DepEd’s Work-from-Home Wellness Break Explained

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.

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🌿 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 promotes flexible work setups for education personnel. To keep essential operations running, DepEd also requires a skeleton workforce to remain onsite during the break.

In short: schools and offices won’t shut down, but employees get to breathe.

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💼 Why This Wellness Break Matters

Let’s face it—non-teaching staff are often the unsung heroes of the education system. They manage paperwork, finances, logistics, and countless behind-the-scenes tasks that keep schools functioning.

Unfortunately, that constant hustle can lead to exhaustion and burnout. By recognizing this, DepEd’s policy sends a powerful message: mental and emotional well-being deserve institutional support.

It’s a reminder that rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a requirement for sustainable productivity.

“You can’t serve others when you’re running on empty,” as one DepEd employee once said. This initiative helps refill that cup—with time, space, and self-care.

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🌤️ My Own Lesson About Overwork

I remember a few years ago when I was juggling two projects and barely sleeping. I thought I was proving my dedication—answering emails at midnight, skipping meals, saying yes to everything.

Then one morning, I woke up dizzy, staring at my computer screen, realizing I couldn’t even remember the last time I laughed about something simple. That was my wake-up call.

Since then, I’ve learned that pausing doesn’t mean giving up—it means giving your best self a chance to return. That’s why I think DepEd’s move isn’t just a policy—it’s a cultural shift toward empathy.

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📚 The Science of Taking Breaks

Science backs this up. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is now officially recognized as an occupational phenomenon, affecting focus, motivation, and overall health.

Meanwhile, research from Stanford University found that productivity significantly drops once people work beyond 50 hours per week.

Rest isn’t just about relaxation—it literally improves performance. Workers who take intentional breaks show better creativity, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

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🧘‍♀️ How to Make the Most of the Wellness Break

Instead of treating the work-from-home days as “catch-up” time, treat them as a reset. Here’s a quick 3-Day Reconnection Challenge you can try:

1. 🌸 Day 1 – Unplug and Unwind
   Silence your work notifications for at least an hour. Stretch, nap, or just breathe without guilt.

2. ☕ Day 2 – Reconnect with Yourself
   Journal, read, or call a friend you’ve been meaning to talk to. Small reconnections can recharge your emotional battery.

3. 🌅 Day 3 – Reflect and Realign
   Ask yourself: What’s been draining me lately? What habits make me feel balanced? Write down one realistic change for next month.

These aren’t grand gestures—they’re small acts of self-preservation that help you return to work refreshed, not resentful.

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🌈 A Step Toward Healthier Work Culture

DepEd’s work-from-home wellness break may only last a few days, but its message could last much longer. It acknowledges that employees are not machines, and that kindness in the workplace can be both humane and efficient.

In the bigger picture, this could encourage other government and private institutions to embed wellness into their systems, not just treat it as an afterthought.

Because when people feel cared for, they do better work—and they stay longer.

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💭 Final Reflection: Rest as a Form of Service

In the end, DepEd’s Work-from-Home Wellness Break isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing better. It’s a reminder that rest is part of responsibility—because healthy workers make stronger institutions.

So as this wellness break approaches, let’s use it intentionally. Rest, reflect, and return renewed.

How about you? What’s one small way you plan to take care of your own well-being this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 🌿

How SLINAM and the DOST’s Push for Creative Science Could Inspire a New Generation

I still remember blanking out during a high school chemistry quiz — not because I didn’t study, but because I had only studied. You know that sinking feeling when every formula you memorized turns into alphabet soup? That was me, staring at a periodic table like it was written in ancient runes.

That day, I realized something painful: I had learned to memorize science, not to understand it. Years later, I’m thrilled to see that students today are getting the chance I never did — to play, explore, and create with science instead of just memorizing it.

And right now, one invention in the Philippines is proving why that shift matters.

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SLINAM: When Curiosity Meets Compassion

At Manila Science High School, a group of brilliant Grade 12 students has built something straight out of a sci-fi movie — a robot called SLINAM (Search and Rescue Lidar Integrated and Autonomous Mapping).

This isn’t just a fancy gadget. SLINAM uses lidar technology (the same kind used in self-driving cars) to map and navigate disaster zones, helping emergency teams find safe routes during search and rescue operations.

In other words, these students built a life-saving robot — not because they were told to, but because they were curious enough to try.

That’s the spark DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. wants to ignite nationwide. During a press conference in Batangas City, he pointed out how schools have long focused on memorization over understanding, stifling students’ natural curiosity. The DOST’s mission? To bring creativity back into classrooms through hands-on science education.

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The Problem: We Were Told to Memorize, Not to Wonder

Let’s be honest — most of us were raised on the “study, recite, repeat” model. It worked well enough to pass exams but did little to inspire discovery.

Solidum put it bluntly: “The reason why students are not into science is that they don’t have the tools, the toys to answer the questions that they have in mind.”

That hit me hard. Because as a kid, I didn’t have those “toys” either. I had old textbooks and rigid instructions — but no lab, no coding kit, no sandbox to fail and learn in.

And failure, by the way, is where real science lives. It’s where the aha! moments happen.

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The Shift: From Memorization to Creation

The DOST is now collaborating with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and even private companies to build more labs and integrate new technologies, like AI systems, into classrooms.

They’re also expanding the Philippine Science High School System, aiming for at least two PSHS campuses per region. That’s huge — not just for access, but for visibility. When students see science being done, they believe they can do it too.

Did You Know?
🔹 The Philippines currently ranks 79th out of 140 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index for innovation capability.
🔹 Hands-on science programs increase student retention in STEM courses by up to 45%, according to the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

So yes — this shift isn’t just emotional. It’s strategic, measurable, and long overdue.

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The 3-Day Curiosity Experiment

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from science — or any creative subject, really — here’s a small personal challenge I tried (and loved):

The 3-Day Curiosity Experiment

• Day 1: Write down three questions you’ve always wondered about but never Googled. Pick one.

• Day 2: Spend 30 minutes exploring it — through YouTube, an article, or even an experiment if you can.

• Day 3: Teach it to someone. It doesn’t have to be formal; just explain it to a friend or sibling.

I did this with something embarrassingly basic — how Wi-Fi actually works. Not only did I finally understand it, but explaining it made me appreciate how science hides in plain sight.

Imagine if every student had the tools and space to do that every day.

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The Future: Science in Every Backyard

Solidum also made a compelling point — that part of reigniting STEM interest is ensuring job opportunities exist locally. After all, curiosity thrives when it has somewhere to go.

If students can see companies setting up labs and tech hubs near their schools, they won’t feel the need to leave home just to chase careers in science or engineering. That’s how you grow a generation of innovators who stay and build instead of leave and look.

And SLINAM’s creators? They’re proof it’s already happening.

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Coming Full Circle

Looking back at my own high school experience, I can’t help but smile. The me who once froze at a chemistry quiz wouldn’t believe there’d be teenagers building robots that save lives.

But here we are. The next generation isn’t just learning science — they’re using it to make the world safer, smarter, and kinder.

So, if you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt “bad at science,” remember: it’s not about memorizing the right answers. It’s about asking the right questions.

What’s one scientific curiosity you’d love to explore again? Share it in the comments — I’d love to hear what you wonder about.