I love Education

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 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. 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...

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’ve fallen for sensational headlines before. You probably have too. The kind that screams “BILLIONS LOST!” and instantly makes your morning coffee taste bitter. So when I first saw news about the GSIS and alleged “losses,” I braced myself for another disappointing government story. But as I dug deeper, what I found wasn’t a scandal—it was a lesson in how perception and patience can collide. Like many Filipinos, I have a relative who depends on her GSIS pension every month. For her, “fund loss” isn’t just a headline—it’s a fear that hits close to home. That’s why this story matters not only to public employees but to anyone who still believes that trust, once broken, can be rebuilt. The Real Score: What’s Happening Inside GSIS The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) , which serves millions of government employees and retirees, found itself under scrutiny recently. Reports claimed it had lost ₱8.8 billion due to investment decisions made under President and General Manager ...

In the Philippine education sector, the name Benjo Basas has become synonymous with teacher advocacy and dignity. Known both as a Social Studies teacher in Caloocan City and the National Chairperson of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) , Basas has consistently raised his voice for the welfare of public school educators. According to his own Facebook account , Basas currently holds the rank of Teacher I under the Department of Education (DepEd). This detail underscores his identity as a rank-and-file classroom teacher—someone who experiences firsthand the challenges of the profession—while simultaneously leading a national movement for reform. From Classroom Teacher to National Leader Despite holding an entry-level teaching rank, Basas has emerged as one of the most influential teacher-leaders in the country. His advocacy has focused on: Fair and timely salary increases for teachers Adequate allowances and benefits Reduced administrative workload Recognition of teachers’ mental h...

If you’ve ever filled out a teacher survey after a long day of classes, you probably know that quiet sigh that comes right before you start clicking boxes. I’ve been there — papers stacked high, coffee turning cold, wondering if my answers would really make any difference. But this one feels different. The Training Needs Assessment for Teachers (TNA 2025) , led by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) , isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about listening to real teachers — you, me, and every classroom hero shaping the next generation. This time, our input is the blueprint for future DepEd training programs . That’s not bureaucracy — that’s empowerment. 🧑‍🏫 What Is the Training Needs Assessment for Teachers? The Training Needs Assessment (TNA) is a national initiative designed to help NEAP and the Department of Education (DepEd) identify what teachers truly need to grow in their profession. For 2025, the assessment focuses on Grades 6, 9, and 10 — levels...

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...