National Observance of the week for the gifted and talented

DepEd Memorandum 525 s 2008

2008 National Observance of the week for the gifted and talented.

To:
Bureau Directors
Dir of Services
Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools.

1. Every fourth week of November, the nation observes National Week for the Gifted and Talented, an event declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 199 signed on Oct 19, 1999. This years celebration will be observed on November 24-28 2008 with the theme "Building Gifts into Talents".

2. The Celebration aims to strenthen public awareness on the education of the gifted and telented in the country.

3. All private/public SPED centers, including the regular schools with organized classes/programs for the gifted and telented are encouraged to undertake any of the ff activities.

a. Visual and performing arts competition
b. arts and crafts exhibits
c. academic competitions
d. education fiedl trips to museums, science centrum
f. fun games and sports activities
g. symposia on parenting the gifted and talented on meeting their needs
h. lectueres on building gifts into telents of these learners and
i other related activities.

4. The observance should be made part of the regualr classroom activities to avoid disruption of classes and to mazimixe time for learining. (DepED Order No 9 s 2005)

5. Please call SPED-BEE Central office at tel 02-631-9993 for more information. Wide dissemination of this Memo is desired.

Franklin C. Sunga
Undersecretary

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Girls Scout of the Philippines National Council Convention

DepEd Memorandum No. 524 s 2008

21st Girls Scout of the Philippines National Council Convention

1. The Girls Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) will hold its 21st National Council Convention in Bohol Tropics Resort, Tagbilaran City on May 25-27, 2009 with the theme "Join in Reach Out Change Lives". This will be hosted bt the Bohol Girl Scouts Council.

2. For more information, please contact the GSP National Headuarters, 901 Padre Faura Steet, 1000 Ernita, Manila at tel no 632-523-8331 to 42 fax nos. 521-4144. Email gspnh@tri-isys.com; http://girlscouts.org.ph.

For details, please download the complete memorandum

DepEd Health Program for School

DepEd Memorandum 506 , S 2008

ZERO CAVITY MISSION PROJECT

1. Pursuant to DepED Order No 73 s 2007 entitled Promoting Oral health in Public Elementary Schools and the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program jointly implremented with Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc., DepED throught Health and Nutrition Center and Adopt a school program and the Department of Education Dentist Association emark on a ZERO CAVITY MISSION PROJECT with aims to address the high prevalence of oral health problems among school children.

2. Tje CPPI Dental Van fully euipped with dental supplies and materils will be visiting 50 selected schools nationwide. Preventive and curative services will be provided by school dentists and voulunteer dentists from partner agencies to Grade I pupils. and toothbrushing drills and oral health promotion activities will also be conductiedc to reinforce the 7 o'clock toothbrushing habit beign implemented in schools.

3. The project will be lauched at P. Bernardo Elementary School. P. Tuazon St, uezon City On Nov 5 and several schools will be visited this SY 2008-2009.

See the memo for school name and details.
DM 506 s 2008

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Pupils received customized notebook from Governor

Pursuing a legacy endeavor to grade schools, the provincial governor, Hon. Geraldine "Jade" Ecleo, gives away 9,000 pieces of personalized and made-to-order notebooks to all grade 2 and 3 pupils of Dinagat Islands.

A total of 105 elementary schools comprising from the seven school districts of Albor, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Loreto, San Jose, Rizal and Tubajon, have benefited from the governor's generosity.

Dr. Teofila Cabatuan, School Division Superintendent, has provided data that about 2,745 Grade II pupils and 2,809 Grade III pupils within the province have acknowledged and acquired said notebook.

Governor Jade has personally distributed these notebooks to the pupils of such recipient schools as: San Jose Central, Aurelio, Sta. Cruz, Mahayahay, Dinagat Central, Doña Helen, and Edera Elementary Schools.

In response, the administrators, teachers, and beneficiary pupils showed their warm welcome to the Governor during her visits to their respective schools, and gave her due appreciation and support for her genuine legacy endeavor to the underprivileged pupils of the province of Dinagat Islands.

She is definitely one of the model politician that recognized the value of children education. We are hoping that governors are not only donating for the buildings but also those basic needs of individual pupils like notebook, uniform, bags, science equipment and laboratory manuals. Of course some give multimedia equipment like computers and television sets. We just hope they spend not only on donating things but also participate in school management and evaluation. I wonder if the governors, mayors and congressman have team that regularly monitor schools progress.

by Conchita M. Macalua

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Boyscout of the Philippines to attend training in Singapore

Dr. Aurora F. Trinidad, district supervisor of San Mateo, Rizal and district Scouting commissioner of the Rizal Council-Boy Scouts of the Philippines, left yesterday for Singapore to attend the Course for Leader Trainer sponsored by the Singapore Scout Association.

The training, which will be held until Nov. 30, is one of the requirements to become a full-pledged leader trainer.

r. Trinidad
Trinidad is also the assistant treasurer of the Council and the council's commissioner on KAB Scouting.
Joining her are five other Scouters from other parts of the country. They are Irma O. Ejada, Cavite Council; Rene L. Hayag, Sorsogon Council; Warlito M. Salido, Davao City; Baltazar Gayem, Valenzuela Council and Gilberto Montenegro, Surigao del Sur Council. (BSP)


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Korean to donate computer in Samar High School

The Korean Overseas Volunteer (KOV) program after being in some 25 provinces in the country has finally reached Samar.

In an interview, Mr. Jaeyoung Choi, administrative officer of KOV Philippines, said that the program may donate Personal Computers (PCs) to three high schools in Catbalogan City and train teachers and students to maintain and repair their damaged PCs.

Mr. Jaeyoung who speaks fluent English and some Tagalog expressions like 'talaga' and 'di ba' talked with enthusiasm how his country through the KOV will help developing countries like the Philippines.

For a start, his country he said has deployed volunteers in the fields of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), agricultural productivity, early childhood and youth education, public health services and Korean language Teaching through TESDA.

In Samar, one Korean volunteer has been with Samar State University (SSU) assisting in the fisheries development.

Just on November 7, Mr. Jaeyoung visited Samar National School (SNS) the biggest high school in Samar to talk with school principal Tony Caveiro. The Korean said he would try to train and teach students to maintain the PCs and then the teachers as students would then be graduating.

The problem with PCs is someone has to maintain the unit to prevent total damage, he shared. If the PCs are not maintained, the schools would be requesting for new units every now and then, and that could be very costly, he sighed.

However, with the training of teachers and students for free, the life expectancy of each PC is then assured, said the young Korean.

The program, said Prof. Rolando Diocton of SSU will benefit some one thousand children who are out of school because the Korean wants to teach OSY to be computer literate so they could be trained to get jobs, even abroad.

The Korean national also praised TESDA for the skills development training it gives to the Filipinos making them more qualified for jobs that needs skills.

The Filipinos are competitive, he said abroad, because they speak English and they are very efficient and easily trained.

Presently, together with Prof Diocton and other partners at the SSU, the Korean will map out plans for ICT development in SSU, SNS and Silanga National High School.

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Scholarship for Top Ten high school graduate

All fourth year high school students belonging to the top 10 percent
of the graduating class may qualify for the Search for the Top
Outstanding Performing Students (TOPS) of Southville International
School and Colleges, in Las Piñas offering degree programs in BS
Information Technology, BS Entrepreneurship, BS Business
Administration, BS Nursing, AB Mass Communication, AB Media Arts, BS
Education and BS Psychology. Now on its 6th year, the TOPS program
has maintained 100 scholars across curriculum levels and programs every
academic year.

 TOPS battery exam is on Nov. 29, 2008. Interested school
officers who wish to nominate their students may call the public
relations department at 8256374. Students who will pass the battery
exam may enjoy full and partial scholarships plus free school fees,
books, uniform and transportation allowances.

CHED want NCEE Back

Higher Education Chairman Emmanuel Angeles said he is in favor of proposals to introduce an examination for those who want to enter college much like the NCEE.

But he clarified that the exams should be more of an Aptitude Test.

"Students graduating from high school who would want to go to college will take Aptitude Test, and the results of which will be used to classify them into two groups," Angeles said.

The first group will include those who will go to the pre-college or the Technical-Vocational Evaluation Test track and those who will go to the university college track

THE Department of Education (DepEd) will go up against any move to revive the defunct National College Entrance Examination (NCEE).

According to Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) is more responsive to the changing time while enhancing the development of every student's core skills.

Lapus said the NCAE is "less discriminatory" compared to the NCEE whose results are used whether a student can enter college and get a four-year degree program or not.

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KerygmaConference Site

Please add this event in your calendar- BE INSPIRED AND BE BLESSED IN THE BIGGEST, MOST POWERFUL CATHOLIC LEARNING EVENT OF THE YEAR!

Oct 30, '08 1:48 PM for everyone

Start:	Nov 29, '08 8:30p
End:	Nov 30, '08 8:30p
Location:	Philsport Stadium (formerly ULTRA)

What can you expect from the Conference?


* Powerful talks and exhortations from renowned Charismatic preachers
and priests that are sure to awaken the miracle waiting to happen in
your life;
* Worship experience that provides respite from
today’s hurried pace that will rekindle the fire in your
spiritual life;
* A chance to receive God’s healing touch through our guest healing minister;
* And who knows, God may be cooking up a personal surprise for you through the Conference!


You may also call the Kerygma Conference 2008 Secretariat at 416-7809 or 725-9999.

You
will not only receive material benefits for your business or
organization. You will also help in spreading God’s love and
power to a greater number of people — and for that, you will
surely receive your heavenly benefits.



Conference Details

Date: November 29-30, 2008
Time: November 29 - 8:30am to 5:30pm
November 30 - 8:30am to 12:00 noon

Venue: Philsport Stadium
(formerly ULTRA)


Sign
up now for the Kerygma Conference 2008 now! Just fill up the
registration form and personally deliver, mail, fax or e-mail to:

Kerygma Conference 2008 Central Committee Headquarters
#60 Chicago St., Cubao, Quezon City 1109
Tel. No. 725-9999
Fax Nos. 726-9918/727-5615
Email: kcon@kerygmaconference.com

Public Service

Antonio Del Rosario - Model Congressman

The congressman's district office and the CHED Regional Office for Western Visayas awarded financial grants to 74 scholars during a presentation and awarding of grants held recently here.

The solon and CHED-6 Supervising Administrative Officer Nona Fernandez handed in the grants to the scholars from Roxas City and the municipalities under the first congressional district, assisted by Dennis Cañas, program coordinator for the congressman's office.

The scholars together with their parents beamed with joy upon receiving the checks for the educational grants from the congressman and CHED official. Fernandez, coordinator of the program in the region, pitched in for CHED Regional Director Isabel Mahler.

The scholarship grant entitles beneficiaries to financial assistance to help defray their tuition, basic school fees and monthly stipends out of the Higher Education Development Fund.

Del Rosario said he is happy that there is such a scholarship program because it would help students from poor families earn a college degree. The solon also pledged to appropriate funds to grant full additional financial assistance to scholars who are only entitled to a one-year grant under the program.

CHED also has established a study grant program involving the country's senators dubbed CHED-Senate Study Grant Program. The program is also in line with the thrust of government to further widen the access of poor but deserving students to higher education opportunities.

Each of the Senators is allotted twenty scholarship slots. Grantees may take any four-year degree course of their choice preferably in a state college or university.

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Department of Information and Communication Technology to be created

The Commission on Information and Communications Technology

The CICT was created by President Arroyo in 2004, through Executive Order No. 269, as a transitory measure toward the creation of a DICT. Since then, the CICT has undergone several transformations, with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) returning to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in 2005 and the Telecommunications Office (TELOF) also returning to the DOTC in 2007. The National Computer Center (NCC) remains a component agency of the CICT.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has certified Senate Bill No. 2546, which creates a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to supercede the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), as needing immediate enactment.

In an official communication addressed to Senate President Manny Villar dated 18 September 2008, President Arroyo stressed the need to consolidate government efforts toward the development of ICT in the country, as well as to strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. The counterpart bill in the House of Representatives, House Bill No. 4300, was approved by the House of Representatives last 5 August 2008 and has already been transmitted to the Senate.


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This is posted with the support by a private companies specially those in inbound call center industry.

Sec. Lapus hit the right person in his speech

Secretary Jesli Lapus recently urged members of the Liga ng mga Barangay – Quezon Chapter to contribute to DepEd's efforts to reach out to more out of school learners and achieve the national government's goal of making education for all a reality.

"The country's economic future rests on the caliber of our current crop of students – they will comprise the country's labor force until 2060, and this is why we need to heavily invest in public education – both formal and non-formal," said Lapus.

He cited People's Champ Manny Pacquiao as a champion not only of boxing, but also of alternative education. "In spite of his achievements in sports, Manny still saw the need to finish high school. That's why he took the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Exam by DepEd to acquire a high school diploma and pursue college. Pacquiao is taking up a business degree at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas in General Santos City and is doing well," added Lapus.

The A&E Exam is open to all out-of-school youth who wish to pursue higher education or enter the world of work. DepEd administers it twice a year.

There are many ways by which barangays can help. They can pay the honorarium of alternative
learning teachers, or provide community learning centers where out of school youth and adults can take alternative modes of learning.

Barangay officials can also provide transportation for mobile teachers. Meanwhile, the
Sangguniang Kabataan can do their share by encouraging OSY learners to join alternative learning classes.

In the absence of a mobile teacher in a community, barangay officials can identify potential alternative education facilitators in the barangay who can be trained by DepEd. The barangay can also shoulder the cost for the reproduction of learning modules used in alternative learning system.

Some 1,150 barangay officials in 41 municipalities attended the conference held at the El Centro Convention Center in Subic

Latest LET Result for Sept 2008 Takers

Top 10 LET Passers for September 2008 Examination

SECONDARY LEVEL

1. MA. CLEOFE NICOLAS TABANGIN, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-LOS BAÑOS 92.20
   
2. ROMINA ANN SOON YAP, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY-Q.C. 91.80
   
3. ANGELA DIMALANTA CARREON, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 91.60
   
4. MARIA ELENA FERMIN FERRER, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 91.20
   
5. JOHNNY ABELLERA ESMILLA JR., UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN 91.00
   
5. LUCILLE VIRTUDAZO GANDIONCO, UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS 91.00
   
6. TONY DANE BUGARIN QUETULIO, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY-Q.C. 90.40
   
6. MARIA NENITA SILANG SE, PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY-MANILA 90.40
   
7. ARIEL DANGCALAN CO, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 90.20
   
8. RYAN OLIVER DAÑGANAN BAUTISTA, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA 90.00
   
8. CARL JESTONI BARIQUIT DAKAY, UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS 90.00
   
8. ELEXOR TORRES DAMASCO, UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS (BAGUIO COLL. FNDTN.) 90.00
   
8. AUDIE DACUMOS LAUDENCIA, PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY-MANILA 90.00
   
8. FELIZARDO NICODEMUS PULUMBARIT JR., UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 90.00
   
9. OLIVER VALLEJO AROMIN, MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY-MARAWI CITY 89.80
   
9. MIREN AMALE MENDEZONA JOPSON, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY-Q.C. 89.80
   
9. ROCHELL CASIA MIGUEL, PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY-MANILA 89.80
   
10. PAMELA CRISTINA PARCISO CRISOSTOMO-TUMANG, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA 89.60
    
10. ISRAEL CRUZ CRUZ, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 89.60
    
10. VON RYAN GASMEÑA PANGWI, UNIVERSITY OF BAGUIO 89.60
    
10. 
    

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

1. ELISSE ADRIANNE HILARIO REGALA, PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY-MANILA 91.80
   
2. RUDOLF TAMANGEN VECALDO, CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY-TUGUEGARAO 91.60
   
3. MELISANDE CABACUNGAN JUAN, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 91.00
   
4. JOHN WILBERT RAYMUNDO ARETAÑO, POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE OF ANTIQUE 90.40
   
5. SHEILAMARIE CABUGON CACHERO, MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITYLAOAG-COLL. OF EDUCATION 90.20
   
5. IRIS CULANCULAN DUHAYLONGSOD, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 90.20
   
6. RODERICK DE LA CRUZ, MARBELLA PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY-LOPEZ 90.00
   
7. DOROTHY JOANN LEI OSOG LABRADOR, ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA 89.80
   
7. ESTEFANIE SALCEDO VARGAS, ATENEO DE NAGA 89.80
   
8. RICHELLE ALDAY STEIGERWALD, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 89.40
   
9. PRINCES RAYMUNDA GUZMAN GATAN, NATIONAL TEACHER'S COLLEGE 89.20
   
10. CATHERINE GIMANG CAPILLA, NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY (CVPC)-DUMAGUETE 89.00
    

Student Technologists and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines STEP - NSDC to be held in Baguio

The 7th Student Technologists and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines-National Skills Development and Competitions, with the theme "A STEP Higher: Upgrading Skills, Improving Lives," will be held in Teachers Camp,
Baguio City on November 19 to 24.
New features have been added to this year’s edition of STEP-NSDC. There are new and additional skills in Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) and Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) categories.

"With STEP, we want to provide pupils and students with practical experiences, technical know-how and opportunities in the different
areas while developiung their leadership abilities and personal skills, and building wholesome character to strengthen national competitiveness and productivity," said Executive Director Joey Pelaez of the Department of Education-Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (DepED-CSCA), STEP's national adviser.

The elementary category has 11 skills while the secondary category has 21skills for the competitions. Other skills are also open in the secondary category such as Techno Quiz,  parliamentary Procedure,Business Planning, and Mr. and Ms. STEP.

The Technical-Vocational Education (TVE) category will feature 27 skills which are open only to the technical-vocational high schools in the country.

"Our Tech-Voc efforts will not result to the abandonment of our primary mandate of providing basic education to all Filipinos. As it is our professional duty to provide relevant education to all young Filipinos, it is also our moral duty to ensure that we empower each Filipino child with the aptitude and skills they require to live productive lives," said Secretary Jesli Lapus.

More than 1000 Filipino Teachers hired by DepED

The new teachers were placed in  Northern Samar,  Leyte, Western Samar, Calbayog City, Maasin City and Southern Leyte.

A total of 1,118 new public elementary and secondary school teachers have been recruited for school year 2008-2009 for Eastern Visayas (Region 8), Central Visayas (Region 7), and Western Visayas (Region 6).

In Region 7, they were sent to  Cebu,  Negros Oriental, Bohol,  Bayawn City,  Talisay City, Lapu-Lapu City,  Bais City,  Danao City,  Mandaue City,  Cebu City,  Toledo City, Tanjay City,  Tagbilaran City and  Dumaguete City.

The schools division of Iloilo get the higher share of new teachers followed by Capiz,  Aklan, Negros Ocidental, Antique,  Silay City, Bacolod City,  Kabankalan City, San Carlos City, Iloilo Cty,  and Passi City.

Most of these new teachers already serve the school were they are stationed. Some are local school fund, other are funded by provincial school board while some do not have salary at all. Fortunately, they all have items now. Thanks to the government but the public school need more.

Integrate Science Lesson with ICT

With the technology advancements, these are exciting times indeed. And for your high school students to venture past the blackboard and note-taking to experience these three new ideas for teaching science, then it can get even more exciting.

1. Web Experiments

2. Collaborative projects

3. Virtual field trips

For complete article open here

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DepEd Manual for the procurement of goods and services

DepEd ORder 69 2008 - Customized agency procedure manual on the guidelines on the establishment of procurement systems and organization and procedures for the procurement of goods and services, infractructures project and consulting services.

1. In compliance with the provisions of Section 6 of Republic Act NO. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations whcih provides the the Government Producrement Policy Board shall pursue the development and approval of generic procurement manual to systematize the procurement process, ensure transparency and avoid confusion, the Task Force on the Customized Agency Procurement Manual and the bids and awards committedd, through the procurement service - technical supportd division, finalized and submitted the CAM of the Department of Education to the GPPB for approval.

2. The GPPB in its Resolution No 01-2008 dated May 30 2008, approved the CAM of the Department consisting of four volumes to wit;
Volume 1 - Establishment of Procurement System and Organization;
Volume 2 Manual of PRocedures for the Procurement of Goods and Services
Volume 3 - Manual of Procedures for the Procurement of Infrastructure Projects

Volume 4 Manual fo Procedures for the Procurement of Consulting Services.

3. As provided further in Section 6.2 No.9184 and its IRR-a the use fo the manual shall be mandatory upon all procuring entities. Relative thereto, the DepEd procurement manual shall be rolled out to the regions, divisions and schools and other attached agencies for tis adoption and official use.


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Public schools student get free online learning website.

Another window has been opened for public school students to access 21st century
learning tools – for free.
In an agreement signed yesterday between the Department of Education (DepEd) and Oracle Education Foundation (OEF), some 50,000 public school teachers and
students nationwide can now access online learning resources through ThinkQuest. “We need all the help we can get from the private sector to endow our learners with
skills fit for a 21st century learner,” said DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus. “Our students will now have a chance to be at par with the world’s best in terms of access to
learner-driven, technology-aided educational tools,” he added.

ThinkQuest is a sponsored program of OEF that provides free learning materials for primary and secondary schools around the world. With ThinkQuest, students can
engage in collaborative learning and participate in technology projects. DepEd’s collaboration with OEF forms part of a series of projects by DepEd under its
initiatives on ICT4E or Information Communication Technology for Education. ICT4E seeks to employ learner-driven technological solutions to improve the delivery and
access to quality basic educational. As stipulated in the agreement, OEF will provide free access to ThinkQuest projects
and the necessary technical support to public schools.

According to Lapus, coordinators will be assigned to assist OEF initiatives. He added that DepEd shall also integrate this program among its various teacher
professional development programs to equip teachers in integrating OEF projects in the delivery of their lessons.
The Education Chief added that “this partnership will be a boost to DepEd’s goal for 21st century education for all Filipinos anytime, anywhere.”
Clare Dolan, Vice-President of Oracle Education Initiatives and Lapus signed the agreement and witnessed by Natasak Rodjanapiches, Regional Managing Director
of Oracle Asia Pacific.
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Filipino public school students to receive more computers

Through the DepEd's diligent efforts to optimize the budget, more public schools will get computer laboratory packages with high-end specifications but at a low cost-per-unit." The savings will be used to buy computer laboratory packages that will benefit 200 more public schools – 100 elementary and 100 high schools - in sixteen regions.

Recipient public high schools underwent a validation process conducted by DepEd's Technical Service team, the implementing office of the department's computerization program, and the Bureaus of Elementary and Secondary Education.

These 200 recipient schools have stable, continuous supply of electricity, and are assured of support from the local government. All have specialist-teachers who can devote their time to teaching Computer classes, English, Science, and Mathematics.

The DepEd Computerization Program is a component of DepEd's Information Communication Technology for Education or ICT4E.

A computer laboratory package includes one personal computer as server, ten units of personal computer as workstations for students, eleven units of uninterruptible power supply, one wireless broadband router, and one color printer.

A lecture and hands-on training on basic software and hardware installation and troubleshooting will likewise be provided to teachers in every school.

We just hope that the computer specification are the following or higher.

1. At least Pentium 4 or higher
2. Processor speed is 2.8Ghz or higher for faster student performance.
3. Video Card - 512Mb for student multimedia presentation.
4. Hard disk not less than 80Gb.
5. At least 2 DVD writers. You do not need to put DVD's writers since it will be network.
6. One month skills training on office application, repair and (hardware and software) installation with networking training (IP configuration specially).
7. Office application should be Office 2003. With plug in ready.
8. I prepare cloned PC rather than branded HP. Spare parts for cloned PC are easy to find.

DepEd's contractors or suppliers technician do not usually visit schools from towns 3 hours away from the Cities. I understand it is expensive for them to visit one or two schools in one day.

I am doubted with the capability of elementary school to handle ICT programs. I have seen enough wasted computers in public schools. I hope the division have their own ICT team (like the Cebu Province roaming) around the schools periodically.

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Classroom Construction Requirements

DepEd have new classroom construction requirements. The need for the school to serve for more longer period and the possibility of using it as evacuation center provides the idea of creating a school that stand on natural calamities.

Lapus said that "DepEd is currently stepping-up its efforts to strengthen capacities of public schools for disaster risk reduction. With the help of UNICEF, the school can truly become a child-friendly place."

This hazard-resilient model utilizes concrete and steel thatmake for sturdy buildings. The roof is reinforced by concrete beams to withstand pressure, and is covered by felt fabric to make it waterproof. To protect the books and armchairs against flooding, the floor line is built one meter above natural soil.

Schools built after this model are provided with steel doors and windows, and are expected to last for 50 years.

These standard two-classroom buildings are intended for both learning and public use. These can be used as evacuation centers during calamities and emergencies. Each classroom can accommodate 63 students or at least six families.

On November 17, 2008, DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus and UNICEF Country Representative Vanessa Tobin will lead a turn-over ceremony of one of the completed school buildings under UNICEF's Safe Schools Project at the Rawis Elementary School in Legaspi City.

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DepEd to innovate school sports program

Realizing the performance of the country in international competition, the Department of Education is now thinking on innovating school sports program.

It can be noted that student in public high school are being trained by not qualified PE Teachers. How many social studies, science and math teachers serve as coach - trainor for the student both in Elementary and High School. Most of the time, the PE Teachers do not know the basic sports skills. This is happen if the PE teacher loves more music and dance rather than Sports as what they are hired for.

It is also common to coach - trainor to start the pupils training only during school athletic meet. You will see, there is no school program at all. There are some schools who are lucky enough to have a teachers who are former college varsities. You will see their students performance during provincial athletic. I myself being computer instructor have my own athletic team. It cost me regular shuttle cock & Yonex racket for the school do not have fund for equipments.

Lapus is now batting for the creation of a Sports Academy to institutionalize and professionalize training in sports. He keynoted today the "Seminar on New Trends and Innovation on Coaching Athletic Sports" organized by the Private Schools Association of Parañaque (PSAP), held at the Olivares College Stadium in Sucat, Parañaque.

"Through the Sports Academy, we can bring in new technologies so that our athletes can measure up to international practices and standards," he said.

He shared in the event, which drew athletes, sports coaches, teachers and youth, that "continuous training of coaches in different sports as well as accreditation of technical officials is being pursued in DepEd in order to improve their competencies."

Lapus strongly pushed for students' well-rounded development involving physical, mental and spiritual growth. He cited the importance of a sound mind and sound body. He pointed out that the people's champion Manny Pacquiao is the poster boy of DepEd's Alternative Learning System.
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DepEd will now pay for the Internet connection - GILAS Project

Lapus said that while DepEd is grateful for the support of Ayala Foundation through its GILAS Program, more needs to be done. "After the foundation provided internet access for our public school students, the challenge for us at DepEd is to sustain the program by working with other private sector groups to make internet access affordable," he explained.

"I was informed that in spite of earnest efforts, some of our connected schools have been unable to maintain the internet access that GILAS has provided. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to announce that DepEd will take on the challenge of sustainability," added Lapus.

Normally, the source of public school fund to pay internet connection will come from Local government. Another source could be the PTCA or PTA through voluntary donation. Some resourceful school principal could get fund from private companies. That if the school is located in town or cities. For barangay high school, the resources are limited.

Fortunately, the DepED Central Office now realize that they have to help those less fortunate high school who has internet connection but lost it due to unpaid bill from Globe and PLDT.

At present, there are 2020 public high schools that have benefited from free internet connection under GILAS. Free Internet connection is good only for 1 year. In the succeeding, the school need to pay the monthly fee amounting between P2000 to P3000.

Inquire in your division or regional office about the requirements.

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The Supreme Court already declared that public schools supervisors do not have administrative supervision over school heads

The Supreme Court recently declared that public schools supervisors do not have administrative supervision over school heads.

In a 32-page decision penned by Justice Romeo J. Callejo, Sr., the Court upheld the validity of Section 4.3 of Rule IV and Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of Rule V of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9155 or the “Governance of Basic Education Act 2001” providing for the powers of schools division superintendents and public schools supervisors and the establishment of new school districts, respectively. It held that the assailed provisions were a mere reiteration and implementation of RA 9155.

“We have reviewed the IRR and find that Section 4.3 of Rule IV, and Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of Rule V are valid. The provisions merely reiterate and implement the related provisions of R.A. No. 9155. x x x Thus, under R.A. No. 9155, administrative supervision over school heads is not one of those responsibilities conferred on district supervisors,” the Court said. It added that while the district supervisor is given a support staff for program promotion, it cannot be implied that the district supervisor likewise has administrative supervision over elementary school principals and secondary school principals.

See full article
http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/news/courtnews%20flash/2006/06/06230601.php

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Why we should add more grade level in our elementary and high school?

Why we should add more level in elementary and high school? It is simply because teachers do not have enough time to delivery the whole program in one school year. What the DepEd curriculum writers solution is integrating each topics which leads to the present situation of our public school system.

let us present the content of article written by Q. Chua of Ateneo University about International Math Olympiad.

"In the past, the Philippines did not do very well in the IMO. But after
the experience this year, Garces says many of his own beliefs were
proven wrong. “Many of the students from other countries are two
years older than ours,” he says, “because their
pre-university education requires this. I used to believe that their
students were equipped with more math. But the three perfect scorers
this year (two from China and one from the United States) were younger
than our students! This means that age may not be a gauge of good
performance in the IMO.”

Yes, winning students are older. Lucky for the bright but for the average, they will take time to master lessons and skills.

Dear teachers, voice out. give your opinion. There are many reasons why we should add more level in our school system. Let the parents and government know the situation.

Featured - Principal's Point of View

A CHALLENGE FOR CONTINUING EXCELLENCE

Experience has taught me that doing something for the school does not always hinge on the inducement of a pecuniary pay; rather, we are driven with a passion for excellence. This I pointed out to the editorial board and staff of the previous issue of The Passage and to the students of Amparo High School as a whole in line with my vision of steering the school toward total competitiveness. It's true indeed, that in the race toward excellence, there is no finish line.

I want to personally thank The Passage staffers, together with their adviser, for having tried their best to make their publication competitive as evidenced by all-section sweep in the group contest during last school year's search for outstanding student publications, at least in the regional level . The same appreciation goes to the teachers of this school, whose combined efforts and service commitment made a big difference for Amparo High School in terms of academic performance. Easily, we clinched the top rank in the division in the National Achievement Test (NAT) given to the fourth year students last March 2006, the second straight year of such a splendid performance.

I believe that our future is in our hands, but it will depend on our passion for excellence in everything we do. We must cooperate and maintain what we have achieved; otherwise, our efforts at getting far ahead will be futile, and we may end up at the bottom instead.

Remember that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. We can accomplish more if we join hands as one strong team. True enough, there is nothing more fulfilling than having contributed to affording the future of our students, enabling them to see the brighter horizon.

Let us put in concrete terms our much-vaunted national virtue of malasakit (concern). Let us love our work enough to show our students the transformation effect of that collective malasakit for their common interest. Let us not be satisfied with simply having topped the NAT; instead, let us aim to increase our school's average rating in the said test. Let us make a firm decision or commitment to be one of the few who make things happen according to their dream.

Excellence, if I may put it, is not a thought, it is a habit. As such, it should not be a choice but an important obligatory path designed by a desire to surmount challenges and achieve great things. It is a fountain of life for some but a painful reminders to others. Some might disparage you or tempt you to give up on your commitments to follow the principles of excellence, but be strong to resist that temptation.

Once again, our firm decision to pursue EXCELLENCE unrelentingly is the starting point for genuine change.

Article from Amparo National High School
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DepEd ICT Curriculum and Blogging Trends

Juned Sunido posted in his blog about the growth of blogs within two years.He is basically amazed on blog’s trends. He is definitely correct in his observation about the dramatic growth of blogs in the Philippines and in the world in general. Yes it is now global trends.

I myself being teacher, ICT trainor, web and some graphics designer and online marketer noticed this important change on blogging trends. The competition is now up and even my former student is now my competitor online. As a designer, I am against blogs because the template are the same. For me, the problem with blog was the feeling of originality on design, layout, colors and structures. That is the my reason why I did not start blogging and sharing to my students earlier. Instead I continue with my static sites and i required my high school graduate to produce group web sites. That is 4 years ago. When I got busy with my regular work plus the personal sites that I maintain, I started to use blogs for me to keep my love information posted online. I regrets for not blogging right away. I should have higher or better popularity and higher web traffics now. I should be able to teach my students and teachers as well on this technology so that the mentors are now member of blogosphere.

Since blogs speed up my internet needs which is putting my work online, coupled with online marketing and Adsense encouragement, my blog increase from 2 to 10 now. I became blog addicted and started to write something even I am not a professional writer (hope you accept my grammar and the way I present ideas).

Having a chance working in online advertising company, i have learned that English and Americans occupy big percent of blog in the market. They also have the traffics and the advertisement as well. Luckily, Filipino bloggers (see Manila Bloggers Society, Cebu Bloggers Society and Davao Bloggers Society) started to unite, share links, promote blogs by team and helps other community in promotion. The Indians are very good in web development. They have targeted the international market specially US and UK. Did you notice the "Marry me banner ads". The Indians have cornered the market of dating site. They have bitten us in web development’s freelance war or BPO wars if i may call. India also have Online Advertising Companies while in Philippines, we only have auction.ph which is unacceptable for me because it is affiliate program. The ideal for Philippines is also Local PPC and CPM like the Google Adwords.

Back to blogging trends now. The free editable blog templates give the designer and developer the feeling of originality in design. Why? it is because they allowed us to modify designs and layouts. Moreover, the wordpress and blogger can be hosted in private server. You can change the URL and the taggings or codes of your comment and posting. You can even do business and receive money like regular dynamic sites. The blog's plug in are also nice. Many site analytics, SEO widgets, social communities, bookmarking, etc. are now complementing the blog trends.

So blogging invited not only the writers, web designer and developer but also professionals like teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers and even farmers. In 2002, I ask my students about the application of internet and then of course the answer is everyone. So therefore, I presumed that blog will become human's way of life. In the future, once blogging become part of school curriculum, every graduates has blog as high school requirements. In TLE we call this as portfolio evaluation. In education, we may call this "online human portfolio" which could run from elementary to college and perhaps until his career retirement. So people even already dead will be remember through his blog.

Yes dear reader of any profession, I have two mission now. First is to unite teachers in one organization know as Teachers Bloggers Society. Secondly and hoping that the blogging will become part of both public and private curriculum as part of ICT Integration. Language subjects have their portfolios, TLE and sciences required students portfolio. Araling Panlipunan, one of the subject with less ICT integration has their own portfolio as well. So one way to publish these students portfolio ONLINE is using blogs. It is easy, understandable and dynamic. Students can carry their blogs URL’s (since most are free) even they finished studies.

I do not know how to bring this to officials, but I just hope they read and think about it.

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The Philippines call center company is providing us with maintenance help in this blog site.

School Principal shoot dead by his student

A 17 years old high school student from Suralla National Agricultural School. (South Cotabato) principal shot and killed his school principal Ricardo Dela Cruz in front of the school gate just after the flag ceremony last October 2008.

The school principal hit on his chest but able to run inside the school compound. However the student shooter followed and finished him with more shots.

The student expulsion from the school due to many cases of violence is the main reason of the shooting. He was also linked to another shooting in their locality. The student planted well the attack as he is seen roaming the school vicinity prior to the shooting.

Before the incident, the student warned the School principal that he will not be able to reach his birthday anymore. As soon as the student see the teacher outside the school, he approach and shot him to death.

Police form a team to chase the student but no in formation of his arrest until this report is published.

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School Principal Competencies

Those teachers who wanted to become school administrator/principal must recognize the following competencies to become successful in his/her career. This school teachers should demonstrate a basic grasp on the following Administrator's Competencies.

1. Interpersonal Skill: Is warm and easy to approach; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact to diffuse tense situations; has a style and charm that immediately puts others at ease and disarms hostility

2. Managing Vision and Purpose: Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose; makes the vision sharable by everyone; can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations

3. Valuing Diversity: Manages all kinds and classes of people equitably; supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; fosters a climate of inclusion, where diverse thoughts are freely shared and integrated

4. Integrity and Trust: Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; presents truthful information in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn’t misrepresent himself or herself for personal gain

5. Drive for Results: Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; does not give up before finishing, even in the face of resistance or setbacks; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

6. Priority Setting: Spends his or her time and the time of others on what’s important; focuses on the critical few, and puts the trivial many aside; can quickly sense what will help or hinder the accomplishment of a goal

7. Functional/Technical Skills: Possesses required functional and technical knowledge and skills to do his or her job at a high level of accomplishment; demonstrates active interest and ability to enhance and apply new functional skills.

8. Motivating Others: Creates a climate in which people want to do their best; can assess each person’s strengths and use them to get the best out of him or her; promotes confidence and optimistic attitudes; is someone people like working for and with

9. Managing and Measuring Work: Clearly assigns responsibility for tasks and decisions; sets clear objectives and measures; monitors process, progress, and results; designs feedback loops into work

10. Decision Quality and Problem Solving: Uses analysis, wisdom, experience, and logical methods to make good decisions and to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; appropriately incorporates multiple inputs to establish shared ownership and effective action




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New Technical School for the Poor Family

The school will also serve as an educational and training center offering technological and vocational courses that will complement other tertiary institutions in the province of Bulacan.

Owned and managed by the Bulacan provincial government, the BPC in SJDMC is conceptualized to provide access to technical courses to high school graduates and out-of-school youths from low-income families in the city and neighboring towns, to education and to prepare them for jobs abroad.

Pres Arroyo t is scheduled to lead the capsule-laying to signal the start of construction of the new BPC building. She will also view the scale model of the building.

We just hope that there are more technical school to be constructed in other provinces for this is one best solution for the high school graduate that can not pursue college study.


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Passion to teach science

Featuring Blog of biology teacher

I am so happy to find this blog. For I have been looking for teahers blog so that teachers could organize themselves and discuss both academic and schools matters. His blog URL is http://www.m-agent-a.blogspot.com/ and he talks about The Art of Teaching Science. Here are some topics he likes so he posted in his blog.
* A Watershed
* How will science be affected by the Presidential election outcome?
* Teaching Science Nonverbally: The Power of Visual Images and Sounds
* Toward a More Open Science Curriculum
* Human Side of Science: The Science Debate 2008 Conference.

Mr. E as he calls himself. We are lucky to see his picture receiving certificate from one of the conference he attended. Our mystery teacher is so active in many conference. Visit his blog and learn more scientific information.

We failed to find out if he is teaching in Public or private. However, we hope that his idealism in sharing knowledge will not fade after 20 years of service.

I am receiving the certificate of appreciation from UP NISMED Staff with a gift pack from Unilever Philippines.

Congratulation Sir

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Teachers Bonus Released by DBM

Manila (5 November) -- Ini-release na ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ang P11.6 bilyun para sa year-end bonus ng mga manggagawa ng gobyerno.

Ito ang ipinaabot ng DBM Secretary Rolando Andaya kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo bilang pagtiyak ng pagtanggap ng mga state workers ng kanilang year-end bonus at cash gift.

Ayon kay Secretary Andaya, ang pagpapalabas ng nasabing pondo ay hakbang upang makapaghatid ng tuwa at kasiyahan sa mga manggagawa ng pamahalaan at kani-kanilang pamilya laluna sa panahon ng kapaskuhan.

Ang year-end bonus at katumbas ng isang buwang sahod at P5,000 cash gift kung saan kalahati ang naibigay na bilang midyear bonus.

Kabilang sa mabibiyayaan ng year-end bonus at cash gift ang mga opisyal at kawani ng gobyerno, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporation, government financial institutions at local government units. (pbc/PIA 12)

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Filipino Students grab 39 in International Math Challenge

The recently concluded 2008 International Mathematics Competition (IMC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand ended with celebration as Pinoy students who participated the said event bring home the 39 gold medals.

There are 2 gold , 15 silvers and 22 bronze medals. Dr. Simon Chua head the delegation representing Philippines through Mathematics Trainers - Guild Philippines.

The elementary level grabbed 1 gold represented by St Jude Catholic School in Manila. The other gold was awarded to Team A composed of Geraldine Baniqued of St. Paul College Pasig, Carmela Antoinette Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, Aileen Giselle Chua of Grace Christian High School and Jillian Kristel Sy of Chiang Kai Shek College.

The following countries participated on the said event ; Australia, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Thailand, Canada, Laos, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Germany, Iran, Rwanda, South Africa, and Cyprus.

It was not mention what country got the overall winner



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Teachers group complained against GSIS

Manila Public School Teachers Association (MPSTA), Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), Teachers Inc. and Federation of Teachers Cooperative (FTC) – are accusing the GSIS of “unjustly and illegally” appropriating from them some P21 billion in benefits from July 1997 to December 2007.

In a joint petition for prohibition and mandamus, the DepEd teachers asked the court to invalidate GSIS President Winston Garcia’s use of premium-based policy as the basis for granting benefits, which the teacher blamed for their problems regarding benefits.

Many retired teachers are complaining on difficulty in claiming benefits. Imagine yourself teaching for more than 30 years and yet after retirement you will be worried for having trouble with the procedure on claiming benefits. You give your best service to your pupils or students yet the GSIS give you problems in processing and trouble that you might not received what you deserved.

Present teachers even on the 10 years in service are now worried with the GSIS on the way they manage the Filipino teachers insurance.

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Biscuit with Melamine to be ban in public school

If proven in the test being conducted by BFAD. The biscuit will be officially banned.

On the otherhand, DepEd Officials in regional and provincial offices are encourage to patrol school canteens to enforce a ban on a biscuit product that tested positive for melamine in Hong Kong.

Sam Nielsen of Radio dzBB's reported that the Department of Education (DepEd) will formalize an order banning the certain sandwich biscuits from school canteens.

The move is late but still helpful to avoid future problem in children health.

The Health department had earlier banned the sale waiting for final test from BFAD.

Ref#http://www.gmanews.tv/story/129791/DepEd-closely-monitoring-school-canteens-vs-tainted-biscuit
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Congress passed the bill on teacher's salary.

The salary of Cebu Province sponsored the bill. The bill is about the transfer of payroll of Filipino Teachers from Manila or Deped Central Office to each Regional Offices of the Department of Education.

This bill will improve the speed of salary distribution and reduce the opportunity of automatic deduction by Manila based insurance company that regularly targeted teachers.

The current set up also forced the teachers to visit Manila if their have salary problems like unknown deduction, too much deduction, nondeductible monthly loan (which will lead to higher interest due to penalty) and including unpaid salary adjustment.

However, Congressman Gullas were unable to recommend to the bill about the transfer or move the process of salary distribution through ATM. Many public servants are now receiving salary through ATM however, public teachers are still not enjoying this advantage.

Hoping that this technology be applied to all public teachers in the future.

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