educNEWS March 2012 by DepEd Philippines

educNEWS

VOL. I NO. 3 / MARCH 2012

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Graduation made meaningful and simple NAT as gauge for further reforms • Science for everyday life • Open High School Distance Education Program March 2012

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brother’s brew

To the Graduates

am privileged to celebrate with you today’s commencement exercises which marks the culmination of years of hard work and study, planning and preparation, and investment in time and resources. This day is truly a significant milestone for every graduate, parent, administrator, faculty and staff, as it is for us in the Department of Education. And while we know that it doesn’t end here—for most of you, this is only the beginning—it’s only right that we take this opportunity to pause, take account of what we have accomplished, and issue a deep sigh of satisfaction and relief as we congratulate one another, before moving on to the next chapter of our lives. This year’s theme, “Your Gift of Learning, Our Tool for Nation Building,” extends an appropriate invitation to each one of us. The gift of learning is a universal one offered to every stakeholder in the educational sector. To our dear graduates, remember that your newly harnessed values, knowledge and skills shall comprise the building blocks of our society and emerging economy. The choices you make, the relationships you cultivate, the attitudes you bring to school and work, these erect the pillars and walls of our rising nation. How beautiful and strong you desire this building to be depends a lot on you. To our rightfully proud parents, administrators, faculty and staff, your own gifts to support and reform education are making it possible for us to hope for a better future. Yet, let us also remember that our actions and examples, more than our words, leave firmer imprints in the minds of the young. The integrity we carry into our homes and classrooms become the foundation of our own future. The justice, peace and prosperity we yearn for strongly depend on the truth and faithfulness we invest today. We are all architects, engineers and builders working together in this colossal project we call our country, the Philippines. I hope and pray that over and above each of our personal dreams for ourselves comes the larger dream of a united, fulfilled and prosperous Filipino people, a dream that not only benefits a few, but one that benefits all. Congratulations on your achievement! Celebrate it, cherish it, and let it inspire you to make your own contribution to the development of our nation. Mabuhay kayong lahat!

Br. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSC Secretary

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March 2012

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02 Brother’s brew

The Graduates

EDITORIAL TEAM ANNA CRISTINA M. GANZON editorial adviser MARIBEL P. CABASAL associate editor MELINDRE B. EGLORIA FLORELYN M. MORADA LEMUEL C. VALLES LAWRENCE D. CRUZ JASON O. VILLENA staff writers

05 Feature

NAT as gauge for further reforms

06 Flagship program

Open High School Distance Education Program

08 Banner story

Graduation made meaningful and simple

09 Thematic story

Insights of a Valedictorian

10 The looking glass

Better service is just a click away

LEMUEL C. VALLES creative director

11 Skills up

ELINETTE B. DELA CRUZ MA. ANTOINETTE I. MONTEMAYOR layout artists

12 OK to 12

JASON O. VILLENA graphic artist EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION DIVISION EDUCATIONAL AUDIO-VISUAL DIVISION photography

EducNews is published monthly by the Educational Information Division Office of the Secretary DepEd Complex, Pasig City.

Teachers go through Mother Tongue 101

Science for everyday life

13 Regional currents

A teacher’s well-deserved award

14 Feature

Achy breaky heart

15 Pluma ng Diwa

Ang Pagtatapos

educNEWS

VOL. I NO. 3 / MARCH 2012

EducNews welcomes contributions from the DepEd community. Materials may be submitted to the Educational Information Division, Room B-110, Ground Floor, Bonifacio Building with telefax number (02) 6341169 or email eid.deped@yahoo.com

Graduation made meaningful and simple NAT as gauge for further reforms • Science for everyday life • Open High School Distance Education Program March 2012

March 2012

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

About the Cover These are the 2012 elementary graduates of Maybunga Elementary School, Maybunga, Pasig City under Principal Josephine Z. Macawile.

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editorial

The gift of learning as a tool for nation building A

n estimated 2,971,192 million elementary and high school students will march onstage to receive their diplomas at the end of school year 2011-2012. Of this number, 1,817,549 million are elementary and 1,153,643 million are high school graduates, according to figures from the department. Young people today are empowered to participate in the affairs of society more than their counterparts 10 years ago. Today’s youth are more independent and creative, thanks in part to their wider access to information and communication technology which gives them a view of the world at large.

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For its part the DepEd is continuously introducing reforms and upgrading existing programs so that it can produce graduates who are well prepared for the world of work, for tertiary education and for global opportunities. Our aspiration is for these graduates to have a direct personal stake in nation building. How can our students participate in nation-building? It would do well for the youth to familiarize themselves with government policies and programs and see where they can make direct and substantial contributions. Second, our youth are advised to be involved

in affairs of our nation and to express their views as they have the energy and the idealism to look for new ways of doing things. Third, we want our youth to always educate themselves. Know and care about what is going on in the country and in the world and they should not get tired of reading and learning. The graduation theme, “Your Gift of Learning, Our Tool for Nationbuilding” or “Ang Alay Ninyong Kaalaman, Gamit Namin sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan” is meant to remind the graduates that they have a role to play in society. They have the obligation to pay it forward to the country that nurtured them. March 2012

arch is the month when the National Achievement Test is given to gauge the academic performance in key subjects of elementary and secondary students in both public and private schools. And this year, there will be some changes in the conduct of NAT in preparation for future enhancement of the basic education curriculum. NAT is administered by DepEd’s National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC). According to Dr. Nelia Benito of NETRC, starting this year, NAT will be taken by fourth year high school students both in public and private schools instead of second year high school students. “This will give us feedback on the students’ knowledge gain after the ten-year basic education cycle. The result will also be used as input for the K to 12 program,” explained Benito. NAT will also be taken by Grade 3 pupils of public schools, Madrasah schools, and pilot schools of mother tongue-based multi-lingual education (MTB-MLE). Meanwhile, DepEd said it is inviting local education stakeholders such as the local government units, civic groups and non-government organizations to be part of the monitoring group to ensure the smooth conduct of NAT next year. In preparation for the conduct of the NAT, DepEd has had a pre-NAT seminar workshop to set the rules on the administration of the NAT and to ensure the safety of the test materials. “The seminar, which was attended by division testing coordinators and private school supervisors, was conducted to orient the attendees on the entire process in order to ensure the smooth conduct of the test and the integrity of the exam,” said Br. Armin. Among the key points tackled were the means and methods to the proper execution of the test, security of test materials, delivery and retrieval schemes as well as allocation of test materials. According to Benito, the total number of Grade 3 pupils who will take the NAT is 2.15 million, Grade 6 has a total of 2.05 million and 1.6 million fourth year high school students. “Only private elementary and secondary schools with permit to operate from the Department shall be included in the conduct of the test,” Benito stressed.

Importance of NAT

Benito stressed that the NAT for Grade 3 is a mid assessment in the elementary level which aims to determine not only their reading comprehension skills but also the pupils’ competencies in science and math. “Based on the results of the tests, the DepEd will know the learning deficiencies of these children which would in turn be addressed and given interventions,” she said. Benito further explained that the certificate of rating obtained by the Grade 6 pupils in the NAT will be used as part of the learners profile for the incoming Grade 7. Benito clarified though that the ratings obtained from NAT shall not be incorporated in the actual grades of March 2012

High School students take the National Achievement Test (NAT) administered by National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC).

NAT as gauge for further reforms by FLORELYN “CHERRY” MORADA

the examinees. Each examinee shall be provided with a Certificate of Rating containing the actual rating per subject area.

Protecting the integrity of the test

What are the measures set by the department in protecting the integrity of the examination? “We apply internal and external control to keep the integrity of the test. On external control, we ask stakeholders to monitor the conduct of the exams,” said Director Benito. The acts deemed violations and infractions of security of national examination as stated in paragraph 5 of DECS Order No. 78, series of 1999, and paragraph 3 of DECS Memorandum No. 255, series of 1999 include reading of test booklets other than the examinee; loss of booklets; late submission of test booklets and answer sheets after the required time; photocopying of test booklets; infringement of copyright; supplying the answers to examinees; and allowing impostors and substitute examinees. Sanctions imposed on violations are withdrawal of incentives and benefits of those involved; closure of testing center where irregularity occurred; and one to three month suspension of salaries of those concerned.

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flagship program The Open High School Distance Education Program

A refuge for school leavers by MARIBEL CABASAL

o you wish to finish high school but you’re tied up with work? Do you want to attend classes but physical disability prevents you from doing so? Do you feel embarrassed sitting in class with young people around? If so, don’t fret. The Open High School (OHSP)/Distance Education Program is for you.

The OHSP is an alternative delivery mode in formal education where students complete high school outside the formal school structure. The students are simply given modules or printed learning materials to work on and do not need to report to class regularly. The learner and the teacher only have scheduled meetings which have been pre-arranged. Just recently, blended modality and virtual schools have been introduced.

Learners’ tales

Take the case of Abcdee Tinio, 18, who took OHSP at Marikina High School (MHS) in 2010. “Nagkasakit bigla ang lola ko noong ako’y halos papatapos na ng third year high school at kinakailangan ko siyang alagaan. Lumipat ako sa OHSP para maluwag ang iskedyul,” Abcdee said. He attended classes every Thursday from 7 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. The rest of the week was devoted to his lola. Abcdee graduated in 2011 and is now enrolled in college taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT). Refusing to be locked in the cycle of grinding poverty and illiteracy, Robina Castillo, 16, of Munting Ilog National High School, Cavite likes OHSP because it allows her to learn at her convenience. She works from Monday through Friday and attends school on Saturdays.”Hindi magastos sa baon at pamasahe at nakaka part-time

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job pa ako kaya nagpapasalamat ako kay Principal Cristina Austria,” she said. Robina dreams of becoming a Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) graduate someday. But take note, it is not something to be taken lightly either! OHSP-MHS graduate John Ernel Hernandez, a school dropout for two years said, “Hindi naman porke’t minsan lang sa isang linggo ang klase ay pa easy-easy ka na lang. Disiplinado ka dapat kasi ‘yung lessons ngayon, isusumite mo sa susunod na meeting,” he said. Hernandez is pursuing his education as computer technician and plans to have it ladderized to Information Technology (IT). According to Prudencia “Ka Prudence” Sanoy, DepEd DORP-OHSP team leader, elementary graduates who are working part time or full time can join the program. High school drop outs and successful examinees of the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) are also welcome. The physically handicapped, those with health problems, those who live in wartorn areas and places not accessible to public transportation, and those who are too old to sit in class with young people are accepted. The hottest buzz is that even those with other justifiable reasons are most welcome. In 2007, 15-year-old Jaymarie Vallejo of Marikina City found herself pregnant! The news came

to her as a painful shock. “Akala ko doon na matatapos ang lahat ng aking pangarap. Tuliro ako noon, ayaw na rin akong tanggapin sa private school na pinapasukan ko pero dahil gusto kong makatapos, pumasok ako sa OHSP-MHS,” she said. Jaymarie pushed hard to realize her dream. She was among the first batch of graduates in 2008. She is on her way to finishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy this April.

Remarkable response

A student can proceed to an OHSPaccredited school anytime of the year to inquire and enroll. For admission, however, a learner must submit any of the following: a high school report card (in case of drop-outs); elementary report card (for high school entrants) and a Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) qualifying certificate. A learner must have to pass the Independent Learning Readiness Test (ILRT) and the Informal Reading Inventory (IRI) test too. The ILRT is an assessment of the learner’s reading level as basis for class grouping. Interview with the parent or guardian is also necessary to get a complete profile of the learner. Felicitas “Fely” Perez, OHSP coordinator of MHS spoke of the program: “Panlimang taon na namin ito at marami na rin kaming napagtapos na bata. May mga kasambahay, may inabuso,

March 2012

“Seeing people go back to school and hope for a better future is what makes me happy.” - Ma’am Felicitas Perez

may nagbisyo at meron din yung mga kapos lang talaga. Minsan, nakikipagkuwentuhan ako sa kanila para masilip ang kanilang mga pinagdaraanan at upang lalo ko silang maunawaan.” According to Fely, the response in OHSP has been remarkable. In 2008, they had 12 graduates. In 2009, there were 13 graduates. In 2010 and 2011, there were 21 graduates. There was an upturn in enrolment this school year and this brought 30 graduates this March. Fely admits the rough beginnings of OHSP in her school. In 2007, DepEd gave MHS a compact disc (CD) to be used for the reproduction of OHSP modules. Unluckily, the school did not have printing funds. “Nakipagpulong kami sa mga pulitiko, iprinisinta ang OHSP at kinatok ang kanilang mga puso para sa kaunting perang pagpapa-print ng modules.” Fely was able to raise 20,000. “Seeing people go back to school and hope for a better future is what makes me happy,” she said.

More exciting activities

“Hindi naman porke’t minsan lang sa isang linggo ang klase ay pa easy-easy ka na lang.” - John Ernel Hernandez

“Parehas lang halos kami sa mga mag-aaral ng regular high school.” - Jobelle Adigue

March 2012

OHSP-MHS enrollee Jobelle Adigue, 23, who has two kids shared this: “Parehas lang halos kami sa mga mag-aaral ng regular high school. Parehas kami ng mga guro at ng subjects, parehas ang eskwelahang pinapasukan at naka uniporme rin kagaya nila. Ang pagkakaiba lang ay naka-base kami sa modules at minsan lang isang linggo ang pasok namin. Pag may enrichment activities kami, doon lang kami nagdadagdag ng pasok,”Jobelle explained. Fely has come up with exciting activities for OHSP Marikina. She organized the PTCA to help in the school projects, and forged a tieup with Marikina Polytechnic College to bring their Education students to OHSP Marikina High School for free tutorial services. The tieup will commence in June. Fely works with the same energy and commitment as before. But the weight of having no computers in school is bearing down on her. She also has only one classroom for her students. The third floor of the Learning Center building is intended for OHSP but renovation has not taken off due to lack of funds. At present, OHSP-MHS has eight teachers teaching eight subjects – Araling Panlipunan, Math, Science, English, Values Education, Filipino, Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) and Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE). Their teaching load at OHSP does not have a separate pay, but is an add-on job. The OHSP was implemented by the Bureau of Secondary Education in selected schools in 1998. Since the response has been encouraging, the OHSP expanded to 541 high schools nationwide. To date, there are about 1,282 secondary schools implementing the OHSP.

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banner story

o teach and live up to the value of simplicity, the Department of Education reminded schools nationwide to keep graduation rites simple.

Under DepEd Order No. 8 series of 2005, public school heads, teachers, and other DepEd personnel are prohibited from collecting any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for the graduation rites,” said Br. Armin. The education chief said graduation rites should also not be

a practice to splurge and display pomp and pageantry but should be a “Spartan affair” which exhorts civic duties, sense of community and personal responsibility. “Let us make graduation memorable, simple yet very meaningful,” Br. Armin added. “Natutuwa kami sa balitang ito dahil mas mapagtutuunan na namin ng

Graduation made meaningful and simple by LAWRENCE CRUZ

pansin ang pagtatapos ng aming anak at ang paghahanda ng simpleng salu-salo sa aming tahanan,” says Jenelyn Licud who’s son, Daimnier Jerome Licud, will be graduating this year at BagoBantay Elementary School in Quezon City. But some schools in financiallycapable LGUs can be lucky. “Dito sa aming school, walang ginagastos kahit isang kusing ang mga bata sa kanilang pagtatapos,” says Myrna Visaya, assistant principal of Maybunga Elementary School, Pasig. “Bawat bata ay may 400 mula sa city government ng Pasig na ginagamit sa kanilang renta ng toga, diploma, bulaklak, sapatos, meryenda, at iba pang mga pangangailangan sa Araw ng Pagtatapos kaya malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa lokal na pamahalaan sa suportang binibigay nila sa mga bata,” Visaya added. Br. Armin also stressed that no extravagant special graduation attire and extraordinary venue are required and contributions for the yearbook, if any, is voluntary. “The significance of the event should not be overshadowed by unwarranted and unnecessary spending,” he said.

Never a venue for politicking

Congratulations to the graduates of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino High School, Comembo, Makati.

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Br. Armin also said graduation rites should not be used as venue for politicking. Graduation rites should be conducted in an appropriate solemn ceremony honoring the graduating students and their parents and shall not be used for political forum,” he said. Normita Supsupin, a teacher at Maybunga Elementary School for the past eight years has been in charge of graduation preparations for as long as she can remember . She disclosed the importance of parents in this solemn event. “Weeks before the graduation, the students practice between 3 pm to 5 pm, and I see to it that the parents and the Parents, Teachers Association (PTA) are involved in every step of the way,” she said. The graduation rites in all public schools elementary and secondary schools is on March 28 or 29, 2012 with the theme “Your Gift of Learning, Our Tool for Nation Building or Ang Alay Ninyong Kaalaman, Gamit Namin sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan.” March 2012

Insights of a Valedictorian

‘I’d like to discover a medicine for cancer’ by MARIBEL CABASAL

hen asked of her least favorite food, she says, “I don’t eat fruits.” When told that fruits will make her healthier, she quipped that she does not want anything raw. Such is the mindset of Ira Dianne Caballero, 12, the top Grade 6 student of La Huerta Elementary School of Paranaque. A consistent first honors pupil since Grade 3, she has accumulated academic awards in and outside school. Just this year, she got the first place in the Mathematics Association of the Philippines (MTAP)- DepEd Math Challenge Individual and Team Category at the division level; took the 10th place, Individual Category in the Public Sectoral level of MTAP; seventh place, Team Category in the Public Sectoral level of MTAP, and qualifier in the regional NCR level of MTAP; grabbed first place in the EPP-STEP Skills Competition at the district, division and regional levels; and second place in the Quiz Bee district category and fourth place in the division level. She says that her goal is to win in every event she competes in. A born leader, she is the School President of the Supreme Pupil Government, Math Club, English Club, and Youth for Environment in School Organization (YES-O), just to name a few. Born to Imelda and Domingo Caballero of an urban family, Ira’s dad is an airport police while mom is a housewife. Ira’s parents say they are constantly amazed by their child’s intelligence quotient (IQ) although they knew they had more than an average kid on their lap early on.

No television, less computer games

Here is a sampling of her daily schedule: she goes to school at 7 am and goes home at 3 pm where she eats lunch, takes a nap, reviews her lessons and struggles through a marathon of assignments. Bedtime is always late because of her advanced readings. The weekday schedule has left her practically away from television and other distractions. During weekends, she opens her computer for a 30-minute Game of Nerds .Although she admits liking badminton, volleyball and basketball, she says she seldom plays with friends.

Determined and Focused

“Noong nasa Grade 1 pa lang ako,tinigil ko na ang gala at pakikipaglaro sa labas ng bahay . Mas masayang magbasa ng March 2012

Ira Dianne Caballero, 2012 Valedictorian of La Huerta Elementary School of Paranaque.

libro, pati nga facebook, halos every two days lang ang bukas ko,” she says. Ira continues to acquire books in Algebra, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and even advanced college books .Lost in the company of her books, she would even read up to the wee hours of the morning! She recounts her love for Math, Science and HEKASI. “Gusto ko ang science experiments, ang history sa HEKASI at nakakatuwa ang math,” she says. Ira admits getting bored with the cooking and cross stitching lessons in TLE. School officials observe that Ira has a healthy attitude in school. During breaks, she mingles with her classmates and teaches them when necessary. “Minsan, sa mga kumpetisyon sa labas, nakikita ko na mas magaganda, malalaki at kumpleto ang gamit sa private schools. Hindi ko maalis na mainggit, kaya lang, iyun talaga ang reyalidad. Pag-uwi ko na lang sa school, naglilinis kami at gumagawa ang Supreme Pupil Government ng mga proyekto para sa ikagaganda at ikabubuti ng La Huerta,” she says. When asked if she is in favor of K to 12 she says,”naiintindihan ko na nahuhuli na ang Pilipinas kaya inihahabol tayo sa ibang bansa kaya nagdagdag ng taon.”

Dreams

“Gusto kong mag aral na lang habangbuhay. Parang ayoko nang mag-asawa para yung kaalaman ko ay itutulong ko na lang sa iba,” she says. Sr. Iluminada Coronel, MTAP President is her idol.”Hindi siya gumagamit ng calculator pati sa complex math problems at tumutulong siya sa kabataan,” she continues. More than the applause given her during her valedictory address, Ira wants to hear the applause when she will discover a power medicine for cancer. ”Gusto kong maging chemical engineer para makagawa ng gamot panlaban sa cancer at sa lahat ng nakamamatay na sakit, “she says. A nunengineer? Why not!

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the looking glass

Better service is just a click away

he DepEd, together with the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) launched a revolutionary website, check-myschool.org so one can simply log on and download information such as the school’s address, teaching personnel, number of enrollees, furniture, textbooks, classrooms, toilets, test performance, among others at an impressive speed.

“What we do is we validate the accuracy of data and services reported by DepEd on the web, then, we do the actual counting in the field on the enrolment, number of textbooks by level and by subject, number of classrooms, and others. Then, we facilitate and coordinate with the concerned offices to resolve if there are issues.” Check-myschool.org is a joint undertaking of DepEd and the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific of which the Ateneo School of Government serves as the Secretariat. “Actually, this is a one year project but DepEd is interested in continuing it. So, in effect, this is an open-ended project,” Dondon Parafina of the ASoG said. The database online came from the different units of the department, such as the Basic Education Information System (BEIS), Physical Facilities and Schools Engineering Division (PFSED), Instructional Materials Council Secretariat (IMCS), Procurement Service (PS), National Education Testing and 10 │

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Research Center (NETRC) and the budget office. “What we do is we validate the accuracy of data and services reported by DepEd on the web, then, we do the actual counting in the field on the enrolment, number of textbooks by level and by subject, number of classrooms, and others. Then, we facilitate and coordinate with the concerned offices to resolve if there are issues,” Parafina explained.

“Direct feedback from citizens is always welcome because they reflect the immediate, on-the-ground needs of schools and it gives us feedbacks on how we can give better service to our clients.” DepEd has utilized the site to facilitate interaction that allows users to send comments, photos, videos and additional information. The site, which is just a click away, serves as a convenient independent third party monitor of government performance in providing education services. Take the case of Alang-alang Central School, Leyte, where the principal reported through check-myschool.org that the construction of their Gabaldon Building stopped. The ASoG relayed the matter to PFSED Chief Engr. Oliver Hernandez and in two days, a status report was made and contractors resumed the project. Within a week or two, the Gabaldon Building was finished. “If the community has concerns on textbooks, we also call the IMCS. We see to it that information is not only provided but issues are processed and eventually addressed,” Parafina said. The check-myschool.org’s mode of interaction is both online and offline. For communities that have no access to the net, infomediaries who are composed of community volunteers, NGOs, academic institutions, public sector labor union and the PTAs, connect to the net where the community relays their satisfaction or dissatisfaction or suggest ways to improve education service. “Direct feedback from citizens is always welcome because they reflect the immediate, on-the-ground needs of schools and it gives us feedbacks on how we can give better service to our clients,” Br. Armin said. Good move? Everyone seems to think so. March 2012

skills up

Teachers go through Mother Tongue 101

epEd has set the biggest Training of Trainers for Kindergarten Teachers on Mother TongueBased Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) by cluster this March.

This is in line with Pres. Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino’s number eight directive, Medium of Instruction Rationalized, in his 10-point Basic Education Agenda which says, “we should become tri-lingual as a country”- learn English well and connect to the world; learn Filipino well and connect to our country; and retain your dialect and connect to your heritage.” When Rosalina Villaneza, Thailand-trained MT trainer, MT writer and DepEd focal person on MTB-MLE was asked on the issue, she said, “kailangan ito ng ating mga guro dahil kahit na MT pa ang gamit ng mga bata at guro sa kanilang mga bahay, basic interpersonal communication skills lang iyon. Ang pag aaral ng MT ay nangangailangan ng “direct explicit instruction” o “academic language” na nakukuha lamang sa training.” Included in training cluster 1 are are Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to be held at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Baguio City on March 5 to 9; under Cluster II are regions 4-A, 4-B and the National Capital Region to be held at the GSP, Tagaytay City on February 27 to March 2; under Cluster 3 are regions 6, 7 and 8 set at Ecotech, Lahug, Cebu City on March 12 to 16; under Cluster 4 are regions 11, 12 and CARAGA set at the National Educator’s Academy of the Philippines on March 19 to 23; and under Cluster 5 are regions 9, 10 and the Autonomous Region of Muslim March 2012

Dr. Rosalina Villaneza is DepEd’s focal person on Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE).

Mindanao (ARMM) to be held at the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro on March 26 to 30. Target participants per division is a team composed of a Kindergarten coordinator and a permanent preschool teacher. All the teams are expected to cascade what they have learned in the training to Grade I teachers in the MT pioneer schools within their division.

“Upang magtagumpay ang MT kailangan muna nating sanayin ang ating mga guro,” Villaneza stressed.

A glimpse of the past Language-in-education research worldwide has consistently shown that students learn better and faster when they are taught in their MT. Studies even show that we cannot think in a language that we do not know. Hence, one’s own language must be used because it allows one to examine his ideas and articulate his own thought processes. Villaneza added that the department is still preparing the MT materials and lesson exemplars for June. She stressed that the task is not easy since aside from Filipino, there are still more than 171 languages spoken across the country. “But we are sincere in our commitment to P-Noy’s MT Program,” she said. “In fact, in our field visits, we found out that there are already 2,200 big books or reading books that have been initially prepared by the different communities using the different languages,” she explained. “Ang gusto ni Kalihim Armin Luistro, bago magsimula sa MT ang mga bata sa Hunyo, nakapamigay na ang DepEd ng mga materyales sa MT na gawa ng ating mga guro at iba pang tao sa komunidad kaya patuloy ang ating pagtratrabaho,” she said. “Under the K to 12 curriculum, Kindergarten up to Grade 3 will use the MT. Kindergarten will use MT as a medium of instruction and as a vehicle to teach other subjects in Grade 1. In Grade 2, MT will continue to build the students’ competencies. In Grade 3, there will be no abrupt transition to the other language yet. In Grade 4, English will be the medium of instruction but MT will still be utilized as an auxilliary language,” Villaneza pointed out.

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regional OK to 12currents

Science for everyday life

n public schools under the new K to 12 curriculum, science is integrated in all learning areas instead of it being offered as an entirely separate subject. This position was adopted purposely to more steadily and progressively develop the students’ skills in understanding more complex subjects until it is introduced as a separate subject in Grade 3. It is actually misconception that it has been abandoned as it merely has been infused in all. is enhanced to make it even more relevant in the daily experience of the learners. The education chief explained that science concepts/ skills are integrated beginning in Kindergarten in the teaching of languages, mathematics, and health under MAPEH. “It is important that our learners are able to relate science in their everyday experience whether in school or at home,” explained Br. Armin. Science has not been taught as a separate subject in Grades 1 and 2 (in public schools) since the 1980s. “In effect, we are merely maintaining a status quo which is to focus on fundamental skills, numeracy and literacy (reading and writing) during the early years,”Luistro stressed. Still misconception abound. “Paano pagagalingin ang anak ko ng Kto12 eh kakaltasin pa nga daw ang science sa Grade 1 at Grade 2 sa 2013?” lamented Mayzelle Nicolas, 28, mother of a Kindergarten pupil in Taytay, Rizal. Some parents say that Kto12 ties students down for too long yet, does not prepare them sufficiently because it will even drop science in Grade 1 and Grade 2.

Basic skills first

Pupils at Maybunga Elementary School, Maybunga, Pasig read their science workbook.

“The reason for this is that the focal point of early education (Kinder to Grade 2) should be the development of fundamental skills and the literacy of the pupils for better comprehension of more complicated subjects such as science,” said Br. Armin Luistro. Luistro pointed out that based on the intent of the K to 12 basic education reform program, the teaching of science

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Dr. Yolanda Quijano, Undersecretary for Programs and Projects said that science concepts and processes are learned by Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupils through the integrated approach in subjects like language, mathematics and health. How then would science fit in these subjects? Dr. Quijano pointed out that in subjects like mother tongue (MT), Filipino and English, topic on listening and comprehension can be integrated with science concepts like the sound of animals, objects and musical instruments. “We can also incorporate the MT, Filipino and English lessons on “Body Parts and their Functions” with the methods of science like extending our understanding of the human body through observation, description and comparison,” Quijano added. “If students are properly prepared for science lessons, they will find science more interesting and discovery exciting,” she concluded. March 2012

regional currents

A teacher’s well-deserved award by MARIBEL CABASAL

the slow readers of Grade 1, conducts Alternative Learning System (ALS) review classes for over-aged Grades 4 and 5 pupils and renders service every Saturday for the slow readers of Grade 2 and Grade 3. All these she does without monetary gains! Leading by example, she is also a volunteer teacher of La Huerta Kindergarten Summer Program (KSP) and serves as coordinator for Brigada Eskwela Plus where the school romped off with the third place Best Implementer.

Learning under the bridge, gully and creek “Sari-sari ang mga taong tinuturuan ko diyan, mga nagtitinda ng yosi, taga-walis sa lansangan, mga naglalako ng kung anu-ano, at dating mga tambay.” - Fe Lustañas

hen word spread that ABS-CBN had confirmed that Fe Lustañas, Teacher III of La Huerta Elementary School, Parañaque won in the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Gurong Pilipino Awards, she started getting congratulatory messages from friends. Sheepishly, she had to tell them she had not received a call yet. It was not until late last year that ABS CBN came on the line and confirmed that among the 32 finalists she’s the National Capital Region winner. March 2012

Her friends say that it is a longoverdue award. She is distinguished by her dedication to public service through education. “She has two valuable attributes, says school principal Rafael Centina, genuine interest in helping people and persistence.” In commending her, Centina said: “si Fe kasi ang klase ng tao na hindi nagbibilang ng oras at panahon sa paglilingkod sa kapwa.” Aside from being the class adviser of Grade 1 section 13, a special class for non-readers and low achievers, Fe also teaches remedial classes for

Driven by a passion to serve, she also conducts seminar-workshops for parents on the Trends of Teaching so they are guided on their children’s homework. What was especially endearing is her project, “IL DI TU” Education under the Bridge, where she teaches literacy to the city’s slum dwellers, out-of-school youth, illiterates, adult learners, and the disabled. The bridge is just over 50 steps from La Huerta Elementary School and underneath is a slum area with 25 makeshift houses. On the other end is a narrow street ending in a gully and a creek. It is this place where Fe urges possible learners to continue schooling through the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) test given by ALS. “Sari-sari ang mga taong tinuturuan ko diyan, mga nagtitinda ng yosi, tagawalis sa lansangan, mga naglalako ng kung anu-ano, at dating mga tambay,” Fe said. She has taught her learners the tools of self-reliance and cooperation. When asked of Fe’s plans now that she was given the award, she grins, “this award will motivate me to accomplish more and serve more.” Bayaning Pilipino Awards is an annual search for ordinary folks who had done heroic acts and extraordinary deeds. Launched in 1995, it was envisioned by the late Don Eugenio Lopez, Jr. and the UGAT Foundation. It gives tribute to fine Filipino values of humanitarianism, industry, determination and dedication to public service.

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Achy breaky heart

pressure monitor check-up and a weekly blood sugar monitoring, respectively. We extract from the patient the possible causes of their diseases and hence, compassionately discuss or advice them of the do’s and don’ts of their condition.

By LEMUEL VALLES

One of the leading causes of deaths in the Philippines are cardiovascular diseases brought about by different factors and it is so alarming that even Department of Education (DepEd) employees are not spared by this ailment.

year ago, Melindre Egloria suffered a mild stroke due to hypertension. “My head ached, my left arm was numb, my eyes were shedding tears and I had difficulty walking. But I never thought it was a stroke,” says the 57 year-old EducNews writer. Luckily, she is recuperating with the help of therapy. Ernesto Sayo, Records Division assistant chief, suffered the same fate that was triggered by the rise of his blood sugar level. He is back to work and is on his way to full recovery. However for some, lady luck hasn’t been so kind. Ronald Espinosa of Educational Development Project Implementing Task Force (EDPITAF) suffered and succumbed to heart attack, also last year. So the question is, “Why are we, DepEd employees, prone to this condition and what can we do to avoid it?” Our conversation with Dr. Ma. Adoracion Mananghaya and Dr. Ma. Laureen Nebab-Ortiz chief and assistant chief of Medical clinic, respectively, gives us the answers and enlightens us about “matters of the heart.”

Dr. Mananghaya: Hypertension, which is a major risk factor for stroke and heart attacks, can be hereditary. If parents are hypertensive, chances are one or several offsprings may turn out to be hypertensive. Another factor would be the individual’s sedentary lifestyle. Those who love to eat fatty foods and drink alcoholic beverages are more prone to becoming hypertensive than those who are vegetarians and fish lovers. Being overweight / obese could also lead to hypertension.

EducNews: What is the most common ailment among DepEd personnel?

EducNews: Do you think ailments are work-related?

Dr. Mananghaya: The most common ailment among DepEd employees are hypertension, 60 percent and diabetes, 10 percent, bringing about complications to the heart and kidneys. Those affected are mostly above 25 years of age , 70 percent of which are familial in nature, 30 percent secondary to sedentary lifestyle.

Dr. Mananghaya: Hypertension and diabetes are definitely work-related because of stress. They can possibly bring the blood pressure up.

EducNews: What are the causes of hypertension?

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EducNews: What are the causes of diabetes? Dr. Ortiz: Diabetes may either be familial (85 percent) or acquired (15 percent). Diabetics are up to four times more likely to have a heart attack than non-diabetics and much more likely to die from one. Diabetes, aside from the heart, also complicates the eyes, causing blindness, kidneys to malfunction and possible amputation of affected limbs due to poor blood circulation brought about by uncontrollable high blood pressure. these

EducNews: What do you normally do when you learn that an employee is hypertensive or diabetic? Dr. Ortiz: When an employee is found to be hypertensive or diabetic, we ask him/her to have a regular blood

EducNews: Do you give medicines, seminars, and free laboratory examinations for employees? Do we have funds for these? Dr. Ortiz: We give anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive medications if available, otherwise we prescribe. We also conduct blood sugar and cholesterol screening with the assistance of medical representatives from pharmaceutical companies and we invite medical practitioners to give a lecture on these ailments and do free consultations. EducNews: Is it advisable to have maintenance medicines? Dr. Mananghaya: Yes. Religious intake of medicines may help control or prevent further aggravation of their diseases aside from dieting and constant exercising with regular consultations. EducNews: What advice can you can give to our hypertensive and cardio patients? Dr. Ortiz: First, we have to let them understand their diseases, its causes and complications. We ask them to undergo laboratory examinations and blood parameters to further know the root/effect that may have precipitated their conditions. We then give advices and prescribe medications for their condition and ask them for constant follow-ups to further prevent progression of their ailments. We also recommend lifestyle modification by including dieting and exercise in their regimen. Dr. Mananghaya: If inspite of all these advices patients condition progress, we refer them to specialists who can enlighten them more of their diseases. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” March 2012

pluma ng diwa

Ang Pagtatapos Ni FRANCIS CHRISTAIN B. ALVEZ Teacher II, San Joaquin Kalawaan H.S Division of Pasig City

Tapos na naman ang taon o kay bilis ng panahon. At sa huling pagkakataon sa entabladong ito ako ay tutungtong. Matutuwa si inay at itay na sumosuporta’t umaalalay. Ang diploma sa’king kamay tanging sa kanila iaalay. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam hawak ang diplomang inaasam. Malungkot man ang magpaalam sa aking mahal na sir at mam. Ang wagas na pagmamahal na sa aki’y ipinaramdam mga guro na tumayong aking pangalawang magulang. Ang pagtatapos ay masaya Ngunit malungkot din pala. mga kaibigan at kaeskuwela siguradong mami-miss ko sila.

March 2012

Ang lahat nang nagawa mga dunong na napunla ang mabubuting napala tunay na kulang ang salita. Ang pagtuklas ng kaalaman Ay habang-buhay na proseso hindi ito nagwawakas pagtungtong mo sa entablado. Ang pagtatapos sa eskuwela Ay hindi ang huli at dulo pagkat bawat iglap ng buhay ay pagkakataong matuto. Ang lahat ay estudyante anuman ang kanyang edad at walang makahahadlang kung matuto ang siyang hangad. Sa hamon ng pagbabago ay huwag tayong maduduwag kung ang nais ay umunlad at pangarap ay matupad.

Ito ang nararamdaman ng isang pangkaraniwang estudayante, ang lungkot at saya ng pagtatapos. Ang pasasalamat sa mga tumulong at nagtaguyod sa kanyang edukasyon, ang mga naniwala sa kanyang pagsisikap. Ang di maipaliwanag na pakiramdam sa kanyang puso at pagpapahalaga sa mga kaklase at kaibigan. Ang pagbibigay halaga sa mga kaalamang kanyang natututunan at ang positibong paniniwala na siya’y magtatagumpay sa kanyang susunod na tutunguhin

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Bureau of Alternative Learning Systems Continuing Education Division 3rd Floor Mabini Bldg. Department of Education DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City Telephone no.: 635-5193