educNEWS
VOL. I NO. 10 / OCTOBER 2012
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
2012 Metrobank Outstanding Teachers
They shine the brightest A roof over the head of our mentors 2012 Int’l Children’s Peace Prize Winner
The Redemption of Kesz
R O F E
T L O N A
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brother’s brew
Secretary’s Message: 2012 World Teachers’ Day, CDO
M
aayong buntag magtutudlo!
sa
mga
The honor is mine to be standing here before you on this special day. Today we celebrate the world’s best profession – today we celebrate the nobility of teachers all over the world. This is the day the world recognizes the role teachers play in making this world a beautiful place to be in. A month ago, the Metrobank Foundation gave recognition to the country’s Ten Outstanding Teachers, a prestigious annual search that gives honor to the best among our midst. We take our hats off to them in admiration. But even without the award I know that many of you are the best teachers in your own right, in your respective work stations. Just last month, DepEd in partnership with a private organization chose the happiest Pinoys from the pool of 25 finalists from across the country. Would you be surprised if in the top 25 finalists nationwide, 13 of them are involved in the teaching profession? Of course, we are not surprised to know that the happiest people are those who have the happiness of other people in mind. And they are our teachers. Teachers are trained to serve others. In good times and in bad. In good times, they teach us the rudiments of reading, writing, counting, our good manners, the love of country and a host of life skills. In bad times, our teachers become our pillars of strength. It is not an accident that Cagayan de Oro is the venue of this year’s celebration of the World’s Teachers’ Day. We chose CDO so that we can pay tribute to the heroism of teachers during the onslaught of Sendong in November 2011. We have a teacher from CDO, Jennifer Canete who lost three of her four children. It was such a human tragedy but Jennifer chose to face it courageously. After her kids’ burial she buckled down to her teaching job,
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no wanting her personal mourning get in the way of her offical duty as a teacher. We have Brian Lanzaderas, Teacher I in Iponan National High School, also in CDO who was not affected by the flood and who responded promptly in the school clean up. A few days after, he went down with leptospirosis and died at a young age of 25. Principal Rosita Bayron of Bayug ES in Iligan (the school that was washed away), had a terrible foot infection after the floods. Instead of seeking treatment, she felt it more important to organize an evacuation center for the affected families and students of Bayug ES. There are yet many stories of heroism that are waiting to be told. And they will not be forgotten by this grateful nation, by your comrade in the teaching profession. Your commitment and dedication to your profession truly deserve public recognition. You are models and examples of commitment, dedication and excellence in service. By being in this noble profession, you inspire many others to always give their level best in everything that they do. Our ten outstanding teachers, our happiest Pinoys and all of you my dear teachers have set your mind
to imparting what you know and to unselfishly share what is in your heart. Moreover, all teachers possess that indomitable spirit to overcome the odds so that you can deliver what is expected of you. Could there be a nobler profession? Sa kaibuturan ng puso ng bawat isang guro ay ang pagnanais na maghubog ng isipan, magmulat ng mga mata, magpalawak ng puso at magbukas ng pinto ng kinabukasan sa bawat isang magaaral. Sa aking mga guro, huwag kayong mapapagod maging malikhain, sa paghahanap ng mga bagong paraan upang mas maging epektibo sa pagtuturo. Huwag tayong magsasawa na palabasin ang kinang at ilaw sa bawat bata, Nandiyan lang yan. Naghihintay ng isang guro na magsisindi ng mitsa upang lumaganap ang liwanag sa kanyang isipan. Never tire to believe that in every child lies that spark of Life that awaits igniting. It is that spark that will bring purpose and meaning to the journey of each child. May the good seeds you have planted in the minds and hearts of our young bear abundant fruit. And may our country partake of those fruits in the near future. Mabuhay ang mga gurong Pilipino, Mabuhay ang mga guro sa buong mundo! October 2012
contents
educNEWS EDITORIAL TEAM ANNA CRISTINA M. GANZON editorial adviser
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MARIBEL P. CABASAL associate editor
04 editorial - National Children’s Month Learn without fear 05 feature A roof over the head of our mentors
LEMUEL C. VALLES creative editor
06 feature - National Teacher’s Month 2012 Metrobank Outstanding Teachers
ELINETTE B. DELA CRUZ layout artist
2012 Int’l Children’s Peace Prize Winner
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION DIVISION EDUCATIONAL AUDIO-VISUAL DIVISION photography
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
October 2012
The Redemption of Kesz
10 feature The gift of music
EducNews is published monthly by the Educational Information Division Office of the Secretary DepEd Complex, Pasig City.
Kesz is a first year student under the Kariton Open High School Program at Sangley Point National High School, Cavite. He won the 2012 International Children’s Peace Prize, touted to be the counterpart of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.
They shine the brightest
08 banner story - National Children’s Month
JASON O. VILLENA graphic artist
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VOL. I NO. 10 / OCTOBER 2012
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02 brother’s brew Secretary’s Message: 2012 World Teachers’ Day, CDO
MELINDRE B. EGLORIA FLORELYN B. MORADA LEMUEL C. VALLES LAWRENCE D. CRUZ JASON O. VILLENA staff writers
About the cover
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
12 K to 12 K to 12 gets employees’ union nod 13 regional currents Continue counting victories There is no school for parenting 14 National Teacher’s Month O, Dakilang Guro Teachers Around the World 15 pluma ng diwa Haligi ng Bansa
2012 Metrobank Outstanding Teachers
They shine the brightest A roof over the head of our mentors 2012 Int’l Children’s Peace Prize Winner
The Redemption of Kesz
R FO T LE NO SA
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.
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editorial - National Children’s Month
Learn without fear
Drawing by Mark Genesis G.Villena, Grade V - T. Edison, Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School, Quezon City
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residential Proclamation No. 267 dated September 30, 1993, declared October as National Children’s Month.
The National Children’s Month brings heightened awareness and renewed commitment on the part of adults to pursue an advocacy in children’s rights and protection, not in words alone, but in doable actions. According to the 2010 State of the Filipino Children Report by the Council for the Welfare of Children, “Growing numbers of children have become victims of various forms of abuse, violence and exploitation.” Just as disturbing is the report on the National Strategic Framework for Action to End Violence Against Children that, ”Violence happens in five settings- at home, in school, in institutions, in the workplace and in the community.” In light of this, the DepEd recently reiterated its zero tolerance policy
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for any act of child abuse in schools through DepEd Order No.40 series of 2012 entitled” DepEd Child Protection Policy.”The landmark Order led to greater advances to protect school children. Bullying, which was dismissed as petty quarrel among children in previous years has since become a case of violence and abuse. Filipino terms related to bullying include: “pangaasar o pang-iinis (incessant teasing), pagiging astig (tough) and pananakit (hurting others).” Likewise, corporal punishment, previously justified in the context of discipline has also become a form of abuse. The DepEd explicitly ordered that violence and abuse no longer solely refer to physical inflictions to a child, but constitute verbal, emotional, mental and sexual assaults. It is alarming that according to a Baseline Study on Violence against Children in Public Schools conducted in nine provinces in 2009, “Approximately four out of ten
in Grades 1 to 3 and seven out of 10 in higher grade levels have complained of verbal abuse.” Since DepEd believes that a child will not learn in a place where violence and abuse prevail, the Child-Friendly School System, a project of UNICEF in collaboration with DepEd, was conceived. Under its goal, teachers are enjoined to use non-threatening styles of discipline in school, and the schools to institute policies against discrimination with regard to gender, cultural origin, social status, religious belief, and others. The DepEd has also integrated into its existing curricula relevant modules that discuss the rights of children. The guidelines are there and the detailed policies have been published and communicated. It is now time to have them implemented without fear or favor. All hands on deck now.
October 2012
feature
Source: Globaltronics, Inc.
A roof over the head of our mentors by Lawrence Cruz
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The Quezon City government identified ll of us dream of owning a home, for our hard working teachers, the site within the Quezon City socialized housing project Bistekvile I. Habitat for that dream would soon be realized. Humanity on the other hand offered its DepEd recently awarded 20 housing units to teachers in Payatas District, Quezon City, who are the intial beneficiaries of a housing project. This was made possible in partnership with the Pag-IBIG Fund and the local government of Quezon City under the “DepEd Project: Shelter,” a housing program for teachers and DepEd personnel. The awarding of the housing units was led by Br. Armin Lusitro, Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Atty. Darlene Berberabe, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Habitat for Humanity Managing Director Charlie Ayco and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) President Aurelio Montinola III. “The 20 housing units were awarded last August 31 and another 36 units will be turned over on October 20. Another hundred more is under construction to provide our teachers with affordable and decent homes,” said Tarcela Farolan, member of the Project: Shelter National Task Force.
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model of house construction for teachers by encouraging the housing recipients to put up sweat equity of at least 400 hours. BPI also pitched in by providing interestfree seed money for Habitat to start construction. According to Br. Armin, the awarding of housing units is in line with the department’s vision to improve the quality of life of its employees by promoting home ownership. The project’s priority recipients are teachers who have no homes – those living with their parents, leasing or living in depressed communities, and those teaching in schools in or near the Payatas District. DepEd’s other existing housing projects for teachers in partnership with the local government unit, Habitat, and nongovernment organizations are in Daet, Camarines Norte, Bogo City, Panabo City, and at the Teachers’ Village in Lasang Davao City, and Strike Vil in Bacoor, Cavite.
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feature - National Teacher’s Month
2012 Metrobank Outstanding Teachers
They shine the brightest by Lemuel Valles
I
n celebration of Metrobank’s 50th anniversary, recognized exemplars in education, together with outstanding Philippine soldiers and policemen, were awarded by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. in a joint conferment ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-la recently.
Winners of this year’s Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) were composed of four (4) elementary and four (4) secondary public school teachers, and two (2) professors from the higher education level. The awardees are Dr. Roberto D. Santos, Jr. of Sta. Rita Elementary School (Capas, Tarlac); Nueva P. Mangaoang of Man-it Integrated School (Passi City); Rizal M. Vidallo of Anabu II Elementary School (Imus, Cavite); Mariam B. Rivamonte of Santa Cruz South Central School (Santa Cruz, Marinduque); Dr. Annie I. Rodriguez of the Philippine Science High School-Southern
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Mindanao Campus (Davao City); Bonifacio D. Caculitan, Jr. of Ernesto Rondon High School (Quezon City); Marivi L. Castro of General Santos City SPED Integrated School; Galcoso C. Alburo of Concepcion Integrated School-Secondary (Marikina City); Dr. Hilda C. Montaño of the West Visayas State University (Iloilo City) and Dr. Catherine P. Vistro-Yu of the Ateneo de Manila University (Quezon City). The winners join the rank of 306 Outstanding Teachers who have been honored by the Foundation since 1985. “Through the recognition of the best among the country’s educators, soldiers, and police officers, we realize that their success is also Metrobank’s success. We take pride in their noble efforts to fulfill the potential of our nation. As we celebrate Metrobank’s golden year, we are grateful for the opportunity to take part in uplifting the Filipino spirit through these very noble professions,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña. Outstanding Teacher Dr. Catherine Vistro-Yu delivered the response on behalf of the awardees. October 2012
“The privilege of sharing the stage with men and women of extraordinary dedication, skill and courage makes this evening even more memorable. While we teachers spend each day helping children read, write and count within the safe confines of our classrooms, you in uniform risk your lives maintaining peace and order in our nation and in our neighborhoods or protecting people and property, day in and day out. Your choice of career and the keeping of your vow to be the guardians of our country and our people is an important part of why we can pursue our different vocations,” said Dr. Vistro-Yu. “Gratitude is the very least we can give for your sacrifice and commitment as vanguards of public welfare and safety,” she added. The outstanding teachers were conferred with gold medallions. They also received plaques and a cash prize amounting to Php 350,000 each. Now on its 28th year, the SOT, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd),
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has been recognizing educators who have dedicated their lives to mentoring the youth through classroom instruction and beyond and by serving as models of excellence in their respective communities. The search has become a soughtafter award among educators as it earned the prestige of becoming a benchmark of excellence in the teaching profession. Meanwhile, the 2012 outstanding teachers paid a visit to the Department of Education central office where they received hearty words of encouragement from officials and personnel. Bro. Armin led the well-wishers of this year’s ten outstanding teachers selected from the best teaching professionals across the country. “I would like to thank our ten outstanding teachers for your selflessness and for choosing this profession in the service of our country. Through you (the winners), the goal of the DepEd of providing quality education and producing competitive graduates and successful citizens of the country has become even more real,” Bro. Armin said.
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2012 Int’l Children’s Peace Prize Winner
The Redemption of Kesz by Maribel Cabasal
K
esz spent a good number of his childhood years in Bacoor, Cavite sifting through piles of garbage to look for recyclable materials to sell. Other days, he would roam the streets and beg for food. At night, he would sleep in street pavements or look for a corner to curl up in until the morning. At five, rather than endure a hellish reign of terror at the hands of his family in the slums, roaming the streets seemed to be his best option. One day, a fellow street child pushed Kesz into a burning tire. Kesz escaped death, but the incident left his back and right arm scarred for life. Harnin “Kuya Bonn” Manalaysay who founded Club 8586 took Kesz under his care. That was the first night that Kesz slept in a real bed with real sheets. Looking back now, Kesz says, “yung apoy na sumunog sa katawan ko ang nagsilbing liwanag sa aking buhay. Ang aksidenteng iyon ang nagsilbing daan upang kupkupin ako ni Kuya Bonn.” That was the start of Kesz’ redemption. Club 8586 is the organization that later gave birth to three separate but complementing groups such as the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) known for its iconic Kariton Klasrum by CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida, Mind Your (MY) Rights that educates children and parents about the rights of children, and C3 Championing Community Children founded by Kesz.
Youngest volunteer When Kesz recovered, he enrolled at Ladislao Diwa Elementary School in Cavite. In later years, Kesz would serve as the youngest volunteer of Kariton Klasrum, which uses pushcart or kariton to transport educational materials and hold learning sessions for street children, out-of-school kids, dropouts and child laborers from ages 5 to 15. 8│
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Source: Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) Kesz eventually became the head of the mobile clinic or Kariton Nic where he teaches basic hygiene to street children. His group would head to 13 depressed areas in Cavite such as the public market, dumpsites and the cemetery to give first aid to children with wounds, minor bruises and sores. Today, at thirteen, Kesz is a bright eyed-teener who attends first year under the Kariton Open High School Program (OHSP) at Sangley Point National High School (SPNHS), Cavite. This is a tie-up program between DTC and SPNHS. According to Randie Salazar, department head of SPNHS, former Kariton Klasrum kids who are incoming first year students enroll at SPNHS where daily sessions are conducted at the DTC building. DTC volunteers, who are also professional teachers, use DepEd modules. The SPNHS and DepEd jointly monitor the program.
Little boy with a big heart Kesz is selflessness personified. On December 26, 2004, his sixth birthday, he did not wish for any present for
himself. Instead, he requested Kuya Bonn to spend the day for gift giving among the street children in Cavite. From his ice candy business savings of P200 a day, Kesz was able to distribute eight pairs of slippers, toys and clothes to the kids. Kesz simply wanted the needy children to feel loved and for them to know that there is magic and beauty in the world even in the face of adversity.
‘Packages of hope’ In 2005, Kesz learned that his teacher Donna needed money for her mother’s surgery. Kesz offered Donna all his savings. Donna appreciated so much what Kesz did for her that she wanted to do the same for others. She later donated 18 pairs of slippers, clothes and food for Kesz ‘gift-giving project. This marked the beginning of C3 Championing Community Children where several kids from the Kariton Klasrum make up its core staff. C3 gives “Gifts of Hope” packages to less fortunate children in Cavite and Metro Manila. The packages consist of slippers, clothes, soap, toothbrushes October 2012
banner story
Source: Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) and toys. The organization also gives books to a number of public schools in Cavite City and relief packages to victims of typhoons. Since its launch, C3 has distributed 5,000 “Gifts of Hope” to over 10,000 children nationwide. But C3 is not just about the giving of gifts. The organization gives back to street kids faith and hope .
International search winner Kesz, who dreams of becoming a doctor someday, has been actively encouraging people especially street children to rise above their difficulties and change the course of their lives. Kesz also receives invitations from schools, institutions and media networks to share the message of hope. His Kuya Bonn had given him hope, and he wants to pass that hope on to others. ”If I can show love and put a smile to even just one child in the October 2012
streets, then all the pain and suffering I went through become worth it,” Kesz said. In recognition of his accomplishments in the C3 and Kariton Nic, Kesz has been chosen as this year’s winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize from KidsRights, a respected Dutch children’s rights organization. The prize is presented annually to a child whose exceptional efforts have helped advocate children’s rights. The prestigious prize was awarded at the Riderzaal Hall, The Hague, Netherlands by South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a 1984 Nobel Prize winner and patron of the International Children’s Peace Prize on September 19, 2012. Kesz was selected from a field of 97 entries from 43 different countries. From his 100,000 Euro cash prize, Kesz will build clinics in the communities in Cavite. Kesz’ redemption continues.
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The gift of music by Lawrence Cruz and Maribel Cabasal
“W
e take pride in our children’s enormous talent in music and the arts and their capability to bring glory to our country in international competitions,” said Br. Armin Luistro. The education chief is referring to the internationally-acclaimed Samiweng Singers of Ilocos Norte National High School who won various awards during the 7th World Choir Games in Cincinnati, United States recently. The choir members looked like your typical youngsters with easy chatter and contagious laughter at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan during a courtesy call at the Department of Education, Pasig. Minutes later, the young singers proceeded to the lobby, formed two rows and lifted their voices in a song. Their pop, rock, acapella, classical, ethnic and sacred songs were all beautifully hauntingthe selections showcased their versatility in different musical styles. Then, it was solo time. Magnificent soprano soared, clear and true in
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perfect pitch. In a rare emotional response, the DepEd staff and personnel applauded in delight! Music coach Sherberk Cabrales directed the choir with flair while founding choral conductor Robert Caluya, who is a MAPEH and Special Program for the Arts (SPA) teacher, acted as presenter and emcee.
Truly excellent Out of the 20,000 singers, 200 choirs and 70 countries, the Samiweng Singers brought home three awards from Cincinnati, USA. These are Gold IV Diploma, Winner of the Folklore Category; Silver X Diploma, Winner of the Youth Choir of Equal Voices Category; and Championship Round, Winner of Musica Sacra (Sacred Music). According to school head Isabel SisonSardi, the Samiweng Singers are no strangers to performance excellence and awards. A year after its founding in 2001, the choir got the 1st prize in the Regional Level National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). The following year, the choir October 2012
feature
Source: Samiweng facebook
became the runaway winner in the National Level NAMCYA held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In 2011, the group claimed the top spots in the Musica Sacra and Children’s Choir Categories at the 1st Vietnam International Choir Competition and Festival held in Hoi An City, Vietnam. They have also produced a record featuring the songs that they have sung since the beginning of their career.
The music artists The Samiweng choir has 28 members composed mostly of second year to fourth year high school students. Twenty two students come from the Special Program in the Arts (SPA), three from the Special Science Class (SSC), two from the Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) and one from the Special Program in Sports (SPS). They have performed in international and local concerts, on television, radio and special occasions. Lucky? Yes. But they earned it by practicing for one hour and thirty minutes on
October 2012
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a four-hour practice on Sundays. To be in good condition, the choir members had to give up on junk food, chocolates and soda. They also had to maintain a scholastic grade to qualify. Preparing for the competition also meant a grueling summer of daily practice.
Far from easy “The competition pieces were extremely challenging but it was doubly challenging for us when we had to solicit transportation funds for the US competition,” Cabrales recounts the experience. The group was able to ask P100,000 from the national government, P300,000 from the city government, and P50 each from the Parents-Teachers-Community Association. But the funds were still not enough. Ten students did not make it to Cincinnati because of insufficient fare money. They were devastated. “But the show had to go on and the choir came back victorious. The gift of music has to go on,” Cabrales says.
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K to 12
K to 12 gets employees’ union nod by Lemuel Valles
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he Department of EducationNational Employees’ Union (DepEdNEU) is one and united in supporting the government’s efforts in improving the quality of the country’s public educational system through the K to 12 Basic Education Program.
This was the consensus during the union’s clustered information assemblies on the K to 12 Basic Education Program held in the cities of Baguio, Naga and Cebu on separate dates from July to September. The last leg of the assembly will be held in Davao City on October 24 to 25. With the theme, “Strengthening the Dynamic Partnership between DepEd Rankand-File Employees and Management to Meet the Challenges of Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the Philippines through the K to 12 Basic Education Program,” the assembly aims to mobilize the rankand-file non-teaching personnel to better understand and appreciate the K to 12 Basic
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Education Program through an information dissemination campaign. The success of K to 12 can be attributed to the full support of various stakeholders that also include DepEd’s own teaching and nonteaching personnel. “We will enable our union members to contribute to the K to 12’s successful social preparation and effective implementation that would result to the improvement of agency performance and in the delivery of quality basic education,” said Atty. Domingo Alidon, DepEd-NEU National President. To further educate the union members on the features of K to 12, various experts and officials from DepEd conducted presentations on the program’s salient features, its modeling and migration phases, social benefits and strategies to ensure its sustainability. In a related development, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has accredited DepEdNEU as the sole and exclusive collecting negotiating agent of all non-teaching personnel of the department.
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regional currents
Continue counting victories by Carmelo Estrellado, Head Teacher III Oma-Oma Elementary School Ligao South District, Division of Ligao City
There is no school for parenting by Carolina M. Niepes Project Development Officer II Regional Learning Resource Material Development System Coordinator, CARAGA Region
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t was past 4 p.m. when I received a text message from a co-teacher, Cristy Odoño, telling me, “Sir, our grade six pupils got the first place!” Edna Gregorio, Education Program Specialist -I in mathematics, confirmed the good news, “Oma- Oma got the first place in the Team Orals. Congratulations!”
One of the academic competitions that every school head would not want to miss joining is the Division MTAP Math Challenge. Every year, each of the three districts organize Saturday Enrichment Classes to prepare their respective contestants in the competition. Each one of us wishes to join with the goal to win. Yet, history tells us that in the Regional MTAP Math Challenge, our division has always been represented by bigger schools. Yes, this competition is dominated by them because they have more material, instructional, and experiential resources and opportunities. But now the message, “Sir, our grade six was the first!” Our pupils successfully bested those from bigger schools? This delighted our Mayor Linda Gonzalez who said, “I’m so glad to hear that two pupils from Busac and Oma-Oma garnered places in the 2012 RESPC. Moreover, our very own Cathyrine Copian and Lea Legazpi will represent the Division of Ligao City in the 2012 Regional MTAP Math Challenge, Team Competition. The very first for the division to be represented by an upland school. This is also another milestone for the school! Richel Cantuangco’s conduct of our Enrichment Study Program (ESP) in Mathematics initiated during off hours is apparently working to our advantage. With our goal-driven strategies, let’s continue counting victories!
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“T
here is no course on parenting, it is a trial and error process,” DepEd Undersecretary for Legal Affairs, Alberto Muyot emphasized in his inspirational message during the Tri-Division Parents Forum at the Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City recently. But the positive values of parents play a critical role in molding good children.
The Forum was the 1st convergence of Federated and General Parents-Teachers Association officials from the three divisions of Surigao del Norte, Surigao City and Siargao. It provided the parents the opportunity to present problems arising from schools as well as new trends and best practices in education. Provincial governor, Sol Matugas stressed that education is the best vehicle for progress even as she commits to fully support the K to 12. She walked the talk by initiating the drafting of the province’s Education Road Map to Building a New Surigao through quality education and collaboration with stakeholders. The education road map was presented by Supt. Evelyn Fetalvero. The other topics discussed during the forum include the K to 12 curriculum, DepEd Order No. 54, series of 2009 (Revised Guidelines Governing PTA), Teacher-Parent Collaboration and Tax Collection Information discussed by Ricky Pedralba, Nelia Lomocso, Proserfina Nocon and Daisy Hubilla. The forum was successful as it brought to focus the importance of parents collaborating with school officials to give school children the quality education they deserve.
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feature - National Teacher’s Month
O, Dakilang Guro Ni Mary Mae Balinquit De Castro Elementary School
“T
umahimik kayo!” yan ang nakaririnding sigaw na kadalasang maririnig natin mula sa mga guro ng mga batang walang ginawa kundi puro kalokohan. Minsan ay sasamahan pa ito ng hampas sa lamesa o pagbato ng chalk sa batang maingay. Pero nagiging mag-aaral niya ay nagugustuhan siya ng ipinagmamalaki ko na hindi ganyan ang guro lubos, dahil nga naman sa pagiging magiliw niya ko. at nagsisilbi pa siyang pangalawang ina sa amin na
Si Gng. Dulce Santos ay ang aking pinakamamahal na guro. Siya ay nagtuturo sa ikalimang baiting sa Paaralang Elementarya ng De Castro. Siya ay may maganda at maamong mukha. Bagaman hindi nabigyan ng sapat na tangkad, sa tingin ko ay kayangkaya niyang disiplinahin ang taong doble pa sa taas niya. Hindi rin masyadong maputi ang kanyang balat kaya naiiba talaga. At para sa akin siya ang pinakamagandang guro sa buong mundo. Matagal na siyang nagtuturo sa paaralang iyon dahil tunay siyang matiyaga. Ang bawat batang
kanyang tinuturuan. Dinadamayan niya kami sa mga panahong may problema kami. Kinakausap niya kami ng maayos at hinahayaang ilabas ang lahat ng sama ng loob sa kanya. Maaari kaming umiyak nang umiyak sa harap niya at nagbibigay pa siya ng mga payo. Tunay ngang dakila, hindi ba? Siya ang gurong gumabay sa akin dito sa unang antas ng aking pag-aaral at buhay. Tinulungan niya ako na maging isang mabuting tao. Si Gng. Dulce Santos, ang dakilang guro, ang magiging inspirasyon ko habambuhay.
Teachers Around the World by Sienna Claire Agcaoili Trainer - Alain Fontanilla Razalan Teacher III, Creative Writing Angono School for the Arts, Angono, Rizal
When life gets dark and we lose our way, When we get confused on fate has laid, Swiftly they will come to our aid, To correct all wrongs we have made. In times of hardships and drama, When our life has turn to bad karma, Their wisdom and love will get us through, With their guidance and attention we grew. Are they angels from above? Sent to us by our Almighty God? The very answer to our prayers, Given to us so we won’t suffer.
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They are called differently in regions, Advisers, Mentors, Sensei and Teachers, Their love for us will never fade, I will never forget the lesson they gave.
October 2012
Haligi ng Bansa
pluma ng diwa
Marami ng puting buhok at may wrinkles na sa mukha. Medyo uugod-ugod na at mahina na ang mata. Parang namayat pa yata at itsura niya’y tumanda. Subalit para sa akin Si teacher ay di nag-iba. Naro’n pa rin ang kanyang tinig na tiyak na lilingunin. Kaya niyang gawing simple ang kumplikadong aralin. At tiyak niyang masasagot kahit ano pang tanungin. Saulado niya ang lessons kahit bali-baligtarin. Hindi ko siya masisisi kung di na ko matandaan. Sa dami ba naman namin na sa kanya ay dumaan. Di nagsawang magpasensiya Kahit ako’y may pagkukulang. Ang dedikasyon ng guro Kelanma’y di matatawaran. May estudyante siya noon na ngayo’y inhinyero na. ang iba ay naging doktor ilan ay nangibang-bansa. Merong mga nagtagumpay at ang buhay ay gumanda. Sana naman kahit minsa’y sumagi siya sa alaala. Ilang araw mula ngayon siya’y magreretiro na. Matapos na magserbisyo Lampas sa apat na dekada. Ang sambit nga nitong si teacher ay dito na ko tumanda. Isang haligi ng bansa Kahit pa siya ay mawala. July 2012 October 2012
Paliwanag ng Tula Tunay na ang edukasyon ang pinakaimportanteng haligi ng isang sambayanan, ito ang humuhubog sa mga mamayan nito mula pagkabata hanggang sa sila’y maging dalubhasa sa larangang kanilang pinili. Kung mataas ang kalidad ng edukasyon ng isang bansa tiyak na maganda ang magiging kinabukasan ng bawat mamamayang nananahan dito. Tumpak na sabihin na ang edukasyon ay isang yaman subalit hindi maibabahagi ang mga angking kaalamang yaman kung wala ang guro na inuukol ang halos kalahati ng kanilang buhay upang paulit-ulit na armasan ng talino ang bawat papasok at lalabas sa makitid na pintuan ng kaniyang pangalawang tahanan… ang kaniyang klasrum. Sila ang mga maestro ng nakaraan, ng kasalukuyan at ng mga susunod pang pinuno ng bansa at karapat-dapat lamang nating isipin na kaputol ng ating bawat tagumpay ang naiambag na kaalaman ng iyong mga gurong walang tanging hangad kundi ikaw ay matuto at magtagumpay.
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Council for the Welfare of Children
No. 10 Apo Street, Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City 1114 Tel. No. (632) 740-5490; (632) 781-1039 Fax (632) 740-8864 loc. 2010 website: www.cwc.gov.ph