Globe expands Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program to 15 regions nationwide

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Globe Telecom, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), is expanding the Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program to realize presence in 15 regions nationwide.

The GFS program is a long-term and modern approach to education that allows 21st century learning methods to be introduced and implemented in public schools nationwide.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones (center) is all smiles following a report made by Globe Telecom, represented by Globe Director for Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing Maricel Gray (2nd from left) on the telecommunication provider’s commitment to bring all 17 regions in the country under its Global Filipino School program. They are joined, from left, by Globe Manager for Citizenship Miguel Bermudo, DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali and DepEd Director Margarita Ballesteros. 

Around 60 schools were added to the program this year, bringing to 142 schools the total number under its fold. The program now covers 15 out of 17 regions around the country. This was revealed during the presentation and turnover ceremony conducted recently between Globe and DepEd.

Globe has committed in bringing the program to all 17 regions in the Philippines by the year 2020. From current indications, though, that target may be achieved as early as next year.

“Education is one area where Globe continues to focus its strength and capabilities in order to help build a more digitally savvy generation of both teachers and learners. Soon enough, more teachers and learners will benefit from Globe Telecom’s advocacy of a digital-centric lifestyle for everyone, which we believe is the catalyst for growth and nation building,” said Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto. 

For her part, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in her keynote speech, lauded supporters of the public education sector. “If you are truly seeking truth, if you are truly seeking life, if you are truly seeking the meaning of Christmas, find it among the children whom you are serving,” she said.

Under the GFS program, every school beneficiary will serve as a training hub for teachers in the DepEd Division the school belongs to. The school is also equipped with the knowledge and skills to facilitate workshops regarding 21st century learning skills, and the integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the classroom.

The schools also receive free internet connectivity that teachers and students can use, free ICT equipment support such as projectors, tablets, pocket WiFi dongles, Virtual Reality (VR) goggles, plus teacher training on Digital Literacy, Digital Responsibility, ICT integration in the classroom, and 21st century teaching concepts and methodologies.

To assess its success upon its implementation, a study released by Taylor Nelson Sofres in 2015 showed the GFS program helped improve digital skills among teachers and students (specifically on usage of mobile technology and computer software), enabled 21st century learning outcomes that involve creativity, communication, collaboration and creativity, increased student engagement in classroom activities, and helped enhance school culture through readiness in ICT integration.

Epson Strengthens partnership with DepEd on Gift of Brightness project

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GoB to select less –privileged public schools that demonstrated excellence and innovation in different fields

Epson Philippines formalized the company’s commitment to equip less-privileged, deserving public schools with Epson technologies under the Gift of Brightness project. In the photo are DepEd Secretary Honorable Leonor Briones, Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, Director IV for External Partnership Services Margarita Ballesteros. Signing for Epson Philippines is Marketing Communications and PR Head Donna V. Ferro, assisted by Epson Philippines PR Specialist Mica Bayot. 

The partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and Epson Philippines on the digital imaging company’s Gift of Brightness program for youth and education was formalized during the Memorandum of Agreement ceremonial signing for DepEd partners held recently at the L.B. Soriano Hall, SEAMEO Innotech in Quezon City.

As a company, Epson has always supported the youth and education through various projects and advocacies, one of which is the Gift of Brightness program, started in 2013.

The Gift of Brightness program aims to equip deserving, less privileged schools in the country with Epson technologies to help the students in their studies and school projects through the donation of complete technology packages for each recipient that consist of Epson printers, projectors, scanners, label printers, document cameras and a year’s supply of inks and cartridges.

“Since we started the program, there have been 45 beneficiary-schools, 27 of which were coursed through the Department of Education for the selection process under our partnership for the past two years. We believe that by offering detailed innovation, which is at the heart of all Epson products, we can contribute to uplifting the learning experience for the students. We hope that through the Epson Gift of Brightness, we can help bring brightness and inspiration,” explains Donna V. Ferro, Head of Marketing Communications and PR, Epson Philippines. 

Secretary Briones compared the partners efforts to the help extended by the stakeholders and concluded her speech by urging private companies “to find the true meaning of Christmas among the children whom you are serving.”

Education stakeholders gather for Education Summit 2016

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Education stakeholders from the government, the private sector, and civil society will gather for the Education Summit 2016 to be held at the SMX Mall of Asia on November 3 and 4. 

Education Summit that will focus on crafting the education agenda of the Duterte administration.

The Summit is co-organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Scheduled speakers include Senator Bam Aquino, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, and TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong.

“Times have truly changed and we need to change with it. The success of the Education Summit, moreover the national education, lies in our collective understanding and acceptance of the permanence of change, and our ability to respond to it," said Briones.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said that the upcoming event is a follow through to the recent (sectoral) Social Development Initiatives Summit held in Davao City that aimed to flesh out the social development agenda of the administration.

The outcome of the Education Summit will be the education sector’s input to the next Philippine Development Plan.

“Through this summit, we hope to lay down a clear roadmap that will make education accessible, relevant and liberating,” Briones emphasized.

Part of the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the Duterte administration is to increase spending in basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs. According to Briones, another key focus of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to intensify and expand the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Over 500 stakeholders will attend the 2016.  Participate in the online discussion by sharing your thoughts or questions using the hashtag #EducSummit2016.