DepEd and Chalkboard Launch the ARAL Program: A New Initiative to Boost Literacy and Numeracy in Public Schools

Tweet

In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) has entered into a formal partnership with Chalkboard, a leading provider of tutoring services, to launch the Academic Remediation, Acceleration, and Livelihood (ARAL) Program. This program seeks to address the pressing challenges in literacy and numeracy faced by Filipino students, particularly in public schools.

The Department of Education taps Chalkboard’s community-based ARAL Program to help enhance literacy and numeracy skills among public school children. At the MOA signing ceremony were (L-R): Georgina Yang, DepEd Assistant Secretary; Sharon Santiago, Chalkboard Marketing Director; Leandro Añonuevo, Chalkboard Director of Business Development and Partnerships; Sonny Angara, DepEd Secretary; Kristine Brown, Chalkboard Chief Executive Officer; and Albert Tablan, Chalkboard Chief Operating Officer.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on October 14 at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and Chalkboard CEO Kristine E. Brown. This partnership brings together the strengths of both the public and private sectors to promote improved educational outcomes for K-10 learners.

A Collaborative Effort for Quality Education

The ARAL Program embodies a synergistic collaboration between DepEd and Chalkboard, leveraging their combined expertise to ensure accessible, high-quality education for all Filipino learners. This partnership aligns with the government’s mandate to provide accessible, quality education as outlined in Republic Act 8525, otherwise known as the “Adopt-A-School Act of 1998,” which encourages private sector involvement in improving public education.

During the signing ceremony, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the department’s goals. “DepEd is committed to ensuring that quality education is accessible to all Filipino learners, and this partnership with Chalkboard is a significant step toward that goal. By working together with the private sector, we can improve the academic performance and overall well-being of our students,” he noted.

Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Curriculum Powered by Advanced Technology

At the heart of the ARAL Program lies Chalkboard’s evidence-based curriculum, meticulously designed to ensure effective learning outcomes. This curriculum is grounded in the latest educational research and best practices, ensuring that each component is proven to enhance literacy and numeracy skills. A key feature of this curriculum is its integration of advanced technology to process data and inform the progress of each student.

ARAL Program Structure and Implementation

The ARAL Program employs a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to address learning deficits exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed by Chalkboard, the program offers up to 25 days of targeted tutoring over six weeks, delivered through both in-person and digital platforms. This high-frequency, intensive approach is supported by research demonstrating substantial improvements in literacy and numeracy skills.

The program includes several key components:

• Personalized Learning: The tutoring sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that every learner receives the appropriate support.

• Nutritional Support: Recognizing the connection between nutrition and learning, the ARAL Program will provide nutritious snacks or meals during each tutoring session to support students’ well-being.

• Community Upskilling and Engagement: The program involves local community members as paid tutors, creating economic opportunities while fostering a supportive educational environment.

• Holistic Development: In addition to academic support, the ARAL Program aims to develop students’ socio-emotional skills, preparing them for success both in and outside of the classroom.

Chalkboard has designed the program to be scalable and sustainable, ensuring it can be replicated in different regions and communities across the Philippines. “We believe that education is the key to unlocking the full potential of every child,” said Kristine E. Brown, CEO of Chalkboard. “The ARAL Program is our contribution to improving the educational landscape of the Philippines, particularly in addressing the learning gaps that have been exacerbated by recent challenges such as the pandemic.”

Target Beneficiaries and Community Impact

The primary beneficiaries of the ARAL Program are K-10 students in public schools, particularly those struggling with literacy and numeracy. The program’s implementation will begin with pilot schools, and its success will be measured through Chalkboard’s assessment system, supplemented by DepEd’s assessment tools.

The program not only benefits students but also the wider community. Local community members will be engaged as paid tutors or food vendors, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities while contributing to the educational success of the students.

DepEd will coordinate closely with Chalkboard to select target areas and ensure smooth program implementation. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted throughout the program’s two-year duration to ensure that it delivers tangible and verifiable results.

A Model for Future Educational Partnerships

The ARAL Program will be funded through partnerships with private sponsors, local government units, and other supporting entities. With the support of these stakeholders, the program aims to create a lasting positive impact on the academic performance and socio-emotional development of Filipino students.

This collaboration between DepEd and Chalkboard is seen as a model for future public-private partnerships in education. Both parties are optimistic that the ARAL Program will not only help bridge current learning gaps but also lay the foundation for long-term educational improvements in the country.

*Video Link: https://vimeo.com/1020030375

EastWest celebrates DepEd’s National Teacher’s Day

Tweet

EastWest Rural Bank and EastWest Unibank sponsored the National Teachers’ Day event hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd) as part of the 2024 National Teachers' Month (NTM) celebration. 

The event took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City last Thursday, October 3. The event is the culmination of the DepEd’s month-long campaign to honor the contributions of educators across the nation. With around 10,000 teachers and educational stakeholders in attendance, the day featured a variety of activities, including Zumba, heartfelt tributes to teachers, raffle prizes, and lively entertainment.

Members of DepEd were on stage during the 2024 National Teachers’ Day celebration, honoring the dedication and impact of educators across the nation.

A special highlight of the day was the surprise visit and performance by Donny Pangilinan, ambassador of EastWest’s newest digital banking platform EasyWay. Donny’s commitment to financial literacy, which aligns with his personal values, made his tribute even more meaningful.

Donny Pangilinan, EastWest’s EasyWay ambassador, surprises and delights the audience with a special performance during National Teachers’ Day, paying tribute to educators and promoting his advocacy for financial literacy and education. His presence made the celebration even more memorable for the 10,000 teachers in attendance.

As part of EastWest Rural Bank’s commitment to supporting educators, one of its core products is the Teachers’ Loans, which offer special rates and flexible financing options designed specifically for educators. This product aims to support teachers in achieving their personal and professional goals, whether it’s for personal expenses, or further development. It highlights EastWest Rural Bank’s dedication to empowering those who shape the future.

“We at EastWest Rural Bank are proud to support this year's ‘Together4Teachers’ theme, which resonates deeply with our commitment to uplifting our unsung heroes in education. Through Appreciation, Admiration, Approval, and Attention, we join the Department of Education to ensure that our teachers receive the recognition and support they deserve. Their dedication shapes the future, and it’s an honor to be part of a celebration that values their incredible contributions to our society,” said Sheila S. Marasigan- Bajado, EastWest Rural Bank President.

Samsung launches Solve for Tomorrow 2024, invites STEM students to share innovative ideas to solve local and sustainability issues

Tweet

Samsung Philippines’ Solve for Tomorrow is back for another innovation-packed season and is calling for Filipino students to showcase their tech solutions to reimagine the future.

-------------------------------------------

Now on its 2nd year in the PH, Public Science High School Students can win 

PHP 2 Million worth of cash prizes and Samsung devices by sharing 

tech solutions to help communities

-------------------------------------------

With the support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Science High School System (PSHS), Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation continues their commitment to shaping the country’s next-gen heroes through the initiative by once again inviting public science high school students nationwide currently in grades 8 to 10 to showcase their best innovative ideas through the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition where they can get a chance to win PHP 2 Million worth of cash prizes and Samsung devices for their school, teams, and teacher adviser.

How to Join Solve for Tomorrow

Solve for Tomorrow 2024 is open to Grades 8-10 students of government-managed Science High Schools. They should form a team with a maximum of four (4) students each, and choose one faculty adviser from their respective schools. Each faculty adviser can coach up to three (3) teams.

Teams formed should identify a local community or environmental sustainability problem they want to solve with technology and AI and come up with a design proposal presented via a slides presentation (5 slides max with 2,500 words only) or word document (7 pages with Arial 11 font size). Once entry is finalized, they should submit the file via the Solve for Tomorrow registration form at https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow-2024/. Deadline for entries is on October 25, 2024.

Entries will be evaluated based on design innovation, relevance to the community, feasibility, STEM integration, sustainability, and clarity of proposal.

The entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts who will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on November 13, 2024. Finalists receive expert mentoring to improve their solutions and present their final proposals to the distinguished board of judges on December 3, 2024 to determine the top 3 winners.

The Grand Prize winner will take home PHP 500,000 worth of Samsung devices for the school, PHP100,000 cash prize for the team members, PHP20,000 cash prize for the teacher, and Samsung phone and tablets for team members and their teacher.

Meanwhile, the Second Prize winner will take home PHP 320,000 worth of Samsung devices for the school, PHP 70,000 cash prize for the team members, PHP 15,000 cash prize for the teacher, and Samsung phones and tablets for team members and their teacher.

Finally, the Third Prize winner will receive PHP 175,000 worth of Samsung devices for the school, PHP 50,000 cash prize for the team members, PHP 10,000 cash prize for the teacher, and Samsung phones and tablets for team members and their teacher.

The rest of the top 10 finalists will receive PHP 15,000 for their team and PHP 5,000 for their teacher.

For more information on Solve for Tomorrow and complete contest details, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow-2024/.

Empowering the Next-gen Heroes

Solve for Tomorrow is a program under Samsung’s global corporate social responsibility vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’ which aims to empower and support the next generation of innovators to achieve their full potential and pioneer positive social changes. Through this initiative, Samsung provides opportunities for up and coming STEM leaders to craft ideas and drive positive change in their communities through tech, encouraging them to approach problems in new ways to find innovative solutions.

Since its global launch in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has successfully provided an avenue to top students, helped over 2 million people, and reached 50 other countries. The program was first launched in the Philippines in 2023 where science high school students across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shared sustainability solutions for their community.

In 2023, Solve for Tomorrow received over 200 entries with the first-ever Grand Prize winner, Team Intelllimeter, creating a proposal that aims to improve energy efficiency through their smart electric management system. Meanwhile, second prize winner Project O.A.S.I.S, proposed a filtration system to remove oil and microplastics from the ocean while third placer TomPost focused on waste management for the agricultural sector by repurposing tomatoes and other agricultural waste into compost and other products.

Samsung is committed to expand its sustainability and educational programs in the Philippines with Solve for Tomorrow that is now in its 2nd year in the Philippines, “At Samsung, we are committed to empowering communities – now, and for the future. Solve for Tomorrow is a testament to this, which manifests our global CSR vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People.’” SEPCO President, Chu Min Su shared.

“It is our goal to always find opportunities to support providing education for future generations, and we want to empower future innovators to achieve their full potential.”

*DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-201238 Series of 2024

J&T Express PH strengthens community service commitment through Brigada Eskwela 2024

Tweet

J&T Express, one of the leading delivery service providers in the Philippines, has once again linked up with the Department of Education (DepEd) and various school administrators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in support of this year's Brigada Eskwela initiative to assist students, with the theme of "Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan”.

As part of its continued initiative to support local communities, J&T Express Philippines took part once again in DepEd’s annual school supplies distribution and maintenance program. This effort brings together education stakeholders, including its employees, teachers, and parents who volunteer their time and resources to prepare public school facilities for the new academic school year.

"At J&T Express, we strive to demonstrate our commitment beyond delivering packages across the nation. We believe that even simple acts of support for our students can make a meaningful difference in providing them with a conducive learning environment. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute to the development of our future leaders," said Joseph Emmanuel Orcine, Branding Department Representative of J&T Express Philippines.

From its kick-off activity in July until August, J&T Express extended its helping hands to public schools in more humble and remote barangays including in Metro Manila, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Lapu-Lapu City, and Agusan Del Norte with its employees also taking an active part in the initiative.

“Partaking in DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela is one of our ways to embody our commitment to supporting the programs of our local and national government agencies. We wanted to strengthen our role in serving not only our customers but also the local communities", Orcine concludes.

In this initiative, J&T Express puts forward its passion for service, striving to set its employees as role models when it comes to delivering action and reflecting its core values and social responsibility. As this valuable partnership continues, J&T Express reaffirms its dedication to the Brigada Eskwela program, contributing to the nation's progress by playing an active role in the education sector. Nurturing an environment not just for students who are eager to start the school year, but also for the next generation of Filipinos.

------------------------------------------------------------------

About J&T Express

J&T Express is a global logistics provider founded in 2015, currently operating in 13 countries worldwide: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Brazil, and Egypt.

Adhering to its “customer-oriented and efficiency-based” mission, J&T Express is committed to providing customers with integrated logistics solutions through intelligent infrastructure and digital logistics network as part of its global strategy to connect the world with greater efficiency and bring logistical benefits to all.

Innovative Learning for the Digital Generation: Why Millennial Parents Are Choosing SmartClass

Tweet

In today’s rapidly evolving world, education has to adapt to keep pace with technological advancements and the discovery of better ways to learn. One such innovation is SmartClass, an innovative DepEd-recognized homeschooling program catering to students from Grades 7 to 10.

Launched during the onset of the pandemic, SmartClass now has over 200 students – and the number of enrollees is growing. Today's parents recognize the unique needs of their children and are actively seeking progressive learning models that keep up with the pace of change, which is exactly what SmartClass offers.

Unlike traditional education models that rely on repetition and memory, SmartClass encourages students to research and explore on their own, working on problem-based lessons that require delving into multiple subjects to find solutions. This method exercises a child's problem-solving abilities, allowing them to develop skills that are essential for future leaders.

Innovative learning for the new generation

With SmartClass’ Lifestyle Adaptive Learning model, students can work at their own pace and pursue what sparks their interest, allowing for a truly personalized learning experience. This approach also promotes self-motivation, independent thinking, and problem-solving skills. SmartClass empowers students to take control of their education and learn in a way that suits their unique needs, helping prepare them for a rapidly evolving world.

Moreover, SmartClass represents an evolution of the traditional homeschooling paradigm, where parents take on the bulk of their child's education. With this home e-learning setup, parents can receive additional coaching to help them become more effective parent instructors. And when needed, children can also consult with individual Subject Matter Experts for seven different subjects, as well as Academic Coordinators who facilitate and monitor the student’s progress. This allows children to establish effective study habits, practice learning organization skills, and build the confidence needed to become independent learners. By providing a wealth of resources and guidance, SmartClass is committed to ensuring that every child receives a world-class education tailored to their unique needs and strengths.

SmartClass also has synchronous sessions, which typically last for an hour but can extend to 1.5 hours, depending on students' concerns. These sessions provide real-time interaction between students and teachers and allow for personalized attention and support, enhancing the learning experience.

Flexibility for uninterrupted education

With its flexible attendance policy, SmartClass students don't have to worry about their education being interrupted due to factors such as travel or other family circumstances. Instead of daily attendance requirements, parents are responsible for ensuring that their child attends both asynchronous and synchronous classes.

This unique flexibility is particularly suited to the new lifestyle developing among millennial parents who value experiences over possessions and prioritize travel and other activities that broaden their children's horizons. Additionally, SmartClass caters to the needs of students who have migrated abroad or are children of OFWs, ensuring they can continue their education seamlessly — no matter where they are in the world.

With SmartClass, education knows no boundaries, empowering parents to embrace new lifestyles while nurturing their children’s intellectual growth and development.

To learn more about SmartClass, visit https://smartclass.com.ph.

----------------------------

About SmartClass

SmartClass is an innovative, DepEd-accredited homeschooling program. Formed under the merger of the Ayala-Yuchengco education groups, SmartClass has innovated on the traditional homeschooling program to keep it moving with the times. With its Lifestyle Adaptive Learning model, SmartClass is committed to providing world-class education tailored to the unique needs and strengths of individual students.

ChildFund Philippines strengthen Its position as DepEd’s Emergency Response Partner

Tweet

ChildFund Philippines, a child-focused NGO serving children, youth, and their families in the Philippines since the 1970s and at present, actively backs Department of Education (DepEd) in its Education in Emergency efforts.

MHPSS session in a school in Maguindanao del Norte 

The Department of Education (DepEd) has recognized ChildFund Philippines as one of its development sector partners. In the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Services (DRRMS) Terminal Report released in February 2023, the government agency cited the participation of the non-government organization (NGO) in the Education Cluster’s emergency response efforts particularly for communities devastated by Super Typhoon Karding (international name Noru) in September 2022 and Typhoon Paeng (international name Nalgae) in November 2022.

ChildFund Philippines has partnered with REINA Federation of Parents Association and Ha Uman Association, Inc. to distribute learner and teacher kits; provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to learners, teachers, and parents; and conduct MHPSS Training of Trainers (ToT) to frontliners, educators, and community leaders in affected communities in Quezon province and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

MHPSS in the aftermath of Karding

In September 2022, Super Typhoon Karding devastated areas in the eastern part of Luzon, including the towns of Burdeos and Panukulan, the eastern and western coast municipalities of Polillo Island in the province of Quezon. As a partner of DepEd’s DRRMS, ChildFund

Philippines directly participated in the provision of response programs to affected residents of the distressed town.

After a quick assessment of the calamity’s impact to people, especially children, ChildFund Philippines rolled out the MHPSS program in Burdeos. Forty-seven frontline service providers (including guidance counselors, teachers, child development workers and local government unit representatives) engaged for ToT, which trained them to conduct MHPSS sessions that cover not just children but also parents and other community members.

“Through the seminars, we were able to help our students move on and realize the importance of education especially during difficult times,” said Mark Jade Alpajora, Teacher-in-Charge in Anibawan Elementary School in Anibawan, one of the most devastated barangays in Burdeos. “Eventually, they were able to return to school and continue their interest in learning despite the challenges. For our part as educators, we are confident we can now do the same and help our students carry on in case disasters hit our area again in the future.”

Trained PFA-ers in action after Paeng

The MHPSS program and the Psychological First Aid (PFA) training likewise equipped educators in the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Upi in Maguindanao del Norte, which were severely devastated by flash floods and landslides due to continuous and torrential rains brought about by strong typhoon Paeng in October 2022. (The typhoon did not directly hit Mindanao but it intensified monsoon rains, resulting to catastrophic floods and landslides that do not usually hit provinces in the region.)

“Most of us were depressed because it was the first time I could remember that we were severely affected by a typhoon in our area,” said Rhodora Hadjihamid, a teacher from Noru Central School of Upi town. “There were initially 10 of us teachers who were trained under ChildFund Philippines’s MHPSS and then we were able to train other teachers, guidance coordinators, and daycare facilitators in other areas in our municipalities. We are thankful for this support and for some learning materials provided to us.”

The towns of Burdeos in Quezon and Datu Odin Sinsuat and Upi in Maguindanao del Norte are not among the program-supported areas of ChildFund Philippines in the country. But the NGO regularly provides support even to non-program areas as an official development partner of DepEd DRMSS, which holds cluster programs as part of disaster relief efforts nationwide.

“Based on the disaster impact and recommendations from our nearby partner areas, we looked at the situation in Burdeos and Panukulan and found the need to intervene. The same was the case for areas in Maguindanao del Norte a month after,” disclosed Erwin Galido, DRM Program Specialist in ChildFund Philippines.

Galido further explained that ChildFund Philippines focuses on interventions that would maximize limited resources—including replacement of learning materials so that learners could immediately go back to school and provision of MHPSS sessions.

Frontliners, educators and community leaders in affected communities in Quezon being trained in MHPSS as part of ChildFund Philippines’ Typhoon Karding emergency response.

Partnership with DepEd

Marlene Floresca, ChildFund Philippines Education Specialist explained that the organization “complements and supplements the Department of Education’s existing resources.”

She further explained that when a disaster hits an area, ChildFund assesses if additional support is needed particularly in education.

“We take part in the national government’s objective to have a coordinated response and help distribute relief assistance in affected communities and schools after calamities,” said Floresca.

“ChildFund Philippines also provides psychological first aid and training to educators and local government representatives so they can perform MHPSS to children and people in their respective communities,” she added.

Putting focus on mental health

According to Galido, ChildFund Philippines’ focus is to provide support that would equip key members of local government agencies and partner schools on the basic skills of providing MHPSS sessions so they could “help children and other people in their area to immediately overcome the emotional and mental stress they are experiencing and emerge with better disposition despite the disaster.”

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support is a vital initiative aimed at nurturing emotional well-being and assisting individuals in coping with life's challenges. MHPSS encompasses a range of activities designed to support the mental and emotional health of people affected by disasters.

These activities include providing compassionate counseling services, equipping individuals with effective coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety, promoting self-care practices such as exercise and relaxation techniques, establishing safe and supportive community groups where individuals can share their experiences and extend support to one another, and fostering awareness about mental health issues to eliminate stigma and foster a culture of seeking help.

Education in emergency through community participation

“Disasters disrupt children's normalcy, including their opportunities to learn and equip themselves for the future. Childhood is a critical window of opportunity to support the optimum development of young people,” explained Floresca.

She further emphasized that ChildFund's mission to help create a nurturing environment to support this development equips children to become productive members of their communities.

“Education in Emergencies is a life-saving intervention, as it does not only assure children's learning continuity, it also provides a safe space for children who have experienced adversities amidst disasters.”

ChildFund Philippines, however, underscores the importance of partnerships (including DepEd DRMSS and other local government and non-government partners) and community participation in sustainably equipping victims of disasters and engaging educators, parents, and local leaders with the right skills to make sure there is immediate support, especially in terms of mental health in times of emergency.

“Our partnership with local civil society organizations (CSOs) in disaster-prone communities enable us to respond quickly and effectively to humanitarian crises in the Philippines,” said Anand Vishwakarma, Country Director of ChildFund Philippines.

“Thus, ChildFund is able to achieve its organizational goals of promoting safety, health, and education in the Philippines by providing emergency assistance and education support to children and families in need. This not only helps address the immediate needs of children and families affected by emergencies but also provides a foundation for long-term recovery and resilience-building efforts,” Vishwakarma added.

ChildFund’s national and global strategies are designed to promote well-being of children, especially those living in poverty and facing different forms of disadvantage. In the Philippines and in other countries where it has presence, the organization puts a strong emphasis on emergency response and education in emergencies as part of its mission to keep children healthy, educated, skilled, and safe.

----------------------------------------

About ChildFund Philippines 

ChildFund Philippines is a child-focused NGO serving children, youth, and their families in the Philippines since the 1970s. We are a program office of ChildFund International, a global not-for-profit organization with the primary purpose of helping children break the generational cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential. ChildFund Philippines works alongside local partners in over 21 provinces in the country to ensure that children and youth are safe, healthy, educated, and skilled. One of our primary programs is the Children and Youth-led Disaster Risk Management. We specialize in Education in Emergency, particularly on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Solving community problems through innovation: Samsung Philippines partners with DepEd to launch Solve for Tomorrow program for aspiring young STEM leaders

Tweet

Samsung Philippines is ramping up its efforts to support young Filipino innovators through the launch of its globally recognized educational program, Solve for Tomorrow.

In partnership with the Department of Education, Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow is an innovative competition that fosters critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and teamwork to encourage social innovation ideas that address pressing community issues.

Samsung Philippines presents a Certificate of Appreciation to the Department of Education for the Solve for Tomorrow partnership. In the photo are:   (L-R) Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) Chief Financial Officer Taekyun Kim, Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) President Minsu Chu, Department of Education Director IV Margarita Ballesteros, Samsung Electro- Mechanics Philippines (SEMPHIL) President Hangkyu Cho, and Samsung R&D Institute Philippines (SRPH) Managing Director Yongduk Hwang.

Since its global launch in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has provided an opportunity for students worldwide to turn their imaginative ideas into practical solutions. It aims to empower STEM students to share and realize their ideas to solve societal challenges and make an impact in their local communities.

The competition offers a unique learning experience, enabling participants to leverage their STEM expertise and acquire valuable skills throughout the entire journey. As of 2020, the CSR program has benefited over 2 million people and expanded to over 50 markets, including the Philippines in 2023.

STEM in the Philippines

In the 2022 edition of the Global Innovation Index, which measures economic progress and competitiveness, the Philippines slipped eight spots to rank 59th in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scales in reading, math, and science.

In the first participation of the Philippines in the PISA in 2018, Filipino students ranked the lowest in reading comprehension among 79 countries and second lowest in both mathematical and scientific literacy.

Mr. Minsu Chu, president of Samsung Philippines, stated that the company is committed to giving back to the community through STEM education. “Every young person deserves to unlock his or her full potential, regardless of circumstances. Samsung believes in developing young minds and equipping them with resources and opportunities that nurture their dreams, so they can generate positivity that also inspires fellow young people,” said Mr. Chu.

How to join

Targeted towards the youth who are taking on the STEM track from Grades 8-12, the Solve for Tomorrow program aims to enhance the students’ technical and 4C skills (cooperation, communication, creativity and critical thinking).

Interested applicants, which should consist of students and a teacher, can submit an application through the official Samsung website. Entries are welcome from individuals or teams with a maximum of eight (8) members. Schools may enter as many individuals or teams.

Applicants are required to submit a written plan (maximum of 1,000 words) about the issue or problem they wish to solve, a poster or diagram of their plan, a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (maximum of 10 slides), or a 5-minute video presentation.

Solve for Tomorrow will run in three stages from May to December. Qualified entries will go through a preliminary round in June. Shortlisted teams will move to the semi-final round that will last until October where they will be subjected to workshops and mentorship in order for the teams to build a prototype of their solution. Only five (5) teams will advance to the final round. During the final round in December, the students will present their prototypes to a panel of judges and three (3) individuals or teams will be announced as winners.

Prizes worth over P1.5 million await the winners including their respective teachers and schools. Stay tuned for further contest updates to be announced soon.

DOH launches multi-sectoral initiative to eradicate tuberculosis

Tweet

The Department of Health (DOH) has launched the Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis (PAAP-TB), a multisectoral initiative to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in the country by 2035. The DOH together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the PAAP-TB aims to provide wider access to health services, and improved education and public information, social protection, and labor protection to eradicate TB by 2030.

OIC Secretary of Health – Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire delivers opening remarks on the importance of TB eradication and building a healthy population

Tuberculosis is a chronic communicable disease that comes second only to COVID-19 as a leading cause of mortality from a single infectious organism. According to the Global TB Report 2022, the disease accounted for 1.6 million deaths in 2021. In a preliminary report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) this year, TB continues to rank 11th among the causes of death in the Filipino population.

TB elimination entails improving access to TB services, and addressing the social, economic, and physical determinants that significantly affect its occurrence, transmission, and even treatment. “In addressing these social determinants of health, we enjoin all our sectoral stakeholders for synergistic solutions to overcrowding, low education, malnutrition, and ultimately poverty. Our collective interventions will make TB services equitable, especially for the poor,” said Officer-in-Charge Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

The PAAP-TB aims to address the nation's TB epidemic by re-examining current programs and initiatives of National Coordinating Committee for Tuberculosis (TB-NCC) member organizations. Together, these collaborating sectors will provide an action plan and involve the private sector and organizations to achieve the program's goals over two medium terms.

OIC Secretary of Health – Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. present the PAAP-TB document

Also present at the event were representatives from various sectors committed to eradicating TB in the Philippines, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Beverly Ho, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet Armas, DOLE Executive Director for the Occupational Safety and Health Center Ma. Teresita Cucueco, and FDA Director IV Jesusa Joyce Cirunay.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Janet Armas during the press conference at the Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis (PAAP-TB) initiative

“By engaging multiple disciplines, organizations, sectors, and partners can combine strengths and leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge, while addressing the social, environmental, economic, and political systemic drivers that influence behaviors and prevent the effective delivery of health policies and interventions,” said Officer-In-Charge Singh-Vergeire.

FDA Director IV Jesusa Joyce N. Cirunay delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

The PAAP-TB document has been developed with technical support from the USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project implemented by FHI 360.

Bayad and DepEd, Empowering Filipino Youth Through Financial Literacy

Tweet

Based on the 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the number of Filipino adults without savings increased to 63% from 47% in 2019, partly attributed to the global health crisis that may have reduced household income or increased medical expenses.

The BSP added that the percentage of savers significantly declined, particularly among adults in the National Capital Region, South Luzon, and Visayas regions. “The lower incidence of savings in 2021 was recorded across geographical areas except in Mindanao, which registered an increase and surpassed all areas,” the report said.

It is in this light that Bayad, formerly known as Bayad Center -- the pioneer and industry-leader in bill payments, and the Department of Education (DepEd), advocating a financial mindset that everything must be economically and sufficiently enough, launched a comprehensive school program aptly called “Bayad: Sapat Dapat”. This advocacy reinforces the importance of financial literacy and management in the formation years of Filipino students.

Culminating the 5-year program was the recently concluded Sapat Dapat Quizbee on Financial Literacy, where majority of the secondary public and private schools in all divisions of Region 7 and Region 4A participated. The eliminations started last February 2022, with remaining 45 students competing for the finals, held virtually last September 8, 2022 under the supervision of DepEd, Bayad, and Marylindbert International, Inc.

After a series of case studies and questions on financial management, savings, and priority-setting, the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy from Bogo Cebu emerged as this year’s Quizbee Champion, represented by its Grade 9 student, Angel L. Mollona and coach Natasha Jane Y. Estrera.

Angel shares “Ang pag-apil sa Sapat Dapat Quiz Bee sa Financial Literacy magahatag sa atong mga estudyante og maayong pagsabot sa sukaranang mga prinsipyo ug ideya kon unsaon pagdumala sa kuwarta sa wais nga pamaagi, ug sa samang higayon naga-andam kanato alang sa umaabot diin kini nga mga leksyon magamit kanato sa pagtukod ug kaugalingong pamilya ug karera.” (“Participating in the Sapat Dapat Quiz Bee on Financial Literacy gives us students a good grasp on basic principles and ideas on how to manage our money wisely, and at the same time prepares us for a future where these lessons can be applied when we build our own families and career.”)

Joining Angel in the roster of financial literacy champions are 2nd place winner - Maria Theofannie P. Alviola of Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial Dumaguete Science High School, 3rd place winner - Marcus L. Cionello Jr. of Mabolo National High School, 4th place winner – Ivan C. Bunaos of Babag National High School, and 5th place winner - Mariel Miculob of Tabalong National High School.

Cebu City Education Program Supervisor and School Governance Operations Division OIC Chief, Lyra L. Illaga shares, “We are grateful for Bayad and Marylindbert International for inviting us to be a part of the Sapat Dapat Comprehensive School Program Financial Literacy Quiz Bee. We are looking forward for a continuous collaboration as we open more doors in the development of our learners. Essentially, financial education is key in attaining youth empowerment and economic well-being, para sa bata para sa bayan.”

Bayad and DepEd’s Sapat Dapat Comprehensive School Program is on its 3rd year of molding future financial leaders in the Grades 9 to 12 students of 40 adopted schools in Regions 7 and 4A.

“We envision the Sapat Dapat program as a tool that will equip our students with the proper knowledge on budgeting and money matters, as these will significantly help in their financial decisions later on. By teaching both children and adults the value of financial literacy, we become instrumental in empowering Filipinos and bringing the nation’s financial awareness to the next level. This is the bigger picture. This is what we stand for,” shares Mr. Wendell P. Labre, Bayad’s AVP and Head for Corporate Branding & Marketing Services.

Bayad Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Dennis S. Gatuslao added, “We at Bayad recognize the role of the youth as catalysts for our economic resiliency. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with the Department of Education as we aim to broaden the provision of relevant and inclusive financial education. “

Bayad President and CEO, Lawrence Y. Ferrer also shared, “All of our efforts in Bayad are directed towards elevating the standard of living of our kababayans. We continue to push forward our cause through the Sapat Dapat Comprehensive School Program, understanding that our youth are the key drivers in nurturing a sound financial culture. We are thankful to the Department of Education for giving us the opportunity to carry on this initiative and give back to the communities that we serve.”

RCBC’s DiskarTech partners with DepEd for grassroots FinEd program

Tweet

With the aim of improving the state of financial education in the country, Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and DiskarTech inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) highlighting the legacy bank’s commitment to help Filipinos understand and appreciate the value of financial technology and inclusive digital finance.

In a virtual MOA signing together with other DepEd stakeholders and partners, RCBC’s DiskarTech presented its plans for a massive, grassroots financial education campaign starting with the implementation of a curriculum-based digital finance study program that will be integrated next school year in the lessons of the senior high school students nationwide, especially those who are taking the Accounting, Business and Management (ABM) strand.

Dubbed as the Aralin sa Madiskarteng Pananalapi(Lessons in Resourceful Finance), the program puts a special focus on discussions and classroom activities that explore the concepts of digitalization, inclusive digital finance and financial technology. The program also aims to promote a deeper understanding of what RCBC has identified as the five pillars of financial inclusion: 1) payments, 2) insurance, 3) savings, 4) investments, and 5) loans.

“We have taken it as part of our mission to accompany our countrymen in this journey towards financial inclusion. We dream of a day when our unbanked and underserved sectors will soon become fully banked individuals; that each Filipino household has taken the values of saving up and investing to heart. This starts with a grassroots financial education strategy,” said Lito Villanueva, RCBC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer.

On DepEd’s part, the partnership and program will not only benefit the learners but the whole educational system including the teachers and other stakeholders.

“RCBC has always been very helpful to us. The important thing that RCBC is doing is in financial literacy and these programs have to be continued. The laws on senior high school say that the learners have to be taught financial literacy. But not only should the learners be taught financial literacy but the teachers themselves so that the learners will take the cue and example from the teachers also. All of us have to be taught financial literacy,” said DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones.

The integration of the said program is also a step forward to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) vision of a“digital Philippines.” Through an effective financial education and digital literacy strategy and program, the BSP and RCBC believes that this program will also help Filipinos to maximize the services banks and other financial institutions offer, and that they are also empowered to rise above financial exclusion.

“In the end, we want every Filipino learner to find their own diskarte as early as senior high school, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for them to soon experience asenso at ginhawa. We believe that almost everything in digital banking innovation, supported by a strong grassroots financial education strategy, is within reach, hence echoing our DiskarTech mantra: Halos lahat pwede,” said RCBC President and CEO Eugene Acevedo.

Boiler Plate:

RCBC is one of the leading universal banks accelerating digital transformation in the Philippines. It was judged as the Philippines’ best retail bank in the 2021 Global Banking and Finance Review Awards. It also bagged a back-to-back best digital bank award from Asiamoney in 2020 and 2021, and the Alpha Southeast Asia in 2020, among other global and regional recognitions. It is also the first local universal bank to have the most extensive reach with registered customers from across all 81 provinces nationwide through its mobile apps RCBC Mobile and DiskarTech. Its digital products include RCBC mobile and online banking, handheld ATM Go mobile point-of-sale terminals, and DiskarTech, among others. DiskarTech was recognized as the 2020 breakout finance app in the country by App Annie, a global data analytics firm covering all mobile applications worldwide.

Globe keeps Bayanihan spirit alive, allows customers to support distance learning

Tweet

As Christmas approaches, Globe aims to reignite the Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos -- allowing customers to contribute to its nation-building efforts through Globe Rewards.

Inspired by Globe’s most iconic prefix, 0917, the company dedicated the month of September to show its love and gratitude for customers by providing them with a platform to share their blessings with communities in need of support.

“Supporting communities to access basic needs during a pandemic or a disaster is a fundamental aspect of nation-building. Globe activates its ecosystem and provides channels to its customers to contribute to advocacies and respond to the urgent needs of our kababayans,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Using Globe Rewards, Globe customers can donate to Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to support public schools, teachers, and students with connectivity tools for the distance learning setup.

Through AFI, Globe has been helping the Department of Education (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela program, which pivoted to providing digital solutions to help teachers and students attend classes virtually.

Enabling the Philippine education sector through accessible internet and technology

Crisanto also highlighted how “Globe has been an enabler of e-learning” through the platforms and programs they’ve launched, including free data access to DepEd Commons and the Globe e-Library web-platform and mobile app.

With these, students and teachers are now able to upload and consume learning materials, as well as access age-appropriate and engaging e-books and e-learning videos on their devices.

Likewise, Globe has provided Ayala Foundation close to P10 million worth of connectivity tools such as preloaded SIMs, Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi Kits under the WiFi2Teach program, and monetary donations benefiting over 11,900 students and teachers.

Globe and TM customers have also supported through Globe Rewards and donated a total of P2.2 million from September 2020 to Q2 of 2021 - P1.15 million of which went to Brigada Eskwela; helping 221,123 students and 5,649 teachers. The remaining P1.05 million went to disaster response, benefiting 30,000 families or 150,000 individuals in 8 provinces across 7 regions.

Through Global Filipino Teachers (GFT) webinars, Globe continues to train educators on digital literacy, parental support on digital learning, responsible online behavior, effective 21st-century approaches to early language literacy, and psychological first aid. GFT recently partnered with DepEd – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Services for a 14-session webinar series on mental wellness.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 4 for quality education and UN SDG No. 9 for industry, innovation, and infrastructure. It is also committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Healthy working relationships promote good work-life balance

Tweet

Increased productivity while achieving common goals, trust and respect among co-workers, furthering one’s career with strong support in the workplace, development of long-lasting relationships, and, more importantly, a healthy work-life balance is positive results of having a good relationship with co-workers.

These were emphasized in the topic of the 10th edition of the Department of Education’s and Globe’s TAYO NAMAN! (Tulong, Alaga, Yakap at Oras para sa mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyon)14-part webinar series hosted by DepEd School Division of Cagayan.

Raymond A. Magpantay, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), Inc. and ambassador to the Philippines for the non-profit No Bully based in San Francisco in the U.S., led the discussions about “Connecting and Building Healthy Relationships with Co-Workers.”

He shared with educators and parents who attended the webinar the different types of conflicts in the workplace, barriers in establishing good associations, how to manage conflicts, and techniques to establish and ensure healthy relationships.

“Filipinos value closeness and relationships with their family, friends, and co-workers. This is why we need to establish boundaries, assert ourselves and learn to self-regulate our emotions and reactions in different situations so we can really develop and sustain meaningful relationships at work and at home. Once we achieve this, we will be able to harness the power of learning from one another and the virtues of being humble and open,” Magpantay said.

Managing boundaries is the key to ensure that we do not leverage relationships unfairly or create an environment of favoritism. The seminar also emphasized the need to treat each team member with equal care, consideration, and respect. Whenever possible, it is important to include other people in work projects to further diversify our knowledge and perspectives. Importantly, we must be able to say NO even to our work friends to develop a culture of trust in respect.

“The pandemic has derailed many social activities and physical connection with friends, colleagues at work, and in some cases, even with family members. We are one with the DepEd and our teachers to help relearn, repair, and rebuild these relationships that are very important to our mental and emotional well-being. Through this initiative, we hope to reach more educators, parents, and students who feel burdened by isolation. Hindi po kayo nag-iisa. Sama-sama po tayo,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe SVP for Corporate Communications and Chief Sustainability Officer.

DepEd’s TAYO Naman! is an online Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) program for all education advocates, including teachers, non-teaching personnel, and parents. It is spearheaded by DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service (DRRMS) and Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD) Employee Welfare Division in partnership with Globe’s Global Filipino Teachers (GFT) Series on Psychosocial Support Services, the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc., MAGIS Creative Spaces, and Unilab Foundation.

The webinars are held every Friday until August 27, from 8:30 to 10:00 am and streamed live on Facebook thru: DepED Philippines, Deped DRRMS, and Globe Bridgecom.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 3 on providing good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 4 for quality education. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

Learn more by visiting www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html.