Keeping kids safe even with increased online exposure during pandemic

Tweet

Every day, parents confront various concerns with regard to their children. But with the pandemic where children become more exposed online for learning, entertainment, and socialization, one important issue that has to be addressed immediately is how to keep the young ones safe from the dangers that lurk in the internet while allowing technology to work for them.

To deal with the apprehensions being faced by parents during these extraordinary times, the “Gabay Bahay: An Online Parenting Series” discussed different ways that can guide the parents, including how to navigate the Internet safely. The online series is established by the Department of Education Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DepEd DRRMS)  with Globe Telecom as a major partner.

Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Data Protection Officer of Globe and one of the webinar speakers, underscored the importance of keeping children safe online. Almeida, who has two kids, emphasized that parents should  ensure the protection of their children’s personal information while using the internet.

“While the internet offers countless benefits for our children, it can also expose them to risks and dangers. If we don’t monitor their online activity or educate them on responsible online behavior, they may be vulnerable to harassment, discrimination, blackmail, cyberbullying, and even identity theft or fraud,” she said.

Almeida also shared a few reminders for parents to guide their children on the responsible use of the internet: 

• Ask the children not to post or share personal information publicly, or with strangers, as those with ill intentions could easily take advantage of this. 
• Make it a point to read the privacy policies and terms and conditions of the websites and applications that your children use.
• Set your children’s privacy settings with them. This way, you have some control over who can see their children’s posts, and who can contact them.
• Remind them not to chat with people they don’t know, and to report them to you or their teachers immediately.
• Educate them about the harmful effects of clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources. These could be viruses in disguise and may be used to steal personal information, which hackers can use to take advantage of.
• Ask them not to give out their username or password to anyone except their parents.

As much as possible, she said, parents should monitor their children’s use of the internet, and provide proper guidance.  In the event of a violation of their children’s data privacy rights, parents may file a complaint with the National Privacy Commission at complaints@privacy.gov.ph.

In another episode of the series, Francis Pugeda, Head of Emerging Technologies at Globe, related how technology can help children discover their creative side and explore things they want like music, movies/TV series.

As parents, Pugeda said they should exercise some control over their children’s use of the internet to establish discipline but not too much that would curtail their desire to learn new things. “Being responsible is key when using technology. With our daughter, we allow her some leeway, but we also make sure to guide her properly, especially on her choice of content, what is beneficial and what can be harmful. Good thing is that because she is guided, she already knows her limits,” he said. “ We shouldn’t force them but let them discover things on their own but with proper guidance to make their technology and internet use a pleasant experience.”

In another session which talked about positive discipline, Ginger Arboleda, a Mom-preneur and popular blogger (Mommyginger.com), Chief Executive Officer of Manila Workshops and co-founder of Taxumo, said she and her husband practice a more positive way of disciplining their seven-year-old daughter. They start by being more actively involved in helping her learn how to handle situations more appropriately while remaining calm, friendly and respectful of their child’s feelings.  

“We should never forget that in everything we do, we do it for our children. As parents, our goal is to make them grow up and become responsible and respectful members of society. We will not be always by their side forever so might as well start now by creating an ideal environment for them without worries or pressure and where they can thrive later on,” she said.

Arboleda shared that even though things are done mostly online, she still encourages their daughter to explore and expose herself to certain things around her while she is young, using tools like smartphones, computers, tablets. “But we also teach her right from wrong, good and bad based on family values to help her decipher or discern things. We do not dictate but only help her navigate.”

Globe is a strong advocate of digital citizenship and responsible use of technology.  Through its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), Globe introduced various modules to teachers and students aimed at increasing students’ knowledge of digital citizenship and cybersafety by taking a critical look at their online behavior and helping them develop insights into the influences of the online world and the choices they are making. With the push towards online education, Globe modified the in-class DTP workshop into e-modules to reach more people in their homes.

To learn more about Globe’s sustainability efforts, visit:

https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html#gref

Empowering teachers and students for blended learning PLDT ramps up its Infoteach Outreach Program with a webinar series

Tweet

MANILA, Philippines – To enable various sectors in the new normal of online teaching and learning, leading telco PLDT, through its Infoteach Outreach Program, is conducting a webinar series called "Gearing up for the New Normal in Teaching and Learning.” 

The webinar series recently kicked off with the topic “Preparing your course for online delivery,” and was attended by almost 15,000 registered participants. These include teachers and students who were selected by PLDT in coordination with the Department of Education (DepED) Schools Division Superintendents, while the program’s long-time partner UP Open University (UPOU) provided the learning modules. The session was also extended to the public through the UPOU Networks’ Facebook Live and YouTube streams, with peak views reaching over 8,000 individuals. 

"We echo our Chairman's commitment that there should be no learner left behind. Amid the pandemic, we continue to empower our teachers and students by providing them with digital capabilities. Our webinar series aims to equip them for a smoother transition to a blended learning set-up,” said PLDT Public Affairs Head Ramon Isberto. 

"Through the webinar series, we advocate the culture of sharing. We become architects as we design our own modules. Through this, we enable our fellow teachers to learn from our best teaching and learning practices,” said UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda Bandalaria during the first session. 

There are several topics educators can watch out for, including engaging learners online (August 3), assessment of online engagement tools (August 7) and supporting online learners (August 10). Students will be given an online course on preparing to be an online learner (August 5), while parents will be offered a special webinar on how to support their children as online learners (August 18). There will also be a webinar session on cyber security open to the general public (August 14), led by PLDT Chief Information and Security Officer Angel Redoble. 

“This webinar series in partnership with the UPOU is a milestone that aims to uplift our country’s new digital education system. We continue to take strides in ensuring that we utilize our resources in helping the teaching and learning community," he said. 

Recognizing the vital role that the local government units (LGUs) play in supporting the education sector’s transition to digital learning, PLDT will also hold a special webinar session for them on August 12. 

For more details on how to participate, visit the UPOU Network’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UPOpenUniversityNetworks/

Through the shared goal of enriching the country’s education sector, PLDT and UPOU are dedicating this webinar series not only to the teachers, but also to the whole ecosystem of the teaching and learning process: the students, their parents, and their communities. 

About the Infoteach Outreach Program 

Now on its 16th year, the PLDT Infoteach Outreach Program started in 2004 as a barangay-based initiative on digital literacy training, and was later transformed into a school-based program. As the company’s flagship educational program, it champions digital literacy by empowering public school teachers and students nationwide. Its partnership with UPOU started in 2012 and has already produced over 30,000 graduates from different public schools all over the country. 

For more details on PLDT’s efforts for the education sector, please visit http://pldt.com/about-us/corporate-citizenship

Knowledge Channel ready to work with gov't in distance learning

Tweet

As the government shifts to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Knowledge Channel is ready to share its video lessons that could reach as many as 7.6 million students, a huge portion of the 27 million expected to enroll this school year.

“Knowledge Channel is prepared to work with the government. We have created and acquired more than a thousand video lessons, all based on the K - 12 curriculum of the Department of Education and these are ready for use,” Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) director for operations Edric Calma said. 

For 21 years, KCFI has developed and acquired multimedia educational materials that public schools nationwide, especially in remote regions used to enhance teaching and learning. They are aired over Knowledge Channel and used for instruction by KCFI-trained teachers and are also designed for home-based learning. Before ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5, Knowledge Channel aired over SKYcable, SKYdirect, ABS-CBN TVplus, and other cable and direct to home satellite TV providers, reaching millions of students. 

According to Calma, KCFI has developed into video format 50% of the most essential learning competencies (MELC) that DepEd requires to be taught for the school year, and that KCFI can easily develop the remaining 50%. 

Knowledge Channel’s method of using TV technology has proven to improve the performance of children in school. Studies conducted by the DLSU La Sallian Institute for Development and Educational Research and the UP Statistical Center for Research Foundation's Impact Study for Proficient Measures for Quality Education revealed that children who were taught using Knowledge Channel video lessons performed better in tests. 

“The most essential learning competencies are the minimum curriculum-prescribed skills that students must acquire,” Calma said.

Calma stressed that the 21st century DepEd curriculum is about understanding and creating designs, systems and processes, unlike in the past when students were just required to memorize. 

“Subjects like mathematics and the sciences involve understanding of processes, and they need to be visually illustrated for kids to understand,” he said, adding “with this kind of curriculum, we need TV.” 

Calma said that Knowledge Channel’s multimedia resources also teach kids critical thinking. 

“Children’s critical thinking and creativity are triggered by video lessons because we challenge them with questions at the beginning, halfway through and at the end of the episode,” Calma said.

Alice Panares, who sits in the board of the National Council for Children's Television, said that the government is faced with the near-impossible task of training a 900,000-strong teaching workforce to teach students using media before the August opening of classes. 

To address this problem, Panares suggested that Knowledge Channel be tapped at the very onset of the distance learning program. 

“While the teachers are being trained, why not tap first the lessons of Knowledge Channel since it already has existing materials,” Panares said, adding that “Knowledge Channel has done a very complete work in educating the students in different areas.”

Panares said that Knowledge Channel is ready with the different subjects that are already in the form of TV lessons made for different grade levels. “I’ve watched many of the lessons and they are ready for airing for the DepEd,” she said.

KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez Bautista appealed that KCFI be given the chance to share with the government its expertise for the sake of the children. 

Lopez Bautista said, “We believe that learning must continue for all and that no child should be left behind. We appeal to our lawmakers and the Filipino people to recognize ABS-CBN’s contributions to education and that ABS-CBN is granted a new franchise so that we can again reach the children no matter where they are in the Philippines. The Knowledge Channel Foundation continues, and will be working to continue to be in the service of Filipino children.” 

Typhoon Kammuri affects 14 million children; World Vision stands ready to support

Tweet

Typhoon Kammuri made its first landfall in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon at around 11PM on December 2.

Kammuri intensified just before it hit the landmass with a maximum sustained winds of 165km/h near its center and 230km/h gustiness. 

"I wasn't able to sleep well last night not because the strong winds and rain bothered me but because I was worried about the families in evacuation centers and their deserted homes made of light wooden materials," shares Rey Montimor, World Vision Program Manager of Albay and Sorsogon. 

Information from the Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) shows that 14 million learners are affected due to class suspensions across more than 26,000 schools in 12 regions. Meanwhile, UNOCHA’s Joint Analysis of Disaster Exposure data says that there are at least nine million people in the affected areas - Camarines Sur, Albay, Quezon, Catanduanes, and Camarines Norte, 300,000 children of whom are living in places with possible widespread damage.

“As a child-focused organization, our focus is to complement the government’s efforts in ensuring that these children are safe and protected. World Vision is present in Pio Duran in Albay, Bulan in Sorsogon, Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte and Lagonoy in Camarines Sur. Our team on the ground is set to conduct rapid assessment as soon as it is safe to do so,” says World Vision’s Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte. 

He also lauded the preparedness initiatives of all stakeholders. In the past, World Vision’s disaster risk reduction projects helped strengthen the communities’ preparedness through provision of early warning equipment like rain gauge and public address system and community and school-based disaster preparedness trainings.

“If needed, World Vision is ready to deploy its prepositioned relief items from its warehouses in Clark and Cebu which can cater to 2000 families,” says Fuerte.

For news and updates, visit www.worldvision.org.ph.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

BDO Foundation teaches financial education to kids through storytelling

Tweet

Saving money is one of the most important aspects in our life. Teaching kids how to save money may seem like a tough task. How can you make your child’s understanding of money fun and accessible? It’s an investment in knowledge which truly pays the best interest.

There are ways to empower the next generation, and that starts by teaching children the importance of saving from a young age.

A boy who succeeds in getting his dream toy, an enterprising high school student who uses her creativity to earn income, and a modified version of a well-loved folk song—these are just some of the content used to teach youngsters the value of saving money and preparing for the future.

Gandang Girlie Video - “Ganda ni Girlie,” describes how a high school student’s resourcefulness and creativity help her earn income even in her youth. 

The materials, which come in the form of videos, are part of the training tools developed by BDO Foundation, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to promote financial education among public school students from kindergarten all the way to senior high school,

Savings from her earnings 

“Young people are into watching videos. We thought it would be best to come up with financial literacy videos that would not just entice, but more importantly, educate them,” said BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.

He also said the strategy to leverage storytelling and music was meant to provide entertainment while educating children on the very important subject of personal finance.

“The beauty of stories and songs is that they are easy to remember. Kids appreciate the materials better because they can easily imagine being the characters in the stories. This makes the materials so powerful in teaching and inspiring,” Deriquito continued.

Finishing touches for her springless notebook business

Five financial education videos for students have been released to date. These aim to catch students’ attention and enable them to learn about the value of money at the same time.

The said tools, developed by BDO Foundation in partnership with DepEd and BSP, were deployed to public schools nationwide by virtue of DepEd Memo No. 32, series of 2019, signed by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones.

Newspaper fund drive from her neighbors & sells it to nearby junkshops

The videos include “Walk Hard for the Money,” which tells of an elementary school boy who chooses to walk to school instead of commuting despite being given allowance. Along with other money-making efforts, these eventually pay off, allowing him to buy an electric scooter, which he later rides to school.

Another video, “Bente Bente,” conveys the same message to young school children to the tune of “Tong Tong Pakitong-kitong.”

Inspired by the Filipino folk song Magtanim ay Di Biro, “Umutang ay Di Biro” also uses music to tell older students to save their allowance, limit spending and pay debts on time.

Ice Candy business during weekends

“Ganda ni Girlie,” meanwhile, describes how a high school student’s resourcefulness and creativity help her earn income even in her youth. 

“Save to Have a Million: Junior Edition” discusses the right attitudes in handling money through a game show.

Other than the videos for the students, the financial literacy learning tools also include lesson plans, discussion guides, and financial education videos for teachers and non-teaching personnel.

“It is very important that the students start the habit of saving while they’re young,” Deriquito emphasized. 

“This is our strategy for greater financial inclusion among Filipinos in the long run.”

A survey conducted by global financial services firm Standard & Poor’s revealed that only 25% of Filipino adults are financially literate. This is lower than the global average of 33%.

Barbecue Outside her village area with the help of her relatives taking turns in grilling then selling it. 

“We hope that the videos encourage the students not just to live for the moment, but prepare for their future by saving and spending wisely now,” Deriquito added.

BDO Foundation will be developing more financial education materials together with DepEd and BSP in the future.

The foundation also has financial education programs for overseas Filipino workers and their families, army personnel and their families, and small farmers. Its programs will further be discussed in a web series on YouTube.

BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank.

MILO Launches New Sports Programs for Schools and Barangays Nationwide

Tweet

MILO Philippines continues its unwavering commitment to give the Filipino youth more opportunities to get into sports with the launch of their newest sports programs, the MILO Champ Camp and the Barangay MILO Liga. Over the next two years, these programs aim to bring sports closer to grassroot communities by engaging over one million students and 60,000 parents through the MILO Champ Camp and over 500,000 residents in 300 barangays with the Barangay MILO Liga.

“MILO is proud to kick off these two latest additions to our growing portfoilo of grassroots sports programs, which will be offered for free. It is our hope that by reaching out to different public schools and barangays around the country that more parents and kids will realize the value of sports, and ultimately build a nation of champions,” expressed Willy de Ocampo, Vice President, Nestle Philippines, Inc.

Reinforcing sports in a child’s holistic development with MILO Champ Camp

For many years, MILO has had a longstanding commitment to support educational programs by providing students access to sports and encouraging them to lead active and healthy lifestyles. The MILO Champ Camp is a nationwide school tour that aims to spark the interest of students for sports and promote the importance of the values learned through it.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the MILO Champ Camp will tap skilled youth coaches to teach elementary students the basics of basketball, volleyball, and football, while offering parents insightful talks on the value of getting their children into sports and the importance of giving proper nutrition and energy to start their day. This year, the MILO Champ Camp will roll out in 300 public schools in key cities around the country, estimating participation of 500,000 students and 30,000 parents.

“Learning continues outside the classroom, and we at MILO want to reach out to both parents and kids by providing an interactive glimpse into popular sports. We want to introduce the basics of popular ball sports by offering a hands-on experience for elementary students, and give importance to sports in the child’s overall development,” said Kevin Mauricio, MILO Consumer Marketing Activations Executive.

Bringing sports closer to grassroots communities with Barangay MILO Liga

The Barangay MILO Liga seeks to elevate the yearly community-based tournaments during the summer break through the rehabilitation of facilities and sharing of MILO’s sports advocacy to residents of barangays across the country. By refurbishing basketball courts and mounting events that will unite the community and encourage children to participate in dynamic gameplay, Barangay MILO Liga will help Filipino youth become more active, and inspire residents to become more engaged in their communities.

The Barangay MILO Liga program, which spans 100 barangays in as north as Baguio and as south as General Santos City for its maiden year, also aims to modernize the community’s sports facilities, transforming them into MILO Courts of Values. Improvements to be made include repainting or restoration of basketball courts and supplying brand new sports equipment.

“All these efforts are being made so that the barangay’s young residents, and even children from surrounding communities and nearby schools will have access to well-conditioned sports venues and become inspired to go out and play. We want to encourage kids in the barangays to become more active through sports, and not be too consumed with their gadgets,” said Lester P. Castillo, MILO Sports Executive.

“We envision Barangay MILO Liga to be a training ground for young athletes to pick up at least one sport, develop their skills, and hone their character as future champions. We are very thankful to the barangays who have partnered with us to rally behind this advocacy.”

The Barangay MILO Liga began mid-March and is set to culminate in their respective barangay tournament finals some time late April to May.

“We are very honored to have this meaningful partnership with MILO in advocating sports to the youth. Both the Barangay MILO Liga and the MILO Champ Camp are admirable programs that extends values education of children outside the classroom,” shared Usec. Atty. Tonisito Umali of the Department of Education.

Globe, Facebook, DepEd collaborate to promote responsible digital citizenship in schools nationwide - “Digital Discernment” workshop launched to coincide with Safer Internet Day

Tweet

Globe Telecom, Facebook and the Department of Education (DepEd) again joined hands to continue promoting responsible digital citizenship among teachers and students in public and private schools across the country under the “Digital Thumbprint Program” or DTP.

Globe Telecom, Facebook and Department of Education launched a partnership to promote responsible digital citizenship in the country. Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (center) led the program launch. Cu is joined by from left, Globe Senior Vice President Nikko Acosta, DQ representative Galvin Ngo, Facebook Head of Community Affairs in Asia Pacific Clair Deevy and DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali. 

As of end 2017, there are now more than 60 million internet users in the country, 52.2 million of which—or roughly 50% of the country’s population—are mobile internet users who spend about 3.36 hours using the internet daily. Data from a Philippine National Police (PNP) report also bared that half of internet users are adolescents aged 17 years old and below.

Related to this, the DQ Institute, an international think-tank formed in association with the World Economic Forum, revealed in its inaugural 2018 DQ Global Impact Report that 56 percent of kids 8 to 12 years old worldwide who go online are exposed to a variety of cyber risks. Referring to a study of the Philippine internet situation, the same report said 73 percent of children in the same age bracket are exposed to cyber risks, the second highest in a study among 29 countries. 

The report cited exposure to cyberbullying, video game addiction, online grooming, online sexual behavior, and digital misinformation are as prevailing cyber risks in the Philippines. As online usage increases in the country, so does the level of risks for users whenever they are online, which calls for more protection by advocating responsible digital citizenship, including critical thinking when online, plus protection against piracy and abuse.

Given this, Globe Telecom and Facebook, in collaboration with DepEd, launched a workshop entitled “Digital Discernment.” The workshop contains topics that teach online users how to think critically online, and effectively identify credible information from questionable information. Content includes practical tips on how to verify and examine online sources of on and identify facts from opinions.

“Collaborating with Facebook and DepEd to enhance our DTP is important to make sure we are putting in the right intervention to address responsible usage of the internet. By the first quarter of this year, we will determine the social impact of this program to students from Grade 7 to 12,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

“Digital literacy is critical to building informed and meaningful communities. Working with partners like Globe we hope to give people in the Philippines the skills and resources they need to help contribute to a positive online experience,” said Clair Deevy, Head of Community Affairs, Facebook Asia-Pacific.

“From an early age, our children are able to access social media through personal mobile phones. Before they start actively engaging in social media or owing their mobile phone, we need to empower our children with digital citizenship skills to mitigate cyber-risks and maximize the opportunity of technology,” said Dr Yuhyun Park, Founder of the DQ Institute.

"The internet, undeniably, plays a very large role in the lives of our youth and students today to the extent that it seems impossible to restrain them from internet usage. What we can do about this is to teach them how to use it properly. It is our Department's responsibility to educate them to wisely use the internet because this is exactly how we produce individuals who are responsible and critical enough to know the perfect time and way to consult the internet. This is how we raise well-informed and insightful citizens," DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and School Sports, Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq. explained.

The workshop also educates how online community can correctly recognize when information is intended as a joke, done satirically or intentionally crafted as false. Most importantly, Digital Discernment includes empathy as a key value to express online with the aim of not just creating a safer and informed community but one that embraces perspectives and respects differences of opinion.

The pilot “Digital Discernment” workshop was held February 6, 2018, coinciding with the observance of “Safer Internet Day” in the Philippines. One-hundred (100) public high school students from Metro Manila converged at the Mind Museum in Taguig City to participate in the first of many rollouts of the workshop to be held in various areas across the country. The Digital Discernment workshop also supports Globe Telecom’s #makeITsafePH campaign on cybersecurity and cyber wellness.

Launched in 2016 by Globe, DTP first comprised of three workshop modules: Digital Insight (for Grade 7 to 10 students), where participants are taught to help discern proper online behavior; Digital Impact (also for Grade 7 to 10 students) wherein issues on technology’s impact on students’ social activities are tackled; and Digital Ambition (for Grade 11 to 12 students), which equips students with skills on how to use technology to help them achieve their life goals. 

At present, DTP has already reached more than 17,000 public and private high-school students in the country, with more than 1,800 facilitators already empowered to teach the program. In a latest impact assessment done by the Karrikins Group, it showed that 94.4% of the participants found the DTP relevant while 93.7% said it helped them build confidence in their online activities. Teachers also said their students displayed a high level of engagement in the sessions.

For schools and other organizations that would like to avail and schedule facilitation of the free workshops, emailbridgecom@globe.com.ph. Workshops also include a trainers’ program to equip aspiring facilitators to hold the workshops independently.

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

Tweet

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

Tweet

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.”

Epson Gift of Brightness names Top 5 Honor Roll Essay Writing Winners

Tweet

Mariah Jen P. Lorenzo, Hailey Seloterio and Marinzki R. Victorio receive their “Pabaon Package” from Epson Philippines. The three students from Ninoy Aquino Elementary School were among the top winners in the Gift of Brightness Honor Roll essay-writing contest.

Mariah Jen P. Lorenzo, Hailey Seloterio and Marinzki R. Victorio receive their “Pabaon Package” from Epson Philippines. The three students from Ninoy Aquino Elementary School were among the top winners in the Gift of Brightness Honor Roll essay-writing contest.

Epson Philippines recently awarded the Top 5 students in its Gift of Brightness (GoB) Honor Roll Essay Writing Contest, an activity that aims to encourage students from the beneficiary schools of Epson’s Gift of Brightness Program to share stories on how the Epson products helped them make learning an exciting and productive experience. 

The winners were each awarded an Epson Honor Roll Baon Package, while their respective schools received Epson inks and ribbons to be used in the previously donated Epson printers.

The Gift of Brightness Advocacy Program of Epson Philippines, which was launched in December 2013, aims to equip deserving schools and students who lack technology resources to support the faculty and to help students in their school requirements. Each of the beneficiary schools received Epson printers, projectors, document camera and other Epson products and supplies.

The GoB Honor Roll Essay Writing Contest was open to students of Batch 1 and Batch 2 beneficiary schools totaling 30 schools, and was concluded before the end of School Year 2016-2017.

The winning essays for the GoB Honor Roll Contest are:

• “Makabagong Teknolohiya” by  Jesamel A. Gamit – Grade 6

              San Jose Elementary School Pag-ibig sa Nayon Annex, Quezon City

• “Visualist” by Zean Clifford Gaut Dellera, Grade Vi-Camia                                                                                                                San Joaquin Central School,   San Joaquin Palo, Leyte

• “Uplifting the Youth to the 21st century” by Mariah Jen P. Lorenzo

School Ninoy Aquino Elementary School

• “My Door for the 21st century” by Hailey Seloterio

School: Ninoy Aquino Elementary School

• “The Change Just Came” by  Marinzki R. Victorio

School: Ninoy Aquino Elementary School

The schools of the winning students also received Epson inks and ribbons to be used in the Epson-donated printers. In photo are Ninoy Aquino Elementary School Teacher Coordinator Evangeline Sason, Science Teacher Edelynn Sampedro Calizar and Principal Marissa Cristobal.

“For this GoB Honor Roll essay-writing contest, we asked the students to write about how the Epson technology package helped them in their studies.  We were truly inspired by the stories we received from them, motivating us to help more schools under this program,” says Ms. Donna V. Ferro, Head of Marketing Communications and PR, Epson Philippines.   

Epson Philippines has just finished awarding a new set of 15 schools last March 2017, bringing the current total of GoB beneficiaries to 45 schools, with another batch for selection within this year.

“We are focusing on selecting schools from areas that have yet to receive a similar donation, and we are working with partners from both the private and government sectors to help us complete this latest batch. We also plan to continue initiating projects like the Honor Roll Essay Writing, so we can inspire the students in their learning journey,” concludes Ms. Ferro.

The Gift of Brightness Advocacy Program of Epson Philippines was launched in December 2013, and has now benefited a total of 30 schools nationwide. Epson Philippines is currently selecting another batch of beneficiary schools with the help of DepEd and other partners.

Lamoiyan Corporation helps students beat back to school blues

Tweet

Re-establishing routines and adapting to school hours are a few things that make going back to school a difficult transition for children. But for many kids, this is just a fraction of what they have to deal with when school season starts.

A medical check-up by the Department of Education Health and Nutrition of over 3 million public school students showed that 436,325 of them had pediculosis (head lice infestation), making it one of the leading health problems of public school students in the country.

Children are teased and bullied for having head lice, which is also a common cause for them to miss school. The stigma associated with having pediculosis can leave lasting damage to children’s psychological well-being and leave them isolated from their peers.

To raise awareness about head lice infestation issues, and to help combat health problems commonly faced by students, Lamoiyan Corporation partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) and donated over 5,000 hygiene product packs to schools in Cebu City.

Kids celebrate being kuto-free

Marketing Director Bing Cavestany, Senior Marketing Associate Jacquiline Pe, and other Lamoiyan representatives were present during the Brigada Eskwela National Kick-off to help distribute packs of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, Hapee and Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste.

“This is an amazing opportunity for us to give back to schools and communities,” said Bing Cavestany, Marketing Director of Lamoiyan. “We believe in taking an active role in promoting health and education, so joining efforts like Brigada Eskwela is an important priority for Lamoiyan and our advocacy.”

As a part of its partnership with DepEd, Lamoiyan will also donate Licealiz and Hapee products to public schools in other regions across the country. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with DepEd and in working hand in hand with them in addressing health problems of school children in the country,” said Cavestany.

Pediculosis is a leading health problem in the country, but it is preventable with the right treatment. Avoid sharing combs, hats, pillows and other head ornaments and pieces of clothing that may lead to lice infestation. Keep your surroundings clean; head lice can live up to three days off the scalp and may attach themselves on upholstery, mattresses, and other pieces of furniture. And regularly check your children and family members for head lice with a suyod.

For more information on head lice prevention and treatment, visit www.facebook.com/licealiz.