Bayad and DepEd, Empowering Filipino Youth Through Financial Literacy

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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.”

EdVenture partners with Knowledge Channel for “Wikaharian”

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EdVenture, the edutech startup of Globe's corporate venture builder 917Ventures, has partnered with the Knowledge Channel to produce entertaining and educational episodes of "Wikaharian," an animated series of Filipino lessons.

The partnership seeks to teach Filipino students through reading with the Marungko method. This approach is designed to improve students’ reading skills by introducing letters based on sound instead of the traditional arrangement. The letters are then used in localized and contextualized songs and poems for the students to remember and learn them better.

EdVenture tutor Lara Flores, an experienced public school teacher majoring in Filipino, will be the guest storyteller on Wikaharian Online World for four episodes.

The series, to be hosted by Ate Michelle, started airing on September 19, with the rest of the episodes slated to come out on September 26, October 3 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Knowledge Channel’s Facebook, and the FYE channel on Kumu. It will also be aired on Knowledge Channel TV every Friday with replays every Saturday and Sunday at 6:40 a.m. and 6:40 p.m.

“Wikaharian” is a project of the Knowledge Channel to promote reading and numeracy through arts and culture. Knowledge Channel is the first and only curriculum-based educational television channel in the Philippines owned and operated by Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.

“EdVenture’s collaboration with Knowledge Channel is part of our advocacy to provide 21st-century quality education to Filipino learners while increasing the quality of life of Filipino teachers. Through Wikaharian, we hope to help develop an interest in reading among children and make learning fun for them,” said Cristina Gervasio, EdVenture Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

The platform continues to integrate technology into the teaching-learning process of students and equip parents with what they need to catalyze educational transformation. At the same time, it provides additional income to hundreds of Filipino teachers.

EdVenture offers high-quality, affordable, and inclusive one-on-one tutorials in Math, Science, English, Filipino, Reading, and Araling Panlipunan to students in preschool to Grade 10. It has packages that provide intensive tutoring sessions and access to free and exclusive learning materials.

Learn more about EdVenture by visiting https://edventure.ph/.

World Vision awards One For Children seal to Delex Pharma International, Inc.

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Honoring their remarkable support for children over the years, Delex Pharma International was the latest recipient of World Vision’s One for Children Seal.

Awarded in their partner recognition ceremony called Project Salute, the plaque of recognition was given to Delex Pharma International to recognize the remarkable support the company has been providing World Vision and its projects for children.

World Vision thanks Delex Pharma International, Inc. for supporting World Vision’s health nutrition and children’s education programs.

World Vision Resource Development Director Jun Godornes and Donor Care Manager, Precious Basco salute Delex Pharma Managers.

World Vision Resource Development Director Jun Godornes, Donor Care Manager, Precious Basco, and Major Donor Engagement Specialist, Monseratt Luna, handed the award to Delex Pharma Managers present at the event. Joining the ceremony virtually were CEO & Chairman of the Board J. de Ruyter C. Oroceo and Vice President for Operations Noel B. Omandam. The ceremony was held at the Delex Pharma office in Sauyo, Quezon City.

Delex started by supporting 45 children in 2015. Through the years, this grew to 125 indigent students who have been given access to education, health and nutrition, values formation, livelihood opportunities, and economic development in the community. It has also been providing support for various World Vision programs and campaigns over the years, including assistance during the fire emergency response in Malabon last 2017.

Recently, Delex also provided school supplies to students in need in partnership with the Department of Education.

Mr. Oroceo also shared that receiving the award was truly inspiring for the organization, as the company believes that helping the community is a moral obligation.

He further stated, “What we have in our possession is not ours but His.” Thus, in his leadership, Delex Pharma continues to extend its arms to the community. He expressed and hope that the support for the less fortunate children will expand in the future.

Likewise, World Vision continues to honor its loyal corporate partners and sponsors like Delex Pharma through Project Salute.

To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

Singlife launches ‘Cash for Goals (Education)’ a better way to fund your child’s ambitions

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Filipino Parents understand that quality education is the best way to pave a better life for their children. However, college tuition fees are expensive and continue to increase annually. To make sure there is money when it’s needed, they need to start building an education fund as early as possible. Singlife Philippines developed Cash for Goals (Education) to help parents prepare for education expenses.

• Start investing with just Php 2,500 with Singlife’s Cash for Goals (Education)’

Helping parents provide for their children

Cash for Goals (Education) helps parents save and grow their money so they can afford their child’s college tuition fees. Singlife makes this hassle-free by making the product available on GCash, which is accessible anytime, anywhere through any mobile device. The purchase experience is designed to be informative, user-friendly, and transparent so that parents can learn how the product works and make a purchase in just a few minutes.

Singlife has made investing for a child’s college fund budget-friendly. Initial investment starts low at only Php 2,500 and additional investments can be as low as Php 500/month. And it’s easy to stay consistent with monthly investing as funds are automatically deducted from the parent’s GCash account for convenience.

Through Cash for Goals, the parent’s money is invested in the Singlife Smart Investment Fund - a peso-denominated investment-linked fund that aims to earn more than traditional savings accounts by primarily investing in a mix of Philippine fixed-income and equity classes. The fund is managed by ATRAM, one of the country’s leading asset management companies.

On top of helping parents save and grow their money, Cash for Goals (Education) also ensures that the child has money for college in case anything unfortunate happens to his/her parents. If the parent investing in the child’s college fund passes away, Singlife will ensure that the target amount is available for the child by the time he/she enters college.

Singlife provides a better way

What makes Cash for Goals (Education) better than the run-of-the-mill investment-linked insurance product is that 100% of the parents’ money is invested, as compared to other products that charge very high entry fees. For parents, this translates to their investments earning more than 50% versus other products in the market, especially during the early years.

The product’s low cash out makes saving for education budget-friendly for every-Juan (and Maria). Cash for Goals (education) is available for as low as Php 500/month after a one-time initial investment of just Php 2,500. And when things get tight and parents need to withdraw funds for emergencies, they can do so without any fees or charges at any given time.

“As parents, we want to provide all we can for our children to help them reach their big ambitions and education is key to that. It is better to start as early as possible to avoid being confronted with the high cost of education when the need is already there and when our budgets might be constrained. To help parents be ready, we created ‘Cash for Goals (Education)’ and give them a better way to plan, save and grow funds for their child’s education,” says Rien Hermans, Singlife’s CEO.

Cash for Goals (Education) is the first unit-linked investment product offered by Singlife Philippines. The company develops products that help customers plan, save, and invest for their financial future.

To learn more about Singlife’s Cash for Goals product visit our website (http://singlife.com.ph/cash-for-goals/) or go to GCash (http://go.gcash.com/SinglifeCFGE).

Shopee continues its pursuit of upskilling young tech talent through the Ultimate Case Challenge

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Innovative Filipino students can win up to ₱50,000 by joining the Shopee Ultimate Case Challenge

This August, Shopee Philippines will be launching its first ever Ultimate Case Challenge, a business case competition open to Filipino undergraduate students from across the globe. Finalists of the competition will get the chance to win up to ₱50,000. Throughout the duration of the case challenge, each team consisting of 3-4 members will be asked to pitch their own unique ideas and solutions to a real-world challenge included in a business case brief.

Karen Perez, Head of People at Shopee Philippines, said, “We’re thrilled to support Filipino tech talents from all over the world by providing them with opportunities to develop their skill set. Through the business case competition, we aim to hone their analytical and process improvement skills, preparing them to be proactive problem solvers in the fast-paced tech industry. We hope to inspire a new generation of talents who will continue to drive the tech industry forward.”

Apart from the opportunity to put their skills to the test, teams will also receive mentorship from leaders at Shopee and the chance to fast-track their careers in tech through Shopee’s career development programs: the Global Leaders Program, Shopee’s 2-year flagship graduate program for young professionals, and the Apprentice Program, Shopee’s specialized internship program.

The regional business case competition has already garnered over 4,000 participants across four other markets including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Shopee Ultimate Case Challenge’s pioneer run in the Philippines. Ready your teams and sign up at careers.shopee.ph/succ from August 22 to September 30.

Canva shares visual communication tips for more effective learning

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Back to school resources are now available on Canva Eskwela.

The opening of classes is just around the corner. While teachers and students will slowly shift back to face-to-face classes this year, visual communication will continue to be an important tool for learning.

To continue making classrooms visually interactive and engaging, here are some balik-eskwela tips from Canva:

*Design visually appealing worksheets, learning materials, and school posters

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sheila Micah Yao, a Canva teacher ambassador from Cauayan, Isabela, started her online business where she first discovered Canva. When classes officially resumed online, she returned to teaching and used Canva to create visually appealing worksheets and learning materials for her students.

Canva has thousands of printable worksheet templates that are free to customize, download, and use for any grade level. To learn more about how teachers can create, communicate and engage students with Canva for Education, Canva also offers design tutorials from engaging students with presentations to designing storyboard activities.

For all your back to school needs, check out Canva’s brand new templates for an awesome school year. Simply change your language to English (Philippines) to search for "Back to School" templates. Check out more back to school resources here.

*Enhance class photos with Canva’s image-editing features

Whether it’s for your class officer board or new class IDs, you can easily enhance and add texts or frames on your students’ photos using Canva.

Claudine Mallari Buan, a teacher from Camias High School in Porac, Pampanga, surprised her students with a free graduation photoshoot last June. She edited the photos using Canva’s image-editing capabilities. From adding stickers, graphics, and frames, to removing backgrounds, Canva can help you make your photos stand out.

*Prep for the upcoming school year by attending Canva for Pinoy Teachers’ back to school webinar

To support teachers in their successful return to school, Canva Philippines will be holding “Canva EskweLIVE: Kickstart Your Face-to-Face Classes with Canva Tools,” a free learning session which will be hosted on the Canva for Pinoy Teachers Community on Facebook on August 10, 2022 at 4:30-6:00 PM. The session will feature a wellbeing talk from Canva Philippines Learning Designer Geryl Minguillo and graphic design demo with Senior Brand Designer Yuni Lao.

Join the Canva for Pinoy Teachers’ learning session on August 10 to learn how teachers can prepare for back to school with Canva.

To get updates about the event, join the Canva for Pinoy Teachers community. The community also features insights and design inspiration from its community members.

In 2020, Canva launched Canva for Education which allows K-12 educators to create and personalize lesson plans, infographics, posters, videos, and collaborate with their students for free. Canva Philippines also introduced Canva Eskwela, an online hub of learning resources that features free and visually engaging content especially tailored for educators and learners in the Philippines.

Now celebrating its 8th anniversary in the Philippines, Canva continues to empower educators and students with access to the collaborative visual communication platform.

To learn more about Canva, visit www.canva.com or follow Canva on Facebook and Instagram. Canva is also available for download on App Store and Play Store.

PLDT Home, Google launch Be Internet Awesome online series

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New kid-oriented show aims to teach kids how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online

Be Internet Awesome’s lead characters - Sam Elora (L) and Robo-berto

Following its partnership announcement to further strengthen efforts in educating Filipino kids and families about internet safety and digital responsibility, the Philippines’ leading home broadband and digital service provider PLDT Home and Google joined forces in creating a kid-oriented video series online.

The Be Internet Awesome online series combines animation and live action — featuring Gen Alpha whiz Sam and his trusty friend Robo-berto in fun-filled yet enlightening adventures on how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online. The series is based on the values of Google’s Be Internet Awesome global program and is directed by Manny Angeles, an award-winning director and producer of kid-oriented and animated shows.

Available in both English and Filipino in the Philippines, Be Internet Awesome aims to teach children the fundamentals of leading a digital life which includes what kind of information to post on social media and how to deal with cyberbullying among others. This is part of the many efforts of Google to help keep people safe online.

(L-R): PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business Home Group, Jeremiah de la Cruz; Google Philippines Marketing Head, Gabby Roxas; First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Product Management and Marketing, John Henri Yanez

“Our children are true digital natives. They grew up with the internet and everything the digital world has to offer. But as they broaden their horizons for discovery and learning, it also exposes them to risks and dangers,” said Jeremiah de la Cruz, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Home Group, PLDT Inc. “Through this original series, we at PLDT Home want to translate the teachings from Google’s Be Internet Awesome program into an entertaining and practical show that children can enjoy watching while learning about online safety early on.”

“PLDT Home’s partnership with Google for Be Internet Awesome aligns with our larger group-wide commitment: to strengthen customer-centricity. At PLDT, we not only find ways to simplify technology and experience for our customers, but we also strive to do business responsibly by putting their safety and well-being at the forefront of all our products and services,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT Inc. And Smart Communications, Inc.

In 2021, PLDT also invested over P2 billion in cybersecurity and protection filtering. The country’s largest integrated telco has since been very active in detecting, responding, and preventing both domain and content-level access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) within the network. PLDT’s Child Protection Platform has blocked almost 300,000 URLs linked CSAM by the end of May and prevented more than a billion attempts to access these illegal sites from November last year to May this year.

“After launching Be Internet Awesome in 2021 in the Philippines, we are glad to have found a like-minded partner in PLDT who champions the same values when it comes to protecting kids online. Through PLDT and more potential partners in the future, we hope to scale Be Internet Awesome and provide more families with a practical way of teaching digital safety and wellness to their children so they can become responsible, confident explorers of the online world,” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director of Google Philippines.

Actor and TV host KC Montero and family

Stratworks PR Director Mark Christian Parlade and sons

Edu-preneurs and media personalities Edric and Joy Mendoza with their family

(L-R) Actor, singer and writer Franco Laurel and daughter with PLDT Assistant Vice President and Head of Marketing PR

The Be Internet Awesome online series will premiere on the PLDT Home YouTube channel on July 8, 2022.

Board topnotchers, 97% NLE passing rate, and high employability of graduates: Stellar Results Mark PHINMA Education’s 18 Years of Serving the Underserved

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More than a decade ago, Elbert Kay Serrano wanted to be a nurse. His parents, a farmer and a canteen helper, didn’t have the resources to help him finish college. Elbert worked any job he could get -- a caregiver, a service crew at a fast food chain, a clerk, a helper-while taking up nursing at PHINMA Araullo University.

Elbert is just one of the thousands of underserved Filipinos whose chances of getting into college and finishing their degree is hampered by their circumstances. “Getting into college and graduating can often be prohibitively expensive for poor families,” said Dr. Chito B. Salazar, PHINMA Education President and CEO. “This barrier to entry is one of the many challenges that we are tackling because we believe that every Filipino deserves to have quality education.”

Owing to its mission to serve the underserved, PHINMA Education schools do not have entrance tests to make it easy for students to enroll and get the quality education they deserve.

An education network for the underserved

Recent data from the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) shows that only 33% of college-aged Filipinos are currently enrolled. PHINMA Education, by intent and design, has been addressing this issue for the past 18 years. The education network, which now operates 10 schools in the Philippines and Indonesia, prides itself on crafting programs and interventions that make it easy for underserved students to get the quality education they want and deserve.

To date, PHINMA Education has over 95,000 students across its ten campuses in the Philippines and Indonesia. Of this number, around 60% are benefiting from theHawak Kamay Scholarship program that provides discounts of up to 75% on enrollment fees. There are no entrance exams to make entry less prohibitive. It also monitors Students-at-Risk (StARs) and conducts home visits to help students return to school.

In 2021, PHINMA Education launched KANLUNGAN, a free individual therapy program for both employees and students. “We don’t stop at simply giving out scholarships. We make sure that their mental and emotional needs as first-generation college students are also taken care of,” Dr. Salazar said.

Beyond giving out scholarships to the majority of its student population, PHINMA Education also ensures that students are mentally and emotionally well through interventions, assistance, and therapy sessions.

Learning strategies that adapt to changing needs

“When the pandemic started, we resolved that nothing should stop our students from learning and

we prepared models that would provide them the flexibility they require in order to learn unhampered,” Dr. Salazar explained. “Our models proved to be so successful that we are now making them a permanent option for our schools.”

The two models, Flex Learning and Remote and Distance (RAD) Learning, relied on printed activity sheets combined with strong teacher and peer support through a mobile data allocation that renewed every month. At no additional cost, students were able to access Facebook Messenger

and G-suite tools to do their course work and attend webinars. FlexLearning students will have in-person classes once regulations allow, while RadLearning students will continue to be home-based.

While the pandemic brought difficulties, it also brought opportunities as PHINMA Education piloted two new learning models that allowed students flexibility. The success of these models made them permanent options across the education network

High board passing results across schools

Elbert Kay Serrano graduated in 2013 and is now a municipal representative for the Department of Health (DOH) in Nueva Ecija. He is also working on getting his doctorate. Those who want to follow in his footsteps are in good hands: PHINMA Education has a 79% board passing rate for first-time takers. Even better, in the recently concluded Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), the five PHINMA Education schools with first-time takers averaged 97%.

PHINMA Education creates models that help students learn unhampered. These efforts have shown great results with schools under the network garnering 92.54% overall passing rate in the NLE and 79% passing rate for first-time takers in other board examinations.

“We are proud to have six topnotchers in the NLE with PHINMA University of Pangasinan (PHINMA UPang) students placing 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th, while a Southwestern University PHINMA (SWU PHINMA) student placed 9th,” shared Dr. Salazar. “PHINMA UPang was also cited as the second top performing school in the country for having a total of 62 passers, including second takers, and a 92.54% overall passing rate,” he added.

From 2004 to May 2022, the network has had 122 board exam topnotchers in the Philippines across courses such as Nursing, Education, Criminology, Electrical Engineering, Medical Technology, and Medicine.

Affordable education towards employability

More than 70% of PHINMA Education graduates are employed within a year after graduation, a percentage expected to increase as the economy bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We believe that the school’s responsibility does not stop the moment a student graduates. Rather, schools should keep supporting their students, including ensuring that they get the help they need to get employed after graduation,” Dr. Salazar stated. PHINMA Education partners with companies that provide training and internships to help students become work-ready.

PHINMA Education’s placement office, Alumni and Corporate Engagement (ACE), currently has 259 active companies in various industries that provide hiring, internship, and training for its students.Aside from online career fairs, graduating students go through mock interviews and feedback sessions with their teachers to prepare them for actual job interviews. Students also attend a series of webinars and career talks with industry partners.

For almost two decades, PHINMA Education has shown that quality, private education does not need to be expensive to be effective. Serving underserved students by tailoring its strategies to their needs, resources, and aspirations, has enabled it to make lives better through education. It’s a mission that the company is determined to pursue even more diligently in the years to come.

PHINMA Education, through strategic partnerships with companies and industries, provides students with assistance and resources to help them land jobs after graduation.

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PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI) under the conglomerate PHINMA Corporation, started investing in the education services sector in 2004 through the acquisition of PHINMA Araullo University in Nueva Ecija. It has since expanded its presence across the country with its network of schools namely: PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, PHINMA University of Pangasinan, PHINMA University of Iloilo, Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu City, PHINMA Saint Jude College in Manila, PHINMA Republican College in Quezon City, PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna, and PHINMA Union College of Laguna. It also aims to expand across Southeast Asia beginning with Horizon Education in Indonesia. For more information, please visit: https://www.phinma.edu.ph

Malayan Colleges Mindanao Engages Parents in Supporting Their Children’s Hybrid Learning

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Malayan Colleges Mindanao, A Mapúa School (MCM) launched The Parenting Hour: A Webinar on Positive Effects of Hybrid Flexible Learning on Students and How Parents Can Support Young Learners on May 6, 2022 via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook. The online event is the school’s initiative to effectively engage parents and guardians in tackling the common challenges in relation to students’ welfare amidst the new normal educational landscape.

The event speakers discussed the important role of parents in the educational success of students.

Mr. Charlymer C. Dingal, Ms. Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Ms. Zaida M. Padullo, and Dr. Sheila Marie G. Hocson during The Parenting Hour

Far Eastern University (FEU) Guidance Director Dr. Sheila Marie G. Hocson emphasised that parents have the most powerful influence on their children and that their behaviour greatly affects that of their children’s. She also motivated parents to constantly communicate with their children.

“[The parents] are the absolute truth of their children. Sana po tayo ay maging magandang ehemplo lalo na po if you are raising zero- to eighteen-year-olds since those are the ages when they develop ethical identity. Importante po na matuto po tayo magkaroon ng frequent communication sa ating mga anak,” Dr. Hocson advised.

Positive Discipline Advocates of the Philippines Founder Ms. Zaida M. Padullo encouraged parents and guardians to build a mutually respectful relationship with their children, and comprehensively communicate their rules, limits, and expectations.

“We encourage our parents and teachers to draw the line kung hanggang saan yung consideration––kung ano yung pwede and hindi. Kailangan po clear yung expectations sa ating mga anak. There has to be clear rules na pinag-a-agree-han ng mga magulang at ng kanyang mga anak. You have to be firm and kind at the same time,” Ms. Padullo urged.

Co-hosted by TV Personality and mom, Ms. Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and MCM’s Guidance Facilitator, Mr. Charlymer C. Dingal, The Parenting Hour was largely attended by parents and guardians of students from Davao City schools.

In its mission of providing quality education, Malayan Colleges Mindanao aims to continuously engage parents and guardians, and provide opportunities for parenting support in helping build a healthy home and school environment for students.

The Parenting Hour may be re-watched here.

Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation makes education accessible to grassroots communities with 100th ALS Center

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Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) launched its 100th Alternative Learning System-Community Learning Center (CLC) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Marawi City

REBUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION. Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation (CLFI) supports the rehabilitation of Marawi by providing learning tools and devices in Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School (APCES) for its alternative learning sessions. In the photo: (L-R) Fatime Mognie, Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division; Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto, OIC of Schools Division Superintendent; Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School teachers and ALS educators.

Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), the social responsibility arm of Cebuana Lhuillier, the largest micro financial service provider in the country, celebrated the launching of its 100th Alternative Learning System-Community Learning Center (ALS-CLC) at Amai Pakpak Elementary School in Marawi City.

The 2017-armed conflict caused massive destruction that displaced a great majority of Marawi city’s population. As the local community leaders work towards rebuilding the lives of affected individuals and families, CLFI extended assistance to Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Marawi to foster recovery and learning continuity amid present conditions. CLFI donated ICT equipment and supplies for the ALS teachers in Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School.

“As part of its inclusion advocacy, CLFI is always committed to provide accessible quality education for all, especially for the underserved Filipinos. To significantly help the rehabilitation efforts of Marawi, we focused our efforts on education—ensuring that children and adult learners have access to basic education,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

To fully equip the newly established ALS-CLC in Marawi City, CLFI donated learning tools and devices, including laptops, printers, LED TV, Wi-Fi routers, and load cards -- which will further enable ALS teachers to facilitate online and modular learning sessions for 400 registered ALS learners.

OIC of Schools Division Superintendent, Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto, receives the learning tools donated by Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc.

“The entirety of the city schools division of Marawi would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our great partner, Cebuana Lhuillier. All these will help our educators and learners to adapt to the new system of education under the new normal,” OIC Schools Division Superintendent, Anna Zenaida Unte-Alonto said.

Driven by its advocacy to make education accessible, CLFI has always been a staunch supporter of DepEd’s ALS program. Since 2013, CLFI has been supporting ALS community learning centers to give out-of-school youth and adult learners a second chance at education.

“The 100th ALS-CLC sponsored by the Foundation is a testament to our firm belief that all Filipinos should have access to quality education. We are elated to see how the company’s advocacy for education can uplift both young and adult learners and help improve their lives,” First Vice President and Group Head for CLFI, Jonathan Batangan said.

PHINMA Education fulfills Unbreakable Commitment to accessible education in the next normal

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PHINMA Education, a fast-growing network of schools in Southeast Asia, believes that access to quality education can make lives better for millions of underserved youth. Witnessing that many students are unable to complete their college degrees, the institution aims to make education accessible particularly in some key growth areas across the Philippines.

Christopher Tan, Chief Operations Officer of PHINMA Education

However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, their unbreakable commitment to delivering quality education towards gainful employment for their students and graduates was severely challenged.

“It was a very disruptive year for the educational sector. The pandemic made it very difficult for all types of schools, whether public or private to fulfill their mission of educating their students,” said Christopher A. Tan, Chief Operating Officer of PHINMA Education.

The institution, which operates nine tertiary schools in the country, recognized that flexible learning would be the way forward for students and teachers. While online education became common for most educational institutions in the country, PHINMA Education’s unique market needed a different solution.

“We serve students from lower-income households and many of them are not prepared well in their grade school and high school for college. They are more likely to drop out even under normal circumstances and the big problem with distance learning is not so much the quality of education, but it’s the ability to complete the program,” explained Tan.

The challenge for the institution is to generate creative and innovative approaches to manage these problems differently. They also need to make sure that the distance learning setup would be suited even for students from low-income families. Thus, they launched Flex and RaDLearning, which rely on printed courseware, strong teacher support, and constant interaction with peers. This made the infrastructure that would enable them to connect with their students and faculty the utmost importance.

They partnered with PLDT Enterprise and Smart for connectivity solutions that effectively support the digital learning needs of their students and faculty members. Smart provided tailor-made Giga Study plans that further boost PHINMA Education’s pledge to ease the learning experience of students in the new normal.

“Combining printed modules with remote coaching and the data plan from Smart helped us come up with an almost robust workable solution we can develop for these very difficult times. We appreciate PLDT Enterprise for understanding the underlying principles that we cared about and for coming up with a very flexible plan that gave access to our key programs,” said Tan.

“Giga Study Plan has the key features of stability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. PLDT Enterprise was very generous in developing a program that gave enough bandwidth and access to our students, at the same time, really kept the costs low,” he added.

“PLDT Enterprise heeds the call of the education sector for solutions that will enable students and educators to easily steer distance learning. We are committed to supporting the needs of our partners, such as the PHINMA Education, to empower them in maintaining their unbreakable commitment despite these most difficult times,” said Jojo Gendrano, FVP and Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise.

PLDT Enterprise recently introduced its Unbreakable Commitment campaign to highlight its partnerships with various organizations in the country to demonstrate how fostering partnerships could help companies thrive despite the obstacles they face and in turn, contribute to the lives of Filipinos.

The campaign also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s unbreakable commitment to empowering organizations through the power of technology.

“Smart Giga Study Plans helped us promise our students that for this year, they do not have to worry about connecting to their teachers and classmates. That’s a very important message especially in times of uncertainty and suffering. We promised our students that they are not going to be alone in going through their classes this year, and PLDT Enterprise helped fulfill that promise,” Tan furthered.

“But one of the important values we see in this partnership is not just the technology but the strategic thinking that we can do together to solve complex social problems.”

Through fostering partnerships that would help them navigate uncertainties, PHINMA Education Network was able to stay true to its unbreakable commitment to providing access to education to students despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the help of the right partner who successfully attends to the needs of its stakeholders, the institution can carry on its mission to educate and guide its learners no matter how unique and tough the journey will be ahead of the next normal.

Watch PHINMA Education’s interview here: https://youtu.be/5lV7Ltxkzms

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. 

Globe strengthens cyber education campaign; calls on customers to stay vigilant in protecting their data

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Globe is strengthening its cyber education campaign to protect customers from cybercrimes amid the recent incidents that led to distress and confusion among customers. The digital solutions platform highlighted the need for consumers to stay vigilant and safeguard their personal information by outsmarting scammers.

Through its #makeITsafePH campaign, Globe continuously rolls out the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), containing materials on cybersecurity and safety for consumers and businesses across various platforms, including YouTube. DTP modules include guides for customers on ways to protect their online accounts from hackers who may have malicious intentions and keep their information safe.

“As a company, we recognize that we have a responsibility to arm our customers with tools and knowledge that can protect them from various threats online. Through our Digital Thumbprint Program, we want the public to know what actions they can take to keep themselves safe, especially now when we are expected to stay connected at all times” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Globe recommends using two-factor (2FA) authentication or application authenticators like Google authenticator for a stronger line of protection on customers’ accounts. The 2FA works by adding a layer of security to online accounts as it requires additional login credentials to gain access.

In addition, Globe’s DTP modules remind users that it would be best to refrain from using private information as passwords, as these are often the most vulnerable for hacking.

As much as possible, it is also discouraged to open accounts from a public computer or internet café, which is often full of malware and viruses. This can likely expose your personal information and make them vulnerable to cybercriminals, as well as unwanted content.

When using public computers, Globe urged consumers to erase their tracks by deleting browsing history and cookies, use private browsing where possible, watch for “over the shoulder” snoops when entering passwords, and avoid downloading personal files and email attachments. Importantly, users should also remember to log out of their accounts after their session.

As part of its education campaign, Globe conducts online workshops through the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which teaches students, teachers, and parents about online safety and security, online etiquette and responsibility, and digital empowerment.

So far, DTP has reached over 1.9Mn+ students and 175k+ teachers across 4k+ schools nationwide. The program has also been integrated into the values formation subject of the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education.

The program is available as eModules for on-demand consumption via Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/GlobeCSR and the Globe eLibrary https://globeelibrary.ph.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. It is 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.

Strong ties form a brighter future for kids under the USAID, NEAP and DepEd Evidence Based Literacy Leadership

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The journey of the young minds and the growth of their mental ability to learn has been the concern of the Department of Education, National Educators Academy of the Philippines and the USAID. Despite the absence of face-to-face classes due to the worldwide health crisis, this was never the stumbling block of the three agencies to pursue the continuous growth of the kids to learn and enhance their reading skills and ability to learn in the absence of a teacher physically present.

The tri-party has been advocating the need for the young minds to nourish at their young stage of growth where it matters most, to be able to absorb the right learning skills. Literacy at this stage is where the foundation must be laid.

USAID has been providing the ABC+ or its Advancing Basic Education where more than 10,000 beneficiaries from the Education sector primarily the teachers, school heads, supervisors and principals, and provided 9 million early grade learning materials.

Lucky recipients for this program were public schools in Regions V and VI, namely the Bicol region and the Western Visayas where the tri-parties focused on the how to further develop and strengthen the Literacy and Reading in light of the heightened difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The selected public schools in the said regions were able to focus with the adoption of technology using the internet as a medium of learning, with the new innovations and initiatives strengthening literacy instruction at the early grade level in the context of the new normal. 400 projects headed by the School Teachers attended the USAID led "Instructional Leadership Training: Strengthening Learning Conditions for Early Literacy."

The training focused on developing literacy leaders who can foster positive school climate and conditions integrating social and emotional learning, gender equity and social inclusion, and developmentally appropriate practices to support quality literacy instruction. USAID officials, DepEd representatives, teachers and officials from DepEd Regions V and VI, and other key partners and stakeholders attended the conference.

The event featured multiple activities, including a virtual poster and video exhibition of project initiatives, a virtual area featuring USAID-supported early grade learning materials, and read-aloud events featuring books in Filipino, English, and mother tongue languages developed through USAID support. The conference also included discussions on literacy leadership, home partners’ literacy programs, school climate, and gender equality and social inclusion.

The awarding of winners were set as the culminating part of the 3-day online event held last December 10, 2021 during a virtual conference. The winners are as follows :

It is with the highest gratitude to the USAID, the National Educators Academy of the Philippines, hand in hand with the Department of Education has continued to roll out such programs that enrich our young generations which will be the heroes of the future.

USAID has been helping the Philippines and the Local Government for the past 60 years in helping us achieve early learning ability for our children. The USAID has invested around P200M plus for this. USAID Advancing Basic Education (ABC+) project, has trained more than 10,000 teachers, school heads, supervisors and principals, and provided 9 million early grade learning materials since 2019.

Lampara Books hopes to promote spiritual formation and values education through its Guiding Light imprint

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The new Philippine imprint offers inspiring stories centered on Christ’s teachings and fun, purpose-driven storytelling

Lampara Books has recently launched Guiding Light, a new Philippine imprint that hopes to encourage parents and families to be a good influence on their children’s journey to life.

The family-oriented and faith-based imprint aims to promote the spiritual formation, values education, emotional growth, and community development through highly entertaining but transformative books written and designed by some of the world’s most promising and award-winning writers, illustrators, and personalities.

“It has always been our goal to inspire adult readers, most especially parents, to engage with their children on stories of inspiration, joy, and life lessons within a framework of Christ-centered beliefs and teachings,” says Segundo D. Matias Jr., the Chief Publisher of Lampara Books. “Our activity books create bonding moments between mom and dad with their kids through storytelling that put good values at the forefront of its principles while inspiring everyone to become a better human being.”

For its premiere offering, Guiding Light has recently released its ‘Little Life Lessons on’ series—a collection of fun activity books that parents and their children can color, play around with, and use as a medium for purpose-driven instruction. Written in both English and Filipino, the series is made for childhood care providers and parents to help their kids learn important values in life. The ‘Little Life Lessons on’ catalog contains inspirational stories that depict kindness, obedience, respect, and love, among many others.

The motivational imprint also takes pride of its Family Bible Illustrated edition, which has 365 pages of bible stories, meditations, and prayers for the whole family to reflect on together, and The Comic Book Bible, which offers a treasury of stories, known and loved by generations of readers.

For readers who are looking for a refreshing spin to the familiar narrative, there is Classic Bible Stories, illustrated for pictures-and-words format by talented young artist Tommaso d' Incalei. Bringing stories to life for a new generation of readers, this timeless collection will inspire people discover the meaning behind the teachings of God in an exciting and easy-to-read way. Another significant title under its banner is The Classic Children’s Bible, which is beautifully illustrated and presented to cater to a younger readership.

Other titles that are currently available at the Guiding Light website are Rhona Davies’ The Life Of Christ, strikingly illustrated to chronicle the important life events that Jesus Christ went through from his days in Galilee to joining God in heaven, and Angela M. Burrin’s Welcome To The Mass, a beautifully illustrated book that ‘explains the Mass by linking the liturgy to scenes from the Gospels.’

The classic and new titles are available at the Guiding Light official website, https://www.guidinglight.com.ph.