DepEd, DOH to collaborate to develop apps monitoring Dengvaxia recipients

July 18, 2018

PASIG CITY, 16 July 2018 – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) pledged to cooperate in the development of two systems that shall enable the government to monitor the condition of learners previously administered with the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia®.

In the ceremonial signing of the expression of cooperation held at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan on July 16, 2018, DepEd and DOH signified their intent to enter into a data-sharing and outsourcing agreement with Indra Philippines Inc., who will develop the Register, Serve, Validate, Plan (RSVP) system using the Microsoft Kaizala™ collaboration platform; and Galileo Software Services Inc., who will develop the Dengue Vaccine Monitoring System (DVMS) using their proprietary Abizo® collaboration platform. Both companies shall provide the services for free as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

“The mobile apps can be downloaded by parents, guardians, and even teachers to report the conditions of the learners,” DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua shared during the press conference following the introduction of the two applications. “Data of critical incidents will help DepEd and DOH in providing immediate treatment or observation whenever necessary. That is precisely what the Dengvaxia® mobile apps will do,” he added.

While Pascua cited the importance of registering all learners previously inoculated with the vaccine, DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones emphasized that it is not mandatory.

“Parents who are interested in tracing and monitoring the state of their children when they are away from home or are at school can take advantage of these two kinds of apps,” the Education chief clarified. She also called on the media to help them educate the public on the proper use of the systems.

The four parties – DepEd, DOH, Indra, and Galileo – also expressed their commitment to adhere to the provisions of Republic Act 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, on the sharing and processing of learners’ personal data including their Learner Reference Numbers (LRN), full names, birth dates, addresses, and vaccination histories.

“These apps are crucial to the effectiveness of surveillance and monitoring systems that the DOH has put in place. So I want to thank DepEd for this initiative under the leadership of Secretary Briones and of course, Usec. Pascua, and our partner institutions in putting together these very, very important apps,” DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III mentioned.

Duque further noted that the objective is “to assuage the uncertainties felt by the parents,” and added that this shall be a collaboration not only between DepEd and DOH. “DILG has to be included in the loop so that there will be more thorough and closer coordination between the service providers and the holders of the information and the database.”

The systems are set to be fully launched by the end of August.

Statement on Sen. Sonny Angara's call to address bullying in schools

June 22, 2018

PASIG CITY, June 21, 2018 – The Department of Education reiterates its commitment to promote a child-friendly, gender-sensitive, safe, and motivating environment for all learners as it enforces zero tolerance on cases of child abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse.

Its Child Protection Policy, issued through DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, mandates all public and private elementary and secondary schools to create their own Child Protection Committee (CPC) which ensures that cases and instances of abuse are closely monitored and expeditiously investigated.

The implementation of the policy through the CPC has led to a more effective and efficient process of tracking and reporting cases of child abuse, hence the surge in number of documented incidences since 2012. But the Department’s unwavering efforts and interventions resulted to a significant decrease in the incidences of bullying – from 29,723 in School Year 2015-2016 to 19,672 in School Year 2016-2017.

These efforts include the strict implementation of the DepEd Anti-Bullying Policy issued through DepEd Order No, 55, s. 2013, and reiterated through DepEd Memorandum No. 5, s. 2017 in response to Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. The Department has also been training its designated Child Protection Specialists who will provide technical guidance to schools on complex and serious cases of child abuse.

In addressing bullying in schools, DepEd has time and again called for teachers and officials alike to instill among learners the value of respect for each other’s rights regardless of their opinion, status, gender, ethnicity, religion, as well as moral and physical integrity.

Finally, DepEd continuously intensifies its campaign to mobilize and educate the learners, parents, teachers, community members, local government units, and other stakeholders on child protection.

DepEd Malolos welcomes Dr. Merlina P. Cruz, Officer-in-Charge, Schools Division Superintendent

June 14, 2018

The installation ceremony of the new Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent was held on June 13, 2018, at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center. Present during the important ceremony were OIC-Regional Director, Dr. Malcolm S. Garma, CESO V, OIC-Assistant Regional Director Dr. Benjamin S. Paragas, CESO V, the parents of Dr. Merlina P. Cruz, OIC-ASDS Melissa S. Sanchez, and colleagues from Divisions of Bulacan and Zambales.

A true public servant, coupled with her experience, expertise and competence, DepEd Malolos is very honored and fortunate to have OIC-SDS Dr. Merlina in the Division.

Management Committee Meeting with Assistant Regional Director Benjamin D. Paragas, CESO V

June 5, 2018

The 1st Management Committee (ManCom) meeting for SY 2018-2019 was held on May 31, 2018, 9AM, at Rambutan Hall, BarCIE International Center, La Consolacion University Philippines. It was presided by the OIC-Assistant Regional Director and concurrent OIC-Office of the Schools Division Superintendent Benjamin D. Paragas. In attendance were the Chief Education Supervisors, Education Program Supervisors, Public Schools District Supervisors, Public Elementary and Secondary School Heads and Division Unit Heads. The meeting was held in preparation for the SY 2018-2019 and important topics discussed were: Basic Education Enrollment Policy, Teachers' Schedule, Class Schedule, No Collection Policy, Time on Task, School Calendar, and other matters. Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of school readiness by the respective PSDSs.

Dr. Paragas also inspired the attendees through his words of wisdom and encourage teamwork among DepEd Malolos officials for the continuous success of the Division.

Convergence on Special Interest Programs, Curriculum, and School Governance cum Brigada Eskwela

May 28, 2018

The Division holds its first-even Convergence on Special Interest Program, Curriculum and School Governance cum Brigada Eskwela Opening on May 25, 2018 at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan. Presidential Spokesperson, Secretary Harry L. Roque was the keynote speaker.

The activity showcased the best practices and product of instruction of the Special Interest Programs of the K to 12 Curriculum and ensure the safe and orderly opening of classes for SY 2018-2019. It was participated in by EPSs, PSDSs, Public and Private School Heads, Unit Heads, Senior Education Specialists, Parent, Teachers, Students, Provincial/City/Brgy. Officials and other stakeholders.

2018 National Festival of Talents (NFOT)

February 22, 2018

The 2018 National Festival of Talents (NFOT) was formally opened by Secretary Leonor M. Briones on February 20, 2018 at Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Complex in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. This year’s theme is “Pagkilala sa Kulturang Filipino Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Pagkakaisa at Pagbabago” and the celebration will run from February 20-22, 2018.

The festive opening program showcased the native talents of Negros through the Norsu Kabilin Choir who led in the singing of the National Anthem, Regional Hymn, and Provincial Hymn. They also presented a special production number featuring a brief glimpse of Neg Or. The delegates were warmly welcomed by Hon. Roel R. Degamo, Provincial Governor, and Regional Director Dr. Juliet J. Jeruta, CESO IV.

The hoisting of the National and Regional Banners was headed by representatives from the Central Office and the Regional Directors.

Secretary Briones formally declared the NFOT opened.

This activity aims to provide opportunity for learners from public and private secondary schools as well as learners from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to showcase their talents and skills through exhibitions of their products, services and performances, and to provide opportunity for teachers and learners to explore the rich culture of the host region (Region VII).

The 2018 NFOT showcases talents and skills in the following areas: Technolympics for Technology and Livelihood Education and Techical-Vocational-Livelhood, Sining Tanghalan for Music and Arts, National Population Development for Social Studies, Pambansang Tagisan ng Talento for Filipino, and Special Program in Foreign Language.

Best of luck to all Region III competitors!

2018 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC)

February 19, 2018

The 2018 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) was formally opened by Secretary Leonor M. Briones on February 19, 2018 at Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental with the theme “Enhancing ASEAN Integration: Campus Journalists’ Role in Advancing Inclusive Education”. This year’s celebration is hosted by Region VII and the host schools division is Dumaguete City.

The conference aims to demonstrate understanding of the importance of Journalism by expressing it through different journalistic endeavors and approaches; sustain advocacy on social consciousness and environmental awareness; provide a venue for an enriching learning experience for students interested in Journalism as a career or those who intend to use skill sets learned through campus journalism to give them a better edge in their chosen careers; promote responsible journalism and fair and ethical use of social media; and enhance journalistic competence through healthy and friendly competitions.

The Region III delegation was headed by Assistant Regional Director Benjamin Paragas and CLMD Chief Elizabeth Perfecto.

Good luck to all the competitors! Bring home the bacon!

2nd Batch of the Division Orientation on the Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers

February 19, 2018

OIC-Regional Director Malcolm S. Garma, CESO V, was the Keynote Speaker for the 2nd batch of the Division Orientation on the Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers held on February 15, 2017 at the Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos. Director Garma shared with more than 700 elementary school teachers a big picture of what is a relevant education for our 21st century learners anchoring on the Creative Schools Framework of DepEd Region III.

Roll Out of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers

February 9, 2018

The Schools Division Office-City of Malolos conducted an Orientation on the Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) on February 2, 2018 at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center. The first batch of the orientation was attended by the School Heads and Senior High School teachers of the Division. An encouraging and inspiring message was delivered by the Chief-HRDD of the Region, Ms. Estrellita L. David. The newly-appointed OIC-SDS of the Division, Ms. Melissa S. Sanchez discussed the background of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers. Mr. Arnel A. Usman, EPS-HRDD of the Region shared to the participants the uses of PPST-Based Tools, while Dr. Allan B. Alba, Chief-CID talked about the Roles and Responsibilities of Education Leaders. The second batch of orientation will be on February 15, 2018 for the elementary teachers of the Division.

Capability Building on Divisional Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Adjustments (DMEPA)

August 11, 2017

The activity was held on August 9-10, 2017 at Marcelo H. del Pilar National High School Library with the Division Office personnel as participants. The objectives of the activity were: a) to orient the Division on the principles and processes of conducting the Division Monitoring and Evaluation Adjustment; b) to provide each functional units with the necessary technical assistance in accomplishing the DMEA templates, in the course of evaluating the accomplishments per unit, based on the Projects, Programs, and Activities targeted in the Annual Implementation Plan; c) to come up with Strategic Plan Adjustments for the unaccomplished targets in the Annual Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year 2016 and 2017.

Invited resource speakers were from the Regional Office who shared their expertise on the subject matter and guided the participants during the workshop. They were: Mr. Arthur DC. Sacatropes (Chief, Quality Assurance Division), Ms. Bernadette J. Atienza (EPS, Quality Assurance Division), and Reynaldo F. Licay (EPS, Quality Assurance Division).

Management Committee Meeting of Private Schools

June 29, 2017

The meeting was held on June 28, 2017, 9:30 AM at La Consolacion University Philippines. Agenda were the following: Class Program, School Handbook, Permit/Recognition for SHS, Permanent Records of students, MOA for SHS Immersion, and Awards and Recognition. Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Melissa S. Sanchez was the presiding officer. School Heads of Private Elementary and Secondary Schools and SHS Implementers were provided with updates on DepEd Orders, Senior High School, among others. The meeting was also graced by the OIC-Assistant Regional Director and Concurrent Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Nicolas T. Capulong. He proudly shared among the school heads that the Region is now a recipient of ISO Certification, thus assures quality management system on its operations. Further, he discussed the thrust of the Region in terms of developing a Creative School, which focuses to provide relevant, liberating, and learner-centered learning institution. The Department aims to develop happy, smart, and well-rounded learners who are using their intelligence for the benefit of others and to become productive individuals. Schools on the other hand, should develop a culture of creativity. Since the generation of learners now are the thinkers and tinkers, schools and teachers should be able to face these kind of learners, and to learn the process on dealing with the digital natives. Likewise, to reteach children to regain confidence on themselves.

The body likewise decided to conduct regular meetings every other two months. The meeting was adjourned at 11 AM.

Division Federation Election of Officers

June 13, 2017

Elected Officers are as follows:

Division Federation Supreme Pupil Government Officers

President: Kenneth Clyde Manabat (Bulihan ES)
Vice President: Francheska Denise D.C. Galman (Balayong ES)
Secretary: Pauleen Mae E. Roque (Bagna ES)
Treasurer: Rafael P. Paguiligan (Caniogan ES)
Auditor: Jennylyn Molina (Barihan ES)
PIO: Rizsel Grace E. Estrella (Calero ES)
Peace Officer: Era DR. Espique (Santor ES)

Division Federation Supreme Student Government Officers

President: Karen Portento (MMFSL)
Vice President: Richard Piolo C. Pablo (MHPNHS)
Secretary: Stephen Roxas (Pamarawan HS)
Treasurer: Kim Cruz (Bulihan NHS)
Auditor: Justine Kelly Diaz (CMIS Catmon)
PIO: Sarah V. Hay (Bungahan HS)
Peace Officer: John Nero Hidalgo (CMIS Sto. Rosario)

Benchmarking Activity to the Schools in the Division of Bulacan

June 5, 2017

The activity was held on May 31, 2017 participated in by Mrs. Cynthia Briones, Chief of the School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) and 5 personnel, twenty-two (2) School Heads and Head Teachers. The group visited the following schools in Guiguinto, Bulacan: Guiguinto Central School, Cutcut Elementary School, and Tiaong Elementary School. The group were warmly welcomed by Honorable Mayor Mr. Ambrocio Cruz Jr., Ms. Josefina D. Natividad, District Supervisor of Guiguinto, and the School Heads and Teachers of the three schools. The three schools unselfishly shared their best practices in terms of instruction and other school-related activities that helps promote the holistic development of their students.

First Aid and Basic Life Support Training for SDO Personnel

March 29, 2017

The first aid and basic life support training for Schools Division Office Personnel was held on March 24, 2017 at Aldaba Hall, CMIS-Sto. Rosario, City of Malolos, Bulacan for the 1st batch and March 31, for the 2nd batch. It aims to recognize the importance of fostering a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment which is vital in forming a well-grounded, disciplined and productive citizens. This is to prepare the personnel on how to provide emergency medical care to injured person at the level of their training and also to conduct simulation of possible emergency scenario in the working facility or community to enhance their capability to respond in an emergency situation, if necessary until advanced help arrives.