DepEd provides 184 SHS with IT equipment to support K to 12 implementation

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to deliver information technology (IT) equipment to stand-alone Senior High Schools (SHS) nationwide to support the implementation of the K to12 Program.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said, “What we need is to bring technology into the classroom and not be fully dependent on a textbook or the teacher. Computers will never replace teachers. Technology should allow teachers to spend more time to those who need it more.”

Each Senior High School will receive an IT equipment package which consists of 7 host personal computers (PCs), 42 terminals, 2 laptops, 2 projectors, 7 uninterruptible power supplies, 7 automatic voltage regulators and other network accessories.

In line with this, DepEd has conducted a demonstration on installation and configuration of the actual IT equipment at Pateros National High School. The event was attended by Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and UNDP Country Director Mr. Titon Mitra.

 

“What you are seeing are digitized modules for grade 11. I’ve always dreamt that our schools should not be textbook dependent,” Luistro added.

DepEd partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to procure and deliver the IT equipment package for the schools. With its global experience and track record in co-implementing programs with governments, including implementation of Government projects using Government funds, UNDP delivers the highest standards of transparency and achieves cost efficiency and timely delivery of project outputs through more flexible procurement procedures. 

“What you’re seeing now is the fastest procurement of IT packages in a government agency. UNDP came to us as an answer to our prayer,” Luistro said.

This partnership enables DepEd to have access to its global network of service providers and experts and use available corporate and regional long-term framework agreements, which can facilitate and shorten the procurement process. 

With just 3 months of procurement, UNDP was able to award contracts for the provision of 184 ICT packages to SHS stand-alone schools within the budget provided by DepEd.

 

DepEd has started the roll out of SHS nationwide beginning with Grade 11 this school year and Grade 12 next year to complete the 12-year basic education cycle under the K to 12 Program.

Some 11, 000 public and private senior high schools nationwide opened their doors to the pioneering batch of Grade 11 students.

Luistro welcomes Duterte’s support for K to 12

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Several weeks before Senior High School officially starts on June 13, 2016, Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC has welcomed the next administration’s decision to support the K to 12 program.

“I am grateful and very appreciative that the new administration [of Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte] is supportive of the educational reforms that Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), along with our stakeholders, have worked on the past six years,” Luistro said.

In a press briefing held last May 23, Duterte said he now supports the K to 12 program after it was thoroughly explained to him.

Rodrigo Duterte

“I said I was against it early on when it was being implemented. But some of the bright guys in DepEd came to see me here in Davao and explained to me how we are lagging behind our neighbors,” Duterte said.

The Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries worldwide, apart from Angola and Djibouti, with a 10-year pre-university cycle.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC 

“I am currently attending the 9th ASEAN Education Ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur and our discussions here are a reaffirmation of the need to take on the K to 12 reform so as to ensure that we can keep pace with the education standards of ASEAN and the world,” Luistro said. 

“I trust that the next administration will build on the gains and enhance the achievements made in the education sector, while taking on the new challenges in the ever-changing landscape in this part of the globe” he added.

The K to 12 Program added two years in high school, Grades 11 and 12, and institutionalized the kindergarten program—covering a total of 13 years of basic education.

The first batch of Grade 11 students will start on June 13, 2016.

DepEd K to 12 Law on its 3rd year anniversary

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The Department of Education (DepEd) enjoins the whole country in the observance of the 3rd year anniversary of the signing into law by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, Republic Act No. 10533, An Act Enhancing the Philippine Education System by Strengthening Its Curriculum and Increasing the Number of Years for Basic Education otherwise known as the K to 12 Law.

The K to 12 Program covers 13 years of basic education with the following stages: Kindergarten to Grade 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grade 7 to 10 (Junior High School) and Grades 11 to 12 (Senior High School). This is found to be the best period for learning under basic education. It is also the recognized standard for students and professionals globally.

The Program holds distinct significance this coming School Year 2016-2017 as the Department begins the implementation of the Grade 11 of the Senior High School (SHS) Program, the first of the 2 cohorts (Grades 11 and 12) which were added to the country's 10-year basic education system.

Recently, the Supreme Court on March 15 dismissed several petitions filed against the implementation of the K to 12 Program, thus paving the way for its continued operation particularly the said SHS Program.

As the country girds for the opening of classes this coming School Year 2016-2017 on June 13, 2016, the Department through Education Secretary Br .Armin A. Luistro FSC invites and enjoins everyone to give their full support to the successful implementation of K to 12 Program specially the SHS Program.

Global City Innovative College Applies 21st Century Learning to Senior High School

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GLOBAL City Innovative College, an internationally recognized educational center, forming the next generation of innovative, professional leaders for the GLOBAL Community. GIC believes that education is not only a leveling tool for poverty, it is through education that the hopes of our next generation and the progress of our country lies.

Global City Innovative College (GIC) now applies 21st Century learning to Senior High School --- Six or seven years in elementary + four years in high school + four years in college.

That’s the equation that most of us are familiar with. But the Philippine government has modified the formula with the recent addition of two more years in high school. 

Beginning school year 2016, students will not be accepted into college unless they finish grades 11 and 12. And high school diplomas will only be issued to graduates of grade 12. 

The mandate on Grades 11 and 12 or what is collectively referred to as Senior High School has caused confusion and elicited a lot of complaints from parents and students. But is it really such a bad thing?

Engr. Mike Tan, Global City Innovative College (GIC) President,  rationalized during a meeting with a group of parent writers:

Engr. Mike Tan, Global City Innovative College (GIC) President

“Senior high school will allow our graduates to meet the global standard requirement of twelve years of basic education. It will let Filipinos be globally competitive. Those who want to work abroad will not have to take additional state examinations or certifications and will receive commensurate compensation.”

“It will still be like high school but with specialization. The curriculum will be geared towards the student’s interest. The specialization will be reflected in the student’s choice of tracks and strands. The tracks and strands offered at GIC prepares students better for specific college programs. So the students move up to the next level better equipped,” explained Dr. Gerry De La Zerna, GIC Chairman for Senior High School.

The track is similar to what we refer to as ‘course’ in college while strands are similar to what is called ‘major’ in college. 

Dr. Gerry De La Zerna, GIC Chairman for Senior High School.

Established in 2002, GIC offers Bachelor of Science courses on Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, Tourism Management, Medical Technology, Accountancy and Accounting Technology. And now they are introducing their Senior High School program. 

“GIC wants to play a role in the country’s new education framework and do our share in bridging the gap between the high school and the tertiary levels. We also see this as an opportunity to cascade our approach to education to more students,” related Mike. 

“We employ 21st century learning. We offer a kind of education that addresses the needs of students to thrive in the future. We teach timeless skills that will serve as a strong foundation regardless of what the future holds. This is done through holistic and innovative education,” he continued. 

Students who enrol in GIC will have a unique 3D experience – discover, develop and direction.

“We believe that these 2 years are critical yet confusing to a young student’s life stage. GIC’s 3D approach will help them discover their innate talents and gifts. Our unique enrichment programs for grades 11 and 12 aim to develop these talents and gifts by honing them with the needed skills needed for the 21st century. Finally, GIC will help them determine and focus on the direction to take for the important life choices they will make for their career or further education. This innovative approach will be rooted in the 21st century education framework and fully compliant with the requirements of the Department of Education,” Mike guaranteed. 

GIC offers Academic and Tech Voc tracks. Under the Academic track they have three strands: Accountancy Business and Management (ABM), Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS). 

Under the Tech Voc track, they have two strands: 

The first is Home Economics which includes pastry and bakery production; food and beverages; and tour guiding and tourism promotions. 

The second is Information and Communications Technology (ICT) where they have animation, computer programming and medical transcription. Slots per strand are limited. 

To help the students decide on which track/strand to take GIC conducts a career assessment prior to enrolment.

“We discuss the results with the parents and emphasize to them that students who pursue their interests are more likely to succeed. If students take up what they want, truancy in college is reduced,” Gerry disclosed. 

Education the GIC way sounds really fun! Students will be thrilled that they will not be given assignments to bring home. “We want our students to do the assignments in school. We want them to be well-rounded and enjoy their social life and family life,” shared Gerry. 

And there will be only four days of school.

“The fifth day will be spent as immersion in their industry of choice. For example, if the topic is about interviews, we will let them spend the fifth day of the week going on interviews. We want them to get the experience so that when they return to the classroom, they will understand the discussion better. If it’s all lecture then everything remains abstract. They will not comprehend until they go through it. And the experience will make them remember better,” justified Gerry.

“Senior high school is more about skills but not just technical skills, we must not forget the soft skills such as attitude and personality. They have to learn more skills that will match with what the industry wants like critical thinking, decision making, and presentation skills. These are the things we will teach you in GIC through our curriculum enhancement,” emphasized Gerry.

A required subject, the Life course is an example of an enhancement. 

“This is where we guide them to discover themselves and embrace their uniqueness, we teach them to explore their community and relate with others properly. It is also in the Life course where we prepare them for the professional world and life realities,” said Mr. Jayson Bergania, GIC Director for Innovative Holistic Development Education.

Last but not the least, the teachers at GIC are industry practitioners who can provide real life examples and impart their experience from the field.

After graduating from Senior High School in GIC, students can explore three options. 

1- They can move up to college for higher studies and pursue the specialization track taken in senior high school.

2- No entrance exam if they enrol in GIC! 

3- Or they can get a job armed with a TESDA certification (when applicable) of the chosen specialization in senior high school.

However, with this, their chances of moving up will be limited to middle management positions at the most. Because companies usually require a college degree for promotion to higher levels. The third option involves starting their own business.

“At the end of the day, the objective is to have GIC’s high school graduates be both industry-ready and college-ready,” concluded Mike.

Know more about Global City Innovative College and its Senior High School program through www.global.edu.ph or by calling (02) 882-4242 and (02) 666-8881 to 82. 

GIC is located at PET Plans Tower Annex, 444 EDSA, Makati City 1211 (near Estrella Street and Rockwell). 

Get updates at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalCityInnovativeCollege/

Twitter: GCICph

Instagram: GCICph

YouTube: GCICph

DepEd Region I conducts career guidance for incoming SHS students in 2016

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To further strengthen the goal of K to 12 Program in producing graduates equipped with skills that will prepared them for higher education, employment and entrepreneurship, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region I and Grade 10 students of Pangasinan participated in the 2015 Regional Career Guidance Info Blitz held recently.

DepEd Region I Education Program Supervisor (EPS) of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD) Dr. Arlene A. Niro highlighted the benefits of the K to 12 program in the pursuit of career advancement and opportunities, saying that the K to12 Basic Education Curriculum “will be sufficient to prepare students for work and slowly erase the common thinking that college is the only route for success and gainful employment.”

Niro added that through the program, students are given the opportunity to acquire Certificates of Competency (COC’s) and National Certificates (NC’s) in accordance with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training regulations, allowing graduates to have middle-level skills which will offer them better opportunities to be gainfully employed. 

Niro also mentioned that there will be school-industry partnership for the technical-vocational (tech-voc) track to allow students to gain work experience while studying, and offer opportunity to be absorbed by the companies.

The said event is part of the Career Guidance Advocacy Program (CGAP), which aims to provide students with relevant labor market information and career guidance to assist them in choosing their career path. The CGAP is composed of technical working groups - the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the Chair, with DepEd, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as members. The CGAP shall be implemented nationwide through a series of activities set to help students in choosing their Senior High School track.

Among the high schools that participated in the Career Guidance Info Blitz were Buenlag National High School (NHS), Doyong-Malabago NHS, and Lasip NHS in Calasiao; Banaoang NHS and Matic-Matic NHS in Sta. Barbara; Bonuan Boquig NHS, Federico N. Ceralde Integrated School (IS), and Judge Jose de Venecia, Sr. MNHS in Dagupan City; Domalandan Center IS, Estanza NHS and Malawa IS in Lingayen; Bugallon IS, Portic IS and Salomague NHS in Bugallon; Real NHS and Galarin NHS in Urbiztondo; Labrador NHS and Ramon Magsaysay IS in Labrador; Camaley NHS, Dulag NHS and Parayao NHS in Binmaley; Sanlibo NHS and Tococ NHS in Bayambang; Guelew IS, Libas NHS, Bacnar NHS, and Lilimasan NHS in San Carlos.

DepEd, educ stakeholders team up for K to 12 full implementation in QC

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The local government of Quezon City and education stakeholders from different sectors gathered together for the Senior High School (SHS) summit on the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track with Information Technology (IT) as the focus industry yesterday. 

Education Secretary Armin Luistro FSC lauded the efforts of the city to ensure that the TVL curriculum is both aligned with students’ interests and contextualized to satisfy employment demands within the vicinity. 

“It is always a pleasure to be able to witness school stakeholders, the local government and various private-sector partners come together to create effective education programs for the benefit of our learners. Quezon City has always been proactive in engaging the academic community. I pray that their efforts will remain steadfast beyond 2016,” he said.

Luistro underscored that the K to 12 Program equips Filipinos with 21st century skills that will enable them to be prepared for employment, higher education, and skills development, thereby, empowering them to be nation-builders. 

“The goal of education is to empower our youth to become the primary movers of social change. Coming up with immersive policies to teach IT will shape communities able to manipulate technology to address bigger social issues and improve the Filipinos’ quality of life,” he added.

Reaching the ‘last mile’

The education chief stressed that DepEd continues its last mile efforts in delivering quality education to the Filipino children living in areas where access remains a challenge. 

“We have a multitude of programs to ensure that no one is left behind. We have Kariton Klasrum that aims to encourage street children to participate in the learning experience anywhere in the streets. We also have the Abot Alam program, which aims to enlist out-of-school youth and secondary education undergraduates into the public school system by offering courses fit to match their interests and existing skills. And for SPED, we are honing their capacities by constantly encouraging them and the learning community to participate in mainstreaming programs. These programs are not only set to run next year, they are, in fact, already in place and in full effect,” he said. 

He also added that there has been a significant increase of children participating in the formal school system over the years. “The number of OSYs greatly diminished. In 2008, there are 2.9-million OSYs that make up 11.7% of the entire population. This decreased to 1.2-million or 5.2% in 2013,” he explained.

To address the growing enrollment in Quezon City, the DepEd has filled a total of 2,685 teacher items from 2010 to 2014. The Department will also build 47 senior high schools where 31 will be from existing junior high school sites, while the remaining 16 will be new and stand alone.

Multi-sectoral commitment to education reforms

In his opening remarks, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista pledged to come up with different facilities and means to provide for the requirements of the K to 12 tracks their city will offer. 

“Ours is a young and vibrant city with the biggest promise to be at the forefront of academic reforms. Today, we come together as one city to take the lead in supporting Sec. Luistro and Pres. Aquino’s greatest legacy to the Filipino youth,” he said.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte also shared the benefits of K to 12 in saying that the program will produce a well-rounded citizenry dedicated to uplifting the values of academic excellence and nationalism, adding, “Senior High School students will be better prepared for their tertiary education and will be much more competitive when seeking employment both here and abroad. All this for the development of a strong and unified nation,” she said.

Australian Embassy First Secretary Nigel Bruce praised the continued friendship and cooperation between Australia and the Philippines, “Our nations have always been partners in education and social development. In fact, this is not the first commitment Australia is signing in support of K to 12. We currently have the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program and the Philippines’ Response to Indigenous Peoples’ and Muslim Education (PRIME) to name a few.”

Founded in San Francisco, USA, the Asia Foundation has also been an unwavering partner in reform efforts of the government not just in education. “We have partnered with the Philippine government in good governance initiatives, disaster response and the Mindanao peace process. You may expect that our level of support to K to 12 will be as faithful and unrelenting as our previous partnerships,” said Deputy Country Representative Maribel Buenaobra. 

“We are, first and foremost, educators; and as educators, we do not give up. Trust that we will continue to support education reform efforts,” she added.

K to 12 Program wins support from LGUs, parents, teachers

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Support from the local government units (LGUs) and General Parents-Teachers Associations (GPTAs) continues to pour out as the Department of Education (DepEd) gears up for the full implementation of the K to 12 Program.

“The K to 12 Program will remove the disadvantages for our graduates and professionals who compete in the global market. In connection, K to 12 opens the door for the recognition of our graduates and professionals under the European Standard known as the Bologna Process and the Washington Accord for the United States,” said John Marvin Nieto, Acting Presiding Officer of the City Council of Manila, in a statement.

The City Council of Manila also reiterated that the previous 10-year basic education program was congested and insufficient, causing Filipino learners to lag behind compared to their counterparts overseas. The council also acknowledged adequacy of the additional two (2) years in high school, taking into consideration that all of the countries in the world had implemented the K to 12 Program long before, except for Djibouti and Angola.

Moreover, the General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA) from the Division of Mandaluyong pledged their support to the K to 12 Program by committing to provide career guidance to the learners, initiating school-based interventions complementary to the schools’ academic enhancement of children and educating their co-parents on the fruits of K to 12. More importantly, parents of Mandaluyong pledged to ensure that their children will advance to Senior High School after Grade 10.

Supporters believe that the new K to 12 curriculum is designed to allow students to acquire 21st century skills that will gain them access to a wide array of opportunities, should they choose to be employed, become a young entrepreneur or enter college.

Industry partners back full implementation of K to 12

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In pursuit of updating the industry partners on the updates of the current education reform, Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC shared the triumphs of K to 12 in a gathering of education partners and stakeholders held recently in Cebu.

Luistro presented the current situation of the K to 12 roll-out, the decrease of out-of-school children and the department’s update on the basic inputs -- learner materials, school seats, teacher hiring, classroom construction, among others. He also explained the Senior High School (SHS) Program and the vital role of the industry partners in the implementation of SHS.

Dominica Chua from Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. emphasized the support they will provide for DepEd’s ongoing campaign. Chua mentioned that 60% of their budget is dedicated to education. “We are your biggest fan,” she added. Most notable of their education efforts are the more than 600 classrooms for public high school lined-up for next year.

Aside from the educational assistance provided for high school students living near their facilities, Dr. Emiliano Salceda II said that the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) pledges to integrate their programs to that of the K to 12 curriculum. Consultations are currently being made in the division and regional level. EDC also pledges to assist the department on their Technical-Vocational Track in SHS -- being the only center in the locality offering this track.

Guests composed of industry and business leaders, officials from the DepEd Central and Regional Offices attended the said gathering. Present in the event were the companies that supported the early implementation of the SHS Program.

Part of this group was Mr. Marcus Leslie Suntay from the Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. who shared the triumphs and challenges their company faced during the early implementation of the program. He also extended his gratitude for the support of the Local Government and other private companies in addressing their concerns.

To cap-off of the event, the signing of the Commitment Wall was done to promote the industry and business leaders’ pledge to support the new education reform.

Luistro said, “This reform (K to 12 Program) opens the door for partnerships and linkages with the industry -- a strong driving force in achieving positive results in the full implementation of SHS come 2016.”

K to 12 key to social economic development - Salceda

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Albay Governor Joey Salceda expressed his full support to the government’s K to 12 Program amidst calls for the Supreme Court to declare the program unconstitutional. 

Salceda said it is necessary to add 2 years to the current basic education program to give Filipino graduates a chance to compete in the international labor market.

“Number one talaga para sa kabutihan ng ating mga graduates kasi kung kulang din naman talo sila sa international labor market so hindi sila napo-promote. Sa dami naman ng graduates natin taun-taon na umaabot ng 450,000, kulang sila ng dalawang taon, so kailangan talaga matugunan natin,” Salceda said.

He also stressed that the general public should look at the additional years as added value that the government is providing for free. 

“Dati binabayaran ng government 10 taon lang (ng basic education), ngayon 12 na, ayaw mo pa ba ‘yun? Nakatipid ang mga pamilya ng two years,” he added.

As a policy maker, the governor said he has long been advocating for the program, believing that the K to 12 Program, partnered with 4Ps and health programs, will finally put an end to the inter-generational transmission of poverty in the country.

“Itong triumvirate na ito sa pananaw ko ang solusyon para finally hindi tayo pabalik-balik sa napakataas na poverty ratio at mabibigyan ng chance ang mga ordinaryong pamilya na maging competitive o makilaban po hindi lang dito sa loob ng Pilipinas kundi sa labas. Kailangan globally competitive po ang bawat indibidwal pati na po ang mga komunidad so talagang puspusan ang aming pagma-market ng K to 12 bilang pillar ng ating socio-economic development,” Salceda emphasized. 

He is also calling on the public to be open to the K to 12 reform admitting that, while it may not be easy to change a system that we have all been used to in the past, it is also not acceptable for the citizenry to remain shortchanged. 

Salceda believes that if the vast majority accepts system change pushed for by the government, this will lead to social cohesion which allows the necessary sacrifices to make reforms work for everyone.

K to 12 Program scores support from Bicolanos

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LEGAZPI CITY – Approval and support among the Bicolanos for the implementation of the K to 12 Program is continually gaining further strength in numbers with the increasing signatories to the manifesto of support generated during the recent information and services caravan conducted by the Regional Information and Advocacy Committee Technical Working Group (RIAC-TWG) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Presentacion, Camarines Sur.

Presentacion Mayor Jimmy Villete Deleña led his constituents in signing the K to 12 Manifesto of Support and the signature wall set up at the Department of Education (DepEd) booth located at the municipal covered court during the three-day activity.

“I am strongly pushing for the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) for this will bring progress and development,” Deleña said. He also cited local government’s involvement in the Municipal Education Summit conducted on May 29 in the same venue.

“The municipal education summit is an off-shoot of the recently conducted Provincial Education Summit held last May 11 at the Capitol Convention Center in Pili, Camarines Sur,” Parubcan Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Dr. Jennylyn Cedron revealed.

More than 4,000 participants joined the said event composed of public and private school teachers, parents, students, government officials, government agencies and other stakeholders, Cedron said.

Meanwhile, the municipal education summit gathered close to 300 participants in Presentacion. “All teachers, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) members, barangay captains, municipal councilors, committee on education council members participated in the event,” Cedron explained.

Cedron confirmed that Presentacion is ready for the implementation of SHS with six high schools already certified to offer SHS tracks.

These schools are Bantugan National High School which will offer General Academic Strand (GAS), Bitaogan National High School to offer GAS, Buenavista National High School to offer Technical, Vocational, and Livelihood (TVL) track, Federico P. Condat National High School (formerly Maangas High School) to offer GAS and TVL, Lidong High School to offer GAS, and Presentacion National High School to offer GAS and TVL. (JJJPerez/DepEd-Bicol)

deped.gov.ph