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The ASPBAE organized a virtual celebration of International Youth Day held on August 12, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. via zoom. The organization aims to allow people to see the future of education and let the diverse marginalized communities in Asia Pacific be heard. The celebration focused on the six members—Nepal, India, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Ms. Yen Esmeralda from the Philippines talked about the Regional Report from the margins to the center: Youth Shaping the Future of Education wherein the clear discussion of the ASPBAE with its members were discussed. The ASPBAE with its members is a regional network of more than 200 CSOs and individuals operating in around 30 countries of the Asia-Pacific, in which they work towards promoting the right quality education and transformative and liberating lifelong adult education and learning for all.

The highlights of youth activities were also included such as: 1) Working with youth-led organizations in coalitions and NGOs working with the youth; 2) Exchanges and capacity building with students and youth leaders in youth-lee organizations; 3) Youth networking and collaboration on SDG 4 and right education advocacy; and 4) Facilitating meaningful participation of youth in regional and global education platforms (APMED, APFSD, HLPF).

Rossana Villegas from the Philippines presents the recommendations to give fair chance to everyone.

Vietnam recommendations

Mr. Jose de Jesus shares his recommendations for the marginalized youth.

The three guest speakers gave their comments and remarks on the Future of Education. Prof. Doh-Yeon Kim, Professor Emeritus Seoul National University Chairman, Ulsan Educational Foundation mentioned that we can predict our future by having clear destination. For the successful creation of the future, one must have definite objectives, wisdom and knowledge, and passion.

Ms. Ushio Miura, UNESCO Bangkok Office says that they are encouraging and promoting debates and discussions to help re-imagine how knowledge and learning can shape the future of humanity. More people around the world will attend and contribute on this debate. This is to bring out the voices of the youth of marginalized community.

Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela from the SEAMEO INNOTECH, underscores that the SEAMEO promotes cooperation in education, Science and Culture. They work with global and regional organizations to promote SDGs and the rest. They engage young people because they are the driving force of societal development and the future of the world.

The LCC Secretariat commends the organizers of this event for raising awareness on the inclusion of marginalized communities, including the youth and opening the eyes of those who can do something to help recalibrate the education system for the betterment of the young people.

Ryan Rodrigo

The International Development Institute (IDI) and RTI International hosted jointly a one-day workshop on Improving Learning Outcomes at School Level Post-Pandemic, supported by USAID Philippines on August 12, 2021 via Zoom. This workshop was participated in by select personnel from DepEd bureaus/offices and other participants from Ghana, India, Nepal and Romania. Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, USAID Philippines Director of Education, commended all participants for completing the training course in April 2021 and going extra mile in leading schools during this pandemic. He also thanked Usec. Diosdado M. San Antonio and DepEd for their support and continued collaboration.  This follow up session enabled the participants to share what they have learned from the previous program and how they were able to utilize any of them at their work.

USAID Philippines Director of Education Dr. Thomas LeBlanc delivers his opening remarks.

Prof. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor, Mathematical Sciences, shares how the Singapore’s philosophy “Teach Less, Learn More” has helped improve its education.

Mr. Jonathan Kassa, Board Member, North Penn School District, PA (USA) presents best practices in leading schools during pandemic which includes health and safety protocols; challenges with education and hybrid model; engaging parents and community to reduce dropouts; and utilizing data for decisioning.

Ms. Anisha Sharma, Principal, Delhi Public School, Siliguri (India) highlights the importance of the 4 Cs (Communication, Critical thinking, Collaboration and Coordination) in education and solutions to continue learning through various platforms.

The LCC Secretariat wishes to express its deep gratitude to the IDI, RTI International and USAID Philippines for engaging us anew in this peer-to-peer learning which will be helpful by getting opportunities to reflect on our knowledge base and skills and identifying opportunities to apply course learning to our unique national and school contexts.

Czarina D. Abellonar

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) facilitated the webinar on Local Governments’ PDP and SDG Localization Efforts as Contribution to National Development on August 8, 2021 from 2:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. via Webex by Cisco teleconference.

The virtual event features a PIDS-DILG study that examined how recent efforts have fared in ensuring that local development plans are aligned with national development goals. It also assessed the effectiveness of the latest Philippine Development Plan results matrices in the government’s localization efforts.

The webinar formally commenced after its preliminaries with President Ancieto C. Orbeta, Jr. presenting the opening remarks. The teleconference was participated in by LGUs, NGOs, and various deans, educators, and students from different academic institutions. Joining as discussants are NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Group Mercedita Sombilla and League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. National President Mario Nillos. PIDS President Aniceto Orbeta Jr. and DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Development Director Anna Liza Bonagua were also invited to give their respective messages.

The first presenter was PIDS Research Fellow Charlotte Justine D. Sicat who highlighted the results of the Public Sector in the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (Executive Order No. 27, s. 2017). She also discussed the chapters of the Local Planning and Budgeting Framework Map in relation to the Philippine Development Plan, as well as the Scope, Data, and Methodology of the paper. Some of the chapters of the PDP 2017-2022 discussed were People Centered, Clean, and Efficient and Effective Governance Ensured; Swift and Fair administration of Justice; Philippine Culture and Values Promoted; Economic Opportunities in Agriculture and Fisheries Expanded; Economic Opportunities in Industry and Services Expanded; Human Development Capital; Vulnerability of Individuals and Families; among others, which ended by highlighting limitations and suggestions of the presented national data of each region, its top PDP chapters, aligned SDG indicators and number of baseline and target data.

NEDA Undersecretary for Regional  Development Group Mercedita A. Sombilla responded by presenting her insights on the findings of the Philippine Development Plan and the early presentation of Dr. Sicat. Usec. Sombilla shed light on the course of the presentation of the study as it will yield an efficient and effective delivery of services, promote local and economic growth and inclusive governance to benefit all communities especially those who are leaving in far-flung areas. The lesson learned on PDP and SDG localization efforts can also help provide guidance on its convergence. The assessment will provide better results with the availability of more granular data as more indicators will yield more outcomes and outputs.

Furthermore, League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. National President Mario N. Nillos also discussed their stand on the study. President Nillos discussed the issues, challenges and general findings of the study stating that the process of institutionalization of the localization process is also relevant, though PDP targets change and vary during the transition of Philippine Government Administration. Specific recommendations such as capacity and technical assistance were also given to complement with the localization efforts.

An open forum was conducted to address all queries to the highlights of the study of PDP including addressing the comments of LGU representatives and other participants. In the closing program, Director Bonagua delivered her closing remarks.

The LCC Secretariat appreciates the PIDS and DILG for the enlightening webinar as the result of the PDP localization primer is a useful tool in identifying priority areas of LGUs and their contribution to national development, which is timely, especially in the implementation of the Mandanas Ruling in 2022. With this, the Literacy Coordinating Council can focus on the priority needs of the local government units by analyzing their aligned PDP chapters, SDG indicators and number of baseline and target data and integrating these to their literacy needs, which can support in bridging the gap and addressing the literacy needs at the grassroots level, and advocating the universalization of literacy in the country.

Terence Joshua Canlas

The Department of Education (DepEd) officially launched the commencement of Brigada Eskwela 2021 through a National Kick Off Ceremony held on August 3, Monday, with the theme “Bayanihan para sa Paaralan,” hosted by Schools Division Office of Tagum City, DepEd Region XI. The event was held live at the Tagumpay Theatre in Tagum City, as well as virtually via Zoom Teleconference broadcasted live via DepEd’s Facebook page, and participated in by DepEd officials and personnel, together with various stakeholders such as public and private partners, parents, and learners all over the country.

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Melanie P. Estacio shared how Tagum City is bonded with the spirit of unity and cooperation and how this program is a test of commitment for everyone amidst the pandemic.

Tagum City Schools Division Superintendent Josephine L. Fadul expressed her appreciation to the DepEd Central Office for choosing Tagum City Division as the host of the Brigada Eskwela 2021 National Kick Off Ceremony, wherein she cited  Region XI and Tagum City’s remarkable initiatives in championing education programs. Dr. Fadul also emphasized that quality learning will continue despite the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DepEd Region XI RD Allan G. Farnazo emphasized the importance of education to strengthen and arm the children for their future. He also added that preparing the children to take their leadership function is a great challenge to all educators. Dr. Farnazo also expressed his appreciation to all for their strong commitment and support to the conduct of Bayanihan para sa Paaralan.

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) President, Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua shared how Brigada Eskwela awakens the spirit of bayanihan in every Filipino. Gov. Cua also assures that this program is fully supported by all local government units across the country.

Hon. Congressman Roman T. Romulo, Chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture mentioned how all sectors tried hard to cope with the start of pandemic last year, most importantly the education sector. He shared how the education sector shifted from face-to-face to modular/online mode of learning. Cong. Romulo expressed his appreciation to all the teaching and non-teaching personnel for their hard work during these trying times.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture Hon. Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian shared the importance of volunteerism to deliver quality education despite the current situation. He encourages everyone to work together to provide a better future for all Filipino children.

Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq clarified that the 2021 Brigada Eskwela Program is very different from the traditional one because of the current pandemic situation. Usec. Umali mentioned that this year’s Brigada Eskwela is focused on Brigada Pagbasa and Home Learning Spaces.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones highlighted the importance of Brigada Eskwela in preparation for every school year opening. Sec. Briones also mentioned calamities and incidents wherein Filipino bayanihan were tested during those times and shared that some DepEd regulations and memoranda were adjusted to adapt in the situation to continue providing quality education. She also shared that President Duterte allowed DepEd to initiate pilot studies in conducting face-to-face classes as it is a very important component of the learning process, but different COVID variants emerged which affected their decision to conduct the face-to-face learning.

Secretary Briones urged the public to refrain from finger-pointing and blaming, but go on with what we have and what we can do. She added to just focus on their work as educators and the official opening of classes on September 13, 2021. SLMB has also emphasized that education must continue and must be for all amidst any situation. Another challenge she shared is the series of natural disasters, political circumstances, and the start of pandemic last year. She highlighted that the department has learned to continue and adjust along the way.

Brigada Eskwela is a testament that the Filipino bayanihan will always be alive. The Literacy Coordinating Council is one with the Department of Education in celebrating the bayanihan spirit through Brigada Eskwela 2021. We encourage everyone to join hands and work together to achieve our dream of inclusive and quality basic education for all Filipinos.

DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela (BE) 2021 will be implemented from August 3 to September 30, 2021 as part of the schools’ preparations on the opening of school year 2021-2022. For more details, the BE 2021 guidelines may be accessed at https://www.deped.gov.ph/2021/08/03/august-2-2021-dm-048-s-2021-2021-brigada-eskwela-implementing-guidelines/.

Jonnabel D. Escartin

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) facilitated a webinar entitled Public Sector Volunteerism: Luzon in Focus on July 28, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom Teleconference.

The teleconference, which was participated in by LGUs around Luzon, government agencies, as well as government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), discussed various topics such as basic concepts on volunteerism, public sector and volunteerism, and good practices of public sector organizations.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region I Regional Director Nestor Rillon shared his welcome message, followed by a keynote message delivered by Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) President Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua through a recorded message. Gov. Cua discussed the essence of Filipino volunteerism, sighting community pantries and Filipino bayanihan during the time of pandemic and calamities. He also emphasized the need for a regular consultation and collaboration by local governments to achieve a common goal.

Ms. Fely Baday, OIC-PATSD of the PNVSCA discussed the importance of their agency, including calls for the integration of volunteerism as part of the curriculum in basic and higher education to raise consciousness of the youth and develop the culture of volunteerism among citizenries. She also highlighted their advocacy efforts to encourage and assist LGUs, NGAs, and GOCCs to set up their volunteer programs.

The webinar aimed to increase awareness on volunteerism and the role and programs of PNVSCA as the government focal agency for volunteer services in the country; identify possible facilitating factors/key players that will help in pushing the initiatives, and hindering factors that need to be addressed; express commitment to facilitate in harnessing the enabling environment for volunteerism in their respective organization/community; and advocate the mainstreaming of volunteerism in their agency plans and programs and the establishment of agency volunteer group and/or designation of a VFP.

PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe provided an overview of volunteerism, its types and forms as well as its policy framework. ED Gawe emphasized that volunteerism is a form of activity which involves spending time, unpaid, and doing something which aims to benefit someone. He also summarized the Republic Act 9418 or an Act on Volunteerism, meaning this is a free will and no compulsion. He has also sighted that religion, community concerns, and personal development are the various reasons why people chose to volunteer.

Mr. Mark Anthony Malitan, from the Civil Service Institute of the Civil Service Commission talked about the importance of the public service values for transformation. He emphasized that shared values serve as the life force of an organization. He also added that CSC values Patriotism, Integrity, Excellence, and Spirituality, wherein he discussed the meaning of each value in workforce thoroughly. Mr. Malitan mentioned the Public Service Values Program of the CSC, where he presented the activities under that program. He also urged everyone to collaborate and work as one.

President and co-Founder of the Cancer Warriors Foundation Ms. Carmen Auste discussed how the foundation started by her family and how her family’s life changed since her son is a cancer survivor. She shared their experience of being a volunteer and the importance of being a volunteer at any time, and not just during the pandemic. Ms. Auste also proudly shared that the World Health Organization has recognized the Cancer Warriors Foundation.

LGU representatives shared their experience in volunteering during the open forum session. They emphasized that there are challenges during the time of the pandemic and encouraged everyone to volunteer if they have time.  

Participating in this kind of webinar enables the LCC Secretariat to broaden its perspective on the spirit of Filipino volunteerism, which we can apply in our advocacy of universalizing literacy in the country.

Jonnabel D. Escartin

The Department of Education has organized the Virtual Symposium on the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, in partnership with DepEd Region VII – Central Visayas and the Division of Lapu-Lapu City on May 7, 2021, via Zoom Teleconference and broadcasted live through the DepEd Philippines’ Facebook page.

The virtual symposium started with AVP highlights from DepED Region VII. This program was hosted by Mr. Mark Erwin Mabanao and Ms. Lavilla E. Ochea Oporto. Division of Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Wilfreda D. Bongalos, CESO V shared her welcome message to the participants of the symposium. DepEd Region VII Regional Director Dr. Salustiano T. Jimenez, CESO V also extended his warm greetings to everyone watching the symposium. He honored the education frontliners and emphasized what they do at DepEd Region VII. Dr. Jimenez assured that education will continue despite the pandemic. This was promptly followed by the history of Lapu-Lapu City shared by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan. Lone District of Lapu-Lapu City Congresswoman Paz Corro Radaza also shared a motivational message.

One of the highlights of the virtual symposium was the motivational address by the Department of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones. Secretary Briones expressed her gratitude to the City of Lapu-Lapu for holding the said event and her DepEd family for supporting the event. She also provided insights on the real meaning of Bagani and how beautiful this word is. She also discussed the implications of this symposium wherein she presented the DepEd mandate as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

In the first discussion entitled “Tagumpay at Pakikipagkapwa-Tao: 500 Taon ng Kagitingan at Tagumpay ng Pilipino”, De La Salle University History Professor Michael Charleston “Xiao” Chua shared his insights and lecture on the controversial Quincentennial Commemoration in the Philippines. Professor Chua also explained that there are different perspectives in the Quincentennial Commemoration: the 500th Anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, the 500th Anniversary of the Arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, and the 500th Anniversary of the First Circumnavigation of the World. In the second part of his lecture, he discussed Victory and Humanity as the theme of his discussion, wherein he highlighted Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation.

DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships and Project Management Service Tonisito M.C. Umali served as the second lecturer in the virtual symposium. Usec. Toni Umali presented facts and insights on the 500th Commemoration of the Victory of Lapulapu in the Battle of Mactan. He also further explained the Republic Act No. 10086 or the Strengthening People’s Nationalism through Philippine History Act.” Usec. Umali has reiterated the significance of studying the Philippine History and shared several Republic Acts relating to it.

An open forum hosted by Ms. Marigold J. Cardente and Mr. Quirico Sumampong was held after the presentation. Secretary Briones joined the discussion together with Professor Xiao Chua and Usec. Tonisito Umali. One of the issues addressed by Professor Chua was the different sides of Lapulapu’s story. He clarified that historians rely on documents but unfortunately, the only people who made documents about Lapulapu were Europeans. Professor Chua also urged everyone to verify whether the sources on the internet are credible and have citations.

Another issue raised was Lapulapu and the Cebuanos being Muslim as stated by one of the government officials during his speech. Professor Chua promptly addressed the issue, saying that he does not want to criticize the official as the latter is not a historian. He provided possibilities that maybe his staff was the one who made a research on Lapulapu’s religion. Professor Chua emphasized that according to his research, Humabon and Cebuanos eat pork while Muslims do not eat pork. Another evidence he presented include tattoos on the warriors’ body which is prohibited in Islam.

The virtual symposium ended with an inspirational message from Secretary Briones. She urged DepEd officials who have official business in Cebu to show courtesy to Lapulapu Shrine. Director III of the External Partnerships Service Dr. Edel B. Carag delivered her closing remarks wherein she expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated in the DepEd-organized virtual symposium.

Jonnabel D. Escartin