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

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.

Luistro: next biggest educ reform will come from ARMM

In his visit to Jolo, Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said he is confident that the creativity of Muslim Mindanao will create the next biggest educational reform in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“The most colorful Filipinos are Muslims. There are so many colors seen in a Muslim gathering. They wear colors from head to toe... People who love colors are the most creative people,” Luistro said during the K to 12 Summit held in Jolo, Sulu.

Luistro added that the most creative solutions will come from the Filipinos in ARMM. He said that, “If we walk together, we will be able to outshine the other provinces... the next biggest reform in education will come from here.”

DepEd holds National K to 12 Conference

“If yesterday I was celebrating with you what we have done, today I stand with great pride telling myself, "Ang sarap maging Pilipino. Pero mas masarap maging DepEd." Never in my life can I say that with conviction.”

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said during the culmination of the first National K to 12 Conference held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), December 4.

DepEd celebrates teachers as living heroes, culminates World Teachers’ Day

Recognizing the vital contribution of Filipino teachers in institutionalizing educational reforms in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) and its partners celebrated this year’s World Teachers’ Day (WTD) at Araullo University in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija on October 5. 

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC emphasized the great responsibility of every teacher in preparing the Filipino youth to be better equipped for the world. He said, “If all the teachers in the country start to move as one, we will start the biggest revolution in education.”

“The revolution in education is a revolution that will change the country and bring about all of the dreams and hopes of our young people... If you want to transform our country, we need living heroes,” he added.

“I will give my life for children”—Luistro

“I can say with all sincerity: I will give my life for children.”

This is what Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said when he was asked if the Department of Education (DepEd) can protect the students from armed conflicts during the deliberation of the 2016 proposed budget for the Department of Education at the House of Representatives.

Luistro said, “Without any second thoughts, a teacher's first move is to protect children.” The education chief reiterated that all schools are zones of peace, adding that education and children should not be casualties in any conflict nor be subjected to any form of violence.

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

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.

DepEd: 2015 budget not discretionary

The Department of Education (DepEd) has been cited by former Senator Panfilo Lacson as one of the agencies with the highest lumpsum or discretionary budgets under the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

While the Honorable Senator did not enumerate the details of the PhP80.7 billion lumpsum budget attributed to DepEd, he may have been referring to aggregate amounts that are not discretionary in nature, but are intended for specific expenditures. Such funds include the construction of classrooms for the Senior High School (SHS) program, school repairs and other infrastructure needs (PhP36.9 billion), the budget for salaries of new teachers to be hired and other personnel requirements of the Department (PhP25.6 billion), the conduct of a school based feeding program for undernourished children (PhP2.4 billion), and the training of teachers on the enhanced K to 12 curriculum (PhP2.0 billion).

DepEd publishes partial list of schools that will offer SHS nationwide

Pasig City – As part of the continuous preparations for the full implementation of the K to 12 program, the Department of Education (DepEd) released the initial list of Senior High Schools (SHS) online, comprised of DepEd and non-DepEd schools, higher education institutions (HEIs), technical vocational institutions (TVIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs).

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that “the 2014 and 2015 budgets already have allocations for 30,000 classrooms for SHS.” He also mentioned that the initial target for the proposed 2016 budget, which is subject for approval, is over 20,000 classrooms for SHS. The government shall further allocate investments for SHS.

DepEd, PAGCOR turn over school buildings in Tarlac

In its continued preparation for the full implementation of K to 12, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over 30 new classrooms to Tarlac National High School (TNHS), April 17.

President Benigno Aquino III said that the government upgraded the standards of classrooms to ensure the safety of the students. He said, "Sa pagpapagawa ng mga silid-aralan, sistematiko at disente ang pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral. At maagap na tinutukoy kung saan itatayo ang mga pasilidad sa iba't ibang komunidad."

PNoy inspects newly built DepEd PSIP classrooms for Region III

Malolos, Bulacan – In the constant effort to build more learning spaces for our learners, the Department of Education (DepEd), in cooperation with Citicorp-Megawide Foundation, continues the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP). The first phase of the project covers Region I, III, and IV-A. A ceremonial turnover of the accomplished classrooms for Region III was held at the City of Malolos Integrated School (IS).

The ceremonial turnover was graced with the presence of his Excellency President Benigno S. Aguino III along with Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, local government officials and officials from Megawide all of whom inspected the newly built 2 storey 6-classroom building and another 2 storey 12-classroom building in Malolos Integrated School.

850 special games athletes set to compete in Palaro 2015

 Sports. Education. Opportunities.

These are some of the best words that describe Palarong Pambansa.  One of Palaro’s highlights over the past years is the Special Games category where children with special needs (CSNs) are able to showcase their sporting talents to the community.   

The Special Games are composed of Athletics (100M, 200M, 400M, 4X100M, Shot put, Running & Standing long jump), Swimming (50M Backstroke, Breastroke, Freestyle), Goal ball and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling. 

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC presents Palaro as a means to support the Department’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for all learners. “Ang Palarong Pambansa, kagaya ng edukasyon, ay inclusive o bukas sa lahat. Wala itong pinipili, wala itong itinatangi. Ito ay para sa lahat na may pusong handang magpunyagi upang sa dulo ay magwagi” he said.

Kariton Klasrum Program goes nationwide

As part of the effort in promoting inclusive education nationwide, the Department of Education (DepEd) is replicating the Dynamic Teen Company's (DTC) Kariton Klasrum made popular by CNN Hero awardee Efren Penaflorida, Jr. By expanding the project nationwide, DepEd and its partners intend to address the needs of hard-to-reach learners and out-of-school children and youth (OSCYs).

The program provides greater mobility for children-at-risk, OSCYs, and school drop-outs in accessing basic education through the Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) program of DepEd. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “This project aims to have a 100% reintegration rate of the beneficiaries into mainstream or regular schools. Just as we accommodate the unique needs of indigenous peoples and special learners, we also try to fit our modes of delivery to the unique conditions of children at-risk, especially those in the streets."

2014 Christmas Message of Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC

A Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

This year has not been without its challenges and as I address you this season, I call to mind the many sacrifices we have all had to make to keep our children learning. Whether we are teachers, administrators, school staff, or parents, we have all contributed much by way of our time, dedication, and hard work.

These times have seen direct threats aimed at our students. Violence in schools and the constant possibility of disasters keep us on our toes, firm in our commitment to ensure everyone’s safety within the school community.

This season, rather than recalling what we fear most, I choose to honor the good in all of us.

Christmas is a reminder of the goodness that comes into the world even as it is challenged by the darkness of uncertainty. We have seen examples of this throughout the year in the persons of those within the Department who have given much of themselves so that our work may continue. Our teachers have gone beyond their call to do remarkable things like deflect gunmen and protect their students. Administrators and officials from local offices have been outstanding in shepherding their people, in always being quick to offer a word of care and thanks. Our donors too have been on call, ready to engage us, for what little or big needs we might have. Even our students have been good citizens.

It is very difficult to lose hope in the company of great people.

This Christmas, I wish for all of you to rekindle that goodness inside and magnify it. Remind others, by way of gratefulness, that they too have been beacons of good in your lives.  Find peace knowing that in your own little way, you have contributed a great deal of good in a world bereft of it.

This season, as we celebrate community and oneness in the pursuit of being good, may we all find joy in each other’s company and encourage each other to do good, no matter the cost.

Again, may you all have a Christmas filled with goodness, joy, and love. God bless us all!

DepEd reiterates “No Collection Policy” in public schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded all public school authorities that collection of any fees for school activities and celebrations is strictly prohibited.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that contributions in public schools should be voluntary. He added that while Parents-Teachers Association may be authorized to collect financial contributions from its members to enable it to implement programs and projects (such as Christmas parties) for the benefit of the students, the fees should be voluntary and agreed upon by the members in a general assembly.

PH kicks off first ASEAN schools games in the country

One ASEAN, One Vision, One Community of Champions: Together with
Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC
passes the torch to a student athlete to officially open the
6th ASEAN Schools Games in the country.

Marikina City—The Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government of Marikina City, officially opened the 6th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) at the Marikina Sports Complex, November 30.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that ASG plays an important role in solidifying ASEAN ties. He said, “This display of solidarity among nations proves that neither borders nor cultural barriers are hindrances to the development and further camaraderie among ASEAN countries.”

He added, “This ASG is not a mere sporting event but a parade of culture among participating countries. We dare learn from each other. We learn that differences allow us to enjoy and appreciate the various treasures in each of our cultures.”

Luistro said that ASG seeks to promote ASEAN solidarity among the youth through school sports and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in cultural exchange.

Statement of Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC on PNoy’s SONA 2014

The Department of Education is one with President Benigno S. Aquino III in fulfilling his promises to the Filipino people. We remain committed to the Filipino learner. After addressing the inherited backlog of basic inputs, we continue to address the incremental requirements of enrollment growth and additional requirements with the introduction of Senior High School. In fact, it is only now in the history of the agency that we are going to build classrooms in preparation for FUTURE requirements. We are also hiring teachers at unprecedented levels that position our schools to provide quality education. The continued roll-out of the K to 12 curriculum sets the foundation for lasting reform of the Philippine educational system.

DepEd ensures safe and learner-centered Palarong Pambansa

For Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC, the Palarong Pambansa is more than just an annual sports meet. “It is the culmination of all sports and physical development programs of DepEd from Kinder to Grade 12. Nakapaloob ito sa K to 12 curriculum,” he explains prior to meeting Department of Education (DepEd) regional directors. 

Luistro to new DepEd officials: "Be shepherds who smell like your sheep"

Regions IV-A, IV-B, V and CAR DepEd executives taking their oath with
DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and DepEd Undersecretaries
Rizalino Rivera, Mario Deriquito, Alberto Muyot and Francis Varela.

“Kung ano ang ating tinatanim, ‘yun din ang bunga. Marami kayong mga desisyon na gagawin bilang Assistant Superintendent at Superintendent. At lahat ng mga desisyon na iyan ay desisyon para sa kagawaran at para sa mga kabataang pinagsisilbihan natin.”

This was how Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC challenged the newly-appointed executives of the Department of Education (DepEd) during their oath-taking, April 22. Schools Division Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents are third-level officials whose appointments are signed by the President and who need to swear an oath before the head of the agency.