Statement on the passing of DepEd Undersecretary Francis Varela

The Department of Education (DepEd) deeply mourns the loss of one of its greatest officials in the person of Francis M. Varela, Undersecretary for Finance and Administration. 

Usec. Varela has been very instrumental in forging ahead education reforms particularly in ensuring that every cent in the education budget is spent judiciously.  He was a staunch advocate of anti-corruption efforts in the Department and played a very important role in instituting reforms to ensure that ethical standards are observed in all transactions involving the agency.

A highly principled man, a sharp mind, a willingness to make tough decisions, and the compassion for the Filipino learner were all hallmarks of Usec. Varela's five years in DepEd. 

We are one with his family in this difficult time and one with the nation in mourning the loss of an extraordinary public servant.

VATS That? Pulmonary Medicine Gets Upgraded With The Lung Center of the Philippines

The Country’s experts discuss advances in thoracic surgery and the Minimally Invasive option that provides better patient outcomes

Experts in Pulmonary Healthcare. (L-R): Dr. Camilo Pada, Dr. Antonio Ramos, Dr. Guilleromo Barroa, Jr., Dr. Jose Luis Danguilan, Dr. Rey Desales, Dr. Guia Ladrera, and Dr. Edmund Villaroman of the Lung Center of the Philippines explain the benefits of the Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery lobectomy.

Manila, Philippines, August 20, 2015 – According to the Department of Health, lung cancer is responsible for the most number of malignancy-related deaths in the Country, and is showing no signs of relenting. In the last three decades, however, new technologies are offering healthcare practitioners options for greater accuracy, cost efficiency and overall, better outcomes for patients in the treatment of the disease. In line with its mission to provide quality health care through state-of-the-art facilities for Filipinos, the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) hosted a symposium to discuss the state of the disease in the Country, and the latest treatments available.

Walk Your Talk, Walk The 51Talk

51Talk, the fastest growing online English Language Teaching (ELT) platform in China and the Philippines, recently gathered its e-Educators for a teachers’ conference for a day of training, team building and a celebration of individual and organizational achievements.

(L-R) AJ Rivera, Associate Manager, Teacher Support Team, Jen Que, Vice President for Philippine Operations; Michele Gumabao, 51Talk Brand Ambassador; Teacher Nelli, One of the 51Talk Top Teachers (Overall); Shu Ting, Country Manager and Co-founder; Mel Quozon, Manager, Teacher Support Team

“In 51Talk, we want to continuously groom and develop our teachers so we make it a point to organize events that will bring our teachers together to learn from each other,” said Sues, Country Manager and Co-founder of 51Talk. “We organize events like Walk the 51Talk for our home-based e-Educators to strengthen the relationship between their fellow e-Educators and the 51Talk administration. We want to

Ashley Benson, from "Pretty Little Liars" to "Pixels"

Popularly known for playing Hanna Marin in the hit show “Pretty Little Liars,” Ashley Benson makes the giant leap to the big screen with Columbia Pictures' new action-adventure “Pixels.”

Benson takes on the role of Lady Lisa, the film’s 1980s videogame icon, star of the fictional game Dojo Quest. “I get to play a videogame hero – I have two swords and I get to be a badass,” Benson explains. “I’d never worked with swords before, so that was cool. Plus, punching and kicking and beating up Josh Gad is always fun.” (Watch a featurette on Ashley Benson's Lady Lisa here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-611tXJIC4.)

Chris Evans Debuts As Director In "BEFORE WE GO"‏

Chris Evans steps off from his duties in saving the world and debuts as a director in the upcoming romantic, serendipitous movie “Before We Go.”  Drawing his inspiration from director Richard Linklater of the highly acclaimed films “Before Sunset,” “Before Sunrise” and “Before Midnight,” Evans also stars in “Before We Go” where two strangers meet at Grand Central Station and spent the night away contemplating on their current and uncertain future. Over the course of one night, they form an unlikely bond and the conflicts in their own lives become the basis for exploration into each other and themselves.

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

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.”

Adam Sandler, Kevin James Defend Earth from Alien "Pixels"‏

To capture the comedy in Columbia Pictures' new action-adventure “Pixels,” the filmmakers brought in an all-star cast of comedic film talent. Adam Sandler (who also produces the film) and Kevin James were tapped to lead the team of unlikely heroes who are called upon to save the world. Joining them are Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage and Michelle Monaghan.

“The five of them together are just so wonderful,” says director Chris Columbus. “There’s a natural camaraderie and real charisma between the five of them. They truly create a team.”