‘Simpler’ Brigada Eskwela 2023 towards Bayanihan Spirit

The Department of Education emphasized a simpler conduct of Brigada Eskwela 2023 in

hopes to ignite the Bayanihan Spirit during its kick off on August 7, 2023 at Quezon City,
themed “Bayanihan para sa MATATAG na Paaralan.”

In a statement of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte during national kick off,
“Brigada Eskwela is an appeal to the Bayanihan spirit of every Filipino to help prepare our schools
for the opening classes.”

She called out to every Filipino involved in school to join hands together for the repair,
restoration, and repainting of school facilities as this will showcase the cooperation among these
individuals in this simultaneous activity across the country.

“It is to make our schools functional, clean, and orderly inside and outside the classroom and
within school sides,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Brigada Eskwela School Coordinator Mariafe Apostol said that they sent out
invitations to various individuals including prominent persons to take part in this much-anticipated
yearly event long before the activity started.

“We invited other stakeholders from Local Government Unit headed by our Mayor, private
sectors who business here in town, business owners, parents, students, and even alumni who
pledged their full support and have the initiative to donate materials needed,” she stressed out.

As expected, the first day of the activity, parents together with their children outnumber other
Brigada partners as they are very early in school, bringing their cleaning tools and other equipment
as they are assigned in different areas.
 PISA result reveals almost No Improvement for years

Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) revealed that Philippines ranked
77 out of 81 countries that got low on reading, mathematics, and science when
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administered among 15-year old learners across all countries in the year 2022.

According to Organization Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) who administered

the test, Philippines scored approximately 120 points lowered on global average; 355 for math, 347
for reading, and 373 for science compared to global average of 472 for math, 476 for reading, and
486 for science, respectively.

“If we follow the computation (of PISA) with caveats, based on the OECD and with
socioeconomically advantaged students, we can see that (we) are around five to six years behind,”
Alexander Sucalit, officer-in-charge of the DepEd’s Bureau of Education Assessment-Education
Research Division, told reporters.

He pointed out further that we have to be careful in interpreting this because different countries
have different paces of learning, so it is just an estimation of numbers.

Although there is a 2.3-percentage point hike in math, then 6.9 percent in reading, a 08. Percent
drop in science proficiency, this showed that students have minimal or improvement at all.

Meanwhile, Carlo Casumpong, a teacher and reading coordinator of the school said that he is
extending much effort to teach reading even during his vacant time.

“I make a plan of schedule of reading from Grades 7 to 10, and tell teachers to coordinate with
me by sending these children needing remediation, enhancement, and intervention to my office for
reading sessions,” Casumpong explained.

The school reading profile indicates that, out of _______ population of the school, _____ are
struggling readers, _____ are under Frustration level, ______are under Instructional level, and ______
for Independent level.

In an effort to enhance reading skills among these children, different teachers are collaborating
with each other across all subjects to address learning gaps posted by the PISA in hopes to alleviate
this problem soon.
 CPD Law worries LPTs

Republic Act 10912 or known as CPD Act of 2016, otherwise known as Continuing
Professional Development, aimed to intensify knowledge, skills, and ethics of a professional
after undergoing seminar, training, and other ongoing learning of a professional individual.

“It is now my time to renew my PRC License this January. I already set an appointment at PRC
Davao. When I get there, I am shocked that I need to present documents as proof that I attend
seminars that are CPD-compliant. I give them certificates I got from DepEd. They said it is not
credited, so I go home without having my PRC ID renewed,” Mrs. Fe Contiga, a Senior High School
teacher, expressed her disappointments.

She noted that it adds additional burden on her part since the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) suggested her to upload on their website her garnered certificates and pay to
make it CPD-accredited.

Lawmakers of the 19 th Congress has revived conversation on the possibility of, if not abolishing,
making various amendments on this policy, stating that it must be inexpensive, efficient, and less
hassle on their part since being on the field is a testament to improving one’s professional
development.

“This 19th Congress, the proposed law is one of our priorities,” said Baguio Representative Mark
Go, who chairs the House higher and technical education committee.

Go noted that one of the proposed amendments is making the In-Service Training of DepEd CPD
compliant so that the certificates acquired will not be put into waste as teachers’ practice of their
profession and amount of workload are justification of their professional advancement.

The PRC said it supports the would-be consolidated bill on the proposed “enhancement” of the
CPD Act.

With over 3.2 million registered professionals in the Philippines including teachers, it is hoped
that CPD will be amended and funded appropriately to give free and less-hassle CPD trainings to
them.

LGU Mabini unveils Christmas Village

 Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mabini opens Christmas Village, themed “Philippine Symbolism,
featuring different artworks, realia, and other displays represented by each Barangay on December
8, 2023.

“This year’s Christmas Village centers on the different symbols we can see in the Philippines
such as carabao, jeepney, durian, “bakya”, sorbetes, bahay kubo, kalesa, gitara, vinta, and tricycle.
We are very much happy that our LGU is striving hard to give entertainment to Mabinians through
these displays,” said Vincent Magpatoc, the municipal tourism officer.

These spectacles are widely flooded by people not only in Mabini, but also from other
neighboring municipalities and cities such as Pantukan, Maco, and even Tagum City.

“Diri nato mapakita ang panaghiusa tungod kay despite sa gamay lang nga panahon sa pag
prepare aning Christmas Village, gipaningkamotan sa opisyales sa kada Barangay labaw na ilang
mga sakop na mahuman wala pa ang deadline,” said Mayor Emerson Luego during an interview.

After online voting and evaluation by the panel of judges, Barangay Tagnanan’s Bahay Kubo
emerged as Champion, followed by Kalesa of Barangay San Antonio as 1 st runner up, then Durian of
Barangay Del Pilar as 2nd runner up.

Aside from scenic Filipino presentations, the 100-meter glowing Christmas tree of the
municipality, and various Parols handcrafted by different offices of the LGU added to the glamour of
the celebration.

This event is a testament of unity, family orientation, and joyfulness which all describe the spirit
of Christmas.

Sinulog Success: Mabini NHS aces ‘Indak-indak sa Kadalanan 2024’ Powerhouse.

 This is how Mabini National High School was addressed after the victorious campaign,
bagging the championship with the Best in Street Dancing award in the recently commenced
Sinulog festival during the Parochial Town Fiesta of Mabini, on January 15, 2024.

Francis and Taylor Online asserted that the Sinulog Festival is a festival originating in Cebu City
in the Philippines, rejoicing the Cebuanos' alteration to Roman Catholicism; it is held on the third
Sunday of January and honors the Santo Niň o—the Santo Niň o de Cebú —or Holy Child Jesus.

In the locality of Mabini, the Sinulog Festival is celebrated on the 15th of January in which
Mabinians gather in the most anticipated Indak-indak sa kadalanan which involves an art of
dancing that relates to the feast of the Baby Jesus, Santo Nino.

Led by Mr. Milton Benilan, Master Teacher in MAPEH, Mabini NHS Sinulog team battled with
their blood, sweat, and tears to claim the highly valuable Sinulog title.

“I am confident that our trainings has instilled knowledge ug para ma execute nila ug tarong ang
ilahang formations, routines, and street dance,’’ he said. Crowded with “Go Mabini” chants, the
Indak-indak field was filled with smiles, umbrellas, and banners. Amidst the rainy atmosphere,
Mabinian spirit was shown especially when the speaker started playing the Mabini entry audio.

“Kitang tanan mag-dibusyon,” or we all must praise. Providing a snapshot of how abundant the
patronage of Mabini has showered blessings upon its residents, with colorful props and a
marvelous way of art, Indak-indak sa Kadalanan.

Extensive rain cannot outdo the flaming hearts of Mabinians dancers with eagerness to exhibit
and showcase their consistently trained talents in the manner of Indak-indak sa Kadalanan under
the Sinulog Festival, committing oneself to the Santo Nino and claiming the championship, the goal
of Mabini NHS.

Shorelines' Finest School commemorates Reading Month

 December 1, 2023 — Mabini National High School celebrated Reading Month, with a goal
to combine learning while having leisure.

Incorporated by learners from Grade 7 to 12, the said commemoration was filled with delight
and gracefulness as Mabinians showcase their esteemed talents.

The Activity Center hosted the Book Character Parade, Art of Storytelling, Interpretasyon sa
Pagbasa, Acoustic Vocals, Sabayang Bigkas, and Jazz Chants.

At the same time, the Spelling Bee and Word Arrangement took place in the Reading Hub, while
the Word Factory and Big Book Making were held in the Multi-purpose Hall and Conference Hall.

Conversely, to encourage students in short stories, Department of Education Regional Director

Mr. Allan G. Farnazo storytelling video was played.

Inspiring achievers to read and learn, RD Farnazo's goal in mind for his campaign in being the
Story Ambassador.

Commemorating the love for reading, mixed with fun. Aiming to be exemplars of literacy,
Mabinians unites as the Reading Month celebration unveils.

Mabinian journalists shine at JOURNALYMPICS 2.0

 Mabini National High School writers bagged multiple awards in individual events in the
recently concluded JOURNALYMPICS version 2.0 Seminar-Writeshop on Campus Journalism
on January 27–28, 2024 at Magnaga National High School, Pantukan, Davao de Oro.

"Harnessing Campus Writers' Skills with the Pedagogy of Journalism" is the theme of the said
workshop in which both The Brilliance and Ang Pintig, the official school publications of Mabini
NHS, have joined. Student writers of 'The Brilliance' exhibited their brilliance as they garnered an
outstanding result in the said inter-school competition.

Led by their Editor in Chief, Trixy Salada, got 1st place in Editorial Writing; Dave Lawrence
Arcamo got 1st place in Science and Technology Writing; Devine Grace Bandillo got 2nd place in
Copyreading and Headline Writing; Nicole Gervacio got 4th place in Sports Writing; and Kryzeshelle
Benitez got 7th place in Column Writing.

Also, 'Ang Pintig' writers showcased their expertise as Vince Gervacio secured the 3rd place in
Sports Writing; Franchesca Circulo added to the 3rd place in Editorial Cartooning; and Chariezl
Guevarra their Column Writer earned a spot as 4th placer in the said event.

These serve as addition to the backpack and a stepping stone for the upcoming Division Schools
Press Conference which will take place at Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School.

Spearheaded by Mrs. Joreza P. Asuela and Ms. Irish Arianne S. Laga, their School Paper Advisers,
the writers triumphed against other participating schools all over Davao de Oro where they became
victorious as they achieve spots in numerous recognitions.

This event is an avenue for the student-writers to work harder, believe more of themselves and
read further to become fully-equipped in the upcoming competitions in DSPC 2024 and the rest of
the events.

A warm thanksgiving and recognition to the School Principal III of Mabini National High School,
Ma'am Teodora P. Baring for her all-out support and trust to the students of Mabini NHS in every
competition they engage into.

Edited photo incident: Per winner’s request, PCSO

 PCSO’s General manager Melquiades Robles elucidated the conjectures of the people
regarding the legitimacy of the Lotto jackpot winner after Senator Raffy Tulfo requested a
thorough Investigation to the person in question during a senate hearing.

‘’This picture was very controversial on social media. This is reportedly edited?’’ the senator
asked holding a printed copy of the said image.

‘’Yes, your honor.’’ Robles answered, clearly admitting that the photo was indeed has been
edited. He also said that it was to protect the confidentiality of the winner.

‘’Someone complained to us one time. We covered the face but the winner`s clothes were
recognizable. The winner asked us if we could not show the clothes. So that’s why,” said Robles.

Due to arousing suspicions from Netizens, the photo circulated online garnering various
comments and reactions.

Josephine Dalagan, a housewife, who constantly bets tickets, tells her disappointments upon
seeing some reactions in Facebook.

“Na-discouraged nako mo taya kay sige ta ug taya, dili man gihapon ta ka daog. Imbis basin mao
ra atong pag-asa ma milyonarya ta,” she still smirked although narrating her opinion.

Meanwhile, PCSO keeps on insisting that editing is requested by the winner to hide her identity.

‘’I agree, it`s a very poor editing, but the objective is to conceal the clothing that would be
identified to her. If there is something we apologize for, it is the poor editing, but it serves the
purpose of concealing the identity,” she added.

“We`re sorry. We`re sorry, we`re not very good at editing the clothes,” she added.

The viral edited photo of the 47 years old female lottery winner accepting a 43.8 million cheque
on Dec. 28, 2023 has gained nothing but backlashes from the people saying how can they win the
lotto when the PCSO seems to be up to something.

‘’All I can say to those who says that lotto winners are fake is that, you are wrong…’’ the bettor
said. ‘’You have to bet to know that the lottery is real.’’

PCSO Representative Lawyer Katrina Contacto also assured the committee that the winners are
real as she personally gave the cheque to them.

‘’Rest assured, the winners are legitimate. I held talks with some of them, they are real people.’’
said the Attorney.

Josephine further narrated that if even she hit the jackpot, she will only cover her face, but not to
the point it is obviously edited.

“Tama na siguro nga dili makit an ang imong nawong. Daghan na noon dili ganahan mo patad
kay murag dili tinood nga nay nakadaog.”

Catch-Up Fridays starts NOW

 Vice president and DepEd secretary Sara Duterte denounces that starting January 12,
2024 in every Friday will be catch-up day practically for reading to help the students
harness their reading skills and reading comprehension.

“Starting January 12, 2024, every Friday will be catch-up day, Fridays, particularly for reading,”
she said.

In a memorandum issued last January 10, the DepEd said that all schools in the country should
roll out the national reading program through activities. It also said that all Fridays throughout the
school year shall be designated as catch up Fridays, with a focus on operationalizing the national
reading program during the first half of the day`s schedule and on fostering values, health, and
peace education for the second half.

"Ibig sabihin, wala tayong ibang gagawin kundi turuan ang mga bata magbasa at ‘yung mga
marunong nang magbasa, ituro sa kanila ang critical thinking and analysis. ‘Yung mga marunong na
sa critical thinking and analysis, pasulatin ninyo ng libro, ng essay, lahat ng kailangan nating gawin
na matutunan ng mga bata, gawin natin sa Catch Up Friday, Duterte said in in her speech.

As such, catch-up Friday is a learning mechanism intended to strengthen the foundational, social,
and other relevant skills necessary to naturalize the intent of the basic education curriculum.

“It means that we will do nothing else but to teach the learners how to read. To those who are
good in reading, teach them critical thinking and analysis. For those who are good in critical
thinking and analysis, let them write a book, essay and everything that the children needs to learn,”
DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte added.

Meanwhile, Carlo Casumpong, the school reading coordinator of Mabini National High School,
saw the good point in implementing the catch-up Friday.

“After four-day academic burnout of students from Monday to Thursday, it is time for them to
enjoy the Fridays filled with fun activities while learning,” Casumpong said.

The MATATAG Curriculum seeks to decongest the current K to 12 Curriculum through reduction
on the number of competencies to focus more on the foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy,
and socio-emotional skills of learners.

Sen. Hontiveros urges DFA and DMW for preparations

 Senator Risa Hontiveros urges the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of
Migrant Workers to prepare in case violence of Israel-Gaza conflict by which to extend
beyond borders escalates.

“We must be prepared to charter flights and buses, hire additional security personnel, and
provide adequate medical and humanitarian aid to our kababayan (compatriots),” she reiterated,
adding that there should also be sufficient funds for emergency financial assistance and free legal
services,” said the solon.

This was after she extends her condolences to the families of the two Filipinos killed in Israel.
Sen. Hontiveros also said that with the escalating threat of violence extending beyond Israel, the
DFA and the DMW must be able to re-direct available resources at their disposal to the conflict
areas,‘ she added.

“I strongly urge the DFA and the DMW to pre-position necessary resources for swift
implementation of their contingency plan to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino nationals
in Israel and Gaza,” the senator said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Jenime Espija was worried about her husband in who was still in Israel as an
OFW.

“Maayo unta maka uli na lagi kay nabalaka na kaayo ko. Naka video call mi two days ago pa man
to. Maka uli siya diri dili sa siguro mo balik kay hadlok man kaayoa ng giyera,” she added.

As such, Sen. Hontiveros also said that she will commit to working closely with the DFA and
DMW and other government agencies to ensure the safe return of our OFW`s. ‘

‘In the face of this tragedy we must stand united as a nation and support our OFW`s without
complacency or delay. Their lives are under imminent treat ’’. The senator added.

She also reminded the administration to continue to prepare amidst the volatile situation in and
beyond the region so we can give our kabataan the care and support that they rightfully deserve.

Shearline abides to lavish the Shoreline

 Intensive rains and cold weather was experienced by Mabinians as shear line continues to
navigate the eastern part of Mindanao on January 18, 2024.

Manila Bulletin, disseminated a public release stating that the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, (PAGASA), has issued a Climate outlook
report that reinstates heavy rainfall from January to June, 2024.

Senator Francis Tolentino the head of Weather Forecasting Bureau asserted that shear line is
not just experienced by Mindanaons, but also for people living in Visayas.

"Shear line is commonly defined as the convergence of cold and warm winds," he said when
asked about shear line.

Tolentino also added that there are regions such as Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao
that are being rained by shear line.

"The cold winds brought along by Amihan is met by the warm winds from the easterlies from
the Pacific Ocean causing heavy rains and thunderstorms most often in the Bicol, Easter Visayas
and Eastern Mindanao sections," he added.

Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rains were experienced, leaving Mabinians a sense of what
the effects of shear line can transmit.

Raining in mid-January, shear line continues to encompass the southern part of Mindanao.
Connection of easterlies and shearline, resulting to multiple thunderstorms and heavy rains in
Mabini.