By Junex Doronio
MANILA — A former Department of Education undersecretary is now facing corruption allegations over the agency’s school building program. A senior lawmaker revealed his involvement in a kickback scheme, where he allegedly solicited commissions from members of the House of Representatives in exchange for approving school building projects in their districts.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel on Thursday accused former DepEd Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III of allegedly asking lawmakers for kickbacks as high as 18% of the contract price for school building projects in their areas during his tenure as undersecretary in charge of school building construction.
Densing strongly denied the allegations made by Pimentel.
“Well, first of all, it’s a blatant lie. I never asked for any commission. It’s precisely because I’m process-oriented,” Densing stated.
The revelations surfaced as Pimentel recounted a conversation with Greg Morillo, who allegedly acted as Densing’s intermediary. Densing is now in the private sector.
“Right there and then, I already knew that Densing would ask for a commission,” Pimentel claimed, suggesting that Densing had demanded a bribe in exchange for releasing funds already allocated for school building projects in Surigao del Sur.
“Dapat huwag ka nang bumalik sa gobyerno. The government doesn’t need your kind. You are a very corrupt person using your position to your advantage,” Pimentel added.
According to Pimentel, despite the allocation of P170 million for school buildings in his district, the bidding process for the projects was abruptly halted after he refused to comply with Densing’s alleged request for a commission.
“Lo and behold, the funds didn’t come through, the bidding was canceled,” Pimentel said, asserting that Densing’s actions directly affected vital infrastructure development in his district.
Pimentel further claimed that Densing had approached multiple lawmakers, offering school building allocations in exchange for a percentage of the project budget.
“Marami ring congressman ang nagsabi sa akin na you approached them,” Pimentel said, revealing that one congressman from the Visayas was allegedly asked for an 18% commission on school building funds.
The accusations deepened, with Pimentel alleging that Densing met with several lawmakers in Manila, accompanied by a contractor named Architect Ralph Tecson.
“You even had a contractor with you,” Pimentel stated, implying that Densing was not only demanding commissions but also directing contractors to lawmakers.
Densing denied the allegations, calling them “a blatant lie,” and emphasized his commitment to transparency in his role.
However, Pimentel dismissed Densing’s defense, labeling him a liar.
“You are lying, Mr. Densing! And I can cite you for contempt!” Pimentel retorted during a heated exchange.
While the House hearing was suspended, Pimentel vowed to gather more evidence against Densing, indicating that the case is far from over.
“I will gather more evidence to prove that what I’m saying is true — that Mr. Epimaco Densing is a very corrupt person,” Pimentel declared, promising to reveal more details in the next hearing.
One of the most serious accusations against Densing was his alleged manipulation of the DepEd budget for fiscal year 2024.
Pimentel questioned why funds for school buildings in Surigao del Sur were suddenly cut, despite being included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
He accused Densing of making these cuts without informing affected lawmakers, further fueling suspicions of corruption.
“That is why Densing was removed from DepEd. He didn’t resign,” Pimentel claimed, asserting that Densing was forced out due to his involvement in corrupt practices.
ia/mnm
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Forced to resign but opted to retire early, former Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado has revealed that Vice President Sara Duterte was giving officials of the agency “envelopes” monthly during her tenure as Education Secretary.
Testifying before the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, Jumamil-Mercado divulged on Wednesday (25 September 2024) that she started receiving the “envelopes” when she was designated as head of the Procuring Entity (HoPE) of DepEd.
“Between February 2023 and September 2023, I received a total of nine (9) envelopes labeled ‘HoPE’, my concurrent position in DepEd during that time. These envelopes were handed to me monthly by Assistant Secretary Sunshine Fajarda, which she says came directly from the office of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Jumamil-Mercado said.
“(G)aling kay VP, is what she would typically say as she hands the envelopes. It would appear that I received these envelopes by virtue of my office as HoPE. Atty. Sunshine Fajarda is the wife of Edward D. Fajarda who is the Special Disbursement Officer,” she added.
Jumamil-Mercado, who had been in public service for 40 years, said she did not immediately open the envelopes and hoped to return it during the exit call she requested before going into voluntary retirement.
“When I retired already, I was asking for an exit call so I could return. I wanted to return those envelopes. But I wasn’t able to have that exit call. I wasn’t able to return. So, I sought some advice, and they advised me to donate it to a non-government organization, which I did, and that was the only time I opened those envelopes, in front of the people I was donating it to. It was P50,000 per envelope. They issued me a receipt for P450,000,” Mercado said.
She also told the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability that VP Sara’s chief of staff asked her to resign after she asserted in October 2023 that procurement for the DepEd Computerization Program must be “implemented and conducted in strict adherence with the rules”.
House Deputy Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre told Jumamil-Mercado that VP Duterte had brushed her off as a “disgruntled former employee” and claimed that she was removed for soliciting millions of pesos.
Jumamil-Mercado strongly denied the allegations and stressed that she did not solicit money but equipment for a DepEd program.
ia/mnm
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee signed a memorandum of agreement to pilot an enhanced work immersion program aimed at boosting senior high school students’ employability. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing at Malacañang.
“This partnership is a crucial step in preparing our students for the workforce,” said PSAC Jobs Committee Lead, Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III.
The MoA focuses on aligning the curriculum with industry standards, increasing hands-on training, and providing job-matching opportunities. The pilot program will involve ten schools and industries like semiconductors, IT-BPM, tourism, and agriculture, addressing the jobs and skills mismatch in the country.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara emphasized the initiative’s role in offering students practical experience, following the President’s directive to improve educational quality and employment prospects.
The DepEd, along with industry partners, is actively working to establish guidelines for this school year’s implementation.
A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies highlights that 40% of employed Filipinos are overqualified for their jobs, underscoring the importance of this collaboration.
(ia/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Education confirmed on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the resignation of five ranking officials of the agency ahead of the leadership turnover.
Incoming DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara will officially assume his post on Friday (19 July 2024) following the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on the same date in June.
The officials who have submitted their resignations are the following:
Michael T. Poa – Undersecretary and Chief of Staff
Nolasco A. Mempin – Undersecretary for Administration
Sunshine A. Fajarda – Assistant Secretary – Office of the Secretary
Reynold S. Munsayac – Assistant Secretary for Procurement
Noel T. Baluyan – Assistant Secretary for Administration
Poa stated that their resignations will take effect also on Friday, July 19.
He explained that their decision allows the incoming DepEd Secretary to select his team.
“I think it is only appropriate to give the incoming Secretary of Education, Secretary Angara, a free hand to choose the people that will form part of his team,” Poa said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that he will appoint a new Secretary for the Department of Education by the end of the week.
“I would like to be able to announce the appointment of the new DepEd Secretary by the end of the week,” Marcos told Malacanang reporters.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s resignation will take effect on July 19 after a 30-day transition period.
The President mentioned that Duterte-Carpio did not disclose the reason behind her resignation.
“She didn’t give any reasons. I asked her if there were any particular reasons why she chose to resign from the Department of Education and the NTF-ELCAC. She said, ‘huwag na lang natin pag-usapan.’ So I did not press the issue,” Marcos said.
The President emphasized the importance of filling the position of DepEd Secretary, highlighting the critical role of education.
“I am expediting the process. I said, give me many names. What do we need? Let’s assess the status of DepEd. What is now required, and what else needs to be done?” he said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has confirmed her resignation on Wednesday (19 June 2024) as the Secretary of the Department of Education.
Duterte-Carpio made her confirmation during the DepEd press conference, adding that her resignation will take effect on July 19.
“Earlier today June 19, 2024, I sought an audience with the president and tendered my resignation as the Secretary of Education effective July 19, 2024. I have given my 30-day notice to ensure the proper and orderly transition for the benefit of the next secretary,” she said.
The Vice President clarified that her resignation is not a sign of “weakness” but due to “true concern” for teachers and Filipino youth.
“Mga kababayan, ang aking pagbibitiw ay hindi lulan ng kahinaan kundi dala ng tunay na malasakit para sa ating mga guro at kabataang Pilipino. Bagama’t hindi ako magpapatuloy na mamamahala sa Kagawaran patuloy pa rin nating itataguyod ang kalidad ng edukasyon na nararapat para sa Pilipino,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Hindi man ako ang tumatayong Kalihim ng Edukasyon, mananatili akong isang ina, isang ina, nagmamatyag at titindig para sa kapakanan ng bawat guro at bawat mag-aaral sa Pilipinas para sa isang matatag na Pilipinas,” she added.
Malacañang first announced the resignation of Duterte-Carpio member of the Cabinet, DepEd Secretary, and Vice Chairperson of the NTF-ELCAC.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By El Amigo
MANILA — In the first quarter Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by independent pollster OCTA Research, the Department of Education (DepEd) emerged as the most trusted and highest-performing government agency.
During the survey conducted from March 11-14, 2024, DepEd garnered an impressive 82 percent trust rating, leading ahead of other key government bodies.
Following closely behind were the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DoH) with 79 percent each, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) secured a commendable 73 percent, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) obtained a solid 71 percent.
DepEd’s trust ratings soared highest in Mindanao, reaching an impressive 94 percent, and among socioeconomic classes D and E, registering at 85 percent and 71 percent, respectively.
Moreover, DepEd showcased outstanding performance, leading the pack among government agencies in the first quarter of 2024 with an 84 percent performance rating. Trailing closely were DoH at 80 percent, DSWD at 77 percent, CHEd at 73 percent, and DPWH at 72 percent.
Once again, DepEd’s performance ratings shone brightest in Mindanao, achieving an impressive 95 percent. Similarly, it excelled among those in socioeconomic class E, boasting an 89 percent performance rating.
The survey encompassed 1,200 respondents and maintained a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Believe it or not only one (1) school in Metro Manila passed the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 global comprehension survey.
Yes, only one public school in Metro Manila hurdled the minimum proficiency level as confirmed by a Department of Education (DepEd) official on Wednesday (07 Feb 2024) during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
Jocelyn Andaya, the DepEd National Capital Region (NCR) director, disclosed that Benigno S. Aquino High School in Makati City was the sole public school from Metro Manila to achieve this milestone among all participating institutions.
Andaya further noted that besides Benigno S. Aquino High School, five additional schools met the assessment’s standards, but they were all private institutions.
“In NCR, there was just one from the public [schools] of the 21 [that participated in PISA]… It’s Benigno Aquino [High School],” she stated.
The 2022 PISA, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), covered subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science, along with an evaluation of students’ critical thinking and financial literacy skills, with a primary emphasis on mathematics.
Senator Win Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, emphasized the importance of utilizing the PISA results to develop solutions for the challenges within the Philippine education system.
“How do we go up? How do we implement solutions so that we will improve learner performance?” questioned Gatchalian.
Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay advocated for a reevaluation of teaching methodologies, proposing a shift towards practical applications of lessons rather than mere memorization.
“It’s difficult to break old habits. The big question is how do we teach our new teachers? Maybe it’s time to revisit and change the curriculum on how we are teaching our teachers as well,” remarked Binay.
The Philippines ranked as the sixth lowest among the 81 countries and economies participating in the 2022 PISA, with Filipino learners demonstrating continued struggles in mathematics and reading comprehension.
According to the 2022 PISA report, 7,193 students from 188 schools in the Philippines completed assessments in mathematics, reading, or science, representing approximately 1,782,900 individual 15-year-old students, equivalent to an estimated 83% of the total population of 15-year-olds.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In a significant collaboration, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Cebu City government have joined forces for the hosting of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, alongside Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, formalized the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to ensure meticulous preparation for this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
The signing ceremony took place at the Community Hall on the 9th floor of the Cebu City Hall Executive Building.
Duterte emphasized the commitment to supporting young athletes, stating, “We affirm our unwavering dedication to strengthening our support for young athletes. Our primary goal is to equip them with the necessary tools to nurture discipline, resilience, and the indomitable spirit required to pursue their athletic passions.” This statement was released in a press release on the DepEd official website.
Cebu City is well-prepared for the occasion, hosting the prestigious annual multi-sporting event for the third time (after 1954 and 1994). Cebu City Sports Commission chairman John Pages expressed anticipation for the event, noting, “We’ve been waiting for 30 years for this moment.
The Cebu City Sports Center was built 30 years ago, specifically to host Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.”
Under the terms of the MOA, DepEd will collaborate with Cebu City to ensure security, transportation, communication provisions, and other competition requirements.
Meanwhile, Cebu City will establish the Local Palaro Executive Committee (LPEC) and Secretariat, and secure funding for the tournament – particularly for the construction and renovation of sports facilities, billeting quarters, and other infrastructural necessities for the Palaro host.
Having been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marikina City hosted the Palarong Pambansa last year. The 2019 edition took place in Davao City for elementary and high school students.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has recently resumed the distribution of learning resources for students, according to an announcement made on Friday (15 Dec 2023).
This decision comes amid an ongoing investigation in the House of Representatives regarding alleged unsettled warehouse fees owed by the DepEd to Transpac Cargo Logistics. Transpac was hired to provide logistics, warehousing, and tagging services for the learning equipment.
In an official statement, the DepEd disclosed that its Regional and Division offices promptly initiated the hauling of goods after receiving a letter from Transpac, allowing them to retrieve the stored items in warehouses starting the first week of December 2023.
The DepEd aims to complete the haul and deliver the goods to public schools in the coming weeks, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the public interest and ensuring uninterrupted education services for learners and stakeholders.
Contrary to some reports, the DepEd clarified that the issue is not merely about unpaid warehouse fees. Payment to service providers is contingent on the fulfillment of obligations and the submission of complete documentation, adhering to accounting, auditing, and other relevant regulations for fund disbursement. The DepEd appealed to the public to remain vigilant against the spread of false and misleading information.
The DepEd procured the services of Transpac Logistics in 2021, with the contract effective from October 8, 2021, to June 30, 2022. However, Transpac failed to fulfill its delivery obligations on time. Despite continuous efforts to resolve the issue, including legal proceedings initiated on Nov. 22, 2023, the DepEd was compelled to partially terminate its contract with Transpac on Aug. 30, 2023, under the Procurement Law.
In response to the situation, House Resolution No. 1516 was filed by members of the House of Representatives, urging the Committees on Public Accounts and Basic Education to investigate the matter. The resolution aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the alleged unpaid warehouse fees and the delivery failures by Transpac Cargo Logistics.
(ai/mnm)
By Amado Inigo
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has secured its position as the most trusted and highest-performing government agency, as revealed in the latest survey conducted by OCTA Research.
The Third Quarter Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from September 30 to October 4, showcased DepEd with an impressive 79 percent trust rating.
Following closely were the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at 75 percent, with the Department of Health (DoH) closely trailing at 74 percent, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development at 73 percent.
DepEd’s stellar performance was particularly notable in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, where it garnered an impressive 88 percent trust rating, while Balanced Luzon reported the lowest at 70 percent.
Breaking down the trust ratings across socio-economic classes, DepEd stood out with the highest trust ratings among classes D and E, earning 80 percent and 78 percent, respectively.
In contrast, Class ABC registered the lowest trust rating at 69 percent.
Not only did DepEd lead in trust ratings, but it also claimed the top spot in the list of best-performing government agencies, boasting an 80 percent performance rating.
Following closely were the Department of Social Welfare and Development at 75 percent, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Health at 74 percent each, with the Commission on Higher Education at 73 percent.
DepEd’s stellar performance extended across the nation, with performance ratings ranging from 72 percent to an impressive 91 percent.
The Visayas region emerged with the highest performance rating at 91 percent, closely followed by Mindanao at 88 percent, while Balanced Luzon reported a respectable 72 percent.
In striking contrast, the Department of Budget and Management recorded the lowest performance rating at 32 percent.
The survey, encompassing 1,200 respondents nationwide, maintains a margin of error of plus or minus three percent nationwide and six percent across major regions.
(ai/mnm)
The Department of Education has conducted a workshop and Awareness Campaign on UN Observances, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Programs, and Philippine Commemorations.
The workshop was held last November 28 to 30 in Quezon City. It aims to introduce the activities of UNESCO.
“Layunin ng nasabing aktibidad na ipakilala ang iba’t ibang UN observances, UNESCO programs, at iba’t ibang Philippine commemorations sa lahat ng mga kawani ng Kagawaran lalo na sa mga Araling Panlipunan supervisors at education program specialists,” DepEd said.
The said program also emphasized the gathering of suggested activities for other UN observances that can be carried out in schools and DepEd field offices.
The program was implemented under the leadership of the International Cooperation Office together with the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching.
By Liezelle Soriano
THE Department of Education announced Saturday that there will be no class suspension next week despite the transport strike.
Operators announced that they will be conducting a transport strike beginning Monday which will last for three days.
In its advisory, DepEd said, “No cancellation of classes will be issued by the Department of Education.”
“Unless local government units announce cancellation and/or suspension of classes in their respective jurisdictions, schools shall hold classes without disruption.”
Transportation group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide said that the move was due to their dissatisfaction with the proposed amendments to the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines.
“Itong franchise consolidation ang unang hakbang sa pang-aagaw sa kabuhayan ng mga tsuper at operator,” Piston national president Mody Floranda said.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
The Philippine National Police-Caraga, Department of Education, and Commission on Higher Education have inked a partnership to ensure the protection of the students against crimes and recruitment from terrorist groups.
The three agencies signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Monday, October 23.
Under the partnership, a Student Crime Prevention Committee will be created which will be composed of the Supreme Student Council president as the chairperson, the SSC vice president as the vice chairperson, presidents or vice presidents of high school, senior high school, and all courses at the college level as members of the committee, and the secretary of the SSC.
Additionally, lectures and seminar workshops on crime prevention and criminal justice, counter-terrorism awareness, drug awareness, and community involvement will also be conducted and held at school campuses.
On the other hand, the PNP also has its own program called “Pulis Ko, Teacher Ko” in which police officers who are licensed teachers will guide the students to enhance their moral foundation and strengthen resistance to CTG recruitment activities and other crimes.
“We need to protect our students, as they are the most vulnerable sector targeted by the CTG for recruitment. We have a solemn responsibility to protect and guide them away from the clutches of such organizations and ensure they have the opportunity to grow in a safe environment,” the three agencies said.
By Liezelle Soriano
KINUMPIRMA ng Department of Education nitong Martes na pinatawan ng 90 araw na preventive suspension ang guro na umano’y nanampal sa isang 14-anyos na estudyante sa Antipolo City na nagresulta sa kanyang kamatayan.
Ayon sa ulat ng DZBB, ang suspensiyon ay ipinataw habang isinasagawa ang administrative proceedings laban sa guro.
Nilinaw naman ng DepEd na hindi parusa ang suspensiyon kundi bahagi lamang ng preventive measures habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon.
Namatay ang biktimang si Francis Jay Gumikib matapos ma-coma ilang araw makaraan umanong sampalin ng kanyang guro sa Filipino subject sa Peñafrancia Elementary School.
Inaasahang ilalabas ang resulta ng medico-legal examination sa susunod na linggo, ayon sa hepe ng Medico-Legal Division ng Philippine National Police Forensics Group.
Samantala, nagsasagawa rin ang Commission on Human Rights ng sarili nilang imbestigasyon sa insidente.
By Dang Samson-Garcia
THE Department of Education, Office of the Vice President and several other agencies will get zero confidential funds next year as the House of Representatives has decided to align such funds under the proposed P5.768-trillion budget.
House Committee on Appropriations Senior Vice Chairman Stella Quimbo confirmed that the House’s small panel agreed to reallocate P194 billion, including the P1.23 billion confidential fund, to other items that address the rising cost of commodities and develop and protect the West Philippine Sea.
“Our panel introduced P194 billion worth of institutional amendments. The main goal was to rationalize the allocation of resources to fight inflation, invest in human capital and in our country’s future,” Quimbo said.
Other agencies that lost their confidential fund allocation are the Department of Agriculture, Department of Information and Communications Technology and Department of Foreign Affairs.
The P1.23 billion will go to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, P300 million; P100 million to the National Security Council; P200 million to the Philippine Coast Guard for intelligence activities and ammunition; and P381.8 million to the Department of Transportation for airport development and expansion of Pag-asa Island Airport.
THE Department of Education on Friday warned teachers against a car loan scam.
At least 29 teachers were victimized by the scam that reportedly started in Pampanga.
The DepEd said the teachers have filed charges against the suspects.
The perpetrators allegedly enticed teachers with financial problems to apply for a car loan in exchange for a certain amount of cash, including the downpayment for the unit.
However, the victims are abandoned once the mortgaged cars are turned over to them.
“We remind outreaching and non-teaching personnel and the public as well, to remain vigilant against financial scams,” it said.
The DepEd urged other victims to report to depedactioncenter@deped.gov.ph or 863-1663 and 863-1943.
By Vergel Labesig, Liezelle Soriano
THE Department of Education has formed a fact-finding investigation team to probe the death of a 14-year-old student in Antipolo City who was slapped by his teacher last September 20.
The DepEd office in Antipolo said it is taking appropriate action to address the alleged child abuse incident in Penafrancia Elementary School.
“We have already forwarded the required intake sheet, incident report and narrative report to the Office of the Regional Director of DepEd Region IV-A for information and appropriate action,” it said.
“As the disciplining Authority, the Office of the Regional Director has issued an order designating a fact-finding investigation team and directing the committee to conduct immediate, cautious and comprehensive fact-finding investigation in recognition of the right of both parties to be heard as part of due process,” it added.
DepEd Antipolo said the school principal has assigned an alternate teacher to handle the classes of the concerned teacher who went on leave.
“We are saddened by the death of our dear learner and we express our deepest condolences and prayers to the bereaved family,” DepEd said.
A report said the victim, Francis Jay Minggoy Gumikib, a Grade 5 student, was hit by his teacher Mirasol Sison which allegedly caused the victim to suffer a severe headache.
On September 26, 2023, because of the intolerable pain, the victim’s mother rushed him to the Amang Memorial Medical Center but the student later fell into a coma. He died on October 2, 2023.
By Liezelle Soriano
SISIMULAN sa Setyembre 25 ang pilot run ng bagong K-10 curriculum sa basic education sa mga piling eskwelahan sa bansa, ayon sa Department of Education.
Nasa 35 eskwelahan ang lalahok sa pilot run ng MATATAG K-10 curriculum na inilunsad noong Agosto 10.
Batay sa listahang ibinigay ng DepEd sa mga miyembro ng media, limang eskwelahan ang napili sa bawat isa sa pitong rehiyon na lalahok sa pilot testing.
Ang mga lalahok na eskwelahan ay ang mga sumusunod:
Cordillera Administrative Region
- Calafug ES
- Rizal Elementary School
- Dona Aurora NHS
- Lam-ayan Integrated School
- Bineng NHS
National Capital Region
- Dampalit Integrated School
- Santiago Syjuco Memorial School
- Muzon ES
- Tinajeros NHS
- Santiago Syjuco Memorial ISS
Region 1
- Cabaruan Integrated School
- Caba CES
- Acao Elementarv School
- Casacristo NHS
- Don Rufino Olarte MNHS
Region 2
- Cauayan North CS
- Dingading IS
- Villa Teresita PS
- Lanna National High School
- Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo NHS
Region 7
- Tindog Integrated School
- San Fernando North CES
- Tabogon Central ES
- Dumanjug NHS
- Liloan NHS
Region 12
- Mlang Pilot ES
- Lamlifew Integrated School
- Alegria Central ES
- Malalag NHS-Upo Annex
- Alegria NHS
CARAGA
- Baobaoan IS
- Suyangan ES
- Santiago CES
- Socorro NHS
- Pedro D. Duncano NHS
Ang phased implementation ng bagong K-10 curriculum sa mga mag-aaral sa Kinder, Grade 1, Grade 4, at Grade 7 ay sisimulan sa School Year 2024-2025.
Susundan ito ng Grades 2, 5, at 8 sa SY 2025-2026; Grades 3, 6 at 9 sa SY 2026-2027; at Grade 10 sa SY 2027-2028.
(by Dang Samson Garcia)
ACT TEACHERS Party-list Representative France Castro called on the Department of Education to restore the accurate historical representation of the martial law period in textbooks used in schools.
Castro also urged her fellow legislators to join her in defending the truth and ensuring that the next generation is aware of the atrocities and human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
“The decision to remove Marcos from the term ‘Diktadurang Marcos’ is a clear revision of history and an insult to the countless victims of human rights abuses and atrocities committed during the martial law period,” Castro said.
“This is a clear violation of Republic Act 10368 or Marcos Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 and the DepEd should know this,” Castro emphasized.
The teacher turned lawmaker said that she believes that it is the duty of teachers to teach the truth to the younger generation.
She said that by removing “Marcos” from the term, the nation is denying students the opportunity to fully understand the historical context and the impact of martial law on our nation.
“This decision is a disservice to their education and a disservice to the pursuit of historical truth,” she stressed.
“Just because the current president is the son of the Dictator Marcos doesn’t mean that we should erase his family’s name from the proper term for name for the dictatorship,” she added.