Pinoy Educ News - PEN Magazine

31/12/2025

Gatchalian Urges DepEd to Fix SHS Voucher Program Issues

Sen. Win Gatchalian called on the Department of Education to immediately address persistent problems in the Senior High School Voucher Program, including ghost beneficiaries and the failure to prioritize poor students.

His appeal followed the Commission on Audit’s 2026 report, which flagged weak and unclear standards in assessing beneficiaries’ financial capacity, leading to irregular listings and questionable enrollments.

Gatchalian cited a 2024 Senate probe showing ₱7.21 billion in vouchers went to non-poor students in SY 2020–2021, stressing that the program should benefit learners who need it most.

22/12/2025

PH STUDENTS LAG BEHIND SEA PEERS IN READING – STUDY

Filipino Grade 5 students continue to trail their Southeast Asian peers in reading proficiency, according to the 2024 Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM). The study found that 27% of learners have very low reading skills, while only 13% reached minimum proficiency and 14% attained high proficiency.

Senate Committee on Finance Chair Sherwin Gatchalian said the proposed 2026 education budget will prioritize programs aimed at improving reading outcomes. He noted that the allocation for textbooks and instructional materials was increased to ₱19.5 billion from ₱11.2 billion to ensure complete learning resources for students.

The SEA-PLM also highlighted a strong link between textbook availability and learning outcomes. However, 52% of Grade 5 learners have only one reading textbook, while 42% share books with other students.

To support learning recovery, Gatchalian pushed for an additional ₱3.3 billion to fund 440,000 tutors under the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program, expected to benefit 6.7 million learners.

SOLON COMMENDS ESSU FOR PRODUCING 4 TOPNOTCHERS IN LEPT

Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales praised Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) for producing four topnotchers in the recent Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), calling it a major achievement for the province.

ESSU College of Education graduates Jennifer Bacula and Katherine Joy Elem ranked No. 7 in the elementary level, both earning a 92.80% rating. In the secondary level, Aira Shane Nicart and Chris Anthony Gajelan placed No. 9 and No. 10 with ratings of 93.20% and 93.00%, respectively.

Gonzales said the achievement reflects the graduates’ discipline and dedication, as well as the quality of training and mentorship at ESSU. He added that their success brings pride to Eastern Samar and inspires future educators.

The lawmaker also congratulated all newly licensed teachers, stressing their vital role in nation-building and expressing confidence that government efforts will open more opportunities in the education sector.

If you want these shortened further for Facebook captions or formatted for carousel posts, I can refine them accordingly.

19/12/2025

🔴 PUP SHINES ON GLOBAL STAGE, EARNS WURI HONORS AT CHED-NCR CONVERGENCE

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has once again proven its global competitiveness after earning recognition at the 2025 CHED-NCR Year-End Convergence of International Relations Officers.

PUP was cited for its strong performance in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, particularly in technology development, sustainability funding, and cost-benefit management. The Commission on Higher Education–NCR conferred a Certificate of Recognition and the Frontier of Global Excellence Award in acknowledgment of the university’s achievements.

University officials said the recognition underscores PUP’s sustained commitment to innovation, internationalization, and global partnerships that advance quality education.

📌 A testament to PUP’s growing international presence and impact.

🟠 XAVIER UNIVERSITY BRINGS CONSUMER EDUCATION TO THE GRASSROOTS

Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan is empowering communities through a new grassroots initiative aimed at strengthening consumer awareness and literacy.

Led by the university’s Economics Society, the program—“PAKIGSAYOD: Maalam na Konsumidor, Unang Lakang sa Paglamo”—was launched in Barangay Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City, equipping residents with practical knowledge on consumer rights, smart purchasing, and responsible decision-making amid rising prices and expanding digital markets.

Supported by government agencies, university units, and local officials, the pilot phase included focus group discussions to identify everyday consumer challenges such as price fluctuations and online transaction risks. Insights gathered will shape the program’s expansion to other barangays.

📌 Building informed consumers for a fairer and more transparent marketplace.

19/12/2025

DSWD Urges 4Ps Senior High Students to Join ‘CareerPathWATCH’ Program

MANILA -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is inviting Grade 12 students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households to participate in the “Senior High School CareerPathWATCH,” an initiative designed to guide students toward future education, skills development, and career opportunities.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that the program aims to identify the preferred career paths of 4Ps senior high students, enabling the agency to connect them with partner institutions that can offer scholarships, vocational training, employment, or business assistance after graduation.

“Through the 4Ps SHS CareerPathWATCH, we can link graduating Grade 12 students to government agencies that can support their chosen paths—whether through scholarships, jobs, or entrepreneurial opportunities,” Dumlao said in a statement.

The program targets both 4Ps parent-grantees and their children enrolled in Grade 12. Data gathered during the activity will be shared with relevant agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Attendance at the CareerPathWATCH event will also fulfill the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) requirement for 4Ps beneficiaries for December (Monitoring Period 6A). Dumlao encouraged participants to coordinate with their assigned case managers for schedules and locations in their respective areas.

The CareerPathWATCH initiative is part of DSWD’s ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of 4Ps households. Since its launch in 2008 and formalization under Republic Act 11310, the 4Ps program has provided conditional cash grants to qualified families, supporting their children’s education, health, and nutrition.

ia/mnm

13/12/2025

New Medical School Approved for Eastern Samar

A House committee has approved a measure creating a College of Medicine at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), a move hailed by 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan as a major step toward addressing the country’s doctor shortage.

Libanan said the proposed medical school will expand access to medical education for underprivileged but deserving students and help strengthen healthcare services in underserved rural areas, particularly Eastern Samar.

Once established, the ESSU College of Medicine will offer a state-subsidized Doctor of Medicine program with scholarships and affirmative-action support, with the long-term goal of producing more doctors who will serve local communities. (elamigo)



4Ps Partylist Cong Nonoy Libanan (ctto)

13/12/2025

Legarda to SUCs: Turn Climate Knowledge Into Urgent Action Now

Sen. Loren Legarda sounded a strong call for decisive, community-driven climate action, urging State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to take the lead in localizing the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050.

Speaking at a Knowledge Exchange Forum in UP Diliman, Legarda warned that the country’s status as the world’s most disaster-prone nation demands swift and coordinated action. She cited data showing 23 typhoons this year alone, billions of pesos in losses, and the risk of a 13.6% GDP decline by 2040 if climate action is delayed.

She challenged SUCs to go beyond research and become frontline partners of local governments—integrating climate education across disciplines, establishing Climate Innovation Hubs, adopting net-zero and plastic-free campuses, and serving as regional climate data centers.

“Localization is not just technical—it is human,” Legarda stressed, underscoring the need to listen to communities, empower women and youth, and make climate science understandable and actionable for all.


Sen. Loren Legarda (ctto)

11/12/2025

Legarda Urges SUCs to Lead Local Climate Action Efforts

MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday called on State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to take an active leadership role in local climate action as she addressed SUC presidents and representatives at a forum on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050.
The gathering was held at the GT–Toyota Asian Center Auditorium in UP Diliman.

The forum, organized by the Climate Change Commission and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, aimed to strengthen the rollout of the country’s first NAP.
Legarda said the plan, submitted to the UNFCCC earlier this year, requires strong coordination between national agencies and local academic institutions.

She stressed the urgency of climate action, citing the Philippines’ ranking as the world’s most disaster-prone country and the increasing number of extreme weather events.
This year alone, she noted, 23 typhoons have entered the country—already higher than the average.

The senator urged SUCs to lead in integrating climate education across disciplines, establishing Climate Innovation Hubs, adopting net-zero operations, and serving as regional centers for climate analytics.
She said these steps will equip local governments and communities to better understand risks and develop adaptive solutions.

Legarda emphasized that climate action must also focus on people and communities.
“It means empowering women and youth, simplifying scientific information, and ensuring that early warnings are clear and actionable for everyone,” she said.

(elami go)

11/12/2025

Gatchalian: 2026 Budget Delivers Big Gains for Education

MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday emphasized the major improvements introduced by the Senate to the 2026 national budget, saying the education sector continues to receive the government’s strongest support.
He said the allocation for education now stands at ₱1.37 trillion—₱91.24 billion higher than the House-approved version.

Gatchalian highlighted that classroom construction received a significant boost.
The Senate raised the budget for building new classrooms to ₱65.9 billion, or ₱19.2 billion more than the House proposal, allowing the construction of more than 24,000 classrooms nationwide.

He also pointed to the strengthened School-Based Feeding Program under the Department of Education.
With a new allocation of ₱28.6 billion, the program will provide 200 feeding days for 4.8 million learners. Of this amount, ₱2.9 billion will go to the Philippine Carabao Center and National Dairy Authority to support the milk feeding component and promote local dairy farmers.

The senator raised concern that at least 168,000 qualified students were unable to enroll in State Universities and Colleges due to limited capacity.
To address this, he said the Senate increased the SUC budget to ₱139.04 billion—₱7.35 billion more than the House-approved funding.

Gatchalian added that ₱1 billion was allocated to the Local Government Support Fund to help 4th- and 5th-class municipalities upgrade over 3,000 Day Care Centers into Child Development Centers.
The fund will also support the creation of at least 150 plantilla positions for Child Development Workers.

/elami go

10/12/2025

https://x-files.news/2025/12/10/eastern-samar-gov-rv-evardone-kinilala-sa-pagsuporta-sa-edukasyon-sa-borongan-city/

Kilalang Most Outstanding Stakeholder si Gov. RV Evardone sa kanyang kontribusyon sa edukasyon sa Borongan City. Alamin ang kanyang mga proyekto!

08/12/2025

GOOD NEWS INI HA 3Ws (Waray-warayworld) !!!
HOUSE OKS NEW ESSU CAMPUSES IN BALANGIGA, ARTECHE

MANILA -- The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education has approved two key measures establishing new Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) campuses in Balangiga and Arteche.
House Bill Nos. 3135 and 3136, authored by Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales and co-authored by House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, seek to create the ESSU–Balangiga Campus and convert the ESSU–Arteche extension unit into a full-fledged campus.

Gonzales said the move brings the province closer to wider access to higher education.

“These campuses will make quality tertiary education more accessible to thousands of families,” Gonzales said, adding that no student should be forced to leave home just to earn a degree.

He stressed that strengthening ESSU’s presence in the province will support long-term development by building local talent and skills.

Under the proposals, the new campuses will be allowed to offer tech-voc, undergraduate, and graduate programs, as well as conduct research, extension work, and community development initiatives.

ESSU currently serves nearly 25,000 students across its main campus in Borongan and satellite campuses in Can-avid, Guiuan, Maydolong, Salcedo, and extension units in Balangiga and Arteche.

/elamigo

05/12/2025

DepEd, BDO Roll Out Swipe-to-Build Program to Speed Up Classroom Construction

MANILA – A new partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd), BDO Unibank Inc., and Friends of Hope Inc. (HOPE) aims to accelerate the construction of public school classrooms through a unique credit card program that channels everyday purchases into education infrastructure.

Launched on December 3, the BDO HOPE Mastercard allows cardholders to automatically donate to DepEd-approved school building projects with every transaction—at no cost to the government.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the collaboration offers a realistic and immediate strategy to address the country’s chronic classroom shortage.

“This initiative provides a clear pathway toward closing the classroom gap—a challenge that could take decades to resolve without shared action,” Angara said.

BDO Senior Vice President Ma. Nannette Regala emphasized that the program ensures students gain access to “safe and inspiring learning spaces they deserve.”

Under the scheme:

PHP 5 is donated to HOPE for every PHP 1,000 spent using the BDO HOPE Mastercard.

A portion of annual fees—PHP 200 from principal cards and PHP 100 from supplementary cards—goes directly to classroom construction.

BDO shoulders all expenses tied to card production, development, marketing, and donation processing.

DepEd oversees school selection and ensures all projects comply with national standards.

“Each swipe of the card brings renewed hope to learners across the nation,” Angara added.

The initiative stands as a pioneering model of private-sector participation in education infrastructure, creating a sustainable funding stream for public school classrooms without adding strain to government resources.

—elamigo

02/12/2025

https://bistado.news/2025/12/02/tulfo-sapat-ang-isang-buwang-info-drive-para-sa-e-bike-at-e-trike-riders/

MANILA — Suportado ni Senator Raffy Tulfo ang desisyon ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) na simulan ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran sa e-bikes at e-trikes sa Enero 2026, at si…