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DepEd to dedicate Fridays to reading starting 2024

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DepEd to dedicate Fridays to reading starting 2024

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Cristina Chi - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - All schools will be required to hold whole-day reading programs every Friday starting January as part of the Department of Education's newest initiative to boost students' literacy, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte announced on Tuesday.

The DepEd secretary said that the department's curriculum and teaching strand is currently crafting a policy that will guide schools in implementing "catch-up Fridays" beginning January 12.

"This means that on Fridays, our sole focus will be on teaching children to read," said Duterte, who made the announcement during DepEd's culminating activity for the National Reading Month.

Under the "catch-up Fridays" program, students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will spend the day reading age-appropriate materials "based on their interest" and will be asked to write essays, book reviews and other similar outputs.

Duterte said that the weekly catch-up program will focus particularly on reading but may also include subjects in peace education, health and values education.

Students who already know how to read will take lessons to improve their critical thinking and analysis, while students capable of critical thinking and analysis "will be asked to write books and essays," she said.

"We need one day where we will focus on bringing students up to speed on their lessons. We can't just keep doing the same things but nothing is changing or improving with our learners," Duterte added.

9 out of 10 can't read

Literacy - or the ability to read and write - is the most basic skill that students need to learn nearly all of their lessons in school, and anecdotes have shown that poor reading comprehension affects nearly all other subject areas.

The literacy rate of students in the Philippines is one of the lowest in the world, which the pandemic made even worse. According to the World Bank in 2022, 90% of Filipino children aged 10 struggled to read simple texts. This figure significantly increased from 70% in 2019.

Filipino students also performed the worst in terms of reading comprehension among all participating countries in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Duterte reiterated that the DepEd does not expect improved scores in PISA 2022, the results of which will be released two weeks from now.

"We have already been through two PISAs and the scores of the students have not yet improved. This means we need to innovate and do something else," Duterte said.

She explained that with Fridays exclusively devoted to reading lessons, DepEd's curriculum and teaching strand has been asked to "find a way" to fit all the regular classes in just four days or from Monday to Thursday.

The DepEd chief said that the official policy for "catch-up Fridays" will be released in December.

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DepEd to dedicate Fridays to reading starting 2024

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All schools will be required to hold whole-day reading programs every Friday starting January as part of the Department of Education's newest initiative to boost students' literacy.

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Learning new skills tops Filipino college students' priorities in 2023 survey

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Learning new skills tops Filipino college students' priorities in 2023 survey

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Cristina Chi - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - More Filipino college students are seeking out opportunities to learn new skills to get a headstart on their careers and become more competitive in the job market, according to a survey conducted by an educational technology company on higher education.

According to the "2023 State Of Student Success & Engagement in Higher Education" report by Instructure (creator of the Canvas learning management platform), most Filipino students surveyed said they wanted to find skill-based opportunities out of a desire to learn new skills (77%), to have career advancement (68%) and enjoy program flexibility (59%).

These findings indicate that students in the country are "seeking ways to stand out from other job applicants," the study stated.

"They aim to acquire a broad range of skills and knowledge that will enable them to excel in their chosen fields and progress in their careers, while also improving their job prospects," the report added.

Filipino college students are also most likely to go for certificates (43%) and apprenticeships (39%) among other skills-based opportunities, according to the survey, which had nearly 600 respondents from the Philippines who were mostly students but also included educators.

"This shift highlights the importance of adaptability in educational institutions to offer micro-credentials and programs that align with the expectations of students and employers," said Harrison Kelly, managing director at Instructure Asia Pacific.

Microcredentials are short-term educational programs that focus on developing specific skills or competencies in a particular subject area. Unlike traditional degree programs that require several years of study, microcredentials are designed to be completed in a relatively short period, often weeks or months.

A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies in 2020 found that those enrolling in technical vocatoin courses do so primarily to learn new skills, unlike the previous pattern observed in 2012 where graduates identified employment as their main motivation for enrollment.

Use of tech

The study also showed that most Filipino college students believed that their success in class depended on the availability of technology (63%). However, a similar number of students (61%) and educators identified the cost of technology as their main roadblock to using education technology.

Beyond technology, socioeconomic factors like household income (53%) and psychological well-being (46%) also significantly influence student engagement and faculty support, the study found.

The survey also showed relatively lax restrictions on AI use in education even as a majority of students already use it to create outputs for class.

While 46% of students noted the introduction of light guidelines on generative AI use, only 28% said they had to adhere to strict guidelines.

Meanwhile, educators found generative AI helpful for content creation (62%), research and writing (56%), and personalized learning (53%), while students said they primarily use it for research and writing (83%), test preparation (52%), and language learning (47%).

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Learning new skills tops Filipino college students' priorities in 2023 survey

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More Filipino college students are seeking out opportunities to learn new skills to get a headstart on their careers and become more competitive in the job market, according to a survey conducted by an educational technology company on higher education.

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Sara Duterte’s opponents accuse her of improperly using confidential and intelligence funds, or CIFs, which are not subjected to standard auditing rules.

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Sara Duterte’s opponents accuse her of improperly using confidential and intelligence funds, or CIFs, which are not subjected to standard auditing rules.

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Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has defended her use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) and accused her critics of being "enemies of the state."

The CIF is commonly used by law enforcement agencies to conduct surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations. These funds are not subjected to standard auditing rules because they are supposedly linked to sensitive national security matters. During the budget deliberations in August and September, some legislators questioned the CIF allocation for an increasing number of civilian agencies, including the Department of Education which is headed by Duterte.

Another issue was Duterte's use of CIF in December 2022 because her office was not supposed to have an item for this type of spending. The budget bill sponsor even admitted that Duterte spent her CIF in just 11 days.

As more stakeholders expressed concern over the CIF allocation of Duterte and other civilian agencies, leaders of major parties in the House of Representatives have agreed to remove these controversial items and realign them to the funding requirements of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

In a joint statement, they cited the need to defend the country's maritime borders in the South China Sea (officially called West Philippine Sea in the Philippines) to justify the transfer of the CIF of civilian agencies.

"Recognizing the rising security threats in the West Philippine Sea and the need to secure top officials, these agencies are better positioned to counteract security threats, protect our territorial waters, and secure the rights and access of Filipino fishermen to traditional fishing grounds," read the statement.

The main budget sponsor added, "Now is the time to give our intelligence community the means to perform their duties, especially in these pressing times when we're facing serious concerns in the West Philippine Sea."

Duterte did not comment when the amended budget bill was approved by the House of Representatives on September 27. However, during an event at a regional police station, she insisted that her office is entitled to get a CIF to address security threats and create a safe learning environment for students and teachers.

She asserted too that CIF spending should not be restricted by "arbitrary timeframes."

"The allocation of confidential funds should not be constrained by time. It matters not whether it takes one day or one year of spending; what truly matters is the safety and security of our people. We cannot cap the importance of protecting our citizens based on arbitrary timeframes," Duterte said in her speech.

She continued by accusing critics of CIF of being enemies of the state ("kalaban ng bayan").

"Anyone who attacks or undermines funds allocated for peace and order is naturally assumed to have insidious motivations," she said. "Such actions go against the protection and well-being of our citizenry. Those who seek to compromise the security and development of our nation jeopardize the very fabric of our society and hinder our progress."

Her combative stance could be attributed to the release of reports that she consistently requested a large amount of CIFs when she was mayor of Davao City. It coincided with her father's term as the country's president from 2016 to 2022.

Opposition lawmaker Rep. France Castro, who was among the first to question the CIF of Duterte, castigated the vice president for her remarks.

"In essence, she is saying - just give me more money when I ask for it, but do not ask how I spend it, and if you do ask, then you are an enemy of the state. It's not like peace and order, safety and security, and national development won't be achieved if there is no secret fund. I repeat, surveillance is not a function and mandate of her office," she said in a media interview.

Asked for comment, House Speaker Martin Romualdez told the media that he is one with Duterte in underscoring the use of CIF in boosting the country's security, but he also maintained that it is best entrusted to the intelligence units of the government.

President Ferdinand Marcos has remained silent on the issue although his Executive Secretary has assured the public that the use of CIF by Duterte in 2022 did not violate the law.

Despite the removal of the CIF of Duterte and other civilian agencies, the Senate can still restore these funds in the next two months. Another option for the Senate is to reallocate the funds instead to social services, food subsidies, and salary increases for public workers.

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Philippine Vice President Defends Use of Confidential Funds

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Sara Duterte's opponents accuse her of improperly using confidential and intelligence funds, or CIFs, which are not subjected to standard auditing rules.

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How teachers, school leaders can embrace use of AI tools in the classroom

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How teachers, school leaders can embrace use of AI tools in the classroom

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Cristina Chi - Philstar.com

HONG KONG, People's Republic of China - Students' unhampered access to popular generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help create their outputs has ushered in what teachers and experts believe to be a black swan moment for education.

But discussions on AI tools in education should not just be confined to student outputs, school leaders and advocates of education technology said, as educators now have the prime opportunity to learn how AI can help free up their administrative workload to give them more time - and energy - in the classroom.

Hong Kong and Asian educators part of a panel discussion in this year's EdTech Month Summit said that AI tools are both revered and feared for their potential to radically shake up the education sector - and for good reason.

While there has been a lot of hand-wringing among educators on the use of AI in class, teachers can also tap into existing AI tools "to revamp their traditional ways of assessing students' work," said Joseph South, Chief Learning Officer at the International Society for Technology in Education.

Traditional assessment methods - like scoring students' quizzes or grading submitted outputs - have remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, South said, which makes it high time for AI to speed along the process of allowing educators to "create assessments that are not only relevant but also personalized to each student's learning journey."

But an AI tool doesn't just allow for faster ways of scoring students' tests but also a more effective approach to "personalizing" lessons, the panelists said.

"We (educators) usually like to advocate for a student-centered learning model. With AI, you can truly hyperpersonalize," South said during the panel discussion on Thursday.

"Think of a child learning French - you can tailor vocabulary lessons to his hobbies, like football, and other things they care about. With AI, teachers can also better support students with disabilities by providing targeted one-on-one assistance," he added.

But teachers should also not depend on AI to establish relationships with students, Benjamin Sheridan of 407 learning said, adding that educators must ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces, the role of the teacher in education.

Sheridan also cautioned against the notion that building an algorithm could replace the complex and nuanced human aspects of teaching and learning. "Tech should instead be designed to encourage and support meaningful relationships and authentic learning experiences."

Tech fatigue

The panelists also concurred that with the rise of AI tools, teachers could also experience a form of "tech fatigue" from the use and availability of various programs for teaching and learning.

Jason Prohaska of The English Schools Foundation noted that the sudden and widespread adoption of technology during the pandemic had led to a sense of exhaustion among both educators and students.

Prohaska said: "The introduction of AI into education can either alleviate or exacerbate this fatigue, depending on its implementation."

Philip Law emphasized the importance of school culture in fostering innovation and combating tech fatigue.

"Schools with a culture that supports experimentation and creative ideas have a better chance of successfully integrating AI," Law said.

Pilot tests needed

South said that schools interested in purchasing AI products should conduct a comprehensive pilot test before making it part of the curriculum.

"It's not enough to just look at an AI product on a shelf and think of its possibilities. You have to let your teachers try and pilot it, and be open to the idea that not every tool could be a good fit," South added.

The panelists also added that, often, schools do not gather sufficient data during the testing phase, and when they do, they may not agree on the criteria for evaluation.

"Schools piloting an AI program should not treat it as a soft launch that will just become permanent anyway. Feedback cycles and testing are important. Ask good questions and bring multiple people in who could be affected by the product," Sheridan said.

"When you have that data, you can answer the question: does this AI tool help us get closer to where we want our teachers and students to be?" he added.

In the Philippines, state university University of the Philippines was the first to come out with a general policy on the use of AI in the classroom.

RELATED: Should ChatGPT be banned in schools? UP crafts 'responsible' AI use guidelines

UP cited 10 principles to promote the "responsible" use of AI, none of which reference an outright ban on student use of AI-powered technologies.

UP mentioned the need for AI to be primarily for the "public good" and to benefit Filipinos by "fostering inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, political empowerment and enhanced well-being."

Among the other principles it listed is the need for "meaningful human control," saying that AI should be used to "advance human autonomy and agency."

In basic education, Education Secretary Sara Duterte has acknowledged the potential for AI to usher in a "paradigm shift" in education but cautioned that there should still be checks and balances on its use.
Disclosure: Reporting for this story was made possible with support from the Hong Kong Government's Information Services Department (ISD). This article was produced following editorial guidelines and ISD did not have input on how the story would be written.

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How teachers, school leaders can embrace use of AI tools in the classroom

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While there has been a lot of hand-wringing among educators on the use of AI in class, teachers can also tap into existing AI tools "to revamp their traditional ways of assessing students' work."

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The Philippines and China report a new maritime confrontation near a contested shoal

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The Philippines and China report a new maritime confrontation near a contested shoal

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MANILA -- Chinese and Philippine vessels engaged in a new confrontation in the South China Sea on Friday, with Manila charging that a Chinese coast guard ship and accompanying vessels conducted dangerous maneuvers and blasted a Philippine supply ship with a water cannon in disputed waters.

China responded that it acted appropriately under maritime law to defend what it says is its territory.

The incident was the latest in a series of maritime confrontations between the two nations over territorial disputes that risk turning into more serious armed engagements.

Tensions have risen recently as China has blockaded an isolated Philippine marine outpost on Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal. The marines are based on a rusted old warship that the Philippine navy grounded deliberately in 1999 to bolster its territorial claim.

Last month, a Chinese coast guard ship and an accompanying vessel rammed a Philippine coast guard ship and a military-run supply boat near the contested shoal, according to Philippine officials. China accused the Philippine vessels of trespassing in what it said were Chinese waters "without authorization" despite repeated radio warnings.

A Philippine government task force dealing with the South China Sea said Friday that vessels belonging to China's coast guard and its paramilitary Maritime Militia "recklessly harassed, blocked and executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission."

It said a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon to blast the Philippine supply vessel M/L Kalayaan, which was en route to deliver supplies to the outpost.

The resupply mission was carried out successfully despite the harassment, it said in a statement.

"We firmly insist that Chinese vessels responsible for these illegal activities leave the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal immediately," it said, adding that the Philippine Embassy in Beijing delivered a protest to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. China's Foreign Ministry later said it made its own protest to the embassy.

The Chinese coast guard said two small cargo vessels and three Philippine coast guard ships "arbitrarily trespassed into the waters near China's Ren'ai Reef," the name China uses for the shoal.

China's coast guard "followed the Philippines ships in accordance with the law, taking necessary control measures, and made temporary special arrangements for the Philippines side to transport food and other daily necessities," coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu said in a statement.

It urged the Philippines to stop actions that infringe upon China's rights and said China would continue to uphold its national sovereignty.

"China urges the Philippine side to immediately stop making trouble and provocation at sea and to tow away the illegal grounded vessel as soon as possible," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a briefing in Beijing.

Territorial conflicts in the South China Sea involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have long been regarded as a potential flashpoint and a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China rivalry.

After last month's incident in which Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Philippine vessels off the contested shoal, the United States renewed a warning that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack under a 1951 treaty.

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The Philippines and China report a new maritime confrontation near a contested shoal

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Chinese and Philippine vessels have engaged in a new confrontation in the South China Sea, with Manila charging that a Chinese coast guard ship and accompanying vessels conducted dangerous maneuvers and blasted a Philippine supply ship with a water can...

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Philippines May Scrap Rice Price Cap Soon as Harvest Starts

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Philippines May Scrap Rice Price Cap Soon as Harvest Starts

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In the mountainous province of Bukidnon in the southern Philippines, local indigenous groups are being forced to adapt to the alarming impacts of climate change. With UN support, communities are making significant strides, using centuries-old knowledge to forge sustainable solutions.

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In the mountainous province of Bukidnon in the southern Philippines, local indigenous groups are being forced to adapt to the alarming impacts of climate change. With UN support, communities are making significant strides, using centuries-old knowledge to forge sustainable solutions.

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Local tribal leader Jemuel Perino discussed the success of local initiatives, supported by the UN Development Programme ( UNDP) Adaption Fund Climate Change Innovation Accelerator ( AFCIA), in educating his community on effective prevention and mitigation techniques to deal with the growing impacts of climate change.

"The indigenous cultural communities have their own centuries-old knowledge, systems, and practices and have kept them alive," Mr. Perino said. "In the Philippines, the Government is promoting their use in environmental protection and conservation."

Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Bukidnon Umayamnon community, Mr. Perino has seen the impact of climate change up close. Erosion, deforestation, and biodiversity loss have emerged as key threats with devastating implications for the culture, youth, and livelihoods of his people.

"In the Philippines, most of our forest lands and headwaters fall within the ancestral domains of the various indigenous cultural communities," he said. "There is a real need for the world to fully recognize their important contributions in conserving the environment that benefits the entire population."

Heavy tolls

Climate change is exacting a heavy toll on Filipinos' lives, properties, and livelihoods. Left unaddressed,it could hamper the country's ambition of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2040.

Many farmers have reported longer and more severe periods of drought and rainfall than previously considered normal. Floods wiped out more than a dozen houses of community members along the Pulangi River in 2012 and 2013.

"Since then, the Pulangi River has been flooding every year," Mr. Perino said. "In 2022, the river caused so much riverbank erosion that it was widened by about 50 meters from its regular width."

Multiple indices rank the country as among those most affected by extreme climate events. Over the past decade, highly destructive typhoons have hit almost every year, with related annual losses estimated at 1.2 per cent of overall gross domestic product (GDP).

In July, Typhoon Doksuri brought widespread flooding and landslides to the Philippines, killing at least 39 people and forcing 12,000 people from their homes.

'A sense of cultural pride and joy'

To combat the growing impacts of climate change in the region, Mr. Perino coordinates a locally-organized project under the community-based organisation, Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe Kapu-unan To mga Datu (BUKDA).

Supported by the UN via an AFICIA grant, the project also seeks to tackle deforestation and pollution while generating sustainable income for indigenous peoples by promoting the planting of bamboo and cocoa by local farmers in Mindanao. That includes training people on cultivating, harvesting, and marketing.

Highlighting the value of bamboo in protecting the forest by helping to prevent erosion and helping restore degraded soil, Mr. Perino explained that the initiative is slated to plant 20 hectares of vegetation along the Pulangi River. Bamboo is also favoured by the community to, among other things, build houses that are more resistant to floods and storms, he added.

After creating new bamboo and cocoa plantations in July 2022, farmers have already started to benefit. The project is currently providing income to farmers through temporary labour opportunities and is supporting families to buy food and other basic items.

"Since we got AFCIA support," Mr. Perino said, "we could see a few benefits in our community, such as income from employment due to land protection, a sense of cultural pride and joy that we can contribute to the mitigation of climate change impacts and have hope that the once barren and idle land of the indigenous peoples will one day be our refuge from the negative impacts of climate change and be a source of our financial sustainability including our next generations."

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Philippines: Indigenous knowledge takes on climate crisis

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In the mountainous province of Bukidnon in the southern Philippines, local indigenous groups are being forced to adapt to the alarming impacts of climate change. With UN support, communities are making significant strides, using centuries-old knowledge to forge sustainable solutions.

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Out of the country’s 327,000-odd school buildings, less than a third are in good condition, according to government figures.

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Out of the country’s 327,000-odd school buildings, less than a third are in good condition, according to government figures.

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Several recent studies have pointed out the alarming deterioration of the quality of learning in the Philippines, but this was officially confirmed in the basic education report delivered by Vice President Sara Duterte on January 30. Duterte is concurrently serving as secretary to the Department of Education.

Addressing stakeholders with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in attendance, Duterte highlighted the key issues that plague the country's basic education system before announcing her department's agenda for reform.

She echoed what previous surveys have indicated about the low academic proficiency of Filipino students. She also identified her department's biggest concern. "The lack of school infrastructure and resources to support the ideal teaching process is the most pressing issue pounding the Philippine basic education," she said.

She presented the latest government inventory which shows that out of 327,851 school buildings in the country, only 104,536 are in good condition. There are 100,072 school buildings that need minor repairs, 89,252 that require major repairs, and 21,727 that are set for condemnation.

She added that the procurement practices in the agency "had red flags that demanded immediate actions." She shared initial findings in the ongoing review of the K-12 curriculum that underscored the failure of the 10-year-old program to deliver satisfactory results.

"The K-12 curriculum promised to produce graduates that are employable. That promise remains a promise," she said.

Duterte criticized the heavy workload assigned to teachers as she pressed for an immediate review of the current setup in public schools. "This is a system that burdens them with backbreaking and time-consuming administrative tasks, a system that provides no adequate support and robs them of the opportunity to professionally grow and professionally teach, assist, and guide our learners," she said.

She unveiled her education agenda themed "Matatag: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa," (Nation for children, children for the nation) and focused on curriculum reform, accelerated delivery of services, promoting the well-being of learners, and providing greater support to teachers.

Responding to the report, Marcos joined Duterte in acknowledging the government's accountability to the nation's young learners. "We have failed them," he said. "We have to admit that. We have failed our children and let us not keep failing them anymore." He promised to build better infrastructure by investing heavily in education.

He can cite as reference his government's development plan, which was also released in January, about how the education crisis is linked to "decades of incapacity and suboptimal investment in education."

Duterte's admission about the dismal state of basic education was welcomed by some educators. Senators vowed to work with Marcos and Duterte in passing education reform measures. Opposition legislators urged Duterte to hear the views of school unions and student organizations whose appeals for better learning conditions are often dismissed by authorities as part of anti-government propaganda.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) noted that the report "failed to present today's real extent and gravity of the learning crisis due to the lack of an evidence-based learning assessment conducted after the pandemic-induced school lockdowns." The group was referring to the prolonged closure of schools under the government of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Her father was president for six years and had not done any significant move to improve the lot of our mentors and of the education system. It is the government who have failed the teachers and our learners," the group insisted.

It was also under the Duterte government when around 54 Lumad schools for indigenous peoples in Mindanao Island were either suspended or forced to shut down by authorities based on accusations that they were teaching rebellion.

The report also didn't mention that some of the major questionable procurement transactions in the education department took place under the previous government.

The ACT criticized Duterte's reform agenda because it features "general promises that lack specific action plans and definite targets."

"No specific targets and timelines were presented to convincingly show that the agency will cut down the classroom shortage significantly," it added.

Duterte said the agency will build 6,000 classrooms this year, which is quite small compared to the backlog identified in the report. There's also no deadline for the electrification of around 1,562 schools that still do not have access to power.

Despite her impassioned plea to uplift the working conditions of educators, Duterte was castigated for being silent about the pending proposals to raise the salary grades of public school teachers.

ACT reminded officials to prove their political will in reversing the decline of Philippine education. "The call to reforming education should not be a grandstanding cry but a sincere pledge to rectify the mistakes and shortcomings of the past and the present," it said.

This can be measured in at least two ways this year. First, Duterte's willingness to file appropriate charges against erring officials involved in anomalous transactions under the previous administration. And second, Marcos' commitment to substantially increase the funding for education.

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Out of the country's 327,000-odd school buildings, less than a third are in good condition, according to government figures.

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Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo’s families send love to pair amid split

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After confirming their breakup to the public, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo received love and comforting words from their family members, including their respective mothers Karla Estrada and

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Elephant Mali’s death sheds light on harmful impacts of zoos – group

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MANILA, Philippines — An animal welfare advocacy group said the death of Mali, the country's one and only elephant at the Manila Zoo, serves as a reminder of the harm caused by captive

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The operations of the Philippine e-Visa system in China have been temporarily suspended until further notice, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Thursday. It advised visa

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MANILA, Philippines - The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Executive Order (EO) No. 32, which simplifies obtaining permits for building telecommunications and internet facilities, has been released.

Quoting the memorandum, Malacañang said in a statement: "These Implementing Rules and Regulations are hereby promulgated and issued as Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2023-01 to guide all concerned departments, offices, agencies, and stakeholders in the implementation of EO No. 32."

The Palace explained that the IRR set a single process for building telecommunications and internet infrastructure, with each city having a standard form for building permits.

The IRR enumerated requirements for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure that include a building permit, and a Certificate of Use a Business or Mayor's permit, among others.

It also obligates all cities to establish a "One-Stop Shop for Construction Permits."

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed EO No. 32 in July to simplify requirements and processes and bolster the country's internet infrastructure.

Executive Order No. 32 IRR _ Signed Download

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Malacañang: IRR for streamlined telco, internet infra construction out

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The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Executive Order (EO) No. 32, which calls for a streamlined permitting process for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure, has been released.

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Dry soil to curb Asia’s early 2024 rice output, pressure supply

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Asian off-season rice production is poised to take a hit as dry planting conditions, shrinking reservoirs, and forecasts for continued El Niño weather are set to reduce early 2024

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MANILA, Philippines-Perennial powerhouse San Beda hadn't reached the NCAA men's basketball Finals in four years. Until today.

When the stakes were at their highest, the Red Lions put on a blistering performance to eliminate Lyceum, 82-72, and claim the other Finals berth on Friday for the first time since 2019.

With a Season 99 Finals ticket on the line, San Beda sank 13 triples to repulse the Pirates, who had a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

"This team could've just folded and said, 'let's just get it next year,' but they came together and said this is still a long journey," said coach Yuri Escueta in Filipino.

HEAR THEM ROAR!

WATCH: The San Beda faithful celebrates as the Red Lions return to the grandest stage for the first time since 2019. #NCAASeason99 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/CBWlG5dqv2

- INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 1, 2023

"Let's just take this one game at a time. That's what we always talk about. We also told each other not to give up every game. Sooner or later, without us knowing, we're already in the Finals."

Not only did the Mendiola squad return to the grandest stage but they also hiked their win streak to six, dating back to the end of the elimination round.

In the third quarter, when both teams were caught in a stalemate at 51-all, the quartet of Nygel Gonzales, Jacob Cortez, Damie Cuntapay and Yukien Andrada unloaded four straight triples to give San Beda a 64-51 lead.

That advantage turned out to be what the Red Lions needed to overcome the Pirates until the final buzzer.

Lyceum had several opportunities in the payoff period to regain the lead, but its 11 turnovers for the whole game cost them a meal ticket to a Finals trip against Mapua.

Two players from San Beda got double-double with James Payosing finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jomel Puno joined the party in the paint with 15 points and 10 boards to his name. Gonzales and Andrada scored 11 and 10 in the victory.

Enoch Valdez gave his sendoff for Lyceum with a 28-point outburst. JM Bravo notched 16 points and 11 rebounds but the Pirates still waved goodbye at a chance to return to the Finals since 2018.

Game 1 of the Finals is set for Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

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NCAA: Red hot San Beda dispatches Lyceum, returns to Finals

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MANILA, Philippines-Perennial powerhouse San Beda hadn't reached the NCAA men's basketball Finals in four years. Until today. When the stakes were at their highest, the Red Lions

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MANILA, Philippines - Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Asec. Mico Clavano said about 1,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) are expected to be released from prisons in 2023.

The DOJ annually provides Malacañang a list of qualified PDLs for potential presidential pardon.

"What the secretary does on the President's birthday and on Christmas, we provide a list to the PPA (Parole and Probation Administration); and then eventually, that will be submitted to the Executive Secretary," Clavano said during a Palace press briefing.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s birthday is on September 11.

"Last year, it was close to one thousand. So, we're expecting a similar amount this year," he added.

Clavano noted that the list doesn't prioritize, but includes qualified PDLs such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with illnesses.
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MANILA, Philippines - Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Asec. Mico Clavano said about 1,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) are expected to be released from prisons in 2023. The DOJ

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Neil Jayson Servallos - The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Public schools in the Philippines will plant 236,000 trees on Dec. 6 as part of the Department of Education (DepEd)'s Christmas project, according to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.

In a Nov. 17 memorandum, Duterte said that 47,678 public schools would be in asynchronous mode for the tree-planting activity, in which one school would plant at least five trees.

Duterte said the trees should be planted within school grounds but if space is scarce, schools may find alternatives in local parks, marine protected areas or any open space near schools.

"The project provides a unique educational opportunity for students to actively participate in tree planting activities, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and promoting conservation efforts. Through hands-on learning and practical application of environmental concepts, students will develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment," the memorandum read.

To implement the project, Duterte ordered all DepEd regional offices to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to acquire seedlings for each school in their region.

She said the seedlings must be fruit-bearing, Philippine native trees or mangroves for schools within coastal areas.

If the regional DENR office cannot provide seedlings, schools may use seedlings from their nurseries or request from the local government.

Duterte noted that participants should be not more than 10 teachers and not more than 20 students.

For post-care measures of planted trees, Duterte ordered principals to ensure proper care of trees.

"Regular inspections by the school officials shall be done in order to assess the condition of the trees, identifying any potential risks or diseases, and promptly addressing them. The growth of the seedlings should likewise be monitored to ensure the health, growth, and sustainability of the trees under the school's care," the memorandum added.

Duterte earlier vowed to help the Marcos administration reach its goals under the National Greening Program (NGP), an endeavor that seeks to rejuvenate the ecosystem of communities in the country.

The NGP aims to reforest one to two million hectares of land before Marcos' term ends in 2028.

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Public schools to plant 236,000 trees nationwide

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Public schools in the Philippines will plant 236,000 trees on Dec. 6 as part of the Department of Education (DepEd)'s Christmas project, according to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.