Aligning with the department’s “One DepEd, One QMS” goal, DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN has started its preparation last July 2018 for the certification for the management of regional operations for basic education that includes the regional office at Brgy. Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City and NEP-RXII, located at Quirino Avenue, General Santos City.

Allan G. Farnazo, CESO IV, Regional Director of DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN, expressed his appreciation on the improvements happening, especially on the level of

performance of every employee.“I am happy to finally hear all of you

speak my language. Before, it was always the regional director who would discuss systems and processes, and how it would be implemented but now, everyone is aware and are working on how to make these systems and processes work – for the good of the service,” he said.

The regional director, while inspiring the RO employees with his visible leadership the whole duration of the preparation, also reminded the employees to put premium

RO SOCCSKSARGEN beefs up for ISO certification

Koronadal City – As it is nearing the completion of its preparation for the ISO 9001: 2015 certification, the Department of Education Regional Office – SOCCSKSARGEN has undergone fundamental changes not only in the physical make-up but also in the processes and systems involved in the operation of the office.

on the manner they deliver their services to customers.

“Seeing how these changes are affecting all of us, may I just remind everyone to consider first and foremost our customers who come to our office every day for their different needs. Refinement of our manners in dealing with them should always be our guide,” Farnazo stressed.

The regional office is expecting for the third party audit to happen in March and April, 2019.

ANTONIO M. MAGANTO, JR.

NDRRMC Poster-Making Contest

A grade six pupil from Isulan Central School SPED Center, Sultan Kudarat Division was adjudged champion in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) National Level Poster-Making contest with the theme, “Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay Makakamtan Kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan.”

Dranreb Chester C. Navarro, 11, bested all other 16 contestants from the different regions in the country with his artwork entry that tells a message of “preparedness in times of adversity”.

The young artist’s winning piece in the regional level competition held on July was the same piece that was sent to Quezon City for further evaluation, along with other contest pieces from other regions, by the panel from the different agencies and group of directors in the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo.

Navarro was awarded a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of P24,000.00 during the awarding ceremony at the National DRMC, OCD which was graced by the DND Undersecretary of National Defense Cardozo M. Luna who also led the conferment of awards with NDRRMC Exec. Director and Civil Defense Administrator Usec Ricardo B. Jalad.

Sultan Kudarat Division DRRM Coordinator Josephine Lim-Dignadice accompanied the artist in receiving the awards, together with the parents whose travelling and full accommodation expenses were sponsored by the OCD.

Navarro was re-awarded during the Division Conference by the Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Raphael C. Fontanilla, CESO V, along with his coach, Fitzroy Cesar M. Dagol, T-I, District Supervisor Simeon Y. Lotilla, Jr., and School Principal Sambra H. Camsa.

The national winning piece was donated to the office of the Schools Division Superintendent as a legacy to the division.

The young artist Dranreb’s art piece is adjudged champion in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) Poster-making Competition.

SK’s young artist bags nat’l tilt

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XII August 20182

KNCHS-SHS, Mahintana Foundation Inc. launch Technical Learning Resource Center

By: Charmaine Rose T. Estandarte

news •news•news•news

Learner-beneficiaries of Saravia National High School during their assessment for Food and Beverages Services NC II at St. Alexius College. 100% of the beneficiaries passed the assessment.

Learner-beneficiaries of Bacongco National High School during their assessment for Bread and Pastry Production at St. Alexius College. 100% of the learner were accorded NC II level.

A learner-beneficiary from Saravia National High School under the Computer Systems Servicing in action during the NCII Assessment at Green Valley College Foundation, Inc.

Grade 12 learners participateas beneficiaries in JDVP-TVL

True to its commitment to ensure that graduates are ready for work, 616 learners of Koronadal City Division participated as learner-beneficiaries of the Joint Delivery Voucher Program under the Technical, Vocational and Livelihood track of the Senior High School Program.

These learners were enrolled in the different specializations of the four strands – Agri-Fisheries Arts (AFA), Home Economics (HE), Industrial Arts (IA), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). For School Year 2018-2019, the JDVP-TVL started last

September 2018 with series of orientations and engagements of the partners for Technical and Vocational Institutions (TVIs).

For the current year, there were eight (8) partner-TVIs catering the TVL learners. Although the learner-beneficiaries numbered to 616, only 589 participated. The reasons for those learner-beneficiaries who did not participate in the program ranged from pregnancy and learners with special needs.

Moreover, of those who participated, only one learner did not undergo the assessment procedures due to pregnancy.

Based on the results of the assessment, 100% of the learner-beneficiaries were assessed as NC II Level. For each learn-beneficiary, P12, 000.00 is allocated for the training and P550.00 for one specialization assessment to be paid by the government. With this number of participating learner-beneficiaries, a total of P7, 391, 400.00 was submitted to DepEd Central Office as payables to the participating TVIs.

Carlo C. Melendres, EPS, SHS Division Focal Person

To enhance the hands-on learning experiences of the students enrolled in Bread and Pastry Production (BPP), KNCHS-SHS in partnership with Mahintana Foundation Inc., DOLE Philippines Inc., and Lutheran World Relief launched the Technical Learning Resource Center (TLRC) on February 12, 2019.

Both parties looked for collaboration in intensifying the giving of quality, affordable, and nutritious bread to the community. Such paved way for the conceptualization and establishment of the said learning resource center, the Nutripan Bakeshoppe.

Administrative and Finance Officer Liza D. Hora shared that Nutripan TLRC is the first in Mindanao and in the Philippines to be established. She also presented the first batch of graduates of KNCHS- SHS under TVL- BPP who are employed and are working in the Nutripan Bakeshoppe. These bakers were provided with one-week culinary experience at Gerardo’s School of Culinary Arts in General Santos City.

George Paez, Assistant Managing Director of DOLE Philippines Inc., challenged the school administrators, program leaders, and faculty members to make sure to expand what was given, to serve the less fortunate brothers and sisters in the community, to educate people to fish, and to teach better businesses.

Valentin C. Dignadice Jr., Principal IV of KNCHS, accepted the challenge and promised to improve the management of the TLRC and the teaching-learning process. Senior High School Focal Person Carlo Melendres, who represented SDS Gildo Mosqueda, also assured the stakeholders of the project’s sustainability, and that the school will continue in producing skillful graduates.

Gov. Daisy A. Fuentes and City Mayor Peter B. Miguel, who also graced the event, expressed their happiness with the initiative of the stakeholders for students can finally have their immersion / training conducted inside the school. Others who were present to witness the MOA signing were Femia Baldeo, Country Manager of Lutheran World Relief, Finance Officer Annie Lazaro, Program Manager Roderick Valones, DepEd Region 12 regional and division personnel, KNCHS administrators, faculty and parents.

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XIIAugust 2018 3

news•news•news•news

SDO-Cotabato City tapped for PFA provision to typhoon-affected teachers in CamSur

Teachers and students receive firsthand information from the Pinoy Robot Games (PRG) Founder in the Philippines, Mr. Melvin Matulac during the Division Training on Robotics.

With the DepEd’s K to 12 target to produce holistically developed Filipino learners with 21st century skills, the Division of Sultan Kudarat, fully supports activities that develop information, innovation, media, technology, communication, and critical thinking skills among students to transform them into future builders, innovators, inventors, and leaders of the country.

Among the initiatives that promote the important 21st century skills is the inclusion of Robotics in the teaching of Science and Technology in the classrooms which was addressed by the Division through providing trainings on Robotics to teachers and students and giving them opportunities and experience for greater exposure via first-hand information from the Pinoy Robot Games (PRG) Founder in the Philippines, Mr. Melvin Matulac.

The training gave elementary and secondary Science teachers and students from big schools the opportunity to create and program their own robots as Mr. Matulac and his co-lecturer, Mr. Anderson Paunellan, demonstrated the concept of making robots with microcontroller kits through the use of open-source hardware and software company.

Robotics is already included in the various Science and Technology competitions in the country as stipulated

in DepEd Memo No. 134, series of 2018 that the National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) has included the Robotics and Intelligent Machines (RIM) categories to be contested under Research Competitions aside from Life Science and Physical Science Researches.

Pinoy Robot Games aim to promote the use of technology in learning and aid in the development and application of basic and integrated Science process skills which can be applied in real life situations. In the competition, contestants can apply various skills such as information, innovation, technology and critical thinking skills to make a creative and can program their self-made robots.

Further exposure to robotics was also provided to 26 teachers and students upon their attendance to the national competition on Robotics at the West Visayas State University, Iloilo City on February 4, 2019 where the students participated in some game competitions like sumobot and line tracing and enable them to bring home medals and certificates as national finalists.

With the importance of robotics in the curriculum, Sultan Kudarat Division leaders, with the Science Supervisor, Dr. Eric R. Balancio, commit to provide more opportunities like national and even international exposures among teachers

SK Division goes global through robotics

and students on similar activities and provide them financial resources to purchase robot kits to make learning Science and Technology more fun, exciting and enriching.

By Rachelle B. GalamIsulan Central School SPED Center

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Focal Person of the Schools Division of Cotabato City was tapped as a national facilitator in the

provision of Psychological First Aid (PFA) to the typhoon-affected teachers of the Division of Camarines Sur.

Hajar Kabalu, SDO-Cotabato City DRRM Focal Person, joined the pool of PFA providers composed of DRRM Focal Persons from other regions in the country to provide PFA to almost 600 teachers.

The teachers were the survivors of the Tropical Depression Usman that hit the country last December. It affected some parts of Region V especially the province of Camarines Sur.

The World Health Organization (WHO), describes PFA as a “humane, supportive, and practical help to fellow human beings suffering serious crisis events. It aims help others who have experienced an extremely distressing event.”

Kabalu said that it a privilege being

tapped by the Central Office and to join a group of credible DepEd personnel. Moreover, he said creating a culture of hope among the survivors is the most fulfilling part of the experience.

“I will never get tired of helping people if I can. It is part of our job. I applied the learning I gathered from the series of trainings I had on PFA. I wish a gave a spark of hope to the survivors,” Kabalu added.

The conduct of PFA was spearheaded by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS). It is in coordination with the Camarines Sur Environmental Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) and DepEd Camarines Sur. It was held on February 3-9, 2019 at Capitol Convention Center, Pili, Camarines Sur. HAJAR KABALU

Analyn Calubiran, a teacher of Rojas Elementary School and a volunteer PFA provider facilitates the group sharing actvity of the learner-survivors during the provision of Psychological First Aid at CCNHS - Rojas Site.

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XII August 20184

NiCe ONEFear is inevitable and has made many individual cautious

about everything especially on how to make the best decision. Many times people doubt their action to the extent of not knowing what to do. However, this is just external factors, and a variety of reasons can be thought of to advance oneself in the process.

During the internal audit, people in the region are in chaos, and it’s as if someone so important will arrive. Every individual has to finish their tasks and submit what is needed. All are moving and in fear of these two letters NC or Non-Conformant. Those two letters became the word of the year and have made a significant stir in the people inside DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN. They are just letters but became a vital aspect in the office that anyone who would receive that is in jeopardy.

Having that in mind, is this significant, are all of these essential or just other external factors to comply. Heavy as it may seem, but that is the reality, and everyone has to do it to prevent failing the other or fail oneself. Change is inescapable, and it is a factor for growth or doubt.

Explicitly those are the thoughts that anyone can think of. However, in reality, NC became the propelling factor in evolving, for it has changed many perspectives in the office. In one of the cases, after the internal audit where one of the auditees had said “I need to see my other NCs for me to improve” capsulized all the reasons why we do things, why we need to change. Getting used to what it has been, brings comfort but that could lead you to a flat line.

The direction is set, and the journey is almost finished, and we could say that even the tiniest of the details are being checked. The perspective of the region had changed, from fear to bring it on attitude and that NCs are another way of improvement. Hence, NC is not the antagonist but the person itself, because opportunities are given. Thus, there is no other way but to do things and follow what has been set, because it is not the manual which does the action but the people. The truth, people are the ones that determine the NC of one from the other.

In the change of perspective, from NC to NiCe One is the new norm in the Region and our actions are for all, because of Kasali Lahat, Kasama Lahat, Para sa Lahat ito!

Editorial

editor ia l •editor ia l •editor ia l

☛ continue to page 10 ☛ continue to page 5

An Open Letter to SOCCSKSARGEN Senior High School Grad-uates Dear Graduates:

Let me congratulate all of you for a job well done. Your hard work for six years has finally paid off and the diploma that you received is more than enough proof for it.

I also congratulate you for having conquered the rigors of school life. That despite the many diversities that you meet face-to-face in school, like different personalities, varied cul-tures, opposing talents and skills, and conflicting attitudes, you were able to come up with your own identity

The question is, “Where do you see yourself five years from now?”

I have to ask you the question because what you will be do-ing right after your graduation will define your future. What you seek to accomplish will determine what you will be en-joying in life. And what you will become five years from now would speak how you have embraced the learning, the kind of education that was given to you when you were in school.

If you can tell me straight – and promise - that you can and will become a better person five years from now, only then can I as your regional director, claim that our mission as edu-cators has been accomplished. Only then can I proudly say that your teachers have been successful in providing each one of you your different learning needs and capacities. May your promise be your guiding light as you move ahead. I’m sure your parents, teachers, relatives and friends would all be there to cheer you on, to inspire and even lead your way toward fulfilling that promise.

God bless you all, graduates!

Very truly yours,

ALLAN G. FARNAZO, CESO IVRegional Director

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal Telefax No.: (083) 2288825/(083) 2281893 Website: depedroxii.org Email:region12@deped.gov.ph

/llf Kasali lahat. Kasama lahat. Para sa lahat

RO12-ORD-RDM-01-v1.0r0.0, effective 2/18/2019.

page 1 of 1

An Open Letter to SOCCSKSARGEN Senior High School Graduates

Dear Graduates:

Let me congratulate all of you for a job well done. Your hard work for six years has finally paid off and the diploma that you received is more than enough proof for it.

I also congratulate you for having conquered the rigors of school life. That

despite the many diversities that you meet face-to-face in school, like different personalities, varied cultures, opposing talents and skills, and conflicting attitudes, you were able to come up with your own identity

The question is, “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” I have to ask you the question because what you will be doing right after your graduation will define your future. What you seek to accomplish will determine what you will be enjoying in life. And what you will become five years from now would speak how you have embraced the learning, the kind of education that was given to you when you were in school. If you can tell me straight – and promise - that you can and will become a better person five years from now, only then can I as your regional director, claim that our mission as educators has been accomplished. Only then can I proudly say that your teachers have been successful in providing each one of you your different learning needs and capacities.

May your promise be your guiding light as you move ahead. I’m sure your parents, teachers, relatives and friends would all be there to cheer you on, to inspire and even lead your way toward fulfilling that promise.

God bless you all, graduates!

Very truly yours, ALLAN G. FARNAZO

Regional Director

Graduation Message

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XIIAugust 2018 5

opinion•opinion•opinion

by Antonio Maganto, Jr., Reg’l Information Officer by Marivi L. Castro, MT-1

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Seeing Deeper Beyond Borders

“DepEd Region 12 is 95.5% ready during the first level audit per consultants’ assessment and all directions leading to success.”

The turnout of this year’s ISO Consultants’ assessment is more than just an indicator of how committed DepEd Region 12 is to the standards of quality management and efficient services.

The move in the ISO certification is leading to the road to balance and quality of the deliverable to the DepEd’s clientele and stakeholders.

Tracing the first step in ISO journey, it had just been completed last July 16-20, 2018 at the Conference Hall of DepEd South Cotabato Division. This Calendar Year is the Audit Preparation for ISO Stage 1 had commenced in March 2019 and at the same time conduct of the external audit also happened within the month. All these preparations lead to a better direction of its goal, becoming an ISO Certified Government Organization.

The ISO provides guidance and tools for an organization like DepEd 12 who wants to safeguard that their products and services reliably meet customer’s requirements, and quality is consistently upgraded.

With the strong and dependable leadership of RD Allan Farnazo, meeting the challenges only exhibit the country’s education reforms that the Department of Education is initiating.

As early as 2016 the Department of Education headed by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones has put emphasis about raising a banner of the organization’s system connecting it to the 10-point agenda which also considers the capacity building among the teachers.

During one of Sec. Briones’ interviews, she highlighted the importance of the office systems and the teachers capacity as it would have a greater impact on efficiency or inefficiency. It also can also etch the timely or late delivery of services.

All of these precisely can spell a tremendous failure or humongous success of whatever initiatives our department is pursuing in improving the services in the Philippine Education System.

DepEd Region 12’s ISO Certification is concrete evidence of the region’s continuous efforts striving for change and improvements to meet and to realize its goal in living its banner ”Abante Rehiyon Dose!”

ISO Certification: Road to balance and quality

“The end is part of the journey,”Graduation and moving up is what we all aspire to

see our young graduates and completer reaping their hard work in schooling.

With this year’s theme,” Unity in Diversity: Quality Education for All”, it states about the commitment and homage to our culture. As diverse as it is, it unfolds our soul and unites us, as people.

Persistently, we have established that regardless of our descent, status, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, we can bond towards a common goal as a nation, and that is delivering quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education among our Filipino learners.

Our sense of identity has geared us to adjust, to upgrade and to embrace the changes brought along by the demands of time and the need being globally competent and competitive nation. Embracing the paradigm shift spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd), quality and global education is a synonym that depicts how everyone collaborates and making things happen for our young generations.

Our education system has gradually transformed to carry and embraced change among the technological advancements and the unceasingly shifting socioeconomic landscape.

DepEd commits herself to the all-inclusive growth of our 21st-century learners who are not only critical and creative thinkers in the fields of science, mathematics, and robotics, but also engages themselves in their artistic and creative crafts, and succeed as well in the fields that appeal to the soul and sense of identity.

With the K to 12 Basic Education Program, DepEd endures striving in honing tomorrow’s leaders and nation-builders. We are in a society who embraces diversity along its tradition, culture, flair, history, resiliency, and hope.

Hats off to the 2019 graduates and completer to endlessly enrich what makes up the Global Filipino soul.

Education and Diverse Culture : Unfolding us as People

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XII August 20186

features • features• features

It was a powerful display of guts, unwavering spirits, and persistence.

And in the end, they did not only deserve but also achieved what is worthy of their top-notch performance and excellence.

Faithful to its monickers of Home of the Champions and Tuna Champs, General Santos City Division and its never-say-die athletes, coaches, and officials mercilessly dropped bombs after bombs of athletic prowess and dominance on both friendly and hostile grounds and clutched, firm and strong, the over-all championship crown in the recently concluded 2019 SoCCSKSarGen Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet.

Further, General Santos City Division clinched the championship in secondary and first runner-up in elementary level.

The Tuna Champs were also adjudged 2nd place as The Most Disciplined Division and as 3rd placer in the Most Eco-friendly category.

For six (6) days, February 17-22, thousands of elementary and secondary athletes, coaches, trainers, and DepEd officials stormed the dust and braved the heat of the municipality of Kiamba in the province of Sarangani, to compete in various sports events and to show what they were really made of.

Like fierce and well-trained bulls, these athletes locked horns, using sheer guts and unpolished courage, with one another—ever-ruthless at times, but naturally friendly after every competition.

The turn of the tide Dominating like no other division, and

blasting every hurdle their rivals placed on their way to the crown, General Santos City Division did not only secure the most golds and the solo lead in this year's SRAA Meet but also justly avenged its 2018 humiliating lost to South Cotabato contingents, the Dream Weavers who were last year’s SRAA kings and queens.

The Tuna Champs, seemingly unchallenged in aquatics, hauled in the most wins in swimming with 42 golds.

With a harvest of 12 golds in the dance sports, the Tuna Champs sent electrifying chills to the spines of their competitors in this rivalry of poetic fusion of alluring colors, agility, body rhythms, , and graceful swirls and movements.

And when the dust of the six-day athletic

actions settled, the GenSan Tuna Champs--though csraped and bruised all over-- stood proud and strong and clinched the SRAA Meet championship crown with 257 medals, 93 of which are golds, 75 silvers, and 89 bronzes.

To victory!This was the marching order and the

ultimate challenge of Regional Director Allan G. Farnazo to every athlete of GenSan Division when he inspired the Tuna Champs days before the 2019 SRAA Meet started.

RD Farnazo also serves as the concurrent Schools Division Superintendent of General Santos Division.

Midas’s TouchLike the legendary King Midas who

turned everything he touched into gold, RD Farnazo might have broken a record in the DepEd annals of leadership as he miraculously transformed General Santos City Division into sweeping champions in almost all regional competitions, starting from the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC), Regional Festival of Talents, Inclusive Education Booth Competition, Science Technology Fair National Qualifiers, MTAP, and more.

Tricks under a General’s hatWhen asked of GenSan Division’s secrets

in securing victory after victory, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mario M. Bermudez has these words to quip: “Our local government is so supportive of all our endeavors, that is why every General gives his all in every competetion. In the SRAA Meet alone, through the leadership and initiative of RD Farnazo, we have raised the incentive for every gold medal from P3,000.00 to P7,000.00. We also increased the number of training days for our athletes from last year’s 15 to this year’s 20 days."

Brighter days aheadRd Farnazo is optimistic that GenSan

Division will learn its lessons and will continue its brand of leadership and excellence in Region 12.

“Be sure to be the next year’s back-to-back champions, as we will bring the hosting torch of the SRAA Meet home,” said RD Farnazo.

Ronnie R. Sunggay, EPS 1, General Santos City

Tuna Champs blast rivals, snatch SRAA crown

Big 3

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XIIAugust 2018 7

features• features• features

was a big manifestation of teamwork, diligence, planning and preparation.

The enormity and impact of the quantum leap of the Titan’s standing is more than the triumphant shouts and cheers of the delegations who were on the top three. Having achieved more than the targeted gold for this year’s

SRAA Meet and outranking big divisions is already a big

success. The trainers,

coaches, parents and athletes’ hard work really paid off. The rigid training of the athletes n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g the scorching heat

of the sun, aching muscles and joints,

life- threatening routines, blisters, bruises and sprains,

the nagging and reprimanding voice of the trainers and coaches were just spices that added to athletes’ drive to work harder to achieve the desired victory - to be on top.

Titans’ success on the other hand did not only represent the athletes, trainers, coaches and parents’ hard work. Behind this success are the brilliant minds that congregate to come up with the best plan and approach and bring Titans’ to where they are right now.

Self-motivated LeaderOne of the happiest people with

the result of the 2019 SRAA is no other than the sports minded and vibrant Kidapawan City Mayor, Joseph A. Evangelista who incessantly supported the DepEd family in their athletic events. The pooling system of the athletes was one of his basis on the advancement of the Titans’ rank aside from the athlete’s discipline and hard work. With the result at hand, he planned to revisit the game plans and find out what went wrong and try to rectify the errors to make it better the next time. “We will not rest on our

laurels, let’s continue to work until we reach our dream goal – the gold,” he challenged during an interview with the Courier team.

Dynamic and an Influential LeaderBeaming with pride and fulfillment

painted the active and brilliant face of Kidapawan City Division’s Romelito G. Flores, CESO V upon receiving the result of the 2019 SRAA Meet. A leader who influences the lives of the athletes, coaches and trainers with his zeal and go-getter attitude which can be depicted in Kidapawan City Division’s mantra, “Kidapawan, Always Number one”. A man who ignites enthusiasm, conscientiousness, optimism and discipline towards every undertakings and never settle for less but strives hard to make better best.

A leader of ActionA leader of few words but gifted

with the skills to bring out those few words into action. I am referring to Kidapawan City Division Task Force in Sports and Division Supervisor Eliezer B. Elman. The person who facilitated the sports event from City to SRAA Meet gave out his heartiest laugh for Titans’ whooping advancement in the ranking. His magnanimous contribution to the success of the Titans’ is something to reckon with. A leader who equally delivers optimism and discipline through his undeniably positive outlook in life and in work humbly commends everyone who made Kidapawan City rise above all other divisions in the 2019 SRAA Meet.

Indeed the convergence of this three (3) brilliant leaders of Kidapawan City paved way to the reaping of more than the targeted gold in the 2019 SRAA Meet. Their labor for the love of sports finally paid off and little did we know that in the next Regional Meet we’re already on top. With the continued support of this dynamic trio, it will not be long that the division’s mantra “Kidapawan, always number 1” would turn into reality.

By: Laura D. Fugoso

Wind Beneath the Titans’ Wings

Kidapawan City’s Titans going sky-high in the recently concluded SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Athletic (SRAA) Meet was indeed a high boosting shot to the whole delegation of Kidapawan City Division.

Titans’ rise from last year’s seventh (7th) place to this year’s fourth (4th) place outranking other tough rival divisions in the field of athletic meet

the

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XII August 20188

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relentlessly sails kids to school“Bangka Sang Kabataan”

Banca as a means of transportation to and from the school is surprisingly rare, but in Cotabato Division, particularly at Tubak Elementary School, Aleosan West District, banca is the major means of transportation of the learners and even teachers who live across Malitubog River.

The “Bangka Sang Kabataan” Project or Banca of the Pupils was launched in 2010. To date, there have been five bancas already operating since it started more than eight years ago. The latest banca caters 20 elementary pupils and 25 high school students of Tubak for free. This banca came into reality thru the efforts of the former school principal, Mr. Walter C. Castillon, Barangay Council of Tubak chaired by Hon. Lolita V. Caputolan and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Mrs. Emily C. Caballero.

The twenty-five feet long “Bangka Sang Kabataan” came to reality during the school planning and plan adjustment (SMEPA) sessions where parents brought out the problem of having to provide 20.00 pesos for their children daily just for them to be in school every day.

“Those times when there was no banca yet, I had to take off my slippers, put them in my bag over my head in order for my stuff not to get it wet while crossing the river,” recalled Cyryll, and went on to narrate that when they reached the other side of the river, he and his other companions who were crossing the river would change their clothes and then continued to walk to school for around two kilometres more. They would face the same challenge after dismissal in the afternoon. This was the routine they would take when bancas were not yet available.

Cyryll, one of the pupils who live across the river and feared of becoming a Pupit At-Risk of Dropping Out from School (PARDOS), recounted that more often than not his schoolmates would not report to school for having no money to buy food or to pay for fare and to the extent of even getting weary at thinking of the distance from home to school.

“Sometimes, when the water grew deep and current was strong, we would opt not to go to school anymore for fear of being drowned; otherwise, we would use the foot bridge more than half kilometres away from our usual path,” lamented Cyryll.

One pupil said that he almost dropped out few years ago because of the daily travails he had to endure like hiking his way to school passing

Endowed with amiable attitude and innumerable skills, is a learner who is nurtured with a bounteous love for culture, while elevating his scholastic degree in Secondary Education, major in English at General Santos Foundation Incorporated.

Hailed recently as one of the best Tboli young designer, event stylist and make-up artist in Tboli municipality, Hurryle James Padilla, is the most creative and diligent student in class 2017, the first batch of graduates of the pioneering senior high school in the entire Philippines.

After his graduation, he worked at MAGSIGE Multi-Purpose Cooperative as clerk, which eventually opens a door of opportunities to other world of work, that he is passionate about. Of the five couture he fervently designed, one ranked second in 2018 pageant in municipality of Tboli. The other four gowns, enchant the eyes of the spectators in events and parties.

A Simple Passion Became a Source of Inspiration

through the waters of the river. “I am just happy because the school with the support of the BLGU

continually makes sure that our only mode of transportation, the Bangka Sang Kabataan will always be there for me, for my fellow learners. My desire of quitting from school was changed to eagerness to go to school daily,” said John Rich Salcedo of Grade VI-Bonifacio.

“I am an honor pupil of Tubak Elementary School. I was able to go to school daily because our Bangka never fails to provide me the service I need to be in school all the time,” Ivan De Castillo, Grade VI-Rizal, revealed as he was interviewed how he topped the class.

Since the project started, none of the pupils who are the recipient of the said “Bangka sang Kabataan” Project dropped out from school.

“Bangka Sang Kabataan is a genius idea of helping and uplifting the morale of our children to go to school without the fear of being wet or getting drowned,” said Mr. Ricky Tumpong, a parent and Bangka Project president.

He told that one banca had also encountered turbulence when a strong current of water brought it to a location 3-4 kilometers away where it was kept by a certain person who tried to make money out of it by asking for a ransom, a rental fee and even claiming it as his own.

“In his capacity as the school, Mr. Rogelio Palermo, with the help of the Barangay Chairman, Hon. Cirilo C. Sorupia made sure that the lost banca be rescued and returned to where it belongs,” narrated Mr. Tumpong.

Under his watch as the new school head of Tubak ES, Mr. Rogelio S. Palermo, regularly monitors the operation of the banca.

“A functional banca is very important in saving school children from dropping out and ensuring them of a brighter future.” Palermo said.

Indeed, as educators, we always give importance to the children and the well-being of our pupils. The teachers of Tubak Elementary School strongly believe that there are factors that could not be controlled, but they can always look for means to address issue on access to basic education.

“Bangka sang Kabataan is one great initiative of saving learners-at-risk of dropping outs.

by Gemma A. Valenzuela, Cotabato Division

In like manner, three fabulous gowns, beautifully crafted and accented with Tnalak and Tboli designs, fascinates the audience as a neophyte model sway the flaps of the apparel on stage.

The looks of the models were also stunning with Hurryl’s dexterity in make-up. Branded as the ladies’ choice of make-up artist, Hurryl James knew the taste of costumers.

With great perseverance in work and studies, he also spends his precious time in organizing event, which will defray his expenses in school tuition fees and allowances while supporting his younger siblings. At twenty, Hurryle James sees to it, that every seconds of his life is worth an effort, to energize supports towards himself and his family, beautifies and uphold women empowerment and upholds cultural heritage through enhancing one’s skill.

By: Meashel L. Adams,T-II

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XIIAugust 2018 9

features• features• features

s t r o n g , independent and a brilliant woman are the best words

that describe Jonielyn Guaza Simbahon, who is currently a college student taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges.

Born in a family battling poverty everyday of their lives with parents not living under one roof, Jonielyn has been believing that through education she will be able to have a better life with the support of her father, Mr. Paterno S. Simbahon, Jr., and her guardian, Mr. Elvis B. Bullos,.

Sadly, due to lack of financial support she was scared that she might not finish her studies.

With God’s grace coupled with her dedication and

A

brilliance, she won in the National Festival of Talents held at Negros National High School, Negros Occidental last February 20, 2018.

She bested 16 participants and proved that poverty is not a hindrance to success.

Being a national winner, she was granted a scholarship through the Kabugwason Paglaum and Grant in Aid Programs of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.

With this, she receives

Php 3,500.00 worth of monthly allowance with the tuition fee being paid by the government through the Kabugwason Program.

She is thankful to God for the blessings that she receives and to all those people who had supported her through the years.

She quoted, “gusto ko pong pasalamatan ang former adviser ko po na si Sir John F. Villalobos; my coach, Ma’am Catherine Dijan; Ma’am Cecil Surriga, our former principal

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful,” has been her inspiration to move forward.

She stressed that midst all her successes in life, she remains strong, independent and brilliant woman who is dedicated and determined to finish her studies, realize her dreams, and become the future “Jonielyn Guaza Simbahon, CPA.”

MA. TERESA S. HALLEGADO

A Scholar in Life

Smart and skilled, that’s the way I describe the two of them. They

had been a very good and indestructible tandem in terms of being a first pitcher and second baseman here in our institution. They were the first and proud product of Upper Klinan National High School who completed the SHS curriculum and brought a very big impact to the institution in terms of playing softball. Both were also classified as with honors during their stay in the institution. They are Jeanette Ursabia and Blanch Diana of batch 2017-2018.

(SUCCESS STORY OF PROMINENT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES FROM UPPER KLINAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL)

By: Tracy Rose Provido

The two competed in the Palarong Pambansa 2017 held at Antique Province. Because of their expertise in playing the game, they were scouted and recommended by Elvie Sinangote, a product also of this institution to have a full scholarship in the prestigious University of the East with monthly allowance of Four thousand pesos and a free dormitory.Sinangote is an alumna of the said university.

Currently, they are taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management . Being a student athlete is not easy. They are striving hard to balance their time ,studies, as well as their involvement in sports particularly in the world of softball which serves as their key to soar higher and achieve the zenith of their dreams and continue to bring the name of the institution into glory.

The Flight of the Sluggers

Semplicio T. Belleza Jr; mga teachers po sa school po at mga kaibigan ko po especially po ang swaggers; LGU-South Cotabato and DepEd Division of South Cotabato and RO-XII sa tagumpay na ito.”

According to Jonielyn, Albert Schweitzer quote

Cotabato City Div. holds 1st Expo, Job Fair for SHS

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XII August 201810

news •news•news

Cotabato City. Around 5,000 participants, mostly senior high school students, attended the two-day Expo and Job Fair cum Career Guidance Advocacy on March 6-7, 2019 at Notre Dame Village National High School, Cotabato City.

Cotabato City Division Office Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Conception F. Balawag, CESE spearheaded the event along with the Division Senior High School Coordinator Dr. Mamerta G. Ocampo assisted by Dr. Vivencio O. Aninon and respective school principals and Senior High School Coordinators from 20 participating schools offering Senior High School under the division.

Dr. Ocampo said that the Department of Education has partnered with Cotabato City Local Government, Sanguniang Panglungsod,

National Brigada Eskwela Jingle Contest

Tampakan NHS Band bags goldMise en Place, the name of

Tampakan National High School (TNHS) Band, was proclaimed champion in the recently concluded National Search for Best Brigada Eskwela Jingle Contest .

“Bayanihan”, the title of the three- minute Brigada jingle in Filipino boasts of cooperation of all sectors in the society. It is the official Brigada Eskwela official song this year.

The band is composed of Nikki Tiffany Mar, vocalist and composer of the song, and a Grade 12 –ABM student ; Prince Ivan Palapal, drummer

Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Cotabato City Government, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Arm Forces of the Philippines, Higher Education Institutions, Aviation Technology School, Notre Dame RVM College of Cotabato City, Cake Works, Ate Glen, Aling Precy, Alnor Convention, Sardonyx Plaza, Arki Powerline, Notre Dame Broadcasting Inc., United Doctors Hospital, and other private and government agencies in organizing the 1st Expo and Job Fair cum Career Advocacy of the Grade 12 Senior High School students.

Sixteen private and public schools offering Senior High School showcased different talents, outputs and products

in their creative booths. Schools offering Accountancy Business and Management have also conducted business simulation in the exposition and demonstrate their skills to pursue a job and entrepreneurial career. There were also eight participating schools competed for the Poster Research contest.

On the second day a Job fair and Career advocacy were conducted. Grade 12 Senior High School students of Cotabato City benefited the activity. Awards for Most Tech-Voc Ready School, Most Academic Track - Ready School, Most Displayed product, Most Innovative Creative Booth, Most Skillful Presenter, Best Poster Presenter, Best Business Enterprise Model, Best School Flyer, Best Advertisement Best School Report Card and Best Digital Presentation of School

Activities were awarded during the awarding ceremony.

During the two day event, principals of four big schools in Cotabato City have promoted their school during the social marketing. Dr. Panfilo O. Cedeno, Principal IV represented Cotabato City National High School Main campus, Dr. Yusoph Thong A. Amino Principal II represented Notre dame Village National High School, Maam Bai Isradean Sinsuat-Datukan, Principal II represented Rojas National High School and Sir Manumpil G. Balawag, Principal I, represented Canizares National High School.

This year bears the theme, “Engaging Senior High School Students towards Higher Education Opportunity, Employment and Entrepreneurship.”

GEUNICAR A. PEREZ

; Vince Angelo Camarillo, Lead guitarist, Prince Cedric Bautista, Organist, Miara Batiao, Rhythm, and Marc Adrian Lim, Base guitarist. Sir Jose E. Evangelista, a Senior High School H.E. teacher came up with the band name Mise en Place. Together, he and sir Iggy Clint Antipado, a Junior High School P.E. teacher, made a lively melody for the winning jingle. The members of the band and their mentors are all from TNHS.

The band first joined the Division Brigada Eskwela Jingle contest and won first

place. After winning the Regional Contest, they had their song recorded at South Lab. Recording studio in Agan Homes, Koronadal City . The recorded jingle was sent to Manila to compete with other regions.

In the Division Barkada Kontra Droga ( BKD ) Jingle Contest , the TNHS band won first place and landed second in the Youth Expo Music festival contest and landed on the 2nd Place in Banga .

“We have to always practice Bayanihan not only during Brigada Month but the

whole year round,” Mr. Elmer C. Espia, Principal 1 of TNHS said.

The school- owned musical instruments are used by the band every time they join contests.“Bayanihan”, the title of the Brigada jingle in Filipino boasts of cooperation of all sectors in the society. The chorus of which is :

Tayo na magkaisa, tayo na’t magtulungan, maglinis ng paaralan kasama ng buong bayan, mag-ayos , magkumpuni, magkawangggawa, pagkat pukpok ng martilyo, musika sa pandinig ko”.

By Maribel B. Cebrero

The Official Publication of DepEd Region XIIAugust 2018 11

news•news•news

Senior High Schools in Koronadal City conduct mini-fairs and skills expo

By: Carlo C. Melendres, EPS, SHS Division Focal Person

Grade 10 learners of Esperanza National High School listened carefully to the explanations of a Grade 12 learner about the uses of different utensils as part of the activities conducted by school during its 2nd Shadowing cum Skills Expo last January 29, 2019.

The seven Senior High Schools in Koronadal City, true its mandate and commitment, intensified their efforts to ensure their Grade 12 graduates, comes April 2019, of being “angat sa kakayahan, kaalaman, at kabuhayan” by conducting school-based exhibits of outputs, skills expositions and mini-fair. Since January of this year, almost all of the schools had already conducted their respective school-based activities like lectures on career guidance, preparing resumes and application letters, mock job interviews, as well as demonstrations of their skills gained particularly in the Technical, Vocational and Livelihood track. Personnel from TESDA South Cotabato and CHED Region 12 were also invited to speak about job opportunities and baccalaureate courses in colleges that are in demand.

Research outputs and actual

products were also in display during the schools’ career guidance and mini-fairs to showcase the learners’ competence in the academics and the TVL specializations.

During the program at Concepcion National High School in Brgy. Concepcion, City of Koronadal, SDS Gildo G. Mosquesda, CEO VI puts premium on the role of the parents and stakeholders in the education of their children. He also emphasized that the government is doing its best to implement various programs, projects, activities and other forms of innovations for the sake of the Filipino learners. He added that in Koronadal City, no learner shall be left behind.

On the other hand, Non-DepEd Senior High School implementing schools had submitted their intentions also to conduct the same activities. STI Koronadal will be having its second year of conducting

career guidance and mini-fair to showcase their learners’ products and outputs, while Goldenstate College of Koronadal will have its first similar activity this month of March 2019.

These, and all other activities

conducted at the school level, are in preparations for the SDO’s conduct of the SY 2018-2019 Skills Expo and Jobs Fair cum Career Guidance of HEIs, TVIs, and SUCs for Grade 12 Students scheduled this March 2019.

With the launching of Oplan sa Kalusugan sa Department of Education (OK saDepEd) in Sto. Niño District, a total of 695 Panay Elementary School pupils benefited from the different health programs and activities conducted at the school grounds, March 5.

“OKsaDepEd is a convergence of DepEd’s health programs, plans, policies

695 PES pupils benefit OK sa DepEdand activities for effective implementation at the school level, in partnership with various stakeholders,” said Dr. Gertrudes D. Dajay, Medical Officer III.

Among the major school health programs and activities, which helped identified recipients, include feeding, delousing, hair cutting, circumcision/operation tuli,

dental treatment and medical consultation all for free.

In addition, advocacy campaign and lectures on Barkada Kontra Droga, school-based feeding program and canteen operations, Wash in Schools (WinS), Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH)/ HIV and Feminine Hygiene, and drills on proper hand washing and tooth brushing

were conducted. Meanwhile, parents

haveattended a Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) seminar led by the Philippine National Police Officers.

“We have also awarded slippers to all pupils in our ‘Tsinelas Mo, Gabay Ko’ initiatives,” PES principal Maylane Ortigas said.

“We are very thankful to our parents, LGUs, men-in-uniform, medical team, alumni and all other partners who continually support us to maintain and improve the health of our school children,” she added.

OK sa DepEd aims to improve school performance or learning indicators of the learners, such as improved attendance and class participation, improved completion and achievement levels, and reduced drop-out.

by: Cheryl C. Herrera, T-II

ANTONIO M. MAGANTO, JR.Editor-in-chief

E d i t o r i a l B o a r dMARIVI L. CASTRO

Associate EditorKENNETH T. CARISMA

Managing Editor

ROMY A. JUANICOLay-out Artist

APPLE D. SATORRECartoonist

Contributors

Hajar Kabalu Ma. Teresa S. Hallegado Ronnie R. Sunggay Charmaine Rose T. Estandarte Carlo C. Melendres Gemma A. Valenzuela Cheryl C. Herrera Rachelle B. Galam Maribel B. Cebrero Meashel L. Adams Laura D. Fugoso Tracy Rose Provido Perlas I. Valdez Aries V. Panes Ricky A. Dalida Geunicar A. Perez Jr.

Consultants

LUZ LALLI L. FERRER DR. ALLAN G. FARNAZO CESO IVChief, Quality Assurance Division Regional Director

SOCCSKSARGEN is truly home of the best as one of its teachers were recognized for her sustained outstanding ser-vice in the performance of the profession, as well as her sub-stantive contributions to the in-stitution and communities.

Marivi L. Castro, Master Teacher from General Santos SPED Integrated School, was conferred with the Award for Continuing Excellence and Ser-vice (ACES) by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) during its 40th anniversary celebration at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City on February 21.

Castro, who was a 2012 Metrobank Search for Out-standing Teacher awardee, was cited for inculcating a culture of

reading in the classroom, pri-marily through her Read-Aloud Day initiative.

Joining Castro as ACES Awardee were Lynn Padillo, Chief of the Curriculum Imple-mentation Division in Naga City Division; Jesus Insilada, princi-pal of Caninguan National High School in Calinog, Iloilo; Estre-lita Peña, principal of Francisco Ramos National High School in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones also received a Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excel-lence (PEACE) trophy awarded to the Department of Educa-tion (DepEd) by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. in the said event.

KENNETH T. CARISMA

SOX mentor among PH’s outstanding educators