Alabel, Sarangani Province
Vol 1 Issue No. 2
August - September 2014
Glan bags SPAA 2014 championship by Elizabeth G. Torres Glorious Glan Athletic Delegation garnered the over-all championship in the recently concluded Sarangani Province Athletic Association Meet (SPAA) held in Glan Elementary School SPED Center Grounds on September 24-27, 2014. Kiamba Dragons placed first runner-up and Alabel Volts was second runner-up. Seven municipalities competed in the different sport events: Athletics, Elementary and Secondary Basketball, Football/Futsal, Volleyball, Softball, Arnis, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Badminton, SepakTakraw, Swimming, Chess, Boxing, Tennis, Billiard, which were played in different playing venues within Glan Central District. Participating delegations included Maasims Energizers, MaitumBlackstones, Malapatan and Malungon. Other contests activities undertaken
GLORIOUS OPENING. Palarong Pambansa medalist Jason Dave Leyble of Glan School of Arts and Trades light the symbolic friendship urn. Photo by Tres Besana
during the four-day meet were: Best in Athletic Uniform which was awarded to Glan Delegation, Best in Saludo which were given to Alabel Volts and Malungon which tied for first placer. Most Clean Kitchen and Quarter was awarded to MaitumBlackstones.
Sarangani says NO to junk food
by Christine May S. Dofiles, T-1 Kalonbarak Elementary School In support to the DepEd Order No. 8 and management of school canteens both in series of 2007, also known as the “No Junk public elementary and secondary schools. Food Policy”, the Department of EducationThe first day of the said campaign Region XII had the launching campaign for a was conducted at Phela Grande Hotel, healthy and nutrition-promoting canteen last General Santos City. This campaign was July 30-31, 2014. This policy strengthens the made possible through the help of Save the implementing guidelines on the operation Children, an International Non-Government
HEALTHIER OPTIONS, PLEASE. Pupils of Banate Elementary School express their disapproval of junk food in their canteen.
Dance competitions were included in the activity. Hip hop first placer was awarded to (GSAT) Glan School of Arts and Trades, “Kiriwkiw” folk dance for Elementary was won by Maitum Blackstones including Dance Sports secondary.
>> WE’RE ONLINE! The DepEd Sarangani Bulletin has found its home on the web! Visit www.depedsarangani.pw to access all our issues in digital format. Organization that advocates the protection of the child’s rights and provides assistance to children in developing countries. Other partnerships include Wrigley, IKEA Foundation, Prudence Foundation and the National Nutrition Council. Participants of this activity came from schools in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. Dr. Sylvia Galang, Chief-Health and Nutrition of DepEd Region XII. discussed the legal basis on the “No Junk Food Policy”. All participants are advised to monitor, assess and evaluate the functions of their respective school canteens in relation to implementing rules and guidelines of the DepEd Order No. 8 series of 2007.
2 Sarangani
OPINION
Bulletin
Valuing Children’s Voices
e d i t o r i a l
Children are Gods best gift to parents. No parent in any part of the world would want anything bad to happen to them. In fact every parent wants the best for their children. With this in mind the Department of Education Sarangani Province aims to institutionalize the learner-centered environment in its quest to deliver quality education to Sarangan children. Isagani S. Dela Cruz, Schools Division Superintendent reiterated this in his address during the conduct of Children’s Forum on September 12, 2014 at Lun Padidu Central Elementary School, that every MANCOM an activity for children and youth leaders be conducted to gather feedback from learners with regard to current issues and trends in education . “Listening to children’s voices will increase their personal worth and develop their innate potential as leaders and too, enhance interaction among themselves. Let us not only hear them, let’s listen intently, so we can perceive what’s in their hearts and minds”. These were part of the talk he had with the children leaders, advisers and administrators of Alabel, Malapatan and Glan Cluster. With the successful conduct of the said forum to MAKIMA cluster, the Superintendent with the rest of Sarangani administrators saw the bright future for child centered activity. According to Genevive Rama Division Research Officer with Juliet Lomocso Division Guidance Coordinator the activity boosted the students confidence to speak out and be heard, their rights and responsibilities were reviewed and the workshops fostered clearer understanding of Dep Ed Order No. 40, “Dep Ed Child Protection Policy”. A safe learning environment is a requisite to pursue it. This requires respect and protection of the rights of children, however, giving them the chance to be heard is more valuable and immediate. Do you agree?
ELIZABETH G. TORRES, EPS Editor in Chief LAFOREZA L. MAGUATE, EPS Associate Editor Contributors ARTURO D. TINGSON, ART EUGENE A. YGONIA, CHRISTINE MAY S. DOFILES ARIEL C. LALISAN Layout Artist ISAGANI S. DELA CRUZ, CESO IV Schools DIvision Superintendent DIOSDADO E. ABLANIDO Assit. Schools DIvision Superintendent DONNA S. PANES Chief, CID SHIRLEY M. CARDINAL Chief, SGOD
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AUG-SEPT 2014
Strong Pillar
ith the celebration of World Teacher’s Day, it could not be denied that the teacher is already an international figure. Putting the educator in the center of the world ISAGANI S. DELA CRUZ is no joke, knowing that if honor School’s Division Superintendent is bestowed, critics would also attempt if not try to besmerk the figure. No matter what the teacher is an edifice or an institution with solid foun- changes of time and the environment. Thus dation, grounded on tenets of virtues and a a teacher never gets obsolete in strategies, he just fade away physically as time passes paragon of disciplines. The teacher who is known worldwide by. In this world of uncertainties the teachas the molder of the youth, nurtures the hopes of the future. He believes that in ed- er figure remains a constant. It is a truism ucating children he is writing their tomor- that he is the purveyor of truth and right, so rows. Academics are given lots of consider- goes a line in a song. He will never sit on a ation alongside with other intelligences, as throne but his life is full. Not in how much in the holistic development of the person, he earns but on the life he lives and his conthe heart and mind must be attuned to the tribution to the society he belongs.
SDSReflection
Combating Bullying in Schools by bringing schools and communities together to change school climate and proactively prevent bullying in the first ARTURO D. TINGSON, JR., place. That’s why over the Principal I past several years, the division has been trying to combat and address bullying in schools. As ullying is a big problem. This has been a matter of fact, division and school-based a perennial dilemma in most pupils training as well as orientation of parents and students in schools. Every day have been conducted since the opening of thousands of children and teens wake up classes last June to identify and respond afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem to bullying in school while teachers that affects pupils and students, and it were advised to discuss bullying in the has everyone worried, not just the kids classroom. on its receiving end. Yet because parents, Regardless of the approach to teachers, and other adults don’t always see prevention and enforcement, it remains it, they may not understand how extreme extremely challenging to teachers, parents bullying can get. and the community in this side of the Although we argue that bullying is country to convince bullies that their a natural by-product of classroom social actions are disadvantageous for themselves, dynamics, we are not suggesting that it is besides being injurious to the targets of acceptable or that it is inevitable. On the their abuse. All too often, bullies gain from contrary, our work suggests that when their use of power over weaker classmates. teachers and parents are aware of school Notwithstanding, bullying awareness social dynamics, they can create classroom campaigns can be very effective at getting environments that reduce the development a message out there. Thus, schools have to of the structures and processes that create some much needed public pressure contribute to bullying. to get some action taken. Strong familyOn the other hand, the Division school partnerships translate into healthier of Sarangani have seen the tragic school environments and better student consequences that bullying, if left outcomes. Families and schools know that unaddressed, can have on many of the bullying isn’t an isolated problem, and school children. Consequently, the office they’re eager to find ways to work with of the Administrative Officer continues the school community and educators in to address the root causes of bullying combating bullying at any cost.
Point of View
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AUG-SEPT 2014
FEATURES
Sarangani Bulletin
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S P O T L I G H T
NGOs in Action
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by Ariel C. Lalisan, T-I Alabel National Science High School
n this section, we shine the light on various non-government organizations that operate in Sarangani. Let us take a look at how they carry out their projects and how hey engage the participation of other individuals, organizations, and the community in creating a positive change for the Sarangan children.
Hearts with New Paradigm by Art Eugene A. Ygonia, T-II Malungon Central Elementary School SPED Center
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ho could ever think that among the multitude of schools in the region our school, Malungon Central Elementary School SPED Center, would become a recipient of two classroom facilities.Indeed, it was a dream come true not only for the school but most especially for the children themselves. For some time in the past some of our kindergarten pupils spent their classes either in a bodega-turned classroom or dilapidated and not too conducive room where every pupil had to adapt to the crowdedness caused by lack of space or study amidst the dimness and poor ventilated atmosphere. If some stories we read hadsad endings, ours did not have because from out of the blue, just like the fairy tales we have, came heroes who helped turned the situation around. The AGAPP Foundation and Jesus Del Rosario Foundation, Inc, , composed of some generous and wanted-to-remain anonymous individuals, named our school as one of their recipients of Silid Pangarap. Not only classrooms were freely given but also countless and various learning and teaching materials were handed over for both kindergarten teachers and pupils. Who on earth would invest so much to children and community whom a person do not personally know? In reality, familiarity and ties are the basis of human’s generosity. Most people hesitate to give something especially to strangers. But it is not the case for the AGAPP and JDL Foundations. Indeed, their mind set shows a total shift in paradigm. Theirs is truly unconventional. Their foundations’ existence, principles, philosophy, vision and mission are crafted not only for the
organizations’ sole purpose but for their countrymen. Though some of their members come from the business sector sharing their blessings (especially in financing projects nationwide) has never been difficult to them even though they know that their won’t be any return of investments (that is, in financial sense). Every project implemented is no longer aimed at gaining profit, prestigenor fame. Instead, their hearts long to see another form of “return of investment” that would spur onand shoot up from the children’s lives who are touched through the Silid Paaralan program the foundations implemented. Seeing a birth of hope and dream for a brighter and better tomorrow in every child is already a glimpse of what can kind of “return of investment” the benefactors like to see in the future. When the child whom they touched have reached and seized those dreams, heaven knows, the “ROI” is even far greater and of much value than any wealth the world could give. Today, almost every human person in this world hopes for a better world but only few have the strength and courage to make a leap of faith. Thanks to the AGAPP and JDL Foundations whose generosity is not rooted on mere familiarity and ties but on their care for others and solidarity with others. May there be more willing hearts to make a paradigm shift, make a leap of faith, extend and share blessings to more children especially in the far-flung areas, so that a better and sturdeir tomorrow will come to us all. To AGAPP and JDL Foundations, Inc. our deepest and sincerest gratitude, prayer and thanks go to you. We salute you!!!
Hearts and Brains, Inc. (HABI) Youth Volunteers HABI is composed of passionate volunteers from different academic as well as cultural backgrounds who help Dr. Roel Cagape in his “missionary works” in remote areas of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, General Santos City and Sarangani Province (SOCSKSARGEN) in Mindanao, Philippines. Flagship Project: Construction of Bahay-Tuluyan (makeshift dormitories) for pupils in far-flung schools. They have started in Malkahi, Malapatan, Sarangani Province. A special feature of the project is the active involvement of the community in the realization of the project. Recent Activities: September 9-10, 2014 - Distribution of rice and other food items, and medical mission at Sitio Safya, Malapatan, Sarangani Province September 20-21, 2014 - Distribution of school bags, feeding, and facilitating childfriendly activities at Sitio Kapanal, Brgy. Gasi, Kiamba, Sarangani Province Website: http://habivolunteers.weebly.com/
4 Sarangani Sarangani celebrates Bulletin
FEATURES
World Teachers’ Day by Christine May S. Dofiles, T-1 Kalonbarak Elementary School
The World Teacher’s Day is one of the most awaited celebrations for the whole school year as we give thanks and gratitude to all the significant roles played by teachers around the world in the society. In support to this endeavor, the Department of EducationDivision of Sarangani will celebrate this event on October 3, 2014 at Isla Jardin del Mar, Sarangani Province. “Around the World in One World Teacher’s Day” is this year’s theme for the said celebration. The white beach and scenic panorama of Isla Jardin del Mar is very excited to welcome all Sarangan Teachers coming from the different Municipalities of Sarangani, to wit: Alabel, Kiamba, Glan Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan and Malungon. The Division of Sarangani, spearheaded by the Schools Division Superintendent, Isagani dela Cruz and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Diosdado Ablanido, prepared exciting and fun-filled activities for all the Sarangan teachers to enjoy. These activities aim to foster camaraderie and strengthen unity among the Sarangan teachers. Laro ng Lahi which promotes Filipino games like that of Patintero, Tumba Lata, Shatong, Kadang Bagul, Luksong Tinik, Palo Sebo and Pukpok Palayok are some of the thrilling games in the morning. There will also be “Parlor Games with a Twist” and “Beach Ball Games with a Twist” in the afternoon. One of the significant activities of this celebration is the “Bloodletting Activity” which will be simultaneously done with the activities for the World Teachers’ Day. The Division of Sarangani is expecting a minimum of 300 Blood Donors on that day. Sarangan Teachers are encouraged to support this volunteerism activity to promote apostleship and spirit of partnership. The highlights of this whole day celebration are the Recognition of Teachers those from the far flung areas and the most awaited Search for Mr. and Ms. DepEd 2014. Awardees of the said recognition are the teachers who exemplify heroic deeds to bring quality education to all our Sarangan learners. Some of these teachers traverse numerous rivers and climb the rolling hills of Sarangani to render services and inspire our learners. The showcase of true beauty and wit will be conducted on the evening as teachers witness the Search for Mr. & Miss DepEd 2014. This pageant will display exotic beauties, talents and natural wits reigning in the DepEd-Division of Sarangani. Winners of the said event will represent the Division of Sarangani during the Regional Search for Mr. and Ms. DepEd 2014 on October 4, 2014. This year’s celebration of the Division World Teacher’s Day will truly provide a good break for all the Sarangan Teachers. It allows all teachers to pause from rigorous teaching activities and enjoy all the nerve-wracking, fun-filled and exciting activities prepared all just for Sarangan Teachers.
edTECH
AUG-SEPT 2014 >>ABOUT THE WTD Why the 5th of October? In 1994, UNESCO proclaimed October 5 World Teachers’ Day, in celebration of the great step made for teachers in 1966 when a special intergovernmental conference convened by UNESCO in Paris in cooperation with the ILO adopted the ILO/ UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Why a day for teachers? World Teachers’ Day held annually on October 5 is a UNESCO initiative, a day devoted to appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world. The real point is to provide a time to look at and address issues pertaining to teachers. Strangely one of the most central, vital professionals to society does not receive the respect it deserves in some parts of the world. WTD is a natural extension of UNESCO’s all year round work of promoting teachers, ensuring that this profession, so vital to the healthy functioning of society, is itself “healthy”. Teachers are a normative indicator of social health. Why an international day? Doesn’t each country have very specific issues? Teachers are producing global citizens, so they are global teachers, who need to situate their advances on a global level. WTD is an opportunity to rethink national issues facing teachers from an international perspective, to benchmark progress made by national teachers in a global context. UNESCO provides the best global context to address and exchange ideas across borders. www.worldteachersday.org
Because our students deserve world-class education
Let’s Go Google! The youth of today’s generation are digital natives. They learn how to access content from the internet even before they understand fractions. They can figure out how to operate a gadget faster than they could express ideas in English. It is inevitable that our students can be dependent on technology more than we could imagine. ARIEL C. LALISAN Many teachers would condemn Lead, Google Educator technology as a hindrance to students’ learning. Many parents think that Group Sarangani technology merely distracts students from their lessons. I just think it is not a good idea for www.ariellalisan.com someone who has not fully understood Twitter: @ariellalisan technology to simply dismiss it as a bane ariellalisan@gmail.com to education. What are those studies that
reveal how students learn better when aided with technology for? Don’t you think teachers are partly to blame when students get addicted to technologies that do not help them learn? Don’t you think it is our responsibility to guide them in using the technology to help them become more productive? But how could we carry out that responsibility if we, ourselves, are not willing to embrace these technologies? I know there are teachers who are interested to learn but they just don’t know how, where to start, and whom they could ask help from. I have good news for you: the Google Educator Group Sarangani is here to help! The Google Educator Group is a community of teachers who share the same interest in using technology as a
tool for helping students learn better. The GEG organizes meetups and workshops where teachers learn from each other, share best practices, and inspire and empower one another. Alabel National Science High School has gone Google by implementing the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) learning environment last August 15. Malungon National High School and Tokawal National High School teachers have also started learning Google Tools for Education last September 12 and 19, respectively. If you wish to be part of the GEG Sarangani Community, please feel free contact me through ariellalisan@gmail. com. Together, let us make a difference for the global Sarangan children!