DepEd vows to champion teachers' welfare, professional development

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Recognizing teachers' critical role in the education sector's success, the Department of Education (DepEd) affirmed its commitment to strengthening teachers' support and uplifting teaching quality in the country.

In her Basic Education Report 2023, Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte recognized the zeal and passion of Filipino teachers, vowing to champion their welfare and professional development as part of her MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa agenda.

"Teachers are critical to the success of education. When they are supported, education quality improves," Vice President and Secretary Duterte said.

Duterte emphasized that the agency will remove the administrative task of teachers and will continuously advocate for additional benefits and address issues affecting their net-take-home pay.

"We will remove non-teaching tasks and provide administrative officers in schools. We will provide adequate manpower complement in schools, manage teachers' workload, and compensate teachers for unique school challenges," VP-Sec. Duterte said.

"We will continuously advocate for additional benefits for our teachers. We will work towards addressing issues affecting the net-take-home pay of teachers," she added.

The Education chief also said that the agency would implement a policy on the distribution of workload and payment for teaching overload.

DepEd will also request the Department of Budget and Management the expansion of the coverage of Special Hardship Allowances, and closely coordinate with the GSIS for an improved benefits package for all the personnel.

Furthermore, DepEd commits to elevating teaching approaches and standards by following the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) and capacitating them in utilizing and maximizing the benefits of digital and remote learning.

"We will continuously provide professional development programs, including graduate degree scholarship programs to teachers focusing on their learning area specialization and graduate certificate programs for nonmajors," VP-Sec. Duterte noted.

The Department will likewise fast-track the career progression policy and strictly implement the Merit Selection Policy to avoid any intervention in appointing personnel to vacant positions.

“We also recognize your sacrifices. We thank you for your sacrifices. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon. Hindi po namin kayo pababayaan,” VP-Sec. Duterte ended.

Looking for the sweetest Valentine? SM Supermalls’ gotchu!

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Whether you’re single but not going solo, in a committed relationship, or just happy and in love with the fam, SM Supermalls will give you the sweetest Valentine’s Day ever!


SM Supermalls has got a slew of activities coming up for you from February 1 to 14. So if you are looking for ways to celebrate the sweetest valentine, look no further because SM Supermalls’ gotchu!


Keep the love burning with the sweetest dining deals

They say food is the way to a man’s heart. So why not treat your SO to a sumptuous dining experience? With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, SM got lotsa lovin’ vibe to share and the sweetest dining deals to offer. Plus, there are very cute dining spots and IG-worthy outdoor hubs to dine into. But if you want a more romantic ambiance, there are also alfresco spots available for you!

Self-love is the best kind of love

Experience the euphoria of self-love at your favorite SM mall when you gift yourself with a few pampering items. From skin care packages and discounts on fashion items to solo dining promos, SM will definitely shower you with tons of sweet self-love deals to enjoy a love-filled month.


Sweets for your sweet at the Sweet A-fair

What’s Valentine’s Day without a Sweet A-fair? If you’re looking for the sweetest Valentine’s gifts, there’s no need to scour far and wide just to get them. Check out SM Supermalls’ pop-up bazaar and get your hands on sweet items like chocolates, cakes, and other treats to spoil your loved ones.


Dance to sweet beats and retro nights

This season of love, give your fangirl/fanboy self a sweet reward at the mini-concert held every weekend from February 1 to 14. Your favorite DJs and Tiktok artists will play beats from the 1980s to the 2000s so be there and catch their one-of-a-kind performances.


Make room for Sweet Vibes only!

Everyone deserves a special someone who can take good IG photos. But if you don’t have one, it’s A-ok. You can grab your friends and capture the love at the Sweet Beats Stage or at the V-day installations that will surely make this year's heart's day extra memorable for you.


Kiss and Treat at the furry kissing booth

Let your furry friends sashay away in Valentine’s Day-inspired costumes at the activity center and get a chance to win amazing prizes.


Or, if you don’t have pets to flex, you can still experience sweet puppy love. Check out SM Supermalls’ cutest and sweetest Kissing Booth featuring trained dogs. And the best part is, it’s absolutely free!


Nothing says "sweet valentine's day" like shopping, dining, and getting entertained at SM Supermalls. So come and celebrate the sweetest Valentine’s at your favorite SM mall!


For more sweet V-day ideas, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

Anti-mining groups condemn the violent incident in Sibuyan

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Two Sibuyan residents were hurt when mining trucks of Altai Philippines Mining Company carrying nickel ore pushed their way through the barricades put up by the community as they demanded the suspension of mining operations to protect their island’s ecosystems.

Sibuyan residents tried to prevent the trucks from passing through but unfortunately failed as the trucks, aided by the police, forced their way through the human barricade and left two injured.

“We strongly condemn this violent incident. We strongly condemn the connivance of the mining company and the Philippine National Police including local politicians,” said Rodne Galicha, Executive-Director of Living Laudato Si.

“Hinahanap naming ang tunay na batas sa Sibuyan. Bakit ang mga tumutulong para maipatupad ang batas, lalo na ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan ay siyang tinuturing na kalaban?” said Elizabeth Ibanez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM).

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina, said “the violent incident involving the police no less, is a direct affront to the will of the Sibuyan residents.”

“The police should have ensured a peaceful protest and respected the position of the Sibuyan people against the mining company. They have no business taking the side of the mining company, especially that the Altai mining have no necessary permits for their operations,” he said.

Galicha also said “this act of protecting the mining company is unacceptable knowing that there are violations and deception from the very start, from when they first stepped foot on our island.”

“This calls for status quo and multi-sectoral and transparent investigation,” he said. “We urge the municipal mayor and the provincial governor to issue cease and desist order by virtue of the general welfare close of the Local Government Code of 1991. We urge the House of Representatives and the Senate to conduct an immediate hearing in aid of legislation, and for the Commission on Human Rights to be present on the ground. We demand that a national team of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources come to Sibuyan Island within the week to address all issues and concerns.”

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