UPMV K9 builds disaster resiliency through dog training

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After just two days of guidance, the results of the UPMV K9 Basic Obedience Workshop speak for themselves.

In an effort to promote the better care, appreciation, and utilization of dogs in local communities, this hard-working multisectoral group of volunteers is offering the public basic and advanced K9 training courses.

The UPMV K9 Corps recently graduated over two dozen happy pet owners from its two-weekend Basic Obedience Workshop held last February 3 and 10. Students and professionals from all walks of life with a common love for dogs came away amazed at how better behaved their pets could be and were also surprised at how much better they could bond with their furry companions.

UPMV K9 vice president and lead trainer Audie Menez starts off the UPMV K9 Basic Obedience Workshop with some tips and pointers before hitting the field in earnest.

 

“Contrary to popular belief, dog training is as much about the owner as it is about the pet,” explained UPMV K9 president Elah Tendero. “We don’t just teach dogs how to behave. We teach people how to better understand and communicate with their dogs.”

The workshop was conducted for a minimal fee to help the UPMV K9 Corps raise funds for its main goal of providing free Search and Rescue training to help civilian volunteers and their beloved pets play active roles in disaster response efforts. This free but comprehensive six-month training includes obedience as well as search-and-rescue training for the dogs, and also imparts disaster response and outdoor survival skills to the volunteer handlers.

Volunteer K9 instructors and handlers (in orange uniforms) teach obedience training techniques useful for anyone who owns a dog: everything from proper leash handling to sitting, staying, and recall.

 

“Sadly, more often than not, pets get neglected or forgotten in the event of a disaster. They often get left behind as communities evacuate,” Tendero laments. “But more than just being our companions, our dogs can also be of invaluable assistance in disaster response and relief efforts.”

Established in 2017, the UPMV K9 Corps is a non-profit organization established in partnership between the University of the Philippines, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and the UP Vanguard Inc. To date, there are already close to a hundred volunteers and K9s in the program, with openings for Batch 11 to be announced soon.

To learn more about how to sign up for dog training, like and follow https://fb.com/upmmdavanguardk9 or email upmmdavanguardk9@gmail.com

 

 

VP-Sec. Sara underscores valuable insights of SEAMEO Centers to MATATAG implementation during Malaysia visit

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Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte cited the successful education strategies of the Malaysian Ministry of Education and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Centers which can offer valuable insights for the Philippines in its implementation of the MATATAG Agenda and curriculum.

“Making the curriculum relevant is one of our thrusts, and the lessons on science and math teaching from RECSAM [Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics] can help us achieve this,” VP-Sec. Sara said in her speech during an official visit to SEAMEO Regional Tropical Medicine and Public Health (TROPMED) Network Malaysia.

“We will also learn from SEAMEO SEN’s [Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs] inclusion programmes on how to ensure the well-being of all our learners. TROPMED Malaysia’s initiative will help support the health of our learners and teachers, and establish a safe and healthy learning environment for them,” she added.

VP-Sec Duterte commended the SEAMEO RECSAM for its forward-thinking science and mathematics programs, like the Space Education Hub and the upcoming Makerspace, envisioned to be a hub for creativity and hands-on learning, and the SEAMEO SEN for championing inclusive education.

The Education Secretary likewise lauded TROPMED’s One Health Initiative.

The three centers support the shared goal of inclusive, quality education, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, and will help reach goals faster, especially in educational and scientific development.

As president of the SEAMEO Council, VP-Sec. Sara’s visit aimed to strengthen ties in education, science, and culture between the Philippines and Malaysia.

“The collaboration between our Ministries of Education and the SEAMEO Centres will hopefully pave the way for new programmes towards achieving our vision for an innovative, inclusive educational system. I believe that cooperation and collaboration can foster unity and stability for our learners, for our countries, and for the region,” VP-Sec. Sara said.



Duterte met with Honorable Fadhlina Sidek, Malaysia’s Minister of Education, to discuss the critical role of education in a nation’s growth, innovation, and a hopeful future. She also had a courtesy call to the Honourable Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

DepEd, partners call for more opportunities for women in STEM field

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Underscoring the importance of involvement, diversity, and access of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, the Department of Education (DepEd) gathered around 500 female learners and teachers to celebrate the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 13.

Spearheaded by the External Partnerships Office- International Cooperation Office (EPS-ICO), the event featured activities promoting equality, science and technology, and environmental conservation. The event highlights student exhibitors who showcased their projects and inventions that won them awards in their schools.

"Together, let us champion the cause of gender equality and build a future where every girl, every woman can reach for the stars and unleash their scientific potential,” DepEd NCR Regional Director Jocelyn D.R Andaya said in her welcome message.

RD Andaya, also underscored the significant shift of enrollees in the STEM programs of DepEd. In SDO Manila alone, 51% of STEM program enrollees are girls, signaling the narrowing of gender gaps in science and technology among girls and boys.

Additionally, the program also highlighted the efforts of DepEd partners in ensuring that girls were given the same importance, opportunities, and platforms in the male-dominated field.

Executives from partner organizations and agencies like the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc., FELTA Multimedia Inc., Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), UNILAB Foundation Inc., Department of Science and Technology (DOST), STI Education, and Empower Ability gave presentations on how their organizations and agencies can act as a springboard for female learners who wishes to pursue further education and careers in STEM.

Afterward, the learners were given an opportunity to ask the guest panelists questions during the program's open forum part.

Member learners and teachers for Youth for Environment in Schools (YES-O) are also invited to the event as the program kicked off with an onsite eco-tour led by SM Supermalls.

In this tour, the 35 participants were guided inside SM North EDSA to their facilities on solid waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and air quality programs. The eco-tour aims to inspire these YES-O officials and members to take part in the responsibility and caring for the environment.