DepEd Expresses Gratitude to House of Representatives for FY 2025 Budget Approval

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




The Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, extended its heartfelt appreciation to the House of Representatives for the approval of its proposed Php 793.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The budget, part of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), was approved on Tuesday.

Secretary Angara expressed his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Budget Sponsor Representative Maria Carmen Zamora, and the members of the House for their unwavering support. “We sincerely thank Speaker Romualdez, Rep. Zamora, and the entire House of Representatives for their dedication to uplifting our education system. This budget reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of every Filipino learner,” Secretary Angara said.

The approved budget aligns with President Ferdinand R. “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s directive to fully harness the nation’s educational potential. It will support critical initiatives such as the construction of new classrooms, rehabilitation of school facilities, the DepEd Computerization Program, procurement of learning tools and equipment, teacher recruitment and training, the School-Based Feeding Program, and various government assistance and subsidies.

Additionally, funding will be allocated to DepEd’s attached agencies, including the National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), National Museum, Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD), and the National Academy of Sports (NAS).

Budget Sponsor Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora emphasized the importance of the budget in enhancing the quality of basic education across the country. "This funding will empower DepEd to continue its mission of providing quality education, ensuring that our learners are prepared for the future's challenges and opportunities," she said. “With your continued support, we can make quality basic education a reality for all.”

During the deliberations, five lawmakers either raised clarifications or expressed support for the budget. Secretary Angara also acknowledged the constructive feedback from ACT Partylist Representative France Castro, which contributed to the revision of DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2024. This amendment to DepEd Order No. 010, s. 2024, introduces greater flexibility in teaching hours under the MATATAG Curriculum, promoting a healthier work-life balance for educators while ensuring improved educational outcomes.

Ingredients in chewing gum help tilapia survive cold climates

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Researchers inspect blue vats containing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed with varying levels of Arabic gum and lecithin to see what effect these have on the fishes' survivability in cold climates. Photo credit: Benha University / National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt 

Two common ingredients in ordinary chewing gum – Arabic gum and lecithin – have been found to help improve the overall health of tilapia, helping these fish survive better even in cold climates. This discovery paves the way for raising tilapia for food outside of the tropical regions where they are commonly farmed.

Native to Africa, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has been raised for food since ancient times due to its fast rate of reproduction. It is now a common sight in markets across tropical countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia. However, O. niloticus is sensitive to cold and only thrives in warm water within the range of 26°C to 30°C.

A recent study by an international team of researchers from Egypt and the Philippines, including Ateneo de Manila University Department of Biology’s Dr. Janice Alano Ragaza, tracked the weight, growth, blood chemistry, and enzyme levels of Nile tilapia fingerlings fed on varying amounts of Arabic gum and lecithin. Arabic gum and lecithin are common ingredients found in chewing gum and other foodstuffs. Arabic gum is made from sap, usually from the Acacia senegal or Sengalia senegal tree. Meanwhile, lecithin is a common emulsifier derived from a variety of sources, including eggs, soy beans, and sunflower seeds. Both have a wide variety of food uses, including in off-the-shelf chewing gum.

Measured amounts of Arabic gum and lecithin are kneaded into fish food before being dropped into fish tanks containing Nile tilapia fingerlings. Photo credit: Benha University / National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt

The researchers found that Nile tilapia fingerlings fed on 4 grams of Arabic gum and 10 grams of lecithin per kilogram of fish food over the course of three months led to increased levels of minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that help the fish overcome the stresses of living in winter. This change was more than just physiological, as it was found that the diet even activated specific genes associated with surviving cold temperatures.

The study, jointly undertaken by Benha University and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Egypt; and Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines; was published in Aquaculture Reports Vol. 38 in October 2024.

SOURCES:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2024.102332

MPT South to serve over 340,000 motorists in 2025

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MPT South forecasts more than 30% traffic growth by the end of 2025, translating to over 340,000 average daily motorists, a significant increase from the current figure of 259,815. This growth will be driven by the completion of several key segments of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and CAVITEX C5 Link. These segments include the CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange, Open Canal Interchange, and Kawit Interchange, as well as the C5 Link Segment 3B, which will connect the current Sucat Interchange to the C5 Link Flyover Extension, spanning from SLEX-Taguig to E. Rodriguez in C5. The CAVITEX-CALAX Link, currently under construction, will integrate these two major toll roads, creating a more seamless connection for motorists. 

These projects are slated for commercial operations before the end of 2025, bringing MPT South’s total road network to 67 km. The new segments, designed to enhance travel time and accessibility, are expected to encourage more motorists to utilize the network, further boosting traffic flow in the region. This will improve connectivity and travel efficiency between major provinces in Southern Luzon, easing travel for daily commuters and businesses alike. 

“Aside from providing an enhanced driving experience for our motorists, our projects also aim to contribute to the region’s economic development by improving accessibility and connectivity.  Once completed, our expressway network will provide a more seamless travel experience for over 340,000 motorists, a 30% increase from our existing daily traffic, and help spur economic growth in both regions,” said MPT South President and General Manager, Mr. Raul L. Ignacio. 

In line with this, MPT South is allocating Php14 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) in 2025 to support the construction and maintenance of its infrastructure. 

“Despite the challenges we face in construction, such as the timely delivery of right-of-way and the recent typhoons, we are working around the clock to ensure the delivery of these vital infrastructure projects for the benefit of progress by the end of 2025,” Ignacio added. 

Upon completion, MPT South’s expressway network is expected to boost regional economic growth by facilitating quicker, more efficient movement of goods and services between key industrial and commercial hubs. The shortened travel time will provide additional benefits such as reduced fuel consumption and lower vehicle emissions, contributing to nation-building and improving the quality of life for Filipinos. 

For photo information, kindly see below:

• CAVITEX_Image 1: Bird’s eye view shot of CAVITEX

• CALAX Image 2: Bird’s eye view shot of CALAX

• CAVITEX C5 Link_Image 3: Elevated shot of CAVITEX C5 Link

About MPT South

MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. In addition to CAVITEX and CALAX, MPTC also holds concession rights for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector Road, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.