March 24, 2022 – Three Filipino public school student leaders shared school and community perspectives on preventive drug education in the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Youth Forum 2022.
Grade 12 students Lara Victoria C. De Guzman of Francisco E. Barzaga Integrated High School, Division of Dasmariñas City; John Edward E. Sabeniano of Supang-Datag National High School, Division of Catanduanes; and Annika A. Elinzano of Mangatarem National High School, Division of Pangasinan I noted their viewpoints in promoting drug prevention education efforts. “As a Barkada Kontra Droga President in my school, I will integrate everything that I’ve learned and transform it into doable programs to reach out to those who are in dire need of help in my community,” De Guzman noted. On the other hand, Elinzano learned that we should focus more on developing the individual, not the drug. She said that “we can change and improve our initiatives that focus more on an evidence-based approach.” “The forum has empowered us to bring positive outcomes in areas such as mental health and valuing physical health that has a big role in producing a better community,” Sabeniano emphasized. Organized virtually last February 28 to March 4, this year’s forum brought together around 75 young leaders to learn about evidence-based drug use prevention, discuss various perspectives on the world drug problem, and be empowered to continue action. “While the Department is working on new methods in drug prevention education, we believe that the youth can effectively participate by identifying the needs and possibilities for the prevention in their communities,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said. UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly emphasized that while the young are among the most vulnerable and the most affected by drug use, their passion and modern views are better than anyone else in achieving true and lasting change to communities. “Your engagement will be essential in raising awareness, changing attitudes, and developing solutions,” UNODC ED Waly said to the participants. The Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) through the Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD) endorsed the three chosen candidates to the forum after review of application and interview process with designated advisers Juniel Arvin Doloque and Jufeel Pulvosa. Youth Forum, an annual event organized by the UNODC Youth Initiative in the broader context of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), gathered young people nominated by the Member States and active in the field of drug use prevention, health promotion, and youth empowerment from around the world. END
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February 15, 2022 – The Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with Microsoft Philippines, introduced the Project Be Techie in School (B.T.S.): Tech Episode webinar series to help the learners in utilizing M.S. accounts that will be relevant in their education which started on February 4.
Through the Bureau of Learner Support Services (BLSS) – Youth Formation Division (Y.F.D.), the 30-minute virtual lectures aim to assist the students on latest computer skills and best practices in using Microsoft-owned applications. Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones encouraged the learners nationwide to participate in the said event to help utilize these kinds of tools for their educational growth. “While we continue addressing pandemic-related challenges in education, we want to ensure that our learners will still acquire 21st century skills to better prepare them for the future. This webinar would be helpful to our students in learning basic and advanced tips on using the popular computer software,” Secretary Briones said. The webinar, which would be live-streamed at DepEd Tayo-Youth Formation official Facebook page, would be composed of 10 episodes that will tackle different lectures, including the Microsoft Teams (February 4), Microsoft OneNote (February 11), Microsoft PowerPoint, and Sway (February 18), Microsoft OneDrive (February 25), and Windows 11 (March 4). The program will also discuss the usage of Microsoft Word (March 11), Microsoft Whiteboard (March 18), Microsoft Excel (March 25), Minecraft: Education Edition (April 1), and Mobile Versions of M365 apps (April 8). “I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to the Microsoft Philippines for collaborating with us and making this event a possibility. This is a huge step for us in providing quality and accessible education to everyone,” Sec. Briones shared. Furthermore, the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration also reminded the field offices, through their respective Youth Formation Coordinators, to ensure the maximum participation of all students from Grades 5 to 12 with internet connectivity in the said series. All students are also reminded to pre-register at www.blssfyd.weebly.com and activate their Microsoft accounts beforehand. For more information, check the O.U.A. Memo 00-0122-0160 at https://blssyfd.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/7/2/69727641/oua-memo-1220160-project-bts-tech-episodes-01262022-2022.01.31__1_.pdf The Project B.T.S. is part of the Public Schools of the Future (PSOF) Framework of the Administration Strand led by Undersecretary Alain Del B. Pascua and Assistant Secretary Salvador Malana III, under the leadership of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones. END LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE, Disyembre 14, 2021 – Tiniyak ni Kalihim ng Edukasyon Leonor Magtolis Briones sa mga lider-estudyante na uunahin ng ahensiya ang kanilang mga panukala at suhestiyon sa pagtugon sa mga hamon sa sektor ng edukasyon sa ginanap na Student Parliamentarians’ Virtual Town Hall Meeting via Microsoft Teams.
Sinabi ni Kalihim Briones na kaniyang ilalatag ang mga suhestiyon ng parlyamento ng mga mag-aaral sa angkop na mga opisina ng DepEd para sa kanilang konsiderasyon sa pagbuo ng mga polisiya at interbensyon para sa ikabubuti ng mga mag-aaral. “Itong resolusyon na ito ay i-pass on ko sa ating School Health Division, which works very closely with the Department of Health. Sang-ayon ako right now [sa proposals ninyo]. Maraming mga programa ngayon ang ini-initiate ng Department of Education (DepEd) kung saan tinutulungan ang teachers [at] ang kabataan [regarding their problems],” sabi ni Kalihim Briones. “All of you have to work on these problems with the help of course of your teachers, professional groups, your parents, and of faith groups. Everyone has problems, and you have to face them, and we will do everything we can do to help you,” dagdag niya. May temang, “Batas, Hustisya, at Karangalan: Kabataang Pilipino, may Makabayang Paninindihan Gamit ang Puso, Galing, at Talino”, ang birtuwal na forum ay naging plataporma rin ng mga mag-aaral upang ipakita ang iba pang polisiya sa edukasyon at mga panukala sa batas. Nagsilbi rin ang nasabing programa bilang isang open at participatory platform para sa mga mag-aaral upang magbahagi, magtulungan, at tukuyin ang mga kritikal na kakulangan sa kasalukuyang mga kalakaran at polisiya sa edukasyon. Nagpaunlak din ng ilang mga katanungan si Kalihim Briones mula sa mga lider-estudyante upang mas bigyang-diin ang mga inisyatiba at interbensyon ng Kagawaran sa pagtulong sa mga mag-aaral at mga guro. “Gusto ko lang i-emphasize na ang edukasyon ay responsibilidad ng buong komunidad. Department of Education and Health are specifically mandated to provide certain services [to learners],” ani Kalihim Briones. Nagpahayag din ng iba’t ibang mga concerns ng mga kabataang Pilipino ang mga kalahok na mag-aaral upang masiguro na ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ay sapat na pinangangalagaan ang kanilang kapakanan at mga karapatan. Sa pamamagitan ng Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), pinangunahan ng Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division ang National Student Parliament 2021 sa pamamagitan ng OUA Memo 00-1121-0005. #SulongEduKalidad #DepEdPhilippines #DepEdTayo November 24, 2021 – The National Federation of Supreme Student Government (NFSSG) formally formed its new set of officers for School Year 2021-2022 through a virtual election on November 13.
Bienesto Fidel Junio, incumbent Regional SSG President of Region I from Schools Division of Pangasinan I, was elected NFSSG President among 17 Regional SSG Presidents. Junio reminded his co-elected officers and board members to collaborate with other student- leaders in addressing the issues related to their co-learners continuously. “We all are leaders dito. As Regional Presidents, magtutulungan tayo para mas lalong matugunan natin ‘yong mga pangangailangan ng mga estudyante,” NFSSG President-Elect Junio said. “Asahan niyo, based na rin sa experiences ko, maraming times na tayong mga regional presidents ang magiging boses, kasi ‘yong mga suggestions natin ay mapupunta talaga sa DepEd national level. Congratulations sa lahat at maraming maraming salamat sa tiwala at suporta ninyo,” he added. Aside from Junio, Julie Ann Velonta from SDO Dumaguete City was voted as Federation Vice-President, Carl Christian Caduhada from SDO Negros Occidental as Secretary, and Sandara Lorin Del Mundo of SDO Gapan City as Treasurer. Gian Franscine Lampaz from SDO Baguio City was designated as Auditor, Niko Gumapac of SDO Cotabato City as Public Information Officer, and John Edward Navor Eugenio from SDO Caloocan City as Protocol Officer. The rest of the Regional Presidents that would not be elected in any position will be designated as Board Members. According to the Bureau of Learner Support Service – Youth Formation Division (YFD), they conducted the said election to empower student leaders to be more proactive on existing social issues that affected the learners. “I am thrilled and excited with what’s ahead of us this year. I hope that we can all see and feel the promise of a better Philippines, reflected in the eyes of our student-leaders, whatever colors you would like to choose,” YFD Chief Adolf Aguilar shared. Education Chief Leonor Magtolis Briones hoped that the elected officers would understand the responsibility of their positions as the voice of the Filipino youth. “I would like to congratulate the newly-elected National Federation for SSG officers for answering the call of duty. I hope that these student-leaders will realize how important their role is in developing the education sector in the country,” Secretary Briones said. END October 19, 2021— Highlighting the importance of climate education, the Department of Education (DepEd) emphasized the international call for global climate justice to address the adverse effects it entails on children in a youth webinar held last September 24.
DepEd, through the Bureau of Learner Support Services- Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD), teamed up with Save the Children to conduct a webinar on Global Climate Strike: Capacity Building on Climate Change and its Effect on Children’s Welfare. “The urgency of protecting the environment has become much more evident. We have been surviving on a yearly basis; floods, earthquakes, storms have led to the destruction of our infrastructure, of buildings, and of course, the loss of lives,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said. The webinar discussed the direct effects of climate change on children’s welfare and how the climate change movements can urge learners to be part of the solution. It also highlighted the big part of educational institutions to be a platform and breeding ground for young leaders. “Napapanahon itong ating global strike and the call for climate justice happening around the globe. Ito ay ating ginagawa sapagkat muli nating ini-hihighlight ang participation ng education sector in climate change education and motivation,” BLSS Director Lope B. Santos III said. Carrying the slogan #UprootTheSystem, the Global Climate Strike was organized by Fridays for Future, headed by an 18-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. This youth-led movement began in 2018 and has 15 million participants in over 216 countries worldwide presently. “Makakalikasan, this is one of the Department’s core values, recognizing the need to infiltrate the mind of the learners and even the teachers, and the personnel of the Department. The importance of taking care of the planet and its resources. At the very core of our existence, we are all entwined by the very fabric of our humanity. The source of light that sustains our very existence, the earth, and ating tahanan,” BLSS-YFD Chief Adolf Aguilar shared. “Through a unified action, you can slowly start to mitigate the effects that climate change brings to all of us especially to our children,” he added. Save the Children also delved on the adverse effects of climate change like hunger, loss of properties due to natural calamities, increase in death and illness, disruption and lack of access to necessities like clean water, and the absence of child rights. END October 12, 2021 — In celebration of International Day of the Girl, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones encouraged communities and parents to keep supporting girls and young women.
“We also have to encourage the parents, the communities to make the first move or support the first move of these girls because, by themselves, they cannot overcome these challenges when they are taking their first move,” Secretary Briones shared. “We are encouraged by many examples of girls taking such first moves and we get continuously get inspiration from them to keep our girls motivated,” she added. DepEd, through the Bureau of Learning Services- Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD), joined the celebration for International Day of the Girl headed by Girls Congress. The event is sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines with the Wesleyan University of the Philippines (WUP) as its main partner. The Education Chief also suggested holding these webinars, discussions, and conversations in regions in the Philippines that have cases of difficulty championing women’s rights. “I hope there are parents with you, I hope there are teachers with you, I hope that there are community leaders with you because to make to girl make and take the first step. She needs the support of her parents, her community, and the encouragement of her teachers,” she noted. Girls Congress is the first of its kind in the Philippines, empowering young women to be capacitated in important issues that affect them daily or impact them on a global level. “Today, we hope by doing this project, by listening to all these incredible women, by giving up the necessary skills, girls here in the Philippines will be encouraged to not only dream, but to take action, to carve their path, to reach their fullest potential because we know you can,” Girls Congress Director Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco said. Meanwhile, Girls Congress Co-founder Nina Terol also talked about making the first move and expanding its narrative while Janice Lao-Noche, an environmental scientist, discussed self-leadership and awareness. Marielle Montenegro, a young performer spoke about breaking glass ceilings as a girl. For this year’s celebration, Girls Congress will facilitate virtual programs that will span six months leading up to the celebration of International Women’s Day in March 2022. END PR-2021-362 September 1, 2021 – The Department of Education (DepEd) will strengthen its learner support systems to provide further support student councils nationwide and continuously protect the health, safety, and well-being of learners for School Year 2021-2022.
“This is in support of the efficient operationalization of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP). The establishment of learner support systems shall facilitate the provision of psychosocial support, health and safety measures, and the remediation and enhancement of our learners,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said. Through the Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD), the Department will be providing organizational mechanisms and funding at all levels to ensure the implementation of programs, projects, and activities of Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) and Supreme Student Government (SSG) nationwide. Moreover, DepEd will conduct leadership training and workshops on basic provision of psychosocial first aid (PFA) for student governments and student-led organizations. It will also establish a centralized system for the identification of vulnerable learners for additional psychosocial support. Meanwhile, guided by their respective advisers, student organizations can organize and conduct activities at the school level such as Student Leadership Formation Programs, Peer Coaching Activities, International Youth Day Celebration, National Children’s Month, National Students’ Day, among others. SPGs and SSGs are also encouraged to assist in the Global Handwashing Day, Brigada Eskwela, Early Registration, Children and Adolescent Health Advocacy Campaigns, Disaster Risk Reduction activities for learners, and other DepEd youth-related activities implemented at the school level. Activities that involve a large number of learners shall only be implemented through online platforms, while projects that support learner’s mental resilience may be conducted through a limited face-to-face modality subject to the approval of the DOH-IATF and concerned school. In addition, DepEd set the election of leaders on the following dates: Homeroom Class Organization Elections (Sept. 13-30), School-Based SG Elections (Oct. 4-17), Division/SG Elections (Oct. 22-27), Regional Federation Elections (Oct. 29 – Nov. 9), and National Federation Elections (Nov. 13). “For DepEd to ensure that students are represented even during the pandemic, it is imperative for schools to facilitate student government elections and other relevant practices that will meaningfully support learner development,” Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua said. PR-2021-276 - END May 21, 2021 — To further capacitate student-leaders amid distance learning setup, the Department of Education (DepEd) will be launching a virtual leadership and character development training for Supreme Student Government officials.
Anchored on the mission, vision, and core values of the Department, the virtual training aims to capacitate young student leaders and hone their leadership skills and character. “[My challenge to student leaders is to] listen to each other and listen with an open mind. Open your minds to change. ‘Yun ang challenge ko, you listen to us and we listen to you and we will make decisions together,” Education Chief Leonor Magtolis-Briones said. Spearheaded by the Bureau of Learning Support Service-Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD), the virtual sessions will begin on May 21, 2021, and will run until June 11, 2021. The two-hour training will be held every Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 12 NN. Each session will also feature a different resource speaker. Through the series of webinars, DepEd eyes to improve the leadership knowledge, skills, and attitudes of SSG leaders based on the groundwork for good governance, volunteerism, unity, and cooperation. The virtual training will also tackle Personality and Character Development that aims to educate student leaders on the proper attitude and character traits that will help them lead their fellow learners. Other session topics include Federation Overview, Culture and Language of the Federation, Social Media Engagement, Technical Writing Protocol and Procedures, How to Conduct Parliamentary Meeting, Orientation on National ID Program, and Digital Citizenship. For more information and the complete list of the webinar topics, visit DepEd Tayo – Youth Formation Facebook page. Registration links are also available here, https://blssyfd.weebly.com/registration.html. END February 25, 2021 – Committed to engage the youth sector, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones discussed and consulted various initiatives of the Department of Education (DepEd) to student-leaders all over the country last Saturday, February 20.
“Kailangan kasali ang kabataan sa paggawa ng polisiya ng Departamento. At yung ating mga tinuturo ay relevant at meaningful sa inyo,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said during the National Assembly of Division Federation Officers. After virtually administering the oath of 226 Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers, Secretary Briones gamely answered their questions for more than four hours on academic ease measures, sports event plans, future of education, learning continuity initiatives, among others. “Marami sa aming polisiya ay nanggagaling sa mga kabataan, through consultation, pero gusto namin gawing pormal through your federations,” she added. Briones even urged student-leaders to review and give inputs for the updating of the SSG mandate, which is currently based on DepEd Order No. 049, s. 2011. The Education chief also discussed present challenges in youth participation, including the spread of misinformation and fake news. “I expect our learners to have the capacity to reason, and think rationally. Second, the capacity to have an open mind,” she answered when asked by Region X SSG President Queenie Joy Cabatingan about her expectations of today’s learners. In another query during the open forum, the Secretary replied in the affirmative when CALABARZON SSG President Earl Vincent Hiwatig asked if DepEd is planning to continue implementing blended learning initiatives such as DepEd TV once the pandemic ends. “Kasi maski wala na ang pandemic, mayroon pa ring lugar na walang connectivity, mayroon pa ring eskwelahan na kulang ng libro,” she said. Briones also formally turned over digital tablets to SSG federation presidents to further promote their causes on student governance. Meanwhile, student representatives from Region CALABARZON, VII, XI, X, and XII shared their Kabataan reports, which highlighted various SSG initiatives in the regions. There were also 226 SSG advisers during the event. Aimed to provide the youth sector with up-to-date information in basic education, the assembly also featured Undersecretaries Diosdado San Antonio and Alain Del Pascua, who shared presentations on academic ease, and blended learning approach, respectively. “It is an honor to be given the chance to interact with government leaders and organizations for they are the ones who can greatly help us and forward our goals”, National Federation of SSG President Ken Bien Mar Caballes said. PR-2021-038 ### About the Department of Education The Department of Education (DepEd) formulates, implements, and coordinates policies, plans, programs, and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal basic education. It supervises all elementary and secondary education institutions, including alternative learning systems, both public and private; and provides for the establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate, and integrated system of basic education relevant to the goals of national development. February 24, 2021 – Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones lauded the newly- elected officers of the National Federation of Supreme Student Government (NF-SSG) on February 12.
"Nakakatuwa that these young people were chosen by learners to lead all the supreme student government in the Philippines. Kita mo rin sa kanila that they are willing to step up and take charge. Sabi nga nila, [habang] bata pa ang ating mga learners, kailangan natin silang turuan [more on] citizenship and service to the country in a very real sense. We have to move towards being universalistic; to think of the people we serve,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said. Organized by the the Bureau of Learners Support Services-Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD), all 17 regional SSG presidents and other student leaders, SSG teacher- advisers, and regional and division youth formation coordinators nationwide attended the said election via Zoom video conference and Facebook live platforms. Meanwhile, BLSS-YFD Chief Adolf Aguilar highlighted in his message that many student leaders have been waiting for the said election since the last one was held almost a decade ago. “I am with awe that this election is a reality now. This is truly the so-called renaissance of our SSG. As the newly elected officers of the NF-SSG, I challenge you to become role models to the youth. Be paragons who have puso, galing at talino in doing your responsibilities as future leaders of our country,” YFD Chief said. The following are the newly elected NF-SSG officers for FY 2021: President, Ken Bien Mar Caballes (CARAGA Region); Vice President, French Bayer Bandong (Region XII); Secretary, Ser Nicholas Valmonte (Region III); Treasurer, Gerilou Beatrine Bariuan (Region II); Auditor, Ponciano Apa Jr. (Region XI); Peace Officer, Jan Loyd Abellano (Region VI); and Public Information Officer, Jerson Cabunilas (Region VII). “It has been nine years since the last set of officers in the NFSSG was established, so it is up to us to once again to ignite the fire within the youth. We are expected to provide an impression that we are finally back after being dormant in the recent years. However, I also feel so honoured to have the opportunity to implement projects that would improve the education sector of our country,” newly-elected NF-SSG President Caballes said. Further, the following regional SSG presidents were elected as board members: Bienesto Fidel Junio (Region I), Earl Vincent Hiwatig (Region IV-A), Emmanuel Rodel (Region IV-B), Rixdon Niño Mape (Region V), Kenneth Anthony Manatad (Region VIII), Princess May Calasang (Region IX), Queenie Joy Cabatingan (Region X), Kurt James Quiambao (NCR), Youth Formation Division Angela Nicole Tibay (CAR), and Nicole Masay (BARMM). After their election, the national student government officers will meet virtually to discuss their plans and programs for the learners all over the Philippines. “As of now, we are still on the brainstorming process. However, things like inclusive education, mental health awareness projects are the common advocacies of each of the regional presidents. We are hoping to conduct and implement projects [as] regards to the mentioned ideas in this school year despite the limited contact. [Also], we are hoping to conduct activities in line with the core values of Department of Education,” Caballes noted. PR-2021-035 ### --- Supreme Student Government (SSG) is the leading co-curricular student organization authorized to operate and implement programs, projects, and activities in schools nationwide. It serves as the foundation for good governance, volunteerism, unity, and cooperation by providing students with various avenues to improve their leadership knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It also hones students to become better members of the society following the ideals and principles of participatory democracy and good citizenship. -END- |
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