Roxas commends 13 Filipino "Mathletes"

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas last Tuesday hailed local grown Math experts who won 27 medals and placed fourth in the recent 10th World Youth Invitational Mathematics Intercity (IWYMIC) Competition held recently in Durban, South Africa.

"Bilib talaga ako sa Pinoy. Patunay ito na kayang-kaya nating makipagsabayan sa buong mundo (I salute the Filipino people. This is clear proof that we can compete with the world’s best)," he said in filing Senate Resolution No. 1203 urging his colleagues to recognize the achievement of the 13-man Filipino contingent which participated in the IWYMIC from July 5 to 10.

"The various honors and achievements won by the Philippine delegation to IWYMIC only show that our youth can compete and win against the best students in the world, thus providing another source of inspiration to our Filipino youth," he said in PSR No. 1203.

The Visayan senator said due recognition should be given to the 13 Filipino numbers aces, namely: Geraldine Baniqued from St. Paul College-Pasig, Arielle Elise Chua from St. Jude Catholic School, Russell Virata from Gideon Academy, Zheng Rong Wu from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School, Adrian Raphael Co from British School Manila, Matthew Chris Chan from St. Stephen’s High School, Ostin John Ong from Bacolod Trinity Christian School, Vance Eldric Go from St. Jude Catholic School-Manila, Elvis Jeremy Ayroso from Philippine Science High School-Manila, Sarah Jane Cua from Pangasinan Universal Institute, Paolo Manuel Iyulores of Ateneo de Manila High School, Janssen Kotah from Philippine Cultural College, and Hanz Vladimir Cabanes from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School.

The "Mathletes" got four silver, 23 bronze medals, trophies and certificates in the formal awards ceremonies held at the auditorium of the Durban City Hall on July 9. A total of 228 high school students competed in this year’s contest, which was topped by math aces from China, Singapore and Thailand.

Baniqued, Chua, Virata and Wu, who formed the Philippines’ Team A team, posted a 1st Runner-Up finish in the team category and brought home silver medals and a trophy.

Bronze medals and a trophy were brought home by Team B composed of Co, Chan, Ong and Go while Ayroso, Iyulores, Kotah and Cabanes of Team C received a Merit Award, all in the team category competition.

Seven "Mathletes" got bronze medals for earning high marks in the individual category competition, and these were Baniqued, Virata, Wu, Chan, Go, Ayroso and Cua while Co, Ong, Chua and Iyulores were awarded certificates of merit for satisfactory scores in the individual category.

Thursday, July 23, 2009 | posted in 10th World Youth Invitational Mathematics Intercity (IWYMIC) Competition, education, mar roxas, mathletes, philippines, south africa | 0 comments [ More ]

"Ramdam" - Mar Roxas' sequel of the Padyak TVC

Hello everyone! Check out Senator Mar Roxas latest TVC entitled "Ramdam", a sequel of the "Padyakitos" TVC, and please do share your comments on this one. Thanks!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 | posted in campaign, cheaper medicines bill, education, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, poverty | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas pushes P9,000 pay hike for public teachers

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today promised public school teachers he will fight for their P9,000 salary increase when the Senate and the House of Representatives convene a bicameral committee.

"Nandito ako para labanan ang mga mapang-aping ayaw kilalanin ang inyong karapatang sumuweldo ng tama. Nandito ako para para lumaban sa tabi ninyo," said Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee.

Roxas met with about 500 public school teachers who marched to the Senate to press for the P9,000 multi-year salary increase.

He noted that the Senate had approved as early as July last year Senate Bill No. 2408 that grants the P9,000 salary increase.

The Senate bill proposed a P9,000 additional compensation, to be given over a three-year period in three trances, to public school teachers, locally-funded teachers, non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education and Philippine Science High School teaching and non-teaching personnel.

It likewise seeks a P1,000 medical check-up annual allowance for covered beneficiaries and a Magna Carta bonus to public school teachers and non-teaching personnel of the DepEd.

The House had approved last May 20 Joint Resolution No. 36 granting salary increases to all government employees but limited the salary increase to public school teachers to P6,500 over four years.

Roxas lamented that the House version classified public school teachers as "sub-professionals" that qualified them to salary increases lower than the rest of government employees in the "professional" and "executive" levels.

"Sa Cha-Cha, ang galing-galing nilang mag-usap, ang bilis nilang magsama-sama para panatilihin sa puwesto si Gloria. Pero ang kapakanan ng mga tister natin, hindi mabigyan ng panahon. Mabuti pa ang sex video ni Hayden Kho at ni Katrina Halili, may kaso na agad. Pero dito sa mga talagang dapat ipaglaban, patay-malisya sila," the Visayan senator complained.

Roxas also pushed for a more comprehensive solution to problems in the education sector, an advocacy he has carried especially when he became chair of the Senate education committee.

Monday, May 25, 2009 | posted in education, hayden kho, katrina halili, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas joins Brigada Eskwela

Here are photos that were taken during the Brigada Eskwela in Manuel A. Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City on Monday with Senator Mar Roxas himself, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, helping repair and prepare the school for the upcoming opening of classes in cooperation with the Friends of Mar.

Roxas nails a broken school chair as he participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela maintenance program of the Department of Education. Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee, joined family members, supporters and staff who started repair work at the Manuel A. Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City on Monday as their contribution to the DepEd's undertaking. The Visayan senator has appealed for more volunteers for the project in the spirit of 'bayanihan'.

Roxas paints a wall as he participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela maintenance program of the Department of Education. Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee, joined family members, supporters and staff who started repair work at the Manuel A. Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City on Monday as their contribution to the DepEd's undertaking. The Visayan senator has appealed for more volunteers for the project in the spirit of 'bayanihan' and camaraderie.

Below is the video from QTV about Roxas' participation in the Brigada Eskwela:

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 | posted in brigada eskwela, deped, education, korina sanchez, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas calls for more volunteers for Brigada Eskwela

Reviewing reports on the first day of the Department of Education's week-long "Brigada Eskwela" Maintenance Week, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today said more volunteers are needed to show up in public schools nationwide to help do repair and maintenance work to prepare them for the school opening in June.

Roxas himself will lead family members, friends and party mates in the Liberal Party in doing their Brigada Eskwela stint at the Manuel Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City tomorrow morning.

"Kahit na tagumpay ang unang araw ng Brigada Eskwela, kailangan pa ng mas maraming kamay para ayusin ang ating mga eskwelahan lalo na't dalawang linggo na lang ay pasukan na," Roxas said.

Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee, urged citizens and corporations to volunteer for repair and maintenance work in public schools nationwide to help prepare them for the school opening in June.

'Brigada Eskwela' is an annual nationwide endeavor organized by the Department of Education in preparation for the opening of classes in June. Members of the school community come together to do minor repairs and other maintenance work on their schools, including the repainting of classroom walls and roofs, repair of leaking water pipes, boards, broken furniture, cleaning of toilets, and gardening, among others. This year's program will be conducted from May 18-23 in all public elementary and high schools nationwide.

Materials used during the weeklong effort will come from donation from local businesses and other companies as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. With no cash involved, 'Brigada Eskwela' has generated over P2.5 billion worth of donations in-kind and man-hours since it started in 2003.

Roxas stressed the value of having a stake in the public education system under the spirit of "bayanihan" as expressed his faith in improving Philippine education with the goodwill of many Filipinos.

Roxas' network of friends and supporters, called Friends of Mar or FOMs, and longtime fiancee broadcaster Korina Sanchez, will join him tomorrow. Other FOMs will conduct their Brigada Eskwela effort in Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Naga, Camarines Sur, Manila, Cavite, Baguio, South Cotobato, Sorsogon, Tarlac, Lingayen among others. To volunteer in Brigada Eskwela as a Friend of Mar, email friendsofmar@marroxas.net or text 0916-6272010.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 | posted in brigada eskwela, deped, education, korina sanchez, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas probes anomalous food program for schoolkids

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today hit the Department of Education for manipulating its bidding requirements to accommodate a favored contractor in its Food-For-School Program that would have benefited hundreds of thousands of indigent pre-school and Grade one students nationwide.

"Isusubo na lang, ninanakaw pa (It’s like stealing from the babe’s mouth)," fumed Roxas, chairman of the Senate committee on education investigating the alleged rigging in the bidding process and the award of close to P1 billion to the same company for the past three years for the supply of sub-standard noodles from Vietnam.

"Huwag nating pabayaan ang mga bata. Lumaban tayo (Let’s find those behind this scheme to cheat our own children. Let’s fight for our children’s welfare)," he stressed.

He noted reports that instant noodles acquired by the Department of Education from JEVERPS Manufacturing Corp. were without additional nutritional value and costs double than what is found in the local market.

JEVERPS have been supplying the instant noodles requirement of the DepEd’s School-Feeding program for since 2006, or for three years now.

In his testimony before Roxas’ committee yesterday, businessman Prudencio Quido Jr. claimed that the DepEd rigged the bidding for "fortified noodles with fresh eggs" in 2007 and “fortified noodles with fresh eggs and malunggay” in 2009 that JEVERPS Manufacturing Corp. won without competition.

"Surprisingly, while these projects were bid out and biddings were actually conducted, there was only one participating bidder/supplier which has been favored at the very outset and this is JEVERPS and no other," Quido said in a sworn affidavit submitted to Roxas’ committee.

Roxas filed Senate Resolution No. 985 to investigate the DepEd’s purchase of 15 million packets of instant noodles costing P284 million for almost 800,000 pre-school and Grade 1 students nationwide.

Quido told Roxas that the government could have lost P170 million in 2007 and another P251 million in 2009 because of the following anomalies in the bidding process:

• While noodles bought in the local market cost only P4.50 for every 55-g packets, the DepEd bought each pack of noodles from JEVERPS P18.00 for every 100-g packet be cause it allegedly contained “fresh egg.”In this year’s school feeding program, the DepEd allegedly plans to buy each packet of noodle for P22.00 for every 100-g packet because it allegedly contain "fresh eggs and malunggay."
• The bidding was designed to favor only one company, JEVERPS, because no other local company packs noodles for 100 grams a piece.
• There was mislabeling of the noodle packs because it claims that each pack contains "fresh egg" a violation of the "terms of reference" that the DepEd imposed in the bidding for the 2007 at 2009 programs.
• Laboratory tests showed the noodle packs actually contained only powdered egg instead of “fortified noodles with fresh egg” in the 2007 program.
• There is no adequate supply of malunggay so each of the 15 million packs of noodles that will be supplied by JEVERPS in 2009 could contain it as required by DepEd.
• JEVERPS has no “license to operate” from the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD).

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | posted in bfad, deped, education, jeverps manufacturing corp., mar roxas, noodles overpricing, philippines, prudencio quido | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas, party land safely in Pampaga ricefield after an hour of zero visibility

A five-seater helicopter bearing Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas this morning landed safely in a rice field in Barangay Arenas in Arayat, Pampanga after an hour of zero visibility and struggle to avoid clouds and Mt. Arayat.

The senator left the Manila Domestic Airport at 8 a.m. aboard the five-seater chopper. His chopper was expected to land at Hacienda Luisita at around 8:40 a.m. but thick clouds due to bad weather obstructed the pilot's view of the landing area. At about 9:30 a.m., the pilot found an opening in the thick clouds and landed his helicopter safely in a rice field in Barangay Arenas near Mt. Arayat.

A good Samaritan local resident, Dennis Sula, helped the senator travel to Tarlac City, where he was scheduled to address graduates of the Tarlac State University (TSU) as Guest of Honor and Speaker during their commencement exercises. He arrived more than 2-hours late for the 9 a.m. graduation rites.

"Ayaw kong ma-disappoint ang mga estudyante ng Tarlac State University kaya ginawan namin ng paraan na makarating ako sa inyong graduation. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga Good Samaritans na tumulong sa akin na makarating dito," Roxas told students in his speech.

Praising the good Samaritan who assisted him and his party upon their safe landing, Roxas said: "Talagang ang mga Pilipino ay may magagandang loob at laging handang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan."

"It reinforces my faith in the Filipino," he added.

Thursday, April 23, 2009 | posted in dennis sula, education, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas: Education for all is government's responsibility

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry by the Senate into the success and impact of the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs intended to address the special learning needs of marginalized learners.

Roxas, who filed Senate Resolution no. 967, stressed there is a need to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the ALS programs parallel to its objective of making quality education available for out-of-school youth and adult learners.

"Mahalaga ang edukasyon. Kung may mga tao mang hindi makapasok sa formal education system dahil sa kahirapan, tungkulin ng pamahalaan na maglaan ng alternatibong paraan para makapag-aral sila (Education is important. It is the government’s duty to put in place alternative means for the education of those who are not able to enter the formal education system because of poverty)," he said.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education added: "Sinusuportahan natin ang programa ng Alternative Learning System, kaya nais nating alamin kung naipatutupad ba ito nang tama. (We support the Alternative Learning System, that is why we want to know if this is being implemented properly)."

He said senators should look into how government has carried out its constitutional mandate to "protect and promote the rights of all citizens to quality education at all levels" and to "take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all."

The ALS system was among the workable methods in the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001 (Republic Act 9155) which government could tap to address the special learning needs of out-of-school youths and undereducated adults.

ALS is an independent complete learning system crafted to address the various learning styles and needs of learners. Learners are given full discretion of the kind and method of learning they wish to have, including the use of information technology.

The Visayan senator said aside from assessing the program’s efficacy, the Senate committee should also check the budgetary support given by the government to the Bureau of Alternative Learning System, which has been tasked to oversee the implementation of the ALS programs.

He noted reports that the BALS gets less than one percent of the annual budget allocation given to the Department of Education.

Sunday, April 5, 2009 | posted in alternative learning system, deped, education, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas opens nationwide job-seekers' training camps

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas announced today the opening of Job Search training camps nationwide to help prepare new college graduates look for jobs.

"Nu'ng ako'y bagong gradweyt, nadiskubre kong mahalaga na mahusay ang aking pagharap sa interviewer, maganda ang aking resume at maganda ang aking suot na damit pagharap ko sa aking magiging boss. Ngayong mahirap makahanap ng trabaho, sana'y malaki ang maitulong ng boot camp na ito sa mga bagong gradweyt ngayon (When I was a new graduate, I discovered that it was important that I create a good impression on the interviewer, I have a good resume, and I dress well when I face my future boss. I hope the boot camp helps new graduates especially now that jobs are scare to find)," Roxas said.

He noted that an estimated 490,000 university graduates are expected to join the already crowded employment market in the next two months when the local economy is flat and jobs are scarce due to companies closing or downsizing because of the global financial crisis.

Roxas said the new batch of job-seekers would have better chances of landing employment if they are well-prepared and equipped for their job-hunting activities.

Called 'The Mar Roxas Job-Seekers Training Camps', the boot camps would be open to university graduates who wish to polish their job search skills for better and easy presentation of themselves to prospective employers. It would also help the graduates with the packaging of their credentials.

The two-day training camps would be held in 30 cities nationwide, with each camp corridor accommodating 1,000 new graduates. Trainers of companies from the Business Processing Association of the Philippines would talk on issues such as job search hints and strategies, Curriculum Vitae/bio-date writing and packaging, presentation of skills (oral and visual), dress and appearance, how to answer interview questions, tips on Business English grammar, how to write letters of introduction and tips in building self-confidence.

The boot camps would be held in Malolos, Bulacan (March 25-26); Baguio City (April 2-3); Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija (April 16-17); Dagupan, Pangasinan (April 23-24), and Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley (April 29-30).

There will also be training camps in Bacolod City (March 25-26); Iloilo City (April 1-2); Cebu City (April 15-16); Dumaguete City (April 29-30); and Tacloban City (May 6-7).

In the Mindanao region, the camps would be held in Ozamiz City (March 27-28); Cagayan de Oro (April 3-4); Iligan City (April 17-18); Zamboanga City (April 24-25); Butuan City (April 229-30); General Santos City (March 24-25); Digos City (April 3-4); Tagum City (April 17-18); Davao City (April 23-24) and Cotabato City (April 29-30).

The training camps in Metro Manila and in Southern Luzon would be in Mandaluyong (March 31-April 1); University Belt (April 14-15); Taguig (April 21-22) Quezon City (April 28-29); Naga City (March 24-25); Legazpi City (April 1-2); Batangas City (April 14-15); Lucena City (April 22-23) and Dasmarinas, Cavite (April 29-30).

The training camps would be held in partnership with local universities and university Student Councils. Those interested in participating in the training seminars can e-mail kristina@brand-channels.com or text (city or place of training), name and University where they graduated to 0915-199-9689 (For Globe subscribers); 0919-851-8416 (Smart) and 0922-554-1246 (Sun).

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 | posted in education, financial crisis, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Smear Busting No. 1 - Senator Roxas isn't supporting additional year in college

Mar Roxas has been a proponent for quality education since he was a Congressman from Capiz. Yes, he has been advocating a plan that would reform our broken education system which mandates the increase from 10 to 12 the number of years in the basic education in consonance with international standards in order to make our own world-class educational system. It would also include competency evaluation at grades three and six, a remedial year between grade school and high school, and an "output-oriented" high school curriculum that would equip graduates with the right skills, whether they choose to pursue college or already be employed.¹

But some people just can't get enough of spreading baseless, deceptive and misleading rumors. That rumor says that "Roxas is the proponent of the additional year in college, especially on Nursing". It's just really NOT TRUE and this smear is BUSTED.

It's the Commission on Higher Education, headed by Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Angeles that is the main proponent of the additional year in college namely in architecture, engineering, accountancy and nursing, and not Roxas.²

Yes he wants to have additional years only in basic education and not on tertiary education.

Atty. Blas James Viterbo, Roxas' Chief-of-Staff explains:

Not true at all. We even asked CHED to explain this since it came from them. They replied that the same is still under consultations. Hence, there is nothing to worry about it.

On the other hand, Liberal Party of the Philippines Director General Chito Gascon also debunked this smear against Roxas:

Not true! In fact, the Senator is of record as saying that he opposes this move because he believes that under current circumstances it is superflous.

Received a smear against Mar Roxas? Share it to me and I'll bust it.

Tell your friends about this one! Help debunk this smear!

SOURCES:
¹ Mar Roxas on Education
² CHED firm on five-year program for nursing

Saturday, February 28, 2009 | posted in ched, education, emmanuel angeles, mar roxas, smear busting | 0 comments [ More ]

The Making of the Education President

Senator Mar Roxas' Senate Office just forwarded to me this article in PDF format about "The Making of the Education President" by Carlos Valarao. To give you an overview about the article, it talks about how the so-called "presidentiables" namely Senator Manny Villar and Senator Roxas have performed in the aspect of education legislation. And guess who won!

Below is the article which I uploaded in Scribd for easy reading:
   

Click here to read the article via Scribd. If it doesn't display, be sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your computer.

Don't hesitate to share your views or comments about the article. Feel free to post your comment on this post.

Thursday, November 27, 2008 | posted in campaign, carlos valarao, education, manny villar, mar roxas, president, scribd | 2 comments [ More ]

Roxas: More kids out of school dulls RP competitiveness

Senator Mar Roxas warned that the increasing number of children deprived of education puts the country's competitiveness and long-term future in jeopardy. This, as he called on the government to review and reform the education system and revamp the "business-as-usual" way of spending education funds.

"If we want to improve our youth's education outcomes and give them a better chance to progress, we can't be in ‘business-as-usual' mode anymore," he said.

"Ngayong may krisis, pinaka-kawawa ang mga bata. Ang lalong masakit, kung hindi natin maibigay sa kanila ang sapat na nutrisyon at kaalaman, baka mag-‘dropout' din ang bansa natin sa kalaunan (Whenever there's a crisis, the children are most affected. What's more painful, if we fail to give our kids enough nutrition and knowledge, our country might ‘drop out' sooner)," he added.

The National Statistical Coordination Board recently reported that more children do not have access to primary education now than five years ago-16.8% in 2007 compared to 9.7% in 2003-due to the rising cost of living and prices of basic needs. The International Finance Corp. also recently reported that the country's business competitiveness ranking slid down to 133rd, from 130th.

Roxas, the Liberal Party President, earlier filed Senate Bill No. 2294, the Omnibus Education Reform Act, that seeks to fix the defects of the educational system, establish reforms on spending education funds, and set measurable targets.

"We can't raise our education standards by doing just more of the same. We can't drop a larger lump sum in the lap of DepEd and expect things to get better," he said, noting that the Palace is set to submit its proposed 2009 national budget next month.

Roxas noted that most kids drop out from school young: 22% of children who enter Grade 1 will have dropped out by Grade 3. Studies show a strong correlation between poor nutrition and high dropout rates. Furthermore, of all Grade 6 students, only 26%, 15% and 31% of students gain the required mastery of English, Science and Math, respectively.

The bill proposes the institutionalization of a long-term planning process for education, through rolling five-year budget plans that are consistent with quantitative and qualitative targets.

To help identify and focus on students that require special learning assistance, the bill seeks to impose performance standards through diagnostic tests at the end of Grades 3 and 6, key junction points of the students' learning of core competencies.

Meanwhile, to help teachers arm their students with the right competencies and knowledge, the bill seeks intensive training and upgrading programs for teachers. These include training programs on teaching methods using the mother language for teachers in Grades 1 to 3, and upgrading courses for English, Science and Math teachers who are not majors in these subjects.

The proposed reforms in the bill also include mandating the use of the mother tongue as medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3, as studies have shown that early education in the local language tends to be more effective; and electives for High School, to equip students with the competencies needed as they decide to pursue College or to join the workforce after graduation.

Friday, July 18, 2008 | posted in education, english, ifc, mar roxas, math, nscb, pgma, philippines, president, science | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Education reform requires not just more of the same

Senator Mar Roxas stressed that the road to world-class education in the Philippines would require spending on focused and effective programs, as well as a change in outlook on what the Philippine education system needs.

"If we want to improve our youth's education outcomes and give them a better chance to progress, we can't be in 'business-as-usual' mode anymore."

"We can't raise our education standards by doing just more of the same. We can't drop a larger lump sum in the lap of DepEd and expect things to get better," he said, noting that the Palace is set to submit its proposed 2009 national budget next month.

Roxas has filed Senate Bill No. 2294, the Omnibus Education Reform Act, which is based on a continuing study on the defects of our educational system. It seeks to initiate the promoting of higher standards in our country's education system.

"We need to have a focused approach in improving Philippine education. We have to get to the root of the problem of poor student performance, insufficient aptitude of teachers, and the overall resources provided to our youth," he said.

The bill proposes the institutionalization of a long-term planning process for education, through rolling five-year budget plans that are consistent with quantitative and qualitative targets.

"Kung sa aritmetik lang, pinakamalaki na nga ang nakukuha ng edukasyon sa budget. Ang tanong, bukod sa 'sapat ba ito,' ay 'tama ba ang paggamit dito?' (Arithmetically, education gets the largest chunk of the budget. But the question, aside from 'is it sufficient,' is 'is it spent the right way?)" he added.

The bill also seeks that ten years after reforms have been implemented, improvements in key metrics must have already been achieved, such as:

• Grade school cohort survival rate, to 83% (now 68%);
• Transition rate from Grade 6 to 1st year High School, to 99% (now 87%);
• High School cohort survival rate, to 85% (now 72%);
• Overall completion rate, to 70% (now 43%);

To help identify and focus on students that require special learning assistance, the bill seeks to impose performance standards through diagnostic tests at the end of Grades 3 and 6, key junction points of the students' learning of core competencies.

Meanwhile, to help teachers arm their students with the right competencies and knowledge, the bill seeks intensive training and upgrading programs for teachers. These include training programs on teaching methods using the mother language for teachers in Grades 1 to 3; and upgrading courses for English, Science and Math teachers who are not majors in these subjects.

The proposed reforms in the bill also include mandating the use of the mother tongue as medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3, as studies have shown that early education in the local language tends to be more effective; and electives for High School, to equip students with the competencies needed as they decide to pursue College or to join the workforce after graduation.

Sunday, July 13, 2008 | posted in education, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas pushes for Omnibus Education Reform Bill

After working on measures that would help people cope with the expense side of their daily needs, Senator Mar Roxas is now pushing for an omnibus measure that would ensure the people’s incomes in the long-term: education reform.

“Huwag nating kalimutan ang ‘income side.’ At para sa akin, ang pinakamabisang pamamaraan para masiguro natin na may kikitain ang, at patuloy na magkakaroon ng pagkakataon para sa, ating mga kababayan ay ang pagsasaayos ng ating education system at pagbibigay sa kanila ng tama’t wastong educational preparation. (We should not forget the ‘income side.’ And to me, the best way to ensure incomes and opportunities for our people is through reforming our education system and giving our children proper educational preparation),” he said.

Roxas, President of the Liberal Party, said “we need to fix not only the roof but the whole house which is our education system,” as Filipino students are being left behind, compared to their counterparts in Asia and the world.

Among the reforms he is seeking through his Senate Bill 2294, the proposed Omnibus Education Reform Act of 2008, is instituting the “mother tongue” or local language as medium of instruction.

“It had been found out 20 years back that children learn faster in the local language rather than a strict English-only or Tagalog-only system,” he said. He pointed out that this is backed by decades of UNESCO research and even by Philippine experience.

Roxas is also pushing for an expanded 12-year basic education program. This would include competency evaluation at grades three and six, a remedial year between grade school and high school, and an “output-oriented” high school curriculum that would equip graduates with the right skills, whether they choose to pursue college or already be employed.

“Kilalang-kilala tayo sa Asya at sa buong mundo na English-competent, well-educated. Pero dumadating na ang panahon na sa ating limited 10-year education program, nakikita na yung agwat ng kakayahan ng ibang bansa kumpara dito sa atin,” he said.

“Hindi na natin maaaring gawing kapital yung 10 years na education program natin, kasi mahusay man iyan ay may extra two years yung iba. Kaya kailangan makahabol tayo. Kung hindi, ang mga trabaho ay hindi pupunta dito sa atin at pupunta sa ibang bansa,” he added.

Friday, May 30, 2008 | posted in asia, education, english, mar roxas, philippines, unesco | 0 comments [ More ]

Use of local language in primary education sought by Sen. Mar Roxas

Senator Mar Roxas wants the use of the local language in the primary school as he seeks to increase the number of years for basic education from 10 to 12.

In a bid to improve the Philippine education system, Roxas filed Tuesday Senate Bill 2249 or the Omnibus Education Reform Act.

“We need to fix our educational system to promote social justice and better opportunities for the Filipino youth,” he said.

“This is the best way to catch up with our neighbors that have long made wise and huge investments in their own educational system.” Roxas said in a statement.

The bill seeks the use of the Philippine language as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3, saying studies have shown early education in the native language is more effective.

The proposed measure also mandates the increase from 10 to 12 the number of years in the basic education in consonance with international standards.

Roxas noted that at present, only 65 out of 100 Grade 1 students will be able to complete elementary education. Of these, only 43 can finish high school.

Most of those who are able to graduate from high school have no mastery in English, Science and Mathematics, he said.

Roxas attributed this to many factors, including the low appropriation for the education sector, which currently receives three percent of the gross national product.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008 | posted in education, english, mar roxas, math, philippines, science | 0 comments [ More ]

Rice crisis a direct threat to Food-For-School recipients, Roxas says

Senator Mar Roxas expressed dismay that over 20,000 grade school students in Eastern Visayas will now stop receiving rice allocations under the food-for-school program of the Department of Education due to the worsening rice crisis.

"The food-for-school program has been successful in improving nutrition and reducing drop-out rates among school children. It is extremely worrisome that the rice crisis now poses a direct threat to the viability of this education program," Roxas said.

"While the government is harping on its rice access card program, what we don't know is that it's also cutting funding for other programs. It is giving rice cards to poor families in Metro Manila while taking away rice allocations that would keep poor children in school in the poorest provinces of the country. We're taking away food from one mouth to put in another. Rice access cards program are under DSWD and DA while the food-for-school program is under DepEd. Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing?" he said.

The Liberal Party President said things are bound to get worse before they get better, considering the failed auction of the National Food Authority (NFA) where only one bidder showed up.

Roxas said the failed bid forced the NFA to admit that there was a "tightness of supply" in the world market. He added that this should serve as a fair warning to government to consider long-term solutions to the rice problem.

"First, admit that there is a problem. Secondly, come up with a concrete plan that includes both short-term and long-term solutions to solve the problem. Ang problema, sa unang hakbang pa lang ay hindi na tayo nagpakatotoo," Roxas lamented.

Roxas urged the executive branch to cut public expenditures in other areas in order to sustain the government's food-for-school program.

"Officials serving in the boards of government-controlled and -operated corporations should make the supreme sacrifice of giving up some of their perks as a sacrifice for the country. We can also look into restoring a four-day work week in government so we could save on energy costs," he said.

"More importantly, the revenue collection agencies should increase their collections. Let's do what needs to be done to keep these poor children in school," he said.

The Senate Trade Committee Chairman is also for the expansion of the food-for-work program, where poor families are harnessed to help in their communities. He has misgivings about a rice rationing system, such as the rice access cards, because it could be susceptible to politicking.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008 | posted in da, deped, dswd, education, food crisis, mar roxas, nfa, pgma, philippines, president, rice crisis, visayas | 0 comments [ More ]

Sen. Roxas' statement on the dispersal of students during the Education Summit

“I’m disturbed and aghast by the reportedly violent dispersal of students and teachers who staged a rally at the Education Summit, where some were caught or injured in the process.

“Isang kabalintunaan ang pangyayaring ito: ang mga mismong estudyante at guro na mga pangunahing stakeholder ng education system ay sila pang itinaboy at hindi inilahok.

“The summit was held to hear all voices on the education issue, not to stifle them.

“Ayaw ba ng pamahalaan na makinig sa mga estudyante at guro mismo ukol sa mga problema ng edukasyon sa ating bansa? May kinatatakutan ba silang malaman mula sa kanila?

“The organizers of the Summit and the police must explain why this happened, and why these students and teachers were, as they were complaining, not included in the Summit.”

Saturday, February 2, 2008 | posted in education, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, romulo neri, students | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas on Education

The Problem

Our Education system is broken: Filipino students are being left behind, compared to their counterparts in Asia and the world.

Increasing number of children deprived of Education: The National Statistical Coordination Board had reported that more children do not have access to primary education now than five years ago-16.8% in 2007 compared to 9.7% in 2003-due to the rising cost of living and prices of basic needs. The International Finance Corp. also recently reported that the country's business competitiveness ranking slid down to 133rd, from 130th.

High drop-out rates: It can be noted that most kids drop out from school young: 22% of children who enter Grade 1 will have dropped out by Grade 3. Studies show a strong correlation between poor nutrition and high dropout rates. Furthermore, of all Grade 6 students, only 26%, 15% and 31% of students gain the required mastery of English, Science and Math, respectively.

Educational plans are failing: Filipino families have suffered in the hands of irresponsible pre-need companies. Hard-earned money, shelled out by hardworking parents month after month, to secure the dream of quality education for their children, has gone down the drain.

Mar Roxas' Action

Omnibus Education Reform: Roxas has filed Senate Bill 2294 entitled Omnibus Education Reform Act of 2008 that would fix the problems in our broken educational system.

Mother tongue as medium of instruction: In the said proposed measure, Roxas wants the use of the Philippine language as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3, saying studies have shown early education in the native language is more effective.

Expanded 12-year Basic Education program: In Roxas' bill, although unpopular for the students, mandates the increase from 10 to 12 the number of years in the basic education in consonance with international standards in order to make our own world-class educational system. It would also include competency evaluation at grades three and six, a remedial year between grade school and high school, and an “output-oriented” high school curriculum that would equip graduates with the right skills, whether they choose to pursue college or already be employed.

Institutionalization of a long-term planning process for Education: The Roxas' plan would be rolling five-year budget plans that are consistent with quantitative and qualitative targets for education.

Intensive training and upgrading programs for teachers: Roxas wants to help teachers arm their students with the right competencies and knowledge by giving training programs on teaching methods using the mother language for teachers in Grades 1 to 3, and upgrading courses for English, Science and Math teachers who are not majors in these subjects.

Establish a Pre-Need Code: Roxas already filed in the Senate the Pre-Need Code since 2008. This will hold pre-need companies to stricter standards to safeguard the rights of Filipino families, such as concrete measures to protect plan holders; detailed provisions on the securities a pre-need company can invest in; and the percentage of the premiums that should go into the trust fund.

It also prescribes qualifications for those who manage the trust fund; and establishes an agency to regulate pre-need companies based on prudential principles based on soundness, stability, and sustainable growth.

Mar Roxas' Record

Record of Advocacy: Roxas, then a Congressman from Capiz, has been the author of Republic Act 7880 ("Fair and Equitable Access to Education Act") also known as the Roxas Law. The law ensures fair distribution of the education capital budget among all the provinces. This started his advocacy for fair and equitable access to education, free from regional bias and political patronage considerations. Now, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, he will continue to push for education reform to improve our broken educational system.

He also authored the ‘PCs for Public Schools Project’ to provide student and teachers IT access. To date, the program has distributed 30,000 computers to over 2,000 public high schools nationwide, opening doors on hands-on computer training to 500,000 students yearly and reducing the computer backlog in public high schools by more than half, from 69 percent to 31 percent.

Roxas has also been working for all the parents out there who work long and hard to provide their children a life much better than what they had by putting their trust on the pre-need companies. He has been pushing for the Pre-Need Code in the Senate so that their sacrifice would not go to waste.

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Tuesday, July 31, 2007 | posted in campaign, education, issues, mar roxas | [ More ]