by magnolia_eic | Jun 7, 2010 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
As some schools opened classes on Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) has started enforcing a no-smoking rule in all public and private elementary and high schools.
DepEd Order 73, issued by DepEd Secretary Mona Valisno, declared all elementary and high schools “No Smoking” areas.
“Effective immediately, smoking will be prohibited inside school premises. This includes open or covered spaces around school buildings,” Valisno said in the May 28 order, a copy of which was posted late Sunday on the DepEd website.
The order was addressed to undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, bureau, center and service directors, regional directors, schools division and city superintendents, and heads of public and private elementary and high schools.
Valisno ordered school heads to put up “No Smoking” signs in conspicuous places around the school compound. She also ordered them to place signs with the message “You are entering a No-Smoking Area” in entry points such as gates and side entrances.
“Regional and division officials are instructed to oversee the implementation of this order in schools under their supervision,” she said. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Jun 5, 2010 | Headlines, National News
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Mona Valisno last Wednesday disclosed that reports from the various DepEd regional offices indicate that less than 10 percent of the private schools have applied for tuition increase. Thus, more than 90 percent have no tuition increase this school year.
“While there have been several applications for tuition increases by private schools, this represents a small portion of all private schools nationwide,” said Valisno.
Valisno noted that applicants for tuition increase declined this year compared to last year due to a steady decrease in the application for tuition increase by private elementary and secondary schools nationwide.
Since last year, the DepEd has been appealing to private school owners and operators to temper their application for school fee increases considering the financial condition of many Filipino families.
Valisno also stressed that under the Education Act of 1982, all applications for increase in tuition and other school fees are subject to the approval of DepEd. “Thus, private schools must comply with the applicable DepEd Orders on the matter before any increase may be imposed,” she said.
The DepEd has already directed all field offices to closely monitor any increase being proposed by private schools in order to protect the interests of parents, students, and the general public. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Jun 5, 2010 | Headlines, National News
MALACAÑANG has urged people to show their patriotism and proudly display the national flag in their homes, schools, offices, and other establishments until June 12, the country’s 112th Independence Day.
Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza also encouraged the public to join the Independence Day celebrations on June 12 to celebrate “our fight for freedom and independence from want, from poverty, from ignorance.”
The country’s 112th Independence Day, which carries the theme “Kalayaan, Tagumpay ng Bayan,” was launched with the observance of the “Araw ng Watawat” last May 28. The P10-million Independence Day celebrations will include ceremonies promoting respect for the country’s flag as well as highlighting the achievements of President Arroyo in the last nine years.
On June 12, President Arroyo will lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila at 7 a.m. Simultaneous flag-raising rites will be held in key cities across the country.
Mrs. Arroyo is expected to deliver her Independence Day speech wherein she would likely make her final report to the nation, which includes her accomplishments as well as trials during her presidency that ends at 12 noon, June 30. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Jun 3, 2010 | Headlines, National News
The Department of Education (DepEd) should first hold a dialogue with bishops before including sex education in the curriculum of elementary and high school students this school year, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
The agency should consult and clear issues first with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) before implementing its plan to teach sex education in schools, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
He added that the DepEd “has to address” the CBCP’s reservations on teaching sex education, especially to elementary pupils.
The CBCP on Tuesday renewed its opposition on the teaching of sex education in schools, saying that it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to teach this to their children.
However, Education Secretary Mona Valisno has consistently said that the DepEd is determined to include sex education in school’s basic curriculum, even down to the elementary level.
Mendoza advised Valisno to hear the opinion of all stakeholders before proceeding with the department’s plan. He added that Malacanang will “depend on issues to be presented” before it makes it stand on the matter. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Jun 2, 2010 | Headlines, National News
MALACAÑANG has joined the calls for the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in the Lower House, saying it would give more teeth to the constitutional right to know and the state policy of full disclosure of transactions involving public interest.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Rogelio Peyuan said in a news conference on Tuesday that the Palace is hopeful that this bill “will come to life” when lawmakers tackle the bill on June 4, Friday.
Peyuan said the passage of Freedom of Information Act would mean a lot for each and every outfit or individual practitioner in the media circle.
The FOI bill seeks to ensure the implementation of the right of the people to information on matters of public concerns guaranteed under Section 7, Article 3 of the 1987 Constitution and the state policy of full disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest under Section 28, Article 2 of the Constitution.
If passed, it would allow the right of the people to access information on matters of public concern, such as official records and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, decisions, as well as government research data used as basis for policy development.
The Senate approved its version of the bill Dec. 14 last year with 12 senators voting for the measure. (PIA-Bohol)
