Page 37 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

January to June 37
2017

Philippine Education Secretary Promotes Alternative Learning System,
Schools as Zone of Peace at New York Forum

The Philippine Consulate General organized a
Town Hall with Philippine Education Secretary Leonor
Magtolis Briones as Guest of Honor on 27 June 2017
at the Philippine Center.

Secretary Briones gave a brief presentation on
the cornerstone of President Duterte’s education
agenda; namely, addressing the drug menace in
schools, enhancing gender awareness and promoting
reproductive health, climate change mitigation and
other related issues, and institutionalization of the
Alternative Learning Systems (ALS), a flagship project Assec. Nepomuceno Malaluan, DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones, DCG Felipe F. Cariño,
nd
th
of the administration. On the drug issue, Secretary Usec. Victoria Catibog, and Consul Arman Talbo (5 from left, 2 row) join community
Briones said that the drug menace affects both members after the forum that featured updates on the Philippines’ Department of Education
educators and learners. by DepEd officials for a photo.

Secretary Briones likewise discussed the adverse effects of climate change on the education system. She shared
that in Isabela, a typhoon ravaged the province that resulted in the destruction of multi-million peso school laboratories and
facilities. Even as the DepEd’s budget has increased, a significant percentage of the budget is allotted to repair and
renovation of buildings and mitigating the effects of natural calamities. She added that DepEd is keen on implementing the
ALS which is focused on addressing the school dropout rate by finding ways to keep learners enrolled through alternative
learning solutions and creative teaching methods.

Also in attendance as panel members were Education Undersecretary Victoria Catibog and Assistant Secretary
Nepomuceno Malaluan. The forum was moderated by Deputy Consul General Felipe Cariño.

Filipino community members composed of educators, school administrators, and members of the academe including
the first Filipino President of St. Johns University, Dr. Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, members of the FilAm Press Club of New
York and Silliman University Alumni Association who supported their alumna, Secretary Briones, participated in the event.

Finally, the DepEd is keen on implementing the ALS which is focused on addressing the school dropout rate by
finding ways to keep learners enrolled through alternative learning solutions and creative teaching methods, Secretary Briones
added.

Secretary Briones and her delegation are in New York to attend meetings on High-Level Action Event on Education at
the United Nations .

Immigration, Human Trafficking, Discrimination, LGBTQ Matters Top Agenda at Meeting Between
Philippine Consul General and NY Human Rights Commissioner

Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega called on
Commissioner/Chair Carmelyn Malalis and Deputy Commissioner Dana
Sussman of the New York City Commission on Human Rights to
introduce herself after her assumption as Philippine Consul General to
New York last November and to convey the Consulate’s programs in
relation to Filipino and Filipino-American nationals, in particular more
vulnerable sectors like household service workers, trafficking victims,
migrants in distress, LGBTQ, seniors, and other marginalized sectors
under the Consulate’s jurisdiction.

Commissioner Malalis is one of three high ranking officials of
Filipino descent serving in Mayor Bill De Blasio’s administration. The
other two being Maria Springer Torres, President of the NY Economic
Consul General Dizon-De Vega poses with Commissioner Malalis & Development Corporation, and, before she left office last year, NYC
Deputy Commissioner Dana Sussman of NYC Human Rights Com- Chief Technology Officer Minerva Tantoco.
mission and NYC student observers. (Continue to page 38)