Latest news with #SHS
GMA Network
an hour ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Department of Energy fast-tracking nationwide electrification
The Department of Energy (DOE) is expediting efforts to achieve President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s goal of full nationwide electrification, especially in far-flung off-grid areas, by the end of his term in 2028. "The President mentioned electrification, particularly in remote areas where it's costly for electric cooperatives to expand. There are three approaches: first, microgrids; second, solar-powered homes; and third, continued expansion by electric cooperatives. The government is currently looking for investors for microgrid projects," Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said at the Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) forum in San Juan City on Wednesday. "It's not just about electrification in remote areas—many homes near existing power lines remain unconnected due to permitting issues. There are ongoing discussions on how to reduce or waive application fees," Garin said. The Energy chief said the DOE and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) are working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to reduce or waive these fees to fast-track household connections. Data from the Energy Department showed that the national household electrification level is at 94.75%, equivalent to 27.9 million households with electricity access as of December 2024. The DOE is estimating about 3.08 million households which are still needed to be electrified by 2028. Last February, the DOE said the government needs to spend at least P85 billion to provide electricity to all households in the entire Philippine archipelago. In a news release on Wednesday, the Energy Department said it will undertake a Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for Microgrid System Providers to reach geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas beyond the coverage of existing power distribution networks. Through the initiative, approximately 12,000 households in off-grid areas, located in Quezon, Camarines Norte, Palawan, Masbate, Samar, Negros Occidental, and Zamboanga del Sur, are targeted to be energized through microgrid systems (MGS), according to the DOE. Each MGS is equipped with self-contained power generation units and localized distribution networks. It comes with a solar panel, a battery-powered home system, and basic components that can power four LED bulbs, charge a mobile phone, and operate a built-in radio. These microgrid systems are designed to provide reliable and sustainable electricity in areas that existing distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) can no longer reach. For 2025, the DOE is targeting to energize an additional 5,000 households nationwide. For households located in remote and mountainous areas that are completely inaccessible to conventional power distribution lines, the DOE said part of the solutions is the deployment of Solar Home Systems (SHS). For this year, NEA aims to bid out SHS to energize 100,000 households until the first quarter of 2026. Similarly, NEA will conduct early procurement for 54,000 SHS for its target household energization in 2026, benefitting a total of 154,000 households for the next two years, according to the DOE. Meanwhile, the Energy Department said it is also intensifying its efforts to expand access to the government's Lifeline Rate Program—key subsidy initiative that provides electricity discounts to marginalized households. As of June 2025, around 4.5 million households have been identified by the DSWD as eligible for the Program, primarily through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This number is expected to increase following the President's directive to expand eligibility to include households listed under the DSWD's "Listahanan" database, a key reference in identifying poor and vulnerable sectors. Despite the high number of potential beneficiaries, only about 330,000 households, or 7.34% of the eligible 4.5 million, have registered with their respective DUs as of July 2025, the DOE said. In response, the Energy Department said it is implementing a multi-pronged approach to bridge this gap and ensure wider access to the program. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd seeks to recover up to P100M 'ghost student' claims
The Department of Education (DepEd) will pursue criminal and civil cases against those behind fraudulent claims in its Senior High School (SHS) program, as it seeks to recover up to P100 million in public funds. "Nag-file na po kami ng mga kaso—hindi lang civil para ma-recover 'yung bayad, pati criminal—dahil mataas ang halaga ng pinag-uusapan dito. Hindi lang ito usapin ng pera, kundi usapin ng nawawala sa mga karapat-dapat na dapat tumanggap ng voucher na ito," Angara said during the post-SONA (State of the Nation Address) education dialogue. (We've filed both civil and criminal cases—not just to recover the money, but to give what is right for legitimate voucher recipients. The "ghost student" issue involved false claims for non-existent enrollees under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE), particularly its SHS voucher program. While the Commission on Audit (COA) initially flagged P65 million in such claims, Angara said the amount being investigated has since ballooned. "Hindi lang P65 [million], parang mas malaki pa yata—nasa P100 [million] na yata (It's not just P65 million—it may already be closer to P100 million)," he said. "Continuous ang aming investigation diyan, at paano palakasin ang sistema para wala nang makakadaya nito. Hindi maganda na itong mga programa sa ating kabataan ay pinaglalaruan lang," he added. (Our investigation is ongoing. We're working to strengthen the system so it can't be cheated. These programs for our youth should never be toyed with.) Teacher subsidies Armed with a P50-billion budget, the voucher program allows qualified Grade 10 completers to study in private senior high schools with government subsidies. "Kailangan po natin ang tulong ng private schools. Kalahating milyon ang nag-aaral sa kanila—500,000—at binabayaran po natin 'yan. May savings pa po tayo dahil mas mura ang private school kaysa public kung minsan," Angara said. (We need the support of private schools. Around half a million students are enrolled—and we cover the cost. We have savings because private school can be cheaper than public schools sometimes.) To retain teachers and keep private schools afloat, Angara said the annual teacher subsidy under the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) program will be increased from P18,000 to P24,000 by 2026. Computers for classrooms Meanwhile, the DepEd plans to deploy computers and laptops to 46,000 public classrooms in the country. These units were procured under previous contracts but left undelivered due to past delays. "Nagdi-deliver na po tayo sa 46,000 public schools nationwide... tulong po ito ng AFP... sila po 'yung nag-deliver nationwide para masiguradong makarating 'yung mga kagamitan," Angara said. (We're delivering to 46,000 public schools nationwide, with the help of the AFP, to ensure the equipment actually reaches schools.) The DepEd chief said schools that joined the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) were prioritized after results showed students struggled not just with reading—but with basic computer use. "Kung gusto natin iangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon, kailangan po natin ang tulong ng teknolohiya," he said. (If we want to improve the quality of education, we need leverage technology.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Business
- GMA Network
170K SHS learners get TESDA certification as gov't shoulders NCII fees
Education Secretary Sonny Angara leads the formal launching of the Quality Basic Education Development Plan 2025–2035 on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The roadmap aims to overhaul the Philippine education system through decentralization, stronger public-private partnerships, and digitalization. MARK MAKALALAD/Super Radyo dzBB Over 170,000 Senior High School (SHS) students under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track have received free TESDA National Certificate II (NCII) certifications, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday. At the launch of the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP) 2025–2035, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the government's move to cover the certification cost—previously pegged at ?1,500 per student—is a 'major breakthrough' for ensuring work-readiness among K–12 graduates. 'Libre po ito. Dati na kailangan bayaran ng ?1,500 kada estudyante kaya maraming hindi nakakuha ng kanilang certification. Ngayon, sagot na po ng gobyerno,' Angara said. (It's free. This used to cost ?1,500 per student, which stopped many from getting certified. Now, the government shoulders it.) TESDA's NCII certification is recognized by local and international employers and qualifies holders for various skilled jobs in fields such as electronics, hospitality, and construction. 'At sa ilalim ng bagong patakaran ng (under the new regulations of the) Civil Service Commission, SHS or Senior High School graduates are now eligible to apply for 1st level government jobs,' he said. This development aligns with one of the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which emphasized improving the employability of K–12 graduates. DepEd is also embedding Dual TVET (DVET) qualifications into the SHS curriculum, allowing students to gain work experience while studying. This is part of a broader effort to 'blur the line' between schooling and employment, Angara said, and to address concerns over whether the K–12 program has succeeded in preparing students for the job market. The QBEDP 2025–2035 also lays out plans for improving learning outcomes, modernizing classrooms, and enhancing teacher support—recognizing that education is not just a right but an engine for inclusive growth. On Monday, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (SONA 2025) touted major strides in the country's higher education sector, highlighting the expansion of TESDA scholarships, and financial aid for poor families. 'Dumami din ang nabigyan ng scholarship sa TESDA. Nito lamang 2024, higit pa sa dalawandaang libo ang nadagdag na mga scholarships para sa Tech-Voc,' Marcos said. The President emphasized that students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households will be given higher priority in entering college over the next three years. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
How villagers next to industrial township in Karnataka got together to restore 10th-century hero stones
Bengaluru: A community cleanliness drive to retrieve the buried, defaced, and mutilated hero stones and stone inscriptions at a small village near Tumakuru in Sept 2022 has now paved the way for a mega campaign across the district to retrieve hundreds of such neglected monuments belonging to ancient and medieval eras. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The district administration has now sought state govt's permission to prepare an action plan to preserve these ancient monuments in close to 1,000 schools across Tumakuru district. While this heritage revival is gaining momentum, the cleanliness drive at Hiregundagal village by a panchayat development officer (PDO) has resulted in the setting up of the fourth heritage monument park around Bengaluru. This park features 13 unique hero stones (Veeragallu) dating back to various periods between the 10th and 12th centuries, offering a sneak peek into the contributions of Ganga and Rashtrakoota rulers. Located just a few kilometres from Vasanthanarasapura industrial township, where multinational companies are setting up base, the villagers had almost forgotten that their settlement once witnessed a fierce battle between the Gangas and Rashtrakootas, resulting in the latter's supremacy over the region. "All hero stones that had key details of the battle and other events of that era were lost. When we saw a few of the remaining pieces, we took up a drive under Swachata hi Seva (SHS) in Sept 2022. Subsequently, out of 18 recorded hero stones, about 13 were retrieved in full length, and the rest have either been damaged to make roads or other works," explained Jyothi, PDO of Chikkathotlukere gram panchayat. But the real challenge is in safeguarding these monuments for future. "Finding land and sourcing funds to develop a heritage park was an uphill task then. But our taluk officers and CEOs of Tumakuru zilla panchayat took this up and granted funds for the project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The tahsildar also helped in securing two guntas of Kharab land required for the park. Due to the administrative support, the monument park is now ready at a cost of Rs 13 lakh," she added. In the meantime, the villagers, assisted by heritage and history activists, also contributed to the setting up of the park and adding additional monuments that they spotted in the nearby vicinity. "We came across similar monuments around temples in the nearby hamlets. Some heritage enthusiasts assisted us in tracing them. A stone idol of Nandi and Shivalinga—both belonging to the Ganga period—was also retrieved," said Praveen, a resident of Gundagal. Efforts are on to decipher the script on these hero stones and display the content by putting up QR codes. The move has won appreciation from history enthusiasts. "The ancient veeragallus of Hiregundakal now stand with pride one again. We are grateful to officials and villagers of Hiregunadakal who made this revival possible," history blogger Swaminathan Natarajan tweeted to @TOIBengaluru. Inset -1 Monument parks in schools Prabhu G, IAS, chief executive officer, zilla panchayat, Tumakuru, said the community-collaborated work at Hiregundagal was the beginning of a mega campaign across the district. "Over the last three years, we rejuvenated 18 kalyani (temple ponds) that were forgotten or filled with debris constructed during the ancient and medieval periods. Under MNREGA, we have chalked out plans to set up similar monument parks in schools, benefiting kids across Tumakuru districts. We have already identified 900 schools and sought permission from the govt to prepare an action plan for setting up monument parks there," he said.
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- GMA Network
PH ranks 74th in global index; DepEd ramps up education reforms
The Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirmed its commitment to implement long-term education reforms and digital transformation in response to the Philippines' latest placement in the Global Education Futures Readiness Index (GEFRI). The country ranked 74th out of 177 nations, scoring 56.32 out of 100 and was categorized under 'emerging and partial readiness.' The index measures how well education systems are prepared to meet future challenges, citing issues such as governance, infrastructure, innovation, and equitable access. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is focused on improving the system for both learners and educators. 'Pinapaganda natin ang sistema para maging mas maayos, mas makabago, at mas kapaki-pakinabang sa mga guro, magulang, at bata. Hindi ito madali, pero kailangang simulan at sabay-sabay nating gawin,' he said. (We are improving the system so that it becomes more efficient, modern, and beneficial for teachers, parents, and children. This is not easy, but it must start now, and we must do it together.) Among its initiatives is the creation of the Education Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (ECAIR), which aims to use AI and data science to address long-standing challenges in planning, management, and instruction. Pilot projects include: SIGLA – a mobile app to monitor student growth; TALINO – a mapping tool for tracking private sector involvement; DUNONG – a dashboard analyzing school leadership assessments; SALIKSeek – an internal chatbot for faster access to education data; SABAY and LIGTAS – tools for cognitive risk screening and geohazard monitoring, respectively. DepEd said all AI initiatives are guided by an AI Governance Framework based on international standards to ensure ethical and responsible implementation. The Department is also introducing Project Bukas, an open data initiative that aims to make information on enrollment, resources, and learning outcomes accessible to communities. The project seeks to promote transparency and improve local participation in education delivery. In terms of curriculum reform, DepEd has worked with TESDA, CHED, and DOLE to revise the Senior High School (SHS) program. Technical-vocational qualifications are now being integrated into SHS tracks, and changes in hiring policies now allow SHS graduates to apply for entry-level civil service jobs. The DepEd is also scaling up digital access through programs like PSIP Connect, which provides solar power, satellite internet, and devices to underserved schools, and the Bayanihan SIM Program, which offers connectivity support to students and teachers in remote areas. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
