Angara Signs Order to Expedite Procurement of Textbooks and Learning Tools for FY 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In a decisive move to ensure the timely delivery of educational materials and the smooth implementation of projects, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has signed DepEd Memorandum 049, s. 2024, mandating Early Procurement Activities (EPA) across the Department of Education. This initiative is designed to fast-track the procurement of goods and services, including textbooks, learning tools, and infrastructure projects, for Fiscal Year 2025.

“We are making every effort to improve our procurement process and accelerate its pace,” said Secretary Angara during the recent House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations hearing.

EPA allows DepEd’s procurement entities to initiate activities early, ensuring contracts for goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services are awarded ahead of the following fiscal year. This process covers all procurement stages— from posting opportunities to the recommendation of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to the Head of Procuring Entities (HoPE)—pending budget approval. It applies to procurement projects via Competitive Bidding and Alternative Methods, excluding certain exceptions such as repeat orders, emergency cases, and small-value procurements.

For FY 2025, all DepEd governance levels will engage in EPA. At the Central Office, this will focus on high-priority projects, including textbooks, e-Learning Cart packages, testing materials, and learning tools and equipment. Regional and Schools Division Offices (ROs and SDOs) will also conduct EPA for their respective projects, including those overseen by the Central Office such as smart-TV packages, laptops, school furniture, electrification projects, school health facilities, and the construction of last-mile school buildings.

According to DepEd's timeline, the bidding process for these projects will begin in October 2024, with contracts expected to be awarded and Notices to Proceed (NTPs) issued by January 2025.

For further details on DepEd’s Early Procurement Activities for FY 2025, visit the official document here: [DepEd Memorandum 049, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DM_s2024_049.pdf).

Most Recent Viral Headlines in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In recent months, Philippine news and media outlets have been drawing attention with some of the most engaging headlines that highlight key socio-political and economic events. Here are some of the top-performing headlines across various platforms:

"Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Signed into Law," addressing important labor rights issues, and "PISTON, Manibela Hold Transport Strike Anew; Government Downplays Impact," which captures the ongoing transportation struggles​.

"Philippine Peso Struggles as Inflation Pressures Persist," which resonates with the economic concerns of many

"Breakthrough in Renewable Energy Development in Mindanao," a major development in energy policy​.

"Talks of Oust-Escudero Plot Swirl at Senate," which dives deep into political intrigue, sparking intense public discussion​.

"Philippine Stock Market Rebounds Amid Global Volatility," attracting readers interested in financial trends.

"Surge in Fuel Prices Sparks Nationwide Protest" – Addressing the growing economic strain on Filipino households, this headline has gained traction due to its focus on the rising cost of living and public discontent.

"Duterte Tells Allies to Brace for Tougher Crackdown on Corruption" – This headline taps into the ongoing debate about governance and public trust​.

"Chinese Research Ship Spotted Near Palawan, Raising Tensions" – With ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, this headline drives engagement as it covers the sensitive issue of territorial sovereignty.

"Typhoon Agaton Slams Luzon; Hundreds Evacuated Amid Torrential Rains" – Severe weather events always draw massive attention online, especially with the vulnerability of many areas in the country to natural disasters​.

"Supreme Court Upholds Maria Ressa's Acquittal in Tax Case" – As one of the most internationally known media figures in the country, Ressa’s legal battles are consistently in the spotlight, generating viral conversations.

"Youth Leaders Mobilize Against Proposed Constitutional Changes" – This headline has resonated with younger demographics, as it highlights activism and the ongoing debate on constitutional amendments​.

"Senate Investigates 'Influencer Marketing' in Political Campaigns" – This headline engages netizens interested in the intersection of politics, social media, and the growing influence of digital platforms in elections.

"Ongoing Strikes Challenge Government's Public Transport Policies" – As labor issues continue to create friction between unions and the government, stories on this topic receive a lot of online engagement.

These headlines reflect ongoing societal concerns, capturing the attention of audiences interested in politics, economics, international relations, and the weather, driving conversations both in traditional media and social media.

They also reflect the variety of issues being discussed in Philippine society, from political drama to economic developments and labor rights, all driving strong engagement both online and offline​.

Some of the most viral showbiz and entertainment news stories recently in the Philippines include a mix of controversies, updates on popular celebrities, and heartwarming moments:

"Catriona Gray Wins Libel Case": Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray recently won a libel case she filed in 2020 against a showbiz editor and writer, generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry​.

"Liza Soberano Helps Release Jeffrey Oh": Actress Liza Soberano made headlines when she was revealed to have helped secure the release of Jeffrey Oh, CEO of Careless Music, after he was detained by the Bureau of Immigration. The news went viral after being confirmed by Ogie Diaz on his YouTube channel​.

"Angel Locsin Enjoying Showbiz Hiatus": Angel Locsin remains a trending topic as she continues her break from the spotlight. Many speculated she might be pregnant, but sources confirmed she’s simply enjoying time at home with no current plans to return to showbiz.

Recently, Ross Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, has been in the spotlight for various initiatives and appearances. One notable moment was his feature on a show where he shared insights into the evolution of blogging and its impact on news dissemination in the Philippines​. Additionally, he has been recognized as the "Pambansang Blogger," further solidifying his influence in the digital landscape.

These stories have been widely discussed online, showcasing a mix of legal victories, celebrity friendships, and ongoing intrigue in the personal lives of popular figures.

“Show Us What’s Wazzup: The Ultimate Content Creator Challenge”

Wazzup Pilipinas is calling on influencers and content creators to become part of a dynamic team of correspondents that covers the latest in Filipino culture, lifestyle, entertainment, technology, and more. The campaign will focus on the unique opportunity for influencers to expand their reach, grow their audience, and align with one of the Philippines’ top digital platforms.

Join Wazzup Pilipinas and amplify your influence! Be part of a network that celebrates Filipino creativity, innovation, and storytelling. As a correspondent, you’ll cover exciting stories, grow your brand, and engage with a wider audience. Let your voice be heard, and shape the narrative!


Contest Title:

“Show Us What’s Wazzup: The Ultimate Content Creator Challenge”

Contest Overview:

Wazzup Pilipinas is looking for the next wave of dynamic Filipino content creators and influencers! Whether you’re a vlogger, blogger, TikTok star, or Instagram influencer, this is your chance to showcase your creativity, passion, and talent. Enter the Show Us What’s Wazzup Contest and win an exclusive chance to become an official Wazzup Pilipinas correspondent, gain media access, and feature your work across our platform.


Contest Mechanics:

Theme:

Create content that reflects the essence of Filipino culture, lifestyle, innovation, or entertainment. Show your unique take on what’s happening in the Philippines – from travel spots, trending tech, local businesses, or lifestyle stories. The more creative, the better!


Categories:

Choose one of the following categories to enter:

Vlog: Create a 2-3 minute video showcasing a story that’s meaningful to you (can be about travel, tech, lifestyle, or culture).

Blog Post: Write a 500-700 word article or story highlighting a topic of your choice, such as an event, a local trend, or an inspiring story.

Social Media Post: Share an Instagram/TikTok post or reel (under 1 minute) with a creative take on the contest theme.


How to Enter:

Create your content based on the selected category.

Follow @WazzupPilipinas on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/wazzuppilipinas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas


Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wazzup_pilipinas

TikTok: https://www TikTok.com/rossfloresdelrosario


Twitter or X: https://www.twitter.com/pinoytekkie and https://www.twitter.com/wazzup_pilipinas


Post your entry on your social media account with the hashtag #WhatsWazzupContest and tag @WazzupPilipinas.

For vlog and blog entries, email a copy of your entry to wazzuppilipinas@gmail.com with your name, contact information, and social media links.

Make sure your post/profile is set to public.


Contest Timeline:

Official Contest Launch: October 1, 2024

Submission Deadline: October 31, 2024

Top 10 Announcement: November 7, 2024

Winners Announcement: November 14, 2024


Prizes:


Grand Prize:

Become an official Wazzup Pilipinas Correspondent for one year.

Exclusive media access to events, press conferences, and interviews.

Feature on the Wazzup Pilipinas website and social media channels.

Professional development opportunities like webinars and workshops on content creation.



Runner-up Prizes:

Feature on Wazzup Pilipinas as a guest correspondent for 3 months.

Invitation to Wazzup Pilipinas’ exclusive media events.



People’s Choice Award:

The entry with the most engagement (likes, shares, comments) across all platforms will receive a special feature on Wazzup Pilipinas and an opportunity to co-host a Wazzup Pilipinas event or interview.


Judging Criteria:

Creativity (30%): How unique and original is the content?

Relevance (30%): How well does the content reflect Filipino culture, lifestyle, or innovation?

Engagement (20%): How much interaction (likes, shares, comments) does the post receive?

Overall Quality (20%): Quality of presentation, whether it's writing, video production, or visual aesthetics.




Terms and Conditions:


Open to all Filipino content creators and influencers based in the Philippines or abroad.

Entrants must be 18 years old or above.

Each participant may submit only one entry per category

Wazzup Pilipinas reserves the right to use submitted content for promotional purposes.



The Show Us What’s Wazzup Contest is a great opportunity for content creators and influencers to grow their brand, gain exposure, and collaborate with one of the Philippines’ leading platforms.

Win a chance to become part of Wazzup Pilipinas’ vibrant community and showcase your talent to a wider audience!