PHLPost PR - ISCC Marks 50th Anniversary with Issuance of Commemorative Stamp

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a celebration of history, education, and community, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is exploring the issuance of a special commemorative stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ilocos Sur Community College (ISCC). This initiative, which was formally proposed by ISCC Administrator Dr. Roel Palo Anicas, aims to honor an institution that has become a vital center for higher learning in the Ilocos region.

A Legacy of Service

Founded in 1975 by former Governor of Ilocos Sur, Luis "Chavit" C. Singson, ISCC was established to provide educational opportunities for marginalized youth in the Ilocos province. The college, which started with a single midwifery program, has since expanded its course offerings and grown into an important educational hub.

ISCC officially celebrated its golden anniversary in May 2025, marking a half-century of dedication to its students and the wider community. The proposed commemorative stamp is intended to be a lasting tribute to this significant milestone.

More Than Just a Stamp

During the meeting with PHLPost Area 2 officials on August 20, 2025, Dr. Anicas highlighted the profound significance of commemorative stamps. He explained that they are not merely symbols of postage but powerful tools for preserving history, celebrating accomplishments, and fostering a sense of pride and unity among students, alumni, faculty, and the Ilocano community.

Representing PHLPost, Area Director II Merma Lea R. Abalos expressed strong support for the proposal. She emphasized that stamps serve as enduring reminders of history, values, and culture. "Through this commemorative stamp, PHLPost is honored to highlight the enduring legacy of ISCC and to share it with the entire nation and the world," she stated.

This initiative aligns with PHLPost's mission of using postage stamps as historical and cultural markers to celebrate Filipino achievements and inspire future generations.

The commemorative stamp for ISCC's 50th Anniversary is scheduled to be issued in the last quarter of the year. Its release will coincide with another notable event: Dr. Anicas's 100th day as College Administrator.

DepEd introduces EduKahon recovery kit to ensure learning continuity

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ALBAY, 29 August 2025 — In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance disaster preparedness in education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has institutionalized EduKahon, a standardized and ready-to-deploy school recovery kit to ensure uninterrupted education for learners and teachers even during emergencies and disasters.

As part of its Learning Continuity strategy, the EduKahon was launched during Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s visit to Tabaco National High School in Albay on Thursday. The kits provide quick replacements for lost school supplies and learning materials, support teaching and learning in evacuation centers, temporary learning spaces, and strengthen DepEd’s disaster response.

“Ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro ang unang naaapektuhan tuwing may sakuna. Sa pamamagitan ng EduKahon, tinitiyak natin na tuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga bata at hindi mapuputol ang kanilang progreso sa kabila ng mga pangyayari,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

The EduKahon will be distributed in three levels: the School Kit for immediate school recovery and temporary learning spaces, the Teacher Kit for instructional support and the Learner Kit for continued access to basic learning materials.

Each kit supports one teacher and 40 students and contains essential school supplies such as pencils, notebooks, rulers, erasers, scissors, laminated posters (alphabet, multiplication, number tables), books, hygiene kits, and first aid kits.

For learners like Arianne Chloe Velilla, a Grade 10 student from Tabaco National High School, the EduKahon brings hope by supporting her learning needs especially during emergencies. “Pinakanagustuhan ko po yung solar panel kit po kasi hindi lang po ito sa mga guro makakatulong kundi para rin sa estudyante. Alam naman natin sa panahon ngayon maraming nangyayaring kalamidad,” she shared.

To ensure relevance, the EduKahon kits will also be customized based on the type of recipient and the specific needs of affected schools.

“Itong lahat ng inisyatibo ni Secretary Angara, under the guidance of our President Ferdinand Marcos, ay para ito sa lahat ng estudyante at mga guro. It’s not just for the continuity of education but also for their safety. ‘Yan talaga yung number one na pinapahalagahan natin,” said DepEd Undersecretary Fatima Lipp Panontongan.

DepEd has allocated P4 million from the Basic Education Curriculum for its initial rollout. Meanwhile, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) will lead the distribution and monitoring of kits to calamity-affected public schools and community learning centers (CLCs) nationwide. To improve implementation, EduKahon will be integrated into the Adopt-a-School platform, giving partners and donors the opportunity to directly help in the preparation and deployment of the EduKahon kits.

“Muli, hinihikayat natin ang ating mga private partners na suportahan ang EduKahon. Pagtulungan po natin na mas mabilis makabalik sa pag-aaral at makabangon ang ating mga apektadong paaralan, mag-aaral, at guro,” Sec. Angara said.

"Walang Aray" Returns: A Daring Reworking of a Timeless Story

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Meanwhile, the stage is set for a powerful theatrical comeback as the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) restages its critically acclaimed musical, "Walang Aray," at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. This contemporary adaptation of Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela Walang Sugat returns with sharper satire, deeper emotional stakes, and a bold new direction.

Running from August 29 to October 12, 2025, this revival is the flagship production of PETA’s 58th season, themed "Love and Power". The new version, directed by Ian Segarra, promises to be more comedic and subversive while retaining its heartwarming core. The creative team has refined the production, adding new songs by composer Vince Lim and revisiting old ones to ensure the story resonates with today's audience.

The most revolutionary element of this revival is its inclusive casting, a deliberate move by PETA to broaden representation and challenge traditional norms in Filipino theater. In a groundbreaking choice, multi-talented performer Lance Reblando takes on the central role of Julia, proving that love stories can indeed break the mold.

The production also boasts a star-studded cast, including new members like Rendell Sanchez as Miguel and Divine Aucina as Monica. Adding even more star power are Philippine pop culture icons Jolina Magdangal and Ice Seguerra, who join the cast as Doña Juana and Lucas, respectively.

With a reimagined staging, inclusive cast, and new musical surprises, "Walang Aray" is more than just a play; it’s an invitation to laugh, reflect, and experience a fierce love and revolution on stage. As PETA's new Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag puts it, the musical remains relevant for every Filipino "trying to live, love, learn, heal, and fight back in a world full of aray”.

From the dynamic world of pet care to the emotional power of a timeless musical, Manila's cultural scene is set to offer a rich and diverse experience this fall. These two events, though vastly different, both speak to a society that is evolving and embracing new ways of seeing the world, whether through the bond with a beloved pet or through the lens of a daring and inclusive theatrical production.