DepEd pushes long-term education fixes as nationwide MANCOM convenes in Palawan

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, 17 November 2025 — The Department of Education emphasized long-term structural reforms in basic education as regional officials from across the country met in Palawan for the nationwide Management Committee Meeting, using MIMAROPA’s conditions as a working case to strengthen learning continuity, system integrity, and school readiness in disaster-prone areas.

“Ang bilin ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr., tungkulin natin ay hindi lang tumugon sa problema,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who accompanied the President during the post-disaster rehabilitation efforts in Negros Occidental over the weekend. “Ang tungkulin natin ay ayusin ang ugat ng problema para hindi na ito maulit sa susunod na henerasyon.”

The meeting reviewed how recent typhoons disrupted classes nationwide and exposed long-standing vulnerabilities in schools. In Palawan, division reports confirmed 781 damaged classrooms due to Typhoon Tino, with repairs ongoing, while shifts to modular and digital Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) continue where power and connectivity remain unstable.

DepEd said the school damage in island provinces reinforces the need for resilient construction, stronger ADM systems, and funding strategies that match recurring risks, noting that divisions with frequent class suspensions require more predictable support.

Regional directors also reported on its response to recent typhoons, detailing classroom damages and the ongoing use of modular and digital learning across Regions II, CAR, IV-A, V, NIR, and VII, as officials discussed nationwide strategies.

National reforms were also presented, including updates to the Strengthened Senior High School Program, wherein the 1st quarter rapid assessment yielded generally positive results.

Field piloting and finalization of the SSHS Monitoring Tool (SSHSMT) are underway. With MIMAROPA’s labor market centered on agriculture, fisheries, and ecotourism, aligning course offering with actual market performance and industry roadmap of the region under the program was also discussed to improve the program.

A significant portion of the meeting also focused on internal governance and the credibility of teacher qualifications. DepEd reported that the new guidelines establishing a national registry of recognized teacher education programs have been finalized, allowing the department to verify credentials submitted for hiring and promotion, issue advisories to field offices, and coordinate with oversight agencies to prevent the acceptance of unaccredited programs.

These measures, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Teacher Education Council (TEC), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), aim to shut down opportunities for “diploma mill” operations and safeguard promotion processes nationwide.

Meanwhile, DepEd said investigations on the supposed “items-for-sale” activities remain active and are being carried out under established procedures. Preventive measures are in place, and additional safeguards are being introduced to protect appointment and promotion processes.

Prior to the meeting, Sec. Angara also met with Palawan Governor Amy Alvarez and visited Palawan National School, the largest public school in Region IV-B, serving around 10,000 students under the Puerto Princesa City Schools Division Office.

The agency noted that actions taken in MIMAROPA form part of a broader national effort to strengthen learning recovery, improve system transparency, and professionalize the education workforce. Outputs from the MANCOM will feed into upcoming policy adjustments on resilient infrastructure, early-grade literacy, SHS alignment, and expanded career progression.

UP Alumnus Leads Digital Health Initiative for PH Marginalized Communities

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The ATIPAN Project aims to bring digital health to marginalized communities. 

Remote communities in the Philippines face challenges that hinder their access to quality healthcare services. In response, Dr. Romulo De Castro and his team implemented the ATIPAN Project, which aims to bring digital health to marginalized communities.

Drawing inspiration from the Hiligaynon word atipan—which means “to take care of”—and from the Ati communities Dr. De Castro’s team serves, the project was launched in 2021 to offer free teleconsultations, provide technology and training for health workers in partner indigenous people and rural low income communities in Western Visayas, as well as supply basic medication and health essentials.

The ATIPAN Project has received positive feedback from communities, who highlighted the benefits of telehealth in their area. While the long-term impacts of the project have yet to be fully assessed, there is already evidence of its potential to transform health care delivery in remote and under-resourced communities, primarily by improving local access to health services.

Currently funded by foreign agencies, the ongoing project looks forward to seeing its expansion plans and innovations come to fruition.

Dr. De Castro is an alumnus of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS), graduating with a degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. He is now the Director of the Center for Informatics of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

Dr. De Castro was the resource speaker of the recent “Innovation Impact Stories: A Webinar Series on the Societal Impacts of Science Innovation” of UPD-CS’ Innovation Program held last October 15, 2025.

Innovation Impact Stories is a webinar series that explores how science, technology, and innovation drive real-world impact. This initiative highlights the journeys, challenges, and successes behind research-driven innovations that have made meaningful contributions across various fields. It aims to inform and inspire students, researchers, and faculty to foster a culture of purposeful and collaborative innovation that bridges academic theory with practical application.

Gen V Launch Ignites Youth-Led Movement for Prevention and Everyday Wellness

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Filipino youth leaders, creators, and advocates came together for the launch of Gen V: Your Vibe, Your Move, a youth-driven movement that aims to make preventive health a natural and empowering part of everyday life. Grounded in visibility, authenticity, and informed choices, Gen V encourages Gen Zs and Millennials to take charge of their well-being by understanding the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the diseases it can cause.

 

Caption: Influential creators came together at  the Gen V: Your Vibe, Your Move launch, joining energizing dance and wellness activities that underscored the movement’s call for early protection, open conversations, and a culture of prevention.  

At the heart of Gen V is a clear message: prevention is power. HPV is one of the most common viral infections worldwide, affecting people of all genders. While many infections clear on their own, certain high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancers. In the Philippines, cervical cancer remains a major health burden, 12 Filipinas die from the disease every day, even though it is highly preventable through vaccination, screening, and early care.

A Movement That Connects Science With Youth Culture

More than a campaign, Gen V is an ethos that balances science with culture. It brings together evidence-based health information and the everyday realities, values, and creative energy of today’s youth. The launch gathered influential creators such as Karina Bautista, Fonzi, Killa Kushla, and Kylie Celebre, along with other digital advocates who used their platforms to ask questions, join discussions, and help break long-standing misconceptions about HPV.

 

Caption: A dynamic mix of content creators and health advocates come together at the GenV launch, captured here as they champion conversations on preventive health and HPV vaccination – where science and culture meet to empower today’s youth.

The conversations sparked through Gen V underscored essential truths: HPV vaccination works best before exposure, making it ideal for preteens, teens, and young adults. Protection benefits everyone, regardless of gender. By grounding scientific facts in relatable dialogue, Gen V empowers young Filipinos to view prevention as a form of self-care, one that protects their health, their goals, and their future.

Prevention, Power, and the Role of the Youth

As a key supporter of the movement, MSD in the Philippines emphasized the importance of making preventive care accessible, inclusive, and aligned with how the youth consume information and influence one another. Prevention extends beyond vaccination, it involves routine screening for women, safer day-to-day practices, and lifestyle habits that support long-term health.

 

Caption: During the launch, participants engaged in fun but powerful conversations that clarified the myths and truths surrounding preventive health and HPV-related diseases. 

Young Filipinos were encouraged to seek credible information, consult healthcare providers, and access HPV vaccines through accredited clinics, local health centers, and select pharmacies offering immunization programs. They were also urged to foster open, judgment-free conversations about health within their circles, creating spaces where accurate information, responsible decisions, and preventive habits can be discussed without stigma.

“You are the generation that uses your platform to spark change. When prevention goes viral, it saves lives,” said Dr. Maan Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead of MSD in the Philippines, highlighting the influence young people wield in shaping public understanding.

She added, “Your voices, your stories, and even the simplest posts you share can shift mindsets and correct misconceptions that have persisted for years. Prevention isn’t just a medical choice—it’s an act of empowerment, one that protects your future and the people you care about. By talking openly about HPV, learning the facts, and encouraging others to do the same, you become catalysts for a healthier, more informed generation.”

Your Move Starts Now

Gen V calls on Filipino youth to lead the shift toward a culture of prevention, ask questions, learn the facts, talk openly, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your community.

To learn more about HPV, cervical cancer prevention, and where to access vaccination, visit www.GuardAgainstHPV.ph and explore credible resources that can help you make informed choices.

By transforming awareness into action, Gen V aims to build a generation that not only protects itself but also helps others thrive, proving that when young people lead with knowledge, the whole community becomes stronger.