GUIDELINES FOR THE 2017 NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR STORYBOOK WRITING FOR KINDERGARTEN, GRADE 1, GRADE 2, AND GRADE 3 TEACHERS

I. Background
   Reading stories plays a vital role in the growth and development of the learners. It helps
learner develop their knowledge, attitudes, values and skills thus, enhancing their reading
confidence level. Stories are useful sources of information and allow the learners to be
imaginative and explore new ideas.

II. Objectives
   The national competition aims to (i) produce, select, and collect the best storybooks for
Kindergarten to Grade 3 developed by teachers aligned with the K to 12 Curriculum and (ii)
recognize the talents and creativity of the teachers on developing storybooks that are
aligned to the needs of learners.

III. General Guidelines
3.1 The competition is open to all Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, and 3 teachers of the
Department of Education (DepEd) nationwide.
3.2 Stories and illustrations must be original and unpublished, (not yet submitted to
the LRMDS) and free from any copyright infringement.
3.3 The competition will be conducted at the national level. However, only entries
that will be nominated and endorsed by the DepEd Regional Office will be
included in the national evaluation.
3.4 The competition will be in print format.
3.5 Each region is entitled to submit one (1) entry per grade level.
3.6 Entries must be based on the Kindergarten to Grade 3 learning competencies in
the K to 12 Curriculum.
3.7 The stories to be submitted should be age appropriate for ages 5 to 9 years old
3.8 Regional entries will be submitted in four (4) printed copies with a CD containing
MS Word and PDF format.
3.9 Submission of entries must be accompanied by duly accomplished Entry Form
(Enclosure 1).
3.10 All entries endorsed by the DepEd Regional Directors must be submitted
through courier addressed to:

EDEL B. CARAG

Director III, OIC‐Director IV

Bureau of Learning Resources

Department of Education

G/F Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Ave., Pasig City

3.11 All national entries shall become property of DepEd. All copyright of text and
illustrations shall be under the Department of Education.
3.12 Deadline for submission of entries is on November 10, 2017. Submitted entries
shall
2
be confirmed by the Production Division through an acknowledgement letter.

IV Specification Requirements
1.1 Content Specifications
a. Entries must be written in Filipino.
b. The story should address one or more learning competencies in any learning area
from K to 3.
c. The text should be appropriate to the reading and vocabulary level of the
learners.
d. The Illustrations and photographs should complement the text.
e. The storybook should adhere to the DepEd Social Content Guidelines.
f. The story should showcase experiences, culture, and context that stimulate
critical thinking, and promote moral values.
g. The title of the book should not be too long and should be easy to understand.

V. Mechanics of the Competition per Level
5.1 Division Level
a. Submission of Entries
i. Participants will submit two (2) printed and digital copies of entries.
ii. Entries should be accompanied with the Official Entry Form.
iii. Entries duly certified by the School Principal shall be submitted to the
Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) through the Learning Resource
Management Development System LRMDS‐EPS.
iv. The Schools Division Superintendent shall issue a certificate of participation
to all participating entries.
b. Evaluation of Entries
i. The Division shall create a screening committee composed of SDS and or the
ASDS as Chairman, CID Chief as co‐chair, Filipino, English, LRMDS EPS as
members, and LRMDS staff as secretariat.
ii. The Division Screening Committee shall evaluate and select the top three (3)
entries per grade level to be submitted to the Regional Office following the
criteria set.
iii. The winning entry shall be forwarded to the Regional Office together with
the results of the Division screening activity.
iv. Entries that are not selected as the regional level shall be subjected to
further quality assurance for possible uploading in the LR Portal.
c. Awarding of Winners
i. The Division may give special citations as a consolation to all non‐winning
entries.
ii. The Division may conduct an awarding ceremony charged to Local Funds.

5.2 Regional Level
a. Submission of Entries
i. The Divisions shall submit their winning entries to their respective Regional
Offices (RO).
ii. The SDS shall formally endorse the results of their screening to the Regional
Screening Committee.
iii. The RO shall issue a Certificate of Appreciation to all Regional entries.
b. Evaluation of Entries
i. The Regional Office shall create a screening committee composed of the
Regional Director as the Chairman, ARD as Co‐chair, CLMD Chief Filipino,
English, LRM EPS as members, and LR staff as secretariat.
ii. The Regional Screening Committee shall evaluate and select the top three (3)
entries per grade level to be submitted to the Regional Office following the
criteria set.
iii. The winning Regional entries shall be forwarded to DepEd BLR together with
the tabulation results of the Regional screening activity.
iv Entries that are not selected as national entry shall be subjected to further
quality assurance for possible uploading in the LR Portal.
b. Awarding of Winners
i. The Regional Office may give special citations as a consolation to all nonwinning
entries to the National level.
ii. The Regional Office may conduct an awarding ceremony charged to Local
Funds.

5.3 National Level
a. Submission of Entries
i. The RO shall submit thru courier their winning entries to DepED BLR.
ii. The RD shall formally endorse the results of their screening to the DepEd
National Screening Committee with the tabulation results.
b. Evaluation of Entries
i. The panel of judges shall be composed of selected DepED Central Office
Technical Staff and four (4) external evaluators.
ii. Only entries nominated by the DepEd Regional Director on or before the
deadline of submission will undergo evaluation and judging at the national
level.
iii. Evaluation and judging at the national level will involve a panel of evaluators
composed of four external evaluators and selected DepEd officials who will
evaluate the regional entries to determine the national winners.
c. Awarding of Winners
i. The National Awarding Ceremony shall be announced through a formal
invitation.
ii. Winners for each grade level will receive prizes in the form of cash and a
plaque of recognition
iii. All participating Kindergarten, Grade 1, to Grade 3 Teachers whose entries
reached the national level will receive a Certificate of Recognition from the
DepEd BLR.

Daily Lesson Log (DLL)

     Teachers with at least one year of teaching experience, including teachers with private school and higher education institution teaching experience are not obliged to prepare a Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP). Teachers who have been in the service for at least one year, teaching subjects with available LMs and TGs provided by the Department shall also not be required to prepare a DLP.  

     The DLL is composed of the following parts:

I. Objectives

This part of the DLL includes objectives related to content knowledge and competencies.

The lesson objectives describe the behavior or performance teachers want learners to exhibit in order to consider them competent. The objectives state what the teacher intends to teach and serve as a guide for instruction and assessment.

The content standards refer to the learning area-based facts, concepts, and procedures that students need to learn, while the competencies pertain to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students need to demonstrate in a lesson. The competency codes indicated in the curriculum guide are also logged in this part of the DLL.

II. Content

The topic or subject matter pertains to the particular content that the lesson focuses on.

III. Learning Resources

This part of the DLL asks teachers to log the references and other learning resources that the teacher will use for the lesson. The references include the particular pages of the TG, LM, textbook, and the additional materialsfrom the LRMDS portal. The other learning resources refer to materials such as those that are teacher-made, authentic, and others not included in the references. This part of the DLL can also include the supplies, equipment, tools and other non-print materials needed for activities before, during, and after the lesson.

IV. Procedures

This part of the DLL contains ten (10) parts including:

a) Reviewing previous lesson/s or presenting the new lesson. This part connects the lesson with learners’ prior knowledge. It explicitly teaches the learners how the new lesson connects to previous lessons. It also reviews and presents new lessons in a systematic manner;

b) Establishing a purpose for the lesson will motivate the learner to learn the new lesson. It encourages them to ask questions about the new topic and helps establish a reason for learning the new lesson;

c) Presenting examples/instances of the new shows instances of the content and

competencies. This is also where the concepts are clarified;

d) Discussing new concepts leads to the first formative assessment. Teachers shall prepare good questions for this part. The teacher will listen to the answers of learners to gauge if they understood the lesson. If not, then they re-teach. If the learners have understood the lesson, the teacher shall proceed to deepening the lesson;

e) Continuation of the discussion of new concepts leading to the second formative assessment that deepens the lesson and shows learners new ways of applying learning. The teacher can use pair, group, and team work to help learners discuss the lesson among themselves. The learners can present their work to the class and this serves as the teacher’s way of assessing if the concepts are solidifying and if their skills are developing;

f) Developing mastery, which leads to the third formative assessment, can be done through more individual work activities such as writing, creative ways of representing learning, dramatizing, etc. The teacher shall ask learners to demonstrate their learning through assessable activities such as quizzes, worksheets, seat work, and games. When the students demonstrate learning, then proceed to the next step. The teacher can add activities as needed until formative assessment shows that the learners are confident in their knowledge and competencies;

g) Finding practical applications of concepts and skills in daily living which can develop appreciation and valuing for students’ learning by bridging the lesson to daily living. This will also establish relevance in the lesson;

h) Making generalizations and abstractions about the lesson will conclude the lesson by asking learners good questions that will help them crystallize their learning so they can declare knowledge and demonstrate their skills;

i) Evaluating learning is a way of assessing the learners and whether the learning objectives have been met. Evaluation should tap into the three types of objectives; and

j) Additional activities for application or remediation will be based on the formative assessments and will provide children with enrichment or remedial activities. The teacher should provide extra time for additional teaching activities to those learners demonstrating that they have difficulties with the lesson.

Flexibility is allowed in the delivery of the DLL procedures. Teachers do not need to go through all ten (10) parts in every lesson. Teachers need to ensure that the procedures of the lesson lead to the achievement of the stated objectives. The formative assessment methods to be used by the teacher should determine if the objectives of the lesson are being met. These ten parts should be done across the week.

V. Remarks

This is a part of the DLL in which teachers shall indicate special cases including but not limited to continuation of lesson plan to the following day in case of re-teaching or lack of time, transfer of lesson to the following day in cases of

class suspension, etc.

VI. Reflection

This part of the DLL requires teachers to reflect on and assess their effectiveness. In this part of the DLL, the teacher should make notes on the number of learners who earned 80% in the evaluation, the number of learners who require additional activities for remediation and those who continue to require remediation, the effectiveness of the remedial lesson, the teaching strategies or methods that worked well and why, and the difficulties teachers encountered that their principal or supervisor can help solve.

Reference: Deped  Order No. 42 s. 2016.  Policy Guidelines on Daily Lesson Preparation for the K to 12 Basic Education Program

Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP)

       Newly-hired teachers without professional teaching experience are required to make a daily Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP). This kind of lesson plan is also required for applicant teachers as well as teachers in the service including Master Teachers who will conduct demonstration teaching.

     The DLP format contains the following parts:

       I.            Objectives

These are statements that indicate the expected learning outcomes of the learners at the end of the lesson. They specify what students need to learn and thereby guide learners in carrying out the lesson’s activities. They also direct the teacher in selecting the appropriate learning resources and methods to use in teaching. The lesson plan objectives should also be the bases for assessing student learning before, during, and after the lesson.

    II.            Content

This relates to the subject matter or the specific content that the lesson aims to teach. A particular topic can be tackled in a week or two based on the curriculum guide.

 III.            Learning Resources

This is a list of resources that a teacher uses to deliver the lesson. These include the references used and the other resources needed for the different lesson activities. As stated above, the references a teacher may use include the TG, LM, textbook, and resources found in the LRMDS portal used for the lesson.

 IV.            Procedures

These describe the steps and activities the teachers and learners will do during the lesson towards achievement of the lesson’s objectives. These indicate the learning experiences that learners will go through in understanding and mastering the lesson’s content. Teachers may utilize procedures that are generally recognized and accepted in their field of specialization.

Flexibility is encouraged in the implementation of the DLP procedure. Changes in the procedure are allowed based on time constraints or when adjustments in teaching are needed to ensure learners’ understanding.

Integrated into a DLP are assessment methods used by the teacher to regularly check understanding of the material being tackled. Formative assessment of student learning may be done before, during, and after a lesson and should be carried out to measure attainment of the lesson objectives.

Providing assignment or “homework” is a form of post-lesson formative assessment. The assignment should be related to the day’s lesson. The assignment should allow learners to master what was learned during the lesson or reinforce what has been taught. Teachers must check assignments promptly. The giving of assignments is optional

    V.            Remarks

This is the part of the DLP in which teachers shall document specific instances that result in continuation of lessons to the following day in case of reteaching, insufficient time, transfer of lessons to the following day as a result of class suspension, etc.

 VI.            Reflection.

This part of the DLP should be filled-out right after delivery of the lesson. Teachers are encouraged to think about their lessons particularly the parts that went well and the parts that were weak and write about it briefly. In the reflection, teachers can share their thoughts and feelings about their lessons including things about the lesson that were successfully implemented, need improvement, or could be adjusted in the future. As in the DLL, teachers can also talk about their learners who did well in the lesson and those who need help.



Reference: Deped  Order No. 42 s. 2016.  Policy Guidelines on Daily Lesson Preparation for the K to 12 Basic Education Program

LESSON PLANS for the K to 12 Basic Education Program

     Lesson planning is an important aspect in providing meaningful teaching and learning process for the learners. Thus, it is important for the teachers to be competent in organizing and managing their classes and lessons effectively and efficiently in order to attain the learning competent and standards required by the curriculum.

     Under the K to 12 Basic Education Program, teachers are perceived as facilitators of learning. They are encouraged to prepare lesson plans that do not just focus on what to learn rather on how to learn. They are expected to take into account learner diversity and to utilize various teaching and assessment strategies. Moreover, one feature in lesson planning in the K to 12 basic education program is the opportunity for the teacher for reflection in order to carry out quality instruction for the learners on a daily basis.

     Article IV, Section 2 of the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers adopted in 1997 through Board Resolution No. 435 by the Board of Professional Teachers states that “every teacher shall uphold the highest standards of quality education, shall make the best preparations for the career of teaching, and shall be at his best at all times in the practice of his profession.” Hence, teachers are expected to uphold quality education standards by affirming the importance of instructional planning through Daily Lesson Log (DLL) or Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP) preparation.

1. Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP)

     Newly-hired teachers without professional teaching experience are required to make a daily Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP). This kind of lesson plan is also required for applicant teachers as well as teachers in the service including Master Teachers who will conduct demonstration teaching.

2. Daily Lesson Log (DLL)

     Teachers with at least one year of teaching experience, including teachers with private school and higher education institution teaching experience are not obliged to prepare a Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP). Teachers who have been in the service for at least one year, teaching subjects with available LMs and TGs provided by the Department shall also not be required to prepare a DLP.  

   The parts of Detailed Lesson Plan (DLP) and Daily Lesson Log (DLL) will be expounded on the next posts.

Reference: Deped  Order No. 42 s. 2016.  Policy Guidelines on Daily Lesson Preparation for the K to 12 Basic Education Program

Learner Information System (LIS)

    In this age of information and digital technology, everything nowadays can be easily done using the computer and the internet. Thus, it is important for the Department of Education to keep up with the trends and advancements of the present times. It is important for the Department to embrace these changes as these can help in providing better service to the learners and making teachers do their job as efficiently as possible.

    Before, every record of the learners is on paper. The data of the learners are compiled and kept in paper files. It was tedious to track and excavate records given the number of learners that are consistently increasing every school year. Most of the time, these are also prone to damage caused by environmental factors.

    To address this concern, the Department of Education introduced the LIS or the Learner Information System. The LIS or the Learner Information System is a system for keeping the registry of learners intended to provide a standardized registration system for learners. It aims to enhance management of learner records. It also aims to track learner progress and performance. This can also provide learner information for better program planning and supervision of schools and learning centers.

    Together with the LIS was the introduction of the LRN or the Learner Reference Number. The LRN is a unique and permanent 12-digit number given to every learner who enrolls the Philippines basic education program. This is intended to reference a “Registry of Learners” which functions as a centralized and authoritative database of learners’ basic information.  The LRN provides access to learner profiles in the registry and even performance data as he or she completes the program, whether it be in the formal or non-formal mode of learning. Moreover, an LRN is issued to a learner when he or she registers in the basic education program either at the start of the program (i.e., kindergarten level) or when the learner transfers from a school and has not yet been issued an LRN.

    In general, class advisers are responsible in updating learners’ data in the LIS. They can create their own account as advisers with the approval of the school head and school LIS coordinator. They can enroll, transfer, promote, and edit learner’s information in the LIS. The school LIS coordinators assigned in each school aid and address some concerns relating to LIS and relay these to the planning department of each division

    For more information of the LIS, visit the Department of Education website at http://lis.deped.gov.ph

image source: google search

Deped Modified School Forms: How to Fill Out the Different SFs

     It is the end of the school year and I bet most of the teachers are in chaos because of the new modified school forms amended by the Department of Education. Some teachers find these troublesome while others find these a relief from a lot of paper works. Nevertheless, whether we complain or argue, all we can do as teachers is to comply and embrace these changes. Anyway, one of the qualities a teacher must have is flexibility and open mindedness. Personally, I find using these new school forms easier as compared with the old ones. Here are some frequently asked question about these forms which are actually based on DepEd order no. 4 s.2014.

SF 1 School Register

ØLearner with no Middle Name? Leave it Blank

ØReporting Fraction and rounding up of age is still required? No longer required. Only the actual age  in whole number as of last birthday.

ØWho will be asked for Mother Tongue? Grade 1 to 3 only or refer to the most recent policy of K to 12

ØHow to determine ethnic affiliation? Parent  and or community leader declartation/confirmation.  List of ethnic groups will be available in LIS.

Ø Possible of Multiple entries for Learner under remark column? Yes, a learner may be a CTT recipient and at the same timeTransferred In/Out.

SF 2 Daily Attendance Report of Learners

ØIs there a policy that cumulative number of being tardy be converted to Absent? None. Number of tardiness and absenteeism must be reported separately.

ØShading or half line for late/cutting classes? It depends of which part of the day of classess the attendance was being checked. During testing, the checking of attendance was done by the end of the last subject for the day and shading is seemed practical. Some teachers may check attendance after the 1st half of classes using also a half slash in the upper half for late and slash in the lower box for cutting classes. 

ØIn Summary box, how to compute percentage total of male and female? Use the raw data for total Male and total Female then get the average instead of computing average value of Male and Female. 2 Decimal places may apply for average and percentage value.

ØRealtime updating using computer is allowed? For those who have resources to update in a worksheet, they are allowed to do so provided that the updated hardcopy is available in the classroom. However, in most cases and during testing,  manual updating will do and is practical.

SF 5 Report on Promotion and Level of Proficiency

ØWho will use? All grade and year levels except Kinder.  All curriculum (RBEC & EBEC of K to 12).  For private schools, it is under the discretion of SDS.

ØDo we include name of Dropped/Transferred out?  No longer needed. Summary total is already reported in SF 4 (Principal Monthly Report on Enrollment and Attendance) and also in GESP/GSSP for EoSY.  Individual Learner’s Status is available in SF 1.

ØAction taken: IRREGULAR?   * For Grades  7 -9, with incomplete subject/s. This category implies that the learner is promoted to the next level but with deficiencies in one or more subject area/s. No General Average will be reflected.  For 4th year, not applicable.

Not applicable also for Elementary Grades (Grade 1 to grade 6)

ØProtocol for checking?  Discretion of SDS who will check or validate.

ØManual writing or computer generated?   It depends on the resources available in the school.

ØLevel of Proficiency? For K to 12 Grades Only (Leave blank for non-K to 12 grade levels)

ØSummary Table? For  ALL Grade/Year Level (Both K to 12 and non K to 12 grade levels  

ØPaper Size?  Default printing setup for excel templates is A4 (210mm X 297mm). May use other sizes such as legal or long. Use of A3 or the same size of phaseout Form 18 is not practical and no longer required. May add/delete rows if needed and add column for cardinal numbering  or counting of learner ONLY.

Ø Action taken: FAILED? 

*For Grades  4-6  and 4th Year for Secondary the norm for retention remain.

 For K to 12 grade levels:  kindly refer to DepEd Order 73, 3012 and DepED Memorandum 46,  2013 or the most recent policy isssuance regarding Retention

ØAction taken: Promoted?

•*For Grade 1-3, even a  single subject was passed by a pupil and he was classified as Beginner for the remaining subjects, the status is promoted.  List/write learning areas that needs intervention in the column “ Incomplete Subject/s as of End of current school year (2nd sub-column).  Indicate the General Ave and Equivalent Descriptive Letter.

•For Grade 4 to 6, the norms for promotion and retention remain. Write General Average only, No Descriptive Letter and Level of Proficiency Summary. 

•*For Grade 7-9, satisfies requirements in all subject areas. Write Gen. Average with descriptive value and Level of Proficiency Summary.

•For 4th year, the norms for promotion and retention remain. Write General Average but without Descriptive Value and Level of Proficiency Summary. 

I hope these answer some of your important questions about your modified school forms. 

2015 Graduation Message of Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC

     Congratulations to our dear graduates! My appreciation goes out to the teachers, school administrators, staff, and parents who have supported and walked with our graduates to reach this milestone.

    Today is a testament to your collective efforts—the fruit of your hard work and perseverance. Once again, you have proven that with competence, compassion and a zeal for excellence you can accomplish anything.

     Dear graduates, as you turn a new leaf towards the achievement of your dreams, bear in mind the values and lessons you have learned throughout your stay in school. Your education has given you the skills to move forward, to pursue your purpose, and to actualize your dreams. Your education continues to cement your foundations to become a better Filipino; one with a keen sense of both self and community, and one who is mindful of diversity that is grounded on acceptance, tolerance, and peace.

     This year’s graduation theme “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-Kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday” calls to mind the importance of education as we build the foundations of our dreams. Let this be a reminder of the stories of our fallen and living heroes, soldiers and teachers alike, who persevered in their education to secure a decent life for their families. It impresses upon us the power of education in unlocking doors of opportunities and in enabling us to pave the path to a dignified and productive life, a life that is lived not only for ourselves but also for others.

     As you forge ahead, you will experience moments of victories and defeats: Let your triumphs be an inspiration for other people; let your losses serve as your motivation to strive for excellence. Let all these collective experiences inspire hope in us to seek greater heights and aspire for a higher purpose. Throughout it all always be mindful of the people who help you along the way and pay it forward to others who will need your help too.

    For us in the schools, may this theme guide us all as we go forth and realize our mission to provide Filipino learners a quality education that will empower them to attain their life goals.

     Mabuhay kayo!

2014 Graduation Message of Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC

     Congratulations to our proud graduates! My warmest greetings to our school administrators, teachers, staff, and parents who have helped and guided our graduates attain this significant milestone in their lives.

     Today is a testimony to the enduring and resilient Filipino spirit, to our ability to stand up again and conquer the odds, to our innate optimism to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have proven that we can surmount any adversity by sharing our light with each other in times of darkness.

     Through the many challenging moments we’ve endured, many of us were tempted to give up; but a Filipino heart refuses to be broken by calamities. We see the ray of hope in the faith and joy we share with each other even in the most trying of circumstances. We may be battered but definitely never defeated.

     May this year’s theme “Hindi Natitinag ang Pusong Pilipino” be a constant reminder and a source of strength that will propel each graduate to achieve more for others and the country in spite of the obstacles that will stand in the way.

     For us in the schools, may this theme remind us of the energy that should continue to animate our institutions which in turn would help us give to each of our learners the best that they deserve.

     Again, congratulations to our graduates! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

     Mabuhay ang lahing Pilipino! Mabuhay kayong lahat!

2013 Graduation Message of Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC

     To our Dear Students, Parents, Teachers, Staff, Administrators and Partners in Education,

     Greetings of Peace!

     Another school year is coming to a close, signaling a start of a new chapter for most you. You’ll move on to high school, college or vocational school, while some of you may immediately join the workforce. Whichever path that stretches out before you, you can be sure that it is a fresh one, a renewed one.

     We are entering a period in the world’s history in which many in the old systems are being dismantled, gradually being replaced by newer, and hopefully, better ones. Technology, governments, businesses are fast evolving, recognizing that you, the individual, are a significant part of a bigger whole. You matter, and what you do matters.

     The Philippines is no stranger to this transforming reality. More than ever, your country recognizes your role in society, government and the economy. And so we are investing heavily on you; putting our hopes in each one of you.

     In education alone, we have introduced changes which aim to equip you with more relevant knowledge and skills for the new economy. The K to 12 Basic Education program is a massive upgrade of lessons, subjects and methods to ensure we are honing your gifts to maximize your potential. You are at the heart of this upgrade. In helping you grow to be the persons you are meant to be, we are helping build the nation’s future.

     The fruits of these efforts will take years before they yield fruit, but they will definitely affect, with positive force, all sectors of society. You have the capacity to effect these changes. I pray that you relentlessly seek and build better lives for yourselves and for the larger community around you.

     To our parents, teachers, staff and administrators, I thank you for your patience and support as we undergo these radical changes. An investment is not an investment without capital. Your support and sacrifices make up the capital which would bring us to see our children lead and live in a country much transformed by your investment. Thank you!

     And to all our partners in education, to our proponents in Congress, local government units, the private sectors and various non-profit organizations, you are well-aware that your generosity in sharing your resources and support will go a long way and return to you hundredfold, in one form or another. Thank you for believing in Filipino youth!

     On behalf of the Republic of the Philippines, we congratulate you, our graduates of 2013!

     Mabuhay ang Kabataang Pilipino!