The Compass

𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐍𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

People say that teaching is a noble profession. This is because, as they explain, teachers are like candles who burns bright to become the light for their learners to lean upon to as they search for their own ways in life. But is this really true? Is this really what teachers do? This was once again enlightened by the National Learning Camp.

The National Learning Camp, an annual event of the Department of Education designed to remediate, enhance, and enrich the knowledge of learners have one feature which has been unprecedented in DepEd history, hiring a Learning Camp Volunteer. With this feature, DepEd Applicants and even non-DepEd connected Licensed Professional Teachers can volunteer in the said program. And volunteer they did at Balagunan Elementary School.

The school's National Learning Camp, which compassed July 1 to 19, 2024, catered to 239 campers all from Grades 1, 2, and 3. With the camp population requirement of 10 campers per camp, the school needed 24 LCVs to cater to the campers. So a call for volunteers was made and luckily, 10 Non-DepEd Volunteers answered the call.

It was a sight to behold indeed. All LCVs, 14 Balagunan Elementary School teachers and 10 Non-DepEd Volunteer teachers were all passionate with their work. It’s impressive in the sense that in talking about benefits the NLC provides, a Meal Allowance of 250.00 per day for 15 days, a National Level certificate, and Service Credits for the DepEd Teachers are only what the volunteers would be receiving. And considering that they would be receiving lesser benefits, those Non-DepEd still exhibited the enthusiasm which made the other DepEd teachers volunteering impressed with their dedication to their work.

From their eagerness in planning their camps, to their actual camp work, then on working for the paperwork attached to the National Learning Camp, they shown what really made teaching a noble profession. They even made overtime a favorite habit as they prepare for the next day's activities. They really are indeed a scene of well-blooded teachers aiming to be the best to their learners.

To Teachers Zuchinnih Dela Cruz, Darlyn Joy Madura, and Danica Jade Raz who are all residents of Brgy. Balagunan, to Teachers April Joy Bucol, Raymond John Alboroto, Mary Ann Laurnal, Cynthia Octavio, Lavella Buncal, Chanery Bentulan, and Mary Ann Calalang who are residents of nearby barangays, thank you for your sacrifices.

Watching them work is like observing a class of future teachers. All dedicated, passionate, and willing to go through lengths just to give the best. A salute to you teachers.

This experience is a realization that indeed, teaching is a noble profession because teaching shines most when you become models of how a society should be. Dedication, enthusiasm, camaraderie, and working while having fun, a good mix of personalities all necessary for a DepEd teacher. A good thing that Balagunan Elementary School already have this well-rounded set of teachers.

Division Doctor visits Balagunan ES

Dr. Henry S. Villarosa Jr., DepEd Davao del Norte Division Medical Officer III, together with Sto. Tomas West District Nurse Jocelyn Cardinal, visited Balagunan ES last March 26, 2024.

Dr. Villarosa visited Balagunan ES, as per request made by Rosanna G. Lasco, School Principal III, and upon the advice of Dr. Eric P. Indie, Public Schools District Supervisor of Sto. Tomas West, in order to have a face-to-face talk to one of teachers of the school for medical reasons. But, upon seeing Dr. Villarosa, other teachers of Balagunan ES approached him for advices on medicines and medical treatments as well.

"Dr. Henry has a very kind demeanor that made us more comfortable in approaching him more despite it being the first time of meeting him" as according to Marilou Sulamin, one of the teachers of Balagunan ES.

Rubylen Oppus, another teacher, also stated that "Dr. Villarosa catered all of our questions and even gave out prescriptions for us to follow to treat some of our present ailments".

Dr. Villarosa, together with all the other Medical Officers and Medical Staff of DepEd DavNor will be coming back for a deeper examination of all teachers through the Annual Physical Examination this coming April.

Written by: Eunice Shane Borja / Nicely Joy Dumali
Edited by: Jasper Eigne Sulamin
Photo by: Maria Cecilia Sereñoso

A Friday that Thrills.

Pupils are smiling while opening story books, some are reading sentences after passing the ball games, and others are running towards their show-me-board writing their answers about the story they have just read without minding a short time limit. These are but a handful of the activities given. A typical day for the pupils is now filled with more joyful faces as they actively engage in different undertakings through a newly initiated program.

The usual classroom scenarios where reading is just used as a tool to introduce a lesson are being replaced with ones where reading is the highlight and main focus of learning.

The Department of Education launched a program called “Catch-Up Friday” simultaneously on January 12, 2024, allotting one day out of five school days just for reading and learning numbers, plus engaging activities for the promotion of health, values and peace education.

Sarah Duterte-Carpio, Vice President as well as Secretary of the Department of Education, expressed concern that the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) learners’ scores were not good so there is a need to innovate and do something else for a change. PISA is an international study that evaluates education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of learners in participating countries. On the recent ranking, The Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries globally marking a tremendous low rank in the global stage for reading comprehension.

With that concern, schools are encouraged to use the National Learning Camp (NLC) lesson guides and materials to add- up and aid the teaching-reading process. The National Learning Camp, an annual summer program, also implemented by the Department of Education, is where learners enroll voluntarily and commit to a reading program where in learning and classes are done in unorthodox and highly participative activities. With the NLC as basis, Catch-up Friday was formulated.

It is new to the pupils for Friday is usually spent as quiz day or just another lesson to learn but Fridays now are purely set for enjoyable reading sessions. The active participation of the pupils as well as the teachers preparing activities about numbers and providing activities in health and peace education, as these were also included in the catch-up program, manifest that the program is a good start.

Literacy and numeracy are two of the important skills a learner should have in order to advance and become independent. In the midst of challenges about the reading reputation of the pupils in the Philippines, there are still a wide range of opportunities to view. The program “Catch Up Fridays” is one. Engaging different chances of learning to read and understand with faces full of smiles leads to a Friday that thrills.

Written by:
John Marco Cantere

Edited by:
Cherry Joie Danguiteo

Seeds of Hope: Balagunan ES joins Nationwide Christmas Tree Planting

The teaching staff and several SELG officers of Balagunan Elementary School gathered for the Nationwide Christmas tree planting held last December 6,2023.

The activity, fully supported by the Local Government Unit and Local Environmental Offices, intends to put the green back to schools and neighboring communities by planting at tress within the vicinity.

"The primary objective of this activity extends beyond mere conservation. It is a step towards mitigating climate change effects and contributing to community development" as indicated in the national memorandum for the said activity.

A total of 30 seedlings were planted within the school grounds, paving the way to a greener and sustainable environment for the students and staff. These seedlings were then entrusted to the care of the Supreme Elementary Learners Government (SELG) ensuring that the said seedlings will continue to grow and be taken care of.

The seedlings were all planted within the school grounds in order to maximize the potential growth of each one of then.

Future plans include regular visits to monitor the growth and health of these planted trees, ensuring they are well-nurtured and cared for.

The SELG officials and teaching staff all volunteered in the Nationwide Christmas tree planting. One of the SELG officers, Nicely Joy Dumali, said that "I am happy to participate in the tree planting activity, because then I can touch nature and the cases of flooding will be reduced".

Written by:

Ash Renzly Bigcas

Edited by:

Amor A. Betonio

STCAST conducts Reading Program at Balagunan ES

More than 50 BTVTED students of Sto.Tomas College of Agriculture Science and Technology (STCAST) joined the Reading Program at Balagunan Elementary School, last May 5, 2023, as one of their Community Extension Programs.

This Reading Literacy Program was conducted to encourage the learners to love and express interest in reading, one of the essential skills as lifelong learners.

The Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTED) students initiated this to help the learners to catch up to the 2 years of lacking learning caused by the COVID 19 PANDEMIC

The students of Balagunan Elementary School accepted the future teachers willingly and showed also their interest in reading, participating all throughout the activity.

The BTVTED students because of their donations of reading materials.

As the activity ended with the BES learners wanting more of the activity as they express their joy and happiness of what the future teachers shared to them during the said program.

Written by:

Jilliane C. Quidato

Edited by:

Amor A. Betonio

Leadership Transition: New
Principal takes over Balagunan Elementary School

Ramon S. Lanzaderas, Principal I and school head of Balagunan Elementary School for 6 years, is being transferred and is replaced by Rosanna G. Lasco, Principal III.

After years of dedicated service, Mr. Ramon Lanzaderas is set to transfer to New Visayas Elementary School, marking the end of an era at Balagunan ES.

Stepping into his shoes is Mrs. Rosanna G. Lasco, the former schol head of Tulalian Elementary School. Known for her experience and unwavering commitment, she will officially begin her tenure at Balagunan ES on January 15, 2024.

During her time at Tulalian ES, Mrs. Lasco implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education. These included the integration of new technologies into the curriculum and the expansion of extracurricular activities to promote holistic student development.

As she joins on this new era at Balagunan ES, the community is looking forward on to seeing how she will leverage her past successes and experiences to bring about positive change.

Written by:
Ash Renzly B. Bigcas

Edited by:
Amor A. Betonio

BES Celebrates Career Guidance Culmination

Tens of young learners of Balagunan Elementary School wore their “Professional Attires” and then hit the streets and joined the Parade of Professionals as part of the celebration of the Career Guidance Culmination.

Multiples of learners wearing costumes ranging from teachers, soldiers, police officers, up to astronauts, pilots, and flight attendants, flooded the school and its neighboring streets last January 15, 2024 and witnessed the young students aiming and dreaming high for their future.

“It was so inspiring to watch the learners aim high in their dreams.” as stated by Mary Jean Sajulan, Guidance In-charge of Balagunan ES as well as the focal person of the program. “It was even more evident that many parents are truly supportive to their child’s dreams as many were able to participate” added Ms. Sajulan.

Learners wearing the best attires and acted well with their costumes were chosen and were awarded with certificates at the end of the day. A pair of winners were chosen from each grade level.

The Career Guidance Program is an annual celebration of encouraging the students to choose their dreams and career path as according to their own wants and abilities.

Written by:
Eunice Shane C. Borja

Edited by:
Jasper Eigne M. Sulamin