MANILA, Philippines – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)'s Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) exam results for academic year AY 2019-2020 are released online on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. View on this page for the list of qualifiers (passers) and topnotchers.

As announced, eighty-four of the new EDSP grantees come from Region IV-A while the National Capital Region and Region III has 46 each. Meanwhile, Middle East-based qualifiers from Al Khobar and Riyadh have 21 passers each.

Other qualifiers come from the following regions according to the number of passers: Region VI (43), Region VII (33), Region V (32), Region X (13), Region XI (12), Region XII (10), Regions I and II (9), CAR and Region IX (6), Region IV-B (4), Region VIII (3) and CARAGA with two grantees.

The National Qualifying Examination was administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on October 21, 2018 in various testing centers nationwide to identify the top 400 qualifiers who will earn a scholarship slot in the EDSP and 50 slots for the CMWSP.

The EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to qualified dependents of active OWWA members who intend to pursue a 4 to 5-year baccalaureate course in any preferred colleges or universities with financial assistance of Php 60,000.00 per school year.

Meanwhile, the CMWSP is a scholarship program extended to deserving migrant workers and/or their immediate descendants who intend to pursue 4 or 5 year courses in the priority fields in Science and Technology. It was created by virtue of Republic Act 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 under section 37, Article lX with an educational assistance is P 60,000.00/year funds from the PCSO.

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF AY 2019-2020 EDSP and CMWSP qualifiers (passers)

TOP 400 EDSP EXAMINEES

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

Congratulations to all EDSP passers!

TOP 20 CMWSP EXAMINEES

Congratulations to all new scholars!

OWWA EDSP SCHOLARSHIP EXAM TOPNOTCHERS

1. Mark Edward Miranda Gonzales - Metro Manila

2. Eden Jomari Ceniza Cesista - Metro Manila

PREVIOUS EXAMINATIONS

In the 2017 exams, OWWA released names of scholarship qualifiers in more than six (6) months after the test or on April 24, 2018. Of the 3,249 children of OWWA members who vied for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Examination, only 13.85% made it to the top 400 slots enlisted for the EDSP and 50 slots for the CMWSP.

The results for the 2014 and 2015 OWWA scholarship exams were also announced after six (6) months.

No examination held in 2016 due to the implementation of the K-12 program. It was reinstated in 2017 with the first batch of senior high school students. Hence, the 450 scholarship qualifiers last year were the first batch of the K-12 system.

UPDATES

Some regional offices already announced that they will start accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year program in April 2019 as the national qualifying exam will once again be conducted this year. Applicants for EDSP must either be a child or sibling of an OFW who is not more than 21 years old and a Grade 12 graduating student by March or April 2020, with a General Weighted Average of 80 percent or higher and must belong to the top 20 percent of the graduating class.

Monitor this page for the announcement of results. You may also visit the official website of OWWA for more information.

— The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – The second Career Service Examination, Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for Professional and Subprofessional levels this 2019 is set on August 4, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced. View here the schedule of filing applications and requirements.

Filing of applications will start from May 6, 2019 to June 5, 2019, CSC said.

Note: Acceptance of applications shall be on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis and shall be closed any time before the deadline if the CSC Regional/Field Office has already reached the target number of applicants.

The CSE-PPT is open to Filipino citizens, regardless of educational attainment, who are at least 18 years old at the time of filing of application, and have not taken the same level of examination, either through PPT or CSC Computerized Examination (CSC COMEX), within three months before the date of examination.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a Register of Eligibles (RoE) from which certification and appointment to first and second level positions in the civil service, except those involving practice of profession and/or are covered by special laws, shall be made, provided the eligibles meet the qualifications and other requirements of the positions. The RoE may also be a reference for employment in the private sector.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1) fully accomplished Application Form (CS Form No. 100, Revised September 2016, downloadable from the CSC website);

Note: The spaces for “Signature of Applicant” and “Right Thumbmark” on the Application Form should be left blank. These shall be accomplished in the presence of the CSC processor.

2) four (4) pieces of recently taken (not more than three months ago) passport sized (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) I.D. pictures in white background, showing the applicant’s bare face (without eye glasses or any accessory that may cover facial features), and with handwritten name tag legibly showing the applicant’s signature over printed full name;

3) original and photocopy of any of the following valid I.D. cards: Driver’s License/Temporary Driver’s License, Passport, PRC License, SSS I.D., GSIS I.D. (UMID), Voter’s I.D/Certification, BIR/Taxpayer’s I.D., PhilHealth I.D., current Company/Office I.D., School I.D., Police Clearance/ Police Clearance Certificate, Postal I.D., Barangay I.D., NBI Clearance, Seaman’s Book, HDMF Transaction I.D., PWD I.D., Solo Parent I.D., Senior Citizen’s I.D., Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-CARD), and CSC Eligibility Card; and

4) if the I.D. card does not indicate date of birth, original and photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority, or the Local Civil Registry printed on security paper must be presented.

5) for applicants holding dual citizenship under R.A. 9225, original and photocopy of Certification of Retention/Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

WHERE TO GET AND FILE APPLICATION FORMS

The application form (CS Form No. 100, Revised September 2016) is available at any CSC Regional/Field Office, or may be downloaded from the CSC website: www.csc.gov.ph. The application form may be photocopied using legal size bond paper.

Applicants must personally file their applications at the CSC Regional Office (CSC RO), or at any of the CSC RO’s Field Offices, where they intend to take the examination.

Note: 1) A complete directory of CSC Regional and Field Offices nationwide is available at the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph for reference.

2) Only applications with a COMPLETE set of application documentary requirements under Item D of this Announcement must be submitted to the CSC Regional/Field Office.

3) Proper attire should be worn during filing of application. SLEEVELESS SHIRT/BLOUSE, SHORTS/SHORT PANTS, and SLIPPERS are NOT allowed.

RESULTING CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY

The civil service eligibility resulting from passing the CSE (Professional) shall be called Career Service Professional Eligibility. It is a second level eligibility appropriate for both first level (clerical) and second level (technical) positions in the government that do not involve practice of profession and are not covered by special/other laws.

The civil service eligibility resulting from passing the CSE (SubProfessional) shall be called Career Service SubProfessional Eligibility. It is a first level eligibility appropriate only for first level (clerical) positions in the government that do not involve practice of profession and are not covered by special/other laws.

View full details here.


UPDATES

The Summit Express will also update this site for the results of the August 2019 CSE-PPT. You may also refer to the official website of CSC for more information.

— The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – The April 2019 NAPOLCOM exam results, which include the complete list of passers and top 20, for the Philippine National Police (PNP) entrance and promotional examinations are officially released online between June and July 2019 or in 2-3 months after the tests.

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) administered the police exams to 48,613 takers on Sunday, April 28, 2019 in designated testing centers nationwide.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Rogelio T. Casurao said that 34,290 took the PNP entrance exam while 14,323 are distributed to the various promotional test categories.

A total of 3,503 of the 34,290 examinees for the PNP entrance test and 2,537 of the 14,323 police examinees for promotional tests took the PNP exams in the National Capital Region (NCR) testing centers, namely, Makati High School, Pitogo High School, Benigno Aquino High School and Fort Bonifacio High School 1 and 2, all in Makati City.

APRIL 2019 NAPOLCOM EXAM RESULTS SUMMARY (check back for the activation of links)

• PNP Entrance
• Superintendent
• Police Inspector
• Senior Police Officer (SPO)
• Police Officer (PO)
• Top 20

Casurao added that the April 2019 examinations covered the qualifying examination for Police Officer 1, and the promotional examinations for Police Officers 2 and 3; Senior Police Officer (for SPO1 to SPO4); Police Inspector (for Inspector and Senior Inspector); and Police Superintendent (for Chief Inspector and Superintendent).

COVERAGE OF EXAMINATION

The three-hour examination for PNP entrance exam consists of objective-type and multiple choice items on general information, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and logical reasoning.

The promotional examinations, also in 3 hours, include general information, police administration and operations, and police customs and tradition/values and ethical standards.

RELEASE OF RESULTS

The expected release of April 2019 NAPOLCOM exam results is after 2-3 months or anytime in June-July 2019.

The Summit Express advise takers to monitor this page more often for the updates on release date.

PREVIOUS EXAMINATIONS

Results of the October 2018 NAPOLCOM exams were out in less than three (3) months after the tests. A total of 3,742 or 11.37% passed the PNP Entrance Examination while 4,410 or 34.99% hurdled the PNP Promotional Examinations

In the April 2018 exams, PNP Entrance and partial results for promotional tests were announced online in less than three (3) months. A total of 4,404 or 14.57% out of the 30,231 examinees passed the entrance exams while 2,336 out of 5,554 (42.06%) passed PO Exam and 3,037 (41.36%) of the 7,343 examinees hurdled the SPO Exam. Results for the remaining promotional categories were released after few weeks – 266 of 1,243 examinees (21.40%) and 41 of 189 examinees (21.69%) passed in the Inspector and Superintendent exam, respectively.

STATISTICS OF NAPOLCOM EXAM IN THE PAST SEVEN TESTS

Exam Date	Examination	Total Examinees	Total Passers	Passing Rate
October 2018	Entrance	32,912	3,742	11.37%
October 2018	Promotional	12,602	4,410	34.99%
April 2018	Entrance	30,231	4,404	14.57%
April 2018	Promotional	14,329	5,680	39.64%
October 2017	Entrance	28,654	5,236	18.27%
October 2017	Promotional	13,494	5,391	39.95%
April 2017	Entrance	26,561	2,026	7.63%
April 2017	Promotional	15763	5610	35.59%
October 2016	Entrance	25,462	2,946	11.57%
October 2016	Promotional	15,109	2,727	18.05%
April 2016	Entrance	22,541	2,705	12.00%
April 2016	Promotional	18,839	5,426	28.80%
October 2015	Entrance	14,439	2,600	18.01%
October 2015	Promotional	19,397	8,259	42.58%

AVAILABILITY OF RESULTS

Same with previous exams, the list of successful examinees will be posted at the NAPOLCOM central office located at the DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, NAPOLCOM Bldg., Edsa Corner Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City, and can be viewed at the NAPOLCOM website at www.napolcom.gov.ph.

Individual reports of rating will be mailed to all examinees. Verification of test results will be entertained at the NAPOLCOM central office and its regional offices nationwide. An examinee who passed the test but did not receive his/her Report of Rating may request for the issuance of certification from the same office, upon payment of P150.00.

NAPOLCOM EXAM OVERVIEW

The PNP Entrance Examination is open to all Filipino citizens who are not more than 30 years old and bachelor’s degree holder. Police Officers I (PO1) whose appointments are temporary for lack of appropriate eligibility are also required to take said entrance exam.

On the other hand, the Promotional Examinations are open exclusively to all qualified uniformed members of the PNP who meet the minimum qualification standards for examination in terms of rank and eligibility.

NEXT NAPOLCOM EXAM

The schedule of the second NAPOLCOM exam for 2019 is not yet announced but expected in October. The period of online applications for all exam categories will be posted here once available.

UPDATES

The Summit Express, a reliable news portal in the Philippines, will update this site immediately once we got relevant information on the release of NAPOLCOM exam results.

— The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – While passing the Civil Service Exam - Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) will grant you the “eligibility” for a government service, there are also special laws and issuances that list the exemptions to the rule.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announces eligibilities granted under special laws and CSC issuances.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has granted 11 eligibilities to qualified individuals. Even without passing the CSE, qualified individuals are still considered fit for government service if they belong to the listed exemptions and passed the requirements.

“The career service examination is not the be-all and end-all of acquiring civil service eligibility. Do you know that the CSC also grants eligibilities other than the Career Service Professional and Sub-Professional eligibilities? You can acquire a civil service eligibility even without taking the Career Service Examination,” CSC said.

Here are the basic requirements to pre-qualify for the special eligibility:

1. Citizen of the Republic of the Philippines;

2. At least 18 years of age at the time of application;

3. Has not been found guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude or of infamous, disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, drunkenness or addiction to drugs;

4. Has not been previously found guilty of offenses relative to, or in connection with the conduct of a civil service examination; and

5. Has not been dismissed from the service for cause.

Here are the 11 eligibilities granted under special laws and CSC issuances:

1. Bar/Board Eligibility – pursuant to Republic Act No. 1080, all passers of bar examination conducted by the Supreme Court and of licensure board examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission are automatically granted eligibility. View full details and requirements here.

2. Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Eligibility – pursuant to RA No. 7883 and granted to Barangay Health Workers who meet the qualifications: View full details and requirements here.

• BHW must have at least two years in college education leading to a college degree and five years of active and satisfactory service as BHW to the community
• The services must be voluntary, meaning, the BHW has not been employed and has not received any form of salary, or compensation, except honorarium, in the entirety of the five-year period for service requirement
• The services rendered must be continuous for a minimum period of five (5) years, meaning, the BHW should have served actively and satisfactorily on a full time basis.
• The applicant-BHW should already had been accredited by the Local Health Board before rendering the five-year service requirement.
• BHW who had been hired by agency under Job Order status and/or Contract of Service, may still avail of/qualify for the grant of BHWE.

3. Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Eligibility – pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1569, granted to barangay-based volunteer workers who meet the qualifications: View full details and requirements here.

2 years of continuous and satisfactory nutrition services and other related activities to the barangay

4. Barangay Official Eligibility (BOE) – pursuant to RA No. 7160, is granted to elective barangay officials: Punong Barangay, regular Sangguniang Barangay Members, and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman

Appointive barangay officials: Barangay Treasurers and Barangay Secretaries who were appointed by the duly elected punong barangay, who meet the qualifications. View full details and requirements here.

5. Electronic Data Processing Specialist (EDPS) Eligibility – pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 90-083, is conferred on passers of the proficiency test or training course conducted by the National Computer Institute National Computer Center (NCI-NCC) on the following computer courses: Systems Analysis and Design; Computer Programming; Java; MS Access; and Visual Basic. View full details and requirements here.

6. Foreign School Honor Graduate Eligibility (FSHGE) – pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 1302714, is granted to Filipino citizens who graduated summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude, or its equivalent, in their baccalaureate degree from school year 1972-1973 and thereafter, in legitimate prominent/reputable school/college/university in other countries as verified by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Foreign Service Posts. View full details and requirements here.

7. Honor Graduate Eligibility (HGE) – pursuant to PD No. 907 (local schools), those who graduated summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude, in their baccalaureate degree, regardless of the number of years of completion both for Private HEIs with bachelor's degree recognized by the Commission on Higher Education and State Colleges with baccalaureate degree duly approved by its Board of Trustees. View full details and requirements here.

8. Sanggunian Member Eligibility (SME) – pursuant to RA No. 10156, is granted to Sanggunian Members (SM) who have been elected after the effectivity of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) on May 11, 1992. Members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Panlalawigan are conferred the appropriate CSE Eligibility. View full details and requirements here.

9. Scientific and Technological Specialist (STS) Eligibility – pursuant to PD No. 997, conferred on S&T Specialist who has at least a bachelor’s degree in areas enumerated in Section 1 of the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Provisions of PD 997 (Revised 2009) and who meets any of the additional requirements. View full details and requirements here.

At least three (3) years of continuous experience in research and/or teaching in the pertinent field, which may include specialized training in research, or teaching experience at the college level in one’s major field or field of specialization, or completion of a patented invention or has earned a master’s or doctorate degree in his area of specialization.

The applicant shall be specialized in the following fields of study.

Natural Sciences

• Astronomy - Astrophysics
• Biological Sciences - Biology (S & T), Microbiology, Botany, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Ecology, Physical Anthropology, Marine Biology and Zoology
• Geological Sciences - Archeology, Geophysics, Paleontology, Seismology
• Meteorology
• Oceanography
• Physics/Applied Physics

Engineering Sciences

• Biological Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Food Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geothermal Engineering, Railway Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Textile Engineering, Nuclear Engineering

Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology

• Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Pure Mathematics, Statistics

Other Disciplines

• Environmental Science, Food Science

10. Skill Eligibility – Pursuant to CSC MC No. 11, s. 1996, positions which are not measurable by written test will be granted CSC eligibility. These include plant electrician, automotive mechanic, heavy equipment operator, laboratory technician, shrine curator, carpenter, draftsman, plumber, and others. View full details and requirements here.

11. Veteran Preference Rating (VPR) Eligibility - pursuant to Executive Order Nos. 132, s. 1948 / 790, s. 1982, is granted to Philippine Veterans Affairs Office-certified World War II veteran, or his/her spouse, or any one of his/her children who failed and lacks no more than 10 points in either the Career Service Professional Examination, the Career Service Sub Professional Examination, the Fire Officer Examination, or the Penology Officer Examination. View full details and requirements here.

The grant of eligibility under special laws and CSC issuances involves two (2) stages – Evaluation of Application, and Processing of Certificate of Eligibility.

If you belong to the exemptions, you can visit the nearest Civil Service Regional Office near you to submit the requirements and secure the CSC Certificate of Eligibility.

You can also check the official website of the Civil Service Commission for more information on the qualifications and requirements.

— Sally, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) recently released an order updating the policies and guidelines on overtime pay and services, effective starting May 1, 2019.

Dated April 10, 2019, DO 005, s. 2019 was released as an order to amend DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2016 or the “Policies and Guidelines on Overtime Services and Payment in the Department of Education.”

According to the DO, the following amendments were made in order to streamline the process of the grant of authority to render overtime services:

• Section D., Item No. 5 shall read as: "Heads of Bureaus/ Offices shall secure authority to render OT services on a monthly basis from the Undersecretary / Assistant Secretary concerned in the case of the Central Office, and by the Division Chiefs from their Regional Director or Schools Division Superintendent in the case of Regional Office or Schools Division Office.."
• Section D. , Item No. 6 shall read as: "OT services shall be rendered only after the request for authority to render OT services has been approved by the Undersecretary/ Assistant Secretary concerned, in the case of the Central Office, by the Regional Director for the Regional Office and by the Schools Division Superintendent for the Schools Division Office
• Request for authority to render OT services shall be approved by the highest official overseeing the organizational unit/s.
• All other provisions stated in DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2016 shall remain in effect.
• This Order takes effect on May 01, 2019.

The request for authority shall include the following:

• Purpose for rendering OT services
• List of Employees to include the names, positions and assigned tasks
• Justification on the necessity of OT services

The DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2016 or the “Policies and Guidelines on Overtime Services and Payment in the Department of Education” is in accordance to Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2015 dated November 25, 2015 entitled “Policies and Guidelines on Overtime Services and Overtime Pay for Government Employees.”

As per DepEd's policy, the following activities are allowed to claim for overtime services with pay:

• Implementation of special or priority programs and projects embodied in Presidential directives with specific dates of completion;
• Completion of projects with set deadlines when due to unforeseen events, the deadline cannot be met without resorting to OT work;
• Relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and other related work or services during calamities and disasters;
• Essential public services during emergency or critical situations that would require immediate or quick response;
• Seasonal work, such as, but not limited to, budget preparation and rendition of annual reports, to meet scheduled deadlines;
• Preparation of special/financial/accountability reports required by oversight agencies like the Congress of the Philippines, Office of the President, Commission on Audit, Department of Budget and Management, and National Economic and Development Authority;
• Services rendered by drivers and other immediate staff of top officials when required to keep the same working hours as their superiors;
• Such other activities as are needed to meet performance targets or deliver services to the public as may be determined by the agency head.

Procedure

Overtime services shall include:

Those rendered beyond eight (8) hours during regular work days subject to the applicable rules on flexible working hour scheme being adopted by the Department. The OT services to be rendered by an employee for regular work days in excess of his/her eight-hour work schedule shall be at least two (2) hours and shall be until 9:00 p.m. only except in the case of duly authorized overnight OT service and of services rendered by drivers; and

Those rendered during Saturdays, Sundays and holidays or non-working days to start at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rendering overnight OT services shall be resorted to only when extremely necessary. No employee shall be allowed to render overnight service for more than two (2) consecutive nights, for health reasons and to ensure employee productivity.

The Heads of Offices/Chiefs of Division shall be primarily responsible for the day to day operations of their respective offices; hence, they may allow or disallow their immediate staff to render such OT services with pay during regular working days, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and non-working days, depending on the nature and urgency of the work to be done.

To ensure that employees are rendering OT services because of urgent or additional work, and not to compensate absences, tardiness or undertime, an employee shall not be allowed to render OT services with pay if he or she has reported late/tardy on regular work days. In this case, an employee may render OT services but he/she will not be compensated for such services either through monetary pay or CTO.

Claims for payment of OT services rendered shall be supported by the duly approved Request for Authority to Render OT Services, Daily Time Records and Monthly Individual Accomplishment Report for the actual work done during OT.

— Sally, The Summit Express

They say that being a teacher is a noble profession. You sacrifice a lot for the sake of your students and your duties. For some teachers in Abuyog, Leyte, the sacrifices of being a teacher goes beyond the classroom and takes them “high up the mountains” just to fulfill their requirements.

Leyte teachers climb mountains to find internet connection | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Joseph Sumayang

On Facebook, netizen Joseph Sumayang shared one of the many difficulties public school teachers in Libertad, Abuyog, Leyte have to endure. They have to literally climb mountains to find internet signal for them to send their online reports required by the Department of Education.

Sumayang appealed to the public to help them with their request to have a stable internet connection in their area. He wrote in Visayan, “To those who will see these photos, please help us to a stable signal in Barangay Libertad, Abuyog, Leyte. The teachers of our schools need to climb the summit just to find signal, go online and submit their reports. Thank you very much!”

Submitting reports online is a difficult ordeal for Leyte teachers | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Joseph Sumayang

The post shows pictures of public school teachers squatting and sitting down on the grassy ground with their laptops.

Melbie Joy, Sumayang wife has gone through this difficult situation of submitting online requirements and year-end reports many times. She is an Information and Communications Technology(ICT) coordinator in Libertad Elementary School (LES) and shared their ordeal.

Leyte teachers ask for assistance to help give their area a better internet connection | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Joseph Sumayang

Melbie Joy said in Visayan that it’s not easy to submit forms at the start of classes. There are also urgent submissions. At the end of the year, they are also facing more forms to submit.

SEE ALSO: Heavy paperwork forces teachers to work during vacation – ACT

The teacher added that they need to walk for miles to find mobile signal. They climb mountains or even trees to hang their pocket WiFi. That’s the only way the could send their reports.

Gregorio Betonio, the principal of LES also shared the same sentiments and concern for their teachers. He said, he worries for their teachers who stay up in the mountains until past 8:00 in the evening not minding the mosquitoes and threats of wild animals.

The post of Sumayong is now viral as more netizens admired the teachers’ dedication. Many have expressed their hopes that the local government unit (LGU) or telecommunication company may hear the teachers’ appeal and provide solutions to their predicament.


— Sally, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) released recently the official calendar for school year (SY) 2019-2020. Based on DepEd Order No. 007, series of 2019, the opening of classes shall be on Monday, June 3, 2019 and the last day shall be on Friday, April 3, 2020.

The school year is consist of 203 school days inclusive of the five-day In-Service Training and three days for the Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) conducted within the school year and the World Teachers' Day.

"Private schools may deviate from this School Calendar. However, they may not start classes earlier than the first Monday of June nor later than the last day of August, as provided in Republic Act (RA) No. 7797 entitled An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred (200) Days to Not More than Two Hundred Twenty (220) Class Days. Said schools should notify in advance their respective regional offices (ROs) regarding any deviation from the school calendar," DepEd said.

Deworming of children in school shall be conducted in the months of July 2019 and January 2020.

Career guidance activities shall be conducted between July and November 2019 to guide Grades 9 and 10 students in making informed choices on their preferred Senior High School track.

DepEd added that Christmas break shall begin on Sunday, December 15, 2019. Classes shall resume Monday, January 6, 2020.

The summer/remedial classes shall begin on Monday, April 13, 2020 and end on Friday, May 22, 2020.

Dealing with make-up classes due to celebrations and holidays, as well as natural and man-made calamities, it must be agreed upon by school heads, teachers and concerned parents.

Here's the official copy of DepEd Order No. 007, series of 2019 (School Calendar for SY 2019-2020):


— The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – A Senate bill has been filed that seeks to lower the lower optional retirement age of public school teachers to 55.

Senator Sonny Angara files bill that seeks to lower optional retirement age of public school teachers to 55 | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Sonny Angara

Senate Bill No.1872 filed by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, pushes for the welfare of public school teachers by lowering of optional retirement age from 60 to 55.

The explanatory note of the bill reads, “The country does face a perennial shortage of teachers, but respect and humane consideration for our hardworking educators should prompt policymakers and legislators to at least lower the optional retirement age from today’s 60 years old to 55 years old.”

Angara believes that by improving the quality of life of teachers, we can also improve the quality of education in the country.

The senator described public school teachers to be overworked and overwhelmed with tasks.

Angara cited 2015 UNESCO data to point out the “dismal” working conditions of teachers. He said, “When compared to figures worldwide, it is harder to be a public school teacher in the Philippines than in most countries, where mandatory retirement age is generally 60 years old.”

Angara, who is seeking another Senatorial term is pushing for reforms in the education sector.

He said that having a teacher for a father, the late Sen. Edgardo J. Angara (former president of the University of the Philippines), made him more aware of the concerns of the educators.

Angara said public school teachers are faced with multiple tasks in school. They also work longer than the official working time, sometimes even during vacation and on weekends.

Because of these conditions, many public school teachers have expressed their desire to retire earlier than the retirement age of 60.


As of writing, the bill is still pending for debates at the Senate committee on civil service, government reorganization, and professional regulation.

Angara is also the author of Senate Bill 135 that seeks to increase the salary of public school teachers. The bill aims to upgrade the Salary Grade of teachers from 11 to 19. If approved, teachers can expect a minimum of as much as P42,000 monthly salary.

Angara said pushing for the improvement of teachers’ welfare is “one of the best investment's our government could make.”

— Sally, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – The culmination of everything that has transpired in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since it began in 2008 via Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau’s “Iron Man,” “Avengers: “Endgame picks up after the events of last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” Directed by MCU veteran directors, Joe and Anthony Russo with the script written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the film is the final installment in the so-called The Infinity Saga, and is the swan song to some of the beloved heroes in the franchise.

Official ‘Avengers: Endgame’ poster/Marvel Studios

While “Infinity War” focused on Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) journey, ending with him successfully wiping half of life in the universe using the Infinity Gauntlet complete with all six Infinity Stones, “Endgame” shifts the focus on the heroes, particularly the six original Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Iron Man (Downey), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) reunite after years of being separated for potentially their final mission as a team. Given this, clamor for the movie is understandably high. But with high stakes and immense pressure riding in on the movie, did Marvel Studios stick the landing?

Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) in ‘The Avengers’/Marvel Studios

We’re in the Endgame now…

With a tried and tested group of creatives behind “Endgame,” there’s no better team to cap off this long journey than the Russos and Markus and McFeely, and we’re glad to say that they delivered on the promise of satisfying conclusion to The Infinity Saga. While not everyone was thrilled at the thought of cop out deaths in “Infinity War” with most of the heroes dusted like Spider-Man and Black Panther confirmed to come back for their respective future films, it was a clever move to devise a great send off to MCU’s inaugural heroes.

“Endgame” plays on the nostalgia as it brilliantly reminds viewers how much these heroes have gone through in the last decade - something that only the MCU can do effectively considering how much time and effort they’ve devoted in building this universe. While it tends to get too much at times considering the complexity of its narrative, expositions are decently executed and are peppered in-between character moments making it more digestible.

If “Infinity War” had a more streamlined story to service its massive cast, “Endgame” is focused on a slimmer roster but with a complicated storyline. The film moves briskly without missing a beat, but also allows emotional moments to breathe. Humor is on point for the most of the film, although as with MCU’s recurring issues, some of the jokes feel misplaced but not to the point of distraction. Fans have more time with their favorite heroes which wasn’t really possible with Avengers 3. Character dynamics are fleshed out in the best possible way, reminding fans of the magical chemistry among the core Avengers. Add some new faces to that group and it’s still works really well.

MCU at its finest

Throughout its 10-year run, there have been a slew of memorable scenes and lines in the MCU, but fans take it to another level with the full movie totally unforgettable from start to finish. The three-hour runtime may be worrisome for some, but with the amount of story that Avengers 4 had to get to, there was no way that it could’ve worked with a shorter duration. If anything, Marvel Studios earned this privilege by producing quality blockbusters for the last decade.

There’s a plethora of good, well-thought-out fan service which definitely reinforces the idea that’s it’s the culmination of the history of the MCU by far. And at times, it even improves certain aspects of the universe that may have not been initially well-received.

Performances have been solid all around - from supporting characters to the main six, there’s no actor that didn’t earn their paycheck in “Endgame.” Each hero is given their time on the spotlight, albeit some understandably get more than others. Downey Jr. has been playing this character for more than 10 years and each time he comes out as Tony Stark, he always delivers. In “Endgame,” however, he elevates that tenfolds. His scenes with Evans particularly stand out.

Official ‘Avengers: Endgame’ poster/Marvel Studios

“Avengers: Endgame” is an emotional roller coaster experience that will both leave you oddly drained and yet energized for the future of the MCU. It fulfills its promise of being the epic conclusion to 22-movie story spread out in the last 11 years. And while it clearly marks the end of an era for the franchise, it subtly plants plot seeds setting up what lies ahead for the universe.

For casual moviegoers, it’s an entertaining blockbuster with plenty of things to enjoy, but for loyal fans who have relentlessly followed these characters since day 1, it’s the best pay-off for anyone could’ve asked for. It’s cathartic and immensely satisfying. MCU’s world building has always been innovative, but this film is a testament to how good Marvel Studios is in creating grounded and relatable characters who the public can fully be invested in for more than a decade.

RATING: 9.5 out of 10

Watch full trailer here:

— ALD, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – Great deals up to 90% off at the Shopee Super Fashion and Beauty Sale on April 26.

In time for the Shopee Super Fashion and Beauty Sale on April 26, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches a 3-part mini web series called Shopee Makeover Madness on Facebook from April 24 to 26.

Celebrity stylist Myrrh Lao To and beauty vlogger Raiza Contawi transform 3 lucky winners for the Shopee Makeover Madness

Shopee Makeover Madness is an exciting social media contest where three lucky participants, Lilibeth Hernandez, Adrian Olivarez, and Aprille Gelera, nominated by their friends and family will get an all-expenses-paid makeover from popular celebrity fashion stylist, Myrrh Lao To and Beauty Vlogger Raiza Contawi.

One of the winners, Aprille Gelera, is a single mother who lost her husband in an accident only a year after their marriage. She now has a beautiful three-year-old boy and she also takes care of her mother.

Users can find out more about Aprille and the other winner’s stories by catching the series on Shopee’s Facebook page from April 24 to 26.

Happening on April 26, the Shopee Super Fashion and Beauty Sale will feature 24 hours of storewide sales, flash deals, and free shipping with a lower minimum spend of ₱199. Users can expect countless fashion and health and beauty shops selling make-up, fragrances, personal care products, women’s apparel, and accessories with discounts up to 90% off.

Great deals up to 90% off at the Shopee Super Fashion and Beauty Sale on April 26.

For more information about the Shopee Makeover Madness, visit here.

Don’t forget to check out the Shopee Super Fashion and Beauty Sale on April 26 at https://shopee.ph/m/super-fashion-beauty-sale. Visit the Shopee website at https://shopee.com or download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

— The Summit Express

A man is left distraught as he lost his wife and two kids just “split second” during the earthquake that happened on Monday, April 22.

Jason Dela Cruz was with his family ready to buy goods at the at the Chuzon Porac Supermarket in Pampanga. Upon arriving, he dropped off his wife, Manilyn and his children – Jacob, 6, and one-year-old Hailee as he went to look for a parking spot for his tricycle.

Jason Dela Cruz was just looking for a parking spot for his tricycle after dropping off his family when the supermarket collapsed | Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Jason has barely left the area when an earthquake shook the ground around 5:00 p.m. He screeched his tricycle to a stop as he ran towards the supermarket where he left his family.

Jason couldn't believe his eyes as he saw the four-storey supermarket collapse in a pile of rubble. Stone, cement, clouds of ash filled the area where he dropped off his family just minutes ago.

Jason said, “Biglang lumindol na, hindi ko pa nai-park ‘yung tricycle namin, bigla na lang bumagsak ‘yung ano, hindi ko na sila nakita. Segundo lang."

“Tinangka ko pa pumunta [sa loob] kaya lang wala na hindi na ako makapasok. Seconds nga lang po gumuho na ang building. Binubuhat ko na yung mga bato. Wala. Sigaw ako nang sigaw, hindi sila sumasagot,” the grieving father added.

Jacob, Hailee and Manilyn were three of the 5 fatalities recovered from the collapsed Chuzon Porac Supermarket. At least 16 died in Pampanga after a Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

Jason became more devastated when he saw the bodies of her beloved family. He could barely recognize them because they sustained injuries from the debris that fell on them.

Jason Dela Cruz stares at the white coffins of his family | Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Without his family, Jason no longer knows how to move on. He said, “Hindi ko po alam ang gagawin ko matapos nito…dapat sinama na nila ako.”

The widower shared that his son Jacob was supposed to celebrate his 7th birthday on the first of May. They were planning a pool party with their family and friends.

Chuzon Supermarket was in rubble as it collapsed after the earthquake | Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Jason’s mother Sanita was also in grief over the tragedy. She said that before the family left, her daughter-in-law Manilyn promised to treat her for snacks while Hailee dances before them.

Sanita said, “Pagkalindol naalala ko yung anak ko at manugang. Yung kaba ko…”

“Bakit ang taong mabait pa sila pa ang kinuha. Ang daming taong mga salbahe. Bakit sila pa?” she added.

The grieving lola remembered her grandchildren. Sanita said, 6-year-old Jacob was kind and smart while 1-year-old Hailee was talkative.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Lourdes Martin was one of the lucky ones who survived the tragedy. Her store was right next to the entrance of the Chuzon Porac Supermarket. After the building collapsed, she was trapped for two hours until rescuers came.

Martin made the painful decision to allow the rescuers to amputate her right leg which was pinned down by huge debris, as it was the only way for her to live.

— Sally, The Summit Express

A house helper is now set to face the bigger world as she finally finished her college degree. To top it all off, she even graduated with flying colors.

Alfonsa Tilasa achieves her dream of finishing college | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Marivic Flores

Alfonsa has many dreams for herself and for her family. But because life wasn't easy for them, she chose to work first instead of pursuing college.

At the age of 14, Tilasa started working as a househelp. She has been jumping from one employer to another until she met Marivic Flores.

It was Marivic who convinced Tilasa to finish her studies. She encouraged her to be a working student.

The kind employer admitted that she encouraged her househelp to study because they said it brings good luck to their business and she really wanted to help Tilasa.

The determined househelp received a scholarship for her studies. Tilasa worked hard and studied harder to pursue her dreams. In the morning, she finished her errands at Marivic’s household and at night, she would be a hardworking student.

The happy graduate was all smiles for her graduation | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Marivic Flores

Finally, at the age of 28, Tilasa got to reap the rewards of her hard work. She finally able to walk on stage wearing her graduation toga.

Tilasa graduated with a degree in B.S. Computer Science from ACSI College Iloilo Inc. She was even awarded Cum Laude and Best in Thesis.

Tilasa was also awarded Cum Laude and Best in Thesis | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Marivic Flores

Marivic couldn't be any prouder of her persevering househelp. She wrote on Facebook, “Congratulations Nene. All your hardwork has paid off. So proud of your achievements. Go out and rock the world.”

Tilasa too was thankful for her “Manang Vic” for helping her achieve her dreams. She said if it weren't for her, she wouldn't be able to achieve anything.

— Sally, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – El Gamma Penumbra is again wowing everyone on stage. After conquering at “Asia's Got Talent,” they are now set to impress the world.

El Gamma Penumbra joins “World's Got Talent” in China | Screenshot: Facebook/El Gamma Penumbra

The award-winning Filipino shadow play group has debuted on “World's Got Talent” in in Changsha, China with a touching performance highlighting selfless and unconditional parental love.

On Facebook, the group posted the video of their performance with the caption, "Parental love is the only love that is truly selfless, unconditional and forgiving.”

“Grab your box of tissues and watch this moving presentation that will bring you that much-needed catharsis,” the post added.

El Gamma performs accompanied by KZ Tandingan's “Anak” | Screenshot: Facebook/El Gamma Penumbra

Their performance was accompanied by KZ Tandingan’s version of Freddie Aguilar's “Anak” with Mandarin translation.

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In the video, one of the members of El Gamma Penumbra said they have joined the contest to achieve their dreams.

He said, “Sa apat na taon na lumipas, hindi kami tumigil sa paghubog sa aming mga sarili. Ngayong nandito na kami sa China para makilahok sa ‘World’s Got Talent,’ naniniwala ako na ito ang magiging daan para sa aming mga pangarap. Kaya mas gagalingan pa namin para kami ang maging champion sa competition na ito.”

After their powerful performance, the audience was visibly emotional with some even wiping their tears.

The judges were clearly impressed. David Foster, who was also a judge when they won in “Asia’s Got Talent”, said, “We saw you on ‘Asia’s Got Talent. It's nice to see you again.”

“We loved that you won. You take a blank page with nothing on it and you create something out of nothing. It is magic to me. We don’t know how you do it but we love that you do it,” he added.

El Gamma also shared that after winning Asia's Got Talent, they went on to share their blessings with the elderly. They visited and helped abandoned elders in the Home for the Aged. The group also reached out to young aspiring dreamers to pursue their talents.

You can watch their performance here:

— Sally, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a magnitude 4.7 earthquake that shook parts of Mindanao on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

The exact time of occurrence was recorded at 11:43:47 a.m. with epicenter at 07.86°N, 126.88°E - 063 km N 57° E of Baganga (Davao Oriental).

Instrumental Intensity 1 was recorded in Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur.

The earthquake that occurred has a tectonic origin with 11 km depth of focus.

Phivolcs is not expecting damage and aftershocks after the quake.


Strong earthquakes this week

On Monday (April 22), Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit Central Luzon and shook parts of Metro Manila. The epicenter is located 18 kilometers east of Castillejos, Zambales, on a mountainous area, at a depth of 10 kilometers. 421 aftershocks have been recorded by the PHIVOLCS-DOST seismic monitoring network as of 8:00 am of April 23.

Phivolcs explained: "Central Luzon, which includes Zambales and Pampanga, is one of the seismically active areas in the country because of the Philippine Fault, Iba Fault, East Zambales Fault, and Manila Trench, which are the main earthquake generators that can affect the area. In addition, there are other nearby local faults, which may be covered by recent deposits, and may be sources of small- to moderate-magnitude earthquakes. "

On Tuesday (April 23), another strong earthquake with Magnitude 6.5 shook Visayas region with epicenter located 9 kilometers northwest of San Julian, Eastern Samar. Small-magnitude earthquakes followed afterwards, 37 aftershocks, according to Phivolcs.

Phivolcs shared: "Earthquakes in Samar are generated by the movement of the active faults which includes the Central Samar Fault, Eastern Samar Fault and Salcedo Fault and subdusubduction (diving) of the Philippine Sea Plate along the Philippine Trench. In addition, there are other nearby local faults, which may not be manifested on the surface, and may be sources of small to moderate-magnitude earthquakes."

— The Summit Express