TC Current

2 The
School implements
“12:30 Reading
Habit” to zero out
non-readers

8
School Striking a
Illuminating Ilo-ilo: implements Balance:
A Journey of “12:30
Adventure and
Addressing
Reading Habit” Concerns
Discovery
to zero out in Curriculum

10
non-readers
Overhauls
RMES-BEAM
PAGE 2
T H E C U R R E N T
launches
“Gulayan sa
PAGE 4
THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF RAJAH MUDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BEAM
Tahanan”
T HE OFFICIAL SCHOOL Project
PUBLICATION OF RAJAH MUDA
Tacurong City Division } Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN REGION
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BEAM Tacurong City Division } Region
XII SOCCSKSARGEN REGION

VOLUME NO. 1

CATCH UP TO PATCH UP
RMES-BEAM employs holistic approach
to combat illiteracy Sophia Ella E. Espinosa

R
MES-BEAM embraced a comprehensive approach in implementing the DepEd
MEMORANDUM No.001, s. 2024, commonly known as Catch-up Fridays initiative,
to address low reading proficiency levels identified by national and international
assessments.

Guest readers were invited the school ramped up Values their vital role in nation-building.
every Friday, and interactive Education in alignment with Stakeholders provided
activities using the region- Republic Act (RA) No. 11476, support by offering snacks and
procured educational tablets which institutionalizes Good additional learning materials.
were incorporated alongside Manners and Right Conduct

School population
Furthermore, literary and
Rajah Muda Elementary School reported
multimedia presentations. (GMRC) and Values Education. a significant surge in its population,

Additionally, a variety of reading This is to highlight the importance journalistic competitions and marking a remarkable 13% increase from
the previous academic year.

surges to 13%
materials and activities were of instilling good manners, right actual performing reading
utilized. conduct, and essential values in activities were organized for
the youth, while also recognizing advanced readers.
During Catch-up Fridays,

Rajah Muda Elementary School reported

a significant surge in its population, marking
MATATAG to decongest K-12; accelerate the delivery of basic education
services and provision facilities; TAke
a remarkable 13% increase from the previous
academic year.
banners “Bansang Makabata, good care of learners by promoting learner
well-being, inclusiveness in learning, and
School Head, Romula C. Ventura, MT-II,
Batang Makabansa” slogan positive learning environment; and Give
support for teachers to teach better,”
expressed his elation at the hike in enrollment,
attributing it to the concerted efforts of the school’s
Duterte explained.
She also emphasized the workforce in providing a conducive learning
Mike Nathaniel B. Espeja environment. “We were thrilled to witness such
strengthened cultivation of learners’ values
and character development in alignment a significant increase in our population. It was
The Department of Secretary and Vice President Sara Z. a testament to the dedication and hard work of
with the Good Manners and Right Conduct
Education launched the ‘Matatag’ Duterte stated that the DepEd’s track our teachers, who tirelessly strived to inspire and
(GMRC) and Values Education Act, as well
Curriculum, marking a significant remains fundamentally illuminated
as the incorporation of 21st Century Skills. educate the young minds entrusted to our care,” he
overhaul of the K-12 curriculum, the by the wisdom of the slogan
The implementation plan for the remarked.
Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, August ‘MATATAG: Bansang makabata,
‘Matatag’ Curriculum spans several school
07. batang makabansa’, indicating that School Head, Romula C. Ventura, MT-II, expressed his elation at the
The increase in enrollment reflected a
years. It will begin with Kindergarten,
The new revision in the DepEd’s programs and reforms hike in enrollment, attributing it to the concerted efforts of the school’s
Grades 1, 4, and 7 in SY 2024-2025, growing
workforce confidence
in providing among
a conducive parents
learning and guardians
environment. “We were
curriculum streamlined learning are intentionally tailored to produce
followed by Grades 2, 5, and 8 in SY 2025- in the
thrilled school’s
to witness suchability to deliver
a significant quality
increase educationIt was
in our population. and
competencies by 70%, with a focus competent, job-ready, active,
2026, and concluding with Grades 3, 6, 9, nurture the
a testament academic
to the dedication potential of their
and hard work of ourchildren.
teachers, who
on foundational skills including responsible, and patriotic citizens.
and 10 in SY 2026-2027 and SY 2027- tirelessly strived to inspire and educate the young minds entrusted to
literacy, numeracy, and socio- “MATATAG” stands for
2028 respectively. This surge underscored the growing trust
our care,” he remarked.
emotional skills, for kindergarten to “MAke the curriculum relevant to
The review for the Senior High and
The confidence
increase parents
in enrollment and aguardians
reflected placed among
growing confidence in
Grade 3 learners. produce job-ready, active, and
School Program is still ongoing. the school’s
parents ability
and guardians in theto deliver
school’s quality
ability education
to deliver and
quality education
Department of Education responsible citizens; TAke steps to andnurture theacademic
nurture the academic potential
potential of their of their children.
children.
2 NEWS Current The THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF RAJAH MUDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BEAM

JANUARY TO MARCH 2024 I VOLUME 1 Current

The THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF RAJAH MUDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BEAM

JANUARY TO MARCH 2024 I VOLUME 1

NEWS 3
Two scouts participate in 18th National Jamboree
School goes tech: 1:1 tablet ratio
Ceejay A. Palomillo

for learners Mikyla B. Bayoneta Two Boy Scouts from RMES-BEAM namely Ceejay A. Palomillo
and Thristan Lebron l. Arzagon joined the ranks of approximately 35,000
participants from all regions across the country in the 18th National Scout
To enhance teaching and learning to meet global standards, DepEd Region Jamboree, held at Pintados de Passi Camp in Passi City, Iloilo, December
XII through the Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD) provided 11 to 17, 2023.
RMES-BEAM with educational tablets, equipping learners with essential 21st-century The scouts engaged in an array of modules designed to cultivate
skills through digital materials and interactive exercises. essential skills and values. These modules included:

Our school acquired tablets for each learner, valued at 1. Global Development Village and City of Science: Scouts delved
over 14,000 pesos each, totaling more than 1.4 million pesos. into understanding global issues and the significance of scientific
Encouraging responsible tablet usage, Ivy P. Lamintao, advancements.
Education Program Supervisor, emphasized their significance in 2. Prayer Hill: Faith and Belief: Scouts were exposed different religions and
learning. “Your school is fortunate to receive these tablets,” she beliefs and reflected on their faith and beliefs.
remarked, urging students to utilize them responsibly. 3. Crossroads of Culture: Scouts explored diversity and cultural exchange,
“This initiative emphasizes a commitment to integrating and learned about different cultures and traditions.
technology into education, narrowing the digital gap, and 4. DRRM: Scouting and Humanitarian Action: Scouts focused on disaster
preparing you, learners, for the future,” added Romulo C. risk reduction and management, and got equipped with valuable skills for
Ventura, School Head. humanitarian efforts.
With these tablets, learners gained access to diverse
educational resources. 5. Obstacle Course: Challenge Valley & Adventure Trails: Scouts honed their physical and mental resilience through challenging obstacle courses and
adventurous trails.
6. Aquatics & Water Fun: Scouts engaged in aquatic activities fostering teamwork and skill development.
7. Team Sports and Physical Fitness: Scouts participated in various team sports such as basketball, volleyball, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical
fitness.
8. Survival Skills: Scoutcraft Challenge: Scouts learned essential survival skills and techniques to thrive and survive, emphasizing self-reliance and
School implements “12:30 Reading Habit” to zero out non-readers resourcefulness.
During the grand opening program, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of embodying the Scout Law and serving both
God and country. He highlighted the pivotal role scouts play in contributing to the nation’s vision of building a Bagong Pilipinas.
Trisha Cloe S. Guarino
“Embody the scout law and heed the call of duty to God and country. These qualities will make you a good scout. A good Scout makes a good contributor
to our goal of building a Bagong Pilipinas,” said President Marcos Jr.
This year’s theme, “YOUTH ENGAGEMENT: Sustaining Relevance and Strengthening Resilience,” emphasized the significance of youth involvement in
shaping a resilient and relevant society.

Tacurong City’s flood rescue simulation

drill equips community with life skills
Mikyla P. Bayoneta
Combination classes no
In a proactive effort to bolster
community resilience, the Tacurong City
more in RMES-BEAM
Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Sophia Ella E. Espinosa
Council (CDRRMC) orchestrated a
In response to concerning school’s to address the varying needs of learners in terms challenge and enrich their learning experiences. flood rescue simulation drill, focusing on RMES-BEAM, the lone school in
Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) of reading proficiency. The implementation of this program imparting crucial life skills to schoolchildren the Schools Division Office of Tacurong
Assessment result, the school initiated the “12:30 For non-readers, the program offered underscores the school’s commitment to ensuring and the community of Purok 8, Brgy. Rajah City, received approval from the division
Reading Habit” program, aimed at improving targeted interventions and additional support that every learner receives the necessary support Muda, where the school is situated. office to end combination classes due to a
literacy skills among learners. to help improve their literacy skills and and resources to succeed academically. By Participants engaged in hands- sufficient number of enrollees this school
Named after the time it occurs during the comprehension. customizing instruction to individual needs, the on experiences and informative sessions, year.
school day, this program was specifically tailored Meanwhile, for advanced readers, school aims to empower children to reach their full equipping themselves with essential The school can now separate the
specialized classes were provided to further potential in reading. last combined class, which included both
knowledge on flood preparedness,
evacuation procedures, basic first aid, and 4th and 5th graders.
Mr. Christian Jun C. Gonzaga,
effective crisis communication strategies.
T-II, a teacher who previously managed
Brgy. Chairwoman Ma. Rhodora a combination class, expressed his
P. Pauya highlighted the importance satisfaction, stating that teaching two
of preparedness, stating, “Being ready grades simultaneously was challenging.
Learners delve into ‘Safe Spaces Act’ symposium isn’t just about having supplies; it’s about
knowing what to do when disaster strikes,
Now, with each grade having its own
teacher, teaching and learning have
Trisha Cloe S. Guarino equipping ourselves with the skills to become more manageable.
protect our loved ones and community However, with the creation of
Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg) targeted by the law that needed to be
especially that we are living near a big more separate classes, the school faced
river with history of flooding.” the need for additional classrooms to
Sharlemagne P. Palmares of Philippine stopped.
Partnering agencies, including accommodate the Grade 4 class.
National Police (PNP), Tacurong City, PSSg Palmares also emphasized
led a discussion about a new law, RA that individuals who harassed others the PNP, BFP, AFP, City Health Office,
11313 also known as the Safe Spaces three times could face arrest and fines and Barangay Local Government Unit,
Act (Bawal Bastos Law) at the RMES- of up to ₱100,000. contributed valuable expertise, enhancing
BEAM covered court on September 15. Additionally, schools were the drill’s effectiveness, and ensuring the
During the lecture, pupils learned required to designate someone for safety of the learners and the participants
about the rules of the law and why they students to talk to if they experienced in the drill.
are important for keeping people safe harassment, with bullies facing
and respected in different places. consequences.
Children were also introduced to The law aimed to ensure
terms like catcalling, online harassment, everyone’s safety and respect, whether
and stalking, which helped them grasp in public, online, or at school, by
the various forms of harassment enforcing fair and kind treatment for all.
4 EDITORIAL
Current
The THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF RAJAH MUDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BEAM

JANUARY TO MARCH 2024 I VOLUME 1 Current

The THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF RAJAH MUDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BEAM

JANUARY TO MARCH 2024 I VOLUME 1

OPINION 5
Momentum
Moving back a little to gain
Main Editorial
Survey Poll
Striking a Balance: Addressing Concerns Xyrille Megrino

More than 90% of Filipino students to learn effectively.

Last month, the former President
in Curriculum Overhauls
children aged ten struggle to read But could this initiative
and understand even simple texts, potentially hinder students’ overall
learning? Instead of dedicating
mentioned the idea of Mindanao
according to World Bank data
The recent transition in 2022—a disheartening and Fridays to teaching various learning separating from the Philippines. The
from K–12 to the MATATAG alarming reality. competencies in different subjects,
Curriculum has sparked However, there’s a glimmer they are spent on reading activities. Current did a survey to see what the
considerable debate and
scrutiny. While some aspects
of hope as of January, the
Department of Education (DepEd)
Isn’t allocating a whole day to
reading excessive?
pupils think.
of the curriculum overhaul,
such as the revival of Good
formulated a solution—the “Catch- But if we weigh the Almost everyone (98%) said
up Fridays” initiative outlined in situation, it might be better to take
Manners and Right Conduct DepEd Memorandum No. 001, a step back, toward the learners’ they don’t want Mindanao to split,
(GMRC), are welcomed, s. 2024, to address the issue current situation to gain more
others, such as the removal of millions of Filipino youth. It is traction. We must ensure that while 2% weren’t sure. They gave
of a whopping 72% of the
learning competencies and
currently being implemented across
all elementary and secondary
every Filipino child can read and
understand, making teaching any
different reasons why it’s better to
the exclusion of Science from
Kindergarten to Grade 3, raise
schools nationwide. Every Friday subject easier if learners can read, stay together. Some pointed out
this year is dedicated to “Drop comprehend, and perform the
concerns among educators, Everything and Read” (DEAR) tasks. The importance of reading that Mindanao wouldn’t be able to
parents, stakeholders and activities to allow teachers to focus in learners’ development cannot
learners. on promoting thorough reading and be taken too lightly or postponed. thrive as a standalone nation. Others
As we advocate for
a holistic and well-rounded
literacy skills development among
students. I firmly believe this step
The collective and strategic efforts
of department officials, effective
mentioned that separating might
education, we firmly believe
that while the emphasis on
by DepEd is appropriate, timely, reading advancement strategies, cause problems like disagreements
and commendable. quality literacy materials, and
GMRC is commendable, This initiative is a proactive most importantly, the dedication and conflicts. Many also talked about
the drastic reduction in and comprehensive response to and hard work of teachers, are
competencies and the still the challenge. It also reinforces essential factors in achieving the our shared history and how important
omission of Science from
early grades are detrimental to
the promotion of Edukasyon sa
Pagpapakatao, Peace Education,
goal of Catch-up Fridays. However,
students must also do their part—
it is to stay united as one nation.
the overall development and and Health Education, in line with attend school on Fridays and show
preparedness of our learners. Republic Act (RA) No. 11476 or effort to learn. It’s also crucial for
The reintroduction of the “GMRC and Value Education parents to assist in evaluating
GMRC in the curriculum is a Act” to instill good behavior and and helping teachers teach their
positive step towards instilling the importance of peace in the children, as well as providing
values of respect, empathy, minds of the youth. By preparing discipline and comprehensive
and responsibility among students in moral and peace guidance.
learners. It provides a moral education and hygiene practices, Establishing a strong
compass for navigating today’s each child becomes a promoter of foundation in children’s education
complex world, promoting peace, responsible, and rational. will propel them to become
kindness and honesty in our Health Education, on the other competent, responsible, and
culture. hand, emphasizes the importance globally competitive individuals.
The significant reduction of competencies by 72% raises concerns about the depth and breadth of knowledge that learners will acquire. Such a of overall health—physical, mental,
drastic cut may result in a shallow understanding of key concepts across various subjects, limiting learners’ ability to engage critically with complex issues and emotional—which is crucial for
and hindering their academic and personal growth.
Research underscores the importance of early exposure to Science in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young
learners. Science is not just a subject; it is a fundamental aspect of everyday life, shaping our understanding of the world and empowering individuals to
make informed decisions in an increasingly scientific and technological society. Excluding Science from Kindergarten to Grade 3 may deprive learners of

A Minimum Sacrifice for a Maximum Recovery

crucial opportunities to explore and engage with the natural world, potentially undermining their scientific literacy.
While the MATATAG Curriculum represents a bold attempt to reform the education system, it is imperative to strike a balance between innovation
and consistency, ensuring that changes are informed by evidence-based research and stakeholder input. To maximize the curriculum’s effectiveness,
policymakers must reconsider the extent of competency reduction and reinstate Science in Kindergarten to Grade 3. Additionally, ongoing professional Trisha Cloe S. Guarino
development and support for educators are essential to successfully implementing and adapting to the evolving educational landscape. By prioritizing the
holistic development of students and preserving the integrity of the curriculum, we can nurture a generation of resilient, informed, and socially responsible
citizens poised to thrive in the 21st century. In response to the alarming learning I believe extracurricular activities are of extracurricular involvement, it’s essential
losses of the pupils across the country also essential for the holistic development to ensure a balance between academic
caused by a two-year hiatus from in-person of learners, for they provide a channel commitments and opportunities for personal
classes, Vice President and DepEd Secretary for reinforcing the lessons learned in the growth and relaxation.
Sara Duterte, issued a Deped Memorandum classroom, offer students the opportunity to Well, having activities that fall
No. 005, s. 2023 with strong emphasis on the apply academic skills in a real-world context, on Saturdays and Sundays is just a little
“No Disruption of Classes” policy. and are thus considered part of a well- sacrifice for us learners at the expense
editorial board

The mandate that school should be rounded education. These activities give us a of our education. DepEd is ensuring that
april g. rubin xyrille e. megrino solely dedicated to academics and related break from the monotonous and sometimes everyone can gain mastery in literacy and
Editor-in-Chief jomel b. bayoneta
Science and Health co-curricular activities is a practical and tedious schoolwork. numeracy and that the gap brought about
MIKYLA P. BAYONETA bhiejay o. bayoneta
Cartoonists timely move by the secretary to ensure that Recent studies by Jackson and Eddy by the pandemic will be fully filled. It is just
Associate
learners recover from learning losses as soon (2019) and Chen et al. (2021) confirm that temporary, and it is for our greater good. We
as possible. With this, learners will have the taking part in extracurricular activities can must regain the huge learning losses for us to
ample and undisrupted attention and focus boost students’ engagement in school be situated where we should be.
of the teacher. and lower the risk of academic struggles Our education was halted by
ezer care d. peralta However, in the aforementioned or dropping out. However, scheduling circumstances, but we should not falter
Adviser
ceejay palomillo directive, the extra-curricular activities were these activities on weekends might deprive in achieving success. The Department of
nicole valdez taken out of the picture. The conduct of learners of much-needed rest, leisure, and Education really thought about our future.
mike nathaniel b. espeja
Contributors
extracurricular activities is strictly prohibited. quality time with family. Weekends play The “No Disruption of Classes” policy, is not
Sports The holding of contests in schools to a vital role in fostering overall well-being, too hard for us; it ensures that we attain the
romulo c. ventura, jr.
Consultant
support such programs is to be conducted including social connections, spiritual learning standard.
only outside of school hours, such as on growth, and mental balance for students.
SOFIA ELLA E. ESPINOSA
trisha cloe s. guarino
weekends. Therefore, while recognizing the benefits
News
Feature