2012 Philippines Holidays

It has been a month since President Benigno Aquino proclaimed the holidays for 2012 through Presidential Proclamation No. 295. These dates are the nationally recognized regular and special days. There are also non-working and working holidays that are decided by the local officials  There will be days that are called a "sandwich" day because it is a day between two non-working days or a non-working day and a weekend. In these cases, the government usually move the day to either on the nearest Monday of that day have a longer weekend for family to enjoy and celebrate the famous people and events as reasons for the holidays. 

Looking back to 2011 - people, places, and events

In less than a week's time, 2012 will greet us hello but it is nice to look back to the months that have been yet another part of the history. There are famous people and events and not-so famous faces and to look back and reminisce in different walks of life - politics, entertainment, education, health, and others.

It was March 11, 2011 when the whole world witnessed how a tsunami hit and heavily devastated Japan. This incident also sent a warning to more than 50 neighboring countries to take full alert for possible tsunami. This event also proved that people from different parts of the world are ready to help even if they speak different languages. Even famous women  and famous native american celebrities  from Hollywood like Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, and others reached out and called the world to help Japan.

K12 Program in full swing in SY2012-2013

The Department of Education announced recently that the K12 program will be in full swing come school year 2012-2013. With this announcement, it is expected that there will be various reactions from different sectors   - parents, teachers, students, school officials, curriculum experts, and others. 

With this new program, it aims to deliver a better education system to the Filipino students. The question is, are we ready for this? Do we have enough teachers, competent teachers in this matter? Do we have enough classrooms, school facilities, and books? 

How about the curriculum? For sure, there are improvements since additional grades or levels will be included in the curriculum. For sure the competencies in HeKaSi still highlights former President Corazon Aquino as an icon of Philippine democracy during the EDSA revolution in 1986 as one of the famous people and events. But I wonder if it will include  other famous women in history  like Gabriela Silang, Josefa Llanes Escoda, Melchora Aquino, and others. Moreover, I think it is high time that the curriculum also includes  topics or competencies that would let the young learners be familiar with the Filipino national artists in different categories just like the people in the west talk about the famous native American celebrities  and famous volleyball players. 

I want to see what improvements will be integrated to English, Science, and Math competencies.