“I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been chosen as one of the stories of purpose and triumphs that will be immortalized in this book of Ulysses Espartero / Yul Viriña Espartero that pay tribute to 100 Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Region.
I came to Dubai with just one goal and that is to be successful. Fifteen years later, my view of success seems to mean a lot more simpler than I have anticipated. This truly has humbled me and has caused me to further reflect. And perhaps mostly, I hope that my story demonstrates that hard work pays off and that dedication to one’s craft and a purpose driven life can bring you to a state that you can be proud of.
I am grateful for my family who have never ceases to love and support me. I am thankful for my friends who became my family abroad, and my colleagues both past and present that had shaped me to be who I am in my career today. I am just over the moon that all my hard work is being recognized. Thank you Yul for the opportunity and the recognition! Your work is a testament of how dedicated you are in honoring the unsung heroes overseas!
Nay and Amang, your bunso is now part of a Book! This is for both of you! ”
Source: Ed Viray’s Facebook page
See more of Mr. Ed Viray’s achievements
https://dubaiofw.com/pinoy-buying-merchandising-director/
https://www.everand.com/issue/504391238/TGFM-Issue-11-March-2021
Doctor of Education, Major in Industrial Education Management
Professor VI
Bulacan State University
Dr. Reynaldo Salamat is currently teaching at the College of Industrial Technology of Bulacan State University (Main Campus), Malolos City, Bulacan. He is the Founding Chairman and President of Lumina Art Group from 2015 to the present and at the same time, the Vice President of Paombong History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Council.
He hails from the town of Paombong, province of Bulacan where his town is known as the “Vinegar Capital of the Philippines” and is most popular for “Sukang Paombong”, with the vinegar extracted from the sap or juice of sasa (nipa fruit).
As a Paombongeño, Dr. Rey highlighted the trademark of his town in his artwork, the Sukang Paombong in “Tukil”.
Tukil is a bamboo tube-like container used by the farmers in fermenting the sasa juice to produce vinegar. “Tukil” by Dr. Rey, as one of his best paintings shows the ingenuity of Paombongeños.
“Tukil” of Paombong, is made from bamboo hard hollow stem. This simple traditional container is used to collect the sap of Nipa palm that may convert into vinegar which is used in sweets and desserts, but also in curries and sauces.
Tukil of Paombong Vinegar is well-known for its distinct manufacturing method and deep flavor. Originating in the Philippines, Paombong vinegar is a mainstay in Filipino cooking and is renowned for its acidic flavor. As a brand, Tukil probably denotes a high bar for authenticity and quality in the Paombong vinegar-making heritage.
In Paombong, vinegar is traditionally made by fermenting sasa (fruit of nipa), which produces an acidic vinegar with a hint of sweetness. It is a versatile component in Filipino recipes like adobo, sinigang, and kinilaw because of its unique flavor character.
In addition to its flavor, Tukil’s vinegar may be treasured for its cultural value, which connects it to the culinary legacy of the Philippines.
The only thing constant in life is change. But pushing for change means challenging the status quo. Because people prefer to stay within their comfort zones, this is where the biggest task lies.
I ran for governor of Bulacan during a time when only few women were in government. Men, especially the politicians, believed it was a job best fit for only them.
Winning meant immersing myself in the community, being available 7 days a week, building partnerships, and selling a dream. I started with the youth, then the women, until finally I won the respect of the men. To achieve that, it meant working twice as hard as my male counterparts.
By God’s grace, I became the first woman governor of Bulacan.
—
Josie Mendoza-dela Cruz
BSME 1979
First Female Governor of Bulacan
Served June 30, 1998- June 30, 2007
“Mga Bulakenyo, Kayo ba ay may interest sa organic farming? Dito sa ating lalawigan, Marami tayong mga farms ang gumagamit na ngayon ng mga natural na pamamaraan sa pagtatanim ng mga halaman at gulay. At pati na po rin sa pagpapalago ng mga palaisdaan at pagpapalaki ng mga livestock animals. Kaya’t sa isa sa ating pagdayo do’n po sa bayan ng Paombong ay makikilala natin si Mang Danny Dionisio. Isang dating OFW na ginamit ang kanyang kaalaman sa organic farming na syang naging daan po para maging isa sa mga accredited Learning Sites in Agriculture or LSA ng agricultural learning institute ang kanyang farm kaya’t atin pong pasyalan ang Mang Danny’s Organic and Natural Farm and experience the organic way of life.”
– Gov. Daniel R. Fernando
“Kaisa po ako sa adhikain ng ating pamahalaan para mapaunlad and sektor ng ating agrikultura at pangisdaan, magkaroon ng sapat, mura at ligtas na pagkain sa hapag-kainan ng bawat Pilipino.”
– Mang Danny
NMYL Presidents’ reunion picture: “Young legislators’ group NMYL celebrates 30th anniversary”, the Zoom-captured picture shows from left: Love Baronda, Cecilia Clare Reyes, DV Savellano, Josie dela Cruz, Kiko Pangilinan, Ed Chatto, Herbert Bautista, Enrique dela Cruz, Julian Coseteng, Del de Guzman, and Dorothy Delarmente.
LOVE BARONDA, current president of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL), was only a toddler when the group was formally formed thirty years ago.
“Who would have thought na two years old pa lang ako, nag-birthing pains pala kayo conceiving this organization. And because of all your hard work, we are the beneficiaries of your thirty years of labor. So, thank you, thank you po sa mga founders natin especially kay Senator Kiko,” she said.
Councilor Baronda of Iloilo City, NMYL president from 2020 to present, made this remark at the online reunion of all the 12 NMYL presidents earlier this week, as kick-off to the group’s year-long 30th anniversary celebration.
At the reunion, all NMYL presidents from the founding president Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, NMYL president from 1988 to 1992, all the way to current president Councilor Baronda took turns reminiscing: spending their own money, not being able to work on official business, and having to squat in the office of what is now TESDA.
The young once recalled with fondness how the organization grew from a group of 250 idealistic young legislators to a 2,000-strong organization.
Former Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman, NMYL president from 1998 to 2001, and former Alicia town (in Isabela) Mayor Cecilia Claire “Jeng” Reyes, NMYL president from 2008 to 2011, both said all the hard work of organizing bore fruit.
In De Guzman’s words: “Masaya rin ako na I was part of the first group or core group na nag-start mag-organize. ‘Yun nga lang, ‘yung mga experience natin bago natin na-organize ‘yung first congress, we really had to spend our own money, our own time kasi hindi tayo binibigyan ng official time noon, official business. So kapag wala tayo sa station, absent tayo, wala tayong allowance, wala tayong kahit ano. So ‘yun ‘yung mga sacrifices na ginawa natin just for this advocacy. Alam naman natin ‘yung advocacy natin: anti 3Gs, guns goons, and gold.”
For Reyes, institutionalizing NMYL was a major accomplishment. “Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Senator Kiko kasi nagkaroon po ng permanent office space ang NMYL sa Regalia Towers. ‘Yun po malaking pakinabang po sa NMYL, na-institutionalize ang NMYL,” she said.
CAMARADERIE IN SERVICE
Inspired by the overwhelming success of young blood in the first post-martial law democratic elections in 1988, young councilors from Metro Manila headed by then-councilor Pangilinan organized themselves into the Metro Manila Young Councilors’ League.
But as more young politicians from various parts of the country wanted to be part of the organization, the group eventually came to be known as National Movement of Young Legislators. Amidst all kinds of challenges and after consultations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the NMYL Founding Congress was held on April 14-17, 1991 at University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, NMYL president from 2001 to 2004, said NMYL opened the national political stage to him, learning from fellow young leaders.
“Ito ‘yung naging opening ko to a national organization as an elected leader, and then nagsunod-sunod na ‘yun, Vice Mayors League, Mayors League…Thank you so much for giving this opportunity to be part of the leadership and the organization that is NMYL. I learned so much from this. I got to meet people who are ideal and until now very ideal,” Bautista said.
Former Quezon City Councilor Julian Coseteng, NMYL president from 2004 to 2008, remembered having fun while learning: “I cannot speak of my experience as a politician without speaking of NYML. NMYL has made my career in politics a lot more fun, a lot more enjoyable, very, very packed with very, very memorable experiences. I will always remember the fellowship, all the learnings that I had which helped me improve as well as a politician.”
Bohol Congressman Edgardo Chatto, NMYL president from 1995 to 1998, said the movement is a major part of his political and personal growth. “NMYL is really part of [my] growth process, development. And I am so happy that the young generation now are involved. So tuloy-tuloy talaga tayong mag-i-influence doon sa participation ng ating young legislators,” he said.
Former Quezon City Councilor Dorothy “Doray” Delarmente, NMYL president from 2011 to 2013, shared: “All my closest and dearest friends right now, in and out of politics, ay na-meet ko sa NMYL…I said one of the best reasons of becoming a public servant is because of my experiences and the friendship that I built from NMYL.”
Baliuag Councilor Enrique “Buko” dela Cruz, interim NMYL president from 2018 to 2020, acknowledged the positive impact of the organization. “Napakalaking tulong po sa mga kabataan, sa mga batang mambabatas ang samahan na ito. I just hope that I can make myself worthy of being a part of this noble organization,” he said.
Expressions of thanks marked the virtual reunion meeting. Pangilinan said that even after his NMYL term, he continued to support “our baby” as a sort of homage to the youthful idealism that inspired NMYL’s founding.
“Kahit na wala na ako sa NMYL, [my Senate] office has been there for NMYL. In fact, many of the programs we put together, wala na ako sa NMYL. Pero ‘yung mga exchange programs, with China, the United States, and Australia, tuloy-tuloy nating sinusuportahan ‘yun. ‘Yung AIM (Asian Institute of Management) Programme for over a hundred sixty young political leaders… Syempre, bilang ama, mahal natin ang ating mga anak eh syempre parang NMYL is our baby. Tayong lahat, hindi lang ako. Tayong lahat na andoon ‘nung unang term,” Pangilinan said.
NMYL Alumni president Congressman DV Savellano of Ilocos Sur initiated the NMYL presidents’ reunion meeting, which lasted almost two hours.
Brimming with three decades worth of memories, the NMYL presidents all agreed to work together to celebrate the movement’s thirty years of idealistic, imaginative, and impassioned service to the country.
“Really, it’s beautiful to be able to retrace and remember and recall all those that we shared. And I continue to share the same love for the country, the same desire to really see the kind of political reforms that we have been fighting for,” said former Bulacan Governor Josie dela Cruz, NYML president from 1992 to 1995.
By Angie Quadra-Balibay, August 22, 2019
Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. (DYCI) from Bocaue, Bulacan won Gold at the World Robot Olympiad Friendship Invitational (WROFIT) 2019 held in Aarhus, Denmark.
Team DYCI NOVUS, a member of the Philippine Robotics National Team, won Gold in the Senior – Open (Creative) Category with the project SMART Governance or ALAB (Anti-Adversity Link for Aid and Benefit).
The ALAB is an efficient, innovative and organized way of providing aid in addressing natural and man-made calamities all over the world through smart governance Technology.
The winning Robotics Team include Naiah Mendoza, Jaren Perez, and Doneth Dela Rama, with head Coach Beryl Jhan Cruz and Assistant coach Anne Raz. DYCI President, Dr. Michael Yanga, accompanied the team.
The Philippine Robotics National Team delegation, composed of students from DYCI, San Beda College of Alabang, JJAL Learning Center in Olongapo, and De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ), competed among 150 teams from 33 countries which participated in the WROFIT 2019 held from August 1-4, 2019 in Aarhus University.
Mylene Abiva, President/ CEO of FELTA Multi-Media Inc. which led the Philippine delegation spoke about the value of the competition saying, “The complexity, technology has evolved. Even at the at an early age, the concepts of Artificial intelligence and machine learning with technology will be adapted in our everyday life.”
The Philippine Robotics National Team will next compete in the World Robot Olympiad Finals in Gyor, Hungary on November 8-10, 2019.
Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. of the Philippine Robotics National Team has won several medals in various international tournaments including a Gold in Turkey and Special Awards in Houston.
Source: Good News Pilipinas
The World Robot Olympiad Finals 2018 was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand with 63 countries or 486 teams participated and with over 26,000 teams participated in their respective country nationals. The most prestigious and largest Robotics competition in the world.The theme for 2018 is Food Matters.
Philippine Robotics NATIONAL Team had the largest delegation in 18 years ! World class performance as 17th place in Robot Soccer by CLARET School of Quezon City and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. won the SILVER Medal for Open/ Creative Category Elementary Level for their PROJECT FEED . As part of the cultural and heritage tour, the Philippine Robotics National Team visited Wat Sadouk temple and other places of interest in Chiang Mai.
World Robot Advisory Committee presented a Certificate of Appreciation to FELTA Multi Media Inc. and City of Lapu Lapu during the National Organizer VIP Dinner for the successful and momentous organization of the World Robot Olympiad Friendship Invitational 2018 in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines.
The Vice President of the Philippines , VP LENI ROBREDO, joined the Philippine Robotics National Team at Suvarnabhumi Airport from Bangkok to Manila via our official carrier Philippine Airlines.
FELTA Multi Media Inc. continues to bring out the BEST in every student! Robotics Excellence and World Class!
Source: FELTA
MANILA, Philippines — An “anti-botcha” robot invented by a team of Bulacan high school students got the nod of international judges and won a prize at the recently concluded For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Lego League (FLL) World Festival in Missouri.
The team from Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. (DYCI) won 3rd Best Presentation for introducing their robot MAGIS Version 2 (Meat’s Anti-Germs and Infection Solution) at the FLL tournament held in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States from April 25 to 28.
Team DYCI includes Team Captain Gladys Leigh Malana and members Tricia Carmela Santos, Ramikert del Prado, Michelle Arcanar, Kate dela Cruz, Lady Alein Goleng, Jules Martin Agsaoay, Jonathan Alejandro, Dave Adrian Bien, and Tim Jhalmar Fabillon.
The robot, made of stainless steel, aluminum and acrylic plastic, has color and temperature sensors that could detect unsafe meat.
Cuts the robot finds to have higher-than-normal temperature and unhealthy color would be tagged unsafe, according to the Department of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).
“We congratulate our Philippine Robotics team for again bringing honor in the bigger stage and we hope that this victory will inspire more young students to develop their skills in robotics and hopefully start
a trend in making it big in the FLL in the coming years,” she said.
The DYCI team’s participation in FLL was the first time a Philippine team participated in the robotics tilt.
More than 70 student teams from around the world took part in the competition, which challenged students to invent robots around the theme “Food Factor,” or technology that could help keep food safe for human consumption.
“I’m very proud. It’s the country’s first time to join the contest and we placed 3rd in Best Presentation. They did a good job. Not all first-timers win in an international competition,” said Beryl Jhan Cruz, one of the team’s coaches, said in a statement.
The team hopes the National Meat Inspection Service would adopt their technology for use in detecting “botcha,” (also called double dead), which is meat taken from the carcass of animals that died of diseases.
FLL handed out awards in 15 categories, among them the best teams in research, innovation, mechanical design, robot performance and presentation, where DYCI was declared one of three winners. The Philippine took home a trophy as their prize.
Overall FLL team winners are Falcons Japan (1st prize), Blue Gear Ticks of the US (2nd prize) and NXTremers from India (3rd place).
SEI Director Filma Brawner said Team DYCI’s win showed that Filipino students have the skills and talent to go head to head with students from other countries in robot design.
“With this victory, we will continue to support endeavours that will develop a pool of local robotics experts who will soon lead the country in providing solutions to problems related to science and technology,” Brawner said in a statement on Thursday.
FIRST is a US-based organization that aims to bring science, engineering and technology to students from around the world through competitions and mentoring. The group was founded in 1989 by American inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, who invented the automated transporter Segway.
Planning Head
Group Five Pipe Saudi
Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
A GRACIOUS and compassionate Bulakenyo, Andrew Nathaniel Santos is one of the first Filipinos who was presented the Outstanding Migrant Workers Award in 2014 by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. He is the first Outstanding Alumnus in the field of Information Technology (IT) of his alma mater La Consolacion University Philippines in Malolos City, Bulacan. He is the recipient of the Outstanding Community Leader in KSA by the Filipino Community Leaders and the Global Pinoy Idol given by ABS-CBN TFC-DZMM in Dubai.
The 55-year-old native of Guiguinto sits on the School Governing Board for 2-terms of International Philippine School in Al Khobar. He holds the rare privilege of holding highest positions in Filipino community organizations in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He served, among others, as President of OFW Congress – Eastern Province KSA, Dammam Black Gold Sapatilha Eagles Club, K Fitness Club and Desert Smashers Club. He was International Director of Association of Chiefs of Police in the Philippines, Inc., Middle Eastern Makabayan Chapter, Regional Overseas Vice Chairman of Anti Organized Crime and Corruption Intelligence Group and Chapter Pursuivant of Knights of Rizal – EPCC Chapter. He was Vice President of Harmonicans Choir.
At work, he was promoted from IT Manager to Planning Head of Group Five Pipe Saudi. With this promotion, he holds the record as the only Filipino manager in one of the leading manufacturing companies of large diameter spiral pipes in the Arab kingdom. While he has done great things as a community servant, he still seeks how he can extend his support especially to our fellow OFW in distress. He organized various community and environmental awareness programs which the host country appreciated much. He was leading in the organizing of the Kalayaan celebrations in the Eastern Region and during the visits of the Philippine Presidents, H.E. Rodrigo R. Duterte and H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in organizing the delegations of Community leaders to attend in the Meet and Greet in Riyadh, KSA.
He took his elementary education from San Agustin Institute of Technology in Valencia City where he graduated in 1980. He graduated as an Exemplary Student in 1986 from St. Anne’s Catholic High School in Hagonoy, Bulacan. He was an Outstanding Computer Science Student and recipient of Service Award when he graduated in 1991 for his bachelor’s degree from La Consolacion University Philippines, in Malolos City. He obtained his Master of Arts in Education from Adamson University in 1998 and Masteral Units in Master of Business Administration in La Consolacion University Philippines and Masters in Information Networks in Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
He was 20 years old when he had his first paying job. He recalls, “During my college days, I worked as data encoder in the university and so I was able to sustain my education and helped also my three brothers in completing their baccalaureate degrees.”
In 1991, he married Vilma Gonzalo Mendoza. Their marriage is blessed with six children. The eldest, 32-year-old Kristine Andrea, a graduate of BSFM at Far Eastern University, works as a call center supervisor. The second child, 29-year-old Katrina Ann, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Math major in Computer Science from Bulacan State University, is a credit analyst in BPI Main office in Makati. The third child, Karen Angelica is a graduating BSIM student at BSU. The other children are Engr. Karl Andrei, aged 25; Karisa Alyanna, aged 23, a 3rd Year Tourism Management Student in National University Baliwag; and, Kiana Amirah, aged 9.
Prior to his departure overseas, he was the Dean of the College of Computer Science and Engineering at La Consolacion University Philippines. He said, “I requested the University President, Sr. Carmel Ma. Catan, OSA to allow me to go to KSA for a two-year sabbatical leave so I can expose myself to the industry or in the business sectors and in my return, I will be developing a comprehensive curriculum in the college of Computer Science and Engineering. That was the plan that time.”
Fascinated. The first time he came to Dammam, he was impressed with the city’s development. “I was fascinated with the infrastructures and the way things are implemented. I feel that it is more peaceful and enjoyable to stay here. I still appreciate the host country allowing expatriates to work for a living, although there are new laws and regulations now, but still, it is favorable to work here. I find many Saudis as friendly, professionals and caring people.”
He said, “I took note of the increasing needs of my family. As a father of six children, it was very difficult for me to sustain their education. I was forced by the situation to stay as an OFW. Happily, I was blessed that I was able to bring my family with me here in KSA and we were together. But this is not the case of many.”
He has been abroad for the last 22 years. He further said, “After serving for three years from August 2002 to September 2005 as System Analyst in Gulf Agency Company in Dammam, I found myself, that it was then the needs of my family should be on top of my priorities. I decided to continue my service in the kingdom until today.”
Modern factory. The Group Five Pipe Saudi which operates under Abdel Hadi Al Qahtani and Brothers in Dammam is a modern factory that supplies Saudi Arabia and the neighboring Middle East markets with big-diameter, high-quality carbon steel pipes. These pipes are used in the sectors of oil and gas, water and construction.
Andrew was involved in creating and developing an in-house information system known as the Pipe Tracking System. It was a very significant project because it serves as the main application that tracks the status of the project and it will provide a real-time update and needed reports. “This was during the time that I was the IT Manager of the company. Being the Planning Head, I am responsible for the production planning and monitoring of various multi-billion projects in Saudi Aramco and SWCC in the KSA.”
Lessons learned. According to him, being an OFW is not forever. “It is a temporary journey in your life that you try to get out in your local community to look for a greener pasture outside the country. Value your money and time. Educate your family in the Philippines that the money that you earn is not easy. Encourage your relatives to be entrepreneurs so that the daily needs may be provided by the small business you put in. This will make them busy and productive rather than waiting for your remittances. Start investing for your health and future. Look for good investment programs that will allow your money to grow big.
He adds, “Always communicate with your family, relatives and friends. Nowadays, it is easy to keep in touch through social media. This is for you not to dislocate and be forgotten by the people whom you know. It will make you easy to reintegrate one day. Lack of communication makes relationships with your spouse or children difficult and it makes you alienated from them. Sometimes, it leads to broken and problematic family relationships. So be careful, always go back to your decision why you have to leave them.”
“As an OFW, look for partners of the same interest as yours, so when you come home, it will be easy to put up business. Do linkages and partnerships. Always plan and see to it that it is achievable. Your plan will make your journey in life more worthwhile and no regrets.”
Passion to serve. “When I arrived here in August 2002, after a month I was able to get involved in the Filipino Community. I was appointed to handle a sports tournament (Basketball League) among Filipinos here in Dammam and Al Khobar. My training and experience in the Philippines handling a regional meet paid off and I was able to share it to many of the OFWs.”
“I joined OFW Congress-EP and during the election that year. I was elected as the Secretary General and that started my life as a servant to the OFW. As president of this organization, I was able to concretize my passion to help, assist, educate and serve my fellow kababayan creating an environment of unity and collaborations about various organizations.”
“I have made many accomplishments in terms of helping my fellow distressed OFWs, especially during the pandemic. Truly as they said Bagong Bayani I feel useful to my country as we are the one who help to fuel our economy.”
He has been commended for his consistent passion to serve, share and love to people. “I am a type of a leader who does not need an appreciation or accolade. It is enough for me to make other people happy and succeed.”
“I wanted to take challenges and opportunities and never give up. Many events in life had passed. Many successes are being praised. For me, if I will do it again, I will make sure that it is in the next level. I feel I still have a lot of things to do. God made me as an instrument of his greatness and blessings. I will continue and I will never stop until the last moment of my life. I want to be remembered for having a happy and contended life, leaving a legacy that anyone would emulate and replicate.”
Source: Andrew Nathaniel Santos/ ABS-CBN TFC Global Pinoy Idol
What a mover Siayan Mayor Flora Villarosa is! With the support of EdGE, Mayor Villarosa invited all the Mayors and Local School Boards of Zamboanga del Norte to a regional meeting in Dipolog City to share best practices in education governance and and to cohort more education champions in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The local chief executives were presented with data on the status of education in their localities, which was followed by a discussion on possible causes for the poor performance of students. A “shock and awe” approach was needed to make the LCEs and LSBs realize that improving the quality of education is a shared responsibility. As leaders in the community, they have a huge role in setting education priorities. But their leadership and support are also necessary so that the entire community can be mobilized to work for solutions to problems impeding the growth of education.
When asked to prioritize their concerns, poverty alleviation was their most frequent response. Education did not seem to figure out among their LGUs’ top priorities. To this, Ma’am Nene Guevara, Synergeia CEO, shared the result of studies that showed poverty has become intergenerational because children from poor families are unable to study or complete elementary or high school. Giving children access to education gives them and their families opportunities for a better life. This was an eye-opener for the Mayors and LSB members.
The regional meeting also gave the Mayors the opportunity to listen to and be inspired by Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian and his successful 360 Degree Education Program of Valenzuela City. Mayor Rex presented the components and results of the Valenzuela program, a flagship education initiative which EdGE supports. Mayor Rex was a perfect example to the Mayors of a local chief executive who takes the driver’s seat in education in partnership with DepEd and other community stakeholders.
They were also fortunate to listen to Former Governor Josie dela Cruz, currently Synergeia mentor, sharing the education story of Bulacan back when she was still its governor. Bulacan’s education program, among the pioneers under the Synergeia wing, was also a success story.
At the end of the day, the Mayors gave their full commitment to prioritize education and undertake follow-up activities like conducting their own education summits to identify education gaps and proposed solutions, and re-inventing and expanding their Local School Boards. It was indeed a good day for education governance.
Source: Synergeia
