Rex Education was recently recognized at the 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal and the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).
The Quezon Gawad Parangal is held annually in October as part of the local government’s celebration of the city’s founding. The 2023 awards ceremony recognized individuals and institutions who were exemplary in the fields of social work, environment and sanitation, law and justice, business and entrepreneurship, and science and technology.
Rex Education was among the 15 individuals and institutions recognized at this year’s iteration of the prestigious event. The 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal took place on October 25 at the PETA Theater Center.
The selection panel of Quezon City department heads, previous award winners, and respected professionals from various sectors conferred the award to REX for its prominent dedication to educating the masses through literature. The local government also cited REX’s pioneering work in the educational publishing industry, particularly through Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI).
RBSI’s contributions to education publishing include learning materials encompassing early childhood education, basic education, high school, tertiary, law, and post-collegiate materials. RBSI takes pride in its extensive network of 24 branches located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This only further affirms REX’s mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. To be the choice learning companion of Filipino learners and to be recognized by the communities REX serves, are a joy and honor.
Four of REX’s published works were also recently recognized at the 45th CMMA. The CMMA is an annual ceremony that pays tribute to individuals and organizations that produce values-filled content through print, broadcast, and social media. The CMMA pre-announced winners virtually on October 27.
REX and Catechetical Media Network (CMN-Asia, Inc.) bagged the Best Children’s Magazine with the publication “Backpack.” Meanwhile, REX and CMN-Asia’s “Crossroads” won in the Best Youth Magazine category.
“Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin (Marketing Our Local Products)” by Allan Alejo Jr., published by REX and CMN-Asia, was recognized as Best Editorial Cartoon. “Si Nelia, Si Marta, at Si Maria” by Felix C. Alcantara, published by REX and CMN-Asia, was acknowledged as Best Comic Story.
These citations further fuel REX’s drive and dedication to producing quality learning materials that can inspire spirituality and values among Filipino children. REX always endeavors to contribute to the development of the whole learner— one who is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented.
In light of these accolades, REX remains inspired to constantly improve and strive for excellence— para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan.
iQor Qares in the Philippines recently donated school bags and school supplies to elementary schools as part of an initiative to empower young students and create awareness about the importance of education. iQor Qares Philippines Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that supports iQor employees, their families, and their communities in need of financial assistance due to life-altering or catastrophic events.
Kevin Murphy, Vice President of Operations at iQor, shares smiles with the students of Monicayo Elementary School in Mabalacat, Pampanga, as they receive school bags and supplies from the iQor Qares Foundation.
The board of directors of iQor Qares Philippines Foundation and the steering committee worked together to gather donations from employees and enlisted the assistance of the senior leadership and human resources teams to pack the school bags. The administrative team delivered the school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, dictionaries, whiteboards, markers, modeling clay, rulers, and protractors, to the following schools:
• Angeles City, Pampanga – Cutcut Elementary School
• Mabalacat, Pampanga – Monicayo Elementary School
• Santa Rosa City, Laguna – Macabling Elementary School
• Dasmariñas City, Cavite – Paliparan 3 Relocation Site through the Kristong Hari Parish
“It was a wonderful experience having not only our senior leaders from the Philippines take part but also our chief operations officer and the other country leads from Trinidad, Colombia, and India all lend a hand to pack 500 school bags for distribution here,” said Kevin Murphy, vice president of operations. “Seeing the impact iQor Qares has had on so many really puts a smile on my face, and our team values what our organization is doing for employees and our community at the same time.”
Since early 2023, iQor Qares has provided financial assistance to iQor employees in the Philippines who have faced life-altering events and hardships. The organization also believes in giving back to the communities in which iQor operates, especially focusing on supporting public elementary school students and addressing the challenges many children face in accessing quality education.
“By rolling up their sleeves and actively engaging in the event, senior leadership exemplified the very essence of being an iQorian by setting a tangible and inspiring example for all employees. Their presence and participation sent a clear message that the company’s values are not just words on paper but deeply ingrained in our actions,” said James Down, senior director of
operations.
“The ‘Opening Doors to Education’ project reflects our commitment to making education accessible and inspiring students to prioritize their learning. By offering school supplies, the initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families who struggle to afford basic educational materials. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for students to build their confidence and self-esteem. We hope that this project will inspire more people to contribute and initiate similar projects, ultimately creating a positive impact on education in the regions where iQor operates,” said Fleurette Navarro, chief people officer at iQor and chairperson of iQor Qares Philippines Foundation.
iQor employees join iQor Qares Foundation’s “Opening Doors to Education” project school supplies drive in Pampanga, Laguna and Cavite
For more information or to donate, visit iQorQares.com. iQor Qares welcomes both one-time and recurring credit card donations from individuals worldwide. Additionally, iQor employees in the United States and the Philippines have the option to enroll in payroll donations. Every contribution is sincerely appreciated and plays a meaningful role in fulfilling the iQor Qares mission.
iQor is a value-driven global business process outsourcing organization committed to creating rewarding experiences and human connections. Employees enjoy flexible work-in-office and work-at-home positions. iQor has 17 contact centers in the Philippines archipelago spread across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit https://apply.iqor.com.
Are you looking for budget-friendly quality books and educational materials? Rex Education has got you covered! As part of its continued participation in the renowned Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), this year, REX treats book lovers, young and adult learners, parents, educators, and other professionals with free tickets, exclusive discounts, promotions, and fun and exciting activities.
The 44th MIBF will be held from September 14–17, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, which has become the fair’s home for many years. More than an event, MIBF is a platform for beneficial partnerships highlighting more than 200 local and international exhibitors, showcasing the largest and most comprehensive selection of books, educational resources, and engaging activities for everyone. It has been attended by more than 160,000 visitors consistently in the last 3 years—all gathered for one purpose—to celebrate books!
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, getting entrance tickets is now a breeze. All you need to do is register with Rex Education through this link: http://bookfair.winposunlimited.com and save the e-ticket to enter the venue. Also, make sure to put Rex Education as the invitation source when you register. Registration is open until September 8, so sign up early and claim limited freebies, including free college books.
Along with freebies, REX will also provide exclusive discounts on storybooks, activity books, and educational materials, including bestsellers in Basic Education, Higher Education, and Law. Prepare your shopping list now and visit the REX booth as early as possible to get your much-needed books.
Moreover, you can seal great deals with REX’s Bookay-Bookay, where you can avail of K–12 books for as low as PHP 50.00 and college books for PHP 100.00 or less. Take advantage of up to 50% discount on selected titles, and join the raffle to win additional prizes.
Yes, there’s more from REX! For extra fun and creative experiences, REX will also host a face painting activity to nurture the artistic expressions of your little explorers. A storytelling activity will also be featured to keep them entertained and engaged while learning. Lastly, what a great opportunity to capture memories through a roving photographer! So, celebrate books, visit the Rex Education booth, and satisfy your book cravings.
Championing lifelong learning at MIBF
MIBF is essential to Rex Education’s advocacy of championing education. It offers an excellent opportunity for REX to spread its mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning, inspiring every individual to advance oneself, uplifting others, and sustaining the environment for a better world. It has been a cherished tradition for REX to participate in the fair to provide access to more affordable, high-quality books and educational resources.
With the theme “Masterpieces of Human Civilization with UNESCO Highlights,” this year’s booth will be greatly inspired by and will feature 12 countries and their most significant contributions to human civilization, including artifacts and UNESCO tidbits. These countries are Iraq, India, Egypt, China, Mexico, Greece, Iran, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the USA, and the Philippines.
The MIBF, the Philippines’ largest and longest-running book fair, brings together local and international exhibitors, authors, and book lovers, celebrating books and collaborating and converging for the love of reading and learning.
For more updates on Rex Education’s MIBF offers and promos, follow REX’s Facebook page and Instagram page, or visit the MIBF official website at www.manilabookfair.com. Stay tuned, and see you at the fair!
Enrichme Tutorial Center, a leading provider of academic enrichment and tutoring services is pleased to announce the opening of its newest branch in Quezon City. The new branch is located at 172, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City (Enrichme Tutorial Center is located across Eastwood Police Station and Eastwood Fire Station).
The opening of the new branch is part of Enrichme’s commitment to providing quality academic enrichment and tutoring services to students in Quezon City and the surrounding areas.
ENRICHME TUTORIAL CENTER NOW OPEN IN QUEZON CITY. Sharabethrey Caballero together with the media and bloggers who attended the blessing and formal opening of Enrichme Tutorial Center in Quezon City.
The new branch will be staffed by experienced and qualified teachers as well as doctors (Doctor Czarina Yrastorza – OB Gyne Dr. Marizar Pelayo – Pediatrician And in-house DevPed) whose expertise are special education for children. All the staff and team members of Enrichme Tutorial Center are passionate about helping students learn and succeed. All teachers will use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and help them learn in a fun and challenging way.
“Enrichme Tutorial Center takes our inspiration in the positive feedback and trust bestowed upon us by students and parents. Our goal is to continue implementing the Power of Personalized Learning because we believe that the key to successful education lies in personalized learning. Our small class sizes and passionate educators ensure that each student receives individualized attention, enabling them to flourish academically and personally” said Sharabethrey Caballero, owner and teacher at Enrichme Tutorial Center.
In just a few months, EnrichMe Tutorial Center has emerged as a beacon of quality education, winning the hearts of its students and their families.
“We take pride in celebrating the successes of our students, whether it’s a newfound love for learning, improved grades, or a boost in confidence. These achievements motivate us to continue our mission of providing exceptional education” added Caballero.
The opening of the new branch is a great opportunity for students in Quezon City and the surrounding areas to get the academic support they need to succeed. If you are looking for an academic enrichment or tutoring center in Quezon City, Enrichme Tutorial Center is the perfect choice. Contact Enrichme today to learn more about their programs and services.
Discover the joy of learning, the power of personalized education, and the promise of a brighter future. With EnrichMe Tutorial Center, the possibilities are limitless. For enrollment, program details, and inquiries, please visit https://www.facebook.com/EnrichMeTutorialCenteror contact us at contact enrichmetutorialcenter@gmail.com.
During the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the education sector needed guidance on how students would continue learning despite limitations at home. Many digital learning management systems (LMS) were explored, searching for the best alternative to physical classrooms. Among them, Rex Education’s Schoology has grown in popularity and has become one of the most useful and impactful LMS.
Schoology is a cloud-based LMS that helps educators and academic institutions create engaging content, teach lessons, and evaluate students’ performance, bringing learning and assessment together in one platform.
This digital tool enables users to utilize new and existing content, making it easy to create instructional materials. It contains rich shared resources, including user-generated lessons, assignments, and exams. Furthermore, its assessment tools aid teachers in more efficiently annotating and grading student responses. It also includes data and analytic functions for tracking student progress and identifying learning gaps.
LMS oversight is more complex than it appears. Apart from the country’s challenges with Internet connectivity, some people may need more technical expertise to use this kind of system. However, this is manageable with Schoology because it is easy to navigate, user-friendly, and has a broader reach.
Moreover, Schoology is the only LMS with a built-in collaboration feature, connecting everyone to the same network to improve communication and sharing in the classroom, throughout the institution, and even globally. It makes linking apps, materials, and systems easier, allowing any institution’s system or requirements to run and be monitored more seamlessly. Additionally, using its mobile application, any student or teacher can access resources, classes, assignments, and discussions no matter where they are.
As witnessed, especially in the last three years, learning management systems are becoming increasingly crucial in helping teachers and learners manage, plan, deliver, and track the learning process. Therefore, selecting the best system, such as Schoology, is vital to meet everyone’s needs and assist schools, teachers, and learners in achieving their goals.
The country has reopened schools recently and returned to a face-to-face learning modality. Despite this, it is safe to conclude that some pandemic breakthroughs, such as online learning, are here to stay. After all, Schoology is not a replacement for physical classrooms but rather a tool to aid learning strategies, provide flexibility to accommodate more students and strengthen the educational system.
During the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Conference recently, at Novotel Manila, Quezon City, Rex Education bared its ‘Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon (BPE) Continuum’ for strengthening drug-abuse prevention.
UNODC’s Conference gathered organizations, policymakers, and prevention implementers for discussions on addressing drug-related problems in the country. Under the theme “Prevention Digest: Strengthening the prevention strategy and family-based initiatives in the Philippines”, UNODC encouraged individuals and groups to share drug-abuse prevention responses that are health-centered and based on family intervention. The agenda tackled the healthcare system, evidence-based programs, and Philippine experiences in family-centered interventions.
During the 3rd day of the event, REX was among the government and non-government organizations who shared their experiences with prevention programming, as well as the impact and influence of these initiatives.
Taking a whole school approach to reform initiatives
BPE officially launched during the January 2021 Annual Educators’ Congress, where 400 private and public schools expressed interest and intent in pilot implementing the framework.
In March 2021, pilot implementation for BPE began with 13 schools completing one implementation cycle. These schools were Marantha Christian Academy, St. Edward School, Canossa Academy Calamba, Ednas School, Cherished Moments School, Colegio de Santa Rita de San Carlos, Inc., Cabulay High School, San Andres Elementary School, Divisoria High School, Rosario National High School, Sagana National High School, Patul National High School, and Sinili Integrated School.
REX gave life to the portmanteau ‘Edukampyon’, a combination of the words edukasyon (education) and kampyon (champion) to mean champions of education. The BPE program is grounded in the Edukampyon advocacy: To engage duty-bearers and build their capacities for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling the right to quality education.
Pursuant to BEDP 2030, REX advocates a whole school approach that entails the collaboration of all members in a school community. The whole school approach recognizes that the informal curriculum is just as valuable as the formal one, highlighting the importance of providing learners with inclusive and safe environments beyond the classroom. This framework is meant to advance agendas on global education and reform initiatives such as health awareness, eradication of violence, and drug-abuse prevention.
The whole school approach also comes into play in promoting the six facets of the Filipino whole learner. REX has identified various indicators that should ensure a Filipino learner is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented. Across these indicators, there is a common theme that encourages school culture and leadership to promote learners’ physical and mental health, implement policies relevant to civic participation, and equip students with the essential competencies for lifelong learning. Families and communities are recognized as a major part of this advocacy, as the success of a child’s education largely relies on the effective collaboration of stakeholders advocating every learner’s well-being.
Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon in support of UNODC standards
Based on the standards of UNODC, drug-abuse prevention is a significant motivator for children, young adults, and adults to contribute positively in their families, schools, workplace, and communities. Drug-abuse prevention at the school level focuses on the health and safety of children and youth, in a bid to encourage self-actualization that can lead to the realization of their full potential, prompting them to become productive members of society.
UNODC has found that developing a student’s personal and social skills can prevent drug use and alcohol abuse. For children aged 10 and below, programs centered on improving resistance skills and self-control have been shown to reduce general problem behaviors in and out of the classroom. Several other factors can also influence discouragement of substance abuse, such as students’ academic performance, commitment to school, and social opportunities.
To achieve these benchmarks, REX designed BPE as a three-tier implementation framework that will allow schools to conduct systematic assessments of their progress in the UNODC’s domains. BPE encourages schools to work with their stakeholders, students, parents, and community members in the planning and implementation of activities and interventions that are relevant to UNODC’s standards.
Attendees of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Conference pose for a photo at Novotel Manila, Quezon City recently, with the theme “Prevention Digest: Strengthening the prevention strategy and family-based initiatives in the Philippines”.
Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon as an exemplary school-community-family program for drug-abuse prevention
The BPE’s pilot implementation allowed learners to learn about drug-abuse prevention through the collaborative efforts of their teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders. In particular, parents reported feeling more engaged and knowledgeable of their children’s school activities and priorities after participating in the BPE process.
The participating schools showed significant levels of involvement and support, having developed appreciation for the BPE framework. REX intends to leverage this support in fine-tuning effective BPE advocacies, communications, and education initiatives for more schools across the nation.
In doing so, REX was able to complement UNODC’s standards on drug-use prevention. Placing value in partnership, emphasizing the importance of effective parenting, and delivering evidence-based prevention strategies proved to be the pillars that drove the success of BPE’s initial launch. REX is committed to pushing BPE at a wider scale, in a bid to ensure children and youth become invulnerable and more resilient to drug use.
Rex Education, in partnership with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS), and the Philippine Historical Association (PHA), formally introduced the fellows of its “Saliksik Kasaysayan: A Fellowship Program to Develop a Compendium of Philippine History” program last February 17, 2023.
“Saliksik Kasaysayan” is a 10-month program that aims to take stock of and secure articles, materials, and references on different periods in Philippine history. The main proponents of the program are selected fellows knowledgeable in the different time periods of Philippine history, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of each learning resource.
The program was launched last September 2022, where REX and its partner organizations reaffirmed the importance of curating materials that would be reliable references for generations of academics and students. “This fellowship program brings together the academe, civil society, and private sector toward the common goal of serving Filipino learners,” REX Chief Executive Officer Don Timothy Buhain said during the event. “REX believes that an important next step in enabling our learners, teachers, and communities entails looking back at where we all came from.”
The 11 academics were awarded a generous grant to work on period or subject areas in Philippine history ranging from the pre-colonial period to the Fifth Republic and with special volumes on Muslim Mindanao and Indigenous Peoples Community.
During the program launch, Excelsa Tongson, DSD, Chairperson of the PSSC, delivered the opening remarks, followed by a message from Don Timothy Buhain, CEO of Rex Education. Lourdes M. Portus, PhD, Executive Director of the PSSC, introduced the fellowship program, and Ma. Luisa Camagay, PhD, President of the PHA, had the privilege of introducing the fellows.
Each fellow was given a chance to speak about the respective periods of their research. Michael L. Tan, PhD will be looking into the Pre-colonial period. Svetlana T. Camacho, PhD is set to investigate the Spanish rule period during the years of 1521 to 1872, while Grace Liza Y. Concepcion, PhD will study the Spanish rule during 1873 to 1898.
Ricardo T. Jose, PhD will cover the American rule and Japanese occupation period. Ferdinand C. Llanes, PhD will be studying the Martial Law era of 1972 to 1986. Jose Victor Z. Torres, PhD has committed to being the fellow for the Fifth Republic, encompassing the years of 1986 to present times. Meanwhile, Calbi A. Asain, PhD will be doing research on the Historiography of the Muslim Filipino.
Three fellows will also be tackling special volumes on the indigenous peoples communities in the three major island groups of the Philippines. Mary Jane B. Rodriguez, PhD will be covering Luzon, Alicia P. Magos, PhD will be studying Visayas, and Cecilia B. Tangian, PhD will be tackling Mindanao.
To end the program, Bernardita Churchill, PhD, President of the PNHS, delivered her closing remarks virtually from the United States.
History as a means of moving forward
As per DepEd Order 20, Philippine history was removed from the high school curriculum to pave the way for the K to 12 program. Instead, the topic was integrated into the Araling Panlipunan (AP) curriculum at the 5th and 6th grade levels. While the revised K-12 program has allotted discussions for Asian Studies and World History topics in Social Science classes, there is no dedicated subject for Philippine history for grades 7 to 10.
A 2019 pedagogy review conducted by the FEU Public Policy Center (FPPC) asserted that the goal of AP education should also be the development of students’ critical thinking skills apart from examination, interpretation, research, and communication skills, among others in DepEd’s goals. In their review, FPPC concluded that existing textbooks do not give a complete view of Philippine history.
There has been a consequent call to arms for academics, historians, and scholars to be better engaged in the production of materials regarding Philippine history, whether through co-authorship or fact checking. The end goal would be to ensure textbooks with historical accuracy and sound pedagogy, which is achievable through the effective use of primary sources.
REX, PSSC, PNHS, and PHA believe in the importance of Philippine history in making whole the learning experiences of every Filipino learner. Through “Saliksik Kasaysayan,” the program fellows embark on their journey of gathering and scrutinizing resources on Philippine history, with the ultimate goal of paving the way for Filipino learners who can understand and appreciate the nation’s past from credible materials and learn from it as they move forward.
Henry & Sons, the leading supplier of premium coffee products and services in the country, continues its mission to bring the local coffee industry to the international spotlight with their commitment to providing premium and quality education to aspiring baristas.
“With the rising demand for specialty coffee in the ever-growing coffee market, Henry & Sons is determined to provide aspiring baristas with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed,” said Michael Harris Conlin, Henry & Sons president and CEO.
Conlin said the company recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the National University Laguna to establish the Global Coffee School (GCS) in Calamba City.
GCS courses are recognized and offered in over 40 cities worldwide. The company provides comprehensive educational courses to equip aspiring baristas with the necessary skills and knowledge to create the best coffee products.
Courses include instruction on brewing methods and techniques, the science of coffee production, and different types of coffee drinks. Baristas will also be given hands-on experience with the most up-to-date coffee equipment, enabling them to develop their skills and gain the confidence needed to become top coffee professionals.
Conlin, a former Philippine National Barista Champion and semi-finalist in the World Barista Championship, said the collaboration aims to elevate Laguna Liberica to a global coffee brand and teach aspiring baristas in Laguna the skills they need to become sought-after in the coffee industry.
Last year, Conlin represented Laguna’s Liberica and Benguet’s Arabica at the Global Coffee Championship in Korea. Laguna’s Liberica won silver in the latte competition, while Benguet’s Arabica bagged bronze in the brewer competition.
According to experts, the Philippine coffee industry is expected to generate $6.3 billion this year or P345 billion.
Conlin, however, said 97% of the coffee in the country is imported.
“Our local coffee farmers do not benefit from the billions of revenue generated by the coffee industry. If this continues, Philippine-grown coffee is at risk of extinction. This is a loss not only for our economy but also for our culture and heritage,” he said.
Conlin noted that the program aims to help Mabato coffee farmers introduce their products to the international market and provide stability and sustainability for their livelihoods.
He also encouraged people to buy coffee sourced from local farmers to support them.
Recently, Henry & Sons’ opened two new branches of The Giving Café (TGC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and SM Marikina.
TGC is part of the company’s social enterprise program established to support the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence (FSCE) in its drive to make the Philippines a major player in the global coffee industry through sustainable local coffee farming.
The FSCE has been supporting farms in La Trinidad, Benguet, for some years now to help and provide farmers and their families with essential needs such as irrigation, medicines, and educational assistance.
DTI Laguna witnessed the Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between National University Laguna and Henry and Sons PHTrading and Manufacturing Company, Inc. for the establishment of the Global Coffee School (GCS) Philippine Operations in Calamba City, Laguna. Present during the event were the executives of NU Laguna, Mr. Michael Harris Lim of Henry & Sons, Laguna Vice Governor Karen Agapay, and representatives of Calamba City Congresswoman CHA Hernandez and Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal.
Opened in July 2017, Henry & Sons opened TGC to provide a haven for coffee lovers. The café serves comfort food, such as champorado, sopas, and arroz caldo, and Chinese dishes, including yang chow, Taiwanese fried chicken, and sweet and sour pork.
