Solving the Philippine Education's Greatest Problems

By Deivid Rioferio, APR

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) final report titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms" emphasizes the need to invest in early childhood and primary education, improve learning outcomes by Grade 3 to build a foundation for future learning and skill development, and reform teacher workload and school staffing structures.

The goals of EDCOM 2 can be achieved through the combined efforts of local and international partners, where contributions, big or small, collectively drive reform.

From the Ionosphere to the Cosmos

With a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through DOST–Bohol, the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) will establish the Philippines’ first Radio JOVE–based radio astronomy observation station. The facility will enable the detection of radio emissions from the Sun and Jupiter, supporting studies on space weather and its impact on communications, navigation, and disaster preparedness. The project will be complemented by access to the SkyNet Robotic Telescope Network.

DOST underscores the project’s education and outreach component, with CVIF developing freely accessible Learning Activity Sheets, workshops, and telescope demonstrations under its Dynamic Learning Program.

The initiative builds on CVIF’s science education legacy, whose proponents are 2010 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Dr. Christopher C. Bernido and the late Dr. Maria Victoria Carpio-Bernido. The Research Center for Theoretical Physics, CVIF and the Philippine Space Agency conducted this month the 2nd Jagna Space Encounters, From the Ionosphere to the Cosmos held in Jagna, Bohol, with support from DOST Region VII and the Samahang Pisika ng Visayas at Mindanao.

Learn more about their other initiatives. Visit https://www.cvifbohol.com/.

Solving Social Issues Through Fashion

Years back, I shared this, when the coxco Lab Fashion School was just beginning to take shape.

The vision was clear: funded by Japan-based fashion brand coxco, the coxco Lab Fashion School in Quezon City, Metro Manila, was established as a vocational training school in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Its first offering was a fashion craft course rooted in sustainable fashion, with plans to expand into clothing design and pattern-making, as well as total beauty courses.

The Lab opened its doors to men and women aged 16 and above, offering free vocational training led by certified teachers. Beyond technical skills, the goal was always bigger, nurturing self-reliance and independence by integrating education on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), financial literacy, and reproductive health.

Student-made products were envisioned to be marketed primarily through the coxco group brand, with additional promotion and sales support from partner companies and crowdfunding initiatives, all in service of creating long-term education and employment opportunities.

Looking back today, I am genuinely happy and grateful to see that the organization is still continuing this advocacy. The seed of hope has endured as a living commitment to sustainability, to skills-building, and to empowering communities through education and dignified work.

Collaborate with NPO DEAR ME and coxco. Visit website https://npodearme.com/.