Philippines Country Report - Asia

2024

APRIL 2024

Transforming Lives for Lifelong Learning: DALUYAN 4.0 Empowers Educators with Living Values Education

The UNESCO-Asia-Pacific Network for International Education and Values Education (APNIEVE) Philippines recently hosted the much-anticipated DALUYAN 4.0: UKIT MATATAG AT MARANGAL event on April 13, 2024. This transformative gathering aimed to equip educators with the tools and strategies necessary to foster a values-based atmosphere in both educational settings and everyday life.

A standout feature of the event was the insightful presentation by Sir Brian U. Bantilan, a distinguished Focal Point in Living Values Education Philippines. Through the platform Zoom, Sir shared his expertise with nearly 188 eager participants, primarily composed of Values Educators. At the heart of his session was a profound discussion on "Living Values Strategies in Creating Values-Based Atmosphere."

During the session, Sir Brian Bantilan meticulously outlined various steps essential for Making Values Education a Practical Reality. He emphasized that these strategies weren't confined to the classroom but were equally pertinent to real-life situations, urging participants to integrate them into their daily interactions. His approach transcended the boundaries of traditional education, advocating for a holistic implementation of values-based principles across all sectors.

The impact of Sir Bantilan's presentation was profound, leaving participants awestruck by the depth of his insights and practical Living Values Education strategies. Attendees expressed gratitude for the invaluable knowledge gained, recognizing the potential for transformative change in both their professional and personal lives.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of key figures within APNIEVE-Philippines. Dr. Floyd G. Aquino, Regional Coordinator, and Dr. Maria Lourdes Quisumbing-Baybay, President of APNIEVE-Philippines, played pivotal roles in orchestrating the success of DALUYAN 4.0. Their dedication and commitment to advancing values education have laid the foundation for empowering educators and transforming lives.

As the echoes of DALUYAN 4.0 resonate within the education community, it serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of education. With a renewed focus on values-based learning, educators are poised to nurture the next generation of global citizens equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

MARCH 2024

LVE Distance Facilitator’s Training (DFT) Level 1 Completion Ceremony celebrates CPSC 4th Year ITEd Students

In a celebration of commitment to holistic education, the Living Values Education Distance Facilitator Training Level 1 Completion Ceremony took place in early March. The event, graced by esteemed personalities in the education sector, marked a significant milestone in the journey towards fostering values-based learning environments.

Attended by Mr. Roger Miles, the ALIVE ITC Director, alongside Mr. Brian Bantilan, the LVE Philippine Focal Point, and Ms. Elizabeth Diasnes, an esteemed LVE Facilitator, the ceremony radiated enthusiasm and dedication towards the principles of Living Values Education. Including Dr. Macario B. Oclarit, the College President of CPSC, and Dr. Nena B. Siaboc, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, whose presence underscored the institution's unwavering support for initiatives promoting holistic student development.

Professor Juvy Agbayani, also graced the occasion, sharing the Memorandum of Understanding. Alongside her were fourth-year teaching interns, eager to imbibe the teachings imparted during the completion ceremony into their burgeoning careers.

During the ceremony, it was the fourth-year teaching interns who received the certificates, marking the culmination of their 12-week training journey through comprehensive modules designed to instill essential values in educational practices. This acknowledgment highlighted the interns' dedication and commitment to embracing Living Values Education principles.

With the culmination of this milestone, participants embark on a journey empowered with the tools to instill essential values in their educational practices, fostering environments conducive to holistic growth and societal betterment.

As the ceremony concluded, participants departed with renewed vigor and a shared commitment to embody the principles of Living Values Education in their respective spheres, heralding a brighter future for generations to come.

We invite you to view the video on our Living Values Education YouTube channel here

Words by Cherry Mae M. Salvo
Photos by Ms.Elizabeth Diasnes and Cherry Mae Salvo

MARCH 2024

The Philippines Department of Education, Bataan division embraces LVE Values-based Atmosphere

On March 21, 2024, the Department of Education in Bataan formally requested a special discussion with Brian U. Bantilan as the Focal Point in Living Values Education Philippines. The purpose of this request was to organize a session to foster a Values-Based Atmosphere among educators, Grade 10 Teachers, and officials from the School Division Office Bataan.

The initiative was fully supported by the Education Program Supervisor in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Ma’am Jacquiline C. Tuazon. The primary objective of this session was to cultivate a nurturing environment conducive to both learning and teaching. It emphasized the importance of nurturing the hearts and educating the minds of learners and educators alike. This was envisioned as a positive learning space where individuals are loved, valued, respected, understood, and above all, safe.

During the talk, Mr. Bantilan centered his webinar session on values-based discipline. He highlighted the significance of fostering mutual respect between teachers and students. This entailed offering genuine and specific praise and actively listening to one another. The session concluded with a focus on postering positive mindset, particularly with the challenges posed by the younger generation.

Overall, the engagement with Mr. Bantilan provided valuable insights and strategies for creating a harmonious and positive learning environment that promotes both academic and holistic personal development.

2023

DECEMBER 2023

Webinars

In accordance with Republic Act Number 11476, entitled “An Acti Institutionalizing Good Manners and Right Conduct in Values Education within the K to 12 Curriculum”, as well as Presidential Proclamation No. 479,  which designates November as Filipino Values Month and promotes the implementation of the SAGIP Project, a Division Character Building and Values Restoration Project, the School Division Office of oriental Mindoro, in collaboration with the Association for Living Values Education, proudly announced the initiation of a webinar series on Living Values Education Philippines. These webinars will took place from November 25 to December 29, 2023, scheduled for every Saturday morning and afternoon.

The sessions were led by Mr. Brian U. Bantilan, the Focal Point in the Philippines, and Ms. Elizabeth A. Diasnes, an esteemed ITC Mentor, alongside various school heads, teachers, and members of the Parent-Teacher Association from both public and private schools within Oriental Mindoro.

The objective was to encourage educators, parents, and caregivers to view education as a means of imparting students with a comprehensive philosophy of life, thereby fostering their overall growth, development, and decision-making abilities, enabling them to integrate effectively into the community and the broader world with respect, confidence, and purpose. Furthermore, the webinars aimed to inspire individuals to identify and embrace their personal, social, and spiritual values, while also raising awareness of practical methods for cultivating and enhancing these values.

The event garnered significant attendance, with nearly 400 teaching and non-teaching personnel, as well as members of the Parent-Teacher Association from both public and private schools in attendance.

Lastly, the success of this initiative would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Dr. Oscar C. Linga, the Education Program Supervisor in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.

NOVEMBER 2023

Fostering Values at Home: The Crucial Role of Parents in Shaping Children's Behavior and Academic Success

The saying, "Values begin at home," encapsulates the profound impact parents have on shaping the behavior, attitudes, and overall development of their children. This sentiment was underscored in a symposium held in observing the National Values Month in the Philippines with the theme: MATATAG na Edukasyon, MATATAG na Karakter Moral: Kaakibat sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat.

Ma'am Elizabeth A. Diasnes, an ITC Mentor for ALIVE under the leadership of Mr. Brian U. Bantilan and Values Coordinator at Doroteo S. Mendoza Sr. Memorial National High School, alongside the supportive Principal III, Marcial M. Acha, Jr., spearheaded a symposium that delved into the essence of creating a values-based atmosphere at home, November 24,2023.

The symposium emphasized that parents are the architects of the moral compass that guides their children through life. What parents transmit through their words and actions reverberates beyond the school gates, significantly influencing the behavior of their children in various social settings. It was attended by an enthusiastic gathering of 1,200. A key point of discussion was the ripple effect of a values-based home environment on academic performance. When children feel secure and supported at home, they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of their academic journey. The symposium underscored that academic success is not solely a product of classroom teachings but is deeply intertwined with the emotional well-being of students.

As the echoes of the symposium resonate, it is evident that nurturing values at home is not just a responsibility; it is a gift that parents bestow upon their children, setting the stage for a future generation of compassionate, resilient, and academically successful individuals.

AUGUST 2023

LVE and Camiguin Polytechnic State College Empower Future Educators with Living Values Education

On August 28, 2023, a significant collaboration took place as the Living Values Education – Philippines and Camiguin Polytechnic State College-College of Education came together to facilitate the Living Values Education Distance Facilitators’ Training Orientation. This event was held as part of their internship program for education students and aimed at future educators with essential skills and a strong foundation in creating a Values-Based Atmosphere in the classroom. The joint venture between ALIVE represented by Brian U. Bantilan, the focal point for LVE, CPSC President, CPSC Vice-President, College of Education Dean, and Ms. Juvy Agbayani. holds the promise of becoming the International Training Center for Living Values Education Courses in their region, marking a significant milestone of partnership.

This orientation was a crucial step in this journey. The program provided students with the initial knowledge of what LVE and ALIVE are. Through a 12-week self-paced module representing the 12 universal values promoted by LVE, participants gained insights on, when, why, and what to answer and how to integrate these values into their teaching methodologies. The said Distance Facilitators Training will be given to 312 fourth year education students of the said state college.

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding

The partnership between ALIVE and Camiguin Polytechnic State College reached an important milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding via Zoom on September 28th, 2023. This momentous occasion solidified their commitment to working together to advance and prepare future educators in the field of education. The partnership is expected to bring transformative change to education, as it will equip future educators with the tools and knowledge they need to instill in their future students.

LVE Philippines strongly believes that the future of education in the Philippines looks brighter than ever, as it emphasizes not only academic excellence but also personal growth, character development, and ethical values.

Online Distance Train-the-Educator Courses

In July and August 2023, LVE Philippines hosted two Online Distance Train-the-Educator Courses for a total of 90 Values Teachers and members of the Dept of Education. The success of these first-ever LVE online group two-day workshops was expressed in the following sample evaluations received from participants:

LVE Philippines Hosts Second International DTTEC to Meet High Demand for Values-Based Atmosphere Training

In response to the overwhelming demand for training in Living Values Education, LVE Philippines once again took the initiative to host the second Distance Train-the-Educator Courses (DTTEC). This international event, held on August 5-6,2023, brought 30 Values Education Educators from various regions to equip the tools and knowledge necessary to foster a values-based educational environment. The Zoom webinar distinguished international speakers, including Roger Miles, Deputy President of ALIVE-Australia, Ngyuyen Thi Bich Ha, Board of Director in Vietnam, and Brian Bantilan, Focal Point to ALIVE/LVE Philippines. Their collective expertise and guidance enriched the educational landscape and reinforced the importance of a Values-Based Atmosphere in education in the Philippines.

Rising Demand for Values-Based Atmosphere Training

The high demand for training in Values-Based Atmosphere education reflects the growing recognition of the profound impact values-based education can have on student’s personal development and overall well-being when live and applied in the context of the classroom and even their homes and respective communities. This demand ha spurred LVE Philippines to organize the second DTTEC, addressing the need for educators to better nurture the hearts and educating the minds of their students through a values-driven approach.

Local Support for a Global Cause

The commitment to Living Values Education is not limited to international experts; it is a collective effort that spans across regions. Dr. Floyd Aquino, Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the Division of Zambales, Dr. Oscar C. Linga, EPS in the DepEd Division of Oriental Mindoro, and Madame Jaquiline Canlas Tuazon, EPS from DepEd Division of Bataan, have played instrumental roles in supporting and bringing their teachers in this significant two-day training.

The Impact of Second DTTEC

The impact of this training extends beyond the classroom. It helps both values educators and students become responsible, compassionate, and ethical individuals who are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

As the second International DTTEC came to a successful close, the ripple effect of this training is expected to reach countless students, educators, and communities across the Philippines. The dedication of LVE Philippine, international speakers, and local education leaders underscores the importance of Bringing a Valued-based Atmosphere in today’s world and fostering a brighter future for all.

JULY 2023

We have just had the most amazing experience with the first-ever online/Zoom meeting in the Philippines for the LVE Distance Train-the-Trainer. About 40 people attended, mostly drawn from the country's 23,000 Values school educators, several further such two-day events are booked for coming months.

LVE Philippines Host the First Online Distance Train-the Educator Course, Empowering Values-Based Atmosphere

On 18-19th July 2023, The Philippines witnessed a remarkable education event as LVE Philippines hosted the very first Online Distance Train-the Educator Courses, it was facilitated by eminent facilitators: Brian U. Bantilan, Focal Point, Roger Miles, Deputy President, and Nguyen Thi Bich Ha, Board of Director from Vietnam, bringing together 35 dedicated Values Teachers and members from the Department of Education. The event aimed to equip educators with the tools and knowledge required to integrate the Living Values Approach not only in educational institutions but also in their homes and daily lives. This two-day training represents various regions and institutions, including the Department of Education Division of Oriental Mindoro, Iligan, Zamboanga, Philippines Science School-CMC, CvisC, SRC Values Education Teachers, Education Program Supervisor-Bataan, Dean College of Education-Camiguin Polytechnic State College, and even values educators from Australia. Three graduated DFT Level 1 acted as members of the Technical Working Group (Elizabeth A. Diasnes, Gilian Lucenario, and Eunice B. Dabon).

This gathering was more than just a workshop; it was life life-changing experience. It focused on self-awareness and understanding the interconnected of values, emphasizing how living by these principles can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life. The participants learned that values are not just abstract concepts but living principles that can be incorporated into daily action, both in and out of the classroom. The impact of this event goes beyond education, it is about creating a more compassionate and ethical society. As educators continue to embrace and embody the Living Values Approach, the LVE Philippines moves one step closer to fostering a generation of individuals who are not only well-educated but also possess the virtues that can truly make the world a better place.

April - Introducing Brian

Brian U. Bantilan hails from the Pearl of the Orient, known today as The Philippines in the Northern part of Mindanao. He was a former teacher at the Department of Education. He was designated as the school Guidance Counselor to which he was also affiliated with Save the Children, an Australian Funded NGO as the focal person in charge of the cases in OSAEC or Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children. Furthermore, he served as a member of Child Protection in the said school.

He is now connected with Philippine Science High School - Central Mindanao Campus, a Science Premier School in Asia, as a Values Education Teacher and the Man behind the creation of the first-ever Values Policy Committee in the entire Philippine Science High School System in the country in which he is the Committee Coordinator.

A Public Service Values (PIES) Advocate of the Civil Service Commission in the country, thus he gives webinars, workshops and, seminars about Public Service Values, Values Education Training, Life Coaching and Human Resource Development in the different Public Schools of the Department of Education, State College and National Government Agencies in the country.

A visionary servant that will revolutionize the Living Values Education in the educational system in the Philippines, transforming every school into a Values-based Atmosphere.

Foreword: The Pearl of the Orient, Embraces the precious Peal of the Living Values Education

ALIVE Philippines was re-established last January 2023 after the confirmation of the application of Brian Bantian as the Country Representative and Associate. The exchange of words and vision between Brian and Roger Miles, the Deputy President, ignites the flame of desire to introduce LVE in the Educational System in the country. I am pleased to share the development of ALIVE Philippines through its LVE Program.

February 2023

Letter of Introduction and Invitation was sent to the different Regional Offices of the Department of Education in the Country. Several days weeks later, responses were received happily endorsing the DFT - LVE Training to their Values Education Teachers or ESP (Education sa Pagpapakatao).

DFT LVE Orientation: Department of Education, Oriental Mindoro: February 25, 2023

The first ever DFT LVE was given to the teachers, School Principals, Public Schools Education Supervisor, District Coordinator, and Public Schools Superintendent of the Department of Education, Oriental Mindoro. Around 150 participated and attended the said orientation. The Country Representative and DFT LVE Course Administrator, Brian Bantilan, facilitated the event and were graced by the presence of Roger Miles, Deputy President and Distance Course Director, and Indu Gupta, Board of Director for India.

Succeeding weekends were maximized by the other regional offices of the Department of Education attending the DFT LVE Orientation from March to April 2023, respectively with a total of 456 participants.

March 2023: Educational Covenant with NEAP

With a Vision of revolutionizing the educational system of the country through LVE programs under the mandate of Republic Act 11476, also known as the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education as core subjects in the K to 12 curriculum, Brian Bantilan the country representative to ALIVE attended the Department of Education 'National Educators' Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) that supervised the responsibility for the design, development, and delivery of professional development for teachers, school leaders, and other teaching-related personnel as one of the Training Service Provider and Partner of professional development programs and courses. After the said meeting, ALIVE was given a go signal to introduce LVE programs/training in the entire Values Education teachers in the country following the DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2020 also known as Guidelines for NEAP Recognition of Professional Development Programs and Courses for Teachers and School Leaders.

Memorandum of Understanding - ALIVE Phil & DepEd Calabarzon Region

ALIVE Phil and DepEd CALABARZON Region drafted the memorandum of understanding to introduce LVE programs to all the Values Education/ESP Teachers as part of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao Capacity Training to enhance the GMRC program of K to 12 Curriculum and promote Values-based Atmosphere in the classroom. The official signing of the documents will be announced at a later date. 

April 2023 & Beyond: Looking Beyond the Horizon

• 1st TTT's to the pioneer batch of ALVE DFT LVE Level 2 graduates.
• Summer In-house LVE Orientation & Training around the country.
• Application of ALAB Philippines (ALIVE) for Securities and Exchange Commission as Non-Profit Organization
• Crafting of Memorandum of Understanding between ALIVE Phil and Department of Social Welfare and Development (Children in conflict with Laws, Trauma Survivor, Child Rehabilitation, etc.)
• Crafting of Memorandum of Understanding between Save the Children Philippines and ALIVE Phil (Capacity Training of Save the Children focal persons and beneficiaries)
• Crafting of Memorandum of Understanding between the Brotherhood of Christian Businessman and Professionals (Values in the Business World)
• World Values Day Celebration:
  ~ International Values Based Atmosphere Forum (Hybrid)
  ~ Recognition and Awards to the Values Champion in different categories
  ~ Values Jam
  ~ Values Model School
• Creation of Values Education Training Center in the Philippines in cooperation with the Department of Education - NEAP making ALIVE DFT LVE a required and CPD short course to Values Education Teachers. 

ALIVE DFT LVE Summary: One, Two, Three and counting...

Number of Participants:
LVE Orientation 520
Application 350
Level One Participants 54

Philippines Values-Based Atmosphere at a Glance"¦

Participants of LVE Level One already applied what they learned so far in the module in their different schools. The result were all extravagant. 

2005 July

Living Values Education Program was introduced in the Philippines in 1999, with the Philippine Montessori Center first implementing the program. The first LVEP Educator Training was conducted in November of the same year.

A new phase of Living Values Education began in 2003, with the collaborative effort of the Coalition for Better Education (CBE), the Archdiocese of Cebu through its Superintendent for Catholic Schools, the Institute for Peace and Values Centered Leadership (IPVCL), the Federation of PTAs of Cebu Catholic Schools (FPTACCS) and Brahma Kumaris. The partnership among these institutions has given birth to ALIVE, Advocates for Living Values Education, Inc. ALIVE is officially registered with Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippines. Their work is currently primarily centered in Cebu City, Southern Philippines. With the active cooperation, zeal, enthusiasm and interest of these organizers, a strong foundation of LVEP in Cebu City is established.

The ALIVE team has given many LVEP Educator Trainings, which are listed below. One outgrow of training about 400 practice teachers (4th year college students) of Cebu Normal University was that they organized themselves to conduct follow-ups and generate updates. They elected their own officers and called themselves ACTIVE, the Association of Concerned Teachers in Values Education, Cebu.

A Review - Facts and Figures
LVEP Educator Trainings

Number of Sites Using Living Values Education
Total number of sites 17

LVEP Pilot Schools (4)

1. Cebu Normal University
2. University of San Carlos
3. University of Southern Philippines
4. Cebu Institute of Technology
   
   

Other Partner Schools

Private Schools (9)

• Bantayan Southern Institute
• Center for International Education
• Colegio del Sto. Nino
• College of Technological Sciences*
• Saint Alphonsus Catholic School
• St. Joseph Academy
• University of Cebu*
• University of San Jose Recoletos
• University of the Visayas
  
  

Public Schools (4)

• Abellana National School
• Awihao National High-Toledo City
• Cebu City National Science High School
• Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School
  
  

Academe Community Based Trainings

LVEP Parents Workshops

Living Values Education Activities

Project for Creating a Value-Based Atmosphere

Values Boulevard

Along Osme Boulevard, Cebu City

• Joint project with Cebu Normal University, University of Cebu and civic-minded souls.
  
  

Thrust for 2005

1. To provide regular re-tooling living values activities which will enhance the professional capabilities and role modeling of members and institution with major focus on the four pilot schools.
2. To create four Trainer Teams to handle LVEP orientation, LVEP Educator Training and parents workshops not only in Cebu but elsewhere.
3. To organize strong support committees which will sustain membership involvement. (Fellowship, Continuing Education, Ways and Means).
4. To generate resources to sustain the program.
5. To organize a special one-day LVEP Seminar directed to key decision makers of schools, universities and institutions (e.g., superintendents, principals, administrators, etc.) for the advancement of values education in accordance with the worldwide LVEP.
   
   

Impact

Sister Erlinda Hisug, the General Councilor of the Oblates of Notre Dame reported in May of 2003 that LVEP was provided to children, youth and adults, in Tawi-Tawi, in the southern Philippines including community leaders, both Muslims and Christians. The primary values were given emphasis. For one whole year, the leaders conducted sessions every week, following the six-step framework. The leaders were grateful with the result. After one year, they requested another session on LVEP so that the values that initially were shared would be interiorized. Better understanding and friendship between the Muslims and Christians in this small island has been the most rewarding result of LVEP.

In the midst of uncertainty and scarcity,
was abundance of courage
and determination?
In the midst of peacelessnes and chaos,
was abounding love,
respect and appreciation,
I am peace
I am love

He made me in
His own image and likeness

I am His child.
He is Light
who dispels the darkness
and calls, There's a Better World!
The individuals of the world can and should unite for a better world.
Self transformation begins the process of world transformation.


The Legacy
you leave is the one you Live