Exhibit on K to 12 among highlights of Independence Day rites

MANILA, Philippines - An exhibit on the newly signed K to 12 law will be held at Rizal Park in Manila starting today as part of the Department of Education (DepEd)’s activities in celebration of Independence Day.

Luz de la Rosa, of the DepEd’s special programs and projects for Independence Day, said different divisions involved in the implementation of the K to 12 program will be available to answer queries.

This year’s Independence Day theme is “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran,” she added.

In a phone interview, De la Rosa said the DepEd will also accept applications for the open high school and distance education programs.

“We are encouraging out-of-school youth and adults who want to return to high school to avail of these programs,” she said. “The application is free.” 

Applicants should bring their birth certificate, two copies of 2x2 photo and latest Form 137 (Report Card), she added.

De la Rosa said Education Secretary Armin Luistro has advised teachers to instruct students on the significance and impact of the Philippines’ independence until June 30, which is the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

The topic may be discussed in the following subjects: Sibika, Kultura at Heograpiya (HEKASI) for elementary and Araling Panlipunan for high school students; as well as in Filipino, English, Values Education and Mapeh subjects, she added.

De la Rosa said DepEd officials will also attend simultaneous flag raising ceremonies on June 12. 

The flag raising ceremonies will be conducted in Rizal Park (Manila), Bonifacio Monument (Caloocan), Aguinaldo Shrine (Cavite), Barasoain Church (Malolos), Pinalabanan Church (San Juan City), Veteranos de la Revolucion (Manila North Cemetery), and Pamintuan House (Angeles City). 

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. will lead the 115th Independence Day celebrations at Barasoain Church in Malolos  tomorrow after Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario declined the invitation of the National Historical Commission.

Neth Jimenez, Barasoain Museum curator, said everything is ready for tomorrow’s celebrations. Hundreds of Bulakenyos, local elected officials and teachers from different schools are expected to participate in the rites.

Jimenez said as guest speaker, Ochoa is expected to highlight the importance of the One Bulacan Program Rapid Industrialization and Development (PRIDE).

Ochoa helped engineer One Bulacan PRIDE, a mechanism that will push development projects in the province.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado plans One Bulacan Pride to replicate the industrialization program implemented in Shenzhen in Southern China, one of the most successful economic zones in the world.  

Holiday pay

Employers were advised yesterday to grant holiday pay to workers reporting for work tomorrow.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said June 12 is a regular holiday and workers who render services on that day are entitled to get additional pay.            

“I urged all private sector employers to observe voluntary compliance with labor standards, particularly with the payment of correct salaries of employees who will report for work on Independence Day,” she said.           

Baldoz said under the law, workers not reporting for work on a regular holiday are entitled to receive 100 percent of their regular daily pay.            

Those working on regular holiday shall be paid 200 percent or double their regular daily pay, she added.

Baldoz said workers rendering services for more than eight hours shall be paid an additional 30 percent of hourly rate.         

Workers who are supposed to have their day off but were required to work on a regular holiday shall be paid 230 percent. – With Dino Balabo, Mayen Jaymalin, Pia Lee-Brago