EETA: Transforming education for the 21st century

MANILA, Philippines - For today’s generation of Filipino learners to be dynamic future partners in national development, educators are once again being urged to lead a crucial advocacy – to transform and create significant positive impacts on the Philippine education system through cooperation, ingenuity and innovation.   

In partnership with REX Bookstore, Knowledge Channel, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. and the Department of Education (DepEd), Bayan Academy invites education institutions from all over the country to join the 4th Excellence in Educational Transformation Awards (EETA).  

The EETA recognizes the innovative efforts of schools in transforming themselves into institutions that promote learning effectiveness and school efficiency while being true to their vision, mission and values. The search is open to all public and private schools offering elementary and secondary education nationwide.

Partners in transformation

Apart from becoming a prestigious benchmark for excellence in education reform, EETA, in essence, goes beyond in recognizing the triumphs of institutions amid complexities in their pursuit of academic excellence.

“EETA is more than just a nationwide competition. It’s an inspirational narrative of a school’s accomplishments, a transformation that led to competent and sustainable excellence and innovation.  Their stories of success can greatly inspire others in the academic community to follow,” said Eduardo Morato Jr., president of Bayan Academy.  

Now in its fourth year, EETA is supported by Bayan Academy’s long-time partners REX Bookstore and Knowledge Channel Foundation, and by new collaborators, DepEd and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.

The partnership was formalized through signing of an agreement among Bayan Academy chairman Eduardo Morato Jr.; Susan Bautista-Afan, marketing/PR/PSG director of ABS CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.; Don Timothy Buhain, COO of REX Bookstore; Rina Lopez-Bautista, president, Knowledge Channel, and Mario Deriquito, DepEd undersecretary for partnerships and external linkages).

As a keen supporter of transformative education through quality textbooks and learning materials, Don Buhain said the EETA has taken the importance of a transformed education system into a higher level.

“It highlighted the message that while there may be obstacles, many schools have transcended the challenges. Through innovation, collaboration and passion, positive change is within reach. Hopefully, in the succeeding years we will inspire more people to join us in this mission,” Buhain said.

Lopez-Bautista said the group is immensely honored to be part of an advocacy that creates real difference and reforms.

“Being in partnership with Bayan Academy for four years, the journey has been interesting as it has been transformative. Past awardees thanked us for honoring their efforts, and how the award really upgraded their stature, how people look at them. They knew that the rigor that they went through to win the EETA was something they really felt strongly about. We look forward to an even bigger EETA this year,” she said.   

Deriquito, for his part, said, “EETA’s mission is aligned with what the DepEd wants to do, and is currently doing, as we continue to improve our educational system by giving importance on excellence by reinforcing best practices in schools.

He thanked Bayan Academy for considering the department’s recommendations by including categories on child safety, sensitivity and access. “As it is our prime goal to reach and engage even the hardest to reach learners, we are confident that the partnership will help bring reforms for the betterment of our schools and ultimately our learners,” Deriquito said.