Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar: The Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) has successfully completed the construction of two units one-storey, five-classroom school building at Las Navas National High School, Las Navas, Northern Samar. This infrastructure project aligns with the agency’s commitment to provide safe, durable, and conducive learning environment that supports the education sector and contribute to the country’s development goals.

Ms. Renalyn Cesista Gutaba, a Master Teacher II from Las Navas National High School, expressed her appreciation for the project:”Thank you so much for granting us these classrooms, newly built classrooms, this is really a great help for our students and for us teachers. So this now addresses the lack of classroom problem in our school, given that our school has so many enrollees every year, so this is now a very big help to our school. We will be having now a 1 is to 35 class ratio for our students, and this is of course with ventilation, with lightings, proper lightings, and with hand-washing facility, so, in behalf of our school, we would like to say thank you to the Second District Engineering Office for granting us this newly-built classrooms, thank you so much.”

The school building project has a contract amount of P24,866,890.00 funded under General Appropriations Act of FY 2024 (GAA FY 2024). This building structure spans 7.0 meters x 45.00 meters, with an additional 2.5-meter-wide corridor, and features window grilles on both front and rear windows, reinforced concrete gutter and parapet wall, a handwashing area, and complete electrical and plumbing installations.

The completion of this project is part of DPWH’s sustained commitment to support the Department of Education (DepEd) in improving learning facilities, particularly schools in need of adequate infrastructure. More than a physical structure, this school building stands as a foundation for brighter futures – a testament to the power of education and a clear sign that the DPWH is not only building a structure but also building dreams for the youth of Las Navas.

(Jamaica I. Acebuche/PR)

ORMOC CITY (PIA) — Amid ongoing debates about the future of the country’s K–12 program, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara clarified that Senior High School (SHS) will be strengthened to meet the needs of Filipino learners.
Secretary Angara, who was in Ormoc City for the ongoing National Schools Press Conference, said reforms are already underway to improve the current system rather than dismantle it.

“The K-12 program is a law – we cannot do anything about it. What we need is to strengthen the curriculum so it becomes more relevant, efficient, and beneficial to learners,” Angara said.

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the DepEd is making improvements in SHS curriculum, focusing on aligning classroom instruction with real-world skills, ensuring that students are not only academically competent but also industry-ready.
DepEd Memorandum No. 12, Series of 2026, provides for the full implementation of the Strengthened SHS Curriculum in Grade 11 starting School Year 2026–2027 to improve employability and academic readiness.

Key changes include reducing core subjects to five, removing traditional strands in favor of flexible elective clusters such as STEM, Arts, Business, Technical, and increasing specialized training for Grade 11.

The strengthened SHS curriculum introduces key structural, instructional, and content reforms to foster mastery of foundational skills, enhance learner choice based on ability and aspirations, and improve workforce readiness.

These changes are designed to ensure that learners acquire relevant skills and competencies aligned with the demands of higher education, middle skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Work immersion will also remain a cornerstone of the program. Under the strengthened SHS, work immersion will be expanded and strengthened through partnerships with local industries.

“Our goal is to make sure that students leave school prepared, whether for college, employment, or entrepreneurship,” Angara said.

Through partnerships with various industries, learners are exposed to actual job environments with greater access to on-the-job training opportunities, giving them a glimpse of real workplace environments before they graduate and helping them develop technical skills, work ethics, and professionalism.

As reforms continue, DepEd underscores its commitment to making education more relevant, ensuring that what students learn in the classroom translates into meaningful opportunities beyond it.

(ACR, PIA Leyte)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), in partnership with the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), conducted a joint flight operation as part of Cope Thunder Philippines 26-1 on 08 April 2026 at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

The activity, which was also covered by selected media personnel, featured FA-50PH Fighting Eagle flying alongside F-22 Raptor, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and operational synergy between allied air forces.

The joint flight underscores the enduring partnership between the PAF and PACAF, contributing to enhanced interoperability and readiness through sustained training engagements.

It also reflects a shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with the PAF’s thrust of building a mission-oriented, capability-driven, and values-based organization.(PR)