Republic of the Philippines

Philippine National School for the Blind

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

MARIKINA CITY — 28 students of the Philippine National School for the Blind brought home 33 medals consisting of 18 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze at the VISTA games held in Marikina Sports Complex. VISTA or the Visually Impaired Sports Training and Advocacy games feature different sports events like swimming (Free Style, Back Stroke, and Breast Stroke), Running, Long Jump, Shotput, Chess, Goalball, and the Showdown. This is one of the biggest sporting events for visually impaired children ages 5 to 25 years old which aim to help these children develop a healthy lifestyle while providing development opportunities that create positive change. Games are categorized into two age groups. Ages 5 to 12 and ages 13 to 25. Furthermore, when necessary, players are categorized into Blind (non-seeing) and Low Vision (partially seeing) like in the game of Chess. VISTA games is an annual event organized by the Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC), a non-stock, non-profit organization that envisions a fulfilling future for visually impaired children—with equal opportunity and access to all activities in life including sports. This event is jointed by about 400 visually impaired all over the Philippines.

PNSB Athletes reaped medals at the NCR Palaro MARIKINA CITY — PNSB athletes delivered impressive performances and reap 20 medals in the recently concluded NCR Palaro Para Games held in Marikina Sports Complex, Marikina City from February 18 to 22. PNSB athletes bagged 14 golds, 5 silver, and 1 bronze for PNSB and Pasay City at NCR Palaro Meet contending to 17 cities all over the Metro. PNSB athletes competed in three athletic events. The 100-Meter Run, Standing Long Jump, and Shotput. There is also a competition for Chess, and a team event, the Goal Ball. Visually impaired athletes were categorized into three visua acuities, B1, B2, and B3. Boys and girls. category. The male athletes reap the following medals. John Roland Villareal, a B1 player won 2 golds. One in the 100-Meter Run and another in Standing Long Jump.  While B2 player, Marco Lucero finishes off his 3 three events with three golds. Jerick Narciso, B3 player bagged gold medals in Standing Long Jump and Shotput and a silver medal in 100-Meter Run. Meanwhile, in the girl’s athletic events, Maricon Bables, B1, secured 2 gold medals and a silver for 100-meter run, shotput, and standing long jump respectively. Meralyn Simacon, B2 wins 2 silvers in standing long jump and in shotput. While B3 athlete, Almera Escuadra gains two golds in the 3 events; the 100-meter run and standing long jump. Moreover, PNSB bagged four more gold medals. Three golds in Chess and another gold for its team event, the Goal ball. Overall, PNSB 10 athletes and four coaches championed the NCR Palaro Para Games for the visually impaired category. Some of these athletes will join the rest of the NCR Palaro’s gold medalists in representing the 13-time Palarong Pambansa champions in this year’s annual meet, in Davao City slated on April 27 to May 4.

Botany Art Workshop for the Blind: A Different View of the Philippine National Herbarium As part of the National Arts Month Celebration and promotion of national heritage some 20 low vision and another 20 totally blind students of the Philippine National School for the Blind were invited to one of a kind art activity entitled “Botany Art Workshop for the Blind: A Different View of the Philippine National Herbarium” held at the National Museum of the Natural History on February 20-21, 2019. The event was sponsored by the National Museum of Natural History led by Asst. Director Dr. Maria Theresa Labrador and Division of Botany headed by Dr. Luisito Evangelista. The two-day art workshop was extremely exceptional learning opportunity for the visually impaired students. This resulted in increased cognitive and fine motor skill through several tactual art activities given during the two-day workshop. At the same time, the participants were given a special tour and were assisted by the staff of the Botany Division. This opportunity broadens their awareness of the diverse ecosystem, history, and arts.

PNSB holds “Happy Walk”: an orientation and mobility for visual impaired students towards safe movement in home, school and community Participants of Happy Walk before proceeding to Luneta Park. On February 18, 2019, around 7:35 in the morning, all the 41 elementary students, 12 teachers and 15 parents/guardians gathered for the final instructions and orientations at the school covered court for the activity entitled Happy Walk: Orientation and Mobility for Visual Impaired Students towards Safe Movement in Home, School and Community” which was sponsored by The Philippine School in Italy. The objective of this event was to provide the students of the Philippine National School for the Blind the learning opportunity which can broaden their awareness of the environment, resulting in increased motivation, safety, and independence. At exactly 8 o’clock in the morning, participants left the school premises for the first itinerary, riding public transportation via a Multicab going to the LRT Edsa Station.  After 5-10 minutes, the students safely arrived at the train station.   Students posed for a picture together with Happy Walk sponsor, Mr. Harmel Tatel III of Philippine School in Italy. The teachers assisted the students in using the elevator and in purchasing the train tickets. The students were given accommodation in priority lanes and were given the benefits of 20% discounts on their transportation fares. Many students experienced to buy LRT ticket and experienced to ride the train for the first time. While waiting for the train to arrive, the students were given seats at the special boarding area. Then they were assisted by the teachers, parents and security guard in getting in safely inside the train within the designated area for the senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Some senior citizens offered their seats to the visually impaired students, other passengers had some conversations with the students while traveling going to UN station. After 6 stations, the Happy Walk participants arrived safely at the UN Station. Immediately, everybody walked excitedly going to the Luneta Park. The totally blind participants were guided by the teachers, parents and their sighted classmates to walked together safely going to the pedestrian lane. Many of the student participants set foot in Luneta Park the first time. They enjoyed exploring different attractions in the park. The first site students visited was the relief map of the Philippines. They were given the opportunity to visualize the entire Philippine Archipelago. After the tour in the relief map, the participants proceeded to the Rizal Children’s Playground. Here, all the students, even the parents, and the teachers enjoyed the swings and slides. Some climbed and played at the Jurassic creatures cast in cement. The snacks were served around 10 o’clock in the morning. And while the participants were enjoying eating under the shade of tall trees in the playground, the event sponsor Mr. Harmel Tatel of the Philippine School in Italy arrived to meet the students, parents, and teachers of the Philippine National School for the Blind. As much as he wanted to spend more time interacting with the participants Mr. Tatel has only limited time due to his busy schedules. The students led by music teacher Ms. Garrol offered their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tatel by singing the Thank You Song. As they continued the tour, the participants enjoyed many historical landmarks. While touring the park, the teachers were giving lessons about the historical landmarks such as different buildings around the Luneta Park namely the National Museum, the Gallery of Heroes, the stunning sculptures from renowned Filipino artists, the forty-foot tall statue of Lapu-Lapu, the monument of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and many important heritages of our country. All these provided the chance for the students to internalize the sacrifices, and the legacy they left for the country and to the Filipinos. The participants not only enjoyed the different historical heritage, they likewise enjoyed the nature; the shade of tall trees, the dancing fountains, the landscaping particularly the Japanese garden located inside the Luneta Park. The teachers stressed out to students that as a Filipino they should preserve and protect the Luneta Park for the next generation. Before 12 o’clock noon, the participants walked together going to Kalaw street for their lunch at Chowking restaurant. The students enjoyed the special 20% discount for their meals. After they have taken their lunch, the participants commuted via jeepney going back to school. Around 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the participants arrived safely in school with smiled on their faces. With this activity, the students of the Philippine National School for the Blind had applied the concepts and skills they have learned inside the school particularly in transportation skills; such as using the elevator, riding different modes of public transportation such as Multicab, Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Jeepney. In addition, the students developed tactual discrimination and fine motor development by exploring the environment. They also enjoyed the privileges and benefits given to persons with disabilities. Lastly, this learning opportunity broadened their awareness of their rights, the community and the environment resulting in increased motivation, safety and independence.

Selected PNSB students join the Camp Pag-Ibig fun day Selected PNSB students joined the annual Camp Pag-Ibig day camp on February 17 at the Balara Development Community Park, Balara Filter’s Compound, Quezon City. Each year, learners of PNSB eagerly awaits and participates the PAG-IBIG Camp. This year marks the 43rd year of Camp Pag-Ibig since it started in 1976. With the Theme: “Pantay-Pantay na Pagkakataon Para Sa Lahat”, the event organizers ensure that there are activities for everyone to enjoy; parents, teachers, and differently abled students alike. There was a forum for parents, training on first aid and disaster management for Campers and Teachers. Meanwhile, the children participated in activities such as storytelling, arts, and crafts, swimming, games, and sports. Camp Pag-Ibig was initiated by the PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION FOR THE RETARDED (PAR) Inc. in 1976 and has been conducted since as the highlight of the celebration of the National Retarded Children’s Week (Feb 14-20 Per Presidential Proclamation No. 1385). Originally intended to serve children and youth with mental retardation, it has expanded to include all children with special needs in response to parents’ representations. Camp PAG-IBIG is designed to provide opportunities to enhance their socialization skills paving the way for full integration and participation.

In line with the government’s efforts to create more disaster resilient communities, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced that it would be conducting its 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED 2018) on February 15, 2018. The campaign aimed to educate Filipinos about how they should prepare for earthquakes and other hazards brought about by disasters. According to the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), the movement of the West Valley Fault that is expected to happen within our lifetime is estimated to cause a 7.2 magnitude quake in Metro Manila and neighboring cities and towns. On February 15, 2019, at exactly 2:00 P.M. a total of 153 individuals participated in the national simultaneous earthquake drill held at the Philippine National School for the Blind disaster evacuation ground. Everyone who was present at the school ground at the time of the drill concurred in the evacuation procedures. Including parents, guardians, visitors, and the entire PNSB workforce. To intensify the drill, the school’s Batang Emergency Response Team or BERT together with their advisers portrayed a series of well-staged disaster response and management scenes that are expected to happen when an earthquake strikes. After the drill, an evaluation was done by the School DRRM Coordinator.  Several suggestions were proposed by the students, teachers and DRRM committee to further boost everybody’s performance during an emergency evacuation procedure.   The drill aimed at ensuring that a safe and orderly evacuation will be executed when an earthquake occurs to prevent or reduce disaster-related casualties like injuries and lost lives.    Once again, SDRRM has successfully engaged every single one in a serious commitment to be vigilant and be on guard when an earthquake shakes the PNSB ground.

PNSB JS Prom, a night of glitz and glamour JS Prom, a night of glitz and glamour February 15, 6:00 pm The much-anticipated evening of every high school students, the Junior-Senior Prom had set the night in glitz and glamour as the grade 9 and grade 10 promenades stunned the crowd with elegance and masculinity. The processional marked the start of the program. Promenades paved the way from the entrance of the PNSB covered court gate and walked all the way to the front section of the court then proceed to the center carrying themselves with poise and grace. While the masters of the ceremony, Mr. Alemar Villanueva and Ms. Marian Rose Ferranco presented one-by-one each promenade in the entourage, gave a short description of his/her qualities and then gave an elaborate description of the kind of attire the promenade was wearing. This way a person who is blind or partially seeing will be able to picture in his mind the suit the person is wearing including its type, color, and style. Moreover, the moment has come as each pair of promenades executed their final round of walk in their splendid gowns and classy suits and ties as the judges took one last look at each promenade that possesses the confidence and the charm to be king and queen of the night. The ceremony continued with the lighting of the candles led by grade 9 student, Marco Lucero and followed by the invocation led by grade 10 student Homer Garcia. Furthermore, the time for the turnover of responsibilities and acceptance came. Grade 9 and grade 10 students declared their pledges as the seniors transferred the torch of learning, the key of responsibilities, and the book of knowledge to its successors the juniors who gladly accepted the challenge of the seniors.  After the poignant passing down of articles responsibilities of the seniors to the juniors, Sir Ian Carrion gave his opening remarks. It was followed by a song number rendered by the promenades most especially to their parents who steadfastly supported them all throughout their high school years.  The most thrilling moment of the prom has come roller coaster of emotions astounded every promenade as Jaime Ann Ladonga brought them the brilliant and well thought of Class Prophecy-foretelling every single future career possible for each senior dreamed to become 10 years from now. After the heart-warming prophecy had been foretold, the promenades gave their all to perform their cotillion where their utmost elegance and grace was put to the test. Finally, the ceremony ended with the encouraging message from our school principal, Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador who admonished the promenades and their parents to carry on in educating their child with visual impairment because jobs are being prepared for them as inclusive society is beginning to realize. A sumptuous buffet dinner was served and soon all tummies were contented and satisfied.  As the dusk of night approaches, the second part of the prom had just began. The moment of truth echoed thru the night. Who has reaped his and her hard work? Who has earned the most votes? The top-notch award was grabbed by Grade 10 students, Gabriel Benitez and Lyka Crebillo  were crowned the King and Queen of the Night while Jaime Ann Ladonga and Nomer Rogelio were declared the Dancing King and Queen. The chosen Trendsetter of the night, Kathleen Nicole Lira wowed the crowd with her dazzling  21st century look and finally, Ayessa de Fiesta who looked stunning on her violet gown was awarded Best in Dress as she obviously captivated the crowd with her elegant yet prim demeanor and appearance.  After a moment of thrilling excitement and awe, the promenades enjoyed dancing and prancing with friends ‘till midnight under the beat of music and the glitz of lights, Indeed, JS Promenade experience is the most splendid time in our high school life. it is a night marked with timeless memories where we wore our princess-like gowns or suits and ties like royalties we see in Korea novels. It is when we are at our best glitz and glamour ever. 

PNSB Grade 9 to 12 students celebrated Career Guidance Day The Career Guidance Day is celebrated annually for the Students of Junior and Senior High School to acquire information on discovering one’s strengths and developing awareness, the qualification standards for all types of career jobs, making informed decisions on a career choice, to develop awareness and appreciation of the available jobs/choices in the labor market and their needs, interests, aptitudes and inclinations. On the 11th day of January 2018, Thursday, spearheaded by the Guidance Counselor and supported by the School Head, together with the Social Welfare Officer, JHS and SHS Teachers, and Students from Grades 9-12, “PNSB Career Guidance Day 2018” was held at PNSB Conference Hall, from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM.  Invited guests came from different fields that were successful in their chosen careers. They shared and provided thoughtful insights on how to successfully land on a fulfilling career. Giving emphasis on the various work-related standards that a person must possess like good attitude, PWD rights awareness, experiences, expertise, as well as the pros and cons of each and every job was laid out in details for the students to weigh their future career paths Furthermore, students likewise gained insights on the available and the possible career opportunities that are suited for them. Speaker, Ms. Hannah Mae Aldeza who came from the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry as Email Support Consultant, and who happened to be a former student of PNSB shared her experiences on how she thrived on her current occupation. Additionally, she shared to them the possibility of experiencing discrimination and anything of the like is likely to occur in a workplace. Nonetheless, she gave tips on how to overcome such a situation. She said that preparedness, adaptability, and open-mindedness are some of the keys. She also discussed the skills and abilities needed in a certain job like hers. At the end of her talk, students raised questions to gather additional inputs from her. The next person to speak wsa Mrs. Leonora T. Sunit. She is the Vice-President of the Nationwide Organization of Visually Impaired Empowered Ladies. She presented the different opportunities and job trends for People with visual impairment and went on discussing on their respective rights. The third Speaker was Mr. Roberto Dohello from Public Employment Service Office (PESO-Pasay). He tackled the available job opportunities for People with visual impairment. More so, he highlighted his talk on the demands of jobs available both in local and in the international market. The last Speaker, Mr. Roden Zalameda, was the owner of Zlite Internet Café. Mr. Salameda is an Alumnus of this school. He discussed his expertise in managing his Internet Café Business and his experiences on how he strived to succeed in his field. He also discussed other opportunities for People with visual impairment and elaborated on its advantages and disadvantages. He greatly emphasized that good attitude plus hard work and effort is equated to success. In a nutshell, Mrs. Gemma Soriano, SPET III, challenged the students by reiterating each Speaker’s talk. She capitalized on the essentials of having positive thinking and outlook in life on job opportunities for them. She admonished each student to etched into their hearts all that they have heard and learned from this “Career Guidance day 2018” once they leave. To cap the day, a final word of wisdom was delivered by Mr. Rex Cautiverio, SPET 3, and SHS Department Head. He said, indeed, life is difficult, so be holistically ready and geared up for any challenges and obstacles that you may encounter in the near future.

Mr. and Miss PNSB crowned at Christmas celebration Employees of PNSB celebrates Christmas with the unusual twist and anticipation of the soon to be crowned Mister and Miss PNSB. For two years now, aside from the customary gathering, feasting, playing games, watching performances, raffles and other surprises, PNSB family look forward to its annual Mr. and Miss PNSB. The pageant is joined by the newly hired teaching and non-teaching personnel this school year. Contestants were judged on how they carried themselves in glamour and beauty with their gowns or formal outfits and sports attire. Then they likewise showcase their talents and their wits were put to the test as they delivered their most ingenious answers on the Question and Answer portion of the pageant. While PNSB teaching and non-teaching personnel enjoyed the time with its PNSB family; singing, dancing, fasting, playing games, and raffles surprises, thrill and excitement filled the crowd in anticipation of the crowning of the soon to be “queen and king” at the end of the day. The celebration culminated with the distribution of Purefoods Ham to each and every PNSB employee to bring home to share with their loved ones.