PNSB celebrates 49th Foundation Day PNSB celebrates its 49th Year as the only institution mandated to promote the education of the blind in the Philippines. The 49th Foundation Day of PNSB marked the kick-off celebration of its semicentennial anniversary next year. This year’s celebration is a snapshot of what will be in store for the next year’s foundation day dubbed by Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador, Head of the Special School at her opening message. The entire morning was packed with festival of talents coming from various genres of music and dance performances from traditional dance to classic, to modern-day Hip-Hop music. The Ati-Atihan Dance was the highlight and the most anticipated performance of all; since it is one of the 50th Founding year gala highlights. Meanwhile, the PNSB Jammers’ original Hip-Hop rap composition made the young crowd go crazy. While, the classic dance from the 70s along with the breath-taking reunion of Rolling in the Deep of Adele by Mrs. Amelita Dela Rosa, GPTA President, made the young at hearts reminisced the old days. In the meantime, sports fest for adults and fun games for the children draw everyone in the spirit of camaraderie as school teaching, as well as, non-teaching personnel, the parents, and the alumni were grouped equally to play in the different sporting events. Additional surprises were the showing of the video of the school’s achievement and excellence over the past years. This speaks of this year’s Foundation Day’s theme, “PNSB Celebrating 49 Years of Progress Towards Excellence and Global Competitiveness”; as it hallmarks the school’s progress and achievements, in a nutshell, backed up by testimonies from one of the school’s 3-decade Special Education Teacher, Ms. Annielou Mendoza. Ms. Mendoza recounted her experiences then and now at PNSB. She said, “from the time I came here ‘til now, PNSB learners have not really changed; they were achievers then and they continue to excel even more today”. “Hindi nahuhuli ang mga bata natin sa kahit na anong larangan ng pagkatuto”, she concluded. On the other hand, Mr. Ronald Manguiat, a 10-year-long student, and is now a teacher of this institution iterated the numerous milestones of the school that he had not enjoyed during his time as a student like the luxury of having 5 embossers and computer laboratories, among others. Furthermore, Dr. Rosalie R. Condes, PSDS of Cluster 5, who has served PNSB for 19-long-years as a teacher, OIC, Principal, and PSDS, led the crowd to the historical establishment of PNSB as an independent institution solely catering for visually impaired learner by virtue of Republic Act 3562. She capped that On July 10, 1970, Philippine National School for Blind is no longer a component of the so-called Philippine School for the Deaf and Blind founded by Dr. Delight Rice in 1901. Dr. Condes further added that as combined institution, PNSB is now on its centennial celebration. The day was concluded with the awarding of certificate of appreciation to some of the school’s bona fide stakeholders in education such as Wok2Go, JCI Perlas International, ANGCOP, Couples for Christ, Pasay City Chapter.
PNSB celebrates the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week
The Philippine National School for the Blind annually joins the celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, NDPR Week as mandated in RA 7277 – An Act Providing for the rehabilitation, self-development, self-reliance of the disabled person, and their integration into the mainstream of society and for other purposes. This has been done through the conduct of gainful and meaningful activities, spearheaded by the teaching staff of the school who have visual impairment themselves. Mr. Ronald Manguiat, conducted a lecture/forum on the Rights and Privileges of Persons with Disability, on July 12, 2019, as a preliminary activity for NDPR Week, with students, staff and parents as participants. Moreover, students are encouraged to avail and enjoy their rights and privileges and assume embedded responsibilities as PWDs. The highlight of the event was on the 17th of July, where contests for pupils/students have been done simultaneously. Quiz Bee at the primary level in the form of the game while intermediate graders and Junior high school students are grouped into three. Questions were based on the lecture of Mr. Manguiat. On the other hand, selected senior High learners have joined the Essay Writing Competition, with this year’s Theme – “Lokal na Pamahalaan, Kabalikat sa Pagtupad ng Karapatan ng Taong may Kapnasanan.” The awarding of winners coincided in the 48th Foundation Day of the school, July 29. 2019. Team C. emerged as champion in the Quiz Bee.
Pacific Vision International donates 30 licenses of Fusion Software to PNSB
Pacific Vision International donates 30 licenses of Fusion Software to PNSB PH — Pacific Vision International donated 32 licenses of Fusion software. Fusion is assistive software that allows individuals with any level of visual impairment to access the computer. The software combines two of the most power-packed software used by both blind and low vision computer users. The ZoomText, a screen magnification program and the JAWS (Job Access with Speech), a screen reading program. The computer users who are blind operate computer using screen reading software which literally announces everything that is on the computer screen as well as keyboard input. While, computer users who are partially seeing, use screen magnification software that allows them to customize screen display like enlarge the screen display, including the mouse pointer and the cursor, set color and brightness enhancements, and even opt for voice assistance for greater ease. By blending these software together, you only need to install ones then you can choose to run either just the screen reader or the screen magnifier by themselves, or combine them as Fusion.
PNSB receives assistive device for reading printed text in a snap
PNSB receives assistive device for reading printed text in a snap TAGUIG CITY — PNSB is one of the recipient institutions who received OrCam MyEye device from Aboitiz Foundation and St. Joseph Foundation. The ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement signing and the turn-over of the device was held at the Aboitiz foundation headquarter in Bonifacio Global City Taguig. Eight teachers with visual impairment along with other teachers including Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador, School Principal, and Ms. Lyka Dionisio, school LRMDS Coordinator experienced first-hand the power of OrCam MyEye device. OrCam MyEye is a revolutionary wearable artificial vision device for people with reading challenges. It is a wireless and handy device that is about the size of a finger. This ingenious device can capture just about anything in a quick snappy tap of the device in real-time. It can instantly read aloud printed or digital texts on any surface, including signages on walls. It also has the ability to recognize pictures, person’s face (of up to 150 faces), and even interpret Philippine bills. Moreover, OrCam MyEye can describe the number of persons surrounding a blind person in a crowd; it can detect gestures like it will tell the time if you position your arm as if you are checking the time. The next day after the turn-over of the device, Aboitiz Foundation representative together with OrCam MyEye regional director for Southeast Asia, Jon Wolff, went to PNSB to present the benefits of device to selected PNSB students and let them experience first-hand the amazing usefulness of the device as a learning tool. Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the two foundations who graciously afforded such a technology. Saying “With this assisstive technology, we will now be able to give better education to our visually impaired learners; allowing them to overcome reading challenges they encounter on a day-to-day basis”. This endeavor was witnessed by LRMDS Education Program Supervisor, Dr. Normina B. Hadji Yunnos and Cluster 5 PSDS, Dr. Rosalie R. Condes. The 7 units of OrCam MyEye were lodged at the Learning Resource Center of the school.
PNSB Athletes bagged 27 medals at the PSC-PHILSPADA 7th National Para Games
PNSB Athletes bagged 27 medals at the PSC-PHILSPADA 7th National Para Games BULACAN — 15 PNSB athletes and 4 coaches jointed the national para games held in Bulacan Sports Complex from May 23 to June 1. The 15 athletes reaped 27 medals from different sports competition such as in athletics, chess, goalball and swimming. The athletes were able to secure 9 golds in chess and swimming events, silver in athletics and goalball, and 5 bronze medals in athletics and chess. The Goalball team were chosen to represent the Philippines in the forthcoming 10th ASEAN Para Games (APG) to be held in Clark, Pampanga on January 2020. This opportunity was made possible through the help and assistance of Pasay City Federation of Persons with Disabilities and the SEMCO II for sponsoring the delegates food, transportation and uniforms.
PNSB Stakeholders converge for Oplan Balik Eskwela
PNSB stakeholders converge for Oplan Balik Eskwela PASAY CITY — May 27, to ensure the smooth opening of classes for this school year, PNSB converged with its partner stakeholders as it formally launched today the “nationwide Oplan Balik Eskwela” (OBE). This endeavor aims to make the necessary school readiness drive for the forthcoming opening of classes on June 3. Moreover, it is a DedEd’s efforts to ensure that learners are properly enrolled and able to attend school on the first day of classes. Meanwhile, OBE will address problems, queries, and other concerns commonly encountered by the public at the start of the school year. OBE’s two-week preparation drive begins from May 27 to June 7. All throughout these weeks, installation of directional signages was put in place. These include directional signages for school dormitories, comfort rooms, wash area, classrooms, as well as health and safety signages. Another work accomplished to make welcome everyone is the posting of tarpaulin of different DepEd instituted policies like the “No Smoking Policy”, No Noon Break”, “Accepts All Policy”, Child Protection Policy” was put on display in conspicuous places. Classrooms, the heart of the schools were also prepared during the OBE. Pertinent information for the learners’ convenience was put on display such as the posting of “Welcome Back to School” signage in every classroom, also the posting of schedules, and learners’ names were posted on each classroom door. Furthermore, classrooms are equipped with sufficient chairs and books. Health kit and the provision of a reading corner were also put in place. Finally, OBE ensured that teachers are all-ready to foster learnings to their students. School Head, Madam Salvador, and PSDS Dr. Rosalie Condes ensured that all teachers have the necessary tools for teaching; lessons plans, learner’s materials, and curriculum guide must be at the teacher’s desk at all times.
Brigada Eskwela kick-off day
PNSBians welcome Brigada Eskwela with a lively drum on parade as PNSB workforce and volunteers marched along the neighboring streets surrounding the school escorted by the Pasay City Traffic Task Force. Furthermore, the parade drawn the crowd to the invitation to join Brigada Eskwela announced via megaphone as the Brigada banner inscribes this year’s theme “Matatag na Bayan Para sa Maunlad na Paaralan” After the parade, everyone gathered together at the PNSB covered court for a simple yet inspiring opening ceremony. Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador, Principal of PNSB inspired everyone to carry on with their tasks out of love and sacrifice first and foremost for the school’s special learners and for our nation and for God above all. She encapsulated her talk citing the various partners of the institution who have pledged to support the Brigada Eskwela’s undertakings. She wholeheartedly extended her gratitude to all the stakeholders who untiringly rendered their time and resources to ensure that PNSB is a safe and prized learning institution for children with visual impairment. The program concluded after Ms. Lebuna laid out the scope of work that was aimed to be completed for the entire Brigada Week and distributed the workloads accordingly by areas. On the first day of Brigada Eskwela, cleaning, repair, and maintenance were concentrated in four areas namely the newly established Junior High School building, the handwashing area, the Learning Resource Center (LRC), the Science and the Math Equipment (SME) room. The girls’ hand washing area which was temporarily closed last year due to the construction of a new building is being renovated today. This project would require roofing, painting, cementing of pathways, as well as installation of additional faucets. Another area of concern on the first day of Brigada Eskwela was the restructuring of the LRC. The LRC together with the transition classroom were furnished with vinyl tiles flooring sponsored by Infocom. As a result, the room was vacated sometime February to install the new floorings. The scope of work required for LRC involved restructuring, refurbishin and setting up a learners’ kiosk. The LRC coordinator was tasked to supervise the work until its completion. Furthermore, the Junior high school would also be occupying the newly constructed 2-story building comprising of 6 classrooms. The vacated building which housed the school conference hall at the ground floor and the Junior high school at the second floor will be constructed thru the local government fund to a 4-story structure that will soon become the new school dormitory and other service rooms next year. The work of transferring to new classrooms would require complete restructuring and refurbishing. PNSB is a recipient of 130 2-seater learner’s desk with a chair that was distributed to all high school classrooms. On the second day of Brigada Eskwela scope of work still focused on the repair and maintenance of the handwashing facilities and the comfort rooms. Repair includes the replacement of faucets, unclogging of drainages and dislodging of septic tanks. Furthermore, cleaning of the back area from the Kindergarten all the way to the new Junior High School building (10-meter length) is likewise set to be finished this day. The declogging and cleaning of the back part from the new junior high school building all the way to the kindergarten was completed thru the work force exerted by the GPTA, spearheaded by Mrs. Amelita Dela Rosa. The highlight of the day was the MOA signing between the Inner Wheel International and the parents of selected kindergarten transpired this day. Selected Kindergarten pupils will be the beneficiaries of monthly financial assistance sponsored by Inner Wheel International that will serve as their school transportation allowance. Work lined up on the fourth day of Brigada Eskwela consisted of repainting and restructuring of Kinder Non-graded room. This project was made possible thru the benevolent efforts of the TRYP by Wyndham MOA. On the other hand, the Church of God Ministries, Pasay Chapter sponsored the landscaping of the Facade of the new Junior High School building thru the provision of large concrete planter boxes enclosing the trees in front of the building. Plants and garden soil were also provided. Another work done this day was the laying of cemented path walks on the new JHS building. This provision will help facilitate accessible crossing to and from the Junior High School building and the TLE building. Another provision accomplished this day was the installation of window grills in the TLE building. The facilitation of grills will strengthen the anti-theft security system of the school. On the fifth day of Brigada Eskwela,, outdoor maintenance was near to completion. The focus of work this day was the restructuring of classrooms as well as the sorting of recyclable materials in the Material Recovery Facility(MRF). This activity was manned in cooperation with the Supreme Student Government (SSPG) together with the General Parent Teacher Association (GPTA). Additional school ground works like gardening, ornamental pot planting and trimming of tree branches was done today. More so, this day is the scheduled completion of fogging and misting, and water testing. The week-long Brigada Eskwela concluded with a modest celebration of a feast for the successful completion of all the tasks that were set to be done. Today, everybody went home tired yet feeling inspired and satisfied with all that has been completed. Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide National Schools Maintenance Week which is an initiative undertaking of the Department of Education (DepEd). It mobilizes stakeholders consisting of parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, non-government organizations, teachers, students, and individuals who volunteer their time and skills to do maintenance work, repairs, and clean-up of all public schools all over the country. PILAR234
PNSB learners reaped awards on Recognition Day
PNSB learners reap awards on Recognition Day Learners of PNSB from Kindergarten to Senior High School, reap the fruit of their hard work and sacrifices this school year as they received medals of recognition on Recognition Day. The school awarded and recognized on stage with pride and honor learners who have consistently modeled exemplary character traits, demonstrated exceptional achievement in academics, and those who exhibited outstanding performance in various discipline areas such as in the performing arts, the sports, braille reading and writing, quiz bee, and IT competitions either conducted in school, or in the national, regional, and international level. Mrs. Corazon B Salvador, Principal of Philippine National School for the Blind attributed the success of the learners as a result of collaborative efforts of everyone. First and foremost, the learner’s motivation and perseverance in pursuit of higher aspirations, the unwavering support of the parents by allowing full cooperation on the various school undertakings for the benefit of the learners of this institution. The teachers who patiently shape learners to become holistic individual in all aspects learning both in academe and in practical life skills. The school and the school personnel for continuously providing learning opportunities and experiences geared towards self-development. And finally, to the school stakeholders and partners who are steadfast in responding to the needs of the learners and school in order to provide the best services for the learners with visual impairment. Indeed, the theme of this year’s Recognition Day: Success Beyond Disability; Determine Equals Opportunities is a witness and a living testimony that Disability is not a hindrance to success. Just couple it with DETERMINATION, and you will reap many OPPORTUNITIES that will help outweigh your disability. To cap the significant day with inspiring thoughts, Sir. Ronald M. Manguiat, a former student of PNSB and is now the English teacher in Junior High School, tell his story of determination, how he overcame the challenges that beset his studies, and successfully fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher all because of the support he received from his PNSB family. Sir Manguiat assured the crowd of hopeful learners, parents, and teachers that PNSB’s support to its persevering and determined learners does not end on his graduation day but it lives on even until he finished college. just like Sir Ronald and many other alumni of this institution who have successfully finished college degree of their choice through the benevolence and commitment of the school that dream for a successful PNSBians.
PNSB students reaped 33 medals at the 11th VISTA games
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 reap medals at NCR Palaro
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.