Republic of the Philippines

Philippine National School for the Blind

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

Selected PNSB Students attended the 17th Computer-Eyes Camp for blind students Selected PNSB Students attended the Computer-Eyes, a 10-day Computer Camp for Blind Students at IBM Philippines in Libis Quezon City from October 22-31, 2018.   Three PNSB Students: Rosselyn Agulto, Lerry Monte de Ramos from Grade 11 and Homer Garcia from Grade 10 were very fortunate to take part in the National Computer-Eyes Camp for students with visual impairment held annually at IBM Plaza, Eastwood City, E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City.  The computer campers were how to use the computer using screen reader software. This software allows them to manipulate Office Tools like MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. They likewise learned how to get savvy on the web and use email.   Grade 10 student, Homer Garcia was awarded “Best in PowerPoint Presentation” during the computer workshop.  The training is a project of Resources for the Blind, Inc, IBM Philippines, and the Department of Education. The camp aims to provide an intensive training to equip the participants with the computer skills and knowledge manipulating a computer using screen reader for the blind. Participants come from all over the county where they get to enjoy a free accommodation at Fernandina Hotel care of RBI and best of all, they get to experience staying at one of the prominent IT industries in the world, the IBM or International Business Machine all throughout their training.   

PNSB’s Semestral In-Service Training adopts new way of producing instructional materials for its learners with visual impairment INSET DAY 1 PNSB teachers adopts the use of Unified English Braille For the past decades, learners with visual impairment and teachers alike has been using the English Braille American Edition as the primary system for reading and writing Braille. Until on November 2012 when the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) adopted the use of Unified English Braille that UEB became the new trend in Braille system. Today’s INSET highlights the beginning of a new journey towards UEB as PNSB’s 29 teachers especially the new ones will undergo an extensive enrichment training workshop on using the Unified English Braille. UEB has been now the official and implemented code for Braille in most countries all around the globe. Therefore PNSB teachers must equip themselves on the changes in UEB primarily the rules and principles governing the new Braille code. To achieve this, Sir Ronald M. Manguiat, English teacher in the Junior High School and is blind himself piloted the training workshop. Mr. Manguiat is a UEB virtuoso who trained Special Education Teachers handing learners with visual impairment studying in mainstream classes.  UEB is not a totally new code; it is based on the current literary Braille code that has been modified in order to make transcribing from print to braille and vice versa become rather easier. it was developed to remove any ambiguity and confusion in using Braille especially for students with visually impairment. It is designed to “follow print” which means that whatever you see in print is also what you’ll see in Braille which is not the case in English Braille American Edition. Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador understands that embracing changes is never easy; with this, she boosts her teachers’ morale and admonished them to fully commit themselves and empty themselves of all qualms and hesitations in learning UEB. More so challenged them to become competent in employing UEB and finish the course successfully. For It is anticipated that over the next few years Unified English Braille will slowly but surely replace the American English Braille. And teachers who are catering to this disability are expected to utilize UEB in their everyday teaching so that they can gradually cascade it among their learners in the days to come. Sir Ronald began his lecture-workshop with a pre-test on Braille transcribing. After which, he gave an insightful introduction of the UEB. Then he continued on and discussed the fundamentals of Braille Coding System. He emphasized on three basic principles. These are the principle of coding formations system or the basics dot configuration, the roots and the prefixes. In addition, he also discussed the English braille contractions that are no longer used in UEB to eliminate ambiguity.   These are just a few changes the Braille system undertook during the past 6 years. Other changes will be discussed and elaborated by our UEB resource person, Sir Ronald Manguiat on the coming days.  INSET DAY 2 A walk-through School related policies, guidelines and procedures The second day of INSET is full-packed with significant and relevant school standards, guidelines, and procedures that are memorandized and supported by laws. ALL teaching and non-teaching employees of DEPED are expected to abide by with strict compliance. These are the following: Child Protection Policy, Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, Review on the Modified School Forms, Personnel Actions. The first session talked about Child Protection Policy. It was an immense topic expounded by Ms. Sheina T. Cadavos, School Guidance Counselor. She emphasized that the child must at all times feel safe and protected inside the school. Bullying, harassment, and any form of abuses committed on a learner will never be tolerated.  If a teacher violates any that is stipulated on Child Protection Policy shall take her case to the region, and if the offender is a non-teaching, the case will be brought to the division. Finally, the school CPFC committee was introduced; their roles and functions were likewise cited. This session was culminated by an open forum which gave room for questions and clarifications on the topic. The next session was a talk about the Code Ethics for Professional Teachers which was presented by Mrs.  Gemma  Soriano, President of the Faculty and Personnel Club (FPC).  This session was illustrated through discussion and group activities presentations that exhibit the ethics that professional teachers must possess. The topic began with the Preamble then went thru every Articles ensuring that everyone knows and understands the law because one important legal principle says that “Ignorance of the law, excuses no one”. It was a mind-nourishing activity that reminded everyone of their professional ethics and responsibilities firstly to oneself and your professional development, to the learners, school, and the community. This session was concluded by a thoughtful reflection on the professional ethics expected to school employees such as the teacher. The last session conducted in the morning was the review of the modified school forms, LIS, and the EBEIS. This session was presented by Ms. Larnie Lebuna, LIS/EBEIS coordinator. She went through each form one-by-one thoroughly discussing the use of each form and when and who should accomplish each form. Department Heads, and teachers, particularly the advisers realized the huge role they play for effective data gathering and recording in accomplishing LIS and EBEIS data. The session was closed with an earnest request to be patient in collecting pertinent documents of learners and to be prompt in accomplishing and submitting forms. In the afternoon, another essential topic was discussed that is of great interest to all PNSB employees; the “Personnel in Action”.  This session was delivered by Mrs. Merry Ann Santelices, Administrative Officer IV and Mrs. Janice Villaro, School Accountant. This session ensures that all personal are well aware of their benefits, leave and absences policies, job competencies, as well as the requirements for hiring and promotion of teachers, and salary step increments. The session was concluded with a forum where employees’ concerns were continue reading : PNSB’s Semestral In-Service Training adopts new way of producing instructional materials for its learners with visually impairment

Pasay City Government turned over 3 Embossers and white canes to PNSB Honorable City Mayor Antonino “Tony” G. Calixto through his representative Ms. Cynthia P. Potian, Chief of the General Services Office and the Pasay City Property Custodian turned over three Index Embossers and white canes to the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) held afternoon Monday, October 8 at PNSB Conference Hall. The Turnover ceremony was witnessed by some DepEd Pasay officials including Education Program Supervisor-Learning Resources Management and Development System (LRMDS)   Dr. Normina Haji Yunnos, and Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Cluster 5 Dr. Rosalie R. Condes. PNSB Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Principal Corazon B. Salvador and the Supreme Student and/or Pupil Government (SSPG) President Emmanuel P. Endrinal to represent the PNSB students received the donations.  For learners with visual impairment, embosser or braille printer is very significant as an assistive device used to make print materials such as books and test questionnaire accessible for the blind in the form of embossed dots called braille. Before this donation was constituted, PNSB experienced various problems regarding embossed materials reproduction since most of the embossers of the school are not anymore in good condition. The OIC Principal said that the donation is very timely now that the periodic examination is approaching. PNSB most especially the students are very much thankful to the City Mayor of Pasay for these donations. In the speech delivered by SSPG President Emmanuel Endrinal, he said, “Through these embossers, you assured us of more books, magazines, and other reading materials to read which will make us, visually impaired learners in PNSB, more aware of the world outside the walls of our school. The white canes you give will mean a blind that has been given the chance to be independent.” In his conclusion, the President said that they are hopeful that City of Pasay will continue to support PNSB and all the schools in the City.

PNSB celebrated National Teachers’ Month, National and World Teachers’ Day The Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) celebrated the National Teachers’ Month, (NTM), National Teachers’ Day (NTD) and World Teachers’ Day (WTD) with the theme ‘Gurong Pilipino: Turo Mo Kinabukasan Ko’.  Through the leadership of the Supreme Student and/or Pupil Government (SSPG) headed by President Emmanuel P. Endrinal and the PNSB Students’ Alliance for Leadership with Moral Soundness (PSALMS) headed by the President Cherie B. Omar, students organized month-long activities to honor their teachers.  They conducted numerous competitions Such as essay writing, slogan making, spoken poetry, and art contest. These events were joined by different students of different grade levels showing their appreciation for the contributions of teachers in their lives. Free massage was also given by the students themselves to offer sort of relaxation to their teachers after days of work to teach them. There were also students who gave letters and cards of appreciation. The month-long celebration was concluded by a half-day but meaningful celebration of (NTD) and (WTD) held early morning October 4 at the PNSB Covered Court and PNSB Conference Hall. That morning was spiced with relaxing and enjoyable games for the 28 teachers, hard-earned prizes, sumptuous foods, and songs originally composed by the students entitled “Keyo ang Guro” and the “Turo Mo, Kinabukasan ko”. Both songs were well applauded by teachers for it speaks about the selfless love, hard work and dedication of teachers to educate the youth with visual impairment.

PNSB 9th grader wins third place at the National ICT Challenge 2018 15 years old, Daniel Peligro, won third place at the National ICT Challenge for youth with disabilities on October 5 at the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Campus in Valenzuela City. They were challenged in the area of E-Tool (using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and in E-Life (Web Information Retrieval) competencies. The competition is open to 4 disability categories namely the hearing impairment, visual impairment, intellectual disability, and orthopedically handicapped, ages 13-19 years of age. DICT In partnership with National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) conducts an annual IT competition for youth with disabilities with the objective of enhancing the skills and competence in the field of ICT of our youth with disabilities and make them globally competitive through the use of technology. 

Science Week: PNSB students understands typhoon formation and how to prepare for a flood or typhoon disaster Science Day Celebration is an activity that the students of the Philippine National School for the Blind are always looking forward to every year because it is an event full of exciting and interesting activities. This year, the school celebrated Science Day with its theme: Science for the People: Innovation for Collective Prosperity with a focus in the community on the 21st of September 2018. It was a half-day activity that focused on typhoon and flood preparedness as well as weather forecasting. For the typhoon drill, the students followed the route on the second floor. It is very important to establish a routine especially for blind students. Students from elementary to senior high school gathered at the PNSB Conference Hall at 8:00 A.M. The activity started with an opening remark given by the high school Science coordinator, Ms. Andrei Roan Soriano. It was followed by a talk on the factors that affect typhoon formation and important preparedness tips before, during and after a storm discussed by Mrs. Rosalie C. Peῆero, the elementary Science coordinator. Students were encouraged to share their ideas and ask questions about the topic. After the talk on typhoon formation, the coordinator of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Mrs. Olivia Gutierrez, shared safety measures during floods and typhoons. The students were taught what to do and where to go if there is typhoon and flood. They practiced what to do and which way to go if ever the school is flooded. The talk of Mrs. Gutierrez was immediately followed by another power point presentation on weather forecasting delivered by Ms. Andrei Roan Soriano. Before she gave the talk, she motivated the students by telling an interesting story about storms. The students enjoyed it because they were asked to make sounds related to typhoon, rain, thunder and lightning. Through her talk, the students gained knowledge on how weather is forecasted and what instruments are used in weather forecasting. After the activities at the conference hall, the students gathered at the PNSB covered court for a challenging part of the event, the quiz bee. They were asked questions regarding the talks presented by their teachers. It was observed that the students enjoyed this part though most of them had quite a hard time choosing for the right answer for the questions asked. Though the celebration of Science Day this year wasn’t loaded with a variety of activities unlike the previous years, it was indeed very informational and beneficial because the students gained important knowledge and skills that they can apply in real life situations.

PNSB receives additional DCP Package from DepEd PNSB has been one of the recipients of DepED Computer Program (DCP) package for the third time now since it was launched by the Department of Education to provide public schools with appropriate information and communication technologies (ICT) that would improve the teaching and learning process.   The package which arrived on August 3 consists of 42 Client PC, 3 Servers, 45 Headphones, 2 Laptops and coolers, 2 Projectors, 1 speaker, 1 External DVD Player, and others. All these computers are now installed in the e-lab Senior High School. To compliment these technologies, Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador, Principal of PNSB took the initiative to look for potential donors to brace up the school’s fund for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) to equip the Senior High School e-lab with 2 air-conditioning units, long tables, Monobloc chairs, stainless cabinet, and curtains. Because of this also, the concrete cement flooring of E-lab has now been converted to more resilient vinyl flooring.

PNSB 8th grader, silver medalist in the 40th (NDPR) Week history quiz bee competition Manila (NHCP)—Fermin T. Yap, A Grade 8 student of the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB), encased the silver medal award at the annually held “Paligsahan ng May K sa Kasaysayan at Kultura ng Pilipino”, a quiz bee competition  on Philippine History conducted by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Thursday in cooperation with Department of Education (DepEd) in celebration of the 40th . National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week with this year’s theme “Kakayahan at Kasanayan Para sa Kabuhayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran”. The contest was participated in by the different sectors of persons with disabilities in the country who were grouped into their respective categories which include the visually and physically impaired in one group,  learners with hearing impairment, and the last group was composed students with intellectual disability. Fermin won second among the contestants in category of the blind and physically impaired. The questions covered 40% the life and works of Apolinario Mabini, 20% Filipino struggle for Freedom , 20% Philippine Culture, and 20% disability programs in the country. Questions were classified either easy, average, and difficult in which each category was allotted with 10 questions, and Each contestant was given twenty-five seconds to answer. NDPR Week is celebrated every third week of July under the auspices of NCDA as head agency  pursuant to Proclamation No. 1870  (1979) as amended by Proclamation No. 361 (2000) and Administrative Order No. 35 (2002). The annual celebration pays tribute to approximately 15 million Filipinos with disabilities and more importantly, to honor Apolinario Mabini, the Sublime Paralytic, whose exemplary and dedicated heroic acts during the Philippine Revolution were not deterred by his disability. Mabini has become an outstanding icon for persons with disabilities (PWDs) through his great deeds for our country.

PNSB all geared up for Brigada Eskwela Brigada Eskwela, the annual school preparation and maintenance week begins today, May 28 and ends on June 2. Brigada Eskwela is DepED’s initiative campaign for promoting Bayanihan in the community through the networking of volunteers from different stakeholders both public and private sectors. Brigada Eskwela ensure that schools nationwide are ready and safe for our learners before classes open on June 4. With the new school year just a few days away, PNSB along with its pool of diverse volunteers are all geared up towards completing its goal to work hand-in-hand to make the school ready and safe for its learners with visual impairment. This is in response to DepEd’s call for “Pagkakaisa para sa Handa, Ligtas, at Matatag na Paaralan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan” as its theme this year. Brigada Eskwela gearing up PNSB begins its week-long school clean up and maintenance drive with the kick off ceremony. It was Commenced by a parade along Figueroa St down to Galvez Avenue. On her opening remarks, Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador, Assistant Secondary School Principal and Officer-In-Charge of Philippine National School for the Blind extended her heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated stakeholders and friends who actively participated and contributed their time, effort, and resources to prepare the 8000 sq. m. of school ground and fixed facilities including the male and female dormitories to be ready for its learners at the opening of classes on June 4. Madam Salvador ended her talk with a challenge for everyone to work harmoniously and to finish the great tasks ahead of us with love and perseverance in spite of the intensity of the summer heat. She likewise admonished everyone by saying, “please to be on guard of your health. Keep yourselves hydrated at all times.” Drinking Water is available for everyone to drink to ease up fatigue, the heat as well as the filth that will surely embrace us throughout this activity.   After having firmed up the hearts and souls of all, the time to fortify everyone’s body in exercise was announced. It’s Zumba Time!  Everybody was set to sweat to the beat of Zumba. The crowd energized their bodies with dancing and prancing with the Zumba fever exercise for several minutes. Right after the Zumba exercise, Ms. Larnie Lebuna, the Brigada Eskwela Coordinator delegated the tasks to be accomplished for the entire week.  Throughout the day, everyone was occupied on cleaning, repairing, and maintaining the school surroundings. Special attention was given at the back area of the elementary and high school building. Trees had to be trimmed and dried leaves had to be swept off the ground, and garbage had to be collected for disposal. The Installation of air conditioning system at Senior High School E-lab and putting up of grills in selected classrooms were the major achievements of the day. It was so rewarding to see that much has been accomplished that day. Yet, there would have been more work awaiting to be done the next day.  Brigada Eskwela continuing on The second day of Brigada was officially opened with a few minutes of Zumba exercise. After everyone has charged up, cleaning of school surroundings, repair of school facilities and maintenance of elementary to high school areas were still in progress.  Other refurbishing done was the replacement of the division of the massage clinic. Repairs on the comfort rooms which included particularly the toilet bowls flash and faucets reconstructions, and the rehabilitation of the comfort room cubicle doors were successfully completed. Particularly the toilet bowls flash and faucets reconstructions, as well as, the rehabilitation of the comfort room cubicle doors. Later in the day, a monitoring team from the division office visited the school. They were pleased to see the accomplishments done for the past two days of the Brigada Eskwela. Brigada Eskwela moving forward Most of the day were spent in cleaning, repair and maintenance of the high school building and covered court area. Some volunteers worked together in gardening and landscaping around the covered court down to the kindergarten area.  Transferring of Science equipment and Math teaching devices to the Science Lab/Math Room was done by the Science and Math teachers. Furthermore, cleaning of the SBM corner and the placement of cabinets in the dressing room was led by Ma’am Gloria Jamandre. Other activities accomplished on the day were the continuation of the renovation of the massage clinic and pruning of trees and branches beside the high school building and the rehabilitation of the fish pond, clearing of debris in the old library and in front of the kindergarten area.  Brigada Eskwela moving ahead The fourth day of the Brigada was another busy yet fulfilling day for everyone. PNSB was the venue for the “Summer Music Workshop” conducted by James Mackay Foundation which aimed to enrich the participants’ musical skills, among others.  In addition to this activity, other developments were made throughout the day. The conference hall was repainted, drainages and gutters in the dormitory and transition building were disemboweled, and urinals in the elementary and kinder building were installed. Moreover, gardening in front of the dormitory was also completed by some volunteers at the end of the day.  Brigada Eskwela sprucing up On the fifth day of the Brigada, improvement of SDRRM Corner, installation of signage, installation of canopy in front of Senior High School building and sorting of recyclable materials in Material Recovery Facility (MRF) were accomplished. It was made possible through the continuous labor of the PNSB staff and volunteers from the different organizations, private and public. Brigada Eswela finishing up The last day was still a hectic day for everyone, cleaning and repairs were done in all the classrooms to ensure that all classrooms were prepared and has a welcoming atmosphere for all its learners. Another interesting activity done was the lecture/workshop provided by the Philippine Red Cross. They taught us how to properly respond on emergencies during disasters for instance. They likewise showed us how to correctly administer first continue reading : PNSB is all geared up for Brigada Eskwela

PNSB concludes its 48th commencement exercises On April 6, 2018, the Philippine National School for the Blind held its 48th Commencement Exercises with the theme “K to 12 Learners: Ready to Face Life’s Challenges.” This theme highlights the role of K to 12 Basic Education Program in harnessing the skills and competencies of the Filipino learners to face life’s challenges. The Special event was attended by Local officials headed by Lone Representative, Hon. Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Hon. Joey Calixto– Isidro, Deped Pasay Officials lead by Public School Supervisor-ALS Mrs. Edna Madrid, Public School District Supervisor Mrs. Asucena Evardone, School Administrators headed by Mrs. Corazon B. Salvador and the distinguished guest speaker in the person of Mrs. Maria Eliza A. Rebadulla. The graduates from elementary school were comprised 4 pupils under the supervision of Ms. Annilou Mendoza, while the graduates of senior high school, the pioneers of grade 12 under k-12 curriculum were 13 students under the supervision of Mrs. Sheryl Grace Prades. The highlights of the ceremony were the awarding of medals and the distribution of certificates of graduation. The student who obtained the highest academic award from grade 6 was Treizy Mae Samonte and the student who obtained the highest academic award from Grade 12 was Christian Evangelista.