DepEd, BSP award the best finance educators in elementary schools

Teachers from Butuan City, Baguio City and Alaminos, Laguna, emerged as the national winners of the 2014 GURO NG PAGASA (Gantimpala para sa Ulirang PagtutuRO ng PAGiimpok at Araling PanSAlapi) in awarding ceremonies held at the BSP. The 2014 GURO ng PAGASA national winners were:

• For Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) Angelie C. Alvizo, Butuan City Special Education (SPED) Center, Butuan City

• For Araling Panlipunan (AP) Juana Nimfa P. Abrigo, Alaminos Elementary School, Laguna • For Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) Danilo B. Bambico, Baguio City Special Education (SPED) Center, Baguio City

A new award, the Bida sa Pag-iimpok at Pangkabuhayan Award (BSP Award), was also given this year to honor the best sustained savings and entrepreneurship program implemented by a teacher/student/class or school. The BSP Award was given to Rexza Mae C. Panaligan, a Grade 5 student of Santa Barbara Central Elementary School, Iloilo, for her peer tutoring program where she demonstrated resourcefulness in managing her own finances and strong commitment to promoting financial skills to her peers.

On its third year, GURO ng PAG-ASA is an annual rewards program of the Department of EducationBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the best teachers who teach and integrate lessons in saving, money management, and entrepreneurship in the elementary curriculum through three entry subjects: Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Araling Panlipunan, and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan.

The most nominations were received this year which include entries from 12 regions out of 17 in the country. The nominees were narrowed down by the screening committee composed of representatives from DepEd and the academe.

This year’s winners were chosen not only for their exemplary performance in teaching financial lessons to their pupils but also for their exceptional dedication to extend financial education to their respective communities. Area finalists include Jose Michael C. Gaje of Santa Barbara Central Elementary School, Iloilo, and Maria Lucille V. Gabriel of San Ildefonso El- ementary School, Bulacan for EsP, Jeanette Z. Bagtas of Caba Elementary School, La Union and Brigida P. Borra of Passi I Central Elementary School, Iloilo for AP, and Darwin T. Tadifa of Tubungan Central Elementary School, Iloilo for EPP.

The board of judges, chaired by former DepEd OIC Fe A. Hidalgo, also included Dr. Wilma S. Reyes, Philippine Normal University vice president for research, planning and quality assurance, and Dr. Marilette R. Almayda, Director III of the Bureau of Elementary Education-DepEd, as members.

Financial Education Expo

To provide a more rounded approach to financial matters, the BSP also hosted a number of Financial Education (Fin-Ed) Expos. The Fin-Ed Expos aim to instill awareness on the availability and accessibility of financial education programs, increase personal financial consciousness on the values and benefits of being financially empowered and orient the public on available financial tools that will help in the promotion of their financial wellbeing.