education – Author Carlo Carrasco

Truancy Goes Up In Japan Again

November 24, 2025November 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Truancy – the action of staying away from school without good reason – went up again in Japan as confirmed by a government survey, according to a news article by Nippon.com. This problem has been going on for more than a decade now and it should spark discussions about what it would take to keep more students attend their classes with the future in mind.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Nippon.com article. Some parts in boldface…

Ongoing Rise in Nonattendance – A survey on problematic behavior and nonattendance of schoolchildren by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology found that a record 353,970 students refused to attend school for 30 days or more during the 2024 school year. This was an increase of 7,488, or 2.2%, from the previous year and marked the twelfth consecutive annual rise. Compared to a decade earlier, nonattendance has risen 5.5-fold for elementary school students and 2.2-fold for junior high school students.

Looking at nonattendance by education level, there were 137,704 elementary school students (up 5.6% from the previous year) and 216,266 junior high school students (up 0.1%), which accounted for 3.9% of enrolled students.

The most common causes schools found for nonattendance were “lack of motivation,” at 30.1%, followed by “breakdown in routines” (25.0%), “anxiety or depression” (24.3%), “poor academic performance and regular failure to submit homework” (15.6%), and “friendship issues other than bullying” (13.2%).

The disruption to routines during the COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have lowered the barrier to nonattendance, while parents and guardians have also become more open to it as a necessary form of recuperation.

The Nippon.com article includes graphs for visual references. I encourage you to visit the article by clicking https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02594/

This development reminds me of a particular quote by the late Ray Walston as teacher Mr. Hand in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The words were as follows:

What is this fascination with truancy? What is it that gets inside your heads? There are some teachers in this school who look the other way at truants. It’s a little game that you both play. They pretend they don’t see you. You pretend you don’t ditch! Now, who pays the price later? You!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Is truancy/absenteeism a huge problem in your local community or in your city right now? If you are a parent who plans to migrate to Japan soon, do you intend to have your child enrolled in schools there? Do you think the long-term trend of absenteeism in Japan will be reversed in the near future?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

New Learning Spaces Unveiled by Southville International School and Colleges

November 23, 2025November 21, 2025carlocarrasco

As it celebrates its 35^th year of delivering quality international education this year, Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) officially launched its newest learning spaces this past Friday at its campus in BF International, Las Piñas City.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony were (from L to R) Dr. Jocelyn P. Tizon (SISC President), Dr. Melva Diamante (SISFU Chairman), Dr. Ma. Felma C. Tria (Government Academe Industry Network Director), Dr. Gloria Baken Wong-Siy (Founding President and President Emeritus of the Association of Administrators in Hotel and Restaurant Management Education Institutions) and Dr. Genevieve Ledesma-Laurel (Chief Executive Mentor and Founder of the Southville Global Education Network).

*The Southville executives, department heads, educators and guests engage in a prayer to the Lord at the ground floor.*

After the first ribbon cutting and prayer at the ground floor, SISC executives, department heads, educators, corporate partners and others guests proceeded to the brand new learning facilities of the Premier Psychology and Mental Wellness Hub at the 5^th floor which include a SPED Laboratory, an Accreditation Center and other modern rooms.

*Inside the SPED Laboratory of the Premier Psychology and Mental Wellness Hub at the 5th floor*.

*Group photo at the Premier Psychology and Mental Wellness Hub*.

At the lower ground floor was the brand new Digilab which is a modern digital workspace equipped with industry-grade tools for programming, data analytics and tech innovation. The Digilab was designed to empower students to bring digital ideas to life and it will be SISC’s place of developing computer engineers and tech developers in the years to come.

*Inside the band new and high-tech Digilab which will be the place of training for the next generation of tech developers and computer engineers.*

At the building of Southville International School affiliated with Foreign Universities (SISFU) is the Monarchs Hub which is a dynamic multi-functional space that integrates nursing, simulation labs, research areas, and collaborative learning zones. The Monarchs Hub also function well as a theater-type venue for special presentations, speaking events and seminars. It was designed to serve also as a training ground for future healthcare professionals, offering hands-on experience through high-fidelity mannequins and clinical equipment.

*A view of the Monarchs Hub which has many comfortable seats and high-tech equipment ideal for presentations and training.*

A special program and presentation was held at the Monarchs Hub were the SISC executives, department heads, educators, students, corporate partners and guests gathered. Through the speeches delivered and videos shown to the audience, SISC emphasized its legacy of high quality education with a global concept and its long-term mission to innovate, to develop globally competitive students and create the next generation of leaders.

*Chairperson for Psychology Diane Imperio delivered her remarks during the presentation at the Monarchs Hubs.*

The new learning spaces at Southville reflect the institution’s drive for modernizing learning and developing skills with a progressive future in mind. Each visit to the new facilities had its own ribbon cutting and blessing done by a priest.

To learn more about Southville International School and Colleges, visit https://www.southville.edu.ph/ or contact them at landline numbers 8825-6374, and 8820-8702 to 03. To visit the institution, go to 1281 Tropical Ave. corner Luxembourg St., BF Homes International, Las Pinas City.

About SISC

*The Southville executives, department heads and educators.*

Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) is officially recognized as an educational institution of international character by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9493, and the only international school in the Philippines offering a complete array of educational programs. Propelled by its main thrust of providing the highest quality standards of education to learners, SISC keeps in constant pursuit of excellence in instructional-related matters, research, and community services. SISC delivers excellent grade school, high school, IB, and college education and is one of the leaders in the Philippines.

Among the many reasons why students choose to study in SISC besides its complete educational offerings are its internationally-benchmarked curricula and learner needs-responsive programs that facilitate the students’ adjustment to their new environment. In fact, students from non-English speaking countries in Asia choose to enroll in the International Baccalaureate Program of SISC not just because of the comparatively lower school fees but because it is managed by a team of competent educators who have been trained in various parts of the world to ensure that the culture of each person is kept in SISC’s community of cultural diversity while acquiring excellent academic education.

As one of the top international schools in Manila, SISC employs innovative and internationally-benchmarked curricular offerings in College taking into account crucial factors in the job market to prepare all types of learners of various nationalities and cultures for global competitiveness. The astute academic, and character-building programs at all levels including high school, grade school, and preschool make it facile for the students to successfully hurdle all school requirements including social and environmental adjustment anywhere in the world.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government Delivers Almost 4,700 Tables And Chairs To Public Schools

September 30, 2025September 20, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government delivered almost four thousand seven hundred tables and chairs to public schools which reflects their goal to uplift the quality of local education, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government delivered a total of 4,693 tables and chairs to different public schools.

This is part of Mayor Ruffy Biazon’s 7K Agenda, aiming to uplift the quality of education for Muntinlupa students.

“Layunin nito na masigurong ang bawat estudyante ay may maayos, komportable, at conducive na learning space para sa kanilang pag-aaral. Patunay ito ng malasakit at pagtutok ng lokal na pamahalaan at ng Schools Division Office-Muntinlupa City sa pangangailangan ng mga paaralan at kabataan ng ating lungsod. (The goal is to ensure that every student has a well-organized, comfortable, and conducive learning space for their studies. This is proof of the concern and focus of the local government and the Schools Division Office-Muntinlupa City on the needs of the schools and youth of our city),” the city government posted on Facebook.

Biazon previously emphasized the need to improve the quality of education in Muntinlupa public schools.

Meanwhile, the city government congratulated Muntinlupa Science High School for being recognized as one of the top schools for MSTR (Math, Science & Technology, and Research) Class during the 2025 STEM Enrichment Program (STEP).

“The STEP Program brings together Science and other High Schools from across NCR to competitively assess its students’ knowledge and skills in STEM,” the city government said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the delivery of so many tables and chairs to the public schools in the city? Are there lots of children in your local community who are enrolled in public schools?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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More Than 4,000 Kids Receive Free Uniforms And Useful Items From Las Piñas City Government

September 8, 2025September 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than four thousand young children received free uniforms from the City Government which is related with their enrollment with the local Child Development Centers (CDCs), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City government has distributed free uniforms to more than 4,000 toddlers enrolled in the city’s Child Development Centers (CDCs) to help ease the financial burden on parents.

The distribution was held at the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and the Mayor Nene Aguilar Multi-Purpose Hall in BF Resort, Barangay Talon Dos.

This marks the first time the city has provided free CDC uniforms under the “Alagang April” program, which aims to help young learners focus on their studies while reducing school-related expenses for families.

Along with uniforms, the city also distributed school supplies and interlocking puzzles designed to enhance children’s memory, problem-solving, and planning skills.

She said that education starts at an early age, and by supporting the children’s needs, they can focus on their studies.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the City Government should continue distributing more items for CDC-enrolled kids?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Parañaque Congressman Yamsuan tells graduates there is nothing wrong with starting at the bottom

July 31, 2025July 24, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, the 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan told the newest graduates of Parañaque City College (PCC) not to be ashamed of starting at the bottom, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. He tried to inspire many during PCC’s graduation rites.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Don’t be ashamed of starting at the bottom.

Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan gave this message to this year’s graduating batch from the Parañaque City College (PCC) as they try to transition from learners to workers.

Yamsuan recalled how in all the jobs he undertook before he became a government official–from being a fastfood restaurant worker and a taxi driver, to being a young Senate staff member doing menial tasks–he always did his best, and kept in mind that no task is too small or beneath him.

“I had the mindset that the way we do the small things says a lot about how we will handle bigger things,” Yamsuan said in his speech before the PCC Class of 2025 during the school’s recognition rites held on July 21.

“And so, when you enter the workforce and perhaps starting at the very bottom, approach every role with respect, gratitude, and the willingness to grow. Humility is the first step to becoming better. Kung magsimula kayo sa baba, huwag kayong mahiya (If you start at the bottom, don’t be ashamed of it),” he added.

Yamsuan underscored the importance of humility, compassion, and integrity in shaping the character and actions of today’s youth.

“Let humility be your foundation, to keep you grounded and always learning. Let compassion be your compass, guiding how you treat others. And let integrity be your anchor, reminding you who you are, no matter how far you go,” he said.

In a world that prioritizes speed and competition, Yamsuan told graduates to never forget the power of kindness and compassion in positively changing people’s lives and creating an impact that goes beyond profits and success.

“In whatever job you decide to do, let compassion lead you to serve others,” Yamsuan said. “In whatever field you choose to pursue, never lose sight of why you’re there: the people.”

As a public servant, Yamsuan said compassion is at the core of everything he does—from crafting laws, policies and programs to engaging directly with the people to understand their hopes and daily struggles.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think today’s newest batch of college graduates have a lot of challenges to face as they hunt for available jobs? Do you find Congressman Yamsuan’s message to PCC graduates inspiring?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Las Piñas City Gives School Supplies to 850 Students

July 14, 2025July 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, school supplies were released by the City Government (through its City Social Welfare Development Office the Local Youth Development Office) to eight hundred and fifty local students, the local government announced via social media. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the release.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from social media post of the City Government Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), distributed educational assistance to 850 beneficiaries during a school supplies awarding ceremony held on Friday, July 4, at the Mayor Nene Aguilar Aguilar DRRMO Building in Talon Dos.

Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution of school bags containing essential items for the new academic year, including five notebooks, a lunchbox, tumbler, scientific calculator, ruler set, scissors, and an umbrella. Joining her in personally handing out the supplies were Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Chairperson Rey Angelo Reyes and CSWDO head Lowefe Romulo.

This initiative aims to support Las Piñas students from low-income families by easing the financial burden of back-to-school expenses and promoting preparedness and motivation for the coming school year.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there many students in your local community who expressed their need for school supplies from the City Government?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Literacy emphasized in Las Pinas City education event

June 17, 2025June 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, literacy was emphasized during the launch of Brigada Eskwela in Barangay Elias Aldana which Mayor-elect April Aguilar attended, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Las Piñas City officially started the weeklong Brigada Eskwela 2025 on Tuesday, June 10, at the Las Piñas Elementary School Central in Elias Aldana. Aligned with the national theme “Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” this year’s kickoff emphasized the collective effort to improve reading proficiency among learners across the country.

The event gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including local government officials, partner organizations, and school personnel, who pledged their commitment to support the public school system through volunteerism, resource mobilization, and active participation in school readiness activities. Highlights of the program included the ceremonial signing of the Pledge of Commitment and the awarding of certificates to institutional partners who have continuously supported Brigada Eskwela through the years.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar attended the event and expressed her full support for the campaign. She acknowledged the importance of collaboration between government, schools, and the community in ensuring that Las Piñas learners are equipped with strong literacy foundations.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think there is a literacy problem in the city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Muntinlupa City Government releases school supplies to public school students

June 15, 2025June 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially started distributing free school supplies and shoes to public school students – early education to senior high school – in preparation for the new school year of 2025-2026, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government has started the distribution of free Balik Eskwela packages to public school students.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited schools to distribute the free school supplies and shoes, which will benefit nearly 100,000 public school students from early education to senior high school.

Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes.

This is the third year that the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students in Muntinlupa.

“Ginagawa natin ang lahat para masuportahan ang kinabukasan ng kabataang Muntinlupeño. Kaya yearly din ang distribution natin ng Balik Eskwela packages bilang tulong sa mga gastusin ng mga pamilya at paghahanda ng mga estudyante sa panibagong school year (We are doing everything we can to support the future of Muntinlupeño youth. That is why we also distribute Balik Eskwela packages annually to help families with their expenses and prepare students for the new school year),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you find the City Government’s release of school supplies for public school students helpful to local society?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Parañaque Congressman-elect Yamsuan eyes expansion of BAON program for poor-but-deserving students among constituents

June 2, 2025May 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Incoming Parañaque 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan confirmed that he intends to expand the BAON (Bigay Ayuda at Oportunidad sa Nakababata) program to help the poor-but-deserving students among the constituents and he will do it once he takes office, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. In fact, there were already thousands of students in District 2 of Parañaque who benefited from the said program this year.

For context about the recent National and Local Elections, Yamsuan ran under the Team Pag-Asa banner and his successful teammates include Vice Mayor-elect Benjo Bernabe, and the re-elected City Councilors Tess de Asis, Binky Favis and Shannin Olivarez. Yamsuan won over 2^nd District Representative Gus Tambunting with a lead of almost ten thousand votes. The 2^nd District includes large communities such as Barangay BF Homes, BF Homes subdivision and Tahanan Village. To learn more about Yamsuan, check out his Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/congbrianyamsuan

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Parañaque City 2nd district Representative-elect Brian Raymund Yamsuan is eyeing the expansion of his “ayuda” program for poor but deserving students among his constituents.

“Our BAON (Bigay Ayuda at Oportunidad sa Nakababata) program had huge impact on the youth in the second district. We will continue implementing and find ways to broaden its scope to benefit more Parañaqueños in the district,” Yamsuan said in a statement Tuesday, May 27.

“We will start on day one of my term,” he declared ahead of the 20th Congress.

Yamsuan, Bicol Saro Party-list’s lone nominee in the current 19th Congress, said education would be among his priorities as he endeavors to empower the youth and help them take charge of their future.

“Our goal is to make education affordable and easily accessible to give everyone an equal opportunity to succeed in overcoming life’s challenges and carving a stable and vibrant future,” he said.

“Edukasyon, sipag at determinasyon ang pinanghawakan ko noon para makaahon sa kahirapan kaya’t alam ko na kung mabibigyan lamang ng maayos na edukasyon ay may naghihintay na matatag na bukas para sa bawat masisipag na Parañaqueno ng second district,” added the former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assistant secretary.

(Education, diligence and determination were what I held onto in the past to rise above poverty, which is why I know that a stable future awaits every hardworking Parañaquenõ in the second district if given the chance to have a proper education.)

BAON, which Yamsuan started implementing in the district last year, provides a one-time P5,000 educational assistance to each qualified student-beneficiary, and P10,000 each to Dean’s Listers or those With High Honors.

As of April 2025, BAON has benefited about 5,000 students in the elementary, high school and college levels who are residents of Parañaque’s 2nd district.

Yamsuan said that on top of continuing his BAON program, he is also in talks with fellow lawmakers to determine how to increase government funding for the Parañaque City campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) so that more underprivileged but deserving students from the second district would be able to study in this state educational institution.

Established through the efforts of the city’s former mayor, Florencio Bernabe Jr., PUP Parañaque offers academic programs leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in computer engineering, hospitality management, information technology, and office administration. It also offers a Diploma in Office Management Technology-Legal Office Management.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that an expanded BAON program of incoming Congressman Yamsuan will generate positive results in the 2^nd district of the city in relation to education?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Free school supplies for incoming public school students of Muntinlupa City for school year 2025-2026 announced

May 27, 2025May 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the newly re-elected Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that there will be free school supplies and shoes for the incoming public school students (early childhood education to senior high school level specifically) for school year 2025-2026 provided by the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that all incoming public school students from early childhood education to senior high school will again receive free school supplies and shoes.

He said the Muntinlupa City government will provide the free Balik Eskwela packages for public school students for school year 2025 to 2026.

Alam nating malaki ang gastos tuwing pasukan, kaya’t layunin nating matulungan ang mga magulang at tiyaking handa ang bawat batang Muntinlupeño sa pagbabalik-eskwela (We know that the expenses every start of schooling are big, so our goal is to help parents and ensure that every Muntinlupeño child is ready to return to school),” he said.

This is the third consecutive year that the Muntinlupa City government under the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students.

Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes. The packages have variations depending on the grade level.

The distribution schedule of the free Balik Eskwela packages will be announced later.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you approve of the City Government providing school supplies and shoes to public school students for the new school year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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