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.
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?
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?
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
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?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the brand new four-storey school building at Las Piñas National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus in Barangay Almanza Uno was formally inaugurated with the presence of Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other officials, 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 City of Las Piñas, led by Mayor Mel Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, officially inaugurated a four-storey school building with a roof deck at the Las Piñas National Senior High School – Doña Josefa Campus in Barangay Almanza Uno.
The ceremony, held on Monday, February 24, marked another milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure, benefiting 400 students who are currently using the new facility.
The newly constructed building features a school auditorium and function hall on the ground floor, three science laboratories on the second floor, three computer laboratories on the third floor, and three classrooms on the fourth floor. Additionally, the roof deck houses a covered multipurpose hall, providing students with a space for various activities.
Also present at the event were City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina, who joined Mayor Mel and Vice Mayor April in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a walkthrough of the new facilities. School administrators, teachers, and students warmly welcomed the city officials, expressing their gratitude for the improved learning environment.
Mayor Mel Aguilar emphasized that the project is part of the local government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade school facilities and support students with modern learning spaces.
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 current administration will be able to inaugurate more educational facilities before the campaign period of the local elections begins?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, school supplies were released by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to one thousand six hundred persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their families, according to the social media post of the City Government. Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution of materials.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Las Piñas City successfully conducted the Distribution of Educational Assistance through School Supplies for Persons with Disabilities and Their Families on Thursday, December 5, at the Verdant Covered Court in Pamplona Tres. The initiative benefited 1,600 individuals, aiming to support educational needs and promote inclusivity in the community.
The event provided essential school supplies, including backpacks and educational materials, ensuring that beneficiaries and their families have access to tools for learning. This program reflects the city’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities through practical initiatives.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution, joined by City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina. Alelee Aguilar was also present to express her support for the welfare of marginalized sectors.
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? Has the CSWDO released any school supplies to the PWDs of your local community?
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
To conclude their Health Awareness Month, which was primarily aimed to develop self-awareness in their students, Mindbuilders Preschool located in BF Homes organized a special event entitled “All my Feelings are All Me.”
Prior to this culmination, the teachers of Mindbuilders Preschool implemented activities throughout October that would encourage their pupils to identify and even discuss their feelings in class. One tool the students made and used during their daily Circle Time period was a “feelings scale”, which allowed each child to identify a specific emotion he or she was feeling at the time. The children were also taught to use a decorated paper cup nicknamed the “jellyfish”. By breathing in and out of the cup, they could use it to calm themselves down in situations that made them feel scared, nervous or anxious. Other activities promoting self-awareness, specifically in the Gross Motor domain, were also implemented.
Then, on the morning of November 15, the assembly of preschool pupils, teachers and volunteer parents witnessed two very special presentations: one by psychologist Patricia Pacheco-Beton and another by a living legend of Philippine cinema and television, Miss Gina Alajar.
Teacher Pach efficiently taught the young audience about the kind of feelings they have and how to react when they feel something. In separate turns, a few students were called to the front to answer the guest psychologist’s key questions. The answers stated amused the other children as well as the parents and teachers who were present. More importantly, the little children themselves learned a lot from Teacher Pach’s presentation.
Using a children’s picture book, Teacher Pach engaged the students with a story and how it relates with feelings.
Teacher Pach also engaged the students in a read-aloud of an illustrated children’s book about the myriad of feelings a child can have in just one day! And as the narrative went on, students were able to identify the kind of emotions that the main character displayed.
Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar facilitated an acting workshop with three alternating groups of kids in attendance. In relation to the topic of feelings, she first asked the students what kind of emotions were they able to spot in films they had watched before. Collectively, the children gave answers which proved that they had been paying attention to the cinematic emotions even while enjoying the movies.
Ms. Gina Alajar had a group sit-down with the students of Mindbuilders Preschool about their feelings in relation to the senses. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
The veteran filmmaker getting feedback from one of the students. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
To determine how far everyone could go with their emotions, Alajar focused on the five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. For each sense explored, the actress used specific items to get reactions from the kids. As children would respond differently to each item, she processed valuing each one’s feelings and respecting the feelings of others as well. Having seen Gina Alajar act so dramatically in movies from long ago, I was very impressed to see how experienced and patient she was when it came to teaching the students of Mindbuilders Preschool. It was as if they were all her grandchildren!
Elsewhere within Mindbuilders were other activities that tapped the students’ other intelligences. These took place inside different classrooms. One classroom had each child decorate a puzzle piece and then assemble the pieces together to form one big puzzle. In another classroom nearby, students were taught to express themselves with music and movement amidst multicolored lights. Finally, a coloring session of positive quotes on affirmation stones was held in another classroom.
In this particular workshop, the students learn to express themselves with music and movement. (Photo credit: Macon Leaño)
Students putting the puzzle pieces together in another classroom. (Photo credit: Tintin L. Cabase)
A student coloring positive quotes on an affirmation stone. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
The session of coloring positive quotes on affirmation stones offers students a unique opportunity to practice their analysis and creativity. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
After all the workshops and sessions were completed, the students were treated to a free film viewing at the play area.
A special activity fulfilled!
According to Mindbuilders Preschool Directress Marah Estuesta, the team worked hard in preparation for their Health Awareness Month Culmination. This included making schedule adjustments due to a major weather disturbance. What transpired on November 15, however, was a huge pay-off complete with a strong reception and the fulfillment of goals on educating the children about self-awareness.
Mindbuilders Preschool’s Health Awareness Month Culmination was supported by Chef Thess Uy Catering.
Philippines film and TV living legend Gina Alajar poses with the teachers and parents of Mindbuilders Preschool. At leftmost is directress Marah Estuesta. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
Words from the Directress
“This activity was one for the books! In today’s world, where mental health is increasingly prioritized, I am happy to have an activity that fosters socio-emotional development in our preschoolers. It is very relevant that children begin developing self-awareness early, as it lays the foundation for understanding and managing their emotions, as well as expressing them effectively.
From understanding their own feelings to recognizing those of others, this activity is a significant step in helping young minds navigate the complexities of emotions. By engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence, children learn valuable skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy communication.
Our month-long activities encouraged our preschoolers to explore and express their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. Through fun, interactive exercises, tapping their Multiple Intelligences, they begin to articulate their emotions, understand their impact, and learn appropriate ways to respond to various emotional states. This kind of early intervention is vital, as it equips children with the tools they need to grow into emotionally resilient and socially adept individuals.“
Mindbuilders Preschool is an early learning environment committed to maximizing a child’s potential by creating exciting experiences that inspire enthusiasm for learning. Founded in 2002, it has grown as the leading Multiple Intelligences Preschool in the South (BF Homes, Las Piñas & Parañaque), following Howard Gardner’s Theory. Mindbuilders Preschool offers one of the best classes in the community for preschoolers.
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government distributed free shoes to public school students, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the said shoes.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government distributed free shoes to students in public schools as part of its Balik Eskwela program.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the MUNWalk sneakers to students in different schools including Muntinlupa Science High School, Muntinlupa Business High School, Lakeview Integrated High School, Muntinlupa Business High School Sucat Annex, Pedro E. Diaz High School, and Tunasan National High School and Senior High School.
“This is our assistance to students of the City of Muntinlupa,” said Biazon during the distribution at Muntinlupa Science High School.
The city government said a total of 90,000 students in Muntinlupa public schools will receive the free sneakers.
Last year, the city government gave free leather shoes to the students. This year, it decided to distribute rubber shoes.
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 City Government’s release of free shoes to the public school students?
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
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that free school supplies and sneakers will be given to around 100,000 students (from daycare to Grade 12) in accordance to the ongoing local program, 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 public school students from daycare to Grade 12 will receive free school supplies and sneakers under the Balik Eskwela Package program in time for the opening of classes in July.
The free school supplies and shoes will benefit 98,000 students in Early Childhood Education (ECED), Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6, and junior and senior high school in Muntinlupa.
“We are committed to supporting our students and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. By providing these high-quality sneakers and school supplies, we aim to ease the financial burden on families and boost student morale,” said Biazon.
For ECED students, they will receive a backpack, two notebooks, crayons, tumbler, two pencils and pad paper.
For Kindergarten, each will get a backpack, jumbo crayons, pencil sharpener, two jumbo pencils, pad paper, eight notebooks and a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes.
Students in Grades 1 to 6 will each receive a backpack, eight notebooks, three ballpens, pad paper, crayons and a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes.
Those in Grades 7 to 12 will get a backpack, spiral notebooks (eight in junior high school and 10 in senior high school), a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes and three ballpens.
Last school year, the Muntinlupa city government provided students with black leather shoes and school supplies.
Biazon explained that the switch to sneakers this year was made because many students still have usable leather shoes from last year and parents requested rubber shoes that may be used for physical education classes.
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 new batch of free supplies for students sensible and useful?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will soon release free rubber shoes to public school students as the next school year approaches, 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 will give free rubber shoes to students in public schools for the next school year that will start in July.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the free rubber shoes will be an addition to the city government’s Balik Eskwela Package, which was launched last year.
Last year’s package contained school bags, school supplies and leather shoes, which was given for free to public school students from kindergarten to Grade 12.
“Last school year, tinupad natin ang commitment nating wala nang ‘sana all’ (Last school year, we fulfilled our commitment that there would no longer be ‘sana all’). Around 100,000 public school students were provided with a free balik eskwela package, mula daycare, elementary, junior hanggang sa senior high school,” said Biazon in his recent State of the City Address.
“Sana all” is a Filipino-English expression of being envious with the hope that everyone will have the same experience.
“Lahat ng binigay natin, from school bags to school supplies and leather shoes, ay high quality. Gusto natin sa Muntinlupa, happy ang mga bata. Gusto natin ganado silang mag-aral (All that we gave, from school bags to school supplies and leather shoes, were high quality. We want that in Muntinlupa, all children are happy),” he added.
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 that the City Government will be giving rubber shoes to public school students?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
About 7,800 young kids received free school supplies from the Muntinlupa City government.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon distributed the Balik Eskwela Packages to the young students in 89 Child Development Centers in Muntinlupa on Sept. 20.
Through Muntinlupa’s Early Childhood Education Division (ECED), the students received school bags, water tumblers, notebooks, pad papers, jumbo pencils and crayons.
“Naglaan ng pondo ang city government para makapag-provide ng gamit para sa kanila. Bahagi ito ng Karunungan Agenda natin sa ilalim ng 7K Agenda (The city government allotted funds to provide things to them. This is part of of the Karunungan Agenda under the 7K Agenda),” said Biazon.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Government is doing the right thing with the release of school supplies to qualified local students?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 