PEPA CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF DEVELOPING FILIPINO TEXTBOOKS

 

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian receives a Plaque of Recognition during the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA). Joining him (from left) are Danda Crimelda Buhain and Atty. Dominador Buhain of Rex Education; Jose Paolo Sibal of Phoenix Publishing House; and John Emyl Eugenio of C&E Publishing Inc.

The Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA) recognized its achievements and honored its partners during its 75th anniversary held last December 5, 2025 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Highlights of the event entitled HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING THE PRESENT AND PUBLISHING IN THE FUTURE, were presentation of plaques to HONORABLE SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, SENATOR RODANTE MARCOLETA, HONORABLE CONGRESSMEN ANTONIO CERILLES and RUFUS RODRIGUEZ, and ATTY RODELIO T. DASCIL who were instrumental in the legislation of the Book Industry Development Act (RA 8047). Plaques were likewise presented to government and private agencies like the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, the NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD, the PRIVATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE and the CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.

Past PEPA presidents Dr. Ernesto Sibal, Jesus Ernesto Sibal, Jose Agaton Sibal, Atty. Dominador Buhain, Jose Maria “Toots” Policarpio and current president Jose Paolo Sibal were likewise given awards for their service and dedication to the Association.

SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, was recognized for his diligence in pushing for educational reforms as the then Chairman of the Senate Education Committee in the 19th Congress. In his acceptance speech, Senator Gatchalian reiterated his position that the public schools be permitted to select the textbooks best suited for their students and their conditions, citing the practice of private schools whose textbooks are chosen by the subject coordinators and teachers.

Speaking for PEPA, President Emeritus Dominador Buhain stated that the good senator’s proposed solution for providing each public school student with a set of textbooks through liberalized procurement is being adopted by advanced countries with high ratings in international assessments like China, Japan, Finland and Singapore, whose students score high in international assessments like PISA. Senator Gatchalian lamented the delays in textbook allocation for public schools which are caused by a centralized procurement process.

Senator Gatchalian,, a product of the private school system , even sees no opposition on the adoption of procurement program in the private schools due to their perceived accessibility and presumptive quality of textbooks to be adopted (brought out by competitive market forces where quality prevails) within a shorter time frame.

He believes that with the enhanced DEPED budget, his earlier estimated P28 billion peso allocation mentioned in 2024 would be sufficient to provide one textbook per subject per student. Possessing a textbook instead of having none due to bureaucratic delay could serve as a better proposition to improve our standing in the PISA.

Unfortunately, the procurement for textbooks for SY 2025-2026 in some grade levels has been delayed by new procurement guidelines under RA 12009.

As PEPA looks forward to another seven decades of service to the Filipino learner, it is resolved to meet the rigorous demands of knowledge production for the diverse learning needs of Philippine schools.

REX Champions a More Human Future at AECON 2025: Special Edition on Education 5.0

 

In a world where technology continuously influences how people live, learn, and connect, one question remains urgent: how do we keep education human?

Rex Education placed that question at the heart of this year’s Annual Educators’ Congress (AECON 2025): Special Edition on Education 5.0, held on October 23 and 24, at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque City. With the theme “Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing,” the congress gathered school leaders, teachers, and education advocates from across the country for 2 days of reflective conversations and practical exchanges focused on putting people at the center of learning.

Reclaiming the Heart of Education

While Education 4.0 was driven by innovation and digital transformation, Education 5.0 calls for balance. It seeks to place humanity back at the core of learning, embracing technology with care, empathy, and purpose.

In his opening remarks, Rex Education CEO Don Timothy Buhain shared a heartfelt reflection on AECON’s significance and the deeper meaning of Education 5.0, emphasizing that “education has always been, and will always be, about people.” He explained that Education 5.0 is to make sure that as we move forward, we never forget the human being at the center of it all. “Technology will always be a means and a tool, but people will always be the purpose,” he emphasized.

What Education 5.0 means for REX

This year’s theme—Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing—defines REX’s vision for Education 5.0. Each word carries a practical and moral commitment.

Being Agentive is about being self-directed and purposeful; also being involved and capable of taking action. Meanwhile, being Ethical concerns choices guided by our values, having integrity, compassion, and moral discernment. Being Connected points to the relationships that make learning possible—with schools, families, and communities. Moreover, being Open stands for inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency. Nurturing brings all these elements together. It calls for learning environments that support the whole person—intellect, emotion, and spirit—so learners can grow with confidence and succeed in life.

Highlights of AECON 2025

The first day of AECON featured an interactive Pre-Conference Session led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the National Teachers College. Through hands-on activities and reflective exercises, participants explored three key tenets: Institutionalizing Less is More, Opening Pathways and Doorways, and Investing in Immersion, gaining practical tools to help build a stronger, more future-ready Senior High School program.

The main conference on October 24 opened with the Learner Panel Spotlight, “Kami Naman Talaga Sana,” and the keynote address, “Reclaiming Humanity in Education 5.0,” by Rev. Fr. Jessel “JBoy” M. Gonzales, SJ of Ateneo de Davao University.

Two pannel discussions followed. The first panel, “Beyond Lifelong Learning: Content, Methodology, & Assessment that Matter,” featured esteemed education leaders Dr. Marlene Ferido, Dr. Violeta Valladolid, and Dr. Brando “ER” C. Palomar, moderated by Ms. Rita Atienza of the Ateneo de Manila University.

The second panel, “Of Numbers and Narratives: Quality Schools that Promote IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Sustainability) In Focus,” featured Dr. Malcolm S. Garma and Ms. Maria Louella M. Tampinco. The session was moderated by Mr. Narcy Ador Dionisio, Executive Director of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.

The day’s sessions concluded with a synthesis led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, bringing together key insights and reflections from the discussions.

A Shared Hope for the Future

Across two inspiring days, AECON 2025 became a space where educators rediscovered the heart of their work. Through

meaningful discussions and heartfelt exchanges, participants were reminded that the future of learning begins not with technology, but with people—those who teach, those who learn, and those who dare to make education better for all.

As the conference came to a close, Rex Education reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing every Filipino learner and supporting teachers and school leaders through relevant, future-ready, and deeply human learning solutions.

Because in the end, Education 5.0 is not only about adapting to the future—it’s about creating one led by heart, humanity, and purpose.

Rex Education Honored with Two Major Wins at the 47th CMMA Awards

 

EX proudly receives two awards at the 47th CMMA Awards: *Best Children’s Magazine* for The Bread Basket and *Best Editorial Cartoon* for the Sinag/The Catalyst piece “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” Photo credit to Catholic Mass Media Award

Rex Education achieved another significant milestone with two major recognitions at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards held on November 19, 2025 at the Citystate Hotel Tower in Ermita, Manila. The awards highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to producing educational content that informs, inspires, and nurtures the mind and the heart of every Filipino learner.

REX received the Best Children’s Magazine award for The Bread Basket and Best Editorial Cartoon award for the piece published in Sinag/The Catalyst titled “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” These honors emphasize the importance of educational materials that blend academic relevance with creative and responsible storytelling and meaningful social reflection.

In the field of education, values-driven and thoughtfully crafted media remain essential in helping learners understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Publications such as The Bread Basket support children in developing empathy and curiosity through stories that speak to their experiences. Editorial works like the award-winning cartoon in Sinag/The Catalyst encourage students to think critically about current issues in ways that are clear and accessible. These contributions uplift, guide, and help build character of young readers toward becoming informed and responsible citizens.

These recognitions serve as a quiet but powerful affirmation of the work that happens every day within REX’s creative and editorial teams. Behind each publication are authors, editors, illustrators, and partners who approach their craft with purpose and a deep understanding of the role education plays in shaping learners and communities. Their passion allows REX to produce content that inspires curiosity, encourages reflection, and fosters conversations that lead to growth.

The Catholic Mass Media Awards have long recognized media that uplifts, guides, and forms values, and to be counted among its honorees reinforces REX's commitment to continually raise the standard of learning materials in the Philippines and to contribute to the development of content that strengthens values formation.

REX extends its heartfelt thanks to the Catholic Mass Media Awards for this recognition and to the entire REX community whose dedication makes achievements like these possible. As the organization continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower Filipino learners and help shape a future rooted in truth, compassion, and lifelong learning.

Empowering Educators: COCOPEA, CEAP, and Rex Education join forces for the MATATAG Regional Run

 

In a momentous collaboration, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and Rex Education, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), have joined forces to launch the COCOPEA–CEAP–REX MATATAG Curriculum Regional Run. Under the theme "Capacitating the Private Education Sector for the Effective Implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum," this event brings together educators, administrators, and stakeholders across the nation to prepare and enhance their educational practices for the new curriculum.

A Unified Commitment with the Learners in Mind

At the heart of this initiative is a unified vision: to empower educators and schools with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement the MATATAG Curriculum, ensuring that it meets and caters to the needs of all Filipino learners.

The Regional Run opens up with a powerful act of unity—a commitment board signing. From the first run to the last, this collective resolve sees all participants pledging their dedication to the success of the Regional Run and the MATATAG Curriculum's implementation.

The event focuses on three primary objectives:

1. Facilitate In-depth Understanding: Provide school leaders with a platform to delve into the key features, principles, and contents of the MATATAG Curriculum, fostering comprehensive understanding and appreciation.
2. Equip School Leaders with Implementation Strategies: Offer strategies, guidance, and inspiration to school leaders on how to effectively transition to and implement the MATATAG Curriculum within their respective institutions.
3. Foster Collaboration: Cultivate a network of educators and leaders committed to collaborative efforts in addressing challenges and maximizing opportunities presented by the MATATAG Curriculum.

All these objectives are carefully crafted with the learners in mind, aiming to enhance their educational experience and ensure their holistic development.

Insightful Plenary and Breakout Sessions

During the 2-day program, there are six engaging plenary sessions to provide comprehensive insights into the MATATAG Curriculum. These sessions cover key aspects, namely:

● The General Shaping Paper

● 21st-Century Skills in the MATATAG Curriculum

● Collaborative Expertise

● MATATAG Instructional Design Framework

● Learning Progression

● Operationalizing a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum Focused on Enhancing Student Learning

Led by esteemed education leaders and representatives from DepEd, these sessions foster in-depth discussions on the key features, components, and relevant concerns of the MATATAG Curriculum, ensuring participants thoroughly understand how to implement these strategies effectively.

Aside from the plenary, participants also engage in 10 focused breakout sessions, each dedicated to the specific learning areas of the curriculum. The breakout sessions cover:

1. Kindergarten
2. Makabansa
3. Reading and Literacy, Language and English
4. Filipino
5. Araling Panlipunan (AP)
6. Mathematics
7. GMRC/Values Education
8. Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE)
9. Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH)
10. Science

Each session discusses the learning area shaping papers, curriculum guides, and innovative strategies for pedagogy and assessment. Competent DepEd representatives and REX Edukampyon MATATAG Corps of Trainers, a team of seasoned educators and curriculum experts, band together for the breakout sessions toward the latter part of the regional run.

Regional Run Schedule

The event spans seven regional runs, covering all regions of the country. The first run was held at San Beda College-Alabang from February 29 to March 1 for Regions III and the National Capital Region. Here are the subsequent sessions.

Mar 22–23: San Beda College-Alabang (Regions IV-A, IV-B, and V)

Apr 18–19: Saint Louis University, Baguio City (Regions I, II, and CAR)

May 16–17: Cebu Institute of Technology-University, Cebu City (Regions VII and VIII)

Jun 19–20: Colegio de San Jose, Iloilo City (Regions IV and NIR)

Jun 24–25: Holy Cross College, Davao City (Regions XI and XII)

July 11-12: Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro (Regions IX, X, and parts of BARMM)

More than an event, the COCOPEA–CEAP–REX MATATAG Regional Run is a movement toward educational excellence in the country. With much hope and faith, the unified efforts of COCOPEA, CEAP, REX, DepEd, and the collective strength of Edukampyons aim to ensure that every Filipino educator benefits from the MATATAG Curriculum and every Filipino learner succeeds in their lifelong learning journey.