Rex Education took part in the 2023 CEAP National Convention

 

In an era marked by unprecedented challenges and transformations in the field of education, this year’s CEAP National Convention holds special significance. CEAP has long been at the forefront of transformative education, advocacy, solidarity, and synodality. Every year, this incomparable event provides a platform for educators, administrators, stakeholders, and partners to come together, exchange ideas, collectively address the ever-evolving needs and challenges of the educational sector, and celebrate as a community.

Rex Education also witnessed that the CEAP National Convention is also a spiritual and intellectual journey, an odyssey that reflects the member-institutions and partners’ common aspirations to inspire hope, navigate challenges, and promote quality education for all, with Catholic faith at the core. This year's convention, bearing the theme "Pilgrims of Hope: Exploring Pathways to Synodality" is a testament to CEAP’s continuing journey and support of the Church and society through the promotion of Filipino Catholic education. Rex Education is grateful to be part of the CEAP convention.

In this journey, REX, with its decades-long commitment to Philippine education steps onto the convention stage reaffirming its role as duty-bearers of education and an ally to educators and educational institutions, including Catholic schools and organizations, among others. The theme of synodality—journeying together as people of God—is intricately woven into the fabric of REX's story and its mission to nurture every child for lifelong learning—a journey of a lifetime, for every Filipino whole learner.

Rex Education Hub: Paths to Lifelong Learning

For the CEAP convention, REX brought back its Educational Hub, featuring its diverse and extensive collection of educational resources spanning early childhood education through the formative years in K–12 and to higher education and professional or adult education. Rex Education’s wide array of quality and thoughtfully developed learning materials have been designed for every learner, from early childhood to adulthood, REX is present in every stage and opportunity for the child to learn, be happy, and succeed in life.

REX’s resources also offer a comprehensive selection of solutions for teachers, parents, and learning companions, all to complement and enrich teaching and learning processes and experiences, including values that foster learner development.

Under Early Childhood Education (ECE), REX exhibited its Little Explorers brand with over 100 titles, including the Hello Animals books. With a focus on values and holistic development, they are designed to stimulate young minds, encourage creativity, and lay the foundations for lifelong learning.

REX also offers a broad range of resources for the K–12 program. For this year, REX introduced some of its latest titles for 2024. These include worktexts in Science, Math, and Language, aligned with the evolving needs of learners, educators, and educational institutions.

As learners progress to higher education and embark on their professional journey, REX continues its committed presence in their overall growth. REX also unveiled its latest educational resources at the event, encompassing various fields, including Business and Accountancy, Criminal Justice Education, Teacher Education, Hospitality and Tourism, and General Education programs. These newly introduced materials are expected to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and values required to excel in their chosen career paths.

REX's participation at the 2023 CEAP National Convention goes far beyond featuring its educational resources. It symbolizes dedication to learners of all ages. It is also a testament to Rex Education’s unwavering commitment, just as with the other CEAP delegates, to journey together, with hope, toward a brighter future for Philippine education.

 

REX supports DepEd's MATATAG Agenda

REX's participation at the convention is also a resounding declaration of support for DepEd's newly launched MATATAG Curriculum. The MATATAG Curriculum is expected to decongest the present K to 12 Curriculum by reducing the number of competencies and focusing more on the development of foundational skills, and in the process improve students’ learning outcomes.

"REX is in full support of the MATATAG agenda, particularly the initiative of making the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, active, and responsible citizens," said Don Timothy Buhain, chief executive officer of Rex Education. "We believe that the implementation of the new curriculum will further enhance the quality of education in the Philippines and contribute to the holistic development of our learners."

REX's dedication to this agenda goes beyond words; it is reflected in its initiatives and actions. REX engages education duty-bearers, Edukampyons, and aims to build their capacities for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling every Filipino learner’s right to quality education. As such, REX continues to collaborate with curriculum development experts, respected authors, seasoned educators, subject area coordinators, and other subject matter specialists in the development of quality learning materials.

Overall, the 2023 CEAP National Convention remains a force and inspiration for the Catholic faithful in the educational sector and a symbol of resilience and hope for today’s generation and the future.  Held on October 17–20, 2023, at the Water Front Hotel, Cebu City, CEAP 2023 successfully brought together over 3,000 delegates nationwide.

Handling Your Christmas Bonus Wisely

When I was young, I always hear people say that Christmas is for kids.  That’s why I used to be concern of growing old since I might not enjoy the fun and festivities that the holiday season brings if I am already an adult.

It turns out that Christmas is one of the most awaited time of the year by “grown ups” especially those belonging in the employed sector mainly because of the 13^th month pay and bonuses given by their respective employers.

In the Philippines, it is mandatory for companies to give their workers a 13^th month pay on or before December 24 while giving bonuses is a prerogative of employers depending on the performance of their employees that year.  A bonus can be in cash or in kind like gift certificates, grocery items, and other gifts.  

And once an employee gets his hands on to his much-awaited bonuses, which may come as early as November, one can’t help but get himself into shopping mode.  With bazaars and tiangges sprouting like mushrooms in just about every corner, a lot of people end up asking, “Where did my money go?” just weeks after receiving their gifts from their bosses.

When things like these happen, Christmas is just around the corner, indeed.  Well, I just hope people will be wiser in spending their bonuses and still save even a portion of what used to be a big amount when the actual Christmas day comes and will not end up looking for places to hide or stay away from godchildren.  This may sound funny but I know some who does this trick almost every year.

Being a working mom for four years now, I have gained some lessons from good and bad experiences in handling money during the holidays.  Here are tips that I would like to share that I hope can help others to show how special their loved ones are without spending that much in giving gifts this Christmas.

1.      Make a list.  Write down the names of the people you are planning to give a gift this holiday.  You may write their age, what their interest or hobby and how much is your budget for each one of them.  Having a list will also help you avoid missing out someone or buying more items than the number of your intended recipients.

2.      Make your own presents.  If you know how to bake cookies, cakes or pastries, you may send them to your officemates or to your boss.  Gifts don’t really need to come from the store.  People will also appreciate the fact that you spent time cooking and preparing for such gifts.  Just make sure you practice cleanliness from the mixing of ingredients up to the packaging so it won’t get spoiled easily. 

 

3.      Shop early.  Good items with good prices are the first one bought in store.  Don’t wait for Christmas rush hours to go shopping so you can still compare prices from one store to another.  Also, when you are under time pressure, you’ll sometime end up buying just about anything that looks good in your eyes without considering the quality and the price.

4.      Avoid using Credit Cards if you can.  Those plastic cards are so easy to use.  Just swipe it and sign the transaction receipt and you can take home whatever you want.  The temptation can sometimes be irresistible but if possible, use your credit card for emergencies only.  If you’ll use it, make sure that the amount you’ll get is something you can pay within a month to avoid any finance charge or late payment fee.

5.      Check out items on sale.  There is nothing wrong in digging for items from a bargain bins or going to warehouse sales.  With patience and being practical, you’ll soon find a jewel by being practical. Almost all major malls go on sale on and before Christmas.  Don’t think that giving sale items to loved ones means you don’t love them that much.   After all, it’s the thought that counts

Hopefully, by following these tips, you’ll be able to lessen your spending and save some money during the holidays.  It will definitely be a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year if you don’t have to think about debts and still has some cash left for other upcoming occasions.

Rex Education takes home numerous prestigious awards

Rex Education has won numerous awards recently at the 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal and the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

The Quezon Gawad Parangal is held annually in October as part of the local government’s celebration of the city’s founding. The 2023 awards ceremony recognized individuals and institutions who were exemplary in the fields of social work, environment and sanitation, law and justice, business and entrepreneurship, and science and technology.

Rex Education was among the 15 individuals and institutions recognized at this year’s iteration of the prestigious event. The 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal took place on October 25 at the PETA Theater Center.

The selection panel of Quezon City department heads, previous award winners, and respected professionals from various sectors conferred the award to REX for its prominent dedication to educating the masses through literature. The local government also cited REX’s pioneering work in the educational publishing industry, particularly through Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI).

RBSI’s contributions to education publishing include learning materials encompassing early childhood education, basic education, high school, tertiary, law, and post-collegiate materials. RBSI takes pride in its extensive network of 24 branches located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This only further affirms REX’s mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. To be the choice learning companion of Filipino learners and to be recognized by the communities REX serves, are a joy and honor.

Four of REX’s published works were also recently recognized at the 45th CMMA. The CMMA is an annual ceremony that pays tribute to individuals and organizations that produce values-filled content through print, broadcast, and social media. The CMMA pre-announced winners virtually on October 27.

REX and Catechetical Media Network (CMN-Asia, Inc.) bagged the Best Children’s Magazine with the publication “Backpack.” Meanwhile, REX and CMN-Asia’s “Crossroads” won in the Best Youth Magazine category.

“Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin (Marketing Our Local Products)” by Allan Alejo Jr., published by REX and CMN-Asia, was recognized as Best Editorial Cartoon. “Si Nelia, Si Marta, at Si Maria” by Felix C. Alcantara, published by REX and CMN-Asia, was acknowledged as Best Comic Story.

These citations further fuel REX's drive and dedication to producing quality learning materials that can inspire spirituality and values among Filipino children. REX always endeavors to contribute to the development of the whole learner— one who is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented.

In light of these accolades, REX remains inspired to constantly improve and strive for excellence— para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan.