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.

PSA Certificates for OFWs: Now Easier to Get, Wherever You Are

If you are an OFW, you know the drill: every big move, every renewal, every application seems to come with one recurring requirement: your PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, or CENOMAR. And when you are thousands of miles away from home, getting those documents can be stressful. You end up messaging family back home, hoping someone is free to run the errand for you. Sometimes it works… sometimes it becomes a whole family drama.

But that’s finally changing.

The PSA, through its authorized partner PSAHelpline.ph, now makes it possible for OFWs anywhere in the world to request their official PSA documents online and have them prepared for international delivery. No need for pasuyo. No need to wait for someone to handle it for you. You can do everything on your own, on your phone or laptop, wherever in the world you are working.

What makes this especially helpful for OFWs?

✔ A Service Designed With OFWs in Mind

PSAHelpline.ph understands the reality of working abroad: shifting schedules, time zones, and the constant pressure to juggle work and family needs. Their online platform fits right into that lifestyle—simple, secure, and can be done anytime.

✔ Secure Identity Verification

You will go through a quick, safe verification process (with a liveness check and uploading of your valid ID), so only you can request and authorize the release of your documents. This is a big plus for OFWs who worry about identity safety and scams.

✔ View Your Digital PSA Certificate While Waiting

Upon completing and successfully passing the identity verification process, you will be given access to view and download the digital copy of your requested PSA certificate. This lets you check the details in advance and even use the information for online transactions that accept digital files. Perfect for urgent updates, renewals, or paperwork you need right away.

✔ You Choose Your Courier

Different countries, different delivery realities. With this service, you decide which international courier works best for you, whether it's DHL, FedEx, or a provider you trust in your area. You must book and pay for the delivery directly with your chosen courier, giving you full control of the cost and schedule.

Once the PSA is done processing, PSAHelpline.ph ensures your document is sealed properly and handed over safely to your chosen courier. You then track the shipment using the courier’s tracking number just like any important package.

For millions of Filipinos abroad, this service is a huge relief. It saves time, avoids unnecessary stress, and lets you handle your own requirements without depending on anyone back home. Most of all, it gives you peace of mind because the process is secure, official, and designed to fit the life of every hardworking Filipino overseas.

Wherever you are in the world, you now have a direct and reliable way to get your PSA documents. 

For OFWs, this is access made simple—finally.

You can read the PSA’s official Public Advisory here: https://psa.gov.ph/content/public-advisory-94

SM and Jobstreet Champion Filipino MSMEs at 2025 MSME Summit

Entrepreneurs and partners gather at the MSME Summit 2025 hosted by Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines in partnership with SM Supermalls at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.

Pasay City, November 12, 2025 — Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, welcomed entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event showcased the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster sustainable growth for the nation’s backbone industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, highlighted the summit’s goal: supporting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy.

“SM aims to be a partner in every MSME’s success story.” Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, reinforces SM’s commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs as he delivers the inspirational message and accepts a Plaque of Appreciation from Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, during the MSME Summit held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, on November 25, 2025.

“SM is not just a venue—it’s a partner in every MSME’s success story,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. “When MSMEs grow, the nation grows. Every small business that thrives represents a dream realized, a livelihood sustained, and a community strengthened.” SM’s own growth story mirrors that of its MSME partners. From a small shoe store in Carriedo to 88 malls nationwide, SM understands the value of small beginnings. “Almost 70% of our tenants are MSMEs—their success is the foundation of SM’s continued growth,” San Agustin added. Through the SM for MSMEs program, the company provides high-foot-traffic spaces, market access, and visibility to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.

Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College accepts her Plaque of Appreciation from Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet (right) by Seek Country Marketing head.

Key sessions addressed practical needs for MSMEs. Participants learned how to scale their first hire with Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet, explored AI applications for small businesses with Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College, and received insights on logistics and operations from Lalamove PH, 2GO Travel, and DITO BizBayan. Ms. Life Dawn Cervero of TikTok guided attendees on smart marketing on a budget, while a panel from BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo, and Asialink shared finance hacks for sustainable growth.

Industry experts Ms.Flor Tanay of Lalamove PH, Mr. Francis John Cha of 2GO Travel, and Mr. Gabriel Cui of DITO of BizBayan present logistics and digital solutions designed to help MSMEs scale.

MSME Summit 2025 partners BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo and Asialink host a panel learning session tackling finance hacks for MSMEs

Success stories, like Kay & Karl Santos of 1919 Chocolate, inspired participants with real-life examples of scaling Filipino businesses. Partner demos and the Partner Passport Challenge reinforced networking, learning, and practical engagement.

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Attendees make their rounds at the Partner Passport Challenge, visiting different booths to learn about hiring solutions, business tools, digital platforms, and partner services that support MSME growth

The MSME Summit 2025 reaffirmed SM Supermalls’ commitment to Filipino entrepreneurship, providing programs, spaces, and partnerships that help MSMEs innovate, scale, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

About SM Supermalls – MSMEs Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 88 malls nationwide—connects communities while redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. As the country’s biggest marketplace for MSMEs, SM champions Filipino entrepreneurship—empowering small businesses, driving local growth, showcasing homegrown talent, and fueling the Filipino spirit of enterprise. Visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email customercare@smsupermalls.com to grow your business with SM today.