Rex Education enhances learning resources in Philippine history and social sciences in partnership with PSSC, PNHS, and PHA

Rex Education hosted a memorandum signing with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS), and the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) on September 6, 2022 to seal a fellowship program centered on Philippine history.

Signatories of the memorandum pose for a picture. From L-R: Miss Jeanne Marie F. Tordesillas, Chief Marketing Officer of Rex Education; Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson, Chairperson of Philippine Social Sciences Council; Don Timothy I. Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education; Professor Emeritus Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay, Representative from the Philippine Historical Association; Dr. Marcelino M. Macapinlac, Jr., Representative from the Philippine National Historical Society

The program's primary goal is to develop a compendium on Philippine history that could serve as reference material for writing and publishing future history-centered textbooks. A careful selection of fellows knowledgeable about specific periods in Philippine history would be conducted to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the compendium.

In line with REX’s pledge of providing relevant and timeless learning solutions, the program would ideally improve the content of learning materials in history and social studies.

"This fellowship program brings together the academe, civil society, and private sector toward the common goal of serving Filipino learners. REX believes that looking back at where we all came from is important in enabling our learners, teachers, and communities." -  Don Timothy Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education

For every Filipino learner

PSSC stands as the project’s implementing agency alongside REX. PHA and PNHS, two local and professional historical associations, will collaborate with REX and PSSC to oversee the compendium’s development.

"This wonderful, novel project will benefit all learners. History is not only for the young; it is for learners of all ages," PSSC Chairperson Dr. Excelsa Tongson shared.

Dr. Bernardita Churchill, president of PNHS and president emeritus of the PSA and MSA, also highlighted the importance of corroborating history in a country as diverse as the Philippines. "The plan is to enhance the study and teaching of Filipino culture and create an inclusive history that will present the multiethnic history of the Filipino. A serious study of our history and culture would settle doubts and questions about our identity as a nation."

A worthwhile endeavor for the future of education

REX’s goal for the program is to provide authoritative reference materials in the writing and publishing of history textbooks.

Dr. Marcelino Macapinlac Jr., a representative from PNHS and a professor for over three decades, believes that the references that will be produced by the fellowship will further capacitate authors and those in the academe as they enlighten learners about Philippine history.

The development of well-researched historical resources invites not only educators but also the youth to reflect on our national history and culture. Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay, president of the PHA and professor emeritus, Department of History, UP Diliman, and Dr. Macapinlac noted that the current generation of learners has become more discerning of the sources they consume.

"I find that those who finish the K to 12 programs are better prepared and more engaged [in the study of history]," said Dr. Macapinlac. He noted that the last national elections highlighted how his students are now more passionate and engaged, but the bigger challenge lies in maintaining that passion in the long run.

"I hope Filipinos will not consider history just as a classroom or University course, but it should be a lifetime interest—whether Philippine, Southeast Asian or world history," Dr. Camagay concluded.

To keep up with news about the program, be sure to follow Rex Education’s Facebook page.

Rex Education Showcases Lifelong Learning Solutions at the 2022 CEAP National Convention

Don Timothy Buhain, chief executive officer (leftmost); Danda Crimelda Buhain, chief external affairs officer (3rd from the right); and Jeanne Marie Fontelera-Tordesillas, chief marketing officer (rightmost) with Rex Education staff at the 2022 CEAP Rex Education Hub

After two virtual events during the pandemic, the 2022 Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Convention is back on the ground with Rex Education and a strong delegation of educators, school heads, and superintendents from all over the country.

Situated within the post-pandemic context, the 2022 CEAP National Convention hopes to bring together the learnings and experiences of schools that are recovering slowly from the challenges of the past 2 years and help them. All educators and learners collaborate more to move education forward progressively and spiritually.

The theme, "Pilgrims of Hope Moving Forward in Synodality," is inspired by the Holy Year 2025 motto, "Pilgrims of Hope," which represents the theme of Pope Francis’ pontificate. It also calls upon the journeying of various education sector members as one Church, as prescribed by Pope Francis in his Global Compact on Education message in October 2020.

"To educate is always an act of hope, one that calls for cooperation in turning a barren and paralyzing indifference into another way of thinking that recognizes our interdependence," said Pope Francis during the speech.

"The journey of life calls for hope grounded in solidarity. All change requires a process of education in order to create new paradigms capable of responding to the challenges and problems of the contemporary world, of understanding and finding solutions to the needs of every generation, and in this way contributing to the flourishing of humanity now and in the future."

Rex Education Hub: A Lifelong Learning Journey

Building on the theme of the 2022 CEAP National Convention, the Rex Education Hub was created for delegates to have a glimpse of every Filipino learner's lifelong learning journey through rediscovering REX’s diverse suite of solutions from early childhood education to professional development.

The Rex Education Hub showcased REX’s diverse suite of solutions from early childhood education to professional development

The hub was also designed for delegates to feel renewed excitement about learning in all life stages and to collaborate more and innovate further in support of quality education.

"The journey of life is a journey of learning. At REX, we support Pope Francis and CEAP’s vision for synodality, where every Filipino is moving as one for every learner so that they are empowered, equipped, and championed. Through the Rex Education Hub at CEAP 2022, we hope we have showcased, yet again, that we are here to support every learner in every phase of their journey." - Don Timothy Buhain, chief executive officer of Rex Education.

Under Early Childhood Education (ECE), REX showcased its educational book titles, anchored on socio-emotional, language, and cognitive skills reflected in the six domains of development in the National Early Learning Framework (NELF) by the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council.

The Rex Education Hub showcased REX’s diverse suite of solutions from early childhood education to professional development.

In response to the need for learners to know more about Philippine history, "My Bayani" is REX’s series of storybooks that introduces Filipino heroes to inspire self-analysis and reflection.

Basic Education continues to be the foundation of many learners’ development journeys. From kindergarten to senior high school, REX worktexts are applicable across disciplines and integrate values and character formation for holistic development. Other learning solutions such as "My Skill Builder," "My Career Journey," and "Laro, Likha, Linang" are supplementary and equally comprehensive materials that further support Filipino learners throughout their learning journey.

Moreover, after the pandemic reinforced digital solutions as non-negotiable in education, REX continued to build on the importance of digital resources. REX offers Schoology, a learning management system, and standardized assessments such as Digital Aces and Harrison Assessments as great tools that help mold learners who are ready for the demands of the 21st century.

REX also further guides students as they step into higher education. Relevant and evidence-based solutions and up-to-date contents based on real-life applications are at the core of REX’s learning materials to prepare students as they choose and build their careers.

As a lifelong learning partner to law students and practitioners, REX not only creates books but also opportunities for mentoring and talks or conversations. A book signing with Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, the author of Code of Ethics of Professional Teachers, was held on-site on October 27, 2022.

Don Timothy Buhain, Rex Education chief executive officer; Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, author; Atty. Dominador Buhain, Rex Education chairman and president; and Danda Crimelda Buhain, Rex Education chief external affairs officer at the book signing of “Code of Ethics of Professional Teachers 2023 Edition”

As learning continues beyond formal education, REX’s suite of professional learning materials is intended for those who are looking to level up their journey and contribute to nation-building. Aside from various legal materials, REX’s solutions include the Barangay Handbook, designed for public servants to help them advance their knowledge and skills as they carry out their tasks for the benefit of their constituents.

REX also highlighted their partnership across several promotional and educational campaigns with Edukasyon.ph, an organization dedicated to developing EdTech products and services that bridge the gap between teaching and learning in the digital world.

CEAP 2022: A Renewal of Commitment to Edukampyons

REX’s annual participation in the 2022 CEAP National Convention is a renewal of the company’s commitment to championing education and being every learner’s lifelong learning partner.

"As Edukampyons, we always protect, respect, and fulfill the needs of every Filipino learner. We can only do this when we work together with our educators, school heads and administrators, and stakeholders—fellow Edukampyons, who can help us move forward for a progressive education for our nation," said Buhain.

Held on October 25–28, 2022 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, CEAP 2022 brought together virtual attendees and on-ground delegates to attend concurrent sessions, Eucharistic celebrations, oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the CEAP National Board, and the conferment of the Pro Deo et Patria Awards.

Piracy is theft: Rex Education rallies consumers, publishing industry to support its anti-piracy campaign

Piracy is theft; piracy is a crime.

In a bid to encourage consumers to stand against piracy, protect intellectual property, and support the local book publishing industry, Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2022.

"After more than 70 years in the publishing industry, I can say that I am proud of the contribution and impact that every REX book has had in the lives of our learners. And we, at REX, would like to keep serving the Filipino learner through our learning materials—may it be printed, audio, or digital form. Through this anti-piracy campaign, we can keep the book industry flourishing and thriving. We can keep the passing of knowledge a sacred endeavor," said Atty. Dominador Buhain, chairman of Rex Education.

Piracy is punishable by law

Educational book publishing is protected by Republic Act (RA) 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. Under this law, the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of books, audiobooks, and other printed or digital learning materials is illegal and punishable by imprisonment and fines of up to PHP 1.5 million.

However, piracy remains widespread in the country. According to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), they received a 25% increase in piracy reports from consumers and complaints from rights holders in 2021 compared with reports in 2020. General and educational books and e-books accounted for 49% of reports on piracy, suggesting that many learning materials are still being downloaded and distributed illegally despite the rise of legitimate e-commerce shops and the prevalent availability of e-books and audiobooks.

Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign to continue educating Filipinos about the damaging effects of piracy on authors and publishers. Rex also encourages consumers, who have become ubiquitous keepers of knowledge in this digital age, to help stop the illegal reproduction and distribution of books, e-books, audiobooks, and all other learning tools and materials.

The movement aims to protect the hard work and talent of creators, and ultimately create a ripple effect in strengthening the respect for published materials to keep the publishing industry thriving.

"Time, effort, money, and hard work go into every book that comes out of REX’s printing house. Hundreds of authors and thousands of employees are sustained by the learning materials we produce. Piracy is a crime. Piracy is disrespectful to authors, editors, artists, and the publishing industry as a whole," said Jeanne Tordesillas, chief marketing officer of Rex Education.

No to book piracy; respect creativity

MIBF 2022 showed a strong confluence of the book publishing industry, educators, stakeholders from the education sector, creators and authors, consumers, and Filipino learners. Anchoring the movement at one of the biggest and most sought-after book fairs in the country meant bringing it closer to the learners and creators protected by the anti-piracy campaign.

With the call "No to book piracy, protect intellectual property, respect creativity," REX staged a rally around the venue with placards, t-shirts, and flyers. The staged rally gained instant attention and traction throughout the fair, leading attendees to the REX booth where the launch of the anti-piracy campaign was held.

"We would like to keep providing authors an avenue to share their talents and pass on their knowledge to the next generation. We would like to keep providing jobs to our employees and workers in the publishing industry, most especially during these trying times. We want to teach the culture of discipline and respect to the next generation, so they value what goes into every book that passes through their hands," said Buhain during the launch. "Today, we invite you to join us. Support the local publishing industry. Say no to piracy."

Join Rex Education in saying "NO" to book piracy and "YES" to protecting creativity and intellectual property. Buy from legitimate sources; buy original. Watch and share the "Proud Ako" anti-piracy campaign video launched at the MIBF 2022, showcasing the hard work that goes behind every published book and learning material produced by REX.

To support Rex Education and its efforts to protect the publishing industry, visit www.rex.com.ph.

Free tickets and books at MIBF 2022 from Rex Education

Rex Education is celebrating the on-site return of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2022 with free tickets, books, and prizes for bookworms, educators, and learners.

Happening at the SMX Convention Center on September 15–18, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the 43rd MIBF will bring together members of the local and international publishing industry to offer a comprehensive selection of books, panel discussions, workshops, storytelling activities, and training for readers and learners of all ages.

For first-time and returning attendees, get a free ticket to MIBF 2022 by registering with REX through this link: bit.ly/MIBF2022SignUpForm. Ticket holders can present the ticket at the REX booth 196-205 to receive a special surprise. Free tickets and freebies are limited, so register early and drop by the booth as soon as you can.

For students and teachers, grab a chance to receive free textbooks throughout the fair. REX will be giving out free books on Accounting, Business, Hospitality and Tourism, and Education.

Customers can claim up to three books, while non-buying visitors who come to the booth are also eligible to receive free books.

On top of the freebies, many exciting deals await attendees at the Rex Education booth. For thrift shoppers, browse through the Bukay-Bukay section or purchase tertiary education books at a bargain price of PHP 100.00 and below. Regular titles are also discounted up to 50% off.

After a satisfying book haul, customers can join the raffle to win additional prizes.

REX at MIBF

Rex Education values MIBF as an excellent opportunity to promote its mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. The company has been joining the fair for years now to give Filipinos access to more affordable and quality books and learning materials.

When MIBF went digital in 2020 and 2021, REX offered discounted books through the MIBF Online portal and free webinars with its in-house experts. Now that the fair is back on the exhibition floor, REX endeavors to welcome learners back with an eye-catching booth following the theme "Approaches to the New Normal Way of Life."

Considered the biggest and longest-running book fair in the Philippines, MIBF is a haven for artists, bookworms, learners, educators, and publishers alike. MIBF has redefined the reading experience for over four decades now, showcasing the largest and most comprehensive collection of books, magazines, comics, educational aids, and allied materials.

Follow the Rex Education Facebook page for updates on their MIBF offerings, or visit the MIBF official website at www.manilabookfair.com.

Transition smartly and level up your face-to-face classes with Rex Education’s Schoology

The education landscape has been forever changed by the pandemic. As we continue to champion education and believe that it evolves and transforms lives, we can expect more and better changes in the future.

Being in the now new normal, going back completely to the way we were does not encourage evolution nor transformation. We have explored so much, stretched our capabilities, challenged old norms, and persevered and persisted. We are moving forward. We take with us the learnings, technology, and innovation of the significant last 2 years and integrate them into an evolved version of an education continuity template, our shield, for the 21st century.

With schools getting ready to transition back to face-to-face classes, Rex Education reminds educators that there are many tools and best practices from their distance learning setup that can help them level up students’ learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Schoology is one useful and impactful tool.

Schoology is one of the very first learning management systems (LMS) made available to teachers and students to continue their teaching and learning from home when schools were forced to close temporarily in 2020. Because of the demand for LMS during that period, REX expanded the reach of Schoology and the wealth of resources available on the platform. Thousands of teachers and students are now using Schoology as part of their online and distance teaching and learning modalities.

"When we introduced Schoology to the Philippines in 2015, we had an idea in mind that the digital classroom is the classroom of the future. That’s why when the pandemic broke out, we were ready. Schoology created an avenue for seamless learning, without compromising our learners, and playing to the advantage of our learners being digital natives. Today, the digital classroom is the classroom of the new normal." - Don Timothy Buhain, Rex Education CEO

Schoology is the digital classroom of today

Returning to face-to-face classes does not mean leaving behind the best practices we have learned from online and distance learning. Schoology was originally designed to augment and enhance the traditional learning setup, not completely replace it, making it the perfect platform to provide 21st-century learning experiences needed to transition students into the now new normal.

Technology cannot be an add-on; it’s a necessity. Flexible learning is not a privilege or an advantage; it’s also a necessity. Certainly, future-proofing our classrooms, although it cannot be perfected, is a reality.

To date, the transition is ongoing and many schools are in different stages in their choice of learning modalities that will fit their learners’ needs. Some may still be designing or experimenting, and some others are already strengthening what they have. Having a trusted partner grounded in sustainability, flexibility, and technology is key in making the transition as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Backed by more than 70 years of expertise, Rex Education and with Schoology could be every school’s ideal partner for the 21st-century classroom.

Schoology makes synchronization seamless. Since many schools have been employing a hybrid learning setup where students go to school in schedules or batches, using Schoology as the primary LMS for each class ensures that all students—both on-site and off-site—are on the same page.

In addition, assessment is made easier with the automated test scoring and consolidation of results through Schoology’s Grade Book. Analytics are readily available for teachers so they may adjust their materials based on the class performance, while parents are able to monitor their children's progress throughout the quarter and the academic year.

Moreover, classroom management and communication are centralized on the platform. Students, teachers, and parents can also monitor the student workload through Workload Planning, and they can be reminded of deadlines using the platform’s Calendar function.

Schoology can be accessed via the browser on PC and laptops, or on mobile phones and tablets via the app. As an all-in-one learning platform, it comes packed with features like Personalized Courses, Calendar, Messages, Dropbox, Online Tests, Integrated Apps, Groups, and Grade Book.

"Our partnership with Schoology is just one of REX’s many efforts to fulfill our promise that we go where the learner goes. Our learners’ needs and circumstances are always changing, always evolving, and it is our duty as Edukampyons to be on the cutting-edge of educational innovation so our products and services are always relevant to the 21st-century learner," revealed Buhain.

Stay updated with Rex Education’s latest releases. Be part of the REX Basic Education Community by registering HERE.

For more information about REX’s Basic Education programs, Schoology, and Rex Academy, visit rex.com.ph or contact cicsupport@rex.com.ph.

Rex Education and PPCRV call for voters to discern well, vote according to our values, and be Maka-Pilipinas

With the National Elections just within reach, Rex Education and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) are working together to help educate voters about the values we should be looking for in the leaders we will elect.

"How the Philippines will come out of this pandemic and handle the impending global economic recession will rely on the next 6 years. This is why it is crucial that the leaders we will elect in the upcoming May 9 elections share the heart of the Filipino people and possess the values to stand for and serve our country. We have to choose well and vote for someone who is truly Maka-Pilipinas," - Rex Education CEO, Don Timothy Buhain

The leader we deserve is Maka-Pilipinas

Varying standards, opinions, and principles come into play in the bid for national and local positions. What matters in the end when electing a leader is that it’s not enough to choose someone wise and experienced; we must also choose a leader who embodies the virtues of a true Filipino citizen and champion. PPCRV launched the voter education program that highlights what it takes to be Maka-Pilipinas to emphasize the values that make a true Filipino leader.

To be Maka-Pilipinas is to be maka-Diyos (faithful to God), maka-tao (respects life and people), maka-bayan (patriotic), at maka-kalikasan (environmentally concerned). These are the four good citizenship core values embedded in the 1987 Constitution, which highlights these core values’ roots and importance in our culture and history.

To help Filipinos better understand what makes a leader truly Maka-Pilipinas, PPCRV broke down the four core values—maka-Diyos, maka-tao, maka-bayan, at maka-kalikasan—into 16 good citizenship values. Does your candidate tick all the boxes of this checklist?

"We believe that through the living and the sharing of these basic values—not only by ourselves but especially by our candidates—can our national vision of improving moral standards in government and in society be achieved," PPCRV Chair Myla Villanueva said during the launch of the Maka-Pilipinas voter education program.

A champion of the people is a champion of education

Everyone is part of the solution. As champions of education—as Edukampyons—it is every Filipino’s duty to embody the 16 good citizenship values that we wish to see in our leaders. It is also up to each of us to encourage our fellow Edukampyons to live these values, so they may also know what it means to elect a leader who is truly Maka-Pilipinas.

"Voter education starts at home, where values are introduced and cultivated in our families. Under REX’s Edukampyon campaign, we want to give every Filipino learner an opportunity to have a good education, stable well-being, and a future where they can be their best selves. To do that, we must have the support of government leaders who value the same things, after our own heart, and cares just as much for the development of our learners," Buhain shared further.

To serve as a reminder to choose with discernment and vote responsibly this coming election, PPCRV created a Maka-Pilipinas comics that promote the 16 good citizenship values. A line from the comics read: "Your vote is your hope. Your vote is your prayer. Vote wisely."

The Maka-Pilipinas comics in English can be read through the PPCRV Facebook page here. Printed copies of the comics were also sponsored by Rex Education and distributed to various schools and communities.

It is also available in various Filipino dialects: Bikolano, Bisaya, Ilokano, Ilonggo, Tagalog, and Taglish.