GOVPH

RIZAL CLASSROOMS OF THE FUTURE, PORMAL NA INILUNSAD SA LOS BAÑOS SA PAGGUNITA NG IKA-165 KAARAWAN NI DR. JOSE RIZAL

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — Hunyo 19, 2026.

Kasabay ng paggunita sa ika-165 kapanganakan ni Dr. Jose P. Rizal noong Hunyo 19, 2026 (Biyernes), pormal na inilunsad ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Los Baños sa pamumuno ni Hon. Mayor Neil Andrew N. Nocon ang kauna-unahang Rizal Classrooms of the Future (RCOF) sa Los Baños Central Elementary School sa Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna.

Pinangunahan ni Pastora Imelda Dela Viña ang panalangin bilang pagbubukas ng makasaysayang programa. Sa kanyang welcome remarks, ipinahayag ni Dr. Soledad S. Villanueva, Public Schools District Supervisor ng Department of Education-Los Baños Sub-Office, ang mainit na pagtanggap sa mga panauhin at katuwang ng programa. Aniya, “Malugod at buong puso namin kayong tinatanggap sa Los Baños Sub-Office na binubuo ng 851 teaching at non-teaching personnel at 18,541 learners.”

Suporta ng Pamahalaang Lokal at pakikipagtuwang ng iba't ibang Institusyon

Sa kanyang pambungad na mensahe, binigyang-diin ni Hon. Vice Mayor Marlo PJ A. Alipon ang buong suporta ng Sangguniang Bayan sa mga programang nakatuon sa edukasyon at kinabukasan ng kabataan. Sinabi niyang “Buo po ang suporta ng Sangguniang Bayan upang maibigay ang kinakailangang suporta sa kabataan na siyang uukit sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan.”

Nagpaabot naman ng kanilang mensahe ng suporta ang iba’t ibang institusyon at sektor na katuwang ng programa. Ayon kay Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Pangulo ng Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)–Los Baños, ang pamumuhunan sa edukasyon ng kabataan ngayon ay nagiging pundasyon ng mas matatag na Los Baños at Pilipinas sa hinaharap. Samantala, ibinahagi ni Lt. Col. Jannette Arceo, MNSA (GSC) PA (RES), Chairman at Chief Vision Officer ng Impact Solutions Institute of the Philippines (ISIPhil), na matagal nang pangarap ni Mayor Nocon ang makapaglatag ng mga konkretong hakbang upang matugunan ang literacy crisis sa bansa at maihanda ang mga kabataan sa hinaharap sa pamamagitan ng makabagong paraan ng pagkatuto.

Sa mensahe ni Atty. Eric Paul D. Peralta, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs ng University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), na inihatid para kay Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., Chancellor ng UPLB, kanyang pinuri ang inisyatibong ito bilang isang makabagong hakbang na nagpapalakas sa komunidad sa pamamagitan ng kaalaman at nagbubukas ng mga oportunidad tungo sa napapanatiling kaunlaran.

Nagbigay rin ng suporta si RW Ruel S. Rivera, Deputy Grand Master ng Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, sa ngalan ni MW Robert Joseph S. Moran Jr., at ipinahayag na ang edukasyon ang pinakadakilang pantay-pantay na pwersa sa lipunan. Ayon sa kanya, katuwang ng Los Baños ang mahigit 3,000 mason sa pagsuporta sa adhikain ng RCOF.

Paggunita sa Adhikain ni Rizal sa Edukasyon

Ipinahayag naman ni Hon. Jay G. Rolusta, Chairperson ng Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Education, na dalawang mahalagang okasyon ang ipinagdiriwang sa araw na ito, ang ika-165 kaarawan ni Dr. Jose Rizal at ang pagsilang ng Rizal Classrooms of the Future. Pahayag niya, ang mga aral at adhikain ni Rizal ay patuloy na nagbibigay inspirasyon sa pagsusulong ng dekalidad na edukasyon para sa bawat mag-aaral.

RCOF Bilang Tugon sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon

Sa kanyang mensahe, sinabi ni Mr. Alvin R. Alcid, Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Projects ng National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), na bukod sa paggunita sa kaarawan ni Rizal at paglulunsad ng RCOF, bahagi rin ito ng pagdiriwang ng ika-70 anibersaryo ng Rizal Law. Pinuri niya ang Los Baños sa pangunguna ni Mayor Nocon sa pagtugon sa hamon ng makabagong panahon sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng teknolohiya para sa edukasyon at literacy.

Binigyang-pugay rin ni PD Jay Beltran, Provincial Director ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Laguna, ang liderato ni Mayor Nocon sa pagbibigay-prayoridad sa kinabukasan ng kabataan. Binanggit niya ang patuloy na hamon ng functional illiteracy sa bansa at ang kahalagahan ng mga programang tulad ng RCOF upang mabigyan ng mas maliwanag na kinabukasan ang susunod na henerasyon.

Mensahe ni Mayor Neil Andrew N. Nocon: Inspirasyon at Layunin ng RCOF

Naghatid ng inspirasyonal na mensahe sa nasabing programa si Hon. Mayor Neil Andrew N. Nocon, ang visionary sa likod ng Rizal Classrooms of the Future (RCOF). Ibinahagi niya na ang inspirasyon ng programa ay nagmula sa mga mag-aaral na kalahok sa ARAL Program, na hangaring makatulong sa pagpapalakas ng edukasyon sa Los Baños at mapalawak ang inisyatiba sa buong Laguna sa tulong ng iba’t ibang katuwang.

“The inspiration behind RCOF are the kids enrolled in the ARAL Program. We equip them with tablets to enhance the educational landscape in Los Baños and replicate this in Laguna with the help of our partners,” pahayag ni Mayor Nocon. Binigyang-diin niya na higit pa sa paggamit ng teknolohiya, ang pangunahing layunin ng RCOF ay malinang ang literacy, kritikal na pag-iisip, pagiging makabago, at pagpapahalaga sa mga mag-aaral. “It took a Jose Rizal to shatter the walls of our minds that were placed by colonizers. Rizal’s problems 165 years ago are also the same problems we encounter now. We draw inspiration from Rizal to meet the challenges of the future,” dagdag niya.

Pormal na Turnover at Pagkilala sa mga Katuwang

Kasunod nito ay ang pormal na paglulunsad at ceremonial turnover ng RCOF sa pangunguna nina Mayor Nocon at Vice Mayor Alipon kasama sina Hon. Miko C. Pelegrina, Hon. Aldous Amiel B. Perez, Hon. Muriel Laisa B. Dizon, Hon. Leren Mae M. Bautista, Hon. Rand Edouard R. De Jesus, Hon. Jay G. Rolusta, Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Atty. Eric Paul D. Peralta, Lt. Col. Jannette Arceo, RW Ruel S. Rivera, Mr. Alvin R. Alcid, PD Jay Beltran, Dr. Editha M. Atendido, Dr. Lourdes Bermudez, at Dr. Soledad S. Villanueva.

Suporta mula sa mga Pambansang Pinuno at Institusyon

Nagbigay rin ng keynote video message si Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, na nagpahayag ng kanyang suporta sa inisyatiba. Ayon sa kanya, magsisilbing huwaran ang RCOF bilang isang makabago at malikhaing paraan ng pagtugon sa mga hamon ng sistema ng edukasyon at patunay na may mahalagang papel ang teknolohiya sa paghahanda ng mga guro at mag-aaral para sa hinaharap.

Pagpapalakas ng Edukasyon sa Pamamagitan ng RCOF

Sa acceptance speech, ipinahayag ni Dr. Editha M. Atendido, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent ng DepEd Laguna, ang kanyang pasasalamat sa pagkakaloob ng mga Rizal Tablet. Aniya, ang mga ito ay nagsisilbing “bagong Noli at El Fili” na magbubukas ng mga oportunidad para sa kaalaman, pagkamalikhain, at makabagong pagkatuto ng mga mag-aaral.

Samantala, sa mensaheng inihatid ni Dr. Lourdes Bermudez para kay Dir. Carlito D. Rocafort, Regional Director ng Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON, kanyang inilahad na ang edukasyon ang susi sa personal na pagbabago at pambansang pag-unlad. Dagdag pa niya, ang RCOF ay ganap na naaayon sa MATATAG Agenda at ARAL Program ng DepEd.

RCOF Simulation at Mga Karagdagang Inisyatiba

Sa pagpapadaloy ng programa nila Mr. Arvin C. Diamante at Dr. Glicelle Gee-Jay A. Terrenal ng DepEd ay isinagawa rin ang RCOF simulation sa pangunguna ni Teacher Eleanor T. Abelilla kasama ang mga student app developers mula sa Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU)–Los Baños na sina Danielle S. Linga, Jared Nate T. Odian, at John Royce L. Esporlas, kung saan ipinakita ang paggamit ng Rizal Tablets na naka-konekta sa Smart TV para sa mas interaktibong pagkatuto.

Bilang bahagi ng programa, inilunsad din ang University of the East Milk Feeding Program sa pangunguna ni Mr. Rogelio Isturis Espiritu, University of the East Outreach Director, sa ngalan ng pamunuan ng University of the East. Nagkaloob ang unibersidad ng 1,500 lata ng gatas bilang panimulang tulong para sa 120-araw na supplementary feeding program katuwang ang Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) ng Nueva Ecija. Nagbigay rin ng mensahe si Dr. Louie Divinagracia, Chancellor ng University of the East Manila.

Pakikipagtulungan ng Pribadong Sektor at mga Panauhin

Isinagawa rin ang unveiling ng suporta ng PCCI-Los Baños sa pamamagitan ng RCOF Marker bilang simbolo ng matatag na pakikipagtulungan ng pribadong sektor sa pagsusulong ng dekalidad na edukasyon. Nagpaabot din ng suporta sina Hon. Michael L. Romero, PhD, dating Kongresista ng 1-PACMAN Party-list, at Hon. Marisol “Sol” C. Aragones-Sampelo, Gobernador ng Lalawigan ng Laguna

Dumalo rin sa programa sina DILG MLGOO Michiko R. Escalante, Municipal Engineer Ricky R. Estopace, MPDO Twila T. Torres, GAD Officer Karen Lagat Mercado, MUDHO Head Karen Joy Coronado, Public Information Office Head John Marvin S. Canaria, Prof. Violeta Quintana, mga kawani ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Los Baños, Knights of Rizal, DILG at DepEd officials at personnel, mga Mason, media partners, mga magulang, at mga mag-aaral ng Grade 4 ng Los Baños Central Elementary School.

Patuloy na Paninindigan para sa Kinabukasan ng Kabataan

Sa pamamagitan ng Rizal Classrooms of the Future, muling pinatunayan ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Los Baños ang matatag nitong paninindigan na ang edukasyon ang pinakamabisang daan tungo sa pag-unlad. Higit pa sa teknolohiya, layunin ng programa na makalikha ng mga kabataang mahusay magbasa, mapanuri, makabago, may mabuting pagpapahalaga, at handang maging mga susunod na tagapagtaguyod ng pag-abante ng bayan at ng bansa.

#RizalClassroomsOfTheFuture

#RCOFLaunching

#165thDrJoseRizalBirthday

#LosBañosCentralElementarySchool

#MayorNeilAndrewNocon

#DepEdLosBaños

#MunicipalityOfLosBaños

#SerbisyongDiretsoSaTao

#AbanteLosBaños

 

| via CJSA/PIO-MGLB

 

 

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LOS BAÑOS LAUNCHED RIZAL CLASSROOMS OF THE FUTURE ON DR. JOSE RIZAL’S 165TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — June 19, 2026.

In a historic celebration marking the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on June 19, 2026, the Municipality of Los Baños, under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Neil Andrew N. Nocon formally launched the Rizal Classrooms of the Future (RCOF) at Los Baños Central Elementary School in Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna.

The program commenced with an invocation led by Pastora Imelda Dela Viña, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Soledad S. Villanueva, Public Schools District Supervisor of the Department of Education (DepEd) Los Baños Sub-Office. In her remarks, she welcomed the guests and stakeholders on behalf of the Los Baños Sub-Office, which serves 18,541 learners and is composed of 851 teaching and non-teaching personnel.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Vice Mayor Marlo PJ A. Alipon reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Sangguniang Bayan to educational initiatives that will help shape the future of the youth and the municipality. He emphasized that the Municipal Council fully supports programs that invest in the next generation of leaders and nation-builders.

Institutional Partnerships and Support for RCOF

Messages of support were delivered by distinguished partners and stakeholders who recognized the transformative potential of the Rizal Classrooms of the Future. Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)–Los Baños, highlighted the importance of investing in children's education, stating that today’s learners will become tomorrow’s professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and public servants. She emphasized that investments in education lay the foundation for a stronger Los Baños and a stronger Philippines.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jannette Arceo, MNSA (GSC) PA (RES), Chairman and Chief Vision Officer of the Impact Solutions Institute of the Philippines (ISIPhil), shared that the initiative reflects a long-standing vision of Mayor Nocon to address the literacy crisis identified in the EDCOM II Report. She noted that the program is not merely about introducing new technology but about creating meaningful learning spaces that prepare children for the future. She also reaffirmed ISIPhil’s continued partnership with the Municipality of Los Baños and DepEd in advancing the project.

Representing Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Atty. Eric Paul D. Peralta, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, commended the municipality for its visionary initiative that empowers communities through knowledge, fosters excellence among learners, and creates pathways toward sustainable development.

Expressing the support of the Masonic community, RW Ruel S. Rivera, Deputy Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, speaking on behalf of MW Robert Joseph S. Moran Jr., underscored that education remains the greatest equalizer in society. He assured the municipality that more than 3,000 Masons stand ready to support the goals of the RCOF program.

Honoring Rizal’s Legacy Through Education

Hon. Jay G. Rolusta, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Education, remarked that the occasion celebrated two significant milestones, the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal and the birth of the Rizal Classrooms of the Future. He emphasized that Rizal’s teachings and ideals continue to inspire efforts to provide quality education and opportunities for the youth of Los Baños.

Adding historical context to the event, Mr. Alvin R. Alcid, Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Projects of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), noted that the launch coincides not only with Rizal’s birthday but also with the 70th anniversary of the Rizal Law enacted on June 12, 1956. He praised Los Baños for responding to the demands of the modern age by embracing innovation and technology in education and expressed hope that the initiative would be replicated by other municipalities across the country.

PD Jay Beltran, Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Laguna, lauded Mayor Nocon’s leadership and commitment to investing in the future of the youth. He highlighted the challenge of functional illiteracy in the Philippines and stressed the importance of programs such as RCOF in creating opportunities for future generations.

Mayor Nocon Highlights Vision Behind RCOF

Delivering the event’s inspiring message was Hon. Mayor Neil Andrew N. Nocon, the visionary behind the Rizal Classrooms of the Future (RCOF). He shared that the inspiration for the program came from the learners enrolled in the ARAL Program, emphasizing that the initiative seeks to enhance the educational landscape in Los Baños and expand its impact across Laguna through the support of various partners.

“The inspiration behind RCOF are the kids enrolled in the ARAL Program. We equip them with tablets to enhance the educational landscape in Los Baños and replicate this in Laguna with the help of our partners,” Mayor Nocon said. He further underscored that while the program incorporates technology, its primary goal is to strengthen literacy, critical thinking, innovation, and values formation among learners. “It took a Jose Rizal to shatter the walls of our minds that were placed by colonizers. Rizal’s problems 165 years ago are also the same problems we encounter now. We draw inspiration from Rizal to meet the challenges of the future,” he added.

RCOF: A Literacy Program Powered by Technology

A key message emphasized throughout the launch was that the Rizal Classrooms of the Future is not a technology program but a literacy program that responsibly uses technology when it adds value to learning. Guided by the belief that Rizal became a great reader before he became a great thinker, the initiative seeks to develop more readers, critical thinkers, innovators, and future nation-builders. The program harnesses emerging technologies while promoting the values that Rizal championed: critical thinking, lifelong learning, scientific curiosity, civic responsibility, and nation-building.

Formal Turnover and Keynote Messages

The formal launch and ceremonial turnover of the Rizal Classrooms of the Future were led by Mayor Nocon and Vice Mayor Alipon together with Hon. Miko C. Pelegrina, Hon. Aldous Amiel B. Perez, Hon. Muriel Laisa B. Dizon, Hon. Leren Mae M. Bautista, Hon. Rand Edouard R. De Jesus, Hon. Jay G. Rolusta, Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas, Atty. Eric Paul D. Peralta, Lt. Col. Jannette Arceo, RW Ruel S. Rivera, Mr. Alvin R. Alcid, and PD Jay Beltran.

The program also featured a keynote video message from Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, who described the initiative as a model of innovative and creative solutions to the challenges faced by the education sector. He emphasized that RCOF and the Rizal Tablets demonstrate the important role of technology in preparing teachers and learners for the future.

Strengthening Access to Future-Ready Learning

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Editha M. Atendido, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education–Laguna, expressed her gratitude for the Rizal Tablets entrusted to DepEd. She described the tablets as “new Noli and El Fili,” opening windows to information, creativity, and opportunity while providing students with equitable access to 21st-century learning.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lourdes Bermudez, speaking on behalf of Dir. Carlito D. Rocafort, Regional Director of DepEd Region IV-A CALABARZON, emphasized that there could be no more fitting day to launch the initiative than Rizal’s birth anniversary. She underscored that education remains the key to personal transformation and national progress and affirmed that the program aligns strongly with DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda and ARAL Program.

Demonstration of the RCOF Learning Environment and Other Initiatives

A live demonstration of the RCOF learning environment was conducted by ARAL Program Teacher Eleanor T. Abelilla together with app developer students from Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU)–Los Baños: Danielle S. Linga, Jared Nate T. Odian, and John Royce L. Esporlas. The demonstration showcased the use of Rizal Tablets connected to a Smart TV, creating a more interactive and engaging learning experience.

As part of the event, the University of the East (UE) Milk Feeding Program was also introduced through Mr. Rogelio Isturis Espiritu, University of the East Outreach Director, representing the University’s leadership. The University committed 1,500 cans of milk for the month and a 120-day supplementary feeding program in partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) of Nueva Ecija. Dr. Louie Divinagracia, Chancellor of the University of the East Manila, likewise shared his message of support.

Private Sector Support and Program Participants

Serving as masters of ceremonies for the program were Mr. Arvin C. Diamante and Dr. Glicelle Gee-Jay A. Terrenal of the Department of Education (DepEd), who guided the flow of the event’s various segments. Among its notable highlights was the unveiling of the PCCI-Los Baños support marker, symbolizing the private sector’s commitment to advancing the goals of the Rizal Classrooms of the Future. Support for the initiative was likewise expressed by Hon. Michael L. Romero, PhD, former Congressman of the 1-PACMAN Party-list, and Hon. Marisol “Sol” C. Aragones-Sampelo, Governor of the Province of Laguna.

The launch was also attended by DILG MLGOO Michiko R. Escalante, Municipal Engineer Ricky R. Estopace, MPDO Twila T. Torres, Gender and Development Officer Karen Lagat Mercado, MUDHO Head Karen Joy Coronado, Public Information Office Head John Marvin S. Canaria, Prof. Violeta Quintana, members of the Knights of Rizal, representatives from DILG and DepEd, Masons, media partners, parents, local government employees, other partners, teachers, parents, and Grade 4 learners of Los Baños Central Elementary School.

Advancing Education and Nation-Building Through RCOF

Through the Rizal Classrooms of the Future, the Municipality of Los Baños reaffirms its commitment to educational excellence and nation-building. More than integrating technology into classrooms, the initiative aims to shape a generation of readers, critical thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens who embody the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal and are equipped to drive the nation’s progress and lead its future.

#RizalClassroomsOfTheFuture
#RCOFLaunching
#165thDrJoseRizalBirthday
#LosBañosCentralElementarySchool
#MayorNeilAndrewNocon
#DepEdLosBaños
#MunicipalityOfLosBaños
#SerbisyongDiretsoSaTao
#AbanteLosBaños

| via CJSA/PIO-MGLB