VMUF OPENS GATE FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

For several years, Philippines have been gearing up for the implementation of the enhanced K to 12 program, adding two additional years to the existing 10-year Basic Education curriculum. We have embarked on the idea to bring into line our educational system with other learning systems practiced around the world. Since the idea started, we trusted that this program will develop lifelong learning and cultivate global competitiveness, holistic progress, and productivity in our country.

On June 13 2016, Senior High School students’ journey to the future started. Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation has opened its gate for Senior High School aligning our educational system with systems across the globe. A total of five hundred sixteen Grade 11 students entered the portals of VMUF with enthusiasm to learn better. Though several reforms have been introduced diagonally the K to 12 program, VMUF Senior High School assured to improve the learning outcomes and to accordingly introduce the different tracks offered by the school.

At present, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation Senior High School offers two academic tracks with four strands namely, ABM for Accountancy, Business and Management, HUMSS for Humanities and Social Sciences, STEM for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and GAS for General Academic Strand. These strands have its corresponding programs that Senior High School students can pursue in VMUF.

Under ABM, students may continue taking up Accountancy, Business Administration (Majors: Management Accounting, Marketing, Financial, Human Resources Development, Operations, Business Economics) Office Management, Associate in Office Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management. Furthermore, HUMSS students may pursue Psychology and Political Science. Under STEM, learners are expected to take up Biology, Computer Science, Dentistry, Engineering (CE, EE, ME, ECE), Library Information Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Technology and Veterinary Medicine. Lastly, GAS students may continue taking up AB English and Education respectively.

Likewise, the second track that VMUF-SHS offers is Technical Vocational and Livelihood Track which contains Home Economics, Agri-Fishery Arts, Industrial Arts and Information and Communications Technology. Under Home Economics, students may take up Wellness Massage, Caregiving, Food and Beverage Services, Bartending, Housekeeping, Front Office Services, Tour Guiding Services, Bread & Pastry Production, and Cookery. Meanwhile, Animal Production is under Agri-Fishery Arts. Under Industrial Arts, students may pursue Consumer Electronics Servicing and Electrical Installation and Maintenance. Lastly, for those who wish to take up Computer Hardware Servicing, Information and Communications Technology must be their preference.

According to Dr. Erlinda Estacio Rivo, Assistant Principal of VMUF Senior High School, VMUF - SHS got it all. Dr. Rivo stated during an interview that the VMUF Senior High School is really the best place for Grades 11 and 12 to learn. It has the environment where unity and Catholicism take place. It really is the school where security and discipline is very rigid. “Our school is well managed by our principal. He sees to it that we always perform in accordance with the Department of Education (DepEd) and PEAC Guidelines and Department Orders. In addition, we work in accordance with VMUF and VMUF-SHS Vision and Mission. We also have complete equipment and the necessary facilities, our new building, well ventilated classrooms, laboratory equipment, library materials, and comfort rooms. Our faculty and staff, are adequately qualified to teach, and are all assigned according to their respective specializations. At present, some are finishing their Master’s and Doctorate degrees”. -she added. VMUF Senior High School Students are described to be responsible, dynamic, talented and well disciplined. All of them are expected that when they finish the program, they will confidently apply their knowledge and all the basic skills learned from the school. According to Dr. Rivo, “Magagaling ang mga studyante natin at very studious sila dahil we make sure that in VMUF-SHS every student is well taken-cared of. They all have the potential. They are all excellent”.

On January 31 and February 1, 2017, three (3) VMUF-SHS Grade 11 students garnered the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the recently held City Division Quiz Bee participated in by six (6) private Senior High Schools. Abegail Cayabyab, Stem 3, won First Place, Lenard Valdez, Stem 3, Second Place, and Jolyssa Gundayao, Third Place respectively. Another big stride by VMUF-SHS is the qualifying of Maila Merrera, AMB 2 student, in the R1AA Basketball Women this March 2017.

Furthermore, students are trained to become future leaders. They have their own student council, classroom officers and organizations inside the school. Student activities and gatherings like Musical Play, Buwan ng Wika, Teachers’ Day, Students’ Night and Intramurals are being celebrated as well. Dr. Rivo added, “Mahusay sila mag-plano at mag-execute. Very talented talaga ang students natin. Mayroon din kaming Gala Night na isi-celebrate this year, in lieu of the Junior-Senior Promendade (JS Prom)”.

Regarding the preparation for the upcoming Academic year, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation Senior High School is all set in terms of academic preparation, equipment, and facilities. Additional 14 classrooms for the incoming Grade 11 students are currently under construction and will be finished before the next academic year. For others, perhaps the transition period from junior to senior high school is still difficult to accept but with much discipline and provision, senior high school would be easy and more beneficial than everyone thinks. This program will provide students the edge to get them where and what they want to be in the future. Whatever plans the students may have after finishing Senior High School, be it continuous education, employment, or entrepreneurship, one thing is for sure, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation will always open its gate to welcome, guide, and take part in their students’ journey to the future.