September 2020

Teachercaster Episode 4 (Senior High School Department)

4th Week Journey of SHS DRIVEN Family

“Here at Midway, learning will prevail. The boundless effort made in a short period of time, to cope with the changes remind us that changed is viable.” says Ms. Lyka Clerigo, SHS teacher.

Ms. Clerigo’s report features the 4-week journey of SHS Department specifically the milestones and highlights of phase 1 of the Learning Continuity Plan.

This includes the Flexible Learning Program of which the different teachercasters have talked about how the teachers of midway seized the opportunity to cope with the learning crisis and bring about set of solutions that are once impossible and difficult to implement.

“Ms. Juchel Caning talked about how Midway Colleges welcomed the students to Microsoft 365 as its official Learning Management System.

Ms. Desiree Mallari shared the fun and collaborative activities of SHS English teachers such as the world café activity, telephone communication activity, and brainwriting

2/M Juan Carlo termulo and 3/E Mark Reagan Banate showcased the Senior High School Maritime Strand and tribute to the seafarers as we celebrate the World Maritime Month.”

For activities on Proficiency Week, selected students shared their testimonies and experiences.

“The proficiency task that we did in reading and writing gave us the opportunity to express our opinion in a certain argument. It helped us to discover our hidden talents in terms of writing, we were also given a chance to critic the opinion of our classmates for us to know what part of their arguments were wrong. So, we can improve our critical thinking and writing skills.” Myka Pauline Bator, 12 TVL

“Sa paggawa po ng brochure na ito ay marami po akong natutunan na dapat ay I-apply ko rin po sa sarili ko. Bilang student ng Midway Colleges, akin pong hinihikayat ang aking pong mga kapwa estudenyante na ating pong pahalagahan at pagyamanin ang ating sariling wika dahil kung hindi natin pagyayamin ay sino ang gagawa nito at lagi din po nating ipagmamalaki na tayo po ay Pilipino na may wikang tagalog.” says Yasmine Ruth Clima of 11 STEM

“The class of 12 TMS drew the parts of the boiler during their maritime class, the students’ creativity and knowledge about the parts of the boiler were enhanced in this activity” says Ranilyn Quitoras of 12 TMS

Moreover, Ms. Clerigo mentioned that September is the celebration of Midway Colleges’ Founding Anniversary. In line with this, Tagisdunong 2020 proceeded. The elimination round was conducted per class level. All students participated during their class led by class advisers. The top 2 students for each class are the qualifiers for the semifinal round. Other activities include Mobile Legends and TikTok Midway family edition.

In conclusion, Ms. Clerigo says “Indeed, this academic year will not be an easy journey but midway promises to make learning ingenuine, inclusive and flexible because we are one Midway and Miway Strong”

September 2020

Teachercaster Episode 3 (Senior High School Department)

Pre-Baccalaureate Maritime Strand

“Dream, believe, work hard” these are the words of 2/M Juan Carlo Termulo and 3/E Mark Reagan Banate as they began to report updates on Pre-Baccalaureate Maritime strand of SHS in Midway Colleges.

Pre-Baccalaureate Maritime strand specializes in preparation for tertiary education for those who want to succeed in maritime profession.

2/M Termulo explained that courses are aligned to their future career such as Introduction to Maritime Career, Introduction to Marine Transportation and Engineering, and Introduction to Maritime Safety.

3/E Banate mentioned the subject course for Technical Maritime Specialization which includes Navigational 1,2,3; Safety 1 and 2; Engine Watch 1 and 2; and Ships Catering.

Selected students shared their experiences during the first three weeks of the implementation of Flexible Learning Program.

“Some of us students say that online classes are hard because of poor connection but when I entered Midway, I was amazed since it is my first two weeks here, none of us students are left behind because our teachers always find a way to reach or communicate with us and I am always feeling grateful because our teachers are always there for us when we feel that we can’t do it.” testimony from Reynielle Xymon Bayan of 11PBM 1.

“I’ve learned a lot of things when it comes to Maritime. Our teacher discussed in the Navigational Watch 1 about the compass, its parts, functions and how it works. On the other hand, the part of the ship, its function on Safety 1 includes some precautionary tips that we need to keep in mind and the possible emergencies that will happen and how to respond on the said emergencies” says Lea Joy Astelero of 11 TMS.

For Pre-Baccalaureate Maritime and Maritime Specializations, some students also shared their learning.

“For the past 2 weeks, I have learned the use of boiler, its parts, and how important it is on board. I have also learned ship terminologies important when navigating because if we know all of these, we can have safe navigation.” says Ranilyn Joy Quitoras

“I was the previous high academic achiever in the last school year. During my grade 11, I have learned so much regarding the maritime subjects, from the job opportunities of a seafarer and it benefits, types of ships and cargos the handle and maritime conventions. Basically, everything regarding introductory maritime subjects and with this, Midway helped me become equipped that when I come to the tertiary level, I am ready.” says Clyde Benjamin Evangelista of 12 PBM

With the testimonies shared by the students, 2/M says, “It is really evident that these past two weeks have been productive despite the adjustments, learnings can be fun and enjoyable because teachers have carefully planned for each learning experiences.”

Moreover, September is seafarers’ month. As tribute to the seafarers, students gave a snappy salute to all the seafarers across the world.

“Seafaring is not an easy job. The risk and danger are high. Thus, determination and passion are really needed to endure all these hardships. To all the seafarers, we can’t thank you enough for what you have done for your families, the country, and the world.” says 2/M Termulo.

3/E Banate concluded the report saying, “COVID 19 pandemic cannot stop us from helping our students achieve their dreams to become seafarers. Keep on fighting for all your dreams despite the challenges that you are all facing, do not stop learning.”

September 2020

Teachercaster Episode 3 (College Department)

3rd week of classes ft. Maritime Courses and Customs Administration

For updates on the 3rd week of classes, maritime college instructors Mr. Rommel Garcia and 2/M Carl Joseph De Luna reported about the subjects taken by Maritime Transportation and Marine Engineering students; and how Midway Colleges responded to COVID-19 pandemic in terms of education.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jovelyn Alberto from the College of Business gave updates on Custom Administration course.

Ms. Alberto mentioned that Midway Colleges is the only school in Nueva Ecija that offers Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration. This program is accredited by Philippine Society of Customs Administration, an international program where students can experience being an international trade facilitator and a license customs broker once they passed the board examination.

Job opportunities for BS in Customs Administration graduates include custom collector, supervising tariff specialist, academic lecturer, faculty and researcher, import and export manager, global trade manager and being employed in different government agencies.

With remote learning, lessons on computation, elaboration of laws, and on the job trainings, are possible with the use of the Learning Management System via Microsoft 365.

2/M De Luna reported that aside from Microsoft Teams, students learn new set of knowledge and skills through applications such as TeamViewer. Through this application, students have access to the simulators for familiarization of its functions as part of their hands-on activities.

He says “They coordinated and unceasing efforts were undertaken by the marine transportation faculty to ensure mastery of the platform to deliver the quality of education to every student. From laboratories with actual materials, onboard ship, simulation room to familiarize the ship bridge and structure, via virtual setup by Midway and Microsoft”

“Sa pagtutulungan ng bawat isa, nagkaroon ng magandang resulta ang nakalipas na tatlong linggo sa pagsasagawa ng online class. Kahit ano pa ang ating nararanasan, ito ay may hangganan at sama-sama natin itong malalampsan. Kahit nakakaranas ng pandemya, tayo ay mananatiling matatag sa lahat ng pagsubok” says Mr. Galicia

September 2020

Teachercaster Episode 2 (College Department)

Highlights of English Subject Activities ft. National Heroes Day

Teachercasters Ms. Zairene Joy Lucas and Ms. Ma. Luz Dolores Suratos reported on the new journey and orientation of students towards the better normal. Their report also features activities done by students as implemented under the Learning Continuity Plan.

“It is no secret that we are in a global pandemic; economic recession, job loss, increase unemployment rate, bankruptcy of small and major businesses. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, our institution made sure that learning continues.” says Ms. Suratos.

During the 2nd week of classes, students of Purposive Communication have been introduced to the process of communication. They were taught that communication is very crucial in this time of pandemic.

For English Proficiency, the students learned how to introduce themselves properly.

Ms. Lucas reported “Since the students are not able to acquaint face-to-face, the teachers thought of something to help students get to know each other in a fun way. Wherein they can demonstrate the process of communication.”

In line with the celebration of National Heroes’ Day, frontliners such as teachers, doctors, nurses, firefighters and the like are all given recognition. They are all considered the unsung heroes of this generation.

“It’s always seemed impossible until it’s done. We should keep moving forward and never be afraid to go out of our comfort zones. One Midway, Midway strong.” says Ms. Suratos in closing.

September 2020

Teachercaster Episode 2 (Senior High School Department)

English Subject Activities for 2nd week of Classes

Amid the crisis in this pandemic, Midway believes that learning must continue.” says Teachercaster Ms. Deseree Mallari of SHS department.

Ms. Mallari reported the highlights of activities during the 2nd week of classes. Her report features the different topics discussed and activities done by students in their English subjects.

Ms. Mallari says, “As Filipinos, it is important for us to know how rich and noble the Philippine Literature is.”

For 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World, students did a world café activity; Ms. Lyka Clerigo, one of the English teachers, made sure that students would learn and appreciate the different literary pieces across the world.

Because of the pandemic, there are restrictions and prohibitions in activities. Nevertheless, the teachers adapted activities that are full of opportunities for learning such as telephone conversation activity for lessons on communication process. The activity aims to develop the communication skills of the students and to help them realize the essence of communication.

The students did a ‘brainwriting’ activity for Research in Daily Life 2. During the activity, each student was given an opportunity to write down ideas about the significance of quantitative research across disciplines. Through the conduct of the said activity, students’ creativity was stimulated and collaboration among students has been promoted.

In summary, Ms. Mallari says “This pandemic will not hinder us in providing transformative education to its students and quality of services to its stakeholders.

August 2020

Pilot Episode (College Department)

Faculty Training ft. Buwan ng Wika

Ms. Jeanine Charmaine Mantile, college teacher, featured the faculty training in preparation for the start of classes for school year 2020-2021.

Ms. Mantile reported that the “Faculty Training on Learning Continuity in Response to COVID-19″ was held on August 10 – 14 and 17 – 20, 2020. The 9-day training capacitated the teachers for remote learning implementation. The training includes familiarization on features of Microsoft 365 and exploring other online platforms for distanced learning such as Facebook, Messenger, and Google Meet.

Psychological orientation is also part of the training to help teachers support the students’ learning to further ensure that remote learning meets the needs of students for a safe and accessible way to continue learning.

Moreover, in the spirit of celebrating Buwan ng Wika with a theme “Ang mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka-Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya”, students changed their changed their profile pictures on Facebook using a frame depicting their advocacy for Filipino language.

She mentioned how the changes and challenges brought by COVID-19 affected the lives of people all over the world. She emphasized that even with the pandemic, Midway Colleges continues to find ways to carry on.

August 2020

Gabay Araw – Virtual Orientation via Zoom

The pandemic has brought a lot of changes globally, affecting the course of education. This cause fear and feeling of uncertainty to students on how they will pursue their studies.

To relieve the students of worries caused by the pandemic, the Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) and Guidance Office conducted a virtual orientation to give updates of the changes and help the students adapt to it as the School Year 2020-2021 starts soon.

Gabay Araw was implemented for two weeks via Zoom to ensure the safety of the students.

To ensure effectivity of presentation, the orientation schedule was arranged per year level.

August 12 and 14 – 1st year and 2nd year

August 17 and 18 – 3rd year

August 19 and 21 – 4th year

Each session caters 100 students. Separate schedules were done to effectively handle the number of students per year level by course program.

The program flow focuses on the presentation of services and programs in the context of adapting to the new normal. Modification of the school’s student services and programs is necessary to align with the needs of the students in this time of pandemic.

The topics covered include Health and Safety Protocols, Academic Program, Library Facility, Finance guidelines and procedures, and Student Affairs. Heads and faculty from each department presented the discussions.

An open forum discussion was also opened to answer the questions and concerns of the students.

The last part of the activity includes a raffle draw, in partnership of Globe Telecommunication, these include a modem with 10GB browsing load. Students were given a chance to win in appreciation for their cooperation and attendance.

Through this orientation, students were guided as they prepare for the opening of classes.

August 2020

Gabay Araw sa LMS

In relation to the virtual orientation put up for the students, the Office of the Student Affairs with the Guidance Office organized a virtual orientation intended for the parents on August 28, 2020. This initiative aimed to inform the parents and guardians of the institution’s programs, processes, services, and plans for the school year in response to the pandemic.

The orientation was done through Zoom and was streamed via Midway Colleges Facebook page.

Content of discussion are as follows:

· Health and Safety Protocols by Ms. Michelle Ann Pablo OIC, OIC Admin Director

· Academic Learning Continuity Plan by Dr. Richard Oandasan, Academic Director

· E- Library by Sir John Guzman, College Library Staff

· Finance Matters and Concerns by Ms. Rosabella Manglicmot, OIC Finance Director

· Students Program and Services by Dr. Jemmuel Roque, OSA Director

A thorough discussion on the Learning Management System, the platform of learning continuity, was explained by Francis Hernandez, CEO of Audentes Technologies that linked Microsoft 365 to the institution.

Mr. Hernandez showed the functions and features of Microsoft 365 that holds the Learning Management System.

Parents were given opportunities to raise their concerns and clarifications about the system.

The virtual orientation is a major step to keep the stakeholders well-informed of the institution’s implementation of learning continuity in this time of pandemic.

Midway Colleges ensures close engagement to the students and their parents to support a progressive learning.

September 2020

Launching of Teachercaster

Teachercaster launched

The Academic Department launched “Teacher-Caster” project, via Midway Colleges Facebook page.

Teachercaster is coined term for teachers who broadcast news stories.

Teachercaster is a segment under DRIVEN Channel. It aims to capture the highlights of activities all throughout the school year as featured by the teachers.

Both SHS and College department gathers activity highlights, feature stories, academic-related discussions, and interesting topics to tell through a video.

The videos will then be uploaded at the DRIVEN Channel and will be linked in Midway Colleges’ website, Facebook page, and MS Teams.

The first episode of Teachercaster was broadcasted on August 28, 2020.

Teachercaster videos will be uploaded weekly and shared all throughout the institution’s online platforms.