Author: Ronald Mandocdoc

Nov 06

First Refresher Course: Raising The Child’s Higher Order Thinking Skills

Learning is more than answering yes or no, memorization or reciting list of facts. It is in making sense of the information by analyzing and comparing or in short adapting a higher thinking skill. Learning to think critically is a life skill. This is the objective of the recent seminar conducted by Mission Ministries Philippines last October 28, 2023 at Proclaim His Name Christian Fellowship Church in Quezon City. It was the first face-to-face seminar after the pandemic.

The seminar was facilitated by Prof. Lynne Grace Hernandez, administrator and teacher of her own school, SEED. She has a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of the Philippines (Cum Laude) She finished her Master of Arts in Family Life and Child Development in U.P., Diliman and she is finishing her Doctorate in Holistic Child Development at Asia Graduates School of Theology.
The seminar aims to empower educators with innovative tools that will foster higher-order thinking skill among their students. It also helps the educators to go beyond what they usually do for their students but also for them to aim higher in teaching.

One of the highlights of the event was the hands-on workshops where participants actively engaged in practical exercises designed to implement high-order thinking strategies in real-world classroom scenarios. These sessions fostered a sense of empowerment among educators, equipping them with tangible tools to inspire intellectual curiosity and analytical thinking in their students.

Oct 14

A Word From The President

“Embracing New Beginnings – A Heartfelt Welcome”

Hello MMP family!!!! welcome to the start of a new school year! It brings me immense joy and pride to formally celebrate with you the opening of our MMP Partners’ preschool. This is a momentous occasion, not only for our partners but for the entire community that will benefit from the wonderful educational opportunities you are about to provide.

As we embark on a journey filled with hope, excitement, and the promise of nurturing young minds. You our partners have invested your time, energy, and passion into creating a nurturing and educational environment for our youngest learners, and we are truly fortunate to have you as part of our educational family.

Your preschool represents more than just a building with classrooms; it symbolizes the dreams and aspirations of our partners to make a positive impact on the lives of children. It signifies the beginning of a child’s educational journey, where they will explore, learn, and grow in an environment filled with care, guidance, and love. Mostly, it is a platform where you could intentionally share the gospel by offering a quality Developmentally Christian Early Childhood Education.

To our MMP partners, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and commitment to providing quality christian early childhood education. Your hard work and determination have brought us to this moment, and we are excited to see the impact you will have on the lives of our young learners.

Thank you, and let’s make this school year unforgettable, all for God’s glory!!!

Jun 28

Early Childhood Seminar Level 1 in Collaboration with Agape Partners Academy

Please click the image to view the video

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that another successful Early Childhood Seminar Level 1 was held on June 12-14, 2023, at Mati, Davao.

This event was organized in collaboration with Agape Partners Academy, a remarkable educational institution that has been a partner of MMP since 2008.

Initially starting with just eight students, the school has flourished over the years and now boasts an enrollment of over 700 students. Agape Partners Academy offers a comprehensive Christian curriculum spanning from Kindergarten to Junior High, consistently providing high-quality education in Davao.

Please click the image to watch the video

The school has gained recognition as the leading institution for delivering excellent Christian education in the region, setting a benchmark for educational standards. The immense growth and progress they have achieved are truly remarkable. Witnessing this remarkable journey, we express our gratitude to Jesus for blessing Agape Partners Academy and enabling them to expand their impact. It is truly a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the school’s staff, students, and supporters.

With this significant milestone, Agape Partners Academy is now poised to open another branch, extending their influence and enriching the lives of more students. The seed that was planted years ago has indeed grown into a thriving educational institution, nurturing young minds and shaping their futures.

Please click the image to view the video

We give all the glory to God for the success of the Early Childhood Seminar Level 1 and the growth of Agape Partners Academy. This achievement serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished when faith, education, and a strong sense of purpose come together. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey and eagerly look forward to witnessing the continued impact of Agape Partners Academy in providing quality Christian education to the community.Thanks much! God bless!

Jun 28

Transformed Teachers, Transformed Generation

After three arduous years of grappling with the global pandemic, where no students were able to enroll, we are overjoyed to announce that we finally have a group of ten exceptional individuals who successfully completed their Certificate course in Early Childhood Education on June 26, 2023.

This momentous achievement was made possible through our valued partnership with the Asian Theological Seminary. To our esteemed graduates, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as you embark on this noble journey of transforming the lives of our early learners. Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the field of education are truly commendable. As you now formally assume the responsibility of shaping the minds and futures of our young ones, may the divine blessings of the Lord be upon you. May you find fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction in the remarkable work you have chosen. We take immense pride in your accomplishments and are confident that you will excel in your chosen path. You have overcome numerous obstacles and demonstrated exceptional resilience during these unprecedented times. Your unwavering determination serves as an inspiration to us all.

Once again, congratulations to our graduates! May God bless each and every one of you abundantly as you embark on this remarkable journey of transforming lives.

May 04

“God’s Plan for Family: Nurturing Parenting Seminar”

A Parenting seminar was conducted by Mission Ministries Philippines and partner school Head Start Learning Center last February 8, 2023, at Bagong Silangang, Quezon City.

Dr. Chonabelle Domingo the speaker of the said seminar, highlighted the purpose of God for creating a family and the challenges faced by parents in today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing world. The lecture covers other topics like Understanding the Behavioral Problems, Nature of the children, and Disciplinary Measures.

During group discussions, participants had the opportunity to express their own thoughts and experiences, which sparked parent cooperation and networking. Parents can impart knowledge and insights and learn from one another during the event.

In the end, the attendees were grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as parents and expressed their appreciation for the organizers’ efforts.

May 04

ECE Seminar at K.I.L.A.

On March 17, 2023, Kids International Learning Academy (KILA) in Binangonan, Rizal, hosted a seminar on Early Childhood Care, organized by Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP). Ms. Elizabeth Anne King-Santos, an expert in early childhood education and the author of MMP’s Toddlers Curriculum, led the seminar as one of MMP’s on-call trainers and consultants. Ms. Santos is also a preschool owner and homeschool educator, a professor in the Training Certificate of MMP and ATS, and a regular speaker in the annual ECE seminars of MMP.

The seminar covered various topics such as Philosophy in Early Childhood Education, Assessment, Methods of Teaching, Classroom Management, and Classroom Discipline. The principal and part-owner of KILA, Ms. Joan Ong, organized the seminar. Ms. Ong is also the author of MMP’s Math Made Easy book and a former seminar lecturer.

KILA started as a small preschool in a small space in partnership with MMP in 2000. Over the years, it has grown into a prominent school in their area, offering Secondary education to the children of missionaries. The seminar marked a revival of their partnership with MMP.

May 04

School Seminar Empowers Teachers with New Sunday Strategies and Ideas

On January 28, 2023, Mission Ministries Philippines and Horizon Ministries at Binangonan, Rizal, conducted a Sunday School seminar. The event was attended by enthusiastic Sunday School teachers and volunteers from Horizon Ministries and Aral Simula—the workshop aimed to empower teachers with new strategies and ideas to enhance their students’ learning experience.

The seminar began with a warm welcome by the organizers, who expressed their appreciation for Sunday School teachers’ hard work and dedication. Next, the keynote speakers, Teacher Claribel “Bing” Amihan, Teacher Loida Garcia, and Dr. Chonabelle Domingo, shared their insights and experiences on the topic of “Early Childhood Education in the Context of Sunday School.” The lecture was engaging and inspiring and provided attendees with valuable tips and techniques to improve their teaching skills.

After the keynote speech, the attendees participated in a series of interactive workshops designed to provide hands-on experience in implementing new teaching strategies. The workshops covered many topics, including Classroom Management Strategies, Positive Discipline, Emotional coaching, and Variety is the Key: Teaching Strategies Galore.

The attendees were also able to share their own experiences and ideas during group discussions, which encouraged collaboration and networking among the teachers. The event provided a platform for teachers to learn from each other and exchange ideas and insights.

Ms. Clarisse Baltazar, a student in the Asian Theological Seminary under Matul 555, spearheaded this seminar. She attended MMP’s Early Childhood Education 1 & 2 seminars in 2022, part of the Matul 555. She caught the vision and shared the idea with her church, Horizon Ministries.

In conclusion, the Sunday School seminar was a resounding success, and the attendees left with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and inspiration. The event provided a valuable platform for Sunday School teachers to learn, network, and exchange ideas. The organizers expressed their satisfaction and plans to put up their preschool in the future.

Dec 17

MMP Celebrating the Birth of Christ

Mission Ministries Philippines and its partners celebrated the annual Christmas party last December 10, 2022, at the Good News Global Ministries in Pasig. Another joyful event to fellowship with the partners face-to-face. With the theme “Reuniting, Reconnecting, Remembering … The Christ of Christmas

This event is a reunion and Christmas Celebration of partners after the pandemic. For two years, the Christmas party was held online.

Presents and raffle prizes were in abundance from the good and generous hearts of some key people, with special mention to the MMP Officers of Teachers’ Associations and the supervisors.

Pastor Julian Vallente, the head pastor of the Good News Global Ministries, gave the inspirational message. From his message, we should be one just as Jesus Christ and the Heavenly Father are one. God sees us as one body of Christ and should work together to achieve His purpose for us.

The gathering was also graced by Pastor Joey Casas, one of the board of Trustees of MMP, and Ms. Zeny Ablang, former Children’s Mission Philippines Team Leader who is now helping MMP in her own capacity.

The partners reunite and reconnect because we remember that Christ is the reason for all these things we do in Mission Ministries Philippines.

Dec 17

MMP Trains ACAP Volunteers

Mission Ministries Philippines (MMP) and Action for the  Care and Development of the Poor in the Philippines ( ACAP) conducted another 3-day training seminar for ACAP child monitor volunteers last November 8-10, 2022 at Brgy. San Antionio, Paranaque. This training was participated by more than 20 child monitors from different Barangays in Paranaque. The theme of the said event was “ Learning is Enjoyable, not Endurable”

Ms. Lourdes van der Linden, ACAP Executive Director, welcomed and thank all the participants for attending and encouraged them that the knowledge they will gain will help them to be more effective in their field.

Topics like Child Discipline, Love Language, Anti-bullying, Child Protection Policy, and Different Philosophies in Education made a great impact on the participants.

The participants shared their personal experiences and the challenges they are facing as parents and child monitors.  With the topics presented,  they will be able to supervise the families they are in charge of more effectively if they are aware of their own issues.

In addition to the said seminar, MMP conducted the Reading Seminar using the Marungko Approach via zoom to the teachers of Supervised Neighborhood Play Teachers last December 2, 2022.

ACAP is a non-profit organization working to empower marginalized youth through a combination of education, social development, and health and nutritional feeding programs.

Ms. Kate Pagsolingan, ACAP Program Manager, and Jefferson Balistoy, ACAP Project Officer spearheaded the seminars.

Dec 17

Teachers’ Retreat Camp

“Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do” was this year’s theme for the Teachers’ Retreat held last November 4 and 5, 2022 at Onesimo Farm and Campsite in Matalinting, Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

It is MMP’s first in-person activity since the Pandemic ravaged the globe. On this occasion, more than 30 teachers took part. There were games that encouraged teamwork, innovation, and interpersonal interaction. Abilities that the pandemic hindered. The retreat nonetheless demonstrated that a family’s love can always triumph over obstacles and distance.

The highlight of the retreat was the message of Pastor Efren Roxas, former Camp Manager of Onesimus Camp Site and a dear friend of MMP, He is also the husband of Mrs. Becky Roxas, author of Bip-Bip, MMP’s book in Filipino.

The message of Pastor Roxas is to increase one’s adversity quotient as well as their intellectual and emotional quotients. No matter how we feel about it, bad times will come and go. But even when we go through these difficulties, we may overcome them and succeed. In order to be tough, we must switch from asking Why (why is this occurring) to What (what can I learn from this circumstance?). Although following God’s word is not simple, we must recognize the lessons He is trying to impart to us. Awards were given to the 5 groups: WOW, Resilience, F6, Victorious, and Undefeated. The names of each group derived from their experiences and how they were able to face the pandemic.