Recognizing the challenges brought by the “new normal” in education due to the pandemic, Education Secretary Leonor Briones enjoined learners as well as the teachers and other personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) to learn how to deal with change.

“We have to live with change,” Briones said. “We must accept change and we must survive all these changes happening in our lives, especially among our learners,” she added.

To recognize resiliency and grit of all DepEd personnel, DepEd has also partnered with the NGF Mindstrong (former Natasha Goulbourn Foundation) to hold a thanksgiving musical concert.

The virtual thanksgiving musical concert titled “PASKOnsyerto sa DepEd: Beyond Grateful” held last week aimed to to raise awareness on mental health and show appreciation for the service of teachers and personnel amid the pandemic.

“I always say music is the best way to talk with God and music is also the best way to talk with our learners, our teachers, and our staff,” Briones said.

“I’m delighted, pleased, and thrilled to be working with NGF. And also to be appearing on this PASKOnsyerto sa DepEd ng NGF at ng mga supportive partners,” she added.

Meanwhile, NGF Mindstrong Foundation Founder and President Jean Goulbourn said it is a dream come true for the foundation and the team of Hopeline PH to partner with DepEd on its 15th year anniversary.

“All the regions and all the teachers, I hope, will get a lot of a feeling of confidence, a feeling of hope, understanding that we can handle everything with emotional resilience and with a soulful commitment in this mission of saving lives and educating children. I think this is what we are all about,” Goulbourn said.

Broadcaster Jessica Soho, in her keynote speech, also encouraged everyone to have a grateful perspective in life as it is helpful and essential in times of crisis. This, she added, also energizes, brings hope, and serves as a powerful tool that helps people cope with their situation.

“Let us all join forces and beat depression and emotional despair,” Soho said. “Let us all be thankful to all those who have helped us and somewhat kept us going through the dark of the night,” she added.

Hosted by Jon Santos, the musical event featured some of the renowned performers in the country such as Michael Williams, Nicole Asensio with mother Iwi Laurel, Butuin Escalante and daughters Luna and Tala, Gary and Kiana Valenciano, Jose Mari Chan and family, Cris Villonco, Zsa zsa Padilla, Karylle, Martin Nievera, Audie Gemora, and the Perkins Twins.

DepEd’s very own SDO Iloilo City, the Teachers’ Got Talent 2021 Champion, and Tagum City Division Teachers Choir also offered special performances to the audience.

During the event, NGF Mindstrong --- through the generosity of various donors --- allocated raffle prizes for eligible 945,441 teaching and non-teaching personnel as well as to aid DepEd employees who suffered from the onslaught of typhoon Odette, especially those in Region 4B, 6, 7, 8, and CARAGA.

DepEd employees from CAR, CARAGA, and Region XII won the grand raffle prizes of P30,000, P50,000, and P100,000, respectively.

Four winners of the P5,000 consolation prize per region, including Central Office and DepEd-BARMM, were also selected. Regions affected by “Odette” will also receive P50,000 each.