By Rhea Mae Ruba, DOST GAD Unit

The DDCC children performed their Moving Up song, featuring “Yesterday’s Dream”.  (Photo from Marx Lennin G. Halili, DOST-STII)

The DOST Day Care Center (DDCC) convened a significant milestone of its children through a Moving Up Ceremony, held on May 23, 2025, at the Philippine Science Heritage Center. Guided by Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” the event highlighted the DDCC’s mission as a second home for children, where they learned not only to read and write but also to distinguish right from wrong.

Eight children completed their early childhood education, each accompanied by their proud parents and guardians as they marched during the ceremonial rites. This heartwarming event celebrated the outstanding achievements and remarkable growth of these children who embraced learning and found joy in their daily school adventures.

Each completer received a certificate of attendance and a medal ribbon, symbolizing their remarkable transformation since their first day of school. Their parents and guardians from the various DOST offices and agencies also received a special recognition award for supporting their children, as well as the programs and activities of the DDCC.

Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, DOST Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, In-Charge of the GAD Unit and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, delivered a short inspirational message for the DDCC graduates. She emphasized that the DOST will always be a second home to them and their parents. She also reminded the parents and guardians to lead by example and challenge the children to come back to DOST as DOST scholars.

“To the children, make it a habit to pray and follow the advice of your parents and guardians. Work hard and smart in your studies, and dream of returning to DOST one day as young scholars. We hope your generation will grow into the future scientists, doctors, and engineers of our nation,” Asec. Ignacio warmly expressed.

Over the past two years, the completers demonstrated significant progress from learning the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors, to reading and writing their own names and simple words. Their journey was filled with learning, laughter, and friendships, building not only foundational knowledge but also confidence and character.

The event also featured welcome remarks by Atty. Angely P. Medalle-Alviar, Director IV of the Administrative and Legal Service, and closing remarks by Ms. Vernadeth M. Cahibaybayan, Administrative Officer V of the ALS-General Services Division and DDCC PTA President. Also present was Ms. Maria Fe B. Singson, Senior Project Technical Specialist from the GAD Unit, who continues to play a key role in guiding and supporting the successful implementation of DDCC programs and activities.

Adding to the celebration, the completers together with their classmates performed songs, dances, and poems, showcasing their honed talents. Meanwhile, the remaining DDCC children look forward to another school year filled with adventures, eagerly awaiting their own time and age to celebrate their moving-up day.

Parents expressed deep appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the DDCC teachers, Ms. Jean D. Español and Ms. Geamae A. Espenida, who nurtured and guided the children with patience and care, preparing them for their next educational milestone.

The 2025 Moving Up Ceremony became even more memorable as the DDCC children proudly wore their new uniforms made from Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF). These hypoallergenic uniforms, blended with pineapple fiber, were generously provided by the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), reflecting their strong support for gender-responsive programs while also promoting the use of sustainable, innovative, and locally sourced materials.

The DDCC is a testament to the Department’s gender mainstreaming initiative by providing accessible parental support to DOST employees in the Bicutan community. Through this initiative, employees can enroll their children aged three to four in early childhood education program. This GAD mechanism promotes equal opportunities for all employees, enabling them to effectively balance work and family responsibilities in an inclusive and supportive workplace.

The DDCC children proudly wore their new school uniforms during the Moving Up Ceremony. These uniforms were made from Philippine textile fabrics provided by the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI). (Photo from Marx Lennin G. Halili, DOST-STII)

A commemorative photo taken during the DDCC 2025 Moving Up Ceremony, featuring DDCC children, their parents and guardians, together with DOST officials and staff. (Photo from Marx Lennin G. Halili, DOST-STII)