THE DEPARTMENT of Education and the NGF Mindstrong teamed up for a virtual concert on Tuesday to raise awareness on mental health and to show appreciation to teachers and other DepEd personnel.

“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. We have to live with change. We must accept change and we must survive all these changes happening in our lives, especially among our learners,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said during the event.

“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.

NGF Mindstrong — formerly called Natasha Goulbourn Foundation —  allocated raffle prizes for teaching and non-teaching personnel.

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.

Through the generosity of various donors, the foundation gave aid to DepEd employees affected by Typhoon Odette, especially those in Region 4B, 6, 7, 8, and Caraga. The regions affected by Typhoon Odette will also receive P50,000 each.

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 added.

In her keynote speech, veteran broadcaster Jessica Soho encouraged everyone to have a grateful perspective in life as it is helpful and essential in times of crisis and it 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. Let us all be thankful to all those who have helped us and somewhat kept us going through the dark of the night,” Soho said.

Hosted by Jon Santos, the concert featured some of the renowned performers in the country such as Michael Williams, Nicole Asensio with mother Iwi Laurel, Bituin 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.