By Robbie Pangilinan
The Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) has come a long way in 40 years—40 years of educating young minds; 40 years of dedication to the Filipino youth; 40 years of excellence. Under the leadership of DPS President Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng, DPS’ 40th year marks the school’s rebirth in terms of academic programs, facilities and overall philosophy as it aims to lead the way in changing the world of learning.
DPS is constantly making itself known to the academe as a center for innovations, changing the world of learning for its students. DPS maintains partnerships with pioneers in various fields of learning such as Edulynx Corporation, the Glenn Doman Foundation, Samahan ng mga Papetir ng Pilipinas, and FELTA corp
In partnership with Edulynx, DPS implemented the “English With A Smile” Program for preschool and primary levels and the “English Proficiency Intervention Program” for intermediate and high school students, as well as faculty and adults in the school. Together with Glenn Doman, founder of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, DPS advocates teaching children early because DPS believes that children are as intelligent as we give them the opportunity to be. With the help of the Samahan ng mga Papetir ng Pilipinas, DPS uses puppetry as an effective tool to discover, enhance and develop the creativity and self-esteem of students.
Other innovations of DPS are simply one of a kind. DPS’ Learning Through Walls program displays in its corridors images that arouse children’s curiosity like dinosaurs, the solar system and the galaxies, musical instruments, historical timelines, famous scientists and artists, literary greats, costumes, animals, and Filipino art masterpieces.
DPS started as a 10-room schoolhouse in 1969 for 45 students. Today, it has over 3,000 pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary students in a one-hectare multi-storey building complex with 103 classrooms, four libraries, five computer laboratories, a speech laboratory, two Home Economics rooms, two Practical Arts rooms, a business center, a 500-person capacity canteen, and two covered gymnasiums at its main campus along Commonwealth Avenue.
DPS now has another campus in Novaliches, with 16 classrooms and facilities for Nursery to Grade Six students.
Its 3-person founding team composed of the late Filipino ambassador to Mexico Alicia M.L. Coseteng, retired Principal of the UP Elementary School Mrs. Felisa C. Generoso and Dr. Irma R. Apelo, is now more than 200 administration personnel.
DPS President Nikki Coseteng believes that education is the strongest influence in the development of happy, disciplined, creative and productive individuals. “DPS has always had a distinguished tradition of academic excellence. Our graduates have made it to prestigious colleges and universities, and have become successful entrepreneurs and professionals in their chosen fields,” she shares.
In order to truly lead in the world of learning, DPS has undergone and is consistently upgrading and improving its facilities. Classrooms are renovated regularly, state-of-the-art libraries and laboratories are constructed, and technology is utilized wisely such as in providing Wi-Fi zones in the campus, online report cards, online registration, online enrolment and online library.
But the true strength of DPS lies in its professional and highly experienced workers—the people behind DPS’ success. Its faculty and staff work hard to continue producing well-rounded, academically competitive, socially responsible, God-fearing students who will be committed and dynamic Filipino leaders of communities and the nation.
On its 40th year of serving the Filipino youth, DPS is equipped, prepared, and ready to become a leader among the country’s educational institutions. It is geared up and primed as a dynamic learning center dedicated towards preparing a new generation of Filipino achievers.
Truly fortified at 40 and beyond.
