THE Department of Education - Davao City Division (DepEd-Davao City) has announced that Magallanes Elementary School is the first elementary school in the Davao Region to offer a Special Program for the Arts (SPA).
“May isang elementary school tayo na nabigyan ng special order, which is Magallanes Elementary School (We have one elementary school that has been given a special order, which is Magallanes Elementary School),” aid Reynante A. Solitario, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Davao City, in an interview with SunStar Davao on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at SM City Davao.
Solitario emphasized that this milestone will help young students develop their artistic skills early, preparing them for further training in Davao City National High School’s Special Program for the Arts (DCNHS-SPA).
Magallanes Elementary School underwent validation on February 5 and has already received its special order.
Solitario congratulated the school, expressing optimism that the program will inspire more students to explore and pursue the arts.
To ensure the program’s success, DepEd-Davao City will provide support in upgrading facilities and training teachers assigned to the SPA. The department will also assist the school head in managing maintenance and operational expenses.
Solitario further revealed plans to secure additional funding to enhance SPA facilities across the city, aiming to provide state-of-the-art resources that cater to students’ artistic interests. He has already discussed this initiative with the local school board, which has committed to allocating a budget for SPA equipment and infrastructure, particularly with the introduction of media arts.
With the annual budget approved, the department will carefully assess allocations, and if necessary, propose an increase through a supplemental budget. If granted, the plan is to fund SPA facility improvements in three schools each year to enhance students' learning experience.
Currently, Davao City has 11 high schools offering the SPA program, with Magallanes Elementary School now leading the way at the elementary level. RGP