THE month of May is sizzling and intense for the Department of Education (DepEd) from the hosting of sporting events to the preparation for the opening of classes.
The first two weeks of the month were spent stormily hosting two historical events in the Department. Every day becomes extra significant and eventful for DepEd, and Regional Director Alberto T. Escobarte makes sure that every detail is accounted for.
As a hands-on director, Atty. Escobarte’s proactive leadership was articulated when the hosting of the 2015 PalarongPambansa and the celebration of the K to 12 2ndanniversary were all considered momentous and remarkable.
The next two weeks will be for the preparation of the opening of classes on June 1. The National Schools Maintenance Week known as BrigadaEskwela is one important activity in DepEd as well as the OplanBalikEskwela where the Department ensures 100 percent access to basic education.
2015 Palarong Pambansa
On May 3 to 9, the historical “Best Palaro Ever” in Tagum City, Davao del Norte put everyone in awe as athletes all over the world swarmed Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in its opening and closing ceremonies.
For this year, Davraa team landed 9th place overall, a rank lower than the 8th place standing last year. Although Region 11 dropped in the rank, the number of medals increased indicating that the athletes performed better. From 10-20-21 (gold-silver-bronze) in the regular sports in 2014, Davraa athletes managed to obtain 13-23-30 medals this time.
For the Demonstration Sports such as billiards, futsal, wushu, and wrestling, Davraa ranked 4th this year from 6th place last year with 4-4-9 medals. But the Special Games slipped by one place as Davraa garnered 3rd place with 11-6-6 medals.
Three Davraa athletes - Brian Albert Buhian and JanliverEstabaya of Davao del Sur, and Louie Villacorte Jr. of Davao City - became world sensation after they returned the 50,000 cash they found in their billeting area. Their honesty was highlighted and the reward they received was bigger than they could imagine.
The teachers in all parts of Davao del Norte prepared for the coming of the delegations from all over the country. Each teacher shared time and exerted effort to make each delegate safe and comfortable.
Organized and governed by DepEd, the 2015 PalarongPambansa is the most important sporting event where student-athletes from 17 regions compete in different events.
This is the second time that Region XI hosted a national sporting event. In 1950, Davao City hosted the Bureau of Public Schools-Interscholastic Athletics Association (BPISAA) Games. This was then renamed PalarongPambansa in 1974. So after 65 years, Davao del Norte headed by Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario showed the world that it is ready for anything bigger and more spectacular.
2nd Anniversary of K to 12
Considered as the greatest reform in education, K to 12 program faces challenges until now but the Department, with its slogan “Tayo para sa Edukasyon”, is firm of its dedication and commitment to implement K to 12.
Some local government executives, partners from the private sector, and parents joined the educators in the 2nd anniversary celebration of RA 10533 known as Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 at USEP Gym on May 15.
In an estimated 8,000 crowd, Executive Vice President for Academics of the University of Mindanao Dr. Pedro B. San Jose said K to 12 has the assurance of anchoring our educational system with the international institutions in the world.
“Together we stand and prepare ourselves to achieve a productive outcome in this rare opportunity to revamp our educational system,” Dr. San Jose said.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, in his speech read by Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta, said K to 12 Act is the fruit of our efforts to achieve meaningful and positive reform not only in our country’s educational system, but also in all other sectors.
Other personalities representing big groups also shared their solidarity messages. All is one in saying “We are ready for reform, we are ready for K to 12”.
Brigada Eskwela
Focusing on making schools safer, the theme for this year’s weeklong BrigadaEskwela is “Tayo para sa Kalinisan, Kaligtasan at Kahandaan nga ting mga Paaralan”. This is an effort that engages partners to contribute time, effort, and resources to ensure that schools are ready for the opening of classes.
rVolunteers from the Regional Office are expected to repair or renovate Sirawan Beach Elementary School during its kick-off ceremony on May 18. Also called bayanihan, the parents, LGUs and private companies are expected again to participate actively in preparing schools.
From May 18 to 23, all schools will be busy repairing roofs, doors and furniture, repainting walls and fences, cleaning surroundings and canals, etc.
By then, schools are ready for the enrolment and opening of classes.
Oplan Balik Eskwela
Oplan Balik Eskwela, a yearly campaign for the smooth opening of classes on June 1, will be on May 25 to June 6. The campaign aims to ensure that students are properly enrolled and able to attend school during the opening of classes.
An inter-agency convergence meeting will be held on May 25 involving the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police, and the Office of the Civil Defense.
Other partners such as Bureau of Fire and Protection, Land Transportation Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Boys Scout of the Philippines, Girls Scout of the Philippines, Davao Light and Power Company, Davao City Water District, Parent-Teacher Association, and other partners will also be around to commit their support to the opening of classes.
It is expected then that the prices of school supplies will be monitored and stable and these are available and safe; there will be dissemination of child safety tips and inspection of structural safety of school buildings; maximum deployment of PNP personnel to school areas, and others.
A monitoring team will also roam around the schools to ensure that all students are enrolled. For enrolees who do not have birth certificate, a parent or guardian can execute the Parents’ Declaration of Date of Birth of the child.
DepEd reiterates no payment for tuition fee or contributions during enrolment in public elementary and secondary schools.
For queries and complaints on enrolment, DepEd has set-up hotlines and these can be reached through the following numbers: 082-2911665, 0915-9587140, 0908-5138107.
DepEd may be jam-packed with activities in May but all these toughen the Department to do more to achieve more.
As Director Escobarte aptly said, “It is when we engage ourselves that we can achieve our goals.”