In a world where knowledge is the cure, the Philippines faces a challenge in ensuring its students have access to the most effective learning tools.  While traditional methods may not be fully optimized, the Department of Education's (DepEd) recent initiative, "Catch-Up Fridays," as stated in DepEd Memorandum No. 1, s. 2024, offers a promising approach. Catch-Up Fridays aims to bolster reading proficiency among Filipino students. This focus on a foundational skill is a positive step in the right direction. By dedicating time to reading, the program has the potential to significantly improve literacy rates. However, the program's execution can be improved. The initial rollout faced hurdles due to a lack of preparation time.  Moving forward, ensuring clear communication and providing teachers with adequate training will be crucial. Additionally, addressing concerns about resource allocation and differentiated instruction will enhance the program's effectiveness. The

The Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Program implemented by DepEd-Sarangani plays a crucial role in fulfilling the mandate of delivering culture-based and culture-sensitive education to Indigenous People (IP) learners. In line with this objective, the IPEd program has been actively engaging in various activities to contextualize and indigenize teaching and learning materials, with a particular focus on young learners. This feature article highlights the efforts and partnerships undertaken by DepEd-Sarangani to enhance IP education through the development of locally-contextualized digital materials. Forging Partnerships for Indigenous Education: DepEd Sarangani has established valuable partnerships with private organizations, including Save the Children, Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI), Smart Communications, among others, to provide support for IP education. These collaborations have paved the way for the development, production, and utilization of dive

Last Friday, a turnover ceremony was held at Venue 88, General Santos City, to mark the leadership transition in the Department of Education's Sarangani Division. Gildo G. Mosqueda, CEO VI, who had been serving as the Schools Division Superintendent, officially handed over his responsibilities and authority to Ruth L. Estacio, CESO VI, who was assigned as the new Superintendent. Attended by various DepEd officials, educators, and stakeholders in the education sector, the occasion marked the start of a new era for DepEd Sarangani. The turnover ceremony was an opportunity for Mosqueda to bid farewell to his colleagues, staff, and friends, and for them to express their appreciation for his leadership and contribution to the division's growth and success. APPRECIATION. Board Member Jess Bascuña hands Mosqueda a plaque of appreciation for his service as SDS of Sarangani for over three years. (Photo by Jonathan Agreda) Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Jess Bascuña awarded Mosqu

Kung bilang lamang ang pag-uusapan, higit na nakalalamang ang kababaihan laban sa kalalakihan sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. Mas maraming “Ma’am” kaysa sa “Sir” ang nagtuturo sa mga paaralan. Ayon sa report ng Civil Service Commission, 71% ng mga empleyado sa DepEd ay babae. Subalit pagdating sa third-level positions, nasa 38% lamang ang mga pwestong hawak ng mga babae. Sa Rehiyon Dose, dalawa lamang sa walong Pansangay na Tagapamanihala ang babae. Ang anim ay pawang kalalakihan. Maituturing na kumplikado ang mga salik kung bakit sa kabila ng kanilang bilang ay kakaunti lamang ang umaangat sa mataas na pwesto. Katunayan, sa artikulong inilabas ng Civil Service Commission, plano umano nitong repasuhin ang mga sistema at polisiya na may kinalaman sa human resources. Sa parehong artikulo, itinatong ni Commissioner Karlo Nograles, kung may mga dahilan ba kung bakit mas mahirap para sa kababaihan ang umangat sa kanilang karera.   Ganito rin ang aming naitanong kay Ruvelyn Homecillo, Principal n

The Sarangani Provincial Athletic Association (SPAA) Meet 2023 has officially kicked off in Alabel, Sarangani Province, on March 11. To avoid disrupting classes, as mandated by the Central Office, the competition is being held over two weekends. The games started on March 11-12 and will resume on March 18-19, 2023. "The conduct of this sports competition at all different levels is our way of providing an opportunity to our schoolchildren to discover, to harness, and to develop their innate talents and skills in the field of sports," Schools Division Superintendent Gildo G. Mosqueda, CEO VI said during the opening program. DepEd Sarangani hopes that the SPAA Meet 2023 will be a success and will inspire schoolchildren to become well-rounded individuals who are not only academically successful but also excel in sports.   “Sports also instill values necessary for the holistic development of our school children, foremost of this is sportsmanship, and the most important of all – th

DepEd Sarangani is seeking qualified applicants for Teacher 1 and Teacher 2 positions in Junior and Senior High School, respectively.  Aspiring educators who are passionate about teaching and making a positive impact in the lives of students should not miss this opportunity to join the DepEd Sarangani team. Interested applicants can register online at the link at http://bit.ly/T1OnlineRegistration until March 31, 2023 .  It is important to note that a new issuance will be released indicating the submission of application documents while the new merit selection plan is still being finalized. REGISTER NOW! Successful applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field, as well as a valid teaching license. Teacher 1 applicants will be responsible for instructing students in grades 7 to 10, while Teacher 2 applicants will handle students in grades 11 and 12.  Both positions require excellent communication skills, a strong knowledge of their subject matter, an

 On October 6, 2022, the people of Barangay Lun Padidu in Malapatan, Sarangani Province were jolted awake by the sound of sirens from speeding fire trucks. The Bureau of Fire Protection had reported a raging fire at Lun Padidu Central Elementary School, and eleven classrooms were quickly consumed, along with all the furniture, TVs, chairs, tables, and reading materials. In the face of this disaster, the community sprang into action, grabbing pails to put out the fire with water, showing the true spirit of Bayanihan. But despite their efforts, the damage was extensive, and the school's future hung in the balance. Thankfully, the Sarangani Division and the local government of Malapatan immediately took swift action to help the affected school, recognizing the importance of education for their community's children.  Various organizations and individuals stepped in to fill the gaps left by the fire, providing support to ensure that learning would not be disrupted. Despite the chall