By Merlina Hernando Malipot
To ensure the procurement of learning tools and equipment (LTE) that will help learners to have mastery of concepts and adequate training on required skills, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued the guidelines on the release and utilization of Science and Mathematics Equipment (SME) and Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) funds to its regional offices.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in DepEd Order No. 51 series of 2018 issued to undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, regional secretary of ARMM, bureau service directors, regional directors, and schools division superintendents, said that the guidelines aim to ensure that the procurement of LTE “are locally made” so that the learners will have “mastery on the scientific and mathematical concepts and theories” apart from providing “adequate training” on the required tech-voc skills.
“These guidelines also ensure the proper implementation and adherence to the principles of transparency, accountability, equity, efficiency, and economy in its procurement processes,” Briones explained. The provisions of SME and TVL learning tools and equipment to public schools, she added, is “of utmost importance” in order to “maximize learning in Science and Mathematics subjects, and the development of technical-vocational skills among leaners.”
Briones added that the said provisions will also help the learners pass the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for National Certificate for the possibility of employment.
“These guidelines are sorely for procurement of SME and TVL Learning Tools and Equipment at the regional offices (ROs) which discuss the procedures the release and utilization of funds; the roles of the ROs; quality assurance protocols, delivery, storage, utilization, documentation; and monitoring and evaluation,” Briones explained.
The TVL is one of the tracks offered under the Senior High School (SHS) program of the DepEd as part of its K to 12 Program. Other tracks offered include the Academic Track, Arts & Design Track and Sports Track.
Data from the DepEd showed that around 1.2 million SHS students graduated in School Year (SY) 2017-2018. Of 1, 252, 357 anticipated first batch of completers, 61.13% or 765, 588 SHS enrollees took the Academic Track; 38. 32 % or 479, 866 students enrollees took the TVL track; 0. 38% or 4, 758 SHS enrollees took the Arts and Design track and 0.17 % or 2, 145 SHS enrollees took the Sports track.