Despite a challenging school year, there are parents who try to overcome and rise above the challenges to ensure that their children will continue learning even at home.

In Capiz, for instance, several parents made the best at-home learning spaces for their children. This is to help ensure that they will have areas in their respective homes that are conducive to learning. These learning spaces will also help ensure that students can focus on school work and other academic requirements needed this school year.

Inspired by their efforts, the Department of Education (DepEd)-Schools Division of Capiz recognized these parents for supporting distance learning which is currently being implemented nationwide.

Dubbed, “Division Search for 2020 Best At-Home Learning Space on the Implementation of DepEd’s Distance Learning Modalities under the New Education Landscape,” the SDO Capiz initiated the recognition to motivate parents in their role as partner learning facilitators of teachers in the new normal.

“This is a very simple yet unique response to the call of the time,” Regional Director Dr. Ramir B. Uytico said. DepEd Capiz, he added, has really made a difference in these trying times and thanked those who have “journeyed with me for the realization of our mantra of making every child in Region VI a champion.”

Out of the 38 entries, SDO Capiz - led by Schools Division Superintendent Salvador Ochavo Jr. - selected the top three winners in each level (secondary, integrated, elementary) with the most creative, economical, and functional learning spaces at home.

At-home learning space factors such as area, ventilation, lighting, facilities, and support of family were considered during the selection process.

Parents of learners from Patrocinio Artuz National High School (Secondary), Laureano R. Frial Integrated School (Integrated), and Margarita Soriano Elementary School (Elementary) were hailed champions.

Aside from the actual recognition, the Division also conducted virtual technical assistance, stakeholders' orientation, and provision of learning packages during the span of the project.

Uytico noted that the project led to a “more active parent engagement” for the Division while the families enjoyed closer ties and experienced academic ease and flexibility.

To sustain its implementation, DepEd Region VI will also conduct monitoring and evaluation of its implementation, stakeholders' engagement and support, and sharing of best practices.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Leonor Briones commended the effort during the recent Management Committee Meeting and even urged other regional directors to implement it in their respective areas.

She congratulated DepEd Region VI for this “meaningful initiative to engage our beloved parents" and she expressed optimism that this initiative will be "replicated in other regions.”