Philippines
National
DepED creates team to review evaluation, procurement guidelines for provision of learning resources
DepED creates team to review evaluation, procurement guidelines for provision of learning resources
Recognizing the importance of the continuous provision of quality learning resources (LR) which is “crucial in the successful implementation” of the K to 12 Basic Education Program, the Department of Education (DepED) has created a composite team to review the evaluation and procurement guidelines for the provision of textbooks, teachers’ manuals, and supplementary learning resources.
Signed by Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Epimaco Densing III, DepED issued Memorandum No. 104 s. of 2022 to ensure that all public schools are provided with sufficient textbooks, teachers' manuals, and other supplementary learning resources in a “timely and adequate manner.”
The Composite Team, DepED said, was created to “review the guidelines governing the evaluation and acquisition” of textbooks (TXs), teachers' manuals (TMs), and supplementary learning resources (SLRs).
The team is chaired by Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Chairperson Gina O. Gonong with Assistant Secretary for Procurement Management Services Christopher Lawrence S. Arnuco as co-chairperson.
The members include Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Alma Ruby C. Torio, Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Francis Cesar B. Bringas, National Book Development Board (NBDB) Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Officer-in-Charge and Chief Administrative Officer for Procurement Management Service (ProcMS) Adonis R. Barraquias, Bureau of Learning Resources Director IV Ariz Delson Acay D. Cawilan and Legal Service Director IV Rhoan G.L. Orebia.
The Secretariat is composed of education program specialists and representatives from other DepED units.
Aside from reviewing the evaluation and procurement guidelines governing the procurement of TXs, TMs, and SLRs, the team is also expected to suggest or recommend strategies and propose amendments to the existing rules and regulations governing the evaluation and procurement guidelines of TXs, TMs, and SLRs.
The team is also in charge of conducting an interface workshop to establish harmonized terms of reference (TORs) among the Central Office (CO) and field offices in the provision of learning resources and to provide regular updates to the Management Committee (MANCOM) and Executive Committee (EXECOM).
DepED said that they are likewise expected to attend all meetings that will be called for by the team and are also expected to perform such “other functions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Memorandum, or as the Secretary may direct.”
DepED noted that the members of the team, secretariat, and other needed personnel shall attend all meetings and workshops that will be called by the Chairperson.
“Marathon meetings and workshops shall be conducted to speed up the review of the evaluation and procurement guidelines of TXs, TMs, and SLRs,” DepEd added.
Moreover, the team may also conduct regional consultations “as needed” and it may “engage external experts to provide inputs and advise in reviewing the evaluation and procurement guidelines, subject to approval of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction.”
To support the newly-created team, DepED said that the designated secretariat is also expected to document all meetings conducted by the team and prepare minutes of every meeting for circulation to members two days after the meeting and arrange and coordinate the schedule of meetings, venues, and other administrative matters.
The Secretariat shall also prepare supplies and materials needed for meetings and workshops, provide regular updates on the status of the composite teamwork progress, and perform other functions that may be assigned by the team.
“The team shall function until the approval of the guidelines in the evaluation and procurement of TXs, TMs, and SLRs,” DepED added.