To tackle on-the-ground issues, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara led the agency's inaugural out-of-town Management Committee (ManComm) meeting during his tenure and visited schools in Northern Mindanao.
During a two-day official visit this week, Angara chaired the DepEd ManComm meeting, which focused on updates regarding the agency's preparations for the upcoming international large-scale assessments and the Early Procurement Activities scheduled for this year.
The ManComm meeting also included discussions on the rollout of the Alternative Learning System – Senior High School (ALS-SHS) program.
School visits
Angara visited several schools, including Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) and City Central School in SDO Cagayan de Oro; Kinanao Pamalihi Elementary School and Opol National Secondary Trade School in SDO Misamis Oriental; and Sinaloc National High School in SDO El Salvador City.
He interacted with teachers and students while evaluating the conditions of classrooms and facilities.
Angara also seized the opportunity to discuss DepEd's current programs, highlighting key initiatives under President Marcos's administration.
“We are here to assist you, and I think with good coordination, mas marami rin tayong solusyon (we also have more solutions),” Angara said.
A major highlight of Angara's visit to Kinanao Pamalihi Elementary School was the turnover ceremony for a Last Mile School building, an important project aimed at benefiting the indigenous Higaonon community.
At City Central School, Angara inaugurated a newly established Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC).
The state-of-the-art facility features a hydrotherapy room, speech laboratory, computer laboratory, drone simulation facility, and a Madrasah classroom, addressing the diverse needs of the student population.
Accompanying Angara were other senior DepEd officials, including members of the Executive Committee, along with Bureau, Service, and Regional Directors from various parts of the country.
Several Executive Committee members also visited various schools, including Cagayan De Oro National High School, West City Central School, Gusa Elementary School, and El Salvador National High School.
In addition to the school visits and chairing the ManComm meeting, Angara also participated in the 53rd National and 14th International Convention of the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE).
While addressing participants, he outlined the department's vision for enhancing teacher education and professional development, emphasizing the crucial role educators play in shaping the nation's future.