By ANDREW MAR C. SALBURO | 

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Around 300 education stakeholders from Central Luzon pledged to advocate for the K-12 Basic Education Program of the Department of Education (DepEd) to enable learners and their parents to make informed decisions about what they choose to do for the rest of their lives.

The stakeholders, who joined the first Regional Career Advocacy Convergence on December 11 at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in this free port, also pledged to work collaboratively in ensuring a suitable career for learners and enabling them to become world-class professionals while contributing meaningfully in building the nation.

The event, which was organized by DepEd’s regional office through the Schools Division Office of Olongapo City, gathered education supervisors and specialists, guidance counsellors and career advocates, youth formation coordinators, industry partners, parents, and representatives of concerned government agencies in Region 3.

Anchored on the theme “Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow”, the forum allowed participants to discuss various trends, issues, challenges and prospects pertaining to learners’ career guidance and curriculum exits.

To open the forum, DepEd Region 3 Policy, Planning and Research Division Chief Dr. Matriose Galarion, who represented the regional director, discussed the education situation in the region and presented undertakings in improving access to education, including construction of structures in “Last Mile Schools”, which are located in geographically isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas (GIDCA).

Galarion said much has improved in terms of upward trend in the provision of facilities and structures, and noted that the National Achievement Test has also gone up in recent years. Prospects of basic education in the region are positive, she added.

“Our goal now is to improve the quality of basic education, especially in the areas of math and science. We lag behind in reading comprehension,” she also said.

The recent results of the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment ranked the Philippines last in reading comprehension, and in low 70s in mathematics and science, among 79 countries.

Other speakers in the plenary sessions were Division of Meycauayan City senior education specialist Maria Laarni Carla Paranis, who spoke on the topic “DepEd Initiatives on Career Guidance”; Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) professor Dr. Flora Canare, who presented “A Quest for Excellence: The BPSU Story”; Bureau of Local Employment Labor and Employment Officer III Evangeline G. Aviñante, who tackled “Jobs Fit 2022 Report: A Sneak Peek of What’s Next”; and Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Danny Piano, who discussed “Entrepreneurial Readiness: The Recipe for Business Success.”

A five-minute response from identified education partners immediately followed the talks.

Meanwhile, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, Jr. gave a message to inspire the participants in advocating for the career of the learners, as well.

In closing, Education Support Services Division Chief Sammy Sampang thanked the participants and highlighted the need for everyone to continue working together to ensure future careers and successes of learners.

The activity was chaired by Division of Olongapo City Senior Education Program Specialist Andrew Mar Salburo, who expressed confidence in the continuous support of DepEd partners in finding ways to bridge gaps and aid in the holistic development of learners.

TOP PHOTO: Guest speaker Danny Piano (2^nd left) receives a token of appreciation after his plenary talk from (left-right): SGOD OIC-Chief Eleonor Cayabyab, ESSD Chief Sammy Sampang, and SEPS Andrew Mar Salburo