LAGAWE, Ifugao– Ifugao Officer-In-Charge Schools Division Superintendent Felipe Ballitoc spoke before a sizeable number of teachers in Lagawe not just to laud them on their accomplishments but, also to encourage them to document their projects and activities.
“The responsibility of establishing and maintaining high standards in documenting reports on the Brigada Eskwela program in order to protect and promote the well-being of our pupils and students in public elementary and high schools is well-recognized,” he said.
“We organized this activity for the young to voice our concern on their classrooms and other related learning facilities and set an agenda, especially in the context of improving the standards of education,” he added.
Ballitoc noted that only a few submitted their Brigada Eskwela reports.
“We are proud of what we have achieved so far as frontliners of the education sector that have benefited the youth,” he quipped.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Ballitoc stressed the vitality of completing such requirements on the documentation systems of the Department of Education, as he lamented that “sadly, however, all our efforts in the past several years will be rendered futile since many are still not knowledgeable in documenting their reports.”
“This will effectively not reflect the overall picture that each one in the province is doing his or her part to ensure the success of the Brigada Eskwela program,” he explained.
The Brigada Eskwela is the government’s flagship program aimed at improving and maintaining school facilities.
When it comes to appearance, wellness and fitness of the country’s public elementary and high schools, the Philippines lags behind in Asia. If there has been any improvement in this situation, it’s the fact that the private sector has extended its generosity and kind-heartedness to refurbish old and dilapidated classrooms. Over the years, the issue on neglect by the officialdom continues to persist and affect the learners.
The strength and resilience of teachers in Ifugao emanate from their wide variety of experiences as well as inspiration and motivation drawn from Ballitoc, dubbed by many as one of the leading educators in the region.
Ballitoc, a central figure of the province’s education pillar, has a strong commitment to upgrade the living conditions of overworked but underpaid teachers. No wonder the people all over this impoverished province continue to share in his aspirations. A former teacher in Lamut town, Ballitoc once served as Schools Division Superintendent in Tabuk City.
According to Ballitoc, elevating the standards of education in this upland Cordillera province has always been his priority and with the promising outlook for education under the Duterte administration in the next five years, he said the Schools Division Office-Ifugao has a strong competitive advantage given its hardworking and persevering personnel and up-to-the-task mentors in various schools.
“I urge you to collaborate and cooperate in tasks that, individually and collectively, ensure the realization of the Brigada Eskwela’s goals,” he challenged nearly 200 teachers from several towns. The program was held at the Amungan hall of the division schools office building.
Winners of various competitions of the division’s Adopt-a-School program were recognized. Major awardees include (jingle-making contest) Hapid National High School-Annex, first; Lamut Central School, second; and Sta. Maria National High School and Pindungan Elementary School, tied for third.
Best implementing schools- Elementary small-school category: Burnay Elementary School, first; Lawig Elementary School, second; and Bolog Elementary Elementary School, third. (Elementary medium school category) Kiangan Central School, first; Potia Elementary School, second; and Boliwong Elementary, third. (Elementary large school category) Lamut Central School, first. (Secondary small school category) Natcak National High School, first.
Secondary medium school category: Hungduan National High School, first; Gohang National High School, second; and Hapid National High School-Main, third. (Secondary large school category) Hapid National High School-Annex, first; and Sta. Maria National High School-Annex, second. (Eco-friendly schools, elementary) Burnay Elementary School, first; Bolog Elementary School, second; and Bliss Elementary School, third. (Eco-friendly schools, secondary) Lawig Natonal High School-Main, first; and Hapid National High School-Main, second. (Eco-bricks) Burnay Elementary Elementary School, first.
Umalbong Elementary School, Guinihon Elementary School, Dunuan Elementary School, Lagawe National High School, Alupapan Elementary School and Buyabuyan Elementary School also shared the limelight as finalists in different categories.
Among those who took part in the program were Elveys Binwag, Novelyn Ag-agiw, Teresa Aliguyon, Marciana Aydinan, Marilyn Lupai, Rachel Khayad, Agnes Emma Tayaban and Samuel Tayaban. Sherwin Luglug served as the emcee.
Some local officials were also in attendance. **By Anthony A. Araos
