ILOILO City – This southern city is one of the model areas for the implementation of the education sector mechanism (ESM), a localized multi-stakeholder approach to plan, design, invest, and implement interventions to boost early grade learning (EGL) particularly for kindergarten to Grade 3 learners.
The said mechanism is under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Research Triangle Institute International. The Asia Foundation and the League of Cities of the Philippines also serve as project implementers.
“Isa ang Iloilo City na magiging model natin kasi very strong ang education support dito. Ang gusto natin ipakita dito ay, una, hindi lang ito reponsibilidad ng DepEd, marami ang kailangang magtulong-tulong – parents, community, LGUs, pati ang private sector. Nakita na natin ito nung pandemya,” said Ina Aquino, ABC+ Chief of Party.
Aquino said the support under the program includes training of teachers to further strengthen their teaching skills especially in the areas of literacy, numeracy, social, and emotional learning; provision of learning materials such as reading books written in local dialect; and strengthening the system not only in terms of education planning and investment but also the system within DepEd for them to deliver quality teaching for kindergarten to Grade 3.
On Tuesday, Feb. 21, the city government together with different stakeholders launched the said program at the Iloilo City Hall penthouse.
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued an executive order adapting the ESM process in this southern city.
The local chief executive said quality basic education, particularly to the early grade learners, should be given to all citizens especially the underprivileged and deserving learners of the city.
He added that to obtain key basic education outcomes, there is a need for strategic interventions to harmonize and bridge the gap between local government units (LGUs) and DepEd programs, projects and activities.
ESM process is designed to aid in ascertaining the bottleneck of implementation and identification of key programs that are best suited for the development and efficient resource utilization for early grade learners.
Through ESM, resources are mobilized and managed to give focus to early grade children to improve their learning outcomes especially in reading, math and socio-emotional skills. The city government and DepEd lead the process with input and commitment from civil society organizations, parents, communities, and the private sector.
“As someone who puts premium on education and views it as a great way for greater opportunities in life, programs like ABC+ of USAID is essential in developing the literacy of children, something that increases our understanding about everything in life,” said Treñas.
“It is also helpful in building healthier communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, USAID Philippines’ Education Office director Thomas LeBlanc is hopeful that more LGUs as well as other stakeholders will champion the cause for early grade learners.
“Achieving sustainable solutions to challenges in education and beyond requires close collaboration not only with DepEd but also with other stakeholders,” he stressed.
For its part, the Iloilo City DepEd Division Office said the ESM greatly contributes to their MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa education agenda.
“We are so committed, with sincerity, that whatever we can harvest from this noble undertaking (the ESM), we shall implement them so we will be able to realize our vision of producing children who are patriotic, and who will have better future,” said Dr. Novelyn Vilchez, DepEd OIC Schools’ Division Superintendent./PN
