ILOILO – The Department of Education (DepEd) has hailed Iloilo Province as a national model for successful education decentralization, citing its aggressive investments in public schools, innovative learning programs and strong local government support for basic education.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised the province under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. during his visit to Iloilo City on November 4, saying its reforms demonstrate how local governments can play a decisive role in improving public education.
“It is no accident that Iloilo is being touted as a model of a successful decentralization of education in the country. And it is no coincidence that the governor of Iloilo is a strong pro-education, unifying, supportive, and generous patron of education in the great province of Iloilo,” Angara said.
The education chief credited the province’s sustained institutional support and progressive policies for strengthening cooperation between the national government and local authorities in addressing educational challenges.
At the forefront of Iloilo’s initiatives is the Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins) program, which addresses classroom shortages, instructional resource needs, literacy development and youth development.
Defensor vowed to further expand the provincial government’s investments in education infrastructure and human capital to improve learning outcomes across Iloilo’s municipalities.
“We have an aggressive education program and we would like to say that we look forward to doing more for our education. Because wala na sang may mas importante pa sa pag-alam sang aton kabataan,” Defensor said.
Angara’s visit also highlighted innovative approaches to foundational learning during the Literacy and Numeracy Expo Cum Training of Trainers on the Institutionalization of Technical Assistance on Instructional Delivery.
A major feature was the unveiling of the Developed Big Books Integrating Circular Economy, an initiative combining early-grade reading instruction with environmental education.
Developed through a partnership involving DepEd Region 6’s ECo-Champions Program, the United Nations Development Programme’s PH Plastics Circularity Project and the Coca-Cola Foundation, the instructional materials introduce young learners to waste reduction, recycling, reuse and responsible resource consumption.
Grade 3 pupils from Iloilo Central Elementary School demonstrated the materials during the first Western Visayas Literacy and Numeracy Expo at Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City.
DepEd officials said integrating environmental awareness into reading activities strengthens literacy, critical thinking and responsible environmental behavior among young learners.
Angara and Defensor also led the blessing and inauguration of the new DepEd Region VI Building along Duran Street, Iloilo City.
“Mas maluwag, maaliwalas, at organisadong working environment ang hatid ng bagong gusali, na idinisenyo upang tanggapin ang iba’t ibang opisina ng rehiyon at mga division office at suportahan ang mas mahusay na pagtatrabaho, pagtutulungan, kapakanan ng mga kawani at mas mahusay na serbisyo sa edukasyon,” DepEd stated.
The facility is expected to improve administrative efficiency, coordination and technical assistance to school divisions across Western Visayas.
Joining Angara and Defensor during the regional activities were DepEd Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera, Regional Director Cristito Eco and Assistant Regional Director Miguel Mac Aposin./PN
