Month: February 2025

DREESMNHS, SAN JOSE, DINAGAT ISLANDS – In light of the Department of Education’s (DepED) commitment to strengthen the Senior High School (SHS) Program, the Schools Division Office of Dinagat Islands conducted a Consultation Forum for the Strengthened Senior High School Program at Don Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. Memorial National High School (DREESMNHS), San Jose, Dinagat Islands, today, February 11, 2025.

Graced by the DepED Caraga Region Education Program Supervisor (EPS) Josephine Chonie M. Obsenaries, the said forum gathered education stakeholders (Local Government Units officials), private institutions (Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College), Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) school administrators, and Senior High School (SHS) coordinators to discuss program enhancements, curriculum alignment, and strategies for improving the SHS implementation in the division and in the region. Facilitators of the said forum include the Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division Dr. Lope C. Papeleras, Education Program Supervisors Dr. Michael C. Paso, Dr. Emelinda L. Raza, and Mr. William R. Buhayan, Education Program Specialists II Glenda M. Sacil and Gilbert Japay, and Librarian II Narmie S. Navas.

The participants engaged in dialogues to address concerns and ensure that the program remains responsive to the needs of learners and the demands of the job market.

EPS Obsenaries, Regional Office ALS-Focal, underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships, improving instructional delivery, and aligning SHS offerings with industry standards. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights and recommendations on the future of senior high school education in the province.

This initiative aligns with the Department of Education’s commitment to providing quality and relevant education that equips students with the necessary skills for higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

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PARKWAY HOTEL, SURIGAO CITY—In a defining moment for the Schools Division of Dinagat Islands, division personnel and school heads convened at the Parkway Hotel on February 6-7, 2025, for a two-day Performance Planning and Commitment session that also marked the highly anticipated launching of the Division Performance Management (Double-A) Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative of the division’s top management – Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Florence E. Almaden and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) Dr. Bryan L. Arreo – reaffirms the division’s relentless pursuit of excellence in service delivery and operational efficiency.

𝑨 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒑 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆

Guided by the mantra of continuous improvement, the Double-A Initiative—short for Advancing and Amplifying Performance—aims to institutionalize a more responsive, data-driven, and accountable Key-Result Areas (KRA)- based management system. The initiative is set to enhance strategic planning, execution, and evaluation mechanisms within the division, ensuring that every teacher, administrator, and personnel is aligned with the overarching goal of quality education for all.

Spearheaded by SDS Almaden and ASDS Arreo, the launch of the Double-A Initiative symbolizes a resolute commitment to raising the standards of public service and governance in the field of education. In her keynote speech, Superintendent Almaden emphasized the necessity of proactive leadership and a dynamic performance management system.

“We cannot afford to remain stagnant in an ever-evolving educational landscape. The Double-A Initiative is our blueprint for sustained growth, efficiency, and innovation. It is our promise to our learners and stakeholders that we will continuously refine our processes and strategies to provide them with the best education possible,” Almaden declared.

𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

The two-day event was not merely a ceremonial launch but an intensive planning session that saw division section and unit heads, supervisors, and school heads engaging in meticulous deliberations. Each office was tasked with aligning its performance commitments with the broader objectives of the Double-A Initiative, by adhering to the KRA-Based Work Plan or KBWP, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence at every level.

Dr. Bryan L. Arreo, ASDS of the division, underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making and performance tracking. “This initiative places a premium on evidence-based strategies. We cannot anymore stay on the default. We need to elevate. And through this initiative, we are ensuring that our programs, projects, and activities are not just well-intended but are also yielding measurable and meaningful impacts,” Arreo stated.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of the commitment wall, a symbolic act of dedication wherein personnel and school heads committed themselves to the full realization of the initiative’s goals. This act cemented the collective responsibility of the division in driving transformation and ensuring that no school, teacher, or learner is left behind.

𝑨 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔

The Double-A Initiative is envisioned as more than just a system reinforcement—it is a movement that calls for a paradigm shift in the way educational institutions measure and enhance performance. With its launch, the Schools Division of Dinagat Islands has positioned itself at the forefront of innovative governance, setting a precedent for others to emulate.

Under the banner of ‘Bugsay’—the division’s rallying cry for perseverance and progress—this initiative serves as a testament to the power of collective action and visionary leadership. As the Schools Division of Dinagat Islands paddles forward, it does so with renewed vigor, fortified by the principles of transparency, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

With the Double-A Initiative now in motion, the promise of a more effective, efficient, and empowered educational system is no longer just an aspiration—it is an inevitable reality.

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Arrows of Love, Voices of Strength: A
Celebration of Gender Sensitivity and
Empowerment in the Workplace

February 13, 2025, was not just another day in the Schools Division of Dinagat Islands. It was a day where love was not just felt but also understood, where empowerment was not just spoken about but lived. Against the backdrop of hearts, chocolates, and soft melodies of Valentine’s Day, the division embraced a deeper conversation—one that revolved around gender sensitivity and the enduring strength of empowered individuals in the workplace.

The event began with an insightful welcome address from Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) Dr. Bryan L. Arreo, who captivated the audience with a compelling analogy drawn from Roman mythology. He spoke of Cupid, the cherubic archer whose quiver holds two kinds of arrows—gold, which sparks desire and love, and lead, which breeds aversion and rejection. “Cupid’s role is both a blessing and a challenge,” he remarked. “Much like ours. If love goes beyond mere emotion, our commitment to work must also go beyond intention. It demands effort and sacrifice. So, let’s be mindful of the arrows we choose to use, as they can either make or break the hearts of our clients—ultimately, our learners.” His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone that the choices they make in the workplace have lasting impacts.

In her heartfelt message, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Florence E. Almaden set the tone for the occasion. “Love doesn’t make the world go round,” she said, pausing as eyes turned to her, “but it makes the journey worth it.” Indeed, love, in its many forms, became the cornerstone of the day—not just romantic love but love for one’s work, for equality, and for the pursuit of a just and inclusive society.

The program further unfolded with an engaging lecture by Dr. Roxanne Mae Daz, the division’s Gender and Development (GAD) Focal. She shed light on the harsh realities that history has bestowed upon women—how, for centuries, their voices were silenced, their contributions minimized, and their worth often questioned. “This,” she stressed, “is why we continue to emphasize women empowerment. Because for too long, history has been unkind. We have to correct it. Not to favor one gender over the other, but to ensure that fairness and respect are no longer privileges but norms.” She also tackled gender sensitivity, underscoring the importance of breaking biases and fostering inclusivity within the workplace.

As the event embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day, SDS Almaden added a personal touch by sharing pens and chocolates, a simple yet symbolic gesture of appreciation. The pens represented the power to write one’s own story, to shape narratives that inspire and lead, while the chocolates were a sweet reminder of kindness and warmth amid daily challenges.

As part of the celebration, the Division Executive Committee presented the “Cupid’s Office Award” to the Records Office for showcasing the most romantic and creatively designed display, setting the perfect ambiance for love and appreciation.

The event concluded with a lighthearted yet meaningful gimmick—a game of a ‘hidden king’ finding his queen. Laughter and cheers filled the venue as division personnel playfully engaged in the activity, but beneath the fun lay a deeper reflection: in the journey toward gender sensitivity and empowerment, everyone has a role to play.

As the celebration wrapped up, the message was clear—empowerment is love in action. It is in choosing the right arrows, in uplifting rather than breaking, in recognizing that strength is not measured by dominance but by the ability to create a world where fairness, respect, and equality thrive. And that, indeed, makes the journey worth it.

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