First Education Summit done in Baguio
Local government officials, local school board members, barangay leaders, parents, school heads and teachers, non-government organizations, different agencies, civil society organizations, business and private groups met with Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the first educational summit with a workshop on Jan. 20, as to Baguio pupils’ reading status.
The theme of the event is, “Building An Education Community.”
Ways forward or steps to improve the known status or reading scores were also looked over.
Results of the workshop as synthesized by University of the Philippines (UP)’ chancellor Dr. Corazon Abansi show there is a need for trained government and private teachers, basic books for basic learners, good reading/learning areas, good relationships and parent teacher coordination as growing medium for the pupils and students, that they may be developed physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, psychologically, and in all aspects. Right values should also be taught, Dr. Abansi said.
“It really takes a community to raise a child,” she added, “and we cannot fail if we work on our targets.”
Our pupils should turn out to be independent, responsive and productive citizens, with parents and teachers’ guidance, Dr. Abansi further said.
Data presented during the workshop show pupils and students’ decline in enrollment in private schools and alternative learning system (ALS); while their number has been maintained in the Special and Madrasah education; all from 2018 to 2022.
Facilities remain adequate; while students with computers and internet connection is at 39.15%; 12.90% have computers without internet connection; the remaining has no computer and no internet connection.
The reading status in Filipino for those in grades 3 to 7 in 2021-22 show a low reading score, as with the reading status in English for grades 4 to 7 in 2021-22. This is based on being a non-reader; or on reader frustration, the words are pronounced, heard and spoken but not understood; on instructional readers, could read and understand but needs guidance; and an independent reader.
According to the Schools Division Superintendent Federico Martin, teachers trained in special education have been hired for Baguio schools. There is also a need for preschool teacher specialists.
One factor for an education community is the presence of safe public spaces, the Baguio City Police Office representative offered. He said tutorial lessons for children in conflict with the law (CICL) and for crime prevention.
Persons deprived of liberty may continue learning through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in partnership with other entities and volunteers.
Dr. Martin emphasized that education should be accessible, with equity, provided for, through a supportive community and responsible government, with participative students.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong in his message, elaborated on starting early leadership training on the younger generation and acquainting them with the responsibilities, that they may actively participate, react, speak with bright ideas, work together and commit to being productive citizens. They should have full access to education, as their full potentials need to be reached, the mayor said.
Thus education needs to be their unshakable foundation, even with the challenges to overcome such as poverty and even cultural differences, or even needed infrastructures, he added. Culled data show that one-third of 9 to 12 year olds are illiterate, thus the need to address their basic education more, the mayor said.
The education summit was done in coordination with the Synergeia Foundation represented by educators and their leaders. – JGF
