September 1, 2020 – Engaging its local government units and media networks, DepEd-Cagayan Valley (Region II) has expanded its external partnership initiatives in their preparation for the opening of classes on October 5.

“The importance of the partnership we have done, especially with our local government, would not only be the financial support they have given us but of course also for the manpower especially in the distribution of our modules and guiding us in different protocols in relation of COVID-19,” Regional Director Estela Cariño said on Monday during the Handang Isip, Handa Bukas press briefing.

With the help of Local Government Units (LGUs), the region was able to conduct a dry-run simulation on July 20 to August 18 and has identified areas of improvement in terms of implementing modular distance learning, including having a different module collection schedule for coastal and mainland schools.

The region partnered with the local radio and television stations and the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its The Radio Program. With these partnerships, DepEd-Region II broadcasted its pre-recorded lessons for all grade levels to DA Cagayan Valley’s educational radio station DZDA-FM 105.3 Radyo Pangkaunlaran. DepEd Region II also collaborated with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for their teachers’ training through DOST-Starbook.

RD Cariño also reported that the printing of self-learning modules (SLMs) in their region was already at an advanced stage for seven school division offices while the remaining two divisions were at the progressing stage. In addition, the region is on its peak when it comes to teacher training, orientation to parents, and observance of health and safety guidelines.

Region II SDOs have also been continuously sharing resources and conducting technical assistance on preparation of class programs and learning management plans of public and private schools.

According to RD Estela, they will also continuously give extensive orientation for parents in the distance learning approach. The region is also fully operationalizing its public affairs unit for learners and parents’ concerns for the upcoming school year.

“Any problem experienced by the learner or the parents, as well as the community in relation to the implementation of Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) will be sent to our office so we can give technical assistance,” Cariño shared.

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