ILOILO City – Education Secretary Sonny Angara spearheaded key education initiatives during a visit to Iloilo last December 13, highlighting infrastructure developments and innovative programs aimed at enhancing the province’s education system.
At Oton National High School, Secretary Angara led the groundbreaking ceremony for a four-storey, 16-classroom building and inaugurated a three-storey, 12-classroom facility. Iloilo 1st District’s Rep. Janette Garin, Department of Education (DepEd) officials, and local government leaders joined the ceremony as well.
Secretary Angara then visited exhibits showcasing outputs from Senior High School and Special Needs Education (SNEd) learners in Iloilo. He also held discussions with STEM learners in Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School.
At the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Secretary Angara witnessed the launch of two educational modules — the Career Guidance Instructional Module (CGIM) and Voter’s Education Instructional Module (VEIM). These modules, part of the Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins) Program, aim to empower secondary learners with informed career choices and responsible electoral participation.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who spearheaded the initiative, noted that the CGIM aligns with the Secondary School Career Guidance and Counseling Act (Republic Act 11206), which he authored as a congressman.
Secretary Angara expressed support for the modules, emphasizing their role in developing a future-ready workforce and an informed citizenry. The program, crafted in collaboration with the DepEd Schools Division of Iloilo and the University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas, demonstrates the province’s commitment to holistic education.
Angara also officiated the oath-taking ceremony of the National Association of Public Secondary School Principals (NAPPShil) SDO Iloilo Chapter.
The DepEd secretary also graced the groundbreaking of the UP College of Law building in the UP Visayas Iloilo City campus, further enhancing law education in Western Visayas. The extension campus has hosted law classes since 2021, and the new building is expected to bolster its program.
In the evening, Secretary Angara convened the department’s National Management Committee, composed of members of the Executive Committee and bureau, service, and regional directors, to discuss latest developments and policies of the agency./PN
