LAOAG CITY – The 2024 BANNUAR: INLaB for Education Innovation Summit, held at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, showcased twelve pioneering projects aimed at enhancing educational quality in Ilocos Norte. These initiatives, presented by educators from various schools across the province, are designed to drive transformative changes in the educational landscape by promoting innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders from the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, Laoag City, and the City of Batac.
Regional Director Tolentino Aquino of the Department of Education (DepEd) praised the collaborative spirit of the education sector in Ilocos Norte, emphasizing the importance of pooling resources and best practices for collective success. His remarks were delivered by regional education program supervisor Francis Domingo.
One notable project, ‘Mission Eunoia,’ introduced by Lester Jay Caba from Catagtaguen National High School in Banna, involves student volunteers, teachers, and community members in mindfulness activities to encourage school attendance. Caba highlighted the project’s success in creating a ‘safe space’ for students, fostering an environment of love and acceptance, and stressed the need for enhanced guidance and counseling to support students’ mental health.
In Vintar’s Salpad Integrated School, teachers Jose Crisostomo Ramones, Lovely Queenie Rumbaoa, and Mark Calumpit launched ‘Project HOPE,’ which provides free school uniforms to underprivileged students to combat bullying and absenteeism. Rumbaoa noted an increase in bullying post-Covid-19 and emphasized that the project not only offers uniforms but also instills hope in the students.
Manny Pagaduan and Jhonel Tangonan from Sta. Catalina and Pungto Elementary Schools in Pasuquin introduced ‘Project DRIVE,’ utilizing Google to streamline report submissions, thereby freeing up more time for teachers to engage with students. Meanwhile, Gene Paul Cruz from Banban National High School in Bangui presented ‘Project OLATS,’ an offline learning assessment tool that automates reporting through Microsoft Excel.
The Energy Development Corporation (EDC), represented by Assistant Vice President Allan Barcena, announced sponsorship of these innovative projects to ensure no student is left behind in a rapidly evolving world. EDC will provide PHP20,000 to each project for sustainability, with the top three projects in categories such as curriculum improvement, governance, and skills development receiving PHP30,000 each.
Deborah Melchor, EDC’s corporate social responsibility program chief, stressed the focus on the innovation process rather than individual personalities to foster ongoing collaboration and assess impact. She commended the educators for their exemplary work, innovative ideas, and contributions over the past two years.