As a way to acknowledge the organizations and people who extended assistance in the continued delivery of education amidst the many challenges the region faced, DepEd CALABARZON conducted the virtual 2021 CALABARZON Stakeholders Summit on January 21.
After the Mt. Taal eruption, the COVID-19 outbreak, and a series of the typhoons that affected the region, regional and schools division officials, the congress, local government units, non-government organizations, private sectors, parents, and other stakeholders rallied together to adopt a new normal in the delivery of quality education.
“Sa kabila ng hamon na dala ng pandemya, ito pa rin tayong lahat nagtutulong-tulong para mas mapataas pa natin ang kalidad ng edukasyon, hindi lang sa ating rehiyon, kung di buong bansa,” Antipolo City Mayor Andrea B. Ynares said, representing CALABARZON stakeholders.
In his State of the Region Address, Regional Director Wilfredo E. Cabral thanked their partners for the overflowing teacher trainings, provision of supplies, gadgets, manpower services, allowances that eased the burden of teachers, parents, and learners.
Assistant Regional Director Ruth L. Fuentes echoed the sentiments of the regional director, stating, “Gratitude is the key to this summit. The different financial assistance, human resource provision you have extended have gone a long way. We are able to pull through because you are there.”
Meanwhile, in his keynote message, DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito MC. Umali, Esq. reminded education stakeholders that they share responsibility with the Department in developing lifelong learners.
“Sana po ay talagang maramdaman ng lahat na [ang edukasyon] ay napakahalaga. Kailangan maunawaan natin na ito ay parte ng ating responsibilidad,” Usec Umali said as he emphasized the need for local government units, DepEd, private institutions, community, and parents to work together and to take appropriate steps in ensuring that Filipinos have access to quality education.
In a separate message, Director Edel B. Carag of DepEd-External Partnership Service said DepEd will continue to form programs and projects that will keep the bayanihan spirit alive in the education sector. She also extended her appreciation to education stakeholders for their overwhelming support and trust that education is the solution to improve the lives and the future of the Philippines.
The 2021 CALABARZON Stakeholders Summit was led by the Regional Education Support Services Division through Chief Eduarda M. Zapanta and Regional Partnership Coordinator Benardo C. Pascual. (Ma. Joan Paula D. Dino, Public Affairs Unit, DepEd CALABARZON)
