Division Launching of Project STEP-UP

SDO Masbate City makes decisive step in curbing learning crisis.

Aimed at bridging the learning gaps faced by Key Stage 1 learners in DepEd Masbate City, the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) launched Project STEP UP (Strengthened Teaching-Learning in Embedded Program to Upgrade Proficiency), Nov. 20, 2023 at Cowboys’ Grill, Boulevard Extension, Masbate City.

In her opening remarks, CID Chief ES Francy R. Valdemoro, underscored the salient fact that the participants were fortunate as they would witness the launching of Project STEP UP. “Magiging bahagi tayo ng paglulunsad ng natatangi at kauna-unahang program hindi lamang sa Lungsod ng Masbate kundi sa buong Pilipinas. Naniniwala tayo sa kasabihang ang pagkatuto ng ating mga kabataan ay kailangan ng  pagtutulungan ng buong pamayanan. Kung kaya’t narito tayo ng lahat ngayon upang tunghayan ang paglulunsad ng programang STEP UP.” ASDS Arvin R. Sese pointed out that Project STEP UP is a decisive answer to the learning poverty among the schoolchildren. We all know we are experiencing learning poverty caused by COVID-19 pandemic. Project STEP UP, carefully crafted by SDO Masbate City with SDS Nelson S. Morales, Jr, as the brainchild, will ultimately help raise literacy and numeracy rate in the public schools.” Ms. Carol Garcia, City PDO and the representative of Mayor Socrates M. Tuason gladly told the participants that the mayor was always glad to be with them. “But, now our mayor is busy at the office. You all understand how the mayor works and how he juggles all his responsibilities. The mayor always wants the best for the education sector,” Ms. Garcia said. “As the representative of the mayor, I always admire DepEd because you do not stop thinking of a lot of innovations geared toward improving teaching and learning process.”

Framework ensures project’s sustainability.

SDS Nelson S. Morales, Jr, elaborated the importance of framework which would enable the program owner to maintain and sustains its implementation come hell and high water. “Kung ang isang programa ay may framework, maitatawid mo ito hanggang dulo. To sum up, it would mean sustainability. Kung may sustainability ang isang programa kahit ‘yong mga nag-introduce ay wala na, tatawid at tatawid ang programa,” SDS Morales commented. “Hangad natin na sa pamamagitan ng STEP UP, mabigyan ang mga batang Masbatenyo na maipakita ang kanilang husay at talino ‘di lamang sa ating pamayanan kundi sa sanlibutan,” SDS Morales further said.

EPS for Science Jemnah A. Macabe, project’s proponent, comprehensively discussed the framework which consists of current realities, the journey, cutting-edge technology and end result. Adding color to the launching was the lively background music, the project’s theme song “Go Further Beyond” which was originally recorded and sung by Jarelle A. Macabe and was performed live by selected teachers and learners. The launching was attended by DO personnel, LGU officials including SB Member Meden Diez, Chair on Committee on Education, barangay officials, PTA officials and other stakeholders of education.

Emceeing the launching ceremony was Mr. Michael Cabataña.

Learning Exemplars and Other Resources