Baguio City: The Department of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) has attributed the region's impressive performance in a recent literacy survey, particularly in the provinces of Apayao and Benguet, to the dedication of teachers and the support of parents and other stakeholders.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Estela Cari±o, the regional director of DepEd-CAR, emphasized in a media interview that teachers in the region feel a cultural obligation to ensure their students can read by the end of the school year. This often leads them to take proactive steps and interventions on their own to achieve this goal. While acknowledging that some teachers may not be as diligent, Dr. Cari±o noted that the majority are committed to providing a proper education for their students.
Dr. Cari±o mentioned that teachers frequently engage in remediation efforts and collaborate with parents or guardians to further support students' education. She also highlighted the unexpected high performance of last mile or far-flung schools, which were initially expected to underperform due to their remote locations. Contrary to expectations, these schools sometimes achieve higher marks, partly due to smaller class sizes that allow for more focused teaching, and the active participation of parents when invited to discuss their children's progress.
Despite receiving the least budget among regions, Cordillera students have managed to excel. Previous reports identified Apayao and Benguet as areas with high functional literacy rates. Dr. Cari±o credited the strong reading programs and stakeholder support in Benguet, as well as the significant backing from local government units, for this success.