It was indeed a “Thank God it is Friday”. We reached several milestones during the Conference of the ARMM Mayors with the ARMM Regional Governor last Friday, February 10, 2012 in Davao City.
First, there are now 32 Synergeia mayors in ARMM. Compare that with only 8 when we started the program in 2005.
Third, all our Mayors were present. They paid for their transportation and did not receive any per diem— a very good indicator of commitment!
Fourth, Upi Mayor Ramon Piang summarized the good news in ARMM citing the changes in processes, behaviour, and results. Mayor Tong Paglas of Datu Paglas presented the remaining challenges in terms of low survival rates and school governance such as absenteeism of teachers and the use of political patronage in selection and promotion.
Fifth , our Mayors spoke with confidence, passion, and depth during the open forum. Compare that three years ago when many of them were going in and out of the conference room. They were intently listening. Compare that some years ago when their attention was fleeting.
Sixth, this was the first time that the ARMM OIC-Governor engaged them in a dialogue. The Mayors asserted their responsibility in education. The Simunul Mayor brought a copy of the Local Government Code and read the provision that requires consultation of the School Board in matters of promotion and appointment. To his credit, Gov. Mujiv Hataman assured them that he will follow the law, will consult the School Board and the Local Chief Executives.
Seventh, the exchange of ideas was so fruitful for both sides. The Mayors demonstrated their capability to do good education governance, improve learning performance and reduce dropouts. The Governor assured them that he stands for and will follow the principles of transparency, accountability and collaboration in governance.
Eighth, the conference ended in specific action points:
The Governor will call for a Regional Education Summit in March.
- The Governor will participate in the regular meeting of Mayors, through their regional education alliance.
- The Mayors and their communities will implement a report card system where barangay and parents can rate teachers and school principals on their attendance, governance, and performance. The score card system will be an input into the promotion system by DepEd ARMM.
- All the Mayors and their School Boards will prepare a doable work program that will indicate requested contribution or participation from the Regional Government.
The conference also came with unexpected bonanzas:
DILG co-shared the expenses and shouldered the costs of accommodations.
- Valenzuela City Mayor Win Gatchalian, who came all the way from Manila, shared his best practices in education governance, and surprise, all the Mayors were there and were intently listening. Mayor Win also sponsored the bountiful buffet lunch.
- Gov. Miguel Dominqguez of Sarangani province eloquently opened and closed the conference.
- DepEd Undersecretary Francis Varela’s message was of openness, respect for autonomy within the context of cooperation, and sincere appreciation for the role of LCEs in Education. He said it is a must to work with them and inquired about the use of our workbooks by DepEd.
- DepEd-ARMM Secretary Jamar Kulayan engaged the Mayors in a healthy and collaborative dialogue.
All the Mayors left with a big smile . “Napaka-successful!”
They all signed a covenant written in Filipino which serves as their performance contract.
Our work in education in ARMM has indeed progressed deep and wide.
