Capiz School Heads Gear Up after EdGE Training

Roxas City, Capiz – Public Elementary School principals from the Capiz municipalities of Dao, Ivisan, Mambusao and Sapian completed Synergeia’s three-day capacity-building workshop under the USAID-funded Education Governance Effectiveness (EdGE) Program in preparation for the coming school year.

Dr. Eleveth Gamboa, Capiz Department of Education Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (DEPED-ASDS) encouraged the principals to maximize the rare privilege of being part of the free training which is aimed at enhancing their planning and decision-making skills for the betterment of education in their respective schools. “I believe in developing people because they will be our strength,” she said as she related the importance of equipping one’s self to improve in one’s functions as an educator. “As Sec. Robredo always said, hindi sapat ang magaling lang, dapat maayos din,” she shared.

Sapian Mayor Arthur John “Ike” Biñas and Mambusao Acting Mayor John Alba graced the activity with their presence to encourage the participants further. Mayor Ike said he is trying his best to comply with what is expected of him after attending EdGE’s Local School Board Workshop early this year. “So now you’re here. We are not dependent on just dole-outs. There is work to be done. I know our principals are hard-working so I’m confident.” He, in turn, expects that the principals will be more involved and active in the program. “After this, mag-uusap na kami,” he said.

Acting Mayor Alba emphasized the importance of promoting transparency in his district, which is another thrust of the EdGE program. “In Mambusao, we are trying hard to deliver good education to our children like our neighboring towns.” While only four municipalities are currently members of EdGE, he expressed hope that more municipalities in Capiz will take part and benefit from the trainings.

Apart from Synergeia mentors Dr. Nene Guevara, Former Mayor Sonny Coscolluela and Luigi Bernas, the principals heard valuable insights from key-note speakers Fr. Ben Nebres, famed mathematician and Ateneo Chair Emeritus; John Robert Powers Director Oskar Atendido and  Ortigas Foundation Chair and National Museum Senior Consultant John Silva.

Over 80 school heads from Capiz participated in the EdGE workshop held at Nesta’s Hilltop Hotel in Roxas City, Capiz on May 8-10, 2014.