It is often said that empowering communities begins with providing them access to information. With this principle in mind, Mayor Milliard Villanueva, a staunch advocate of education reform, proudly presented the state of education in Concepcion during the recently held Municipal Education Summit. His address highlighted the pivotal role of the Local School Board (LSB) as a platform for fostering transparent, accountable, and inclusive development. He detailed how the Special Education Fund (SEF) is strategically utilized, emphasizing its contributions to a brighter and more inclusive future for every Concepcionanon.
The regular meetings of the Local School Board have become a cornerstone for addressing challenges faced by the education sector. With over half of the municipality’s school buildings located on islands, urgent issues such as infrastructure development and the construction of essential facilities take center stage. These meetings serve as a venue for ensuring transparency and amplifying the voices of schools, guaranteeing that the local government addresses their specific needs and concerns. For School Year 2023-2024, the two educational districts of Concepcion received allocations of Php 4.7 million and Php 3.3 million, respectively.
The town’s dedication to improving literacy and numeracy is evident through initiatives like *Project BATA* (Bata Alerto, Talentado, Asensado) and *Project Milliard* (Multiple Integration of Localized Learning Interventions on Arithmetic and Reading Development). These programs received a significant Php 2.9 million from the SEF budget, reflecting their priority in the municipality’s agenda. Furthermore, since the reopening of schools post-pandemic, Concepcion has rolled out a range of municipality-wide programs. These include remedial education, specialized training for teaching and non-teaching personnel, supplemental feeding, and early childhood care development—all aimed at supporting the holistic development of learners.
For Mayor Villanueva, the transparent and effective use of the SEF embodies his administration’s unwavering commitment to education and the well-being of every learner in the community. By fostering collaboration and addressing pressing challenges, Concepcion continues to build an educational system that empowers its people and shapes a brighter future for all.