TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 2 has assured that all basic and special education programs are effectively implemented in the Cagayan Valley Region.
Regional Director Benjamin Paragas acknowledged that while there are some shortages in facilities and workforce, efforts are undertaken to ensure that all students have access to quality education.
“Classrooms that are old and have been damaged by disasters are being repaired and restored,” Paragas stated.
He expressed gratitude to local governments for supporting educational initiatives, particularly in providing additional teachers and resources to schools in need.
Paragas also noted a growing number of schools establishing special education programs, including those focused on the arts, foreign languages, technical vocational education, and special education for students with disabilities.
He also mentioned the availability of Madrasah teachers for Muslim students across the region, although there are challenges in finding sufficient qualified graduates.
On Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED), the director announced that each province is strengthening its IPED program.
“Currently, various minority groups, such as the Ibanag, are developing orthography as part of this program, along with several other IP-related initiatives being undertaken in different school divisions,” he said.
Meanwhile, extensive rehabilitation efforts are underway for schools damaged by Typhoon Julian in the provinces of Batanes and Cagayan.
Paragas reported that DepEd provided initial assistance for the swift restoration of classrooms affected by the typhoon in various municipalities of Batanes and Calayan Island, Cagayan.
He also announced the launch of a donation drive for volunteers interested in helping with the rehabilitation of damaged facilities in those areas.
The director added that students in Batanes and Calayan have returned to regular classes, even though some facilities have not been fully restored.
“Teachers are finding ways to ensure that children can continue their studies despite the destruction of some of their facilities,” he emphasized. (OTB/PIA Region 2)
