DepEd highlights achievements to sustain quality education in Caraga
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga, led by Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion, served as the guest/resource speaker during the recent episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, wherein she reported the department's significant achievements, educational programs, and strategic priorities in the region.
“The mission of the department is to provide quality basic education that is equitably accessible to all and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and service for the common good,” she said, as she emphasized the DepEd's commitment to expanding opportunities for students in Caraga.
During her presentation, Dir. Asuncion discussed the progress of DepEd Caraga since its establishment in 1995, including its extensive network of 12 school division offices and 2,356 public and 256 private schools.
Asuncion underscored the department's dedication to inclusivity, noting that “as of school year 2023-2024, DepEd Caraga served a total of 764,864 learners [391,309 male; 373,555 female] with support from 36,047 public school teachers and 3,099 private school teachers.”
This robust support network allowed the agency to reach students even in remote areas, an essential service in a region with geographically challenging locations.
"One of the recent advancements include the establishment of the MATATAG Curriculum, which was launched in 2023 that aims to address the evolving educational needs of students in Caraga. Set for phased implementation in the 2024-2025 school year, the curriculum focuses on fostering critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills," she said.
She also introduced the Garden-to-Table School Business Model, a collaboration with Go Negosyo, which is designed to teach entrepreneurial skills through sustainable farming.
Recognizing that equipping students with diverse skills prepares them for future challenges, Asuncion explained that this initiative will help students learn business skills while understanding the importance of sustainable agriculture.
Asuncion also announced that DepEd Caraga has achieved International Standardization for Organizations (ISO) 9001:2015 certification through the Central Office’s One Quality Management System, which was renewed in September 2024. This certification, she noted, “has significantly improved our governance by ensuring that our people, processes, and resources are aligned, leading to higher client satisfaction.”
Asuncion also shared how DepEd Caraga has transitioned to digital platforms for school assessments and reduced paper usage, making the regional office more efficient and environmentally conscious.
“We’ve embraced technology for blended learning, utilizing online and offline modes to ensure continued education,” she said, as she underscored the department’s commitment to digital innovation.
In her closing remarks, Asuncion acknowledged the unwavering support from local government units and the community, describing Caraga as a region with warm, hospitable, and very supportive people. However, she did not shy away from addressing challenges such as the region’s geographical complexities, including islet and last-mile schools.
Reflecting on her leadership, she further stated, “Leading DepEd Caraga is truly inspiring. Our focus remains on providing quality education to every learner, regardless of their location.”
Asuncion’s dedication to inclusivity, quality, and continuous improvement in education highlighted the profound role that DepEd Caraga plays in shaping the future of Caraga’s youth.
The Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas is hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) which is aired live in all regional Facebook pages of PIA as a synchronized event nationwide every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. (KKG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
