San Fernando, Cebu – July 10, 2024
Article written by Mrs. Edgermi G. Gingoyon
In a significant acknowledgment of its contributions to education, Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) was recognized as an education partner by the Department of Education during the National Learning Camp (NLC) Appreciation Program held on July 10, 2024, at San Fernando Central School, San Fernando, Cebu. This school is one of the pilot implementors of the MATATAG curriculum.
The event was attended by key figures, including the Secretary of the Department of Education and the Vice-President of the Philippines, Madam Sarah Duterte. In her keynote address, she highlighted the success of the NLC, which has reached 938,341 learners in Grades 7 and 8 through intervention, consolidation, and enhancement camps in 334,383 schools nationwide.
SHS-AdC, staying true to its vision of being a “community with and for others,” actively engages in programs that embody its mission of “Faith that does justice.” Under the directorship of Father Gilbert Levosada, S.J., the Campus Ministry and Social Involvement Office offers students opportunities for concrete experiences. One such initiative is the Service Learning Program (SLP) dubbed “Helping Hands from the HEART,” which is part of the Grade 10 CLF course offering. This program allows Grade 10 students in the Junior High School (JHS) Department to mentor Grade 6 pupils at Canduman Elementary School in Mandaue City, focusing on enhancing their reading comprehension skills. With the help of the English teachers, our student-mentors are equipped with the necessary skills to teach these pupils. This initiative aims to address the nationwide reading problem highlighted in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results.
Another notable program is the Summer of Service (SOS), a social involvement activity in partnership with the school alumni. This program allows students to work in various business establishments, where they volunteer for an 80-hour summer service. Half of their earnings are donated to beneficiaries, including about 60 pupils from Canduman and Carreta Elementary Schools. These social involvement activities have contributed to the school’s recognition as an education partner.
The certificate of recognition was conferred by USEC Gina O. Gonong, the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction of the Department of Education. Mrs. Edgermi G. Gingoyon, the JHS Assistant Principal for Student Formation, and Miss Cristina Borres, CMSIO Staff, received the award on behalf of Father Levosada, S.J.
The event, which included other education partners from various divisions in Region 7, highlighted the ongoing collaboration to address basic education challenges and set a new direction under the theme “Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa.”
