April 15, 2024

Mayor Marvin Malacon lauded the collective efforts of Third District Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, US Embassy- Regional English Language Office, Synergeia Foundation, and the Department of Education (DepEd) in bringing advanced educational methodologies to E. B. Magalona to improve the reading literacy of Grades 1-3 pupils and Grade 7 students.

In his message delivered by Executive Assistant Matthew Louis Malacon during the closing program Sunday [April 14], Mayor Malacon said, “The Municipal Government of E. B. Magalona is in deep gratitude to everyone who work so passionately and generously for the success of this endeavor, that will ultimately redound to the development of our young Saraviahanon learners.”

“Mayor Malacon would like to convey his deep appreciation to Cong. Kiko Benitez for this trailblazing initiative on reading literacy that provides new and more effective learning opportunities to our teachers and pupils, and to the hardworking American reading specialists for lovingly imparting your knowledge and skills to our dear teachers,” EA Malacon said.

The American educators were Dr. Carleen Velez, head of the Regional English Language Office, and specialists Dr. Clarissa Rosas, Julie Kahn, and Richard Kahn.

“Mayor Malacon would also like to express his big thanks to the Synergeia Foundation and the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) for actively partnering with the Office of Cong. Kiko Benitez for this laudable project that aims to address learning gaps, and at the same time, advance learning outcomes in the Metro Third District,” he added.

EA Malacon represented Mayor Malacon both at the opening and closing ceremonies of the two-day activity held April 13 and 14. Joining him was Municipal Planning and Development Officer Engr. Erwin Poniado.

Representing Benitez was District Office coordinator for education Mike Clementir. Assisting in the workshops were E. B. Magalona Supervisors Angeles Verdeprado of Custer 1 and Laila Fronda of Cluster 2, and Jazeel Delilan, principal of E. B. Magalona Elementary School – the host school.

Attending the training in E. B. Magalona were 56 teachers from E. B. Magalona and 16 teachers from Bacolod City.

The training-workshop, entitled, "Weaving Strands of Literacy Skills into Successful Readers," aims to empower educators with advanced methodologies and strategies to effectively address the challenges associated with early literacy and bridge learning gaps.

Benitez, a commissioner of EDCOM 2, brought reading specialists from the United States to provide training to more than 370 public school teachers from 200 schools across the Third District and Bacolod City from April to May this year.

The initiative is poised to revolutionize the Third District's teaching landscape by delving deep into crucial aspects of early language development, phonics, differentiated instruction, and authentic assessment techniques.

The training includes a comprehensive two-day workshop tailored for teachers of Grades 1 to 3 and Grade 7, followed by a three-day push-in session to provide teachers with hands-on experience in implementing newly acquired strategies within their classroom settings.*

-E. B. MAGALONA PIO
Photos from Metro Third District Office & DepEd District of E. B. Magalona