This month, yours truly had the wonderful opportunity to visit and conduct several activities in South Cotabato, Philippines. On July 6, I attended the Regional Partnership Forum 2023 of the Department of Education Regional Office XII where I met various organizations and learned about the activities that the Regional Office does to involve and engage organizations in the provision of quality educational services and support to the students. Moreover, I had the opportunity to introduce Silid Aralan and our partnership with the Department of Education – Division of South Cotabato to more people through DepEd Dose sa Radyo program. On July 7, the MOA signing between the Department of Education – Division of South Cotabato and Silid Aralan, Inc. was conducted at the Division Office of South Cotabato. After the MOA signing, I visited the Laconon Integrated School Learning Hub where I had the chance to meet in person our learners, SAI parents and the supportive team of Laconon Integrated School led by Sir Leonard Travilla.

On behalf of the SAI Team, I would like to thank the Department of Education Regional Office XII headed by RD Carlito D. Rocafort and the Division of South Cotabato led by SDS Leonardo Balala for their massive support to Silid Aralan. I would also like to thank Ms. Ma. Teresa Hallegado, Division Information Officer, for inviting us to the DepEd Dose sa Radyo and for leading and coordinating all partnership-related activities during our visit. Lastly, I would like to thank the Laconon Integrated School Team headed by Principal Leonard Travilla for helping us implement our Ground Zero Program in the school more effectively and efficiently.