The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique on Wednesday acknowledged the support of the 18 local government units and other stakeholders in the province for providing needed facilities and assistance, especially during the Brigada Eskwela.

DepEd Schools Division of Antique Superintendent Dr. Nicasio Frio, in his message during the Local Stakeholders’ Convergence cum 2024 Dayaw Awards at the Eagle’s Hotel in San Jose de Buenavista, said they recognized the support they gave in the form of financial, human resources, infrastructures, facilities, internet connection, and school sites.

“There are milestones and challenges that the DepEd Antique has encountered, but still, it’s inspiring because of your support,” Frio said.

Antique Representative Antonio Agapito Legarda, in his response, lauded DepEd for shaping the future of learners. Through their instructions, they help improve the quality of lives of the people in Antique, he said.

His office currently provides scholarships and livelihood programs to parents of the learners.

“I am also one of those (legislators) who supported the passage of the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act to provide better incentives and compensations to the teachers,” he said.

Planning Officer III Prisceli Joyce Galluego said the provincial government provides supplementary funding support for the construction and repair of school buildings, operation and maintenance of public schools, procurement of facilities and equipment, sports development, and other educational manpower services.

“We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with the Department of Education in order to conquer the many challenges of participative local education governance and to be a catalyst in achieving our students’ full potential that will eventually lead to empowerment and freedom from poverty,” Galluego said in her response.

Another awardee, Sonny Galindo, general manager of the Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said that the Hamtic MPC expresses full support and appreciation for all the hard work and dedication the DepEd officials put into nurturing teachers and educating students.

“A positive and enriching environment does not go unnoticed,” Dolendo said.

The Hamtic MPC, this school year, has provided material recovery facilities, planting materials, and organic fertilizers, and water hoses to two public schools in Antique.

Dr. Egidio Elio, whose family donated an arch gate amounting to around PHP 800,000 to the Laua-an Central School, was also one of the awardees. He said their donation shows their gratitude for the education they earned from the school.

The Philippine News Agency is one of the more than 20 awardees for assisting DepEd advocacies and information dissemination. (PNA)