The Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Samar Division and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Borongan have partnered to strengthen values formation among learners in public schools across the province.

Dubbed as Project SARIG or Strengthening Maka-Diyos and Maka-Tao Core Values Through Voluntary Catechism Sessions for Holistic Learner Wellness, it aims to provide voluntary catechism sessions in public schools.

This is to complement the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education curriculum and promote the spiritual, moral, emotional, and social well-being of learners.

A major highlight of the launch was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between DepEd Eastern Samar and the Diocese of Borongan on Aug. 26, 2026, formalizing their partnership in implementing the project.

The DepEd announced on Tuesday that under the partnership, volunteer catechists will conduct voluntary sessions in public schools in coordination with school officials, reinforcing core values while complementing existing DepEd programs.

“It is designed to support holistic learner development while ensuring that catechetical activities do not replace or interfere with the regular curriculum,” the DepEd said in a statement.

Both DepEd and the Diocese of Borongan expressed their commitment to sustaining the partnership and strengthening values-driven education for learners across Eastern Samar. (PNA)