DepEd launches MATATAG Negosyo in Agusan Sur
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
Many individuals took active part
during the said event. Participating sectors were also eager to hear the
message of the Vice President of the Philippines Sara Duterte who attended the
said gathering.
The collaboration of Go Negosyo
and DepEd was proposed by VP Duterte to address the 70 percent food insecurity
affecting the region, as reported by the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) in December 2023.
Based on data, Caraga being the
second most affected region, hunger and malnutrition significantly disrupted
the learners’ education in classrooms. A mixed-method study conducted in 2023
recorded an alarming rate of stunting at 12 percent and wasting at 9.4 percent,
among school children.
Also, before heading to the venue,
VP Duterte also visited a school in Barangay Salvacion as one of the pioneer
implementers of the program in the Caraga region to observe the school’s
Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP). She then led the ceremonial ribbon cutting,
and went ahead to some booths, engaging in conversations with the attendees,
including DepEd Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion.
"When I was appointed DepEd
Secretary, I visited various schools and what I saw was a large vacant site
within the campus. I also observed that we have a limited budget for
maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) in our schools. That is why I
am seeking private sector partners who can assist DepEd in developing
sustainable business practices within the schools," Duterte stated.
"The goal is to teach
children to appreciate farming and stewardship to support the school's MOOE and
ensure the availability of healthy foods for the feeding programs. I hope that
you will be able to sustain the businesses that you have created," she
added.
She also thanked the Caraganons
for accepting the challenge of piloting this business model. The various
schools division superintendents, national government agencies (NGAs), and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were also present during the program's
launch.
The gymnasium was secured with the
presence of the personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Agusan
del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) led by the Provincial Director Police
Colonel Yahya B. Yusup, and the marshals from DepEd Caraga.
The PNP checked the belongings of
every participant upon entry, while DepEd personnel guided them to their
respective seats, making the event organized and orderly. Medical teams were
also alert and on standby for emergency situations.
Meanwhile, MATATAG stands for (1) Make the curriculum relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; (2) Take steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services; (3) Take good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and (4) Give support to teachers to teach better. (KKG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
