The Victorias City Education Sector Mechanism (ESM), a collaboration project between the Victorias City government, the City Schools Division Office, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and RTI International was launched on Tuesday, August 1.
ESM augments the partnership between SDO and the LGU. It specifically aims to integrate efforts in addressing basic education issues with a focus on early-grade learners, a press release from Victorias City said.
Following its launch, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez signed Executive Order No. 50 or an order creating the technical working group and secretariat for the Education Sector Mechanism (ESM) in the city between the Victorias LGU and USAID Philippines.
USAID Philippines Educational Office director Dr. Thomas Leblanc, The Asia Foundation deputy country representative Myn Garcia, RTI International ABC+ Project Chief of Party Ina Aquino, and SDO CIC Chief Leny Nillos, witnessed the signing of the executive order.
“Education is the bedrock in progressive societies,” Benitez said.
He stressed the relevance of sustainable and innovative educational projects like the ESM, saying education should always be evolving.
Leblanc said that through the ESM, all children in Victorias City will have access to high-quality education.
ESM expands sources of support beyond the DepEd budget and SED, strengthens and sustains collaboration among stakeholders beyond the LSB, explores other types of support from stakeholders; and supports the institutionalization of the mechanism, the press release said.
Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, Councilors Dexter Senido, Warlito Undar, Danilo De Asis Jr., Audie Malaga, and Richard Julius Sablan joined the ceremonial launching and signing of the executive order together with Punong Barangay Rolando Millan of Barangay VI, Punong Barangay Ana Mae Claro of Barangay VI-A, and City Administrator Lindolf De Castro.
Luisitio Gelmo, Gemma Rose Pedregosa, and Irene Olipendo of the ABC+ Project, The Asia Foundation representatives Beverly Garcia and Jonathan Bello, Andrelyn Bello and Niecer Penaso of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc., Victorias Milling Company Chief Manufacturing Officer Linley Retirado and Chief Administrative Officer Eva Rodriguez also joined the activity.*