OFFICIALS of the Department of Education office in Region 2 shared their best practices and strategies in the implementation of blended learning under the agency’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan.

Superintendents of the School Division Offices in Cauayan, Ilagan, and Santiago in Isabela said that strong partnership, open communication, teamwork for innovation, and commitment and dedication were the key factors in effectively supporting the new normal in education.

Cauayan Schools Division Superintendent Alfredo Gumaru Jr. declared that the consistency of creating innovative initiatives for blended learning has leveled up awareness and heightened acceptance and trust in the community.

Gumaru shared that of all the initiatives in their SDO, Project BERNARD or Bringing Education using Radio, Non-print, and Automated Resources to the Diverse learners and Project CATCH THEM Early or Cuddling At-risk Children Through Home-based E-Mentoring on the Early Language of Literacy and Numeracy stood out. These initiatives were responsive to the needs of the learners in the community, even those from the nearby municipalities, through the provision of learning platforms and materials, as well as a reading program in response to Sulong EduKalidad.

Meanwhile, Ilagan City Schools Division Superintendent Gilbert Tong said that active involvement of stakeholders plays an important role in the rapid development and innovative implementation of the BE-LCP.

The institutionalization of Project RADIO or Radiating Active Voice on Developing Learners served as a break from the monotonous modular distance learning and produced an avenue for creative and innovative learning.

Santiago City Schools Division Superintendent Cherry Ramos said that collaboration and sound partnership, time-tailored innovations fueled by partnerships, strategic communication through various platforms, and the culture of Bayanihan led to the success of learning modalities.

She said that Project PROVIDE or Providing Resources Offline: Various Interactive Developed Educational Instructional Materials stood out as the main and frontline program as it offers online and offline mechanisms in harnessing and providing learning materials that can be accessed by learners in all walks of life.

“It caters not only to our regular learners but also learners with special educational needs,” Ramos said.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones lauded the efforts of teachers and officials in ensuring the continuity of education.

“Saludo po ako sa ating mga teachers, mga officials, school heads in the field that have spent their immeasurable efforts and unwavering commitment to make education continue amidst the pandemic,” Briones said.

Region II Director Benjamin Paragas pledged that learning will continue in the region despite the pandemic.

“We are motivated more than ever to always give our best in realizing the regional education agenda in realization, too, of the agenda of the national leadership. EduAksyon. May Aksyon. May Solusyon. At patuloy ang daloy ng karunungan para sa ikabubuti ng bawat mag-aaral sa ating rehiyon na siyang sentro ng lahat ng ating pagsusumikap,” he said.