NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez visited several schools in Negros Occidental this week to enhance Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) education and other learning programs.
Their visit, held on March 17-18, was part of the DepEd-TESDA Joint Management Committee (ManCom) Meeting to improve the TVL track for senior high school (SHS) students across the province.
Angara and Benitez toured schools in Bago City, Victorias City, E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Murcia, and Bacolod, interacting with educators and students to assess the effectiveness of TVL programs and identify areas for improvement.
At E.B. Magalona, Angara distributed laptops to teachers, supporting digital learning and instructional efficiency. He also visited Alicante Child Development Centers (CDC) 1 and 2 in Barangay Alicante, where he donated two laptops to enhance early childhood development training.
A key focus of the visit was Angara’s stop at E.B. Magalona National High School (EBMNHS) Senior High School, where he gathered feedback from teachers and students on the implementation of the SHS-TVL track.
Discussions centered on challenges, best practices, and program improvements to ensure students acquire industry-relevant skills for employment.
Angara with DepEd Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera also visited Ramon Torres-Malingin Farm School, Yubo Elementary School, La Carlota South Elementary School, and La Carlota North Elementary School.
DepEd Western Visayas Director Dr. Ramir Uytico welcomed the education chief. Angara engaged with school leaders, teachers, students, and parents to evaluate ongoing educational initiatives.
All schools visited received additional laptops for teachers and learners, improving digital access and learning opportunities. The tour at Ramon Torres-Malingin Farm School, one of the first farm schools in the country, highlighted its role in promoting agricultural education.
Recognizing the impact of the ongoing ash emission from Mt. Kanlaon, Angara and his team conducted a situation assessment in affected schools, ensuring that necessary interventions and support are in place.
This initiative underscores the DepEd-TESDA partnership in advancing technical and vocational education, equipping Filipino students with career-ready skills while addressing educational challenges in the region.
