Luna, Apayao - Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Benedicta B. Gamatero commended the student journalists from the 10 school districts for their performance in the recently concluded 28th Apayao Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) held in Luna, Apayao.
Posing the challenge to the achievers of the conference who will soon represent the province in the upcoming 2023 Regional SPC, Gamatero said, “It’s my prayer that you will put a mark once again for SDO-Apayao.”
During an interview, Gamatero disclosed the improved capacity of the students to express themselves through journalism, hence, “We encourage schools to scout for more potential learners to join the roster of student journalists in the province, join next year’s DSPC, and have the chance to also represent the province in higher level of journalism competitions.”
“Their exposure to competitions like this will allow us to showcase the talents of our learners, improve their writing and speaking skills and boost their self-confidence in whatever field they are into,” Gamatero added.
When asked how the DSPC fits into the larger goals and priorities of the division, Gamatero said such activity breaks the pattern of learning from vicarious experiences within the classroom’s four corners as it exposes them to more authentic lessons outside.
“We see them to be more aggressive in their desire to learn and to discover for themselves what lies outside the classroom. We also feel that their exposure makes them more responsible journalists, being able to express their ideas on issues and situations in their community and in our environment.”
On one hand, despite limitations of the department to provide the participants with appropriate sets of equipment required for certain activities like radio and television broadcasting, Gamatero said, “we feel contented with their performance.”
“Although we encourage our schools to propose from their MOOEs the procurement of these [lacking] gadgets, it’s not really enough,” said conveying the Division’s call for support from its education external stakeholders that include the Local Government Units (LGUs), Parent-Teacher Association, alumni and other individual donors.
SDS Gamatero said the success of the recent activity is the result of combined efforts from all education stakeholders, especially to Congressman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang and Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., saying, “Thank you so much for your hardwork. We have proven once again that it really takes a village to educate a child,” at the same time, encouraging their sustained support to the Department in its future undertakings.
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