UIC Researchers take part in the DACS-DepEd K to 12 study

by : John Rey A. Aleria

Countering the challenges set by the new paradigm in the educational arena of the Philippines, the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) and the Department of Education (DepEd) XI collaborated to conduct a research whose aim is to assess the readiness of the Davao region with regard to the implementation of the K to12 program.

One with the goal of DACS and DepEd, UIC researchers were part of the team including Dr. Renan Limjuco, Ms. Emma Sagarino, Dr. Mona Laya and Mr. John Rey A. Aleria.

The study entitled “Readiness on K to 12: Basis for the Development of a Strategic Plan for Implementers and Other Stakeholders in Region XI” was headed by lead researchers Dr. Limjuco, the Research Director of the University of the Immaculate Conception and Dr. Minerva T. Fabros of Department of Education. The study was divided into five major components namely: study 1 entitled “Career Choice of Students: Basis for Curricular Offering of Senior High Schools in Region XI headed by Dr. Roberto Diamante and Dr. Danilo M. Canda; study 2 entitled “The Cost of Senior High School Education in Region XI led by Mr. Jopriz Bueno and Dr. Janette Veloso; study 3 entitled “Industry Needs Assesment in Region XI in Response to the Implementation of the K to 12 Curriculum” spearheaded by Ms. Kari Ann Bitgue and Dr. Marilyn Madrazo; study 4 entitled “School Profile and K to 12 Plans in Region XI” led by Ms. Emma Sagarino and Dr. Maflor Dingal and study 5 entitled “Volunteerism Intentions for Teaching and its Implication for Training Needs was headed by Dr. Randy Tudy.

The presentation of all the studies was done on April 28, 2014 at the DACS Office located in Juna Subdivision, Davao City. The event was participated by the different representatives both from public and private institutions. Present in the gathering were Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, the president of DACS and Ateneo de Davao University and Dr. Gloria Benigno, DepEd Region XI Director of DepEd were there to witness the forum and to give their suggestions for the improvement of the data analysis.

Mr. Jimmi-Loe Dela Vega, the DACS Executive Director gave his opening remarks. Highlighting the fact that despite the hardships experienced in conducting the research, the project was all worth it because of the relevance of the outcomes of the surveys. After which, Dr. Randy Tudy, DACS Research Committee Chairperson presented an overview about the project.

On the other hand, Dr. Limjuco presented the different important points of each of the individual studies before the study leaders shared their findings. The presenters were Dr. Laya (Study 1), Mr. Glyd Jun Arañes (Study 2) Prof. Bitgue (Study 3), Ms. Sagarino (Study 4) and Mr. Carlos Carado (Study 5). After the presentations of the findings, both Fr. Tabora and Dr. Benigno gave their messages and congratulated everybody for the efforts that they had exerted to finish the study.

The result of the K to 12 readiness study is expected to be utilized for the preparation of the Region XI on the implementation of the new curriculum.