DepEd Division of Davao de Oro

08/10/2026

𝗗𝗗𝗢 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

𝗦𝗗𝗢 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗚𝗔𝗗 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

The Schools Division of Davao de Oro, through its Division Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, Dr. Grace D. Pontillas, provided technical assistance during the GAD Pocket Meeting on the preparation of the GAD Plan and Budget (GPB) for Fiscal Year 2027 held at the Nabunturan East District Office.

The activity was welcomed by Dr. Azucena L. Tevez, Public Schools District Supervisor of Nabunturan East District, who expressed support for the initiative and emphasized the importance of strengthening the capacity of District GAD Focal Persons in responding to the new GAD planning requirements.

The meeting focused on the new guidelines and mechanisms for preparing the DepEd GAD Plan and Budget for FY 2027, particularly the implementation of the top-down approach in GAD planning.

Dr. Pontillas explained that the approach strengthens the alignment of GAD priorities across organizational levels by ensuring that GAD plans and proposed programs, activities, and projects are anchored on identified gender issues, institutional priorities, and strategic directions.

The technical assistance also covered the identification and prioritization of gender issues, formulation of appropriate interventions, and alignment of proposed activities with prescribed GAD planning mechanisms.

The discussion emphasized the need for coordinated, strategic, and results-oriented GAD planning, ensuring that GAD priorities are consistently aligned from the Central Office, Regional and Division levels down to the district and school levels.

Through the activity, SDO Davao de Oro strengthened the capacity of District GAD Focal Persons and personnel to translate the FY 2027 guidelines into responsive and gender-responsive programs and initiatives that support inclusive and equitable education service delivery.

Texts: WPTakasan
Photos: GD Pontillas

07/10/2026

05/10/2026

𝗗𝗗𝗢 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧

𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗗𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘆”

Respect often begins with small gestures: a polite greeting, a listening ear, an apology, or a simple thank you.

During the Educators’ Summit cm World Teachers’ Day Celebration of the Schools Division of Davao de Oro on October 2–3, 2026, Jessica Dy, National President of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, invited educators to look beyond the celebration and reflect on how values are formed, practiced, and passed on.

Her message centered on a Filipino value she believes must be deliberately nurtured among the young: the Magalang na Pinoy.

Behind the familiar po and opo is a deeper lesson about courtesy, responsibility, self-discipline, peaceful disagreement, and treating others with dignity.

For Dy, restoring these values does not begin with a campaign or government office.

It begins at home.

When values become stories

The message finds a natural expression in The Adventures of Barangay Maligaya, a children’s book that introduces kindness, respect, responsibility, and love for community through stories.

Opo, please, sorry, and thank you may be simple words, but repeated in everyday life, they can become habits that shape character.

Children may forget a lecture, but they often remember a story. Through stories, values become something children can see, understand, and practice.

Respect and the wider challenge

Dy’s call comes amid continuing concerns about child protection and violence. The National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children in the Philippines found that 80 percent of 3,866 children and young people surveyed had experienced at least one form of violence in the home, school, workplace, or community.

The figures are from an earlier national study, not a 2026 prevalence estimate, but they underline why families, schools, and communities must work together in creating safe and respectful environments for children.

Dy’s advocacy also extends to literacy through Road to Zero Illiteracy: One Barangay at a Time, which positions barangays as partners in bringing reading support closer to communities.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 survey found that while 90 percent of Filipinos aged five and above were basically literate, only 70.8 percent of those aged 10–64 were functionally literate.

For Dy, literacy and values formation share a common ground: both require communities to take part.

Where the movement begins

The barangay, she believes, can become a frontline partner in identifying children who need help, mobilizing volunteers, strengthening families, and bringing services closer to people.

From Magalang na Pinoy to literacy, Dy’s message ultimately returns to one place: the community.

A movement can begin with something as simple as a child saying po, learning to read, listening with respect, and growing up knowing that kindness and responsibility are values to live.

When respect becomes a habit at home, a lesson in school, and a practice in the community, it becomes more than a value. It becomes a movement.

Texts: WPTakasan
Layout: HGingo

03/10/2026

𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄

Behind every thriving school community are local leaders who understand that investing in education means investing in the future of our communities.

The Schools Division Office of Davao de Oro extends its unending gratitude to the mayors of the municipalities of the Golden Province:

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗶 𝗦. 𝗘𝗯𝗱𝗮𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗮

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗦. 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝗮𝗸

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗠. 𝗟𝘂𝗲𝗴𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗶

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗥. 𝗥𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗼

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗖𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗿 𝗦. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗿. 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗠𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗟. 𝗔𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗯

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗝𝗿. 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗮𝘆𝗼

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗖𝘆𝗿𝗲𝘅 𝗟. 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗠𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗶 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗠𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮 𝗙. 𝗖𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗕𝗿𝘂𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗼-𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗸𝗮𝗻

Thank you for making education a priority and for recognizing that the work of our teachers lies at the heart of building stronger, more capable communities.

More than the programs and assistance you provide, we are grateful for the heart you have for our teachers.

Thank you for listening to their needs, supporting their initiatives to strengthen literacy, and standing beside them as they work to ensure that every learner can read, understand, learn, and dream.

Your continued care and support remind our teachers that they are valued not only as educators, but also as individuals who help shape the future of Davao de Oro.

Daghang salamat, dear mayors, for your unwavering love and support for our teachers. From the Schools Division Office of Davao de Oro, we are deeply grateful to have you as our partners in making education stronger, more responsive, and more meaningful for every learner.

𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧, 𝐃𝐝𝐎. 💛

03/10/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬

Teachers of Maco South District showcased energy, creativity, and teamwork during the Bench Yells Competition held as part of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Celebration on October 3 at the Nabunturan Comprehensive National High School Gymnasium.

The district’s contingent delivered synchronized movements, powerful cheers, and colorful formations as teachers worked together throughout the performance.

The presentation allowed educators to demonstrate their talents while representing Maco South alongside other participating districts.

The competition also gave teachers an opportunity to work together outside their usual school routines and celebrate the profession with fellow educators.

Preparation for the presentation required coordination among participants as they combined cheers, movements, and formations into one performance.

Beyond the competition, the activity provided a venue for teachers to interact, support one another, and enjoy the celebration.

The participation of Maco South added energy to the World Teachers’ Day activities as educators came together to celebrate their work and shared commitment to learners.

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐋. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐚

03/10/2026

𝐋𝐚𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞

From the farthest schools of Laak to Nabunturan, educators of Laak South District traveled to participate in the 2026 Educators’ Summit cm World Teachers’ Day Celebration on October 3 at the Nabunturan Comprehensive National High School, joining fellow educators in celebrating the teaching profession.

The distance did not keep Laak South from competing in the Bench Yell Competition, where the district secured First Runner-up through witty remarks, creative routines, energetic cheers, and coordinated movements.

The performance reflected the preparation and teamwork of educators who came together from different schools across the district.

Laak South also participated in the Sayawitan Competition, showcasing educators’ talents through music and dance.

The activities allowed teachers to work together beyond their respective schools while strengthening camaraderie among educators from different areas of Laak.

For teachers coming from the district’s farthest schools, participating in the celebration meant making the journey to Nabunturan despite the distance and their continuing responsibilities in their respective schools.

The gathering provided an opportunity to meet fellow educators, share experiences, and take part in the division-wide celebration.

After the activities, Laak South educators returned to their respective schools with the district’s First Runner-up finish in the Bench Yell Competition and memories of a celebration that brought educators from distant schools together as one team.

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭: 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐆. 𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧/𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚

03/10/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

Behind Mabini District’s “BUGSAY MABINI” championship in the Bench Yell & Cheers Competition was a story of teachers who practiced from sunset into the evening while continuing to put learners first.

The district emerged champion on Day 2 of the 2026 Educators’ Summit cm World Teachers’ Day Celebration on October 3 at the Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School Gymnasium.

True to “Bugsay,” which means to row, the teachers moved as one during the competition, delivering tight formations, sharp cheer lines, and powerful voices.

Long before stepping onto the competition floor, however, the teachers had already spent hours preparing the routines, fitting rehearsals into schedules after attending to classes, lesson preparation, and other responsibilities for learners.

Preparation meant giving up rest and personal time, with practices extending into the evening as the teachers worked to perfect every movement and cheer.

Despite the demands of the profession, time was set aside for rehearsals without allowing the preparation to take away from the primary responsibility of teaching and supporting learners.

The journey to the championship was also made possible through the support of parents and stakeholders who stood behind the teachers throughout the preparation.

Encouragement and assistance became part of the collective effort that allowed the Mabini team to balance commitment to learners with the responsibility of representing the district.

The championship, therefore, was more than a competition result.

It was the product of teachers rowing in the same direction, giving time beyond the school day, and receiving support from a community that believed in the effort.

For Mabini District, “BUGSAY MABINI” became more than a name on the competition floor. It became a story of teamwork, sacrifice, and shared support that carried the teachers to the top.

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚

03/10/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐔𝐏

Nearly three decades of teaching, tested by life, sustained by purpose

Every morning, Ma’am Ida Mae L. Guimbaolibot walks into her classroom carrying more than lessons to teach. She brings with her nearly three decades of experience, the stories of countless learners she has helped along the way, and a personal journey that has tested her strength in ways no lesson plan could prepare her for.

A Teacher III at Anislagan Elementary School in Maco South District, Maco, Davao de Oro, Ma’am Ida Mae has spent almost 30 years in the teaching profession, witnessing generations of learners take their first steps toward their dreams. For her, however, teaching has never been simply about completing a career or fulfilling a duty. It has been about seeing a child learn something new, improve, and eventually believe that they can do more.

“Na appreciate nako akoang pagka-teacher sa kanang makarender kag serbisyo sa mga bata,” she shared. For Ma’am Ida Mae, the greatest reward does not come in the form of anything given back to her. It comes from seeing her learners improve, especially those she helps develop through reading.

She does not teach simply because she carries the title of teacher. She teaches because she wants change to happen.

“Dili ka mag-work tungod lang kay sa ngalan na teacher ka,” she said. “Nitudlo ka kay gusto ka na nay changes na mahitabo sa mga bata.”

That purpose has become even more meaningful because her own life has been marked by a difficult battle. Over the years, Ma’am Ida Mae has faced cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and bone treatment while continuing to navigate the demands of teaching.

There were physical challenges. There were emotional ones, too. But rather than allowing her condition to define what she could no longer do, she continued to find reasons to remain in the classroom.

Her story is not about being untouched by hardship. It is about continuing despite it.

Through the years, she has learned that strength does not always look dramatic. Sometimes, it looks like showing up. It looks like preparing a lesson, listening to a learner read, encouraging a child who is struggling, and returning to school to do it all again.

And perhaps that is why appreciation means something different to her.

“I am happy, of course,” she said, reflecting on the celebration of teachers, “kay murag makita nato na matagaan tag honor, na at least one day makuanan nimo na, ‘Uy, teacher diay ko.’”

For one day, the teacher gets to pause.

To be appreciated.

To remember that behind the work, the paperwork, the classroom routines, and the countless responsibilities is a person who has spent years helping shape young lives.

But when the celebration ends and the applause fades, Ma’am Ida Mae knows where she belongs.

Back in the classroom.

Back with her learners.

Back to the work that has given her nearly 30 years of purpose.

Her story reminds us that some of the most meaningful lessons are not written on the board. They are lived quietly by teachers who continue to serve even when life becomes difficult, who find happiness in their learners' progress, and who measure success not by what they receive but by the changes they help make.

For Ma’am Ida Mae, teaching has never been about what comes back to her.

It has always been about what she can give.

And after almost three decades, she is still giving.

Still teaching.

Still showing up.

Still choosing, every day, to make a difference.

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐀. 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬

03/10/2026

𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦

Assistant Regional Director Rebonfamil R. Baguio reasserted the central role of teachers in the classroom during the 2026 Educators’ Summit cm World Teachers’ Day Celebration of the DepEd Schools Division of Davao de Oro on October 3 at Nabunturan Comprehensive National High School.

Representing the DepEd Regional Director of Region XI, Baguio emphasized the importance of teachers in the learning process, telling educators, “The most important person is you, teachers in the classroom.”

Baguio’s message came as teachers gathered for professional learning, recognition, and celebration.

The program featured performances, messages from government and education officials, and competitions that allowed educators to step away from their usual classroom routines and celebrate with fellow teachers.

Schools Division Superintendent Phoebe Gay L. Refamonte welcomed the participants, while Provincial Governor Raul G. Mabanglo reaffirmed the provincial government’s support for educators.

Guest speaker Jessica G. Dy also discussed challenges affecting today’s learners, including social media, cyberbullying, gadget use, and artificial intelligence.

The celebration served as a reminder of the teacher’s place at the heart of the education process, guiding learners in the classroom and helping shape their learning and development.

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐬: 𝐉𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐒. 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐠
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: 𝐉𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐒. 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

03/10/2026

𝐍𝐓𝐏𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬

Non-teaching personnel (NTPs) from one of the district groups of SDO Davao de Oro provided support to teachers during the division-wide World Teachers’ Day Celebration on October 3, assisting in activities and helping ensure the celebration ran smoothly.

The NTPs attended to teachers’ needs and assisted with logistical arrangements throughout the activity, allowing educators to participate in the celebration while support personnel handled various tasks behind the scenes.

The support reflected the role of NTPs as allies and companions of teachers in carrying out school and division activities.

While teachers focus on instruction, learner development, and classroom responsibilities, NTPs provide administrative, logistical, and operational assistance that helps programs and activities move forward.

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: 𝐑𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐉. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐚