10/09/2026
Kaagapay Program Orientation strengthens home-school partnership at Sagada NHS
by Jenny Dalnesa Calang-ad
Teachers, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders gathered at the Sagada National High School Covered Court on September 9, 2026 for the Kaagapay Program Orientation, an initiative aimed at strengthening school-community partnerships and reinforcing the vital role of families and stakeholders in supporting learners’ development, safety, and mental well-being.
The orientation was structured into three sessions designed to equip parents, guardians, caregivers, and other stakeholders with practical knowledge and deeper understanding of their roles in learner formation. The sessions tackled technical expertise, legal and procedural guidance, socio-emotional principles, and moral and spiritual foundations, providing participants with a comprehensive perspective on creating safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for children.
The first session, “Parenting from a Biblical Perspective and Moral Formation,” was led by Pastor Jeremiah P. Ap-apid, Community Pastoral Representative. He opened the learning sessions by grounding parenting practices in spiritual values and Biblical teachings. Through relevant Bible Scriptures and reflections, Pastor Ap-apid emphasized that raising children goes beyond providing their material needs, describing parenthood as a sacred trust and a form of divine stewardship.
The discussion encouraged parents and guardians to view their influence as fundamental to the moral and character development of their children. His insights underscored the importance of values formation at home and the responsibility of adults to serve as positive examples in shaping learners’ attitudes, decisions, and behavior.
The second session, “Positive Discipline, Behavior Guidance, and Safe Spaces,” was facilitated by Social Worker Officer 2 Ruth Ann A. Lacasandile of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. Her engaging presentation focused on positive discipline, child-rights protection, and appropriate behavior guidance.
Lacasandile stressed the need to move away from punitive approaches and instead adopt constructive forms of discipline that recognize and respect the dignity of every child. She emphasized that discipline should not simply be about correcting misbehavior but should help children understand consequences, develop self-control, and learn appropriate ways of responding to challenges. The session also highlighted the shared responsibility of families and schools in maintaining safe spaces where learners feel respected, protected, and heard.
The final session, “Bullying Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention Pathways,” was delivered by PCMS Julia B. Maledom, representative of the Sagada Municipal Police Station. She provided participants with an extensive discussion on child protection, anti-bullying laws, and appropriate referral and intervention mechanisms.
PCMS Maledom explained the legal and operational definition of bullying, emphasizing that repeated aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived imbalance of power can threaten a child’s safety and violate the learner’s fundamental right to education. She also highlighted the importance of recognizing warning signs, responding appropriately to bullying incidents, and strengthening coordination among parents, schools, law enforcement agencies, and other concerned institutions.
Across the three sessions, the speakers reinforced one central message: protecting and developing learners is a shared responsibility. The Kaagapay Program underscored the need for sustained cooperation among families, schools, and the wider community to ensure that children grow in environments that promote good values, respect, safety, resilience, and overall well-being.
đź“· Krystle, N**i, Ruth, Dominic, Lyn, Joyce, Adrian, Clarita, Mia
