Earlier today, (February 13, 2019) the Schools Division of Abra officials (SDO) spoke before the media and journalists in the province at the Balitaktakan sa DepEd.

The SDO first gave updates on the early registration of students in the province. According to Planning Officer Meldie Damian, there are already 5,445 students registered in the province as of February 13. There are 1,269 registered Kinder, 2,223 Grade 1, 1,188 Grade 7, and 765 Grade 11. Registration is ongoing and will continue until February 22,2019. Damian said that the early registration is being conducted annually to determine possible problems, issues, concerns, and other needed preparations for the coming school year.

For recruitment and hiring, OIC-ASDS Christopher Benigno informed the media that DepEd-Abra is already mobile and reaching out to applicants in the different municipalities in the province. “We would like to reiterate that in the recruitment and hiring process, we are very objective that all points credited for all applicants are based on the assessment of the documents they are submitting,” said Benigno.

Senior Education Program Specialist Jaeriel Bersamina also gladly informed the body regarding DepEd’s application for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. “We want to deliver our services just like how world-class organizations are delivering their services,” said Bersamina. Furthermore, he said that DepEd-Abra is not only applying for a certification for a certain process rather they applied for the whole process. He also hoped that by May, the Schools Division of Abra will be ISO certified.

ISO is an international standard-setting body for quality management system where organizations have to meet regulatory requirements to effectively benefit its clients.

Education Program Supervisor Ronilo Garcia also gave an update regarding the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) athletes’ intensive training. They have a total of 702 participants composed of 184 elementary athletes, 291 high school athletes, 117 coaches and chaperons, 74 athletic delegations, and 36 honorary officials.

During the hosting of the CARAA meet in 2018, Abra ranked fourth. Garcia said that the Provincial Government of Abra (PGA) aims to maintain if not surpass it. He also mentioned the generosity of PGA headed by Gov. Joy Bernos for providing meals and snacks for athletes, coaches, and hired experts from the Philippine Sports Commission. He also hoped that with the intensive training of the athletes, Abra will maintain or even surpass their previous ranking.

The officials also answered issues and concerns raised by the journalists.