Bricks, Brains, and Breakthroughs: Cagayan de Oro's Bold Leap Toward Smarter Schools

COURTESY: PIA 10

Cagayan de Oro is shaking things up big time. Officials are rolling out fresh solutions to fix crowded classrooms and boost learning across Northern Mindanao. 

Schools Division Superintendent Roy Angelo Gazo announced that the city will receive **231 new classrooms**. These additions tackle a shortage of 600 units, covering about one-third of the backlog. Moreover, the new buildings aim to end double-shift schedules and replace makeshift shelters in hinterland areas. As a result, students gain better spaces for focused learning.

Furthermore, DepEd pushes a **three-term school calendar** to balance academics and activities. Gazo explained, “Sa three-term system, may tiyak na panahon na nakalaan para sa tuloy-tuloy na pagkatuto.” Teachers and learners benefit from dedicated time for instruction and remediation, so everyone stays on track.

Heroes in the Classroom: Lifting Teachers and Learners Alike

Teachers drive real change, and DepEd knows it. The division supports them by reclassifying positions and promoting 1,200 educators to higher salary grades. Consequently, these promotions improve compensation and retirement benefits while motivating stronger performance.

In addition, the **Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program** helps students catch up in reading, math, and science. Meanwhile, the Computerization Program delivers laptops and smart TVs to high schools, enabling digital research and modern apps. Together, these moves create a brighter, more connected future for Cagayan de Oro kids. 

Celebrating Excellence: The 65th Palarong Pambansa and Northern Mindanao's Triumph

COURTESY: Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental

The opening of the 65th Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte marked a significant milestone for athletes across the nation. Governor Henry Oaminal, alongside newly elected Mayor Sam Norman Fuentes of Ozamiz, stood proudly with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and various regional and provincial officials. This event, graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighted the commitment of local leaders to support and inspire young athletes. 

As the ceremonies unfolded, the atmosphere brimmed with enthusiasm and hope. Governor Oaminal and Mayor Fuentes symbolized Northern Mindanao’s unwavering dedication to nurturing athletic talent. Their presence served not only to inspire athletes but also to foster a sense of pride within the community. Together, they carried the hopes of the region onto the national stage, showcasing the potential and spirit of Northern Mindanao’s youth.

A Unified Vision for Athletic Development

The collaboration between local leaders and the Department of Education (DepEd) underscores a unified vision for promoting athletic excellence. Secretary Sonny Angara’s participation in the event further emphasizes the importance of government support in developing sports programs for young athletes. By prioritizing sports, leaders like Governor Oaminal and Mayor Fuentes ensure that the youth have opportunities to excel, both in their respective sports and in their personal growth.

Moreover, the Palarong Pambansa serves as a platform for building camaraderie among athletes from various regions. This annual event cultivates not only competition but also friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. As athletes compete fiercely, they also learn valuable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and perseverance, which will serve them well beyond the confines of the sports arena. Thus, the commitment from local and national leaders to support such initiatives is paramount in shaping the future of athletics in the Philippines.