December 14, 2024 – Mandaon, Masbate: The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), through its College of Education, marked another milestone in its commitment to teacher education with the official launch of its latest extension initiative, Project CALSTARS: Capacitating Alternative Learning System Teachers for Advancing Relevant Specializations.
The program, which focuses on enhancing the competencies of Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers, aims to provide specialized training in English, Filipino, Mathematics, and Science to support diverse learners in line with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) MATATAG Curriculum.
Dignitaries from DepEd Regional Office V and the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Masbate Province graced the occasion. Among the esteemed guests were:
- RICARDO M. TEJERESAS, Regional ALS Focal Person
- MARIA MAGNOLIA F. BRIOSO, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
- ATTY. MELODY A. VARGAS, Division ALS Focal Person
- Education Program Specialists II for ALS: SALVE GRACE R. TAMAYO, GERALD B. OLIVAR, and ALDREN C. LIBOT.
The program began with a warm welcome from Engr. Arnold I. Malag, Officer-in-Charge to the Office of the President, who emphasized the significance of DEBESMSCAT’s role in enhancing teacher education. “This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering partnerships and building a culture of excellence in education for the benefit of all learners,” he stated. This was followed by an overview and purpose of the extension program delivered by Dr. Bernard M. Barruga, Dean of the College of Education. He highlighted the vital role of Project CALSTARS in empowering ALS teachers. “Through this program, we aim to equip our ALS educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of learners, ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all,” he explained.
The launch also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DEBESMSCAT and DepEd Masbate Province. The MOA underscores the collaborative efforts to implement the program, including the provision of training materials, facilitators, and ongoing support for ALS teachers. Both parties pledged their commitment to improving the quality of education delivery within the ALS framework. Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Maria Magnolia F. Brioso commended DEBESMSCAT for its proactive approach in supporting ALS teachers. “This program will undoubtedly empower our ALS educators to address the unique needs of their learners and bridge gaps in access to education,” she remarked. Meanwhile, Ricardo M. Tejeresas, Regional ALS Focal Person, highlighted the significance of the program in his message. “Project CALSTARS provides a platform for ALS teachers to refine their skills and adapt to the changing demands in the grounds, ensuring that we continue to uplift the lives of learners through quality and inclusive education,” he said. The launch of Project CALSTARS reaffirms DEBESMSCAT’s role as a leader in teacher education in the Province of Masbate, further strengthening its ties with DepEd in ensuring that no learner is left behind. by Dr. Alvin M. Mahawan
Ladies and gentlemen,
