Problems , Issues and Concerns in Basic Education

School First Initiatives- Adopt- a- School Program

Reporter: Eva R. VicenteProfessor: Mrs. Analiza Soriano

The Adopt-A-School ProgramPotential engineers, scientists, mathematicians,

and artists are in our schools, but they may not have a chance to pursue their dreams due to economic difficulty. Their parents dream of a better life for their children and strive hard to provide well for them, but in many cases, even just the provision of food for each household’s table is already a struggle.The government allots the biggest share of the national budget to public basic education, butthe amount still cannot keep up with the increasing student population. There are even morechildren who are out on the streets and who have to be shepherded into the schools, butgovernment resources are simply not enough to provide them the free, quality education towhich they are all entitled.

We need generous hearts in the private sector to realize the spirit of Republic Act 8525 orthe Adopt-A-School Act, enacted in 1988 for the very purpose of providing a venue for thestrong and dynamic private sector to participate in nation-building through investments in theeducation of Filipino children. The rewards of such investments come through an educatedgeneration that will succeed ours, run our enterprises, and steer this nation to greaterheights.

Over the years, DepEd introduced interventions to reduce student dropouts and keep theyouth off the streets. It has sought to increase student achievement levels and improveteacher performance. It continues to bring the issues and needs of public education to everyFilipino who cares, in an effort to invite each and everyone to help boost educationopportunities for our young.

DepEd, through the Adopt-A-School Program (ASP), sincerely invites all members of privateentities to accept our offer of active partnership in the noble goal of educating all Filipinos.Education is the key to national growth.With Adopt-A-School, each Filipino can have the opportunity to enjoy his right to education,to open his eyes to the wonders and challenges of the world, to pursue his dreams, and tocontribute capably towards the nation’s progress.

Every Filipino child deserves to finish school.Every Filipino deserves the benefits of an education.This nation needs an educated citizenry.There are many ways by which you can help

Under the program, legally instituted by the passage of RA 8525, private entities, either local or overseas are given the opportunity to become partners in education through their assistance in the upgrading and modernizations of public elementary and high schools. In return, they are to enjoy additional tax incentives (150 percent) as they implement their project.

Infrastructure, Physical Facilities, Furniture, and RealEstateThe construction of additional classrooms will decongest our crowded public schools andprovide more substantial school hours for the children. Badly-needed chairs, desks,blackboards, computer laboratories, wash facilities, water systems and toilets must also beprovided, and these will likely create a physical environment that is conducive for learning.

Learning SupportOur private-sector partners can give public school children exciting and dynamicopportunities for learning at the larger world outside of school by sponsoring relevant fieldtrips. Students and teachers will also benefit from audio-visual educational materials suchas e-books, educational films, e-libraries, and non-digital teaching aids such as pop-upmaterials and colored illustrations.

Health and NutritionAppropriate remedies for the health and nutrition problems of public school children willhelp improve students’ school performance and learning retention. Our partners cansponsor feeding programs, essential health care programs, medical-dental missions,deworming interventions, and the provision of vitamins, nutritional supplements, eye checkupsand eyeglasses to students and teachers.

Reading ProgramBy providing books and supplementary reading materials to our public school children, weopen up a rich world of information to them and help develop the habit of reading, a key toimproving academic performance.

Technology SupportWe welcome the private sector’s continuing support in promoting DepEd’s imperative thrustto integrate fast-changing technology within basic education. Laptops, computers, internetconnectivity, television sets, DVDs, and e-learning materials are always needed to makeclassroom instruction interactive and effective.

Direct AssistanceSchool supplies, stipends, and other forms of financial and material assistance may beextended to public school children to alleviate their parents’ financial burden andobligations.

Training and DevelopmentPrivate sector groups and individuals can extend assistance not only to schoolchildren butalso to their teachers. Sponsoring training programs in teacher education institutions willgreatly help our teachers gain relevant skills that will update their knowledge and increasetheir effectiveness in the classrooms.

Assistive Learning Devices for students with specialneedsAssistive learning devices are used to increase or improve the functional capabilities of achild with special needs. These range from no-tech devices (pencil grips, dry-erase boards,special chairs, picture cards) to mid-tech (tape recorders, spelling-check devices, overheadprojectors) and hi-tech devices (software, computerized systems, specialized keyboardsand peripheral devices

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