Mayor Alfredo Coro has all the reasons to be jubilant. Del Carmen has a zero dropout rate among children from elementary schools. The average score of children in the National Achievement Test in 2011 has breached the 80 percent level, making Del Carmen one of the best performers in the country.

Principals and teachers of Del Carmen actively participated in the workshops during their training last November 20.

The Mayor and the school board have been relentless in engaging parents and community leaders in supporting a good education for children. Basic infrastructure such as school buildings, libraries, toilet facilities, and learning resource centers have been provided with the support of donors.

For four consecutive days this November, education stakeholders of Del Carmen participated in a series of training and planning workshops to deepen their education program. Teachers underwent training on developing thinking skills through math with Prof. Genesis Camarista. Principals had workshops on mentoring and building teamwork with Synergeia President, Dr. Nene Guevara. Synergeia’s Program Officers, Edwin Nacionales and Doc Estoy Malvas, worked with barangay captains in reviewing their programs and how they can be strengthened.

Del Carmen proves that nothing is impossible as long as people dream and work together. But, it helps to have an outstanding Local Chief Executive such as Mayor Coro.

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“It is a dream come true. Today marks the beginning of our partnership in giving our children a good education.” Ms. Fe Agudo, President of Hyundai Philippines, led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with nine Lanao municipalities and Synergeia.

The partners are committed to reduce dropout to zero and increase achievement levels. As an august start, Local School Board members worked with Sarangani Gov Miguel Dominguez and FGov Rafael Coscolluela in planning how to broaden the boards’ membership and responsibilities. The program, supported by Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.(HARI)Foundation, includes building the capabilities of barangays to support schools and organizing parents’ workshops.

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About 40 parents took time out from their daily tasks to participate in the first Parent Leaders’ Training Workshop at Tagoloan Central School last November 20. The participants represented Grade One parents of 10 public schools in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Despite the gloomy weather that day, the parents were in good spirits. They drew much inspiration from the sharing of Mrs. Maria Elena Abrea, who gave practical lessons, actual scenarios and personal experiences on good parenting. A resident of Misamis Oriental, Mrs. Abrea is not only regarded for her work as Vice Mayor of the municipality of Villanueva but for being a good mother to her six children.

An interesting Q&A interaction with Grade Six students, where the participants learned how children feel toward their parents’ expression of love and discipline, proved to be an eye-opener. They particularly appreciated the value of listening to their children and understanding their views instead of thinking that, as parents, they are always right. Atty. Audie Paduganan, SB Member and PMT Chair, challenged the parents to give better support to their children at home, as well as their wholehearted commitment to the success of thereading program.

In response, the parents signified their pledges of support in a ceremonial turnover of commitments witnessed by Tagoloan Mayor Paulino Emano. Mayor Emano, for his part, thanked the school heads, STEAG, Synergeia and everyone who dedicated their time and resources to make the workshop a fruitful event for the parents.

The parents’ training is one of the key activities of the Tagoloan reading program supported by STEAG and implemented in partnership with Synergeia.

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