DEPED ALLOCATES PHP200M FOR E-IMPACT

The Philippine Department of Education (DedED) is allocating 200 million pesos to strengthen the implementation of the technology enhanced e-IMPACT. This was revealed in a press release from the DepED. Education Secretary Bro. Armin A. Luistro said the decision came with the intention to propagate the mainstreaming, adoption and expansion of matured and tested alternative learning systems like e-IMPACT.

In a statement released by the Department of Education (DepED), Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro disclosed the decision to strengthen the implementation of the technologically enhanced alternative learning system (ALS) of the Instructional Management by Parents, Community and Teachers (e-IMPACT). A budget of PhP200M has been allocated from the Department’s 2011 budget in support of this move.

The e-IMPACT, developed by SEAMEO INNOTECH, has been recognized in the Philippines 2010 Status Report on MDG as an effective way of contributing to the attainment of the second Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education. (See related story) The remarkable partnership of the school, the parents, and the community, along with its local leaders, in the children’s learning has made this ALS successful.

With e-IMPACT, the DepED intends to propagate nationwide the mainstreaming, adoption and expansion of the tried and validated ALS. This should lead to greater retrieval of children who have left school, as well retention of those who are in danger of dropping out due to difficulties in school participation under the conventional learning delivery mode.

The promotion of e-IMPACT is in line with the Department’s decision to take an active stance in increasing the chances of attaining the MDG targets before its deadline by 2015.

Along with this plan are the ground mapping of all six-year old children in the country through pre-registration, and the revived focus on school-based management (SBM).

The pre-registration, set before the year ends, is expected to generate data that will determine interventions for the DepED to remain on track with the MDGs. Similarly, this should provide basis for interventions in the community and school levels to ensure a 100% enrollment in Grade One of all six year olds in their areas.

On the other hand, harnessing the benefits offered by SBM is believed to help bring out the best in the school heads, which will eventually benefit their teachers and students.

The Secretary elaborates, “When school heads are given the freedom to strategize on their own, they can better enjoy the fruits of what they have sown and appreciate more the dividends from all their physical, intellectual and emotional investments.”

On related matters, the DepED is also allotting PhP126M for its health and nutrition programs. The Department has taken notice of the health and nutrition problems besetting many schoolchildren that has resulted in poor performance and attendance in school.

“We believe that by enhancing their health and well-being, there will be an improved retention and completion of children in primary education,” the Secretary said