City of San Fernando (La Union) – To further strengthen the Homeroom Guidance Program, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region I chaired by Dir. Teresita M. Velasco, formally launched its Holistically Engaging Activities for Responsive Teaching (HEART) Program during the Regional Trainers Training on August 6-7, 2015 at the Regional Educators Learning Center (RELC), San Fernando City, La Union.

The HEART Program aims to prepare a pool of trainers in the divisions who will take charge of orienting and helping the teachers understand their role in the over-all development of the students under the Homeroom Guidance Program which was re-activated through the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program. The Homeroom guidance program is a curriculum that addresses or guides the learner’s need in making sound decisions that match his/her aptitude and interests.

The trainees were 14 Elementary Public School (EPS) in-charge of Guidance and Counseling and Values Education and 34 Principals in Region I. The trainers from the regional office were Education Program Supervisors (EPS) Daisy G. Tello and Cecilia Bautista, of the Quality Assurance Division (QUAD); Arlene A. Niro of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD); and Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) Chief Dinah C. Bonao.

The trainers discussed on the importance of the inclusion of the homeroom period to perform their vital role as the class adviser and as a second parent to the students who are at an age where proper guidance is needed during transition to adulthood. The HEART Program encourages teacher-advisers to craft doable and efficient guidance program activities that allow wholesome interactions among classmates and between the adviser and the class. The HEART program is envisioned to foster peaceful co-existence, brotherhood, responsibility and self-esteem in the student’s journey through life.

Director Velasco lays her full support to this program for it nurtures an environment that is expected to have positive effects in the children’s lifelong learning, and also the lessen the number of students who are at risk of dropping out. She also urged the trainers to conduct more seminar-workshops on Homeroom Guidance Program to ensure the effectiveness and functionality of the program in their respective divisions.