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TANZA, CAVITE, June 1, 2023 – In its efforts to harmonize the delivery of learner support programs and services geared towards the MATATAG Agenda, the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted the first-ever National Consultative Workshop on the Implementation of Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) on May 16-19.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Bureau of Learner Support Services (BLSS), the national activity aims to gather data and information through in-depth discussions of accomplishments, status, challenges, and recommendations in carrying out school health, school sports, and learner formation PPAs in all governance levels, which would be vital in policymaking.

“This workshop will be a significant step towards achieving the MATATAG Agenda, helping DepEd to create more child-friendly environments. I am excited to see BLSS utilize the workshop’s outcomes to further contribute to the holistic development of young learners and thoroughly prepare them for adulthood,” Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte said.

During the event, BLSS presented the learner support strategic direction under the One BLSS Framework, which will help the program to be more effective and efficient.

“The implementation of the learner support programs and services has been a challenge for teachers, who are often burdened with non-teaching and administrative duties. These harmonization initiatives seek to lessen the burden on teachers, enabling them to focus on teaching and making the work of implementers on the ground more effective and efficient,” BLSS Director Nenneth Esplana-Alama noted.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for Operations, Dr. Dexter A. Galban, underscored the importance of unity and teamwork in implementing and delivering learner support programs and services.

“Today is historic. Today, we set a course toward the harmonization of the policies, programs, approaches, and target milestones of the BLSS. I am absolutely elated that for the first time in the history of DepEd, every facet, component, and team within the BLSS will come together to ensure that we move as one,” Asec. Galban said.

The said consultative meeting was also participated by learner support program implementers and focal persons from the regional, division, and school levels.

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