PGMA to check ESM initiatives in Iloilo City
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will see for herself how Iloilo’s innovative Special ESM (English, Science and Mathematics) classes are being implemented during her visit in this city today, June 16, 2009.
After her arrival at the Iloilo Airport, the President will proceed to the Iloilo Central Elementary School where she will be briefed by Education Secretary Jesli on the education task force reforms in English, Science and Mathematics being undertaken by the Department of Education (DepEd). Dr. Mildred Garay, DepEd VI Officer-in-Charge, will brief the President on the initiatives in the region to include the Special ESM Classes of the Division of Iloilo City.
In the Division of Iloilo City, the Special ESM Classes project is anchored in the DepED’s thrust of providing education, which is committed to discover and develop among learners/youth their fullest potentials to enable them to become competitive individuals, with emphasis of English, Science and Mathematics with ICT integration.
Under the project, a comprehensive curriculum is provided for the holistic development of the child and the acquisition and application of literacy and numeracy skills to develop scientific and life-long learning skills.
Among the strategies and approaches employed in the project are Practical Work Approach, Hands-on, computer-aided and interactive-cooperative learning. Through these strategies, learners are expected to develop their critical thinking, amongst others.
Aside from the Iloilo Central Elementary School, the other elementary schools in Iloilo City that benefit from the project are SPED-ISEC, A. Montes II Elementary School, La Paz I Elementary School, Jaro I Elementary School, Mandurriao Elementary School, Baluarte Elementary School, Arevalo Elementary School and Sto. Domingo Elementary School.
The Iloilo City National High School is the only secondary school included in the project.
After the briefing, President Arroyo will have an interaction with the ESM trained teachers in the city. She will also observe ESM classes for Grades I, II, III held at the ESM Building of the Iloilo Central Elementary School.
Located in General Luna Street, the Iloilo Central Elementary School is a Level I APPES School in Region VI with a population of 2,673 pupils.
From Iloilo City the President will head back to Manila. (PIA)