Republic of the Philippines

Schools Division Office - Siargao

Department of Education

Superintendent Karen Galanida, Assistant Superintendent Roel Diamante, and Education Supervisor Fernando Dones Jr., attended the 2024 CESCON at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

DepEd- Siargao Division celebrates another significant milestone as fifteen of its test takers successfully passed the 2023 National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH). This achievement marks the beginning of new leadership within the island’s schools, reinforcing the division’s commitment to providing quality education to students.

DepEd Siargao Division Management Committee Meets to Discuss Strategic Education Enhancements

In a move towards enhancing educational delivery and administrative efficiency, DepEd Siargao Division led by no less than the Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Karen L. Galanida held the 2nd Division Management Committee conference today, September 4, 2024. The session, which took place at the Siargao Convention Center, brought together key officials from the OSDS, the Curriculum Implementation and School Governance and Operation divisions to strategize and address pressing educational challenges.

SDS Galanida emphasized the need for collaborative efforts: “We need to be aligned; We need to be in synchronicity”.

In her discussion focusing on coping with the challenges of teachers and the perils of transport rush, the superintendent further elaborated on the premise, “There are standing legal frameworks and provisions that provide a strong basis for DepEd to implement flexible time and duty schedules to ensure the safety of teachers and personnel, particularly those who force risky commuters / travelers”

The Siargao Division Management Committee Conference marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance the division efforts towards the continuous improvement of the quality island education. With a focus on strategic planning, recognizing effective school management, and community engagement efforts, the committee aims to implement solutions that will drive progress and ensure that all learners benefit from quality educational services.

The 2nd ManCom Con concluded in the afternoon by giving tribute to the administrator retirees; Head Teacher III Nora Gonzales of Pilar District and Head Teacher III Edelito Mejas of San Benito District

On August 6, 2024, the signing of the memorandum of agreement and groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s reconstruction represented a significant and impactful occasion, blending a formal commitment with a deep sense of emotional resonance. The Don Albino Taruc Memorial Elementary School (DATMES), once severely devastated by Typhoon Odette, will be renovated through the solidarity of concerned individuals. This day marked the beginning of the renewal of the humble spaces of learning in DATMES.
The event commenced with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a document that symbolizes the collective vow to restore what had been previously damaged. Gathered in the signing table were BGen Fernando S Zabat (Ret) – PAFCPIC President, Ms Arlene O Villaflor – PAFCPIC Vice President for Membership Education and Community Services (VPMECS), Ms Karen L Galanida – Schools Division Superintendent, Hon Riza Rafonselle T Timcang, Ms Methos Lian Q Juanite – School Principal, and Mr Rhandy Cordero – representative from the RBEP Construction. Each signature was a powerful affirmation of the shared commitment to the construction project.
Following the signing, attention turned to the groundbreaking ceremony, a symbolic gesture that carried profound meaning in every project of this kind. A designated plot of land had been prepared and ceremonial shovels stood ready. The act resonated deeply with all who watched. This was a tangible sign that the spirit of camaraderie remains unbroken despite the challenges previously faced, and that a brighter future is always within reach.
The students, whose education had been disrupted by the typhoon, looked on with a mix of anticipation and emotion. For them, this renovation of school classrooms represents a return to normalcy, a place where they could once again learn and grow.
This event, aside from being a formal commencement of the project, was a symbol of hope, shared responsibility, and resilience, a pact of rebuilding not only physical structures but also the foundations of learning and education.

The Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC) held a moving MOA signing and groundbreaking ceremony on August 7, 2024 to kick off its eagerly awaited renovation and construction project in Mariano Matugas Memorial National High School (MMMNHS). The event brought together local officials, representatives from DepEd Siargao, students, and community members in a display of unity.
The event began with a festive atmosphere as students lined up at the school’s pathway to greet the guests and attendees of the event. The excitement was evident as students and teachers took their seats, all eager to witness the beginning of the renewing chapter of their school.
The core of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. Each shared personal reflections on the project’s background and impact, emphasizing the deep sense of responsibility that drives their efforts. As stated by BGen Fernando S Zabat (Ret), “Nakakalungkot po na makita pa rin ang bakas ng sakuna dito sa inyong paaralan. The importance of infrastructure in education cannot be overstated. An inspiring school environment is fundamental in effective learning. It is within these walls that our children will dream, soar, and shape their future.” As they signed the MOA, the crowd, student and teachers alike, erupted in applause, marking the official and heartfelt start of the partnership for this project.
The ceremony then moved to the groundbreaking site, where a row of shovels awaited. With a backdrop of the buildings to be renovated, the school principal, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent, RBEP Construction, and all representatives from PAFCPIC donned hard hats. The turning of the first shovelfuls of earth was met with cheers. While the MOA Signing marked the official start of the partnership, the Groundbreaking Ceremony serves as the symbolic beginning of the renovation and construction.
With the groundbreaking completed and the MOA signed, the promise of a better and more inspiring learning environment for the students is gradually taking shape. The premise of this promise will always be the students whose future we aim to secure through these walls that we will build through collaboration and dedication.