The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Siargao has established itself as a pioneer in Region XIII by becoming the first division in DepEd Caraga to conduct Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) training for school leaders. Held pursuant to DepEd Memorandum DM-OUHROD-2025-1823, the week-long professional development program took place from October 19 to 24, 2026, at Hangout Alley Siargao.

The capacity-building initiative gathered over 144 participants—comprising school heads and public schools district supervisors divided into two batches of at least 72 attendees each. The training aimed to equip educational leaders with the competencies necessary to build supportive, equity-driven, and caring school environments.

Expert Facilitation and Core Frameworks

The program was guided by a dedicated Program Management Team (PMT) led by Ferosana D. Tesiorna and Lowela B. Espanto, alongside a team of expert resource speakers who provided targeted sessions:

  • Foundational SEL Principles & Evaluation: Dr. Fernando A. Dones, Jr. (EPS in Araling Panlipunan and NEAP Facilitator) served as lead facilitator. He introduced foundational SEL concepts, scenario-based sorting exercises, and action planning on day one. In later sessions, he guided leaders on assessing, monitoring, and evaluating SEL integration using tools like the Classroom Observation Tool (COT) and Performance Monitoring Coaching Form (PMCF).
  • CASEL Framework: Virginchita A. Gorgonio (School Principal IV, Del Carmen National High School) introduced the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, guiding participants on integrating its five core competencies into school policies and preliminary implementation plans.
  • Instructional Leadership & Classroom Integration: John Mark D. Petallo (School Principal I, Sapao Central Elementary School) focused on coaching and technical assistance, helping leaders build systems for culturally relevant, values-based SEL practices.
  • Sustaining SEL Culture: Joris T. Sulima (Master Teacher I, Dapa National High School) shared strategies for embedding SEL into daily leadership practices, supporting teacher well-being, and fostering compassion across school communities.

Translating Learning into Action

Throughout the event, participants engaged in Q&A sessions, group presentations, and commitment-sharing exercises. School leaders expressed readiness to cascade their learnings to teaching and non-teaching staff, ensuring SEL practices trickle down directly to the students.

Kem E. Abuton, Principal III of Union Elementary School, noted that the training strengthened his commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and belongingness in his school. Similarly, Dr. Aissa J. Ijapon, Principal I of Malinao Elementary School, described the experience as an “eye-opener,” emphasizing her eagerness to build an empathetic learning community “one SEL habit at a time”.

With the training successfully concluded, SDO Siargao’s school leaders are actively translating their insights into concrete actions to ensure every learner feels seen, valued, and supported.