By Glenn D. Tipay
Subic Bay Freeport Zone — January 30, 2026 — The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Olongapo City successfully conducted the Division Bridging Classrooms and Career: Strengthening Technical Professional (TechPro) Industry Linkages on January 30, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Shoreline, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Anchored on the theme “Empowering TechPro Teachers Through Industry Partnerships for Future-Ready Learners,” the activity was spearheaded by Corazon B. Dumlao, PSDS/SHS Focal Person.
The one-day capacity-building activity aimed to equip Senior High School (SHS) TechPro teachers with the essential competencies, knowledge, and tools needed to effectively implement the 640-hour Work Immersion Program under the Strengthened SHS framework. It also focused on strengthening coordination with industry partners to ensure relevant, safe, and quality learner placements.
The morning session opened with welcome remarks by Feligena Bugay, EPS – Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, followed by an inspirational message from Ilynne S. Samonte, CESE, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, who emphasized the critical role of industry partnerships in bridging classroom learning with real-world workplace demands. Corazon B. Dumlao then presented the statement of purpose, highlighting the division’s commitment to preparing learners for employment and higher education pathways. Updates from partner agencies were also shared, including PESO Updates by Mario Esquillo, City Government Department Head II and PESO Manager, and TESDA Updates by Leonardo R. Tabamo, Acting Provincial Director of TESDA Zambales, highlighting collaborative efforts to support technical-vocational education and training.
The afternoon session began with welcome remarks from Eleonor C. Cayabyab, EdD, Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division, establishing the mood for the technical. Jonathan F. Bada, EPP/TLE/TVL, presented the statement of purpose and TechPro reports, providing insights on current implementation status and challenges. A TechPro Forum on the Implementation of the Strengthened SHS Work Immersion Program was facilitated by Vanessa G. Dumlao, Teacher III of Tapinac Senior High School, allowing participants to exchange best practices and address operational concerns. Adding support to the initiative, City Councilor and Committee on Education Chairperson Cristabelle Marie Paulino graced the afternoon session, expressing the local government’s continued commitment to advancing education and workforce readiness initiatives in the city.The activity concluded with a synthesis and ways forward presented by Mercedita F. Fernandez, Principal III of Tapinac Senior High School, in her synthesis, she emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among schools, industry partners, and government agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the Strengthened SHS Work Immersion Program.
Fernandez also stressed the value of clear communication protocols between schools and partner institutions to guarantee safe, relevant, and learner-centered immersion placements
Through this initiative, the division reaffirmed its commitment to building strong education-industry partnerships and empowering TechPro teachers to deliver quality, relevant, and future-ready learning experiences for SHS students.
