MANRIC DEL MUNDO TURLA, OIC SEPS
Manifesting culture of excellence and character－The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Olongapo City (OC) participants to the Regional Training of Trainers (RTOT) on enhancing the implementation of the Ukit MARANGAL Model of transforming education with character and holistic development phase 6 as per Regional Memorandum No. 492, s. 2024, shared division implementation strategies and best practices in line with the implementation of Ukit MARANGAL and garnered commendations and positive responses from both the local and international participants, Hacienda Gracia Resort and Hotel, Lubao, Pampanga, July 17-19.
The primary aim of the training was to equip Schools Division Trainers with the skills to foster education that prioritizes character and holistic development using the Ukit MARANGAL Model, a goal that resonated throughout the event and emphasized the core dimensions of human being and the need for educators to cultivate both academic excellence and moral integrity among their students.
SDO OC’s active participation was evident from the outset, as they presented their innovative Ukit MARANGAL initiatives during the Global Café on the first day of the training, including the BINHI Program and the Hubog MAPITAGAN School Flagship Program, which highlighted the division’s holistic approach to character-based education as manifested by the integration of integrity and peace education concepts into the curriculum, school activities, training programs for leaders and teachers, learning environments, and community participation.
The impact of the training on SDO Olongapo City was profound, as engaging discussions and collaborative workshops allowed delegates to gain valuable insights into the future of education and the foundational principles of character development, while also exploring strategies for moral and innovative leadership that are crucial for creating a nurturing educational environment.
Another significant highlight was SDO Olongapo City’s presentation of their action plan, which received commendations for its thoroughness and strategic vision from the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Asia-Pacific and GPF Philippines.
The plan, developed using the Rapid Planning Method, outlined a comprehensive approach to implementing the Ukit MARANGAL Model in their division, and the panelists particularly praised its detailed and strategic approach such as investing on data-driven programs through research and the development of tools to quantify and qualify the implementation of the initiatives across the schools in the division, noting its potential to significantly impact educational outcomes.
The plan emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, innovative leadership, and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance educational outcomes, and moving forward, the SDO Olongapo City team is committed to applying the knowledge and strategies gained from the training to drive educational transformation within the division.
They plan to expand their current programs and introduce new initiatives that align with the Ukit MARANGAL framework, further integrating character and holistic development into their curriculum and fostering a culture of excellence and integrity among leaders, educators and students alike.
The training underscored the importance of collaboration and sharing best practices among Schools Division Offices, and SDO OC is poised to lead by example and to set local and international benchmark, demonstrating how character-based education can transform not only individual schools but the entire educational landscape in the region.
