Olongapo City, March 6, 2025 – The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Olongapo City successfully hosted the visit of delegates and scholars from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Wise (Phronetic) Leadership Class Batch 7 to highlight its digitalization efforts in governance and education. The visit was made possible through the endorsement of DepEd Regional Director Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, PhD, CESO V, of DepEd Region III, recognizing SDO Olongapo City as a model for digital transformation in education management.

Opening Program: Setting the Stage for Digital Leadership

The event commenced with opening remarks from Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) Ilynne S. Samonte, CESE, emphasizing the significance of digitalization in enhancing public service efficiency.

The DAP delegates and scholars introduced themselves, sharing their backgrounds and expectations for the visit, underscoring their interest in public sector innovation and leadership in digital transformation.

Ms. Magdalena L. Mendoza, Senior Vice President for Programs and OIC of DAP, then elaborated on the purpose of the visit, emphasizing the role of phronetic leadership in driving digital transformation and how best practices from SDO Olongapo City can serve as a model for other government agencies.

Among the high-ranking officials and scholars in attendance were:

• Janet P. Armas, Assistant Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development
• Ann Claire C. Cabochan, Deputy Director General, Intellectual Property of the Philippines
• Amihilda J. Sangcopan, Undersecretary, Office for Mindanao Affairs – Department of Agrarian Reform
• Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, Undersecretary, Department of Agriculture
• Nerrisa T. Esguerra, Regional Director, National Economic and Development Authority – Region III
• Christopher V. Morales, Undersecretary, Department of Agriculture

The DAP team was led by Ms. Magdalena L. Mendoza, accompanied by Sheryl D. Reyes, Director of DAP-CCD Senior Executive Development Office, and Daryl Joseph R. Urgelles of DAP-CCD Advocacy Unit.

Showcasing Best Practices in Digital Innovation

The highlight of the visit was the presentation on Best Practices in the Digital Workplace by Jet Renz R. Ferrer, OIC-Education Program Supervisor, which featured key digital initiatives that have significantly improved efficiency and service delivery at SDO Olongapo City. These included:

• Records Management System (RMS) – a streamlined platform for efficient document processing and retrieval.
• Human Resource Management System (HRMS) – a system for managing personnel records, payroll, and employee transactions.
• Health & Nutrition System (HNS) – a digital solution for tracking student health records and nutrition programs.
• ATHENA AI – An AI-powered educational support system that assists in data processing and decision-making.
• Payroll Management System – A digitized payroll system ensuring accuracy and efficiency in salary disbursement and employee record tracking.
• SDO Kiosk – A self-service kiosk designed to streamline transactions, including records requests, HR services, and document verification.
• Mobile ICT Hub – A mobile technology initiative providing digital literacy training, hands-on ICT workshops, and computer-based assessments to schools with limited resources.

Participants engaged in an interactive discussion, where the DAP delegates provided insights and sought further clarifications on system scalability and user adaptability.

On-Site Demonstration at James L. Gordon Integrated School

Following the discussion, the delegation proceeded to James L. Gordon Integrated School, where they were welcomed by School Head, Dr. Mariane F. Fronda.

The on-site demonstration provided hands-on experience with the division’s digital initiatives. Participants actively engaged in simulations of the Records Management System (RMS), Human Resource Management System (HRMS), Payroll System, and Health & Nutrition System, gaining firsthand insights into the operational efficiencies enabled by these digital solutions.

In addition, the Mobile ICT Hub was deployed, allowing delegates to experience how digital literacy training is conducted in schools. The demonstration also included the Learning Management System (LMS), where participants navigated a computer-based assessment, showcasing the integration of digital tools in the teaching and learning process.

Insights, Reflections, and Awards

At the conclusion of the visit, OIC-SDS Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac, PhD, reaffirmed SDO Olongapo City’s commitment to continuous innovation, highlighting how digitalization is revolutionizing education service delivery. The DAP delegates commended the division’s efforts, recognizing the alignment of these initiatives with the principles of phronetic leadership and recommending further interfacing and collaboration.

To honor the successful exchange of knowledge, an awarding ceremony was held, where certificates of appreciation were presented to:

• DepEd Regional Office 3, under the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Ronnie S. Mallari, PhD, CESO V, for facilitating the event.
• SDO Olongapo City, in recognition of its exemplary leadership in digital transformation.
• James L. Gordon Integrated School, for its active participation and commitment to digital education.

Moving Forward: A Model for Digital Governance

The visit of the DAP Wise Leadership Class Batch 7 reaffirmed the importance of digitalization in governance and education. The interactive discussions and hands-on demonstrations provided valuable insights into how technology-driven solutions enhance public service efficiency.

With SDO Olongapo City continuing its digitalization journey, the collaboration with DAP and its scholars serves as a stepping stone for future initiatives aimed at sustained innovation and technological advancement in education administration paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and future-ready education system.