Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School (DAHES) in Barangay Pampanga, Davao City made headlines recently as it hosted the National Reading Program Validation of Policies on May 11, 2023. Moreover, the participation of our Second Congressional District Representative, Congressman Vincent Garcia has always been manifested in our Reading Program and other activities not only in the school districts, but to the whole division as well.

Distinguished guests from various Department of Education offices across the country attended the event to observe and benchmark the school’s best practices and validate the National Reading Program policies.

The event drew significant attention as DAHES earned the distinction of being the Model School in Reading in Region IX in 2015 under the leadership of Principal Dr. Jinky B. Firman and District Supervisor of Bangoy, Narmela P. Espedido. Despite the pandemic, the school has continued to enhance its School Reading Program names “WeChat” (We Commit to Highest Academic Performance through Teaching Reading), formerly known as “REACH” (Reading Expands a Child’s Horizon).

The School Principal, Dr. Ami Lyne Rose S. Yurong, who has been in the school for three months, played an instrumental role in sustaining and enhancing the reading program. Additionally, District Supervisor Nena P. Laurente and School Reading Coordinators Armeda Ragasa and Jay Emerson Quia-eo have supported the teachers in developing and implementing effective reading intervention plans to address learners’ core concerns.

The event was attended by school stakeholders, including Barangay Personnel and parents of Grade 1 to 3 learners, who had the opportunity to witness the school’s innovative reading program. “We are thrilled to have hosted the National Reading Program Validation of Policies and share our best practices with esteemed guests from across the country,” said Dr. Yurong.

With the success of DAHES’ reading program, the school has become a model for other schools in the region. The school’s proactive approach to addressing learners’ reading deficiencies has paved the way for improved literacy rates, making a significant impact on the community and the education sector.

In addition to the successful validation of the National Reading Program policies at Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School (DAHES), the event was made even more meaningful by the participation of Dr. Maria Ines C. Asuncion, CESO V. Dr. Asuncion engaged the learners in a storytelling activity, which was met with great enthusiasm and active participation. The event also welcomed several School Heads from other districts in Davao City, who were given the opportunity to tour the school’s classrooms, reading hubs and reading center. As the National Reading Program Validation of Policies comes to a close, DAHES looks forward to continuing its efforts to enhance its reading program and serve as an inspiration to other schools in the region.

By: Allen Demegillo, English School Paper and Narmela P Espedido, PSDS/ Division Reading CoordinatorPhoto credits to: Allen Demegillo, Krisleen Gabrinao, Amelie Ado-An, and Nova Sarmiento