The Philippines’ educational system is constantly evolving and challenges and expectations that educators must unquestionably meet come along with this idea of development. The saying “We can never give what we do not have” may sound cliche, nevertheless hinders teachers from working more on some tasks. However, it is also evident that some teachers are dedicated and persuasive in their efforts to better themselves so they can provide more for the students. They also clearly believe in the values and principle of working in partnerships with various stakeholders, of which the school is fortunate enough to be one of the recipients. By doing so, an impact can be made whereby issues and gaps can be addressed.

“When it rains, it pours.” A momentous event recently took place at Bolton Elementary School, Conference Room last May 5, 2023 when OBX Technology Solutions Inc. made a remarkable decision to establish support and partnership with Government Agency through Adopt- A- School program of the Department of Education by adopting Bolton Elementary School and Governor Vicente Duterte National High School. As part of this initiative, OBX Solutions will provide these two schools with free access to the Integrated School Data Management System (ISDMS) for a period of two years.

OBX Solutions Technology Inc. is an innovative tech start-up company that has received support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and UP Mindanao. The company is committed to developing cutting-edge information technology solutions that are ahead of the curve, with its flagship products being the GeoPindot and Emergency Tracker and Dispatching System. With a team of dedicated and skilled professionals, OBX Solutions strives to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving tech industry, providing game-changing solutions that meet the needs of businesses and communities.

The OBX Solutions Technology Inc. Chief Executive Officer, Arnel B. Arreglado, together with his two Board of Directors, Manuel Rodaje and Rachel Rodaje, Admin. Finance Officer, Jurish Faye Basia presented the overview of the system. Teachers from both schools also witnessed the launching of IDSMS  and MOA signing between two schools and OBX Solutions Technology Inc.

Several Davao City Division Officials, spearheaded by the Schools Division Superintendent Reynante A. Solitario, CESO VI, the Division Partnership Coordinator Jonas P. Piore, JD, the Division IT Officer Gaelbert S. Banluta, and the Public Schools District Supervisor of Davao Central District Jean Fe A. Colango, PhD, the Chairperson on Education Committee Hon. Pilar C. Braga attended the said event. Potenciano C. Gorre, EdD, the principal of Bolton Elementary School, and Mary Jean A. Abadia, the principal of Governor Vicente Duterte National High School, took the initiative in organizing such event, together with the faculty staff of Bolton Elementary School who made sure that the venue is presentable and conducive for everyone.

ISDMS is a comprehensive information management system designed to streamline school administration tasks, such as student and teacher data management, attendance and grade tracking, classroom management, and report generation. It is intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of school management by centralizing and automating these tasks, saving time and resources for administrators, teachers, learners, and parents as well.

For more than two years, the system had been tremendously helpful to the teachers of Bolton Elementary School. It made it possible for the teachers to complete reports quickly without jeopardizing some other reports. The partnership is such a wonderful manifestation of what has been included in the Department of Education’s new agenda in addressing Basic Education challenges; MATATAG; Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, highlighting the second and fourth critical components “TA” which signifies taking steps to accelerate the delivery of the basic education services and provision of facilities and “G” which emphasizes the concept of providing support to teachers to teach better.

The faculty and staff of Bolton Elementary School are sincerely appreciative of the privilege to be one of the beneficiaries and pilot schools, and as a way of returning the favor, they are committed to do the best they can and guaranteed that the students will benefit and receive the best quality of education they deserve. Much so with the commitment of OBX Solutions Technology in providing the services that they promised for the two schools.

Truly, another remarkable event, worth- remembering and worth keeping. A quote from American Poet, Mattie Stepanek is said to be true when he says “ Unity is strength; when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”

Writer: Jeny S. Brown, Teacher III, Bolton Elementary School