CALBAYOG CITY, Feb. 24 (PNA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) has picked this city as the center of arts and design for the full implementation of kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (K to 12) in 2016.
In an interview, education program supervisor Noel Sagayap of DepEd Calbayog City division, said that the department has chosen the city as the center for said field of study since the area is known as haven of famous artists not only in the region, but as well as across the nation.
He added that Calbayog is the only city in Eastern Visayas with an active and established City Arts and Culture Office. The city is as well known for its colorful and festive cultural activities, famous in dance and choral performances and different arts competitions.
Meanwhile, Arnold Jaraba, DepEd Calbayog City division focal person for K to 12 program said that DepEd will establish a separate campus for the said field of study, aside from the existing national high schools that will offer senior high school programs.
The Regional High School for Arts and Design will be constructed in a lot donated by the city government in Tomalon Estate. A dormitory will also be constructed and will be available for students coming from different places in the region.
According to Jaraba, all students from different parts of Eastern Visayas who has interest in arts will enroll in the said school, but only limited to at least 160 students.
The official has been visiting different schools in the city as part of the program’s advocacy campaign, and explain to parents and students the context of the program.
The DepEd began the enhanced basic education program by launching universal kindergarten in school year 2011-2012, followed by a new curriculum for Grade 7 in school year 2012-2013. School year 2016-2017 will mark the formal implementation of the Grade 11 curriculum, to be followed by the Grade 12 curriculum in school year 2017-2018. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/JENNIFER S. ALLEGADO/EDS
