Ilocos norte: The Department of Education (DepEd) Ilocos regional office is implementing its "Dap-Ayan ti Amianan" (gathering place in the north) program to address educational challenges in numeracy, literacy, teacher and student wellness, and dropouts. DepEd-Ilocos Regional Director Estela Cari±o announced during a recent press conference that the program would encompass all school divisions in the region to enhance the quality of education.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cari±o emphasized that the greatest challenge faced is the low result in literacy and numeracy tests, prompting an investigation into the factors contributing to this low achievement. The term "Dap-ayan" in the Ilocano language refers to a public place or gathering, symbolizing the program's communal approach to addressing these educational challenges.

Cari±o also noted ongoing dialogues and consultations with various school divisions, revealing a need for furniture, classrooms, repairs, and textbooks in some areas. The program's pilot area for the physical project-a student hub-will be located in Adams, Ilocos Norte. This hub aims to provide a space for learners without a place to stay, incorporating training and activities to improve numeracy and literacy.

Ilocos Norte Schools Division Superintendent Donato Balderas highlighted the situation at Adams National High School, which serves a remote area where learners often cannot return home regularly. Some students reside in makeshift shelters near the school, built by their parents. Balderas expressed gratitude for the regional director's visit and her efforts to arrange resources for constructing a dormitory to ensure students' safety and well-being.

In addition to the student hub, the Dap-Ayan program plans to establish barangay reading hubs and engage TUPAD workers in reading programs. Cari±o has instructed schools division superintendents to ensure classrooms are conducive to learning and to utilize resources from the Central Office, such as the ARAL Program. The program also addresses disaster readiness through minor school repairs, distribution of EduKahon learning kits, and establishing Learning Continuity Spaces for learners affected by typhoons.