Republic of the Philippines

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF ISABELA CITY

HAPISABELA SwaBE | Start With An end in Basic Education

Non-teaching personnel from the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Isabela City—comprising Admin Officers of 54 elementary schools and 15 secondary schools, Health and Nutrition Personnel headed by Nurse-in-Charge, Mary Joy R. Luzon, PDOs, and SGOD personnel—came together on December 9, 2025 at the Grand Astoria Hotel for a Training Workshop on School Health Services and DRRM Programs. The sessions covered First Aid, the School-Based Feeding Program, Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd, and School-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management initiatives. The workshop aimed to strengthen the competence of school support frontliners in promoting learner well-being and preparedness. The Division Accountant, Ms. Ariane Joy F. Zerrudo, delivered a detailed discussion on the financial-related guidelines governing School Health Services and DRRM Programs. In addition, the focal persons for each Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd (OKD) flagship program—including School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), WASH in Schools (WinS), National Drug Education Program (NDEP), and Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH)—presented updates, implementation strategies, and key reminders to guide schools in effectively carrying out their respective initiatives. The importance of each participant’s role cannot be overstated. Whether they manage school operations, deliver health services, handle program documentation, or oversee implementation, every member contributes to ensuring that learners receive timely, holistic, and compassionate support. Through shared responsibility and consistent collaboration, the division continues to advance a learning environment where every learner’s safety, health, and well-being remain at the heart of service. Text and Photos : Elizel Jane Manuel

The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Isabela City participated in the “Alumbra: The HAPIsabela Christmas Lights Switch On” ceremony led by the Local Government Unit of Isabela City on December 5, 2025, at the Isabela City Hall Lobby in Sunrise, Isabela de Basilan. The event, held at 6:00 p.m., marked the official start of the city’s Christmas celebration, showcasing holiday lights and decorations prepared to usher in the festive season. OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Maria Laarni T. Villanueva joined city officials, employees, and community members in witnessing the symbolic lighting ceremony, which highlighted unity and the spirit of Christmas in the community. The activity forms part of the LGU’s annual tradition to bring the people of Isabela City together in a joyful and meaningful celebration of the holidays.

The Schools Division Office of Isabela City successfully conducted the Division Orientation on Client Satisfaction Measurement (CSM) for Calendar Year 2025 on November 21, 2025, at Joveth’s Cuisine, Sunrise, Isabela City. The activity brought together designated ICT Coordinators from both elementary and secondary public schools to strengthen the Division’s implementation of the CSM initiative of the Department of Education. To formally set the direction of the activity, the Statement of Purpose was presented by Josiah F. Tuballa, Education Program Supervisor and Division Information Officer. In his message, he underscored the vital role of client feedback in improving the Division’s service delivery and ensuring that stakeholder experiences are accurately captured and translated into meaningful reforms. He emphasized that systematic data collection and analysis allow the Division to better understand the needs of learners, parents, and partners, ultimately contributing to a more responsive and efficient education system. The sessions on the CSM processes and tools were facilitated by Armida C. Roilo, Division Information Technology Officer (ITO). She guided participants through the CSM workflow, online data collection procedures, and encoding protocols, ensuring that School ICT Coordinators understood their responsibilities in administering and submitting CSM data. The orientation aimed to: • familiarize participants with the purpose and significance of DepEd’s Client Satisfaction Measurement; • equip ICT Coordinators with technical skills in managing and encoding CSM data; and • ensure uniform and accurate implementation of the CSM across all schools in the Division. The activity concluded with reminders on timelines, data consolidation procedures, and the importance of consistent compliance with CSM standards. Participants expressed appreciation for the clear guidance provided and reaffirmed their commitment to delivering accurate data to support evidence-based decision-making within SDO Isabela City. The Division continues to strengthen its mechanisms for gathering client feedback as part of its mandate to uphold transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in public service.

The Schools Division Office of Isabela City successfully conducted its 4th Division Management Committee Meeting (DIMANCOM) today, November 20, 2025, at the Isawad Conference Hall. The meeting gathered division leaders and key education stakeholders to discuss updates on division programs, address operational concerns, and align initiatives for School Year 2025-2026. The activity, led by Dr. Lyna H. Basri, OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, served as an avenue for collaborative problem–solving and strategic planning. Participants worked together in tackling organizational challenges and identifying solutions that would strengthen the implementation of DepEd programs in the division. The meeting featured several important presentations, including: 1. ABTIK Awards Presented by Ariane Joy F. Zerrudo, Division Accountant III 2. Leadership Insights Delivered by Henry R. Tura, CID Chief 3. Critical Division Updates • Preparations for the 2026 ZPRAA Hosting by Joel Saavedra, AP II of BNHS • Curriculum Updates presented by Henry R. Tura, PhD and Elsa A. Usman, EdD • SGOD updates, including data on dropouts • Report on the 2025 Regional Science and Technology Fair • Information about Google for Education initiatives (AI Para sa Guro and Project SINAG) from Rocket Innovations PH presented by Armida C. Roilo, Division Information Technology Officer Participants included members of DeXECOM, the Secretariat, Education Program Supervisors, Public Schools District Supervisors, Elementary and Secondary School Heads, and Resource Speakers To mark the formality of the event, attendees came in long dresses, suits, and formal attire, contributing to the dignified atmosphere of the meeting. The one-day activity was characterized by active participation and meaningful discussions, reflecting the collective commitment of SDO Isabela City in sustaining quality basic education. The meeting concluded with renewed direction, strengthened collaboration, and shared commitment toward the division’s forthcoming programs and initiatives. Photos by: ITO Armida Roilo

The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Isabela City conducted an earthquake drill today, November 6, 2025, as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response among its personnel. The activity was spearheaded by Division Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Coordinator, Mr. Sharif Majdi A. Julabbi, PDO II, to ensure that safety protocols are effectively observed and to assess the readiness of the division in responding to calamities such as earthquakes. All division personnel, including the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS), actively participated in the drill, demonstrating commitment to promoting safety and preparedness within the workplace.

The Commission on Audit convened the officials and select personnel of SDO Isabela City for an Entrance Conference held the Isawad Conference Hall, October 29, 2025. The activity aimed to verify the level of assurance that may be placed on management’s assertions on the financial statements; communicate the results of tests of compliance with selected provisions of laws and regulations; recomment measures to improve the efficiency and effectivenessof the agency’s operations; and determine extent of implementation of prior year’s audit recommendations. SDO Isabela City was led by OIC-SDS Ma. Laarni T. Villanueva, OIC-ASDS Lyna H. Basri, and CID Chief Henry R. Tura.

On October 25, 2025, the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation, in collaboration with the Ayala Multipurpose Cooperative, conducted a transformative Teachers’ Training under the Learning English Through Stories- L.E.T.S READ Program at Spillway Elementary School, Masula Barangay, Isabela City. This initiative benefited teachers from Spillway ES, Kawman Ekkah ES, and Masula NHS, equipping them with essential tools to enhance literacy instruction. Each teacher received a complete set of teacher’s guides and learner workbooks, while students were gifted school bags and supplies, a generous gesture led by Ms. Rylene N. Ngeta-a, Executive Director of the Foundation with the presence of the Masula Barangay Chairman and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR). The training and MOA signing ceremony were graced by key SDO officials including EPS-LRMS Elsa A. Usman, PSDS Rasida J. Haman, and school heads Nuhada Laja, Nihman Benson, and Alshymar Amil. The Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation continues to uphold its mission of delivering sustainable and empowering educational programs, fostering hope and opportunity for learners across the country. Photos by: EPS Elsa A. Usman and PSDS Rasida Haman

In a bid to strengthen coordination and accelerate the delivery of quality education across the Zamboanga Peninsula, DepEd Region 9 convened its 43rd Regional Management Committee Meeting (REMANCOM) which is hosted by SDO-Isabela City on 24 October 2025 at LM Hotel, Tetuan in Zamboanga City. Attended by key regional and division leadership, the meeting provided a platform for reviewing current educational challenges, monitoring implementation of regional priorities, and charting strategic actions for the coming months. Participants proceeded to review status reports from each Schools’ Division Office in the region.

The Department of Education Region IX officials led by Regional Director Dr. Ruth L. Fuentes convened at the LM Hotel, Zamboanga City for the Regional 3rd Quarter Program Implementation Review cum Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Technical Assistance, October 23-24, 2025. The convergence aimed to improve the delivery of services in administration, supervision, finance, curriculum and instruction, as wel as special programs, projects, and activities. The event was hosted by SDO Isabela City and all participants were warmly welcomed by OIC Superintendent Dr. Maria Laarni T. Villanueva. #3rdQuarterPIRcumRMETA #HapIsabelaSwaBE