DepEd SDO – Sorsogon Province, Unilab Foundation Inc. seal partnership for Project Kaakbay

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held on August 29, 2024, formalized the partnership between the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Sorsogon Province and the Unilab Foundation (ULF) that aims to empower Sorsoganon youth learners to become school health leaders and volunteers through Project Kaakbay, ULF’s youth engagement program.

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(From left to right) Present during the MOU Signing are ULF’s Program Director Ms. Joan Armada-Urieta, ULF’s Operations Director Ms. Claire De Leon Papa, SDO-Sorsogon Province Schools Division Superintendent Mr. William E. Gando, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mr. Wilfredo J. Gavarra, and Education Program Supervisor (Science/STEM) Ms. Michelle H. Guadamor

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Ms. Claire De Leon Papa, Operations Director, highlighted the purpose of the program in her message: she said, "Ang Project Kaakbay ay binuo at isinagawa upang malinang at mabigyan ng matibay na pundasyon ang ating mga kabataan upang maging maalam sa usapin ng mabuting kalusugan at proteksyon sa panahon ng pangangailangan.” (“Project Kaakbay was developed and implemented to cultivate and provide a strong foundation for our youth, enabling them to be knowledgeable about good health practices and protection in times of need.”)

In support of the program, SDO-Sorsogon Province Schools Division Superintendent Mr. William E. Gando expressed enthusiasm about the partnership in his remarks: “We are pleased to collaborate with an organization that supports our goal of transforming students into critical thinkers, aware of health issues within their schools and communities, and think of solutions. These are the kind of citizens we want to live in Sorsogon in the future.” he said.

A significant component of the partnership is the formation of School Health Councils, which will support the Department of Education’s six flagship health programs under its Oplan Kalusugan program. It will enable youth learners to initiate tailored health programs and activities designed to address their schools' priority health needs in collaboration with the school officials, Schools Division Office, parent-teacher federation, and other partners.

The event was also attended by school and community representatives from the five (5) participating schools of the program including Donsol National Comprehensive High School, Pilar National Comprehensive High School, Bulan National High School, Gubat National High School, and Gallanosa National High School. Additionally, the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (SPDRRMO) was recognized for its significant contribution to the program as an integral partner in equipping our youth learners to support their school communities during emergencies.