𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐀𝐏𝐒
Alarmed that half of early-grade learners in Cebu Province cannot read or understand simple sentences, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has created a dedicated education secretariat to address what she called an “education crisis.”
During her regular media briefing on Wednesday, March 18, the governor signed Executive Order No. 19, establishing the Provincial Education Secretariat (PEdS) to consolidate fragmented education programs and optimize the use of the Special Education Fund (SEF).
The secretariat will also help the Provincial School Board (PSB) fast-track early literacy interventions and align provincial programs with national priorities to address persistent learning gaps among Cebuano students.
“I’m also hoping nga mahimo ning ordinance ang atong education office. Unta sa matag LGU, naa siyay education office because I believe there is an education crisis here in the province,” the governor said during the press briefing.
The EO comes after the findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which showed that a significant number of elementary learners in Cebu continue to struggle with reading and comprehension, with about half failing to meet expected literacy levels.
𝗘𝗢’𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Under the EO, the PEdS will serve as the central coordinating, planning, and implementing arm of the provincial government for all education-related programs. It will cover key areas such as basic education, early childhood development, technical-vocational training, higher education support, and lifelong learning initiatives.
The Secretariat will also act as the technical and administrative arm of the Provincial School Board, overseeing the planning and utilization of the SEF, ensuring compliance with national regulations, and implementing programs on literacy, nutrition, scholarships, and academic recovery.
It is also tasked to strengthen coordination with agencies such as the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Commission on Higher Education, along with local government units and private partners.
Headed by a Provincial Education Officer, the PEdS will include specialized units on administration, programs, policy and research, monitoring and evaluation, technical-vocational training, and learner support.
The order also directs the development of a Provincial Education Development Plan within 90 days and urges the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass an ordinance to ensure the office’s long-term institutionalization and funding. | CAPITOL PIO
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