Education Secretary Sonny Angara Praises Davao School's Academic Success and Inaugurates New Technical Lab
On March 4, 2026, Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Davao City National High School, where he led a significant dialogue with stakeholders and oversaw the turnover of a new Electrical Installation and Maintenance Workshop Laboratory. The event highlighted the school's exemplary implementation of national education reforms, particularly through its Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program.
Focus on Reading Proficiency and Data-Driven Monitoring
During the focus group discussion, which included administrators led by Evelyn E. Magno, teachers, and students, Angara commended the school for its progress in enhancing students' reading skills. He noted that the ARAL Program has successfully eliminated frustration-level readers among both Junior and Senior High School students, a milestone he described as highly commendable.
"I was informed of the excellent news that there are zero non-readers or low-frustration readers following the full implementation of the ARAL Program," Angara stated. "That is why I am very appreciative of this school community because you truly made it work—you went above and beyond."
Angara also expressed admiration for the school's data-based approach to monitoring learner progress, emphasizing the importance of granular-level data tracking to sustain educational improvements.
Student Engagement and Technical-Vocational Enhancement
Students actively participated in the dialogue, with incoming Supreme Secondary Learner Government President Ethan Josh Patal sharing his positive experience. "I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to meet and engage in a meaningful discussion with the Secretary," Patal said. "It genuinely helps because it feels like we have a connection with him, and communicating is not difficult."
As part of the visit, Angara inaugurated the new EIM Workshop Laboratory under Project e.LAB, a collaborative initiative between Davao Light and Power Company and Aboitiz Foundation. This facility is designed to strengthen technical-vocational education by providing modern equipment, hands-on training, and teacher support, alongside scholarships. It aligns with Angara's vision to enhance the employability of Filipino graduates through practical skills development.
Recognition and Conclusion
The event concluded with the conferment of the Ilaw ng Dabaw Medallion of Educational Excellence to Secretary Angara, recognizing his leadership and unwavering support for education initiatives. Accompanied by officials such as Usec. Peter Irving Covera, Regional Director Allan Farnazo, and Schools Division Superintendent Reynante Solitario, the visit underscored a collective commitment to advancing educational excellence in the region.
