DOrSU, DepEd Mati sign agreement for expanded learning intervention program

Davao Oriental State University and the Department of Education–Schools Division of the City of Mati (DepEd Mati) signed a five-year agreement for the implementation of PAGBASA PLUS, a research-based extension program of DOrSU’s Faculty of Teacher Education (FTEd) designed to address learning gaps across multiple subject areas.

DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce and Schools Division Superintendent Winnie E. Batoon, CESO V, led the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 16, 2026, at the University Boardroom, DOrSU Main Campus, City of Mati.

PAGBASA PLUS stands for “Proffering Adequate Guide in Building A Sustainable Advocacy Plus.” While the initiative began with a focus on reading intervention, the term “PLUS” reflects its expanded coverage of literacy, numeracy, English, Mathematics, Science, and other learning areas based on the needs of participating schools.

Under the MOA, DOrSU will lead the design and implementation of the research-based interventions, deploy faculty members and selected pre-service teachers, conduct baseline assessments and post-intervention evaluations, and prepare research reports and program documentation. The University will also work closely with DepEd Mati in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the program while ensuring that activities involving learners comply with ethical research standards.

DepEd Mati, in turn, will identify participating schools and learners, designate coordinating personnel and focal persons, facilitate access to schools, and support the conduct of assessments, interventions, and evaluation activities. 

In his message, Dr. Ponce recalled that the initiative began in Sitio Taganilao as a response to a pressing problem affecting learners in the community—one that also reflects a broader challenge confronting the Philippine education system.

“The role of the University is how to address these problems,” he said.

Dr. Ponce emphasized that the University’s mandate should not end with producing what may appear to be “high-sounding research.” Research must be translated into practical, responsive, and effective initiatives that provide solutions to problems experienced by schools and communities. He said the partnership demonstrates how the University can bring together its instruction, research, and extension functions to respond directly to learning challenges. Through the participation of faculty members and pre-service teachers, the program connects academic knowledge with community realities and the actual needs of learners.

Dr. Ponce also situated PAGBASA PLUS within DOrSU’s regenerative futures vision, which seeks the flourishing of human societies alongside ecological and environmental regeneration.

Under this vision, regeneration involves not only restoring and protecting natural systems but also building a productive, equitable, and just society. Strengthening literacy, numeracy, and other foundational competencies is therefore essential in enabling children to learn, develop their potential, and participate meaningfully in their communities.

SDS Batoon, meanwhile, presented an overview of the continuing challenges faced by the basic education sector, particularly the number of learners who remain below expected proficiency levels in literacy and numeracy.

Citing recent education assessments and reports, he noted that many learners continue to experience difficulty in reading, comprehension, mathematics, and other foundational competencies. These learning gaps, he said, require targeted, sustained, and evidence-based interventions.

SDS Batoon said DepEd Mati has been actively seeking solutions and building partnerships that can strengthen the support provided to teachers and learners. He expressed gratitude to DOrSU for sharing its academic expertise, research capabilities, and human resources with the Schools Division.

He underscored that the partnership is ultimately intended to support those at the center of the education system. “Para sa mga guro, para sa mga bata at kanilang kinabukasan,” he said.

Joining SDS Batoon from DepEd Mati were Dr. Maria Gina F. Flores, Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division; Dr. Gina G. Silvestre, Education Program Supervisor; Dr. Joan Christella A. Cereno, Senior Education Program Specialist for Planning and Research; and Dr. Leorisyl D. Siarot, Education Program Supervisor.

Representing DOrSU alongside Dr. Ponce were Dr. Gemma M. Valdez, Dean of the Faculty of Advanced and International Studies and PAGBASA project leader, and Dr. Jocelyn C. Arles, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Education. Faculty members involved in the program also attended the ceremony.

Through PAGBASA PLUS, DOrSU and DepEd Mati seek to establish a sustained mechanism through which research, teacher education, community engagement, and basic education expertise can be combined to improve learner performance and contribute to a more responsive and inclusive education system in the City of Mati.