Tubod, Lanao del Norte – April 14, a total of 257 teachers from the municipalities of Matungao, Poona Piagapo and Pantao Ragat Lanao del Norte attended the Education Forum 2010 at Linamon Central School to share great ideas, best practices, professional resources and problems encountered in their respective schools.

The forum aimed at identifying the gaps, causes and interventions regarding school drop-outs, low percentage of NAT passers, cohort survival rate, and participation rate in all public schools in the province.

In an interview conducted, Ms. Norhata M, Baunto of Denaig Elementary School expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Gov. Khalid Dimaporo for initiating Education Forum this year for her to bring out major problems of their school such as the lack of school facilities, overcrowded rooms, and lack of teachers which are factors that hinder the learning process of the students therein.

Moreover, the rationale of the said forum is to optimize role of Vision 2020, attain MDG target of universal primary education by 2015 and improve education program in the province.

In a workshop conducted, among the major problems came out which were encountered by teachers are poverty, malnutrition, lack of instructional materials, less support from parents, family size, early marriage and family feud.

From the inputs gathered possible interventions were proposed to lessen the effects of those identified problems like peace advocacy (children should involved in peace development), livelihood programs for parents, additional school equipment and IT materials and strengthening teachers and parents communication.

In his message Gov. Khalid Dimaporo stated his commitment in accelerating innovative programs for education to produce well-informed and empowered teachers. Also the improvement of school buildings, upgrading of school facilities, widening of 4 P’s coverage in the 1^st district of Lanao del Norte are among his top priorities to improve literacy rate in the province. ARMS/LDN-PIO