SAN ENRIQUE, Iloilo—Teachers and guidance designates from the Municipality of San Enrique experienced two days of further learning, collaboration, and planning in areas that are highly relevant nowadays. The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), in collaboration with West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the Local Government Unit of San Enrique, successfully finished Project STEP UP (San Enrique Training for Educators and Professionals in Uplifting Psychosocial Support) Phase 3 on June 25–26 at the Tourism and Cultural Center.
The third phase of the six-phase extension program of ISUFST was focused on Career Guidance and Bullying Prevention, providing participants with practical knowledge and school-based solutions that may be easily implemented in their schools. The activity is part of the continuous STEP UP effort to improve psychosocial support services and learner well-being in San Enrique.
Day one was designed to enable guidance designates and wellness advocates guide learners to make informed educational and career choices.
Dr. Herman M. Lagon, RGC, of ISUFST kicked off the talks through a session on Understanding Career Development Across the Lifespan. He emphasized that career guidance is not just about helping students to select a vocation. it is helping learners to identify their abilities, interests, values and goals and to make choices about their future.
Prof. Jan Iris Faye M. Basbas, RGC, of WVSU gave a talk on how to determine the learners’ strengths, interests, and aspirations. Dr. Hilda C. Montaño, RGC, of WVSU, on the other hand, discussed the current career trends and opportunities in Iloilo and beyond to help participants relate career guidance to local and emerging employment opportunities.
Practical applications took center stage in the afternoon as Mrs. Junna Mari G. Pacardo, RGC, introduced career guidance tools and school-based activities, followed by a workshop on designing a Career Guidance Week facilitated by Dr. Imelda M. Arenga, RGC. The day concluded with a reflection session led by Ms. Keziah A. Lagarto, RGC, encouraging participants to envision the kind of future they hope to help create for their learners. All the three are guidance couselors from ISUFST.
On the second day, discussions shifted toward creating safer and more inclusive schools.
Dr. Rejie F. Palmos, RGC, of WVSU led sessions on bullying prevention, child protection, restorative practices, and conflict resolution, highlighting the importance of early intervention, empathy, and restorative approaches in resolving school concerns.
Ms. Roussel Justin B. Esmeralda, RGC, of ISUFST discussed Republic Act No. 10627 and the DepEd Child Protection Policy, helping participants better understand their responsibilities in protecting learners and responding appropriately to reported cases.
Participants then engaged in hands-on workshops. Dr. Lagon facilitated a session on Case Handling and Documentation, where participants analyzed school-based situations and practiced proper documentation and referral procedures. Prof. Ruby P. Faunillo, RGC, of ISUFST, guided participants in designing school-based anti-bullying advocacy campaigns, while Dr. Amabel T. Siason, RGC, of WVSU led the development of localized Child Protection Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) flowcharts.
The two-day activity brought together the participants to collaboratively work on outputs that they can implement in their respective schools. These outputs are Career Guidance Week Plans, Career Opportunities and Referral Matrices, Anti-Bullying Advocacy Plans, Child Protection SOP Flowcharts, and School Commitment Statements for Safe and Inclusive Schools. These outputs are intended to boost advisory services and learner protection programs in anticipation of School Year 2026–2027.
For ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., CESO VI, the success of STEP UP goes beyond the conduct of a training program. It is about building lasting partnerships that help schools better serve their learners.
“Every learner deserves a school where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to dream. Through Project STEP UP, we are investing not only in the professional growth of our teachers and guidance advocates but also in the future of every child they will guide. Our partnership with the Municipality of San Enrique and West Visayas State University reflects our shared commitment to making quality education more responsive, compassionate, and inclusive,” Dr. Siason said.
The activity ended with the STEP UP Safe Schools Commitment Rites, when participants literally took oath to advance the promotion of learner well-being, career preparedness, child protection and inclusive school communities through the plans they established throughout the training.
Project STEP UP continues to highlight the need of partnerships between higher education institutions, local government and schools in establishing stronger systems of support for learners. Building on the expertise of guidance counselor-volunteers from ISUFST and WVSU, and with the support of the LGU of San Enrique, the initiative continues to equip educators with practical tools that help learners discover their potential while ensuring that schools remain safe, inclusive and nurturing environments for all.
Project STEP UP will continue with Phase 4 on August 27–28, focusing on Parents Engagement and the Review and Evaluation of Participants’ School-Based Implementation of the strategies and outputs developed during the earlier phases. (PAMMCO)
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