BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The Department of Education - Agusan del Norte (DepEd-ADN) headed by Dr. Lorenzo “Dodong” O. Macasocol, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) visited the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) for continuous collaboration of the DepEd-ADN and 23IB through Alternative Learning System (ALS) – DepEd’s second chance education program for out-of-school youth and adult.  

Said program envisions every community to be awakened, empowered, informed and transformed into a productive, self-reliant, responsible, humane, and upright citizen who can contribute to the betterment of the family, community, and country. It also helps to alleviate poverty and sustain social and economic growth via the development of employable skills and the generation of self-employment.

Dr. Macasocol commits to maintain the close coordination to work hand in hand and to provide opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education especially in the far-flung communities through the Mobile Computer Laboratory (MCL) Van of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte that was launched last December 1, 2022.

Macasocol also inspires the Former Rebels (FRs) by citing his experiences in life that brings him to what he is now. He shares that it takes a lot of efforts and hard work in order to reach your dreams as long as you don't lose hope, you will surely succeed in life.

The activity was also graced by Assistant School Division Superintendent, Ms. Emma Love Sudario, Ms. Glorina L Siclon, SGOD, Chief Education Supervisor, Ms. Rayfrocina Abao, CID Chief Education Supervisor, ALS Focal Person, Mr. Nilo Verdon, and ALS Education Program Supervisor, Ms. Marjorie Castillo.

Meanwhile, 23IB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey P Balingao expressed his gratitude to SDS Dr. Macasocol and DepEd-ADN for their unending support and advancing the welfare of the FRs and the community.

"The immense support of the DepEd-ADN in our fight towards peace and progress was never in vain. We thank all of them for helping us end insurgency. Peace and progress for the community to prosper is an integral part of development. If the community is peaceful, progress will follow. It’s not only the AFP alone that must address the issue on peace, security, and insurgency, it should be the whole nation where all stakeholders take part in it. Peace, Security, and Development is a shared responsibility,” Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey P Balingao added. (2Lt. Paoula P. Ledesma CMO Officer 23rd  Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)