CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) recognized around 173 partner organizations, including a nonprofit, volunteer-powered group, I am MAD (Making a Difference) Volunteers Inc., for their support and intervention in the country's basic education on February 20 at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City.
Under their "MATATAG" agenda, which stands for MA—Make the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; TA—Take steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services; TA—Take good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and G—Give support to teachers to teach better, DepEd awarded I am MAD as one of the agency's outstanding civil society organization partners during the national DepEd Partners' Appreciation and Recognition ceremony.
Maco Ravanzo, chief executive volunteer, and Wino Dela Cruz, Chief of Volunteer Programs and Communication of I am MAD, accepted the award on behalf of the nonprofit organization from Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte.
The award cited I am MAD for its "unwavering commitment, exceptional collaboration, and invaluable contribution in support of the MATATAG Agenda for the DepEd Basic Education Development Plan, helping DepEd fulfill its mandate in providing quality basic education to all learners."
"This recognition from DepEd is a testament to our never-ending passion to make a difference in the lives of our learners," Ravanzo said.
He also reflected on the challenges of establishing the organization's identity and proving its intentions in the past, contrasting it with its current standing alongside established institutions in the field of education and advocacy.
I am MAD has been an active civil society partner of DepEd for more than a decade now, as it continuously supplements values formation activities through its main program, "MAD Camp," and promotes volunteerism as a lifestyle among the Filipino youth through "MAD Talks."
One can join the vibe and volunteer with I am MAD by registering at bit.ly/MADcamp2024reg. Donations are also accepted through bit.ly/bidadonate. (CID/PIA-10)
