June 2, 2018

          Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez brings another "first" to Negros Occidental - an advocacy for future leaders development through innovative teaching-learning system.

          Teacher fellows, young professionals who have been selected to  join the Teach For the Philippines (TFP) network of advocates for innovative learning programs in schools and communities will start their two-year exposure in the Third District of Negros Occidental, specifically in the cities of Talisay and Victorias, starting this June , the start of the  new school-year in the public elementary and secondary schools in the country.

          The Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement signing held June 2 in Talisay City with Teach for the Philippines vice-chairperson Margarita Delgado, Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Portia Mallorca, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, and Victorias Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca will pave the way for the six (6) teacher fellows from various schools in the country  to start their immersion to help teach and at the same learn from the community as part of their training to become future leaders advocating   innovative quality education.     

Congressman Alfredo Benitez  who facilitated  the entry of Teach for the Philippines to Negros Occidental in November 2017  is a witness signatory to the MOA.

Picked as pioneer school for Talisay is the Talisay Elementary School under Principal  Julie Ann Geguiento.  Teacher fellows are Jufeel Pulvosa from Central Phil. University,  Kimberly Shane Ocbina of the Ateneo de Naga University and Maryanne Abog of the University of the Phils.-Diliman.

Assigned to Victorias National High School in Victorias City under Principal Cheryl Tondo, are Jesson Ordaneza of the University of the Phil. in Mindanao, Jonalyn Pattalitan from Sto. Rosario Sapang Palay College, and Cecile June Mallones of the West Visayas State University.

Also present during the MOA signing were Victorias Vice-Mayor Jerry Jover, Talisay Councilors Edmundo Celis, Carl Lizares, Randy Ereñeta, RJ Tuvilla and Gab Villacin, Talisay Assistant City Administrator Ismael Penado , Talisay SP Secretary Josel Faisan, and  Talisay District 1 Schools Supervisor Dr. Romualdo Batallones.

 TFP was also represented by Levi Guillermo Geganzo, government relations and placement manager,  and Andrea Pineda, instructional coaching manager.

TFP is a nationwide non-profit organization working with progressive local governments and school divisions.  The Fellowship Program recruits volunteers from diverse academic disciplines and professional backgrounds, provide them with intensive training on progressive teaching and field them on a two-year leadership development program in a public school. A number of TFP alumni have become veteran educators.

TFP is part of the Teach For All global network of 46 independent, locally led and governed partner organizations that work to accelerate development in disadvantaged communities. 

As Mrs. Delgado expressed TFP’s thanks and appreciation to all program partners and to Cong. Benitez for their support, both Mayor Lizares and Mayor Palanca assured TFP of their full cooperation and assistance to the program.  Dr. Mallorca underscored the importance of  all program partners commitment as she assured everyone of DepEd’s invaluable assistance throughout the implementation of the program.*