Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School

DepEd Isabela City Delivers Lapel Voice Amplifiers to Empower Teachers, Enhance Classroom Instruction

ISABELA CITY — August 13, 2026. Isabela City Schools Division Office strengthened its support for teachers and classroom instruction with the delivery and turnover of lapel voice amplifiers to Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School through the coordination of OIC Schools Division Superintendent Maria Laarni Torres Villanueva ,EdD and ITO Midz Roilo

The equipment forms part of DepEd’s initiative to provide teachers with practical tools that can enhance classroom communication and make instruction more effective. The lapel voice amplifiers are designed to help teachers project their voices clearly, allowing learners to hear instructions, explanations, and classroom discussions more effectively, particularly in classes with larger groups of learners.

The procurement of the lapel voice amplifiers was funded through the Office of the President–Socio Civic Project Fund, reflecting the national government’s support for initiatives that directly benefit teachers and learners. DepEd’s procurement documents indicate an approved budget of ₱422,844,574.32 for the nationwide procurement of the equipment.

The delivery on August 13 marked another meaningful step in bringing this national initiative closer to teachers in the Schools Division of Isabela City. More than simply an instructional device, the lapel voice amplifier serves as an added support for teachers who continuously use their voices as one of their most important tools in reaching and guiding learners.

The Schools Division of Isabela City extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Office of the President, DepEd Central Office, and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara for making this initiative possible and for recognizing the importance of providing teachers with appropriate tools for effective classroom instruction.

ICEPS Teachers likewise expresses its appreciation to ITO Midz Roilo for facilitating the delivery and to OIC SDS Maria Laarni T. Villanueva, EdD, for coordinating the initiative and ensuring that the support reaches teachers in the Division.

The provision of lapel voice amplifiers echoes a simple but powerful message: when teachers are given the tools to be heard, learners are given a better opportunity to listen, understand, and learn.

With this initiative, DepEd continues to amplify not only the voices of teachers but also its commitment to creating better learning experiences for every Filipino learner.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT!

The School Administration and Teaching Force of Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School would like to address the concerns circulating on social media regarding the implementation of the policy prohibiting parents and other unauthorized individuals from staying within the school premises during class hours.

This policy is not arbitrary. It is implemented in accordance with the Department of Education's commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and learner-centered school environment, as provided under DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 (Child Protection Policy) and strengthened by DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026 (Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment). These policies emphasize the responsibility of schools to maintain a secure campus where access during instructional hours is limited to learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and other duly authorized individuals.

We would also like to emphasize that this policy was properly discussed during the General PTA Meeting, where its purpose and implementation were clearly explained to all parents. In consideration of the concerns raised, the school even granted a two-month transition period to allow parents sufficient time to adjust before full implementation.

Furthermore, we wish to clarify that parents or guardians of SNED learners are exempted from this policy whenever their presence is necessary to support the specific needs of their children, subject to coordination with the school administration.

This policy is implemented solely for the safety, security, protection, and well-being of all learners, as well as to ensure a peaceful and conducive learning environment. It is not intended to inconvenience parents but to fulfill the school's responsibility of safeguarding every child entrusted to our care.

We sincerely ask for the continued understanding, cooperation, and support of our parents and stakeholders. Let us work together in upholding a safe, orderly, and child-friendly school where every learner can thrive.

-School Administration and Teaching Force-
Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School

From a journalism and news writing perspective, this report has several structural and ethical weaknesses. It reads more like a social media post than a well-written news story.

1. Weak Lead (Lede)
The first sentence states:
"Pinalabas umano ang lahat ng mga magulang..."
A good news lead should answer the basic questions (5Ws and 1 H)
This lead tells us what allegedly happened, but it fails to identify:

Which public school?
Where did it happen?
When exactly did it happen?
Who ordered it?

2. Heavy Use of "Umano" (Alleged)
The report repeatedly relies on:
umano

"ayon sa isang magulang, sinabi umano"

These signal that the information has not been independently verified. If that's the case, the reporter should also seek:

📌the principal's side,
📌the school's official statement,
📌Without those, the story is one-sided.

3. Lack of Attribution Balance

Only one source is quoted:

"Ayon sa isang magulang..."

Good journalism requires multiple sources, especially when reporting about a policy.

The story should include:
📌the school principal,
📌DepEd memorandum

4. No Verification

The report says:
"ito na ang kasalukuyang direktiba ng DepEd."

But then the last paragraph says:

"wala pang opisyal na pahayag..."

These statements create confusion.
If there is no official confirmation, the reporter should not present the alleged directive as fact.

5. Missing Context

Readers are left asking:

Why are parents prohibited?
Is this nationwide?
Is it for security?
Is it based on Child Protection Policy?
Is it a school-specific rule?
Context is essential.

6. Weak Ending

The ending simply says:

"Patuloy namang hinihintay..."
This is vague.

A stronger ending would indicate:

📌whether the school has promised a statement,
📌whether DepEd has been contacted,
or what happens next

This report instead jumps from:

📌allegation, to hearsay, to lack of official statement, without providing enough verified facts or context.

✅️Ethical Concerns

The report risks violating basic journalistic principles because it:

📌relies primarily on one unnamed source,
📌does not present the side of the school administration,
📌presents an alleged DepEd directive without verification,
📌could unnecessarily alarm parents.

The topic is certainly newsworthy, but it needs stronger reporting: a clearer lead, verified information, balanced sourcing, and better context. Without those elements, it reads more like an unverified SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT rather than a complete NEWS STORY.

The results are in! The journey begins now!

Congratulations to all learners who successfully passed the EL AVISO Qualifying Examination and earned a spot in the different journalism categories! Your passion, talent, and determination have paved the way for an exciting journey in campus journalism.

As you begin training and sharpen your skills in your respective categories, may you continue to write with purpose, speak with confidence, and uphold the values of truth, integrity, and excellence.

🌟 Welcome to the next chapter of your journalism journey!

📋 Check the official list of successful qualifiers below. Congratulations, young journalists! Your stories are waiting to be told. The results will be posted too in the main building. So watch out for it!

👩‍💻Thank You Sydney Pineda💞

Regional Team Monitors ARAL Program Implementation at ICEPS

ISABELA CITY – Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School (ICEPS), under the leadership of Principal Dr. Evelyn Fernandez, welcomed the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office IX Monitoring Team on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for the Monitoring and Technical Assistance Visit on the Key Stage 1 (KS1) Literacy and Numeracy and ARAL Program Implementation.

The activity, conducted pursuant to Regional Memorandum No. 344, s. 2026, was spearheaded by Dr. Alhadzmar A. Lantaka, OIC-Chief of the Policy, Planning, and Research Division (PPRD). The Regional Team was accompanied by officials from the Schools Division Office of Isabela City, namely EPS Josiah Tuballa, Dr. Father Ismael, Ma'am Mira Talli, Ma'am Sahdiya, Ma'am Violy, Sir Yashier Susulan, Sir Khalid Babon, and PSDS Dr. Jamir Lujuman.

The monitoring centered on the implementation of the ARAL Program, particularly the progress and current status of the school's ARAL learners and the interventions being undertaken to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes. The Regional Monitoring Team reviewed pertinent documents, validated school reports, and provided valuable technical assistance and recommendations to further strengthen the implementation of the program.

In response, Dr. Evelyn Fernandez presented the school's accomplishments, ongoing interventions, and future plans. The discussions emphasized the importance of evidence-based planning, continuous monitoring, and collaborative efforts in ensuring that every learner achieves foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

The monitoring visit reaffirmed ICEPS' commitment to delivering quality education by continuously strengthening data-driven planning, implementing learner-centered programs, and promoting continuous school improvement in support of the Department of Education's mission.

The school also expressed its sincere gratitude to Dr. Alhadzmar A. Lantaka, the Regional Monitoring Team, and the officials of the Schools Division Office of Isabela City for their technical guidance and unwavering support in enhancing the implementation of the ARAL Program and Key Stage 1 Literacy and Numeracy initiatives.

Sentral na Huwarang Panaguyod Ng Isabela nakiisa sa Pambungad na Palatuntunan ng Buwan ng Wika at Buwan ng Kasaysayan 2026

Tuwing Buwan ng Agosto,sama-sama nating ipinagdiriwang ang Buwan ng Wika at Buwan ng Kasaysayan. Ant tema sa taon na ito ay "Wikang Filipino at AI:Kasangkapan sa Pananaliksik at Tulay sa Yaman Ng Impormasyon. Pinangunahan ng mga Opisyales ng mga Gurong nagtuturo Ng asignaturang Filipino sa pangunguna ng Pangulo nito na SI G. Omar M. Pinciao. Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay magbibigay daan upang higit nating pahalagahan ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Pilipino.

Nagkaroon Ng trivia na pinangunahan ng mga g**o Buhay Kindergarten at Unang Baitang. Ang trivia ay naayon sa pagdiriwang Ng Buwan ng Wika at Kasaysayan. Sina Gng. Anoya at G. Saud Akuran ang nag basa ng mga tanong. Naging masigasig Ang mga mag- aaral sa pagsagot Ng mga tanong dahil sa mga pa premyong matapanggap Isab rin sa mga inaabangan ay Ang mga magandang kasuotan Ng mga mag-aaral at mga g**o na rin.

Ang Wikang Filipino ay Hindi lamang Kasangkapan sa pakikipag-usap. Ito ay nagsisilbing tulay sa pagkakaisa, pag-unawa at pagpapahayag Ng ating damdamin, kaisipan, at pagmamahal sa bayan. Kasabay nito, ang pag-aaral Ng kasaysayan ay nagpapaalala sa atin ng mga sakripisyo at kabayanihang ipinamalas Ng ating mga ninuno upang makamit ang Kalayaan at maitaguyod ang ating bansa.

Ang kanilang mga aral at halimbawa ay nagsisilbing gabay upang tayo ay maging responsableng mamamayan ng Pilipinas.Sa pagbubukas ng Pagdiriwang na ito nawa'y baunin natin ang lahat ng mga aralin bilang mga Pilipino na dapat nating ipagmalaki. Mabuhay ang wikang Filipino! Mabuhay ang kasaysayan Ng Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

Protecting Every Learner: ICEPS, Health Officails Gears Up for School-Based Immunization

To ensure the successful implementation of the School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program, Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School (ICEPS) conducted a parents' orientation on July 27, 2026, at the ICEPS Multipurpose Hall. The activity gathered the parents of all Grade 1 learners and the parents of female learners in Grades 4 and 5 who are eligible for vaccination.

The orientation was facilitated by the City Health Nurses Glorianne Enriquez, Alona Jaafar, and Leina Pineda, in coordination with DepEd School-Based Immunization (SBI) Coordinator Mohammad Fikri Hussin and City SBI Coordinator Nirza Neri.
During the orientation, parents were informed that the School-Based Immunization is scheduled on September 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

DepEd SBI Coordinator Mohamad Hussin supported the program and the City Health Burses discussed the importance of immunizing all Grade 1 learners through the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccines. He emphasized that these vaccines protect children from serious vaccine-preventable diseases, strengthen their immune system, prevent outbreaks in schools and communities, and help ensure that learners remain healthy and ready to learn.
Meanwhile, Nurse Glorianne Enriquez discussed the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is intended for female learners in Grades 4 and 5. She explained that the HPV vaccine protects against the Human Papillomavirus, a virus that can cause cervical cancer later in life. She stressed that receiving the vaccine at an early age offers the best protection before exposure to the virus, making it a vital investment in the future health of young girls.

Parents actively participated in the orientation by raising questions and expressing their concerns, which were addressed by the health personnel. They were also reminded to accomplish and submit the parental consent forms before the scheduled immunization day.

Through the orientation, ICEPS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its learners by strengthening its partnership with the Department of Education, the City Health Office, and parents in ensuring the successful implementation of the School-Based Immunization Program.

Fernandez receives ABTIK Award for remarkable distinction in MOOE Liquidation

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Demonstrating exemplary financial stewardship and accountability, Dr. Evelyn H. Fernandez, School Principal of Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School (ICEPS), received the ABTIK Award during the Schools Division of Isabela City's PRAISE Recognition Program held on July 28, 2026, at the ISAWAD Conference Hall.

The award recognized Dr. Fernandez and ICEPS for being the earliest school to completely and properly liquidate the School Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for June 2026 within the prescribed reglementary period.

Presented by the Schools Division of Isabela City through its PRAISE Committee, the recognition highlights the school's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and responsible stewardship of government funds. It reflects the dedication of the school's leadership in ensuring timely compliance with financial management standards.

Dr. Fernandez also acknowledged the invaluable support and dedication of the school's administrative personnel who contributed to this achievement, namely Administrative Officer II Barbara Verzosa, ADAS Aubrey Jane, ADAS Rhodx Avelana, and JO Jasmine Joyce. Their teamwork, diligence, and commitment to efficient financial management played a significant role in earning the prestigious recognition.

The ABTIK Award stands as another milestone for ICEPS, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, efficiency, and quality public service in advancing the Department of Education's mission.

Isabela City Police Station Honors ICEPS for Exemplary Support During PCR Month

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School (ICEPS) was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Isabela City Police Station during the culmination program of the 31st Police Community Relations (PCR) Month held on July 31, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Isabela City Police Station in Barangay Sunrise, Isabela City.

The recognition was awarded in appreciation of the school's invaluable support, unwavering commitment, and meaningful partnership in the successful implementation of the month-long Police Community Relations activities.

The certificate highlighted ICEPS' active participation and steadfast cooperation, which significantly contributed to strengthening police-community collaboration and promoting peace, public safety, and community development.
Representing the school, Dr. Evelyn H. Fernandez, School Principal, accepted the award on behalf of the entire ICEPS community. The recognition reflects the school's continued dedication to building strong partnerships with government agencies and community stakeholders in creating a safer and more secure environment for learners and the community.

Prior to the culmination ceremony, the Isabela City Police Station, under the leadership of PLTCOL Wilfredo P. Palamos Jr., Chief of Police, formally invited ICEPS to the event as one of its valued partners in the successful conduct of the 31st Police Community Relations Month celebration.

The award further underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and law enforcement agencies in fostering civic responsibility, promoting public safety awareness, and nurturing a culture of peace.

ICEPS remains committed to sustaining meaningful partnerships that contribute to the holistic development of learners and the continued progress of the community.

ICEPS Culminates Nutrition Month with Healthy Living Advocacy, District Triumphs in Cooking Contest

ISABELA CITY – Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School (ICEPS) successfully concluded its 2026 Nutrition Month celebration on July 31 through a well-organized culminating program held at the school's Multipurpose Hall. Anchored on the theme, "Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangangalagaan," the event highlighted learners' creativity, healthy lifestyle advocacy, and environmental responsibility while recognizing outstanding performances in various nutrition-related competitions.

To ensure that regular classroom instruction remained uninterrupted, the culminating program officially commenced at 3:00 p.m. immediately after class hours. School organizers carefully streamlined the program and maximized the allotted time, allowing all scheduled activities to be completed efficiently without disrupting classes or compromising instructional time in all learning areas.

The celebration featured the judging of the Food, Fruits and Vegetables Table Display Contest and the Nutri-Infographics Contest, multimedia presentations, inspirational messages, intermission numbers, and the awarding of winners.

One of the event's highlights was the "Guess the Fruits and Vegetables" competition for Kindergarten learners, where Maxine Dela Cruz emerged as Champion, demonstrating remarkable knowledge of nutritious fruits and vegetables.

In the Nutri-Infographics Contest, Grades IV, V, II, and III shared the First Place honors, while Grade VI, (ST), and SNED placed Second. Kindergarten and Grade I earned Third Place.

Meanwhile, the Food, Fruits and Vegetables Table Display Contest recognized Grades IV, V, VI, ST, and SNED as Champion. Kindergarten and Grade I secured Second Place, while Grades II and III finished Third Place.

Adding pride to the celebration, Assistant Principal Alva Christine Blaya and Administrative Officer Barbara Alberto Verzosa of ICEPS captured First Place in the Healthy Cooking Contest during the district-wide 2026 Nutrition Month Culmination Celebration. Their winning entry exemplified the celebration's theme through an innovative, nutritious, and sustainable culinary presentation, reflecting creativity, teamwork, and a strong commitment to promoting healthy living.

The victory also brought honor to West District I, further showcasing the district's dedication to nutrition advocacy and excellence in school-based programs.
The success of the Nutrition Month celebration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of school officials, teachers, parents, learners, and stakeholders.

The school likewise expressed its sincere gratitude to all West District I School Principals, particularly Ma'am Nurrahma Tiplani Abubakar, Ma'am Sarah Macabada Mohammad-Majid, Sir Rhamz Lim, ADAS Aubrey Jane, Rhodx Avellana, Jasmine Joyce, and Nurse Karina Florence, for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout the celebration.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates, a wellness dance, and closing remarks, leaving participants inspired to continue practicing healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship beyond the month-long celebration.

📸ZLJ