Research-Informed Policy Pitches Shape Strategic Directions for Basic Education in Butuan City

Posted: November 2, 2026

BUTUAN CITY – Evidence-based policymaking took center stage during the 3rd Regular Division Management Committee (ManCom) Meeting as division leaders, education supervisors, school heads, and key officials reviewed two policy pitches anchored on local research findings and aimed at improving the quality of education across the Schools Division of Butuan City.

The presentations underscored the growing importance of translating research into actionable policies that address persistent educational challenges and strengthen school performance. By grounding decisions in empirical evidence, the Division continues to advance a culture of innovation, accountability, and data-driven governance.

One of the featured policy pitches focused on Sustaining Continuous Improvement (CI) Projects in Butuan City Division, presented by Edwin C. Fuego, School Principal I and Division Continuous Improvement Coordinator. The study, completed in October 2026 through the Special Education Fund Research Grant, examined the sustainability of Continuous Improvement initiatives implemented across 43 schools from 2017 to 2022.

The research revealed that while schools demonstrated strong performance in project implementation and functionality, sustainability remained vulnerable due to weak capacity-building mechanisms, inadequate knowledge transfer processes, and the effects of personnel turnover. Findings showed that project execution, monitoring systems, and continuous review practices were strongly associated with long-term sustainability. Based on these findings, the study recommended the institutionalization of a Division Continuous Improvement Sustainability Framework, including mandatory sustainability plans, onboarding mechanisms for new personnel, and a division-wide knowledge management repository.

The second policy pitch highlighted Mathematics Learning Recovery, a research-based initiative that addresses learning gaps in numeracy and mathematics achievement among learners. The presentation emphasized the need for systematic interventions to accelerate learning recovery, strengthen foundational mathematical competencies, and improve learner performance through targeted instructional support and evidence-based strategies. The research provided local insights that informed policy actions designed to help schools respond more effectively to learning losses and ensure that learners acquire the essential competencies needed for academic success.

Division officials recognized that policy recommendations serve as a critical bridge between research and practice. While research identifies problems and proposes solutions, policies ensure that effective interventions are institutionalized, adequately supported, and implemented consistently across schools. Well-crafted policies help maximize the impact of educational investments, standardize good practices, strengthen organizational systems, and promote equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Moreover, research-informed policies contribute directly to the quality of education by enabling schools to make decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions. Whether addressing the sustainability of school improvement initiatives or accelerating mathematics learning recovery, policy recommendations provide a strategic roadmap for improving learner outcomes and strengthening the overall performance of the education system.

In response to the presentations, members of the Division's top management expressed strong support for the policy directions presented during the ManCom. The Schools Division leadership affirmed its commitment to reviewing the recommendations and initiating the necessary policy actions to institutionalize effective practices across the Division.

As a concrete demonstration of this commitment, top management pledged to issue the appropriate division memoranda to facilitate the implementation of the recommended policies, ensuring that the research findings presented during the ManCom are translated into meaningful actions that will benefit schools, teachers, and learners throughout the Schools Division of Butuan City.

DepEd Caraga Champions Evidence-Based Innovation via ‘Researchers’ Notebook 2026’

Posted: October 20, 2016

Strong Contingent from the Schools Division of Butuan City

Representing Schools Division of Butuan City—under the leadership of Schools Division Superintendent Minerva Talbis, PhD—a dedicated delegation of local researchers and beneficiaries took active part in the regional event. Prior to the main showcase, the Butuan City delegation convened for a preparatory coordination meeting on October 6, 2026, at the SGOD Office.

The official list of participants representing the division includes:

• Researchers: School Heads Nenito M. Turla Jr. and Teacher Laura R. Cubio.

• Research Beneficiaries: Clan Leader/Brgy. Kagawad Jimmy Mandag and School Head Charlo G. Ayuban.

Regional Research Coordinator Dr. Caroline Dultra highlighted the significance of the initiative in promoting research driven by actual impact and ROI. According to Regional Memorandum No. 0945, s. 2026, the activity specifically aims to:

• Share the success stories of researchers across the region;

• Determine the Return on Investment (ROI) of research initiatives; and

• Develop a positive attitude toward action and basic research among educators.

Showcasing Impact and Stories of Change

The event featured a diverse program designed to highlight the real-world applications of educational research:

• Documentary Premiere: The morning session opened with a premiere of video documentaries produced by each Schools Division Office (SDO). The documentaries showcased impactful basic and action research projects conducted over the past five years.

• Meet the Storytellers: Following the screening, featured researchers took the stage to discuss their research journeys, findings, and the inspiration behind their work.

• Voices of Impact: Beneficiaries of the research projects—including community representatives and school heads like Butuan City's delegates—shared personal testimonies on how these initiatives directly improved learning outcomes and school operations.

• Reflection Circles: In the afternoon, participants engaged in group reflection sessions to discuss key takeaways, best practices, and strategies to further support evidence-based decision-making across schools in Caraga.

The event underscores DepEd Caraga's commitment to empowering educators as proactive researchers whose work continuously transforms classrooms and communities throughout the region.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division proudly recognizes Dr. Joey S. Patalinghug for earning two regional awards for his research presentation titled “Enhancing Mathematical Thinking, Problem Solving Skills, and Positive Attitudes Towards Math through Chess” on December 9, 2025 at Southville Hotel, Butuan City.

During the recently featured regional research event, Dr. Patalinghug’s audiovisual presentation (AVP) was distinguished for its creativity, clarity, and compelling delivery—earning him the following recognitions:

• 3rd Place – Most Creative AVP Concept

• 3rd Place – Best in Visual Communication

His study highlights the strategic integration of chess as an instructional tool in mathematics, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing students’ analytical skills, strengthening their problem solving abilities, and fostering more positive attitudes toward the subject. The innovative approach contributes to ongoing efforts to make mathematics more engaging and accessible for learners.

Dr. Patalinghug’s success reflects the division’s strong commitment to research based educational innovation, aligned with DepEd’s thrust to promote evidence driven improvements in teaching and learning. His accomplishment continues to inspire educators across the division to pursue transformative approaches that support learners’ holistic development.

DepEd Butuan City Division extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Patalinghug for bringing pride and recognition to the division through his dedication to research excellence.

📢 Special Instructions for District Research Coordinators
📝 Submission of Research Proposals to the Division Office

To ensure a smooth and organized transmittal of research proposals, kindly observe the following guidelines:

1️⃣ Consolidate All Entries
Account for all submissions within your district before endorsement. This helps maintain transparency and completeness.

2️⃣ Compliance Checklist
Prepare a checklist to verify that each proposal meets the required documentation standards. This ensures readiness for Division-level review.

3️⃣ Batch Submission of Hard Copies
Transmit all hardcopy proposals as a single batch. Kindly avoid individual submissions to the Division Office. Ensure that each proposal includes the complete set of required attachments.

4️⃣ Upload Soft Copies via Google Form
Submit the electronic versions of the proposals through this Google Form link: https://forms.gle/SRfDmFRyoBQ7ncew9

 This supports efficient archiving and review.

📌 Let’s uphold quality, consistency, and accountability in our research processes. Your leadership at the district level is key to advancing our evidence-based initiatives.

#DepEdResearch #DistrictLeadership #EvidenceMatters