The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Gapan in Nueva Ecija was recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EdCom2), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its effective resource management and impressive student achievement.
Positioned as a model for public school financing across the Philippines, Gapan saw its students earn a 95-percent score in the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) and above-average scores in the National Achievement Tests (NAT6 and NAT10).
During a field visit led by Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and EdCom2 Co-Chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, they underscored Gapan’s strategy that includes strong parental and local government unit (LGU) support to learners.
The DepEd chief urged the SDO Gapan staff to share their best practices across other divisions, highlighting the city’s resourcefulness in managing limited Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).
“What is clear is that the schools and students who perform best are those who are supported not only within the schools, but also at home and by the community and the local governments,” Angara said.
Gapan East Elementary School and Kapalangan National High School were recognized by UNICEF as Top Performing Schools, exemplifying how effective MOOE and Special Education Fund (SEF) usage can yield exceptional results.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Behzad Noubary and Gapan City Mayor Joy Pascual expressed optimism about Gapan’s sustainable model for addressing immediate funding challenges while advancing long-term educational goals.
