In a shared commitment to strengthen Science education across the province, the Department of Education – Davao de Oro (DepEd-DDO) and Davao de Oro State College formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of Project ACHIEVE on November 11, 2025, at the DDOSC Board Room in Compostela.

Project ACHIEVE, short for Active Collaboration with Higher Education Institutions for Enhanced and Vibrant Math and Science Education, aims to improve the least learned competencies of high school students in Science 6 and Science 9 through the development and utilization of Strategic Instructional Materials (SIMs).

These SIMs are designed to address specific learning gaps identified in the Regional Assessment Test results within the context of Davao de Oro.

Additionally, under the agreement, once the SIMs are refined, these will be disseminated across DepEd-DDO schools to ensure that a wider number of learners benefit from enhanced and contextualized learning tools.

Representing DDOSC’s Teacher Education Department, the project team includes Dr. Pedro P. Raymunde, Jr. (Project Leader for Bachelor of Secondary Education), Johnmark B. Lapuz (Project Leader for Bachelor of Elementary Education), and lead extensionists Michael B. Morre, Jr. and Janet R. Uyangoren.

On the other hand, Emmanuel B. Clarion, Education Program Specialist for Science, represented the DepEd-DDO Division Office.

Also in attendance were DDOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay, Extension Services Division Unit Head Dr. April Rose Dianne A. Villaro, and DDOSC–Montevista Branch Director Rieshia P. Vale, who each expressed their support for the initiative’s goal of bridging learning gaps through localized academic collaboration.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Morre emphasized the project’s significance in promoting evidence-based teaching and responsive curriculum support.

“Through this research-driven project, we aim to empower teachers and help students in our province master the least learned Science competencies.”

Meanwhile, Extension Services Division Unit Head Dr. Villaro lauded the strong partnership between DDOSC and DepEd-DDO, emphasizing that the initiative embodies the college’s mission of community-engaged innovation.