CEBU, Philippines – To address the varying needs of their students, GT Northeast Academy partnered with Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc. through their enrichment programs that provide proactive approach in nurturing pupils academically.
Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc. launched last January 10 its cooperation with GT Northeast Academy (GT NA) in Liloan, Cebu, marking the first partnership in the entire Visayas.
The inauguration started with a motorcade around Liloan followed by a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Monsignor Sindulfo Iriarte at the school's chapel of GT NA. A ribbon-cutting then took place followed by the blessing of the Galileo Center.
By joining with Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc., GT NA President Leonora Salvane aims to uphold their quality of education by improving their educational program.
"Our academy is in pursuit of excellence. Upon knowing what Galileo Enrichment Learning Program is, we believe that it could enhance the learning process of our school," Salvane said in a press conference.
Before the partnership was realized, Galileo chief executive officer Rowena Matti said that they had conducted a keen study upon choosing institutions or firms, which they can work with.
"Hindi madali kung hindi magaling and mag-i-implement nang program," Matti further said, "so we really studied it, and we thought that GT Northeast Academy will really be a good partner for Galileo."
Matti said it is also important to consider that both stakeholders share the same advocacy in helping the community rather than in focusing education as business.
"We had talked to a lot of institutions and we saw that both uphold the same values and advocacy," she added, "if you see education as business, nawawala ang essence niya, and we wanted to have the same kind of thinking, that is, we want to help first, before we earn."
The enrichment program, Matti said, started with an idea to help individuals in learning the two key subjects, Mathematics and English.
"As what we have observed, Filipinos have a hard time understanding Math and English," Matti further said.
She also explained the significance of enrichment programs as a method of teaching.
"If a child is having a difficulty, that is when you undergo a tutorial but an enrichment program is a more proactive way of teaching children as early as possible," Matti said.
Aside from the enrichment program, they also conduct seminars with the pupils' teachers and parents.
"Of course, it starts with them (parents and teachers), especially when they provide encouragement to the kids," she added, "it takes a community to teach and train a child."
Present during the launching were Cebu Provincial Board Member for Committee on Education Vice Chairman Miguel Magpale, as well as Provincial DepEd Supervisor Isaiash Wagas.
Magpale commended the administrators of the academy with its partnership with Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc., as their method of teaching had been introduced in the province.
"Here in Cebu, especially in Liloan, we are privileged to have this kind of program for our community," said Magpale.
Magpale also emphasized the importance of education as the lifeblood of society, "Through education, we help in molding our children's minds as they become our future leaders, future lawyers and doctors, among others."
Also, Wagas congratulated GT NA on reaching a new milestone with its cooperation with Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc.
"GT Northeast Academy is always in search for the best and they have found the best," said Wagas.
Wagas supports the partnership of both institutions especially on its advocacy in providing better education for the community.
"If education is viewed as purely business, it will not be a good undertaking," he added, "if it's going to be an advocacy, it is always a well-lauded pursuit."