CARLES, ILOILO – The Municipal Government of Carles, in partnership with the Schools District of Carles, successfully conducted the Municipal Education Summit 2026 on May 20 at the Carles Municipal Gymnasium, gathering educators, local officials, and stakeholders to advance the quality of learning in the municipality under the inspiring theme: “Partnership in Education – The Heart of Community Development.”
The activity was made stronger through the full and strong support from the Iloilo Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. and PA Raul Banias, who expressed their administration’s commitment to educational excellence and gave their full endorsement to all programs and initiatives implemented by the Local Government Unit.
“The commitment and vision of Local Chief Executives are vital in driving meaningful reforms,” Dr. Banias noted.
Mayor Arnold T. Betita II presented the Municipal Education Status, highlighted key initiatives such as the BES BASA Program, the Timbook Carles Learning and Research Center, and various literacy interventions funded and managed by the LGU.
He emphasized that education remains the top priority investment of his administration to ensure every child in both mainland and island barangays has access to quality schooling. He issued a heartfelt challenge: for every sector of the community to work hand in hand in improving the learning outcomes of every learner in the Municipality of Carles.
The summit stood as a powerful call to collective action—reminding everyone present that true development begins when education is nurtured at the very heart of the community.
A major highlight of the event was the workshop and session facilitated by Mr. Edwin D. Nacionales, Program Director of Synergeia Foundation. He guided participants through strategic planning and capacity-building activities, emphasizing the vital role of community engagement and shared responsibility in uplifting literacy rates and overall learning performance. The session equipped school heads, teachers, and local officials with fresh insights and practical strategies to further strengthen school-community partnerships.
Congresswoman Binky April M. Tupas, together with education leaders from the Schools Division of Iloilo, also expressed their continued commitment to supporting Carles’ educational endeavors and initiatives.
As a significant outcome of the summit, led by Mrs. Lynie B. Chavez, Public Schools District Supervisor, the district officially launched PROJECT ARNOLD, a comprehensive literacy remediation program designed to ensure no learner is left behind in reading proficiency and academic skills.
The event concluded with a unified vision: that through strong collaboration between the government, schools, and the community, the future of education in Carles remains bright, promising, and truly “da Best.”
Text by Mark Anthony L. Pecaoco/ Office of the Provincial Administrator
📷/ Contributed photos