Camacho meets with Rota public education stakeholders

Soon after coming on board, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Camacho launched a “listening tour” that brought him to Rota last Tuesday, during which he visited and met with public education stakeholders at both Sinapalo Elementary School and Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School.

Camacho, who was accompanied by Special Education director Donna M. Flores, held conversations with teachers, staff and personnel, and students of both schools. Flores was interim Education chief prior to Camacho’s appointment in Jan. 8, 2024.

“I am really here to see the good things that are taking place in this beautiful community. I know we all have been through obstacles and challenges like any schools out there. This is the reason why I am here today, as part of my first 100 days in office is to listen to you, to talk to you, and gather data that will guide me in serving you and all of our public education stakeholders,” Camacho told staff and personnel of both schools.

Principals Daisy Quitugua of Sinapalo Elementary School and Annette Calvo of Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School led their school’s staff and personnel in the meet-and-greet session with Camacho. Close to 200 school personnel were in attendance.

“Our conversation today is because we want to include you in the process of moving forward with our plans and initiatives for our Public School System. This continuum of direction is the approach that your commissioner of Education, with the support of our [Board of Education], will take on,” Camacho added, as he recognized Rota’s education staff and personnel for its great talents and expertise.

“Because a lot of my plan will come from all of you, we want to include you in the process,” Camacho added.

‘Thank you’

BOE chair Herman M. Atalig, who is the Rota representative to the policymaking and governing body of PSS, welcomed Camacho on his first visit to Rota.

“Commissioner, your Rota school community welcomes you and is excited to meet with you,” Atalig said. “Thank you for visiting Rota.”

Camacho also visited several classrooms and had one-on-one conversations with school personnel. He praised the Sinapalo Elementary School and Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School personnel for their hard work and commitment.

In the Instructional Technology and Distance Education class of teacher Angeline Guiao, Camacho told the students they are the reason why PSS continues to serve this community.

“Thank you for motivating our students, in making sure that they come to school to learn every day,” he said.

Camacho advised students that PSS “will continue to help graduate and pursue college, or whatever you pursue after high school.”

“Just keep those ‘As’; those good grades,” added Camacho. (PSS)