The Journey of a Visionary Leader: The Story of Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong Public Schools District Supervisor, Southwest Butuan District, Division of Butuan City, Butuan City
By Dr. JONAS H. JOMONONG
PSDS, Southwest Butuan District
In the heart of a vibrant district, a leader emerged whose vision and dedication have transformed the educational landscape and brought hope to marginalized communities. Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong, currently the Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) of Southwest Butuan District, has made an indelible mark through his innovative leadership and commitment to inclusive education.
Early Beginnings
Dr. Jomonong began his career, with a passion for education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities. His early experiences as a teacher exposed him to the disparities in access to quality education, igniting a determination to make a difference.
Rise to Leadership
Through years of dedication and exceptional service, Dr. Jomonong, rose to the position of Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS), where he saw an opportunity to create meaningful change. His leadership was characterized by a strategic vision that prioritized the needs of marginalized sectors and aimed to foster opportunities for all.
The Birth of FORGES
To address the educational and socio-economic challenges in his district, he conceived and implemented the FORGES initiative in partnership with the barangay local government unit of De Oro, Butuan City, Barangay Captain, Hon. Randy Jagonos. This represents a transformative initiative led by him in partnership with the local government unit of Barangay De Oro, and in collaboration with the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of DepEd Butuan City, aimed at uplifting marginalized sectors within the community. FORGES stands for Fostering Opportunities Reaching out to Marginalized Sectors for Growth, Empowerment, and Sustainability. This was designed to provide holistic support to marginalized communities, focusing on literacy, vocational training, and sustainable development. This project also focuses on the holistic development of out-of-school youth, indigenous people, women, 4Ps beneficiaries, and children. Project F.O.R.G.E.S endeavors to equip these individuals with essential skills that serve as both a source of livelihood and a tool for navigating everyday challenges. Its primary objective is to address socio-economic disparities within the community by providing targeted skill development opportunities. By focusing on key demographics, including out-of-school youth, Indigenous people, women, 4Ps beneficiaries, and children, the project seeks to break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their families and society. FORGES was designed to provide holistic support to marginalized communities, focusing on literacy, vocational training, and sustainable development.
Achievements and Impact
The FORGES initiative quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach and tangible impact. By integrating literacy programs with livelihood projects, FORGES empowered individuals to improve their lives and contribute to their communities. The program’s success was evident in the numerous success stories of individuals who, as recipients of FORGES, transformed their lives through education and skills development. As seen and observed in Barangay De Oro, the initiative led to an increased number of literates and significantly improved the economic status of the community. Additionally, it enhanced health and nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene practices. FORGES also promoted improved environmental protection programs, strengthened disaster resiliency, and contributed to better peace and order conditions within the community.
Recognition and Awards
In 2023, the efforts of Dr. Jomonong with the ALS teachers and barangay officials of De Oro, Butuan City, and the FORGES initiative were recognized on a grand scale. FORGES won first runner-up in the prestigious Butuan City Literacy Awards, a testament to its excellence in the implementation of literacy programs and projects. This honor highlighted the outstanding work done in the district and the positive change brought to the lives of the recipients. Currently, Project FORGES is one of the top 10 projects included for the 2024 National Literacy Awards under the category of Outstanding LGU-Highly Urbanized/Independent Component Cities of LGU of Butuan City to be validated for the said prestigious award comes September 9-12, 2024.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Dr. Jomonong’s journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and the impact of inclusive education. His ability to integrate innovative programs like FORGES into his leadership has not only garnered honor but has also created a legacy of empowerment and sustainability.
Through his unwavering commitment, he has demonstrated that true leadership lies in the ability to uplift others and create opportunities for growth and development. His work continues to inspire and serve as a model for educators and leaders everywhere.
The Journey of Hope: Uplifting Lives through Alternative Learning
In the small, tight-knit community of Barangay De Oro, Butuan City, life for many out-of-school youth seemed destined for a perpetual cycle of poverty and missed opportunities. However, this narrative began to change when Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong took the helm as the district supervisor for the local public schools.
Dr. Jomonong, a dedicated educator with a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education, was disheartened by the number of young people who had left the formal school system. Determined to make a difference, he spearheaded the implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in his district.
The first step was understanding the unique challenges faced by these youths. Dr. Jomonong organized a series of community meetings, gathering input from parents, local leaders, and the out-of-school youth themselves. Through these discussions, he learned about the economic hardships, the need for flexible learning schedules, and the desire for practical, life-skills-oriented education.
With this insight, Dr. Jomonong collaborated with his team to tailor the ALS curriculum to meet these specific needs. He ensured that the program offered vocational training alongside academic subjects, providing learners with skills that could immediately enhance their employability.
He initiated a mentorship program, pairing learners with ALS teachers assigned in East Butuan District III and successful community members who could provide guidance and encouragement.
One of the most notable initiatives was the establishment of FORGES.
F.O.R.G.E.S represents a transformative initiative led by him in partnership with the local government unit of Barangay De Oro, and in collaboration with the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of DepEd Butuan City, aimed at uplifting marginalized sectors within the community. This project focuses on the holistic development of out-of-school youth, indigenous people, women, 4Ps beneficiaries, and children. Project F.O.R.G.E.S endeavors to equip these individuals with essential skills that serve as both a source of livelihood and a tool for navigating everyday challenges. Its primary objective is to address socio-economic disparities within the community by providing targeted skill development opportunities. By focusing on key demographics, including out-of-school youth, indigenous people, women, 4Ps beneficiaries, and children, the project seeks to break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their families and society.
The impact of Dr. Jomonong’s leadership was profound. Enrolment in the ALS program soared, and many participants went on to secure stable jobs or pursue further education. The community began to witness a shift in attitudes towards education, with more parents encouraging their children to stay in school.
Stories of transformation emerged from the program. One such story was that of Samuel J. Samontina Jr., young man, who was not able to pursue his studies due to financial constraints that forced him to stay home and help support his family. Samuel’s opportunity came when he learned about the Alternative Learning System (ALS), a government program designed to provide education to out-of-school youth and adults. Determined to seize this chance, He enrolled in the program. Through the ALS, he obtained his driving skills and he set out to find a job that could help lift his family out of poverty. After months of searching, he secured a position as a driver for a reputable company. The job brought stability to his life and allowed him to provide for his family in ways he had never imagined.
Dr. Jomonong’s dedication and innovative approach did not go unnoticed. His work was celebrated as a beacon of hope for communities facing similar challenges. His initiatives were replicated in other districts, amplifying the impact of his vision.
Today, De Oro as a testament to what can be achieved when education is made accessible and relevant to all. The once bleak prospects of its out-of-school youth have been transformed into stories of success and resilience, all thanks to the unwavering commitment of a district supervisor who believed in the power of education to uplift lives. ###
