LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Education cited the Maximo S. Lazaro Elementary School in San Pascual, Burias Island in Masbate province for placing among the top ten schools in the recent National Elementary Achievement Test (NEAT).

        DepEd also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of MSLES principal Jerry Arizala for leading 27 other schools in the San Pascual District.

        Arizala is one of 10 principals recognized as “Most outstanding school-based management implementer” by the Third Elementary Education Project that seeks to institutionalize school-based management in the public school system.

        The project aims to promote school improvement, boost the confidence and the morale of schoolheads and teachers, and strengthen the bond between schools and communities.

        MSLES became a leading elementary school that had the opportunity to implement Tutorial Reading Improvement Project (TRIP) and the Comprehensive Help for Improved Learning Development.

        With TRIP, 145 students classified as slow readers, habitual absentees and non-readers underwent various interventions. For a quarter, they participated in reading tutorials every Saturday.

        Teachers were given financial assistance in the preparation of instructional materials and students were given school supplies. Parents also benefited in this project since they were taught livelihood skills.