MALASIQUI, July 9 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Ilocos regional office is implementing its "Dap-Ayan ti Amianan" (gathering place in the north) program to address educational challenges in numeracy, literacy, teacher and student wellness, and dropouts.

DepEd-Ilocos Regional Director Estela Carino said during a press conference Thursday that the program would cover all school divisions in the region to improve the quality of education.

"The greatest challenge is the low result in the literacy and numeracy tests. We are looking at factors why we have low achievement," she said.

"Dap-ayan" in the Ilocano language means public place or gathering.

Carino said they have been conducting dialogues and consultations with various schoo...