As the Catch-Up Fridays initiative under the National Learning Recovery Program of the Department of Education (DepEd) enters its second month, teachers from Naga City, Camarines Sur said that it is effective but needs improvement.

The program aims to address learning gaps caused by disruptions in education during the pandemic.

At the Don Manuel I. Abella Central School, teachers like Veronica Infeliz, a grade 5 adviser, use creative approaches to engage students.

"We are preparing activities na naiiba doon sa mga regular na activities. Halimbawa, ako, we are doing Laro ng Lahi. Nandoon ‘yung lesson and then may privilege to do the given activities," Infeliz said.

Despite the positive response from teachers in Naga City, some schools in the country face difficulties due to the lack of instructional materials provided by DepEd. 

The DepEd Naga City Teachers and Employees Association, Inc. (DNACITEA) said that most schools rely on Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds for the Catch-Up Fridays program.

Apollo Sebello, the President of DNACITEA, stresses that many teachers are dedicated, but additional support from DepEd is crucial for a more effective implementation.

"Dae man hindrance nin huli ta talagang si mga maestra ta na very dedicated, yaun na diyan an saindang focus na dati pa man, bago pa ini i-implementar, nin huli sa natapos na pandemic, kadakol talagang dapat na gibuhon kitang paagi. Nahihiling ko man na iyan saro sa mga kaipuhan na alternatibo na epektibo sa pagkanood kan mga kaakian," Sebello said.

However, teachers said that it is also important for them to obtain the needed materials from DepEd to make the implementation of Catch-Up Friday more effective.