Demonstrating excellence and character: New Cabalan SHS researchers complete tracer study

MANRIC DEL MUNDO TURLA
Public Schools District Supervisor

February 17—Dubbed as the first school to hold a school-based tracer study symposium in Schools Division Office of Olongapo City, marking a milestone in educational research, New Cabalan Senior High School (NCSHS) made history as student researchers under the HORIZON Researchers Club successfully completed the first-ever tracer study on the career exits of SHS graduates from 2017 to 2024.

The event, a pioneering initiative in the city’s education sector, provided valuable insights into the post-graduation paths or career exits of former students, offering crucial data for curriculum improvement and policy-making. The symposium was lauded for its rigorous research methodology and the commitment of its student researchers, Bryon Mar Ysmael Santos of Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand and Jessica Malobago of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand, who boldly presented their findings before an esteemed panel of education officials, alumni, and stakeholders.

The completion and presentation of this tracer study demonstrated the excellence and character of the researchers, the advisers, school leaders, and stakeholders of NCSHS. This also shows compliance of the school to the division’s directive to track on what career exits (Trabaho, Negosyo, Kolehiyo, Technical-Vocational) the graduates are.

In 2023, right after her installation as the new Officer-In-Charge in the Office of Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac directed the field through Project Student Progress Analysis and Reporting Kit (SPARK) to track where the graduates of senior high school are at. The project ran immediately with its orientation on September 27, 2023 thru Division Memorandum No. 425, s. 2023 know as the Orientation and Training on the Use of SHS SPARK. With the thrust to gather empirical data for policy review and data-driven decisions, a reminder on the uploading of tracer data was made through Division Memorandum No. 546, s. 2023- Uploading of Senior High School (Shs) Learners’ Data to SHS Spark Database.

A gathering of key education figures

The symposium drew the participation of education officials, including Mr. Allen S. Tuyogon, Education Program Supervisor; Dr. Corazon B. Dumlao, Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) and SHS Focal Person; Mr. Manric B. Turla, Public Schools District Supervisor; Mr. Eleazar T. Arzadon, Assistant School Principal of Iram High School; and Kgwd. Joepher Asug, Barangay Education Committee Chairman.

Their presence underscored the importance of research-driven decision-making in the education sector. “Research is a tool for transformation,” Dr. Dumlao remarked. “With studies like this, we bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that our schools remain responsive to the needs of the community.”

Exemplifying strategic leadership, Dr. Erwin A. Bucasas, whose vision and leadership steered the project toward completion, supported the initiative. “This is a groundbreaking achievement not only for our school but for the entire division. Understanding where our graduates go after high school allows us to assess our programs and ensure we are equipping students with relevant skills for their future,” Bucasas stated during the post-activity interview.

A collective effort for education

The success of the Tracer Study Symposium was also credited to the Supreme Student Learner Government (SSLG) officers, alumni, Senior Parents-Teachers Association (SPTA) President, and the dedicated faculty of NCSHS, who all played significant roles in supporting the research initiative.
The study, which tracked the employment status, further education, and career trajectories of NCSHS graduates, is expected to serve as a benchmark for future research projects. The findings will be used to refine school programs, strengthen student support services, and build stronger industry-academic linkages.

The road ahead

As NCSHS celebrates this milestone, plans are already in motion to conduct follow-up studies, expand data collection efforts, and encourage more students to engage in research that directly impacts educational policies.

The Tracer Study Symposium is not just an achievement for New Cabalan SHS—it is a call to action for other schools to embrace research as a means of continuous improvement. With this initiative, Olongapo City takes a step closer to shaping an education system that truly prepares students for life beyond the classroom.

NCSHS, Investigating the future, one study at a time.