President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is determined to give every Filipino child access to education, not just in the urban areas but most especially in conflict-inflicted and far-flung communities, or the “Last Mile Schools.”
In a Palace press briefing Monday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos has instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to accelerate the repair and construction of classrooms and basic school facilities, especially in remote and insurgency-affected areas.
“Hiniling ng Pangulo sa DepEd at DPWH na pabilisin ang pagkukumpuni ng mga sirang classroom, comfort rooms at handwashing stations,” Castro said.
“At tiyakin ang mas mabilis na pagtatayo ng bagong classrooms, lalo na sa mga barangay na dating apektado ng insurgency at sa mga ‘Last Mile Schools’ na matagal ng walang kuryente o pasilidad,” she added.
The “Last Mile Schools” refer to learning institutions in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where students often face extreme challenges due to a lack of electricity, water, internet access, and safe learning environments.
In his remarks during his visit to the Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Malate on Monday, President Marcos stressed his administration’s commitment to serving underserved communities, particularly the improvement of internet connectivity in schools.
“Inuuna namin ‘yung mga tinatawag na GIDA, ‘yung mga underserved na mga lugar na malalayo. Mabuti na lang may teknolohiya na para makabuo tayo ng magandang sistema nationally,” the President said.
President Marcos expressed concern over the low percentage of schools with internet access, noting that it currently stands at around 60 percent.
The President has tasked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand internet coverage urgently.
“Napakababa. Ang problema talaga kuryente. Kaya aayusin natin ‘yan. Dahan-dahan makikita natin magiging 100 percent ‘yan lahat,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos’ initiatives underscore his vision of a more inclusive and equitable education system where every Filipino child, regardless of geography, has access to safe, conducive, and connected learning environments. | PND
