Fernan Carigma

The Department of Education (DepEd) is enhancing educational access in remote areas through the Last Mile Schools (LMS) Program by inaugurating new classrooms and facilities, including the Benguet Special Education Center – Inclusive Learning Resource Center (BSPED-ILRC). 

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Information Agency.

The LMS Program focuses to enhance educational infrastructure, resources, and facilities in remote areas, thereby promoting equitable access to education for indigenous populations and underserved communities.

This initiative aimed to support further inclusive education efforts for children with disabilities and to reduce disparities and improve learning conditions in geographically isolated communities.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara has visited schools in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), reinforcing the government's commitment to supporting educational institutions in hard-to-reach areas where resources and facilities are often lacking.

“Priority ni President Marcos ang pagtulong sa mga last mile schools na nasa bundok o isla. Our school visits in the Cordillera give us hope, showing that the right interventions can translate to positive outcomes,” Angara said during a school visit to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

He stressed Bagong Pilipinas cannot be constructed solely from the top down, since it is formed in communities such as Andolor, where aspirations endure despite challenges, and where dedication is assessed not in monetary terms, but in resilience and determination.

Angara highlighted the significance of data-driven decision-making to improve policy interventions and optimize resource allocation for last-mile schools, particularly in remote Indigenous communities.

“We have powerful tools for data analysis, but our systems need to work together. The goal is to make our interventions more responsive and effective,” he stated.

The seventh meeting of the Department of Education (DepEd) Management Committee (MANCOM) in Baguio focused on several important topics, including curriculum enhancements, budget planning, and preparations for the upcoming elections. The committee acknowledged the vital role that schools play in promoting civic engagement.

The administration’s investment in last-mile schools aims to close educational disparities, ensuring that learners in remote communities—such as indigenous and marginalized groups—have the same opportunities as those in urban areas. This initiative is essential for fostering national development and social inclusion.