‘4 Kalinga schools get approval to be upgraded; No more long trips for students living in remote areas’ - Dep-Ed Kalinga SDS Buya-ao

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – More iKalinga learners may soon have access to complete basic education closer to home after the Department of Education (DepEd)-Kalinga secured the approval of four school establishment and upgrading applications across the province.

The approved applications are expected to expand educational opportunities, particularly for learners in remote communities who often have to travel long distances to continue their studies beyond the elementary level.

The updates were presented by DepEd-Kalinga Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Gloria Buya-ao during the Kapehan Meeting on June 22 at the New Conference Hall in Bulanao. Buya-ao highlighted the division's continuing efforts to improve access to quality and inclusive education, especially in geographically isolated and underserved areas.

Among the approved applications is the conversion of Romualdez Elementary School in the municipality of Rizal into Romualdez Integrated School, enabling the institution to offer junior high school education in addition to its elementary program.

The SDS also reported the establishment of Cadao Elementary School as a separate school from Rizal Central School. The school had previously operated as an extension campus.

“…that means, they can now provide junior education— included na yung highschool. And also the establishment of Cadao ES as a separate school from Rizal Central School ta dati nga extension Ti Cadao ES,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cagalwan Elementary School and Colayo Elementary School in Pasil have also been approved for conversion into integrated schools, allowing them to expand their educational services and accommodate learners beyond the elementary level.

With the approval of these four applications, more students in Rizal and Pasil are expected to benefit from improved access to secondary education without having to leave their communities.

Buya-ao likewise reported that several schools are still awaiting approval to offer Senior High School (SHS) programs. These include Tappo Vocational School and Mananig National High School in Pinukpuk, as well as Tulgao West Integrated School and Butbut Integrated School in Tinglayan.

“…we are awaiting the approval of the application… all of these schools applied for grade 11. Hopefully, the approval will be given,” she said.

If approved, the additional SHS programs will further expand access to education in the province and provide students with more opportunities to complete their basic education within their own municipalities.

Education officials said the approved school upgrades and pending SHS applications are expected to reduce travel time and transportation costs for learners, particularly those living in remote villages. The developments are also seen to help improve school participation and completion rates by bringing educational services closer to the communities they serve.