Bulanao Central School in Tabuk City one of select beneficiaries of DOST e-TURO digital learning tools in CAR

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Bulanao Central School has welcomed the digital learning tools provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with school head Melchor B. Langbisan saying the school has prepared its teachers, personnel and other requirements to support the program.

Bulanao Central School, along with Laya West Elementary School, received an e-TURO Digital Learning System (DLS) package from DOST-Cordillera during a turnover ceremony at the Schools Division Office of Tabuk City in Barangay Bulanao on Monday, September 28.

The activity was led by DOST-Cordillera Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog and DOST-Kalinga Provincial Director Dr. Jasmine Dona-al.

According to DOST, e-TURO DLS stands for “Enhancing Teachers’ Unimpeded Rational Objectives Digital Learning System.” It is a digital learning system designed to support teaching and learning through digital educational resources and technology.

Langbisan expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to Bulanao Central School, saying the school is ready to provide the manpower and other preparations needed to support the initiative.

“We are very thankful for this that among the how many schools in the entire Cordillera Administrative Region, Bulanao Central is one of those who you give trust,” Langbisan said.

He said the school has already prepared its teachers, teaching and non-teaching personnel as part of its support for the program.

“We accept this and we strongly support. We already provided the needed manpower, the readiness of the school, the readiness of teachers, and we also included our teaching and non-teaching personnel to show our support for this program,” he added.

Internet support being prepared

While welcoming the digital learning resources, Langbisan said the school is also preparing additional internet connectivity to ensure the tools can be properly utilized.

He said the school had initially faced concerns about internet availability, particularly for additional classrooms that would need connectivity for the program.

However, he said the concern was eased after the school learned that internet connectivity would be included in the program's support.

“Although it was very challenging, especially when they asked about the presence of the internet, we are thankful that this morning, we learned that it will be added to the package,” he said.

Langbisan said the school had planned to expand its internet coverage in 2027, but the additional connection was not included in its Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for this year.

“Actually, we are planning to extend our internet coverage this coming 2027. Because I’m just a new principal of Bulanao Central School, so, it was not included in the AIP for this year,” he said.

With the additional support, he said the school was already processing the installation of internet connectivity for three classrooms.

“So we are on process for the connection of additional internet, especially for the three classrooms. Hopefully this day or until tomorrow it will be installed,” he said.

Digital tools for a large school population

Langbisan also described Bulanao Central School as the biggest elementary school in the Schools Division of Tabuk City, with a total population of 2,058 learners.

The school caters to five programs: regular classes, the Special Science Elementary School, Special Education, Alternative Learning System, and Madrasah education for Muslim learners.

He said the size of the school makes proper preparation and coordination among its personnel important as it takes on additional programs and resources.

Safety measures strengthened

Alongside preparations for the digital learning program, Langbisan said the school is also strengthening measures to protect its large school population.

He cited the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, metal detectors, and additional watchmen and women as part of the school's safety measures.

“Another challenge maybe is the protection because again regarding the school safety, that is the program of the DepEd, we focus on the CCTVs and the presence of the metal detectors and additional watchmen and women for our school,” he said.

These preparations, Langbisan said, are part of the school's broader effort to provide a safe and supportive environment for its learners while implementing new programs such as the DOST e-TURO Digital Learning System.