Gov. Edduba proposes elementary school for Sitio Laytoc after seeing children walk kilometers to class

Pakawit, Pinukpuk – Sitio Laytoc in Barangay Pakawit, Pinukpuk is set to have its own elementary school following Governor James S. Edduba’s proposal to establish an extension classroom in the sitio, underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to bringing basic education closer to children in remote communities.

The proposal was raised during the Provincial Sports Council meeting held at the Conference Hall in Capitol Hills, Bulanao on January 19, 2026, after the governor witnessed the daily struggle of learners who travel long distances on foot just to attend school.

“…on our way gamin ket makitak piman dagidiay ubbing nakabutas da nga mapan—napitak. Since adda met diay planning for schools, mabalin tayo nga ag-open ti maysa nga school—uray from Grades 1 to 6 idiay. Diay Laytoc gamin ket adayo paggapwan na, ket makitak dagitoy ubbing nga nu kastoy nga klima, panagtudo, ket nu coming from Sitio Catao, adayo talaga piman nga pagpagnaen,” he said.

However, the Department of Education Schools Division Office–Kalinga (DepEd SDO-Kalinga), through Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) Ginad ine Balagso, said the office is still evaluating the feasibility of the proposal, noting that Sitio Laytoc currently has no identified school site.

“In relation to the governor’s proposal to establish an extension class for the learners, it is noted that there is currently no available school lot in Laytoc. DepEd SDO-Kalinga is still assessing the feasibility of opening an extension class in Laytoc, in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU),” Balagso said.

Sitio Laytoc

According to ASDS Balagso, Sitio Laytoc is located south of the existing Pakawit Elementary School (PES), particularly near Sitio Catao.

She shared that at present, 18 learners from Laytoc and the nearby sitio of Bantiyaw travel approximately two kilometers daily to reach PES—a situation that becomes more difficult during unfavorable weather conditions and poses safety risks to young learners.

“At present, 18 learners from Laytoc and the nearby sitio of Bantiyaw are enrolled at Pakawit Elementary School, which is approximately two kilometers away from both communities,” she said.

Balagso added that the ongoing Masablang, Tabuk–Bayao, Pinukpuk Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) project will pass through Bantiyaw and Laytoc, potentially increasing the population in the area.

Meanwhile, should budget allocations become available, Governor Edduba expressed optimism about the proposal.

“Daytoy garud ti maysa nga proposal para metlang ken dagitoy ubbing tayo. Ket bareng tu adda budget for next year ket mabalin nga diyay ti maysa nga aramiden,” he said.

The proposed establishment is expected to ease the burden on learners and address long-standing concerns regarding access to basic education in the area. Coordination among the PLGU, the Municipal Government of Pinukpuk, and the Department of Education is currently underway.