More classrooms, shorter walks: Kalinga SP approves establishment of 5 new schools in Pasil and Pinukpuk

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Hundreds of learners in the remote communities of Pinukpuk and Pasil are a step closer to having schools near their homes after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) gave its final approval to measures supporting the establishment of five proposed public schools during its regular session on Tuesday, August 4.

The approved proposals cover the establishment of Pinococ National High School, Taggay National High School, and Aciga National High School in Pinukpuk, as well as Cagaluan Integrated School and Colayo Integrated School in Pasil.

The proposed schools are expected to improve access to education by reducing the long distances students travel each day and addressing transportation challenges faced by learners in far-flung communities.

The measures reached the provincial board following requests from the concerned schools. After evaluating the proposals, the SP Committee on Rules and Ethics, chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, recommended their approval.

Three new national high schools for Pinukpuk

Under Committee Report No. 63, Series of 2026, the provincial board approved resolutions supporting the establishment of three national high schools in Pinukpuk.

The proposed Pinococ National High School and Taggay National High School are each expected to serve at least 55 learners, while Aciga National High School is projected to accommodate at least 93 learners.

According to the committee report, the three schools will be established through the conversion of existing extension schools into independent national high schools.

The committee found that the proposals complied with the Department of Education (DepEd) requirements for the creation and separation of public secondary schools.

It also emphasized the significant impact the schools would have on local communities.

"The establishment of these schools will enhance access to quality secondary education and bring educational services closer to the learners and communities they will serve," the committee report stated.

The committee likewise recommended authorizing Governor James S. Edduba, on behalf of the Provincial Government of Kalinga, to sign the corresponding Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with DepEd-Kalinga, represented by Schools Division Superintendent Gloria B. Buya-ao.

Two more schools for Pasil

The provincial board also approved Committee Report No. 64, Series of 2026, supporting the establishment of Cagaluan Integrated School and Colayo Elementary School in Pasil.

During committee deliberations, representatives from the concerned schools explained that the proposals aim to address the difficulties learners face in accessing education.

According to the committee report, Cagaluan Integrated School will benefit students who struggle to attend classes at Pasil National High School because of long travel distances and limited transportation.

Meanwhile, Colayo Elementary School is intended to provide accessible basic education to children who cannot conveniently attend schools in neighboring municipalities due to poor and inaccessible roads.

The committee noted that the proposed schools would significantly improve educational access for children living in geographically isolated communities.

"The proposed Integrated School will address the difficulty of learners in attending classes at Pasil National High School due to long travel distances and the limited transportation options. Likewise, the proposed Elementary School will provide accessible basic education to learners who are unable to attend schools in other municipalities because of inaccessible roads," the committee report stated.

The committee also found that the proposed MOAs clearly define the commitments of both the Provincial Government and the Department of Education in facilitating the establishment and operation of the schools.

Following the provincial board's approval, Governor Edduba was authorized to sign the agreements with DepEd-Kalinga, marking another major step toward the creation of the five schools.

Once the remaining administrative requirements are completed, Pinococ National High School, Taggay National High School, Aciga National High School, Cagaluan Integrated School, and Colayo Elementary School are expected to bring quality education closer to hundreds of learners, lessen the burden of long and costly travel, improve school attendance, and provide greater educational opportunities for children in some of Kalinga's most underserved communities.