“Submit your Senior High School application… I will approve it right away…” — DepEd-CAR RD Cariño to Butbut, Tinglayan

Tinglayan, Kalinga — Department of Education–Cordillera Regional Director Estela Leon-Cariño urged the community in Butbut, Tinglayan to open a senior high school program for the children in the area, after seeing firsthand the readiness of the Butbut Community Integrated School (BCIS) to implement it.

“Submit your Senior High School application, and I will approve it right away. My visit here already validates your readiness,” said Cariño, as quoted by DepEd-Cordillera during the celebration of BCIS’s first founding anniversary on October 20, 2025.

Before its conversion into an integrated school on October 28, 2024, BCIS had served as the center for elementary education in the area since 1962.

With its upgraded status, the school now allows learners in the community to continue their junior high school education without having to travel far to Southern Tinglayan National High School, St. Teresita’s School, or schools in Tabuk City.

According to DepEd-Cordillera, BCIS currently caters to 167 learners—86 in elementary and 81 in junior high school.

Speaking before school personnel, students, and community members, Cariño expressed her appreciation to the locals and stakeholders for their efforts in establishing the school’s integrated status. She added that she has already endorsed to DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara the inclusion of BCIS in the Last Mile Schools Program, which aims to provide additional resources and opportunities for learners in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“Preserve the authenticity of your culture and pass it on to your young. It is your unique identity—never allow it to be forgotten,” she reminded the community.

Among those who attended the celebration were Kalinga Schools Division Superintendent Gloria Buya-ao and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Ginadine Balagso, who both conveyed their continued support for BCIS.

Tinglayan Mayor Charles Abay, represented by Executive Assistant Andy Angdason, also graced the event, along with Butbut barangay officials led by Punong Barangay Pedro Bugawit.

Abay was glad of the message and said, in an interview, that Tinglayan LGU welcomes the development positively. If it materializes, Abay said this will positively impact the community.