Three schools in Pinukpuk, Kalinga inch closer to independence as SP panel gives green light

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Three extension schools in the municipality of Pinukpuk are now a step closer to becoming independent national high schools after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Rules and Ethics approved the corresponding Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) for their proposed establishment.

During its committee meeting on July 24, the committee, chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, approved the proposed MOA between the Provincial Government of Kalinga, represented by Governor James S. Edduba, and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Kalinga, represented by Schools Division Superintendent Gloria Buya-ao, for the establishment of Taggay National High School.

The proposed school will be created through the conversion of Malagnat National High School–Taggay Extension into an independent national high school to serve at least 55 learners.

The committee also approved the proposed MOA for the establishment of Aciga National High School through the conversion of Cal-owan Agricultural Vocational National High School–Aciga Extension into a separate national high school that will cater to at least 93 learners.

Another MOA approved by the committee covers the proposed establishment of Pinococ National High School through the conversion of Camalog National High School–Pinococ Extension into an independent national high school to accommodate 55 learners or more.

Once established, the three schools will operate independently from their mother schools. Each will have its own school administration, enabling them to manage academic programs, personnel, and school operations more efficiently while responding more effectively to the growing educational needs of their respective communities.

Kitongan seeks stronger SP backing

During the committee deliberations, Board Member Emilio Kitongan, chairperson of the SP Committee on Education, proposed that the Provincial Board also adopt separate resolutions formally expressing its support for the establishment of the three schools.

Kitongan said the resolutions would further strengthen the Provincial Government's commitment to the initiatives.

His proposal received the support of Board Members Camilo Lammawin Jr., Romeo Saclag, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Michael Karel Sugguiyao, while Committee Chairperson Atty. Christopher Donaal recommended that the proposed resolutions be included in the agenda of the next regular session of the Provincial Board.

Donaal highlights benefits

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Donaal said granting the schools independent status would allow them to deliver services that are more responsive to the needs of students and the communities they serve.

"Their services are already effective, but once these schools become independent, they will have greater capacity to plan programs, manage resources, and address the needs of their learners. We support these initiatives because investing in education means investing in the future of our people, especially our youth," Donaal said.

Following the committee's approval, the MOAs, together with the proposed resolutions, will be elevated to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem, for further deliberation and appropriate action before they can be formally approved.

For the three extension schools, the committee's endorsement marks a significant milestone toward gaining independent national high school status—an achievement that would allow them to operate autonomously and better serve students in their respective communities.