Teachers, students at remote Pag-asa Integrated School receive laptops, supplies from DepEd
Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Pag-asa Island on October 21, marking the first time a Department of Education (DepEd) secretary has traveled to the remote area in recent years.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Pag-asa Island on October 21, marking the first time a Department of Education (DepEd) head has traveled to the remote area in recent years.
During the visit, Angara handed over 15 laptops, 43 footballs and 109 school bags filled with essential supplies to teachers and students at Pag-asa Integrated School, aiming to improve educational resources for learners in isolated communities.
“With this technology, we hope to lighten the workload of our teachers and unlock the potential of our learners,” Angara said. “President Bongbong Marcos has directed us to harness modern tools to strengthen education and uplift the future of our youth.”
In addition to distributing supplies, Angara and other DepEd officials held discussions with teachers, parents and local leaders.
During the meeting, they discussed challenges in delivering education on the island and explored potential solutions for improving living conditions. Talks included housing initiatives and transportation services for residents.
For his part, Angara reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing even the most isolated areas, ensuring access to education for all.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) supported the mission, enabling DepEd’s outreach to the island community.
Pag-asa Integrated School, located on Pag-asa Island in the Municipality of Kalayaan, serves as the only public school on the island.
Previously, Pag-asa Island only had an elementary school until 2021, when DepEd approved the establishment of Pag-asa Integrated Elementary and High School.
Currently, it accommodates 102 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, who share three classrooms.
The school employs 14 teachers who manage multiple grade levels within these limited classroom spaces due to the high student-to-classroom ratio.
In response to the overcrowding, the DepEd has initiated the construction of a new two-story building that will feature six additional classrooms. This new facility aims to ease the current classroom shortage and is expected to be inaugurated by the first quarter of next year.
The new classrooms allow students to continue their secondary education on the island without needing to travel to Puerto Princesa City, which can take over a day.
