KABUGAO, Apayao – Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. emphasized education as the best investment for the progress of Apayao.
The governor made this statement during the unveiling of plans on June 24, 2023, at Lenneng Elementary School in Kabugao. He announced that the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) is fully committed to enhancing the education sector in the province.
To prioritize educational development, Gov. Bulut said he aims to implement various projects, including the construction of Balay Pagdadarnan in multiple schools for yApayaos. Additionally, he plans to equip these institutions with high-speed internet connectivity through Starlink, taking a pioneering step towards ensuring that all educational institutions in Apayao have full internet access and connectivity.
Gov. Bulut highlighted the significance of this initiative saying, “Kayat ko nga Apayao iti mangpilot iti virtual classrooms nga kunkunada idjay DepEd CAR, ta uray nu adayo iti ub-ubbing ket makapagklase da latta.” Clearly, the accessibility of quality education for all students is one of the top priorities of his administration.
To facilitate this plan, the PGA has allocated funds from the disaster and risk reduction budget to construct multiple Balay Pagdadarnan and to cover the purchase of Starlink units for all schools in the province. By utilizing this advanced technology, Gov. Bulut aims to bridge the digital divide and create a leveled playing field for students, irrespective of their geographical location.
The integration of Starlink in Apayao’s educational institutions will open doors to a wealth of opportunities. Students will have access to vast educational resources, online libraries, and collaborative platforms, expanding their knowledge and broadening their horizons. Further, educators will have the tools to provide innovative and interactive teaching methods, empowering students to excel academically.
Gov. Bulut’s vision for the province’s education sector goes beyond the implementation of technology. He recognizes the importance of well-rounded education and plans to invest in training programs, curriculum enhancements, and extracurricular activities. By fostering an environment that encourages holistic growth, he said he would like to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving global landscape.
Moreover, he emphasized that the Balay Pagdadarnan and the Starlink Units are properties for the community. By allowing the Barangay to tap in the resources, it will expedite and streamline bureaucracy, making his office more reachable to the people.
Additionally, he announced a new initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities for every family residing in the province.
“I want every family iti Apayao ket adda iti aggraduate nga scholar tayo. Aramiden tayo dayta. We will setup a task force for that. Right now, we have 40 million scholarship funds in the provincial government,” Bulut said hoping to bring the services of the government closer to the people, “Masdaawan nak ta 76 laeng ti scholars from Kabugao. Daytoy kuma iti sumaruno nga ubraen tayo. Intayo iti barbarangay ta intayo ibaga nga adu iti serbisyo iti gobyerno para kanyada. We will bring the services of the government on their doorstep.”
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between aspiring students and the resources necessary to pursue higher education. By ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder deserving individuals from accessing quality education, he hopes to create a brighter future for Apayao. By JCM
