TABUK CITY, Kalinga – On January 22, 2025, the City School Board, led by City Mayor Darwin Estrañero, convened for its first Local School Board (LSB) meeting of the year. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including members of the City Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tabuk, representatives from the Office of the City Administrator, City Budget Office, City Accounting Office, City Human Resources Management Office, City Special Concerns and Coordinating Office, Parent-Teachers Association, and the Department of Education-Tabuk. Notably present was Committee on Education Chair Councilor Eduardo Sacayle.
During the meeting, the group was informed that the Department of Education (DepEd) – Tabuk received over Php 8 million from the general fund of the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) for the year 2024. This amount, however, is set to increase in 2025, with DepEd-Tabuk slated to receive Php 10.9 million from the general fund this year.
In addition to this funding, the LSB also approved Php 10.4 million from its trust fund, which will be allocated toward various improvements across Tabuk’s schools. These funds will be used for the procurement of instructional materials, construction of school fences, upgrading of water systems, and supporting the salaries of teachers.
Furthermore, a portion of the trust fund will be dedicated to acquiring high-quality sports equipment for student-athletes, coinciding with the upcoming Cordillera Administrative Region Athletics Association (CARAA) Meet.
This significant increase in funding is seen as a crucial step towards further enhancing the quality of education and facilities for students in Tabuk. The allocation is expected to have a lasting impact on both the academic environment and the overall well-being of students and educators throughout the city. By Edward Joseph Gacuya