BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) continues its efforts to promote inclusivity across public and private schools, ensuring that all school-age children, out-of-school youth, and adults seeking to complete their K-12 basic education are catered to.
The region also saw significant improvements in educational facilities. From 2022 to 2024, DepEd-CAR completed various projects, including the repair of eight classrooms costing ₱102.8 million, electrification of 76 sites amounting to ₱151.7 million, and the procurement of school furniture worth ₱61.3 million. Additionally, 52 classrooms were constructed, and 159 sites for water and sanitation were established.
For “last mile schools,” schools located in remote areas or with limited access to transportation, the regional office constructed 34 classrooms, nearly doubling the 18 classrooms built last year. Some of these buildings are solar-powered, and select schools are equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, with a budget of ₱300 per division monthly. Regional Director Estrella Cariño mentioned that future plans include building dormitories for these schools, as students and employees often travel for hours to reach them.
DepEd-CAR has successfully filled 1,047 out of the 1,078 newly created positions from 2022 to the present. For the 2023-2024 school year, all 322 target non-teaching personnel positions were filled.
DepEd-CAR also recognizes the importance of public schools. “Public and private schools complement kaya tuloy-tuloy ang pagbigay natin ng permit,” said Cariño. In public schools, 146 new classrooms have opened, including 16 for elementary, three for junior high, and 34 for senior high. Private schools have also opened 93 new senior high classrooms.
The region is also committed to preserving cultural heritage and advancing inclusivity in education. DepEd-CAR currently has 1,468 schools implementing the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) program, which integrates local traditions such as weaving, pottery, and handicrafts into the curriculum. Cariño emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural roots amid technological advancements. “While we are advancing in the use of technology, kailangan natin i-preserve iyong mga kinagisnan natin,” she emphasized.
Furthermore, there are 15 schools offering the Madrasah Education Program (MEP), which supports Muslim learners in Baguio, Tabuk, Abra, and Benguet. The program currently serves 718 learners, focusing on Muslim culture, customs, and traditions.
For Special Needs Education (SNED), formerly called Special Education (SPED), there are 7,679 learners across elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels. Cariño highlighted the importance of establishing SNED centers in every district to better cater to students with special needs.
Enrollment in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) decreased to 6,556 this year from 8,179 last year, and the number of ALS completers also dropped from 5,404 to 4,649. Despite these declines, DepEd-CAR continues to prioritize non-traditional learners.
Meanwhile, the number of beneficiaries of the school-based feeding program increased slightly, with 11,377 students benefiting this year compared to 10,834 last year. The program focuses on providing meals to students, especially those in Abra, from kindergarten to grade 4.
DepEd-CAR is also pushing for technological advancements in schools. This year, 62 schools have implemented hybrid learning through the Technology for Equity and Quality (HyTEQ) program, benefiting 2,533 learners and distributing 2,520 tablets. Additionally, 9,475 laptops and 1,042 smart TVs were delivered to public schools, and 137,481 books were added to libraries, with the largest allocations going to Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Benguet, and Mountain Province.
Five Hygienic and Opulent Restrooms were constructed at various schools in the region, designed specifically for menstruation needs of girls and inclusivity of LGBTQ-plus students. These restrooms are located at Ubao National High School, Luna National High School, Tinoc National High School, Ifugao Provincial Science High School, and Am-am Elementary School.
Despite these advancements, two schools in Benguet remain without electricity, and additional classrooms, internet connectivity, and equipment are still needed in some areas.
Carino also reminded that homeschooling is for private schools only, and blended learning is for public schools. She also praised that the best resource for DepEd-CAR is the teachers. “When people ask why DepEd-CAR is always at the top yet we have fewer resources than the other regions, it is because our best resource is our teachers,” she said.
As of now, there is no collaboration between DepEd-CAR and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the upcoming elections. By Michael Dadd
