Hope now runs on electricity and satellite internet in Sitio Tagpangi, Barangay Simbalan here, after years of reading in dim classrooms and teaching with limited tools, as the Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School became the first school energized through solar power under the Marcos administration’s 295-school Last Mile Electrification program.
The joint effort by the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Energy (DOE) and National Electrification Administration (NEA) will connect to the world Higaonon tribe students and teachers in the remote indigenous peoples (IP) community.
On June 19, DepEd and NEA led the energization and digital activation of the school, delivering solar power, Starlink internet and digital learning devices to Sitio Tagpangi, according to a news release Sunday.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara and his team crossed two rivers and navigated remote mountain roads to witness the school’s transformation through the PHP1.295-billion Last Mile Schools Electrification program.
During a live virtual dialogue with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who joined the event from Quezon City, Angara gave a progress update.
“This is an IP school. They got their electricity first Monday, thanks to the quick work of NEA and DOE,” Angara reported. “This is the first school. After the successful launch, they will roll out simultaneously.”
Agusan del Norte Governor Angelica Amante thanked the President and the agencies for bringing the initiative to remote areas like Sitio Tagpangi.
“Ang tribe po na nandito ngayon is the Higaonon tribe. Ngayon po very excited na sila pumasok. Hindi katulad dati na ayaw nila pumasok (We have here the Higaonon tribe. Now they are excited to go to school. Before, they did not want to attend their classes),” Amante said.
President Marcos affirmed his support for the complete rollout of all 295 schools, part of a larger national effort to ensure no student is left behind in the country’s digital and educational transformation.
“Maganda ‘yung bago ninyong laruan. Gamitin n’yo nang husto ‘yan, marami kayong matututunan. Pararamihin pa natin ito (You have new gadgets. Use it well so you’ll learn more. We’ll add more of these), especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas,” the President said.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda committed to completing the full rollout within the year
“I committed to Sec. Sonny that 295 Last Mile Schools will be covered and rolled out within the year,” he said.
A Feb. 5 memorandum of agreement between NEA and DepEd paved the way for the rollout, with funding from DepEd and on-site implementation by NEA and Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. The solar installation also benefits nearby households in the Higaonon community.
As DepEd, DOE, NEA and local cooperatives move forward, the story of Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School proves that lasting change begins where learners need it most.
For Sitio Tagpangi, the project is not just about electricity and connection — it’s a future switched on. (PNA)
