DepEd-RO1 Inspires Learners: Visits Schools in far flung areas

The learners’ enthusiasm to quest for higher learning opportunities and a brighter future was once again revitalized with the personnel of the Department of Education Region 1 (DepEd-RO1) visit to schools located in some of the most remote areas in the region during the opening of classes.

Motivated by the DepEd’s mandate and commitment to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate, and integrated system of basic education relevant to the goals of national development, the group led by Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Bettina D. Aquino, braved the strong current of the Amburayan River, steepness of the terrain of high mountains, alongside heavy rainfall.

ARD Aquino said that while their aim is to give inspiration to the students, it turned out the other way around; the learners were the one who inspired the Regional Office’s personnel.

The students of Sugpon National High School and Caoayan Elementary School in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur need to walk kilometer distances, enduring the geographical highly elevated location of the school. Some of them even hail from Porporiket and Bulalaan, Sudipen, La Union, which require day-to-day crossing of the legendary Amburayan River; they use a makeshift “banca.” Amidst experiencing danger for years, most especially during rainy season, the students never give up; they were in school on the opening of classes.

The same situation was encountered by the group on their way to Duplas National High School in Sudipen; Ul-oling Primary School in Gregorio del Pilar; and other schools in Sigay, Ilocos Sur. The Santol Vocational School in Santol and La Union National High School Sacyud Annex were also visited.

ARD Aquino urged the DepEd-RO1 personnel to continue giving the best services to the teaching and non-teaching staff serving in the far flung areas. “We must always be aware that we have teachers working in remote areas. I know that we will all become better public servants because of the visit,” she said.