A remote public school in the uplands of Davao del Norte is finally set to get the additional classrooms it desperately needs, marking a significant boost for education in a geographically isolated area.
Birthday Visit Brings Good News
On January 12, Congressman De Carlo L. Uy, the First District Representative of Davao del Norte, marked his birthday not with a party, but with a site inspection at the KM 31 Integrated School in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod. During this visit, he announced the confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of new classrooms.
The school, which has long operated with limited and makeshift facilities, serves learners in an area challenged by difficult terrain and long travel distances. The congressman's on-the-ground visit highlighted the persistent struggles faced by both students and teachers in such far-flung communities.
Focus on Durable, Disaster-Resilient Design
According to the DPWH, the proposed construction will prioritize durable and disaster-resilient designs suitable for the mountainous location of Talaingod. The implementation of the project is set to begin once all final documentation is completed and processed.
Congressman Uy stressed that education infrastructure is a top priority for the district, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). He emphasized that providing adequate and safe learning spaces is crucial to keeping children in school and ensuring equitable access to quality education.
Community Welcomes Long-Awaited Development
The announcement was warmly received by the Local Government Unit of Talaingod, led by Mayor Jonnie A. Libayao, along with school officials and community tribal leaders. They have long noted how old and temporary classroom structures have negatively impacted teaching and learning conditions.
The planned expansion is expected to:
- Accommodate more learners from Barangay Dagohoy and neighboring areas.
- Improve the safety and structural integrity of the school environment.
- Create a more conducive atmosphere for effective learning.
Beyond the classroom project, Congressman Uy also revealed plans for other infrastructure projects in Talaingod, including road concreting, multipurpose buildings, and water systems. Coordination between the congressional office, DPWH, the Department of Education, and the Talaingod LGU will continue to ensure the timely rollout of all these initiatives.
Once completed, the new classrooms are poised to benefit hundreds of students, representing a concrete step toward inclusive education in the northern part of Davao del Norte.
