DepEd lauds DPWH bypass road linking remote schools in Bulacan
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday lauded the completion of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-built bypass road, which provides crucial links to Last Mile Schools (LSM) in Bulacan.
The 67.93-km Doña Remedios Trinidad-Dingalan Bypass Road now offers teachers and learners easier access to remote schools, including Talamsi I Elementary School, Talamsi II Elementary School, Kalawakan Elementary School, and Kambubuyugan Elementary School.
In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the DPWH project helps address the gap and advance equity even in the country's most isolated schools.
"This project is a testament that under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are not just ending the physical isolation, but also the lack of opportunities for education in the farthest mountains," Angara said.
The impassable and muddy paths in these schools have long hindered classes in the mountainous municipality, with travel challenges likened to an exhausting trek or a prolonged daily commute for learners and teachers.
For his part, Talamsi II Elementary School head Jeffrey Dote stressed how the government infrastructure addresses previous travel struggles.
"Before, I have experienced staying in school and crashing off the vehicle due to the difficult and muddy roads," he said. "But now, it's such a huge thing to have a new road wherein we can arrive faster and safer."
In addition to the bypass road, the school now also uses a new DPWH-built four-classroom building. The building is fully equipped with a solar energy system, a water system, and a satellite internet connection.
Talamsi I Elementary School head Arfel Alvaro likewise lauded the project, as it prompted better attendance compared to previous times, when muddy paths posed risks to learners.
"Now, at least they can go to school because roads are more accessible and they have their own motorcycles sending them to school," he said.
Overall, Angara said the road infrastructure aims to ensure that all learners have access to quality education despite geographical challenges.
"Through the partnership of DepEd and DPWH for safer roads and modernized classrooms, we are ensuring that foundational and quality education for each child is just within reach in our Last Mile Schools," he said.
