DepEd fulfills inclusivity with Dinagat Islands’ new office building with a lift
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Serving as the province’s first-ever elevator, the new Dinagat Islands Schools Division Office Building stands as a powerful symbol of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and modern public service infrastructure.
DepEd Dinagat Islands received its new division office building, located in Barangay White Beach, Dinagat town, on January 12. This infrastructure strengthens service delivery and reinforces the collective commitment to quality education and sustainable development in the province.
Dinagat Islands Schools Division Superintendent Florence E. Almaden expressed gratitude for this milestone. “The new home of DepEd Dinagat Islands did not rise simply because of concrete, steel, and design. It rose because of the people who believed in the vision, stayed in the course and took their part, even when the process was long and somewhat difficult.”
“Thank you to our partners and leaders, to our teachers, school heads, and every division employee for believing that DepEd Dinagat Islands deserved a home worthy of its mission,” she said.
SDS Almaden also highlighted the elevator as one of the most notable features of the newly completed building. “This is the first-ever lift system installed in the Dinagat Islands. This historic addition ensures that employees, visitors, and persons with mobility challenges can move comfortably and safely within the building.”
“More than a ride, this elevator is a symbol of how far the island province has achieved, lifting not just people, but the promise of better service for every learner and every school in Dinagat Islands,” Almaden added.
During the turnover ceremony, Dinagat Islands Congressional Representative Arlene ‘Kaka’ J. Bag-ao reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening education in the province. While Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. reiterated that education remains a top priority of the provincial government.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the congratulatory message from DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny’ Angara, delivered online through DepEd Caraga Director Marie Ines C. Asuncion.
Meanwhile, the learners and their parents are hopeful that the modern and resilient façade will continue to inspire the DepEd Dinagat Islands family to deliver quality education, despite schools in the province being separated by seas, mountains, and distance.
For DepEd, the new Dinagat Islands Schools Division Office Building realizes the department’s core mandate of providing appropriate educational facilities and inclusive infrastructure to foster environments that are most conducive to teaching and learning engagements. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DepEd Dinagat Islands)
