Remote village in Agusan Norte gains access to quality education through ILAP-built school facility
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Agusan
del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante leads the ceremonial
turnover of a newly constructed four-classroom school building, together with
local officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders, located at Monte
Grande Elementary School in Sitio Matingue, Barangay Poblacion 1, Santiago, on
February 11, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Province of Agusan del Norte) |
BUTUAN CITY — A remote village in Santiago, Agusan del Norte, is now reaping the benefits of improved access to education following the completion of a one-story, four-classroom school building at Monte Grande Elementary School in Sitio Matingue, Barangay Poblacion 1.
The newly completed facility now directly serves 107 elementary pupils and 14 Grade 7 learners, sparing them from long, difficult travel and ensuring a safer, more accessible, and conducive learning environment. The project significantly reduces transportation costs and safety risks, helping improve school attendance, classroom participation, and overall learning outcomes among children in this geographically isolated area.
Initiatives such as this support the national government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education, particularly for learners in last-mile and underserved communities. By strengthening school infrastructure and fostering inter-agency collaboration, the project contributes to human capital development, poverty reduction, and long-term socio-economic growth, local school officials said.
The project was implemented through an Inter-Local Agency Partnership (ILAP), a collaborative effort among the provincial local government unit (PLGU) of Agusan del Norte led by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, local government of Santiago, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police-Agusan del Norte Provincial Police Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection-Santiago Fire Station.
The ILAP signing and groundbreaking ceremony was conducted on April 4, 2025. Construction commenced on April 14, 2025, and was completed on December 11, 2025, with the facility formally turned over to school officials and stakeholders on February 11.
Gov. Amante underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind, especially those in remote communities. “This project ensures that our children, even in remote areas, have access to a safe and comfortable learning environment. Education is a right, and the government is here to make it accessible to every child.”
“This is a product of genuine collaboration. Through ILAP, we have shown that when agencies work together, we can deliver meaningful and lasting programs for our communities,” she said, expressing appreciation to partner agencies and stakeholders for their strong collaboration.
Amante further assured parents of sustained government support for learners. “There is a government that cares. There is no reason for children to be out of school because we are also providing support materials and assistance to ensure they can continue their studies.”
The Philippine Army’s 52nd Engineer (KAAYADAN) Brigade, under BGen Jose Eduardo F. Liboon, led the construction works, while the provincial government provided construction materials. The Department of Education–Agusan del Norte also extended support by providing classroom equipment and learning resources.
The project also highlighted the vital role of indigenous peoples (IP) communities in development initiatives. Members of the IP community in Sitio Matingue demonstrated their strong community ownership and shared responsibility in building education infrastructure within their ancestral domain.
For IP learners and families, the project brings education services closer to home, ensuring culturally responsive and accessible learning opportunities. It strengthens their participation in formal education while respecting their identity, traditions, and right to development. The presence of a school within their community also encourages higher enrollment and retention among IP children, helping bridge education gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Local officials and partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustain education and development initiatives in Santiago, citing ILAP as an effective model of inter-agency collaboration in delivering essential services and uplifting communities, one that can be replicated in other remote areas across the country. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)