Agusan Norte expands education access, advances child welfare
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The provincial government of Agusan del Norte continues to strengthen its education and child welfare programs through sustained investments in learning, scholarships, and child protection initiatives, helping build a more educated, empowered, and resilient generation of Agusanons.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante said the province remains committed to making education a key driver of sustainable development through strong collaboration with local government units, the Department of Education (DepEd), Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera, and development partners.
The province’s initiatives support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, which prioritizes quality education, human capital development, and the welfare of Filipino children as key pillars of inclusive growth and nation-building. They also complement the Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda, which seeks to improve learning outcomes and produce future-ready Filipino learners.
“We continue to invest in education because it is one of the strongest foundations of sustainable development. Through the collective efforts of our local government units, DepEd, Rep. Dale B. Corvera, and our development partners, we are expanding opportunities for every Agusanon learner while ensuring that no child is left behind,” Governor Amante said.
The province’s education program has gained significant momentum through the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum by the DepEd Schools Division of Agusan del Norte and the Schools Division of Cabadbaran City. As a result, Senior High School net enrollment increased from 80.93 percent in 2023 to 92.55 percent in 2025, reflecting improved access to secondary education.
Support from the Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD), Aboitiz Foundation Inc., GSIS, National Electrification Administration, Caraga State University, Petron Gasoline, Khan Academy, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, cooperatives, and other stakeholders further enhanced learning opportunities through classroom and technology support, school infrastructure, feeding programs, and scholarship assistance.
These efforts translated into improved education outcomes, with the Schools Division of Agusan del Norte earning the 2025 Best Continuous Improvement Implementing Division award, while the Schools Division of Cabadbaran City received the Bulawanong Sulo Outstanding Division Hall of Fame Award in the Caraga region.
A cornerstone of the province’s human capital development strategy is the Provincial Scholarship Program, which has supported students pursuing priority courses in Medicine, Agriculture, and Information Technology. The program has already produced 337 graduates, including 55 Latin honor awardees. In 2025 alone, four provincial scholars passed the physician licensure examination and are expected to serve in provincial hospitals, strengthening access to quality healthcare in Agusan del Norte.
One of the program’s success stories is Attorney Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa, who credited the provincial government of Agusan del Norte for helping her fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer through the Provincial Scholarship Program. Inspired by the support she received, she expressed her desire to give back by serving the provincial government and contributing to the continued development of Agusan del Norte.
The provincial government also continues to recognize excellence by granting cash incentives under Provincial Ordinance No. 658-2023 to six Agusanon topnotchers and a visually impaired international medalist from Agusan del Norte who won one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals in the Para Chess Women competition held in Thailand.
Also, the province has intensified programs that safeguard children’s rights and welfare. Through the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), the provincial government strengthened coordination with partner agencies, recognizing Jabonga, Las Nieves, and Tubay as the province’s top-performing child-friendly local government units. The assessment helps local governments craft evidence-based policies and interventions that promote children’s welfare and address concerns such as juvenile delinquency.
The province also enhances Bahay Pag-asa operations, ensuring compliance with Department of Social Welfare and Development accreditation standards. In partnership with local government units, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions, the facility provided educational support, rehabilitation, and reintegration services to 15 children in conflict with the law.
Demonstrating the provincial government’s continuing commitment to inclusive education, Governor Amante also visited Zapanta Valley Elementary School and Zapanta Valley National High School Annex to assess school conditions, engage with teachers and learners, and listen to the concerns of community members and Indigenous Peoples leaders, ensuring that education programs remain responsive to the needs of every Agusanon learner. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
