𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗣 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟: 𝗥𝗘𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗, 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗪, 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵. The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga Region, under the leadership of Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion, CESO III, continues to uphold its commitment to advancing Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) by strengthening access quality learning for the community of Sitio Dinagat, Brgy. San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

Nestled within the riverine settlements of the Agusan Marsh, Dinagat Indigenous Peoples Elementary School (Dinagat IP ES) is accessible only by motor banca, which reflects the resilience and determination of the community it serves.

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹. Built in 1992 through the efforts of PASAKK Inc., the school’s original structures stand as early testaments to community-driven education. Decades of exposure to harsh environmental conditions, however, have taken their toll. Recognizing the urgent need for safe and conducive learning spaces, the Education Support Services Division (ESSD) mobilized its partnership networks to rehabilitate these aging facilities.

To address critical infrastructure needs, DepEd Caraga Region allocated ₱260,000 from its FY 2025 DPRP support funds for the repair of the classroom serving 36 Indigenous Peoples learners. The rehabilitation includes major roofing repairs, replacement of wooden flooring, installation of insulators, and the provision of water tanks—ensuring safety, comfort, and sustainability.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲. Beyond infrastructure, ESSD launched a partnership campaign to address the school’s shortage of learning resources and classroom furniture. This call for support was met with generosity from DepEd stakeholders and partners. Ms. Rachel S. Rendon, Principal II of Lumbocan National High School, Division of Butuan, responded by donating 82 classroom chairs to Dinagat IP ES and West Bunawan National High School (NHS).

From across the seas, Library Partners Sandy Makielski and Dr. Kathleen Wilson, based in the United States of America, contributed much-needed books to enrich learners reading resources. These donations were formally received by Virgielyn Apatan, School Head of West Bunawan NHS, and Irene P. Ayala, Teacher I of Dinagat IP ES, on behalf of School Head Henemias Espina, with the assistance of Edmund D. Mendoza, Chief of ESSD.

Further reinforcing the campaign, Ms. Venus B. Bajao, Principal IV of Agusan del Sur NHS, spearheaded a collective effort that generated 52 additional chairs donated by 39 schools from the San Francisco District, Division of Agusan del Sur. All donations were officially turned over on January 29, 2026.

𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. The successful delivery of chairs, books, printers, and hygiene kits was made possible through the support of the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Bunawan, led by Hon. Sylvia Elorde, Municipal Mayor. Coordination was facilitated by Gina P. Seroy, PSDS of Bunawan District.

On January 30, 2026, these donated educational resources embarked on a unique journey down the Agusan Marsh—floating through the waterways of Agusan Marsh until they reached the Indigenous community of Sitio Dinagat. What arrived was more than supplies; it was renewed hope and opportunity.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. The collaborative effort was made possible through the leadership and coordination of Engr. Cheto Galleros, TA IV, ESSD, Mr. Ryan Muanag, Division DRRM Coordinator, Mr. Henemias Espina, School Head, and the active participation of the local community, with the strong support of Schools Division Superintendent Josita B. Carmen, Assistant SDS Marilou Laurencio, and Chief Orlando Gamil of the Division of Agusan del Sur.

𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄. The combined efforts poured into Dinagat IP Elementary School, through donations, community partnerships, and essential infrastructure rehabilitation, demonstrate the transformative power of collaboration in advancing educational equity for Indigenous learners in geographically isolated areas.

As chairs are arranged, books opened, and classrooms restored along the banks of Sitio Dinagat, the promise of opportunity flows with them. With the sustained commitment of DepEd, local government partners, and generous stakeholders, Dinagat IP ES is poised to rebuild, renew, and rise, ensuring that every Dinagatnon child continues to learn, thrive, and dream of a brighter future.

𝗘𝗡𝗗